FARGO (KFGO) – The North Dakota State University College of Engineering has received the largest single donation for a building project in university history.
Richard Offerdahl, a 1965 graduate of the engineering program is pledging $25 million to fund what will be known as the Richard Offerdahl Engineering Complex, an engineering and computational sciences center.
“I stayed in touch with NDSU, and when the opportunity to invest in a new engineering building (came), I took a hard look at it, and decided to make a major investment in the form of paying back,” Offerdahl said. “The state of North Dakota and NDSU made a big investment in me some 50 years ago, so it was time to return the favor.”
Richard Offerdahl
Offerdahl, 80, is an Ada, Minnesota native. He began working when he was 10, delivering newspapers. He became wealthy by starting or investing in many different companies.
“$25 million was a big chunk of what we had accumulated over the years, but it wasn’t all of it. So, I figured putting toward the education of future students was a good investment,” Offerdahl said.
The total cost of the project is $89 million.
Last spring, the North Dakota Legislature appropriated $59 million dollars to the project with the stipulation that NDSU had to raise at least $25 million privately.
The university’s goal was $30 million. Last fall, Doosan Bobcat and Mortenson Company each pledged $5 million.
Offerdahl’s gift will need approval from the State Board of Higher Education.
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