Morningside Madness: Reynders Edition

John and Robin Reynders will match all gifts between now and 8pm CST dollar for dollar (up to $12,000). Let's show them how much we appreciate all they have done for Morningside!

Let's start Morningside Madness: Reynders Edition off right! Former Chair of the Morningside University Board of Directors, Craig '70 & Chris Struve, will match all gifts 1:1 (up to $5,000) between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on March 16.

At Morningside, the opportunities students have outside the classroom are often as transformational as the education they receive inside the classroom. Currently, students can join one (or more) of the 50+ student-led clubs and organizations on campus. The Alumni Board will give an additional $4,000 when 40 gifts are made in support of student involvement on campus.

John and Robin have elevated the welcoming spirit that has been central to Morningside for years. Their hospitable, open-door style has led to their inviting all incoming freshmen into their home for a meal, hosting numerous receptions for alumni, faculty, staff and community members, and even initiating a book club. This atmosphere reinforces why Morningside is "home" to so many. Linda (Hoogensen) Jennings '86, Keith Roeper '58 , and Ed '65 & Jane (Shrader) '70 Sibley appreciate John and Robin's dedication to the Morningside community, so they will give an additional $2,500 when 25 people make a gift to this challenge.

John and Robin have always applauded our performing arts students. Whether attending Christmas at Morningside, cheering with the band at an athletic event or watching a theater production, they admire the creativity, personal expression and collaboration of each performance. Marilyn (Schirck) Setzler '66 and Bob '63 & Margaret '63 (Guenther) Bell will match all gifts given in support of our performing arts students (up to $7,000).

President Reynders has kept students at the center of his decisions. Awarding competitive financial aid packages is one example of this, and it is only possible through the generous support of alumni and friends. All gifts made to support scholarships will be matched dollar for dollar by Dr. Gene '71 & Dr. Debra (Anderson) '73 Knudsen and Marty Wikert ‘62 (up to $10,000).

Our Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) have witnessed Morningside's physical and experiential transformation firsthand. All gifts given by #MsideProud alumni who graduated between 2012 and 2021 will be matched dollar for dollar by Reid Rosen '13 (up to $10,000).

Esther Mackintosh '69, the Chair of our Board of Directors, is so thankful for everything John and Robin have done for Morningside. She wants to make sure Morningside Madness: Reynders Edition is successful, so she will match all gifts dollar for dollar (up to $5,000) between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on March 17.

One of the most obvious changes during John's presidency has been the physical transformation of the landscape of campus. Since 2000, more than $70 million has been invested into the psychical appearance of Morningside. Ron Yockey '70 is so thankful for our beautiful campus, that when 50 gifts are made to this challenge he will give an additional $5,000.

In 2008, Morningside piloted its first online degree option with the Master of Arts in Teaching; this addition doubled the number of graduate students. In 2015, the Graduate Nursing program launched, followed by a Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2019. Today, graduate students outnumber our undergraduate students. Dr. Greg '67 & Joan '68 (Murphey) Clark will give an additional $3,000 when 25 graduate students make a gift.

During the past 20 years, Morningside has added three apartment-style dorms, two houses and renovated both Roadman and Dimmitt Halls. If you enjoyed living on campus, this is the challenge for you. Chad Benson '90 will give an additional $5,000 when 50 people make a gift to celebrate the life lessons learned and friendships and memories made while living on campus.

To coincide with the Maud Adams Nursing Research Day, the Palmer Student Research Symposium was established in 2004. Students across all majors are encouraged to participate in the campus-wide celebration. In 2016, the Summer Undergraduate Research Project (SURP) was launched. These hands-on research experiences set Morningside apart. Dan '71 & Sue (Roberts) '72 Henderson and Dale Lenderts '76 will give an additional $3,500 when 35 gifts are made towards this challenge.

President Reynders values immersive cultural experiences. In fact, in 2003, he led a major curriculum change that adopted the May term requirement. Dr. David '76 & Diane '76 (Hantsbarger) Davidson share John’s passion and will give an additional $1,500 when 25 gifts are made in support of study abroad and May Term experiences.