Jun. 17—BEMIDJI — Bemidji State Athletics and the BSU Alumni and Foundation announced a renovation project for the BSU Gymnasium, providing upgraded experiences and a new era for Beaver Basketball, Beaver Volleyball and the greater Bemidji community.
The project, which is privately funded through donor support and crowdfunding, is scheduled to break ground in March 2027 and be completed in October 2027. The finished product will feature new bleachers, a viewing room, accessibility upgrades and the newly minted Buckingham-Baalke Court.
Alumni Trent and Beth (Buckingham) Baalke are leading the philanthropic charge with a $1 million lead donation to the project, which positions it as a transformational gift within the Facility Upgrades and Faculty Excellence pillar of the For the North campaign. The Baalkes view the renovations as an opportunity to give back in recognition of all they were given as student-athletes.
"We're fortunate to be in a position to help and to better the experience for students. Because somebody once did it for us," Trent Baalke said in a release. "We wouldn't be where we are without Bemidji State University. BSU set us up for success and for the life we have with each other, so we're excited to give back."
Britt Lauritsen, Bemidji State's director of athletics, sees the Baalkes' donation as an investment in current and future students, allowing them to learn, grow and lead in ways that enhance their lives well beyond their time on campus.
The project, which is privately funded through donor support and crowdfunding, is scheduled to break ground in March 2027 and be completed in October 2027. The finished product will feature new bleachers, a viewing room, accessibility upgrades and the newly minted Buckingham-Baalke Court.
Alumni Trent and Beth (Buckingham) Baalke are leading the philanthropic charge with a $1 million lead donation to the project, which positions it as a transformational gift within the Facility Upgrades and Faculty Excellence pillar of the For the North campaign. The Baalkes view the renovations as an opportunity to give back in recognition of all they were given as student-athletes.
"We're fortunate to be in a position to help and to better the experience for students. Because somebody once did it for us," Trent Baalke said in a release. "We wouldn't be where we are without Bemidji State University. BSU set us up for success and for the life we have with each other, so we're excited to give back."
Britt Lauritsen, Bemidji State's director of athletics, sees the Baalkes' donation as an investment in current and future students, allowing them to learn, grow and lead in ways that enhance their lives well beyond their time on campus.
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