CHS Foundation Donates $250,000 to MSUN Auto/Diesel Center

Havre, Mont. - August 21, 2015 -Continuing its longstanding partnership with Montana State University-Northern, the CHS Foundation today, presented a check for $250,000 for use in Northern's new Auto/Diesel Technology Center. The presentation was made in front of hundreds of students and parents as the opening presentation to Northern's fall student orientation.

During a span of more than thirty years, CHS and the CHS Foundation have provided more than $75,000 in support of Northern students, namely through scholarships. Their most recent donation is the company's first investment in the physical campus and it shows a great commitment to Northern and its students. Many of Northern's agriculture, diesel, and business graduates go on to work for CHS, so this gift is an investment toward the futures of both Northern and CHS.

CHS Foundation Executive Director, William Nelson presented a $250,000 check from the CHS Foundation to MSU-Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel for Northern’s new Diesel Technology Building. (Photo:MSU Northern)

"The CHS Foundation is proud to partner with Montana State University-Northern on the Auto/Diesel Technology Center," said William Nelson, CHS Foundation president. "Our support will help attract new talent into MSU-Northern's diesel technology programs and equip them with the tools to be successful in their future careers."

The CHS Foundation is the major giving entity of CHS Inc., the nation's leading farmer-owned cooperative and a global energy, grains, and foods company. As a part of the CHS stewardship focus, the CHS Foundation supports education and leadership programs that invest in the future of agriculture, cooperative business, and rural America. The company's specific interest in, and support for, MSU-Northern proves they see Montana as a key area for investment and Northern as a key university to invest in.

"On behalf of the MSU-Northern Foundation, I would like to thank and acknowledge CHS Milk River's general manager, Ryan Lammers, for his instrumental work in securing this gift. A graduate of Northern himself, Lammers worked hard to help secure a bright future for current and prospective Northern students," MSU-Northern Foundation Executive Director, Jim Bennett, said.

The CHS Foundation donation represents forward motion for Northern, as the gift makes the launch of the building process possible. The university still needs donations for the total completion costs of the new Auto/Diesel Technology Center, but through the help of many donors and the recent support of the CHS Foundation it soon will break ground and erect solid structures in place of enduring dreams.

MSU-Northern's new Auto/Diesel Technology Center is designed in keeping with today's training techniques and will be equipped with the latest equipment and instrumentation, surpassing anything previously offered to the students. The proposed facility is 7,000 square feet larger than the existing structure, meets all code requirements, can incorporate future technological advances, and will attract and accommodate more students, allowing the school to grow one of its strongest and most vibrant programs.

MSU-Northern's Diesel Technology program is highly regarded throughout the diesel industry. This fall, Northern secured a record enrollment of 287 students for its diesel program. These are students who will help meet the forecasted workplace shortage of qualified technicians. Business and industry employers welcome growth in the number of students who wish to prepare for well-paying careers in diesel technology, and the future facility will help accommodate current and future needs for specialized classroom and laboratory space.

CHS Inc. (www.chsinc.com) is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers, and cooperatives across the United States. Diversified in energy, grains, and foods, CHS is committed to helping its customers, farmer-owners, and other stakeholders grow their businesses through its domestic and global operations. CHS, a Fortune 100 company, supplies energy, crop nutrients, grain marketing services, animal feed, food and food ingredients, along with business solutions including insurance, financial, and risk management services. The company operates petroleum refineries/pipelines and manufactures, markets, and distributes Cenex® brand refined fuels, lubricants, propane, and renewable energy products.

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PHOTO: CHS Foundation Executive Director, William Nelson presented a $250,000 check from the CHS Foundation to MSU-Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel for Northern’s new Diesel Technology Building.

Pictured (Left to Right)

· Michael Mavencamp, MSUN Student Senate President

· Tim Miller, Regional Director

· Randy Roeber, MSUN Student Senate Vice President

· Ryan Lammers, Milk River Co-op

· Dr. William Rugg, Provost MSU-Northern

· D.J. Baker, MSU-Northern Alumni Foundation Board Chairman

· William Nelson, Executive Director of CHS Foundation (left, holding check)

· Steven Don, Chair of MSUN College of Technical Sciences

· Greg Kegel, Chancellor MSU-Northern (righ, holding check)

· Robert Anderson, Director of Industry Initiatives

· Larry Strizich, Dean of the MSUN College of Technical Sciences