FARGO, N.D. - A joint gift to North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota will pay for new presidents' homes on each campus and create two scholarship endowments.
The William C. and Jane B. Marcil Charitable Foundation has pledged $1 million to each campus for the construction of new homes.
William Marcil, publisher of The Forum and chairman and CEO of Forum Communications Co., said his family has loyalties to both universities and sees this gift as a way to treat both equally. The West Central Tribune is owned by Forum Communications.
"We've been fortunate to be in a good business area," Marcil said. "The family has always felt that it's been important to give back to the community."
Officials from both university foundations expressed gratitude for the contribution.
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Forum Communications Co. chairman and CEO Says his family has loyalties to both NDSU and UND
Forum Communications Co. chairman and CEO Says his family has loyalties to both NDSU and UND
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"The impact will be tremendous," said Jim Miller, executive director of the NDSU Development Foundation.
NDSU and UND got permission last fall from the state Board of Higher Education to spend up to $900,000 improving presidents' homes.
Officials at both campuses said the current homes were outdated and inadequate for university presidents.
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The UND house is under construction and expected to be done this summer or fall. The NDSU house is in the planning stages and should be done within 18 months.
Both campuses need better facilities so presidents can have adequate space to host student and faculty receptions and entertain dignitaries, Marcil said.
"Those residences are more than just houses," he said. "They're really showcases for the universities and for the whole state."
The gift will be made in five annual $200,000 payments to each university foundation starting this spring.
Today, foundation officials will ask the higher education board to authorize issuing 30-year bonds to finance construction costs. The bonds also need approval from the Legislature's Budget Section.
Tim O'Keefe, executive director of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, said foundation officials decided to take advantage of bond rates that are at historic lows. That method of financing the projects will leave each university with money for student scholarships.
If the foundation endowments continue earning what officials expect, each endowment could grow to $4 million when the mortgages are paid off in 30 years.
Board President John Q. Paulsen said the gift demonstrates the Marcil family's devotion to North Dakota.
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Miller said it's unusual for someone to make a joint contribution to two universities at the same time.
"I really do think it's unheard of," Miller said. "This is just indicative of their strong belief in both universities."
Marcil was a charter member of the NDSU Development Foundation in 1970 and is now a lifetime trustee. He received the foundation's service award in 2003. NDSU awarded him an honorary doctorate degree in 1993.
Marcil earned a business administration degree from UND in 1958 and received the Sioux award in 1990, the highest honor awarded by the UND Alumni Association.
Jane Marcil attended NDSU.
William Marcil said he thinks it's important for NDSU and UND to continue looking for ways to increase collaboration.
"Maybe a joint gift will stimulate people to think about how we can work together for the benefit of everybody," he said.
The Marcils do not plan to play a role in making decisions about either house.
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"Jane doesn't want to get involved in picking the wallpaper," he said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
