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Firsts and Lasts

By Bruce Blumer

In the work of the Foundation, we deal with many firsts and lasts. I look forward to a lot of firsts with the USF Foundation. The first time we meet people and understand their interests. The first time we connect donors to the students or professors or programs. Firsts are important. Think about your other firsts.

The first time you rode a bike (my brother pushed me down a hill and forgot to tell me how to turn or stop). First girlfriend: name and address withheld. First car: light blue '65 Plymouth Valiant. First real job: grocery stocker. First teaching job: sixth grade in Kimball, South Dakota. First house, first child, first...you can name your own. Firsts make an impact.

But lasts are also important. What legacy will we leave for our family? What legacy will we leave for the ministries and organizations we care about? What will your USF legacy be? Lasts make an impact.

Here's a first glimpse at me. I started as an educator, teacher and principal in several schools. I worked in the Education Department and was VP for Academic Affairs at Dakota Wesleyan University. I decided to make a move into the development world and spent the last 11 years as the Executive Director for the Dakotas United Methodist Foundation.

My wife, Sharon, and I are excited about coming to the University of Sioux Falls. She will be an administrative assistant in the Education Department. Both our sons are USF grads—Aaron and Jen (with our adorable granddaughter and one due in December) are here in Sioux Falls. Ian and his fiancé, Ang, are in San Diego.

We have been quite involved in Haiti and established a small nonprofit to help in the areas of school scholarships, health care and women/children/elderly. Our ministry is on the island of LaGonave, just off the coast of the mainland. I also enjoy writing and have started a random reflection blog.

Connect With USF

We are going to go through firsts and lasts together. There are ways to connect to USF whether it's your first time or you're a long-time friend. If you are interested in ways to give or ways to develop your USF legacy, please contact me at 605-331-6813 or [email protected].