UND: Engelstad matches donations
$261,000 to help expand Nordic Initiative
By Michael Benedict
Herald Staff Writer
Ralph Engelstad is up to his old benefactor ways again, donating money to his alma matter.
The wealthy owner of the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas recently fulfilled a pledge he made in 1999 by donating $261,047 to UND's Nordic Initiative, which, in part, promotes Norwegian programs at UND.
"He (Engelstad) came up with the idea," said Earl Strinden, former executive director of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation. "He said, 'What I will do is match dollar for dollar what others will do for a period of one year.'"
That aggressive fund-raising effort began July 13, 1999, and was orchestrated through the association and foundation. The effort continues, but Engelstad's commitment ended in July.
He now has transferred the money to the initiative. The gift is not part of Engelstad's pledge of $100 million to UND, mainly for the construction of a new hockey arena.
Appreciative
"We're very appreciative of Ralph Engelstad's gift," said Terri Horpedahl, Nordic Initiative coordinator. "He feels very strongly about UND having a strong Norwegian language curriculum and for UND to become a leading university in the nation for Norwegian programs."
Strinden said Engelstad felt the initiative could raise more money if he said he would match donations dollar for dollar.
He said Engelstad's commitment to Norwegian programs is likely the result of his own heritage.
"He's of Scandinavian ancestry," Strinden said of Engelstad. "I would guess the Engelstad name is Norwegian."
Strinden said Engelstad became involved in Norwegian programs about four years ago when the state Board of Higher Education was considering ending the Norwegian language program at UND.
Wrong to end it
Engelstad told Strinden it was absolutely wrong to end the program because there are so many people in the region of Norwegian heritage.
The casino owner also was contacted by a volunteer with the initiative about the possibility of his financial involvement. From that contact, Engelstad formulated his plan, Strinden said.
Strinden said Engelstad then became interested in making UND the top university in the country for Norwegian programs.
The initiative directors hope to accomplish their and Engelstad's goal of making UND the top Norwegian university in the country by expanding student and faculty exchange programs between Norway and the university.
Other plans include expanding genealogical study opportunities, developing Norwegian and American business and trade relationships and supporting scholarships for students wanting to study Nordic culture at UND.