Lyle Terveen '63 and Elaine Ramsey Terveen '73
Crossing paths at the University of Sioux Falls when he was a senior and she was a freshman, Lyle Terveen '63 and Elaine Ramsey Terveen '73 began dating a few years later when he was working as a business manager at the University and she was finishing her degree in education. Married in 1968, the couple made their home in Sioux Falls, where their lives continued to intersect with the University.
While her primary job was that of mother and grandmother, Elaine also worked outside the home, including positions in the admissions and development offices at USF. Although she lost her battle with cancer in 2013, Elaine's presence at the University will continue to be felt by those benefiting from her thoughtful estate gifts.
Active alumni and faithful supporters of USF, Lyle and Elaine shared the belief that you become part of a family there. "It's a small school where you can connect with faculty and friends easily," Lyle says.
He and Elaine enjoyed attending a variety of student and alumni events on campus and were proud to watch two of their children graduate from their alma mater. Elaine served on the alumni board and was president of the USF Women's Board for many years, working diligently to bring alumni and community members together to perpetuate the strong Christian education that she and Lyle believed is fundamental for today's young adults.
To support the University's mission, Lyle and Elaine have made annual donations to the school for decades. Last year, Elaine reaffirmed her commitment to USF through a bequest in her will. It was important to her that her gifts reflected her passion for uniting alumni and furthering the University, so she crafted her will with this in mind. She specifically designated gifts to the Women's Board and to the funding of an event that will focus on gathering alumni and encouraging them to propel the University forward.
"Elaine had a tender spot in her heart for the alumni and the University," Lyle says. "She wanted to recognize and remember them."
