David R. B’59 and Marlys A. Thies were presented with the Saint Mary’s University Heritage Award for Transformational Philanthropy Thursday, Oct. 9, at the university’s annual Benefactor Recognition Dinner on the Winona Campus. The Heritage Award recognizes special individuals whose exceptional philanthropy has significantly transformed the university and positioned Saint Mary’s for a second century of excellence in education.
A two-sport athlete while attending Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, David Thies went on to pursue a brief professional baseball career in the Major Leagues with the Kansas City Athletics before co-founding the highly successful business, Thies and Talle Enterprises, and continued to remain deeply connected to Saint Mary’s as a trustee and trustee emeritus.
He and his wife, Marlys, have shown extraordinary generosity, visionary leadership, and profound devotion to the mission of Saint Mary’s University. Their transformational philanthropic support has advanced student access to education through scholarships while also enhancing athletics — their most recent gift included the largest contribution ever made to Cardinal athletics, enabling the complete renovation of the university’s gym, now named the David R. Thies B’59 arena. A special dedication ceremony of the arena took place prior to the Benefactor Recognition dinner, with the Thies family, student-athletes, coaches, and university representatives present.
Father James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D., Saint Mary’s president, said, “David and Marlys Thies embody the spirit of faith-filled generosity that defines this university. A proud Cardinal athlete and Major League Baseball pitcher, Dave brought the same discipline and drive from the ball field to a remarkable business career. Yet, beyond all of that, his life has been distinguished by faith, service, and love of others.” adding that Dave and Marlys’ “generosity and friendship have touched hearts — and changed countless lives.”
David and Marlys Thies’ profound commitment to fostering the Lasallian Catholic values of faith, service, and community well into the future ensures that generations of Saint Mary’s students to come will flourish academically, athletically, and spiritually.
