MSUM Foundation honors 2026 Legacy Builders
The MSUM Foundation presented its 2026 Legacy Builder Awards to Gate City Bank, George Soule ’76, Sanford Health, and Evelyn ’82 and Brian Quigley, whose generosity has opened doors for Minnesota State Moorhead students for decades. The awards were presented last week at the Foundation’s President’s Dinner during Homecoming.
“The MSUM Foundation exists to connect people who care about this university with the students and programs that need them most,” said Gary Haugo, vice president for university advancement and CEO of the MSUM Foundation. “This year’s honorees embody that mission. Their generosity has opened doors for Dragons for decades, and the Legacy Builder Awards are our way of making sure that impact is seen, celebrated, and carried forward.”
The Legacy Builder Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose philanthropy has had a transformative, lasting impact on the university and its educational mission.
Gate City Bank
Gate City Bank has supported Minnesota State Moorhead every year since 1994, investing in students, academic programs, and Dragon Athletics. In 2003, the bank established the Gate City Bank Endowed Scholarship for business students. Moorhead graduates work throughout the organization, including President and CEO Kevin Hanson ’83.
George Soule ’76
Soule grew up in Moorhead, where his father worked as a custodian on campus. He graduated from Moorhead in 1976, and after earning his law degree from Harvard Law School, he built a career as a civil trial lawyer in Minneapolis. He is a founding partner of Soule & Stull LLC. Since 2012, he has served as an appellate tribal court judge for the White Earth Nation and four other Minnesota tribes. He has served on the Minnesota State Board of Trustees since 2017, including as chair from 2024 to 2026, and is a former director of the MSUM Alumni Foundation. His support of American Indian students includes scholarships, academic support, and emergency funding. Soule’s contributions have earned him MSUM Foundation’s Distinguished Alumni Award and the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2021, the university named the George Soule American Indian Center in his honor.
Sanford Health
In 2012, Sanford Health made a multimillion-dollar investment in Dragon Athletics, providing significant scholarship support for student-athletes. Sanford also funds health equity, nursing, and military and veteran scholarships at MSUM. More than 400 alumni work at Sanford Health.
Evelyn ’82 and Brian Quigley
Evelyn and Brian Quigley have been champions for Minnesota State Moorhead for decades. Together, he and Ev have been a steady presence at campus performances, athletic events, and celebrations, cheering on Dragons across the university.
In 1975, Evelyn Quigley helped lead the effort to establish the university’s upper-division Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. It allowed diploma and associate degree nurses to earn their bachelor’s degrees without leaving their jobs, opening a new path for 200 nurses. She served eight years on the MSUM Alumni Foundation Board and spent 46 years at Sanford Health, including 17 as chief nursing officer. Brian, an accomplished advertising executive, has reviewed mass communications students’ work for recognition through the Fargo-Moorhead Advertising Federation.
After the Quigleys received their award, Sanford Health surprised Evelyn with an endowment in her honor to support MSUM nursing students.
“Ev has always believed that great care starts with great nurses, and she spent her career making sure they had the education and support to succeed,” said Tiffany Lawrence, president and CEO of Sanford Fargo. “Investing in MSUM students in her name carries that belief forward for generations of nurses to come.”
Following the dinner, guests attended the first concert in the newly restored, 400-seat Glasrud Auditorium in Weld Hall, featuring Cantus with members of the MSUM Choir.
Learn more about the MSUM Foundation Awards and nominate a future honoree at msumfoundation.org/awards.
About the MSUM Foundation
Established in 1969, the MSUM Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that creates opportunities for alumni, family and friends to connect, engage and give to Minnesota State University Moorhead. Through scholarships, academic programs and campus spaces, the Foundation helps Dragons reach their full potential and go on to make an impact in their professions and communities. Learn more at msumfoundation.org.