VCSU donor Dacotah Bank recognized for corporate philanthropy

Dacotah Bank of Valley City received the 2019 Corporate Leadership in Philanthropy Award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Northern Plains Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo on November 14.

Dacotah Bank was nominated for the award by the Valley City State University Foundation. Speaking for the foundation at the luncheon, Larry Robinson, VCSU executive director for advancement, commended the bank: “Dacotah Bank has a long and rich history of supporting the greater community with time, talent and treasure. They have clearly led the way in philanthropy in our community, donating and supporting more than 165 entities over the last five years.”

Robinson also noted, “The philanthropic support that Dacotah Bank has provided to Valley City State University exceeds $300,000.”

Accepting the award for Dacotah Bank at the luncheon were Paige Bjornson, senior business banker, and Mark Oberlander, senior agricultural banker.

When presented with the award by Travis Christopher, president of AFP’s Northern Plains Chapter, Oberlander spoke first: “On behalf of Dacotah Bank, we are tremendously honored to accept this prestigious award. With sincerest gratitude we thank the AFP Board for choosing Dacotah Bank from what most certainly was a tremendously worthy list of nominees. Thank you, also, to VCSU for their nomination of Dacotah Bank.”

Bjornson followed Oberlander, sharing how Dacotah Bank’s people make a difference in the community. “What makes us especially proud today is that this award recognizes not only the corporate culture of financial giving that is Dacotah Bank, but more importantly it recognizes the many hours and the immeasurable talent that so many Dacotah Bank employees are willing to share,” said Bjornson. “They want to make a difference when and where they can; they want to elevate community and quality of life for their children and for their neighbors; and they want to make a difference not only for today but also for tomorrow. For our company — Dacotah Bank in Valley City and Dacotah Bank across three states — and for our 25 local employees — to be recognized for these efforts is humbling, and we are truly grateful. Thank you.”

VCSU President Alan LaFave joined the Dacotah Bank representatives and Robinson at the luncheon. VCSU representation at the luncheon also included foundation board members Robert Horne and Mark Richman, foundation staff Kim Hesch and Loree Morehouse, and staff Casey Olney, Pete Smithhisler and Greg Vanney.