Former BSU, NTC President Faith Hensrud donates Cadillac to BSU Foundation

The Bemidji Pioneer, Minn.
·2 min read

Jul. 2—BEMIDJI — Retired

Bemidji State

and

Northwest Technical College

President Faith Hensrud and her husband, Neil, recently donated their 1976 Cadillac Eldorado convertible to the BSU Foundation following

Hensrud's July 1 retirement.

A staple of BSU Homecoming parades throughout her six-year tenure, Hensrud's 2016 appointment was the same year that Neil acquired the car from his cousin.

"It was the perfect color for BSU with green and white," Neil said in a release. "When I bought the car, it was my intent all along that we donate it to the Foundation at the end of Faith's presidency."

The Cadillac is all original and sports a 500 cubic inch, overhead-valve V8 engine and Hydramatic transmission. It has been driven less than 49,000 miles.

"Neil has always collected cars, and the green and white Cadillac was a fun addition for parades and just driving around Bemidji," Hensrud said in the release.

The car was sold Monday, June 27, to John Puglisi of Puglisi Classico, LTD. Proceeds from the sale were donated to support priority needs for Beaver Athletics, and added to The Dr. Faith and Dr. Neil Hensrud Scholarship Endowment to benefit first-generation students.

"We are pleased to provide this support for Beaver Athletics and for BSU students through an endowed scholarship," Hensrud added.

Retired Athletic Director Tracy Dill

thanked the Hensruds for their ongoing support for Beaver Athletics and BSU student-athletes.

"The money raised will provide scholarship support for student-athletes and truly make an impact in the lives of our students," Dill said in the release. "Beaver Athletics appreciates this support from the Hensruds."

This is the second car the pair has donated to a university foundation having previously donated a Rolls Royce to the University of Wisconsin-Superior Foundation.

Josh Christianson, BSU's executive director of university advancement, said the donation demonstrates one of many creative ways donors can contribute to the Foundation.

"This contribution shows that there are many ways to support BSU students," Christianson said in the release. "We thank Faith and Neil for their steadfast support of our students and wish them both endless happiness in their next adventures."