HURON — The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) recently presented Huron University Foundation with the Christen-Larson Heritage Circle award.

“Huron University Foundation has been committed to supporting Huron area graduates by making accredited post-secondary educational opportunities available through Huron Community Campus, and we are honored to be a part of their work in creating a sustainable funding source for their efforts,” said Stephanie Judson, SDCF President & CEO.

Even though Huron College/University closed its doors in 2005, the Huron University Foundation remains intact and continues to support 125-150 college students each semester at Huron Community Campus in obtaining college credits, certificates, undergraduate degrees, and master’s degrees from accredited post- secondary educational institutions.

“The Foundation facilitates tuition rates that are up to 80% less than tuition charged for classes held by these universities on their home campuses,” said Marilyn Hoyt, Huron University Foundation secretary and current SDCF Board Member. “The Foundation’s endowment with SDCF allows most undergraduate courses to be offered at only $40 per credit hour, while master’s degree courses are typically $150 hour.”

The Huron University Foundation was organized and incorporated in 1982 exclusively as a non-profit educational and charitable corporation for the benefit and purposes of Huron College/University and the students. The Foundation is the guardian of the permanent endowment fund of the college.

The Christen-Larson Heritage Circle honors two very important families in the evolution and continued growth of the South Dakota Community Foundation. Paul and the late Muffy Christen championed growth and sustainability in the communities in which they owned and operated banks.

Dale Larson and his late wife, Pat, have quietly supported some of South Dakota’s greatest philanthropic endeavors for decades. Both couples have instilled the spirit of generosity in their daughters to continue to support charitable organizations and programs that help meet basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter and education.