STC Foundation Increases Comprehensive Campaign Goal

Southeast Technical College and its Foundation has increased the goal of the college’s comprehensive campaign – Campaign NEXT – from $25 million to $30 million. The decision was approved by President Cory Clasemann and the foundation board at its regular meeting earlier this month.

Stephen Williamson, STC Foundation director, says the move is prompted by the campaign’s overwhelming success and broad support from donors.

“Our confidence is high that Campaign NEXT will be very successful,” Williamson said. “We still have a lot to do to ensure we reach all our goals for STC, our students and the region, but are very thankful from the overwhelming support from our donors and STC leadership.”

Two major highlights to date of Campaign NEXT are opening the new Healthcare Simulation Center and setting a record amount of student aid through Build Dakota and privately funded scholarships.  

“Southeast Technical College is directly focused on helping South Dakota businesses find employees with the technical skills needed to be successful in today's economy. We are grateful to everyone who has already supported our Campaign NEXT goals that allow STC to provide a high-quality education at an affordable price to students,” Clasemann said.

Campaign NEXT leadership, comprised of Cynthia and Mark Mickelson, Tony Nour of First PREMIER Bank and Trent Bruce of DGR Engineering, agree.

“Higher education needs to be accessible and affordable to all students in this region. The number of students receiving scholarships through Campaign NEXT and the Build Dakota program has never been greater. STC will be more accessible with these funds to attract and retain talent in the Sioux Falls area,” Cynthia Mickelson said.

Nour emphasized STC’s high return on investment (ROI) for students.

“The ROI of a Southeast Tech degree continues to grow and be a quality investment for students in the region. Students leave with manageable or no debt due to the value of the education and the increasing support of public and private resources,” Nour said.

Campaign NEXT is scheduled to conclude Dec. 31, 2025.