An anonymous donor is challenging Bemidji State University’s friends and alumni with a one-to-one match for all Lakeside Fund gifts made before June 30 up to $50,000.

Annual giving to the Lakeside Fund supports the university’s most pressing needs each year. It funds student scholarships and academic programs that have helped put BSU among the Midwest’s top-ranked universities for seven straight years, according to U.S. News and World Report magazine.

“This is an incredible opportunity for BSU’s friends and alumni to make a tremendous impact on the lives of our students,” said Rob Bollinger, executive director for University Advancement. “We are so grateful for the generosity of this anonymous donor and for the generosity of the many donors who will step up and meet this challenge.”

Fulfillment of previously committed pledges does not count toward the challenge, and matching corporate or foundation gifts are not eligible. There is no minimum or maximum for individual gifts. All gifts will be matched until the $50,000 limit is reached.

Gifts can be made online at bsualumni.org or by contacting Lisa Hofstad, director of annual giving, at (218) 755-2872 or lhofstad@bemidjistate.edu.