Owl Legacy Foundation: Celebrating 125 Years of Brotherhood
Owl Legacy Foundation: Celebrating 125 Years of Brotherhood
Join us for a historic milestone celebration honoring 125 years of the Owl Legacy Foundation. October 15–16, 2026, during Homecoming Weekend, we’ll gather to celebrate our heritage, strengthen our bonds, and launch bold new initiatives for the future.
As of Q4 2025, our master plan is progressing well, and here’s the complete weekend schedule:
- Event Dates: October 9-10, 2026
- Friday, October 9:
- 4:00-6:00 PM: Suite Shots Fargo (3 adjoining bays, $570 total, inquiry submitted)
- 6:30-9:00 PM: After-party at Steve Carr’s Garage
- Saturday, October 10:
- 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Homecoming Tailgate at MSU Nemzek Parking Lot
- Main Event Venue: Barry Auditorium (pending confirmation)
- Accommodation: Hotel block for 15 rooms secured at Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead.
- Website: Our draft website is now live at owllegacy.devsharma.info.
- Next Meeting: November 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM CT via Zoom.
A Weekend to Remember
Our 125th Anniversary Celebration brings together generations of Owls for two unforgettable days of connection, celebration, and community impact on October 9-10, 2026. This milestone event marks more than a century of brotherhood and sets the stage for our next chapter.
Friday, October 9: Suite Shots Fargo Social & After-Party
Join us for networking with golf bays at Suite Shots Fargo from 4:00-6:00 PM, followed by an after-party at Steve Carr’s Garage from 6:30-9:00 PM.
Saturday, October 10: Main Celebration
6:00–10:00 PM at Barry Auditorium (pending confirmation) featuring dinner, history tribute video, keynote address, and initiative launches. $50/person ($25 students)
Friday Night: Suite Shots Fargo Social & Fundraiser
Event Highlights
Kick off the weekend with casual networking in a fun, engaging atmosphere at Suite Shots Fargo. We have secured 3 adjoining bays for alumni to connect while enjoying friendly competition (total cost $570, inquiry submitted).
- Appetizers and 2 drink tickets included
- Exclusive Owl 125 commemorative swag
- Silent auction launch with in-person and online bidding
- AV display for welcome loop and auction items
Time: 4:00–6:00 PM (Suite Shots) & 6:30–9:00 PM (After-party at Steve Carr’s Garage)
Ticket Price: $75/person (Early Bird: $65)
Friday Night: After-Party at Steve Carr's Garage
Keep the good times rolling as we transition from Suite Shots to Steve Carr’s legendary “pimped out” garage for a truly unique after-party experience!
Rager Ready!
A fun and casual atmosphere for continued networking and brotherhood.
Unique Venue
Experience Steve Carr’s incredible custom garage (pending confirmation).
Auction Continues
In-person and online bidding for the silent auction is still open!
Party Time!
Join us from 6:30-9:00 PM for drinks and camaraderie.
Homecoming Tailgate:
Fueling Owl Spirit!
Kick off the main celebration weekend in true Owl style at our official 125th Anniversary Tailgate Party! Join us before the MSU Homecoming football game for a vibrant gathering of generations, building excitement and camaraderie.
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Date & Time
Saturday, October 10th.2026
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Location
MSU Nemzek Parkting Log
(Adjacent to the stadium)
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Activities
Food trucks, live music, cornhole & lawn games, family fun zone, and exclusive Owl merchandise!
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Connect
Mingle with alumni, current students, and families. Fuel your spirit before cheering on the Owls at the Homecoming game!
Saturday, October 10, 2026: Main Anniversary Celebration
The centerpiece of our 125th celebration takes place at the Barry Auditorium (pending confirmation), bringing together 125 Owls for an evening of reflection, recognition, and forward-looking vision. This formal program honors our past while featuring a keynote speaker and the Honorary Owl presentation, and launching initiatives that will shape our future.
