NDSU alum helps open doors for Bison Fund students

For more than a decade, Marilyn Froelich has been opening doors for students in the finance program at NDSU’s College of Business, quite literally.

Through her leadership and dedication to the Bison Fund, Froelich has helped create transformative experiences for students by connecting them directly with industry professionals across the country.

The tradition began in 2012 with the very first Bison Fund industry trip to Minneapolis, organized on what Froelich describes as a “shoestring budget.” What started as a modest effort has since grown into a cornerstone experiential learning opportunity for finance students. Since that first visit, Bison Fund students have taken 20 industry trips — 12 to Minneapolis and eight to Chicago — meeting with firms, networking with alumni and competing in industry competitions.

This year marks another milestone: the program’s first trip to New York City.

Students will tour the newly opened headquarters of JPMorgan Chase and sit in on the global morning meeting at Wellington Management where investment teams from offices across the world join together live to discuss markets.

Another highlight will be a visit to Ospraie Management, hosted by Lee Vetsch, an NDSU alumnus and former Bison Fund president who now works at the firm. For students, seeing a fellow Bison thriving in the industry sends a powerful message about what’s possible.

“These experiences allow students to see the concepts they study in action,” Froelich said. “They get to see how ideas from the classroom play out in real time and in real life.”

A Lifelong Connection to NDSU

Froelich’s connection to NDSU runs deep.

“It really started by growing up on Pelican Lake,” she said. “Our family owned a boat business and through that we met so many people connected to NDSU, such as Katherine Burgum, President Loftsgaard and Dick Barry. Many of the kids we spent our summers with, skiing, swimming and just hanging out, went on to attend NDSU.”

That early exposure made a lasting impression. “My whole family graduated from NDSU,” she adds. “It was always part of who we were.”

Froelich earned a degree in home economics from NDSU before pursuing an MBA at the University of Minnesota, a path she credits to encouragement from her brother, who saw new opportunities emerging for women in business.

“Business was opening up for women, and I was always interested in investments,” she said.

Her interest turned into a career spanning nearly five decades in finance and insurance. After completing her MBA, Froelich began her professional career in finance and insurance at Western States Insurance. Since 1977, she has remained active in the financial world while dedicating significant time to mentoring and supporting students.

Opening Eyes and Possibilities

For Froelich, the trips are about much more than visiting firms.

“They’re incredibly eye-opening,” she said. “Students see what a real workday looks like in finance. It doesn’t replace classroom learning, it augments it.”

One moment in particular has stayed with her. During a trip to Chicago, a student stood on the rooftop lounge of a downtown office building, looking out across the skyline.

“He said, ‘I’ve never been to Chicago or even this far outside North Dakota. This is the most unbelievable experience I’ve ever had,’” Froelich recalls. “Moments like that remind you why this matters.”

While students often thank her directly, Froelich is quick to redirect the credit.

“They say, ‘This is because of you,’” she said. “But the students got the door open. I just crack it.”

A Lasting Impact

For many students, that small crack in the door leads to life-changing opportunities.

“Because of Marilyn’s willingness to help students, I’ve been able to build the life I dreamed of,” said Bison Fund alumnus Joseph Neadeau. “She was the first to introduce me to Robert Buss and take the Bison Fund students to visit DGI. That started a chain reaction that led me to where I am today — a proud equity owner of DGI. I’m forever grateful for her willingness to help students.”

Faculty members see the impact just as clearly.

“Marilyn has been a great advocate for our program and our students,” said Fariz Huseynov, professor and chair of finance. “She has been instrumental in organizing our ‘meet the firms’ trips and encouraging students to build relationships with professionals. Quite often, students find their first internships or jobs because of those connections.”

Paying It Forward

Froelich believes the continued growth of the College of Business depends on strong partnerships between alumni and students.

“Keep your doors open to students,” she encourages fellow alumni. “Even if it’s just meeting for coffee. That’s all you have to do to make an impact.”

For Froelich, it’s a philosophy that has guided more than a decade of mentorship and helped countless Bison students see the possibilities ahead.