Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota, and the DSU Heritage Foundation have announced a $10 million gift from the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation in support of the Theodore Roosevelt Center.

The largest gift in the university’s history will enable the center to expand its digitization and archiving efforts of Theodore Roosevelt-related materials, develop the center’s website and other digital communications, and enhance programming for K-16 classrooms. In addition, the gift will establish a chair to facilitate the study of Roosevelt’s life, achievements, legacy, and historical reputation. Since its launch in 2009, the center has digitized more than seventy thousand Roosevelt-related items.

Dickinson State University alumna Melani (Lowman) Walton, who grew up near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park in Montana, was a standout athlete at the college, participating in basketball and track and field. She was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

“We appreciate the rare opportunity to both enhance our students’ education and offer a gift of learning to the world, and we couldn’t be more energized to continue this important work,” said DSU president Steve Easton. “This generous gift from Rob and Melani Walton provides long-term financial stability and the ability to realize our vision for the Theodore Roosevelt Center.”

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