Marcils give $1 million to Concordia's Offutt School of Business

MOORHEAD - Concordia's new Offutt School of Business is getting a million-dollar boost.

William and Jane Marcil, whose family owns Forum Communications Co., are giving $1 million to the renovated school, which is set to open this fall. The atrium of the new building will be named after the Marcils.

The school itself is named for the family of Ron Offutt, founder and chairman of R.D. Offutt Co. and the lead donor on the project The school's fundraising goal for the project is $55 million for the building, its programs, and an endowment.

William C. Marcil, who is on the advisory committee for the project, said the school's focus on international business, coupled with Concordia's focus on ethics, made it an attractive opportunity.

"They have a different mission over there, which is really intriguing," said Marcil, chairman of Forum Communications Co. "We're excited about it. We think it's different than the other schools."

He also said the school's focus on forging local internship opportunities is "a win-win" for students and local businesses.

Concordia President William Craft said in a statement that the college is "delighted" by the gift.

"Given their leadership in journalism, I can think of no more appropriate gift than this one, which will create a gathering place for the exchange of ideas and the development of relationships that deepen our understanding of the world we serve," Craft said in the statement.

The Marcils have supported a number of other Concordia initiatives, including its annual fund, its journalism program and its language village.

Forum Communications Co. owns the West Central Tribune of Willmar.