William “Bill” Grasse, may have never attended Northern State University, and spent much of his adult life away from Aberdeen, S.D.; however, he still chose to honor his roots.
Prior to his passing in California in March 2022, Grasse worked with the Northern State University Foundation to create a legacy gift—a gift created within one's estate plan—to create two endowments at NSU. According to Emily Haldeman, a lifelong friend of Grasse, he made his legacy gifts to Northern for several reasons. “First, he wanted to honor his late mother, Gladys Grasse (Kittelson),” Haldeman said.
“From all the stories I have heard, she was an amazingly strong woman who managed to raise three boys on her own. I also believe that even though Bill left Aberdeen, he never lost his connection to Aberdeen. Bill was an avid reader, and I believe, he also made his gift to NSU to support other deserving students studying English and writing,” she said.
Grasse's gift will support two critical areas of need for Northern. The Gladys B. Grasse Endowment supports the WolfPACT Scholarship, the only scholarship program of its kind in the region, and the Gladys B. Grasse Professorship Endowment creates the first-ever endowed faculty position on campus.
“Bill was an amazing person,” Halderman said. “He started with virtually nothing, and he worked determinedly and relentlessly to fulfill his vision and to become a great success. He was well-read, worldly, and he lived his life with grace and humility. Having to work so hard when he was young, Bill never wasted money. I know NSU will put his gift to good use and use it in a way that honors his incredibly well-lived life.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $150 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.