John and Ann Collier

Ann and John Collier are a great example of that mystery. The Colliers are among USF's most generous donors, yet the couple didn't attend college at USF. In fact, Ann and John came to campus for the first time in 1999, three years after their retirement from distinguished careers on the east coast.

During that visit, they saw why USF was a special place for John's mother, Mary Collier Baker. Ironically, Mary didn't graduate from USF either, though she claimed Sioux Falls College as her alma mater.

"My mother graduated from Des Moines University, which was a private Baptist college," explains John. "When the university closed, student records were relocated to Sioux Falls College. Years later, the president of Sioux Falls College invited my mother to visit. She fell in love with the campus and was thrilled when they asked her to be on the board of trustees. Her husband, Raymond Baker, developed an affinity for USF as well, and the school became one of their favorite charitable causes."

After Raymond and Mary passed away, the Colliers inherited stock from Pioneer Hi-Bred International where Raymond served as director of corn breeding. They felt called to gift part of that inheritance to USF to help fund various projects, including the construction of Mary Collier Baker Hall. The apartment-style residence hall stands as a permanent reminder of Mary's commitment to USF.

In 2000, John was invited to join the USF Board of Trustees and continues to serve on the board today.

"It is such an honor to serve this University," he says. "We are Christians and like the fact that USF is authentically Christian, with strong values and great leadership." In 2023, the Colliers were awarded USF's Perisho Award for altruistic Christian leadership and service. The couple traveled to Sioux Falls from their home in Mukilteo, Washington, to receive the award.

"We really enjoy Sioux Falls. Visiting the USF campus is always energizing and we have great friends here," says John. "Receiving the Perisho Award was special not just for us, but for my mother and Raymond as well."