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Investing in the Future, One Student at a Time

When Collette and Jason Stewart moved to Madison 10 years ago, they quickly discovered that Dakota State University is more than just a campus—it’s at the heart of the community.

“DSU brings so much energy to Madison,” Collette said. “From the students and athletics to the events happening throughout the year, it truly makes this community vibrant.”

For Jason, a Dakota State alumnus, supporting the university is a way to give back to the place that helped shape his future. For Collette, it’s deeply personal for a different reason.

As a college student, Collette received a full-tuition scholarship while pursuing a degree in music performance. That opportunity changed the course of her life.

“I remember thinking even back then that if I was ever in a position to do this for someone else, I would,” she said.

Today, the Stewarts are fulfilling that promise.

Their support of Dakota State is rooted in gratitude and a belief that investing in students creates opportunities that last a lifetime. They know scholarships do more than ease financial burdens—they give students the freedom to focus on learning, participate in campus life, and pursue opportunities they may not have otherwise experienced.

For the Stewarts, giving isn’t about waiting until someday.

“It’s easy to think you’ll give when the timing is perfect,” Collette said. “But what are we waiting for? Who can we help today?”

Because they live in Madison, they see the impact of their generosity every day. They see students succeeding in the classroom, competing in athletics, volunteering in the community, and preparing for meaningful careers. That makes their philanthropy personal.

“We believe in investing in people who are working hard and building their future,” Collette said. “It’s not just about the financial support—it’s about encouraging someone and believing in them.”

The Stewarts also believe that generosity has a ripple effect. Every gift, regardless of size, helps strengthen not only Dakota State University but the entire Madison community.

Their hope is that others will recognize they don’t have to wait to make a difference.

“It meant everything to me when someone invested in my future,” Collette said. “Now it’s incredibly meaningful to have the opportunity to do that for someone else.”

For the Stewarts, supporting Dakota State isn’t simply about giving—it is about creating opportunities, strengthening the community they love, and investing in the next generation of leaders.

Longtime baseball supporters, Anthony and Kim DeMaria, will impact Trojan baseball players for years to come with their recent $350,000 gift to the Dakota State University Foundation.

Their transformational gift will complete a brand-new baseball locker room within the recently constructed Beacom PREMIER Complex. The space will be named the DeMaria Family Baseball Locker Room in honor of the family and their gift.

The locker room will feature brand new lockers designed to enhance comfort, functionality, and team culture for the Trojan Baseball Team.

The DeMarias are longtime residents of the Fresno, California area who are dedicated to building community development through athletics. Their son, Cameron, is a graduate student and first baseman on the Dakota State University Baseball Team.

Anthony, who has attended almost all of the DSU baseball games to watch his son Cameron play over the past two years, has enjoyed getting to know the other players and families involved with Trojan Baseball. This, in addition to Cameron’s positive experience, helped further inspire the DeMaria Family Baseball Locker Room.

Senior Director of Philanthropy Jill Ruhd shared her appreciation for the family, stating, “I have truly enjoyed getting to know the DeMaria family. They are wonderful people who represent the very best of those who believe in Dakota State University. We are deeply grateful for this gift, which will help strengthen our baseball program and enhance the experience for our student-athletes.”

Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Foundation CEO Mike McKelvey added, “The Beacom PREMIER Complex reflects a shared commitment to the mission and vision set forth by President Griffiths. The DeMaria family’s generosity represents an important first step toward the future of a dedicated baseball facility, and we are sincerely thankful for their dedication to Dakota State University and our student-athletes.”

Their recent commitment to athletics and student development builds on their ongoing, significant support for baseball programs from youth to minor leagues in Central California.

In addition to Cameron, the DeMaria family has two older sons, Alec and Blake. While Anthony was an athlete, swimming at UC Davis while he earned his undergraduate degree, it was Alec who inspired the family’s involvement in and love of baseball.

