Donor Spotlight: Jean Guenther’s Lasting Impact on DSU Arts and Music

Jean Guenther has a deep passion for the music and arts at Dickinson State University (DSU). A lifelong North Dakota resident, Jean earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from North Dakota State University before moving to Dickinson in 1991. Though she never attended DSU full-time, Jean has been deeply connected to the university’s arts community through frequent visits to the DSU Art Gallery to view student and community paintings, sculptures, and other artwork, and attendance at concerts and plays.

Jean’s commitment to supporting the arts is well-known in Dickinson through her efforts as a piano teacher. When she experienced an increase in income, Jean started to look for a way to create an even larger impact and “felt donating to DSU Arts and Music was a good investment.” Jean believes the arts are vital, enriching the lives of students “in all areas’ from sports to business to academics. Reflecting on recent years, she acknowledges the challenges the pandemic brought to arts programming but is encouraged by the recovery and resilience shown since then.

Jean's long-standing support of music and art programs at DSU is a prime example of the impact a dedicated donor can make. Her commitment ensures that future generations of DSU students have access to the unique opportunities and memories that come from participating in the arts,” remarks Ty Orton, Executive Director of the DSU Heritage Foundation.

Jean continues to encourage DSU students to “say yes!” to music and arts opportunities by joining the band, choir, and theatre groups on campus. Her response to future music and arts patrons is the same, always ready to remind others that these programs are “very worthy.” Through her ongoing dedication, Jean continues to help sustain arts programs at Dickinson State University.

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Written by Sarah Griffis – DSU HF Content Writer