Gifts made to the Mayville State University Foundation through the efforts of Giving Hearts Day on Thursday, Feb. 12 will support the new RN to BSN program at Mayville State University. This is an opportunity for donors to help make a difference in the need for nursing professionals in the local area, as well as the state of North Dakota and beyond. Donations may be made online at www.impactgiveback.org. Search for Mayville State University Foundation.

Through the new online RN to BSN program, Mayville State is educating nurses at the baccalaureate degree level. To be admitted to the program, an individual must have earned an associate degree in nursing. Classes in the RN to BSN program were first offered in the fall semester of 2014.

This is the second time the Mayville State University Foundation will participate in Giving Hearts Day, a 24-hour online give-a-thon for non-profit organizations in western Minnesota and North Dakota. The event is hosted every year by the Dakota Medical Foundation (DMF) and Impact Foundation to help participating charities dramatically increase fundraising success by creating awareness and a 24-hour window of participation that spurs donors to action. Gifts of $10 or more (up to a total of $4,000) will be matched by the Dakota Medical Foundation.

“Giving Hearts Day is providing a fantastic opportunity for donors to get a super ‘bang for their buck’ on February 12,” said Dena Bergstrom, MSU Foundation annual giving associate/phonathon coordinator. “A gift of $10 has the potential to become a gift of $20, which will go a long way in supporting the needs of our new RN to BSN program at Mayville State.”

Money raised on Giving Hearts Day will be used to help with development costs of the MSU RN to BSN program, including funds needed to hire faculty and purchase additional library resources. No state appropriations are used to support this program.

Those interested in making a contribution to the RN to BSN program at Mayville State may do so online from their own computers, or they may stop by the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center at Mayville State between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on February 12. Personnel will be on hand to assist donors with their online donations. There will also be an opportunity for socializing and enjoying refreshments, including chili.

For more information about Giving Hearts Day, go to www.mayvillestate.edu/givinghearts or contact Dena Bergstrom at 701-788-4864 or dena.bergstrom@mayvillestate.edu.