“My oldest son, Alec, really got into baseball at a very young age, three or four years old, and his brothers, Blake and Cameron, just followed him,” Anthony said. “The biggest part of my life for the past 26 years has been watching them play or coach baseball.”

With involvement from youth leagues all the way through minor leagues, Anthony sees how crucial sports are to developing young people, instilling the importance of teamwork, discipline, competition, and socialization.

For 10 years, Anthony served as president of the area’s youth league, later joining the ownership board of advisors for the Fresno Grizzlies, which is a minor league organization affiliated with the Colorado Rockies.

Additionally, Anthony established a summer college baseball team, the Fresno A’s. The team plays in Chukchansi Park, the 12,000-seat Fresno Grizzlies facility, completing a 44-game schedule throughout the summer. College players from around the country are referred by their coaches to the program, which also houses them for the duration of the summer. Last year, three DSU players were a part of the team. This year, two DSU players will be a part of the team.

Anthony has enjoyed watching players from all over with different backgrounds come together to play as a team.

“I think it’s really special,” Anthony said. “I want to support that.”

As he’s gotten to know Cameron’s teammates, he sees this locker room as a way to leave behind not just a legacy, but a stamp of approval for Trojan Baseball.

Anthony is a lawyer practicing civil defense work; he owns the DeMaria Law Firm. Kim volunteers with various non-profits and works with emerging authors. All three sons played college baseball. Alec serves as the Head Baseball Coach at Valley City State University. Blake is now an Army Officer Candidate.

Dakota State University extends its sincere gratitude to Anthony and Kim DeMaria for their remarkable support and continued belief in the future of Trojan Athletics.

Despite the rough start, Mike’s time at DSU became one of the most rewarding chapters of his life. A favorite memory from his early days was the leather helmet he was given for spring football practice. “I couldn’t believe it. DSU was still using leather helmets from the 1940s and 1950s,” he laughs. The experience, though unexpected, symbolized a unique aspect of campus life at the time.

Another unforgettable moment was when President Richard Nixon visited DSU in 1970 to dedicate the new library in honor of Karl Mundt. With 10,000 people in attendance, it was Nixon’s first speech outside of Washington, D.C., and Mike remembers the excitement it generated on campus. “It was a huge moment for DSU, and something I’ll always remember,” he says.

Mike’s college years were also shaped by the people he met, especially his football coach, Lee Moran. “Lee Moran was by far the most impactful person during my time at DSU,” Mike reflects. “He had this amazing ability to connect with us as players and was dedicated to helping the team improve both on and off the field.” Moran’s mentorship not only influenced Mike’s time as an athlete but also helped instill a strong work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.

During school, Mike joined the Illinois National Guard, knowing he could be drafted to Vietnam. He committed to traveling back each month to reaffirm his interest in remaining in the Guard. “I did a 16-hour round trip every month to sign the book and state that I was still interested,” Mike recalls. His service as a wheel vehicle mechanic further taught him discipline and perseverance.

In 1976, Mike entered the business world, joining KVF-Quad Corporation, a powder-coating and metal-finishing company. Starting with just three partners, Mike took on various roles, from sandblasting to fabrication. “I had to do a little bit of everything in the beginning,” he says. His first commission check was a modest $3.50, but over the years, the company grew, and Mike helped build it into a successful business. “I credit my time at DSU for giving me the background and knowledge that helped me succeed in business,” he says. He retired in 2020 after helping guide KVF-Quad to industry leadership.

Mike remains deeply connected to DSU, and his visit to campus in 2024 left him impressed by the new facilities. “It’s amazing to see all the changes. The students and student-athletes now have so many opportunities to succeed,” he says.

Looking back on his time at DSU, Mike is clear about the impact it had on his life. “DSU gave me more than just a degree,” he reflects. “It gave me a foundation for everything that came after—both professionally and personally.” From his early days as a student-athlete to his successful career in business, Mike Crotty’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, mentorship, and the lasting impact of the experiences that shape us.