Sanford Health has a long history of partnering with universities in the region including Augustana College (S.D.), Concordia College (Minn.), Minnesota State University Moorhead, the University of Sioux Falls, the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University. Sanford also works closely with local universities as a teaching institution. Thousands of nursing, pharmacy, therapy and medical students have received hands on training at Sanford, allowing our best and brightest to get high quality education and training close to home.

On September 27, 2010, Sanford Health President and CEO, Kelby Krabbenhoft, announced a gift of $10 million to the North Dakota State University Development Foundation and the NDSU Athletic Department. The gift is the largest one-time donation in the NDSU Development Foundation's history. "We are building something special together on a great tradition of top level academic and athletic performance at NDSU. We are creating opportunities for outstanding Division I competition while promoting fitness and wellness for our youth and their families," said Krabbenhoft.
Sanford's gift is the cornerstone for "the Building the Competitive Edge for Bison Athletics." A 5,700-seat basketball and wrestling arena and an eight-lane indoor track highlight this initiative. This dramatic extension and renovation of the Bison Sports Arena will transform the facility and surrounding area, including a track and field venue, into a true Division I athletic complex reflecting the new NDSU. Additionally, it will serve as the "front door" venue welcoming student-athletes and campus guests with the Bison Athletic Hall of Fame, Hall of Champions, and various fan services and facilities.

A two-court basketball practice facility will be added to the southwest corner of the existing structure. The west- side addition will house human performance facilities, including strength training, sports medicine and rehabilitation areas. The renovated BSA also will have an athletic academic center for the student athletes.

More information on the progress can be found here.