Mside Madness

During the 1990s, technology continued to increase as each student living on campus received a computer, and in 1996 Morningside launched its website. Women's athletic teams joined the men in the North Central Conference, and the Morningside M was installed near Roadman Hall. Chad '90 & Lisa Benson and Patrick '91 and Michelle '90 O'Connell will give 6,000 when 75 alumni from the 1990s make a gift.

During the 1980s, technology began to advance as computers were provided to faculty and administration, student labs were opened throughout campus and photography and graphic design majors were added. Technology revolutionized the fine arts by allowing musicians to compose and play in new ways. Athletics also had many successes, including a NCAA Division II Final Four appearance for our men's basketball team. Craig Wansink '84, Linda (Hoogensen) Jennings '86, and Thomas '89 & Julie (Bouse) '91 Betz will give $5,000 when 75 alumni from the 1980s make a gift.

You may not have graduated from Morningside, but we are so lucky to have so many fans and friends who support our students, attend events, and further our mission. Dale Lenderts '76 will give $2,500 when 50 fans and friends of Morningside make a gift.

The 2000s were transformational for Morningside with more than $45 million invested in facility improvements, scholarships, and the endowment. The funds were allocated to improve the student experience. Athletic teams joined the NAIA GPAC conference resulting in more opportunities for our student-athletes and enrollment numbers were on the rise. Jason '03 & Cheri (Jorgensen) '03 Gehling and Dustin '05 & Gretchen (Wickey) '01 Cooper will give $5,000 when 75 alumni from the 2000s make a gift.

Although there have only been three graduating classes from this decade they have overcome so much. The college experience was different for these graduates as the world navigated the Covid-19 pandemic. Morningside adjusted quickly and kept the student experience at the center. David '76 & Diane '76 (Hantsbarger) Davidson are so proud of our recent graduates that they will give $2,000 when 20 alumni from the 2020s decade make a gift.

We are a few hours into Mside Madness and Greg '67 & Joan '68 (Murphey) Clark will match every gift dollar for dollar from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 15 (up to $3,000).

With less than eight hours remaining, let's show our students how important they are! Bob '63 & Margaret '63 Bell, Ed '65 & Jane (Shrader) '70 Sibley and Marjorie (McCracken) Morrell '70 will match all gifts between noon and 4 p.m. on March 16 (up to $5,000).

As a final push for Morningside Madness: Battle of the Decades, Esther Mackintosh '69 and Marilyn (Schirck) Setzler '66 will match all gifts dollar for dollar between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on March 16 (up to $10,000).

During the 1960s strengthening the academic programs was a main initiative. Campus was also growing with the addition of Eppley Auditorium, the east and west wings of Dimmitt Hall, the International House, Fraternity Complex and Klinger-Neal Theatre. Marty (Macfarlane) Wikert '62 will give $5,000 when 50 alumni from the 1960s make a gift.

During the 1970s new academic programs were added, Greek life was strong, and the Lincoln Center for Business was built. Dr. Gene '71 & Dr. Debra (Anderson) '73 Knudsen will give $6,000 when 60 alumni from the 1970s make a gift.

The 2010s continued to see significant growth with the addition of Buhler Rohlfs Hall, which is the home to education, nursing, and ag programs. Dimmitt Hall and Eppley Auditorium were renovated, and enrollment numbers continued to rise. The student experience was the full focus - athletics competed at the national level, students volunteered in the community and took advantage of research opportunities and online graduate programs grew. Reid Rosen '13 will give $5,000 when 75 alumni from the 2010s make a gift.

Graduates prior to 1959 saw significant growth during their time at Morningside. Enrollment increased, a new science center, student union, Allee gym and a men's residence hall were built. Bill Enockson '51 will give $4,000 when 40 alumni from the 1950s and before make a gift.

Let's start Morningside Madness: Battle of the Decades off right! Chair of the Morningside University Board of Directors, Esther Mackintosh '69, will match all gifts dollar for dollar between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. on March 15 (up to $5,000).

With less than 12 hours to go, let's keep the momentum going! Audrey (Smeins) Poppen '59, Dan '71 & Sue (Roberts) '72 Henderson and Jason '03 & Cheri (Jorgensen) '03 Gehling will match all gifts dollar for dollar between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on March 16 (up to $5,000).

Reid Rosen '13 is thankful for what he learned and for the friendships he made at Morningside. He wants to keep the momentum going and will match all gifts dollar for dollar between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on March 15 (up to $5,000).