NDSU engineering alum and longtime donor to receive Honorary Doctorate
NDSU alum, Richard Offerdahl, who graduated in 1965 with a degree in electrical engineering, will receive an Honorary Doctor of Engineering from NDSU during its spring commencement ceremony.
Offerdahl will be recognized at the 10 a.m. ceremony on Saturday, May 16, at the Fargodome. The honorary degree is one of the university’s highest recognitions, awarded for exceptional service, leadership and contributions to society.
A native of Ada, Minnesota, Offerdahl started and sold businesses and invested in numerous startups and real estate throughout his life. His career included working at Control Data, and as the founder, president and CEO of Zycad.
He served on the board of DIGI International, Advanced Respiratory and Sierra Sciences. He currently serves on the Board of Directors at RxFunction.
Always an engineer, Offerdahl's success in business ventures has now turned to philanthropy and supporting his alma mater. In October 2023, Offerdahl and his wife, Linda, established the Offerdahl Faculty Fellowship in the department of microbiological sciences. Barney Geddes, assistant professor in the department, is the fellowship holder.
In 2024, the Offerdahls made a historic $25 million gift to what is now known as the Richard Offerdahl '65 Engineering Complex, the largest private donation ever made in support of an academic building at NDSU. Now in its final stages of construction, the complex represents a transformative investment in the future of engineering education and research. Purposefully designed to put engineering on display, the facility brings together state-of-the-art labs, collaborative learning environments and flexible research spaces that support hands-on discovery, interdisciplinary teamwork and industry engagement. Starting this fall, the complex will serve as a dynamic hub for students, faculty and partners, elevating the student experience, strengthening research capacity and continuing NDSU’s legacy as a leader in engineering.
“Education is the best investment we can make in the next generation,” Offerdahl said. “Giving back to NSDU is a way of showing gratitude for the investment they made in me. We are pleased with the stewardship that NSDU has shown to our gifts.”
"Richard Offerdahl represents the very best of NDSU engineering, a career defined by bold innovation, entrepreneurial success and a profound, lasting commitment to his roots,” said Alan Kallmeyer, dean of the College of Engineering. “While his professional achievements in the industry are truly remarkable, his legacy at our university is being written through his visionary generosity. The Richard Offerdahl '65 Engineering Complex will stand for generations as a testament to his belief in our students and his desire to empower the next generation of innovators. We are incredibly proud to celebrate his transformative impact on our college and our community with this well-deserved honorary doctorate."
Richard and Linda Offerdahl have four grown children: Scott, Nicole, Kirk and Katelyn.