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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Reflection, Thanksgiving and Catching the Vision! Brett Moser x’03/’21
Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations
In the spring of 1999, two weeks after finishing my high school basketball career, Coach Brad Huse from Jamestown College sat in our living room in Churchs Ferry, ND. He proceeded to offer me the opportunity to be a Jimmie with a scholarship in athletics and academics. What I didn’t know at the time, that I know now is that this money came from somewhere. It did not grow on trees. That money did not come from the state of North Dakota. Ultimately, that money came from the faithful supporters and donors—the alumni and friends of the University of Jamestown. I am forever grateful, because it ultimately changed my life. I met my spouse, made lifelong friends, and received a great education— even making it through Dr. Steffan’s General Chemistry class and surviving Dr. Amaro’s Organic Chemistry. Now, my kids are swept up in the same excitement of what is happening here as they wear the orange and black, cheering at games and going to activities; while I support and give to that same scholarship opportunity that was offered to me in my living room 22 years ago. How special a cycle this is! I encourage you to take time to reflect on your own story and journey. In June, we completed a banner year for the fundraising efforts and support of the University. More than $9.66 million was given to UJ in the 2021 fiscal year. This amount represents the second most dollars given in school history. We exceeded our Annual Progress Fund goal of $1 million, raising $1.093 million. Further, we have a fully funded Charlotte and Gordon Hansen Stadium of $11.7 million, including giving and pledges. Additionally, the University’s endowment has grown through giving and a healthy market to $45.3 million, up from $38 million one year ago. As I have thought about how to respond to this phenomenal work, I remember a mentor of mine once stating: “It’s one thing to be grateful, but it is another thing altogether to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel, but thanksgiving is what you do.” We feel a sense of gratitude to you as our Alumni and Friends. And what we do to show that gratitude—whenever possible—is to be with you, to shake your hands, give you hugs, and say these
