DSU Heritage Foundation unveils the DSU Hall of Fame, supported by former DSU Blue Hawk athlete Melani Lowman Walton & Rob Walton

DICKINSON, N.D. - Oct. 5, 2021 - PRLog -- The DSU Heritage Foundation, in partnership with the Dickinson State University Athletics Department, kicked off Homecoming Week with the unveiling of a permanent installation for the DSU Hall of Fame supported by Melani Lowman Walton and Rob Walton.

The DSU Hall of Fame installation features digital kiosks in May Hall, Scott Gymnasium, and the Biesiot Athletics Center that host a comprehensive digital archive of DSU Athletics. The kiosk collection can also be accessed worldwide from any connected device. Display cases highlighting individual sports and showcasing memorabilia from former teams and athletes, including 1930's memorabilia from the collection of Dr. William Doering, donated by his family. TMI Systems sponsored a display featuring Olympian and DSU Alumni, Ramon Miller.

"The DSU Heritage Foundation strives to preserve the accomplishments of our alumni, and any chance that we have to highlight their success on the DSU campus is welcomed.  We thank Melani Lowman Walton, her husband Rob Walton, and the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation and the donors that made this project come to fruition," Ty Orton, Executive Director, DSU Heritage Foundation. "We greatly appreciate their commitment and dedication to preserving our Blue Hawk history."

"For decades, Blue Hawk athletes have worked hard in competition, in our community, and in our classrooms. There has been a long tradition of success in Blue Hawk athletics. Thanks to our partners and supporting donors, we now have the opportunity to preserve individual athlete and team legacies." Pete Stanton, Athletic Director, Dickinson State University.

"In addition to commemorating outstanding athletic achievements, the Hall of Fame is an opportunity to reflect on the things we learn through sport – perseverance, service to others, and leadership," said Melani Lowman Walton, philanthropist, multiple record holder at Dickinson State University and DSU Hall of Fame inductee.  "The DSU Heritage Foundation continues to excel at bringing partners together to support important projects like the DSU Hall of Fame."

The Dickinson State University Hall of Fame installation was designed by Eleven Fifty-Seven (Sidney, Ohio), installation components were designed and built by Quality Quick Print (Dickinson, North Dakota). The digital kiosk, managed by Rocket Alumni Solutions, components were compiled by DSU student workers at the DSU Heritage Foundation. It will be available for public viewing and interaction during the Homecoming Game festivities.

The DSU Heritage Foundation focuses on providing scholarships for DSU students, and long-term support for DSU programs through endowments, long-term support, and donations from Dickinson State University supporters.  To date, the DSU Heritage Foundation has raised over $21 million dollars, and has awarded over $4 million dollars in scholarships.  During the 2021-22 academic year, the foundation will award $1.1 million in scholarships to DSU students.
For more information: DSUHeritageFoundation.org

Dickinson State University is a regional comprehensive institution within the North Dakota University System, whose primary role is to contribute to intellectual, social, economic, and cultural development, especially to Southwestern North Dakota.
For more information: DickinsonState.edu

Rob and Melani Walton Foundation (RMWF): The mission of the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation is to elevate people, planet, and purpose by changing what people feel is possible and know is doable. The Rob and Melani Walton Foundation seeks partners who focus on the essential and interconnected elements of sustaining life, advancing all forms of knowledge, promoting understanding of healing, and increasing the sustainability of people and our planet.

While graduating magna cum laude and earning multiple degrees at Dickinson State University, RMWF co-founder Melani Lowman Walton was a standout athlete in basketball and track & field. She was inducted into the DSU Athletic Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility. Melani received national honors multiple years as an All-American in academics, basketball, and track & field. Melani is also a recipient of the prestigious Young Hawk Award which recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding DSU graduates.