Brad and Suzanne Schmidt

An education is a gift in life, one that once given cannot be taken back. But it can be given back, directly or indirectly. Teachers are special people in life, giving their time, talents, and knowledge to share education with others; that’s a direct giving. However sometimes the means to connect with a teacher is challenging, and gifts such as our endowment are an indirect means of giving an education back from us to the recipients of the scholarships.

North Dakota State University became my ‘home away from home’ for many years after high school. Coming from a small community with a love of agriculture, NDSU opened its arms and took care of me, giving me an educational gift that transformed my life. It opened doors many might only dream of entering; it provided opportunities many might only relish; it provided experiences many are never afforded. These were all made possible by the many wonderful educators who cared to make a difference in my life and taught me so much it can’t be expressed with mere words.

A favorite quote I live by states “Change favors the prepared mind”. NDSU prepared me so very well for my future career and life and gave me the chance to excel throughout. It’s with the greatest honor that Suzanne and I created this endowment for the NDSU College of Engineering to help others realize the incredibly wonderful gift that I was given by NSDU. We entrust this gift with the college to help provide opportunities for those who follow in all the footsteps of so many graduates who have made, and continue to make, incredible impacts o