"Saint Mary's is a wonderful place for young adults to develop."

It has become a tradition for Michael and Jackie Bilski to move one or more of their children into a residence hall at Saint Mary’s. All three of their sons (Matt, Grant and Alex) have been part of the Lasallian community on the Winona campus.

"Saint Mary's is a wonderful place for young adults to attend. My wife and I have been fortunate that our boys made the choice to attend the school. The continuation of the Lasallian education that they received in high school to college has been wonderful. We understand that the education they receive is invaluable and has been provided by the generous support of many wonderful people before us. We have chosen to help Saint Mary's with additional support because we can't begin to repay for the amount of benefits our children have received but by helping in a small way we can help insure that the school will continue with its success."

"In order to continue to instill these values of community and faith, Saint Mary's needs this type of support from alumni."

"I feel a strong commitment to Saint Mary's University because of the things I learned and values that were instilled during my years on campus. The experiences I had at Saint Mary's left such a life changing impact on me. I want to ensure that other people have the same opportunity to be part of something as special as this. In order to continue to instill these values of community and faith, Saint Mary's needs this type of support from alumni."

"My company, Siemens, is also committed to supporting higher education, and as such, has a matching gift program available to all employees who make donations. This great benefit is offered at most corporations. I encourage all alumni to check with their employers to see if this is available to them."

"Saint Mary's not only provided a solid education, but lifelong relationships with classmates, faculty and administrators. For me, Saint Mary's always has been, and always will be, my extended family."

Renée Garpestad knows the value of a Saint Mary's education, having earned not one, but two degrees from the university. Growing up a first-generation American, Renée's parents placed an incredible value on education and made many sacrifices so that she could earn her degree from Saint Mary's. She earned her undergraduate degree in 1981.

Twenty years later, Renée came back to Saint Mary's... this time on the campus of the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs in the Twin Cities, to earn her doctorate of education in leadership. "My advanced degree from SMU opened many doors for me and I am grateful!"

She feels it is important to contribute to the university to enable others to experience the same opportunities she has had with her education. "I believe that if we cherish something, we take care of it. If we want something to grow, we nurture it. If we want to sustain something, we invest in it. If that 'something' for you is Saint Mary's, as it is for me, then donating to Saint Mary's is not only a gift of the heart, but a contribution of lasting value."

Renée is proud to be a two-time graduate of the university. "Saint Mary's not only provided a solid education, but lifelong relationships with classmates, faculty and administrators. For me, Saint Mary's always has been, and always will be, my extended family."

"While we donate to a number of charities every year, Saint Mary's is always at the top of our list."

Stephen and Frances Kieselhorst established a scholarship in memory of their son, Steve, who was pursuing a master's degree in Counseling and Psychological Services in the Twin Cities when he passed away in 1994.

The Kieselhorsts are grateful to Saint Mary's for the experiences Steve had while a student on the graduate campus. "The environment Steve found at Saint Mary's University was perfect for him... it was challenging, but nurturing at the same time. The small campus experience and student-friendly environment was exactly what he needed to thrive."

The scholarship in Steve's memory was the very first endowed scholarship within the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. "We are proud that our scholarship was the first and each year we continue making a gift to the fund. While we donate to a number of charities every year, Saint Mary's is always at the top of our list."