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6:00 PM: Welcome Reception
Registration, networking, and welcome toast to kick off the evening
7:00 PM: Dinner Program
Formal program with history video premiere and keynote address
7:45 PM: Memorial Tribute
9:15 PM: Honorary Owl Presentation
8:30 PM: Initiative Launch & Live Auction
6:00 PM: Welcome Reception
Registration, networking, and welcome toast to kick off the evening
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7:00 PM: Dinner Program
Formal program with history video premiere and keynote address
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7:45 PM: Memorial Tribute
A heartfelt remembrance of brothers who have passed, featuring a moment of silence and shared memories
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8:30 PM: Initiative Launch & Live Auction
30-minute segment featuring new initiative introductions and live auction
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9:15 PM: Honorary Owl Presentation
Presentation of prestigious Honorary Owl award and closing remarks
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Planning Committee: Making It Happen
A dedicated team of Owl leaders is coordinating every detail to ensure our 125th celebration reflects the excellence and brotherhood our foundation represents. Each member brings specialized expertise to create an unforgettable experience.
Mike Sullivan
Chair
Overall leadership, programming, keynote speaker selection, event website development (owl125.com draft)
Donn Groth
MSUM Liaison
University coordination and campus relationships
Mike Rein
Finance Lead
Budget oversight, sponsorship packages, hotel block coordination (Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead)
Susie Mattson
Chief Get-er-Done Gal
Design support, silent auction materials, program printing
Marjie Rufer
Silent auction lead, decor coordination, donor recognition
Dave Velaski
Memorabilia curation, historical archives, heritage displays
Dave Ustanko
Site Management, Vendor selection and Coordination
Charles Hinton
History video production, alumni interviews, storytelling
Key Milestones: From Planning to Celebration
Success requires careful coordination across multiple workstreams. Our timeline ensures every detail receives the attention it deserves, from securing venues through final program printing.
Q4 2025: Current Status & Foundations
New event dates: October 9-10, 2026. Friday venue secured: Suite Shots Fargo (3 adjoining bays, $570 total, inquiry submitted) from 4:00-6:00 PM, followed by an after-party at Steve Carr's Garage (6:30-9:00 PM). Saturday main event planned for Barry Auditorium (pending confirmation). Next committee meeting: November 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM CT (Zoom) .
Q1 2026: Key Infrastructure
Hotel block secured: 15 rooms at Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead. Event website launched: owl125.com (draft). Finalize sponsorship packages and budget.
Q2 2026: Content Development
Design 125th T-shirt, produce history video, finalize keynote speaker and program details.
Q3 2026: Execution Readiness
Launch silent auction online, print programs and signage, final logistics coordination.
October 2026: Celebration!
Execute flawless weekend celebration for 125 attendees on October 9-10, 2026.
Digital Excellence: Our 125th Anniversary Brand
Event Website
The dedicated digital hub at owl125.com is now live (draft version). It serves as the central platform for registration, schedule information, sponsorship opportunities, and our foundation’s rich history. The site integrates live silent auction functionality, making it easy for alumni near and far to participate.
Owner: Mike Sullivan
Target Launch: March 2026
125th Anniversary Branding
A comprehensive branding guide, featuring our vintage owl logo and “125 Years of Brotherhood” motif, will be developed. This will be applied across various commemorative merchandise, including limited-edition t-shirts, and will serve as a consistent visual identity for the anniversary celebration.
Owner: Dave Velaski
Branding Guide Complete: February 2026
Heritage Video Premiere
Charles Hinton will produce a compelling 5–7 minute history video showcasing archival photos, alumni interviews, and the evolution of our initiatives. This emotional centerpiece will premiere during Saturday’s dinner program, scheduled for October 10, 2026, connecting past achievements to our future vision.
Owner: Charles Hinton
Premiere Date: October 2026
Commemorative Owl History Book
A beautifully designed commemorative book will chronicle the rich history of our organization, featuring archival photographs, untold stories from alumni, and a retrospective on key milestones. This limited-edition publication will be available for purchase at the event and online, serving as a lasting tribute to our legacy.
Owner: Mike Sullivan / Bo Boerner
Publication Date: October 2026
Photo Gallery Update Initiative
This initiative aims to enrich our digital photo gallery and create compelling physical displays for the 125th ceremony, visually narrating our foundation’s vibrant history.
Collect & Digitize
Launch targeted Facebook and email campaigns to solicit historical photos from alumni. Digitize, categorize, and archive all received submissions to preserve our legacy.
Owner: Dave Velaski
Timeline: Q4 2025
Curate & Design
Select the most impactful photos for both the updated website gallery and the physical displays. Design engaging layouts and narratives for the ceremony’s opening exhibition.
Owner: Dave Velaski
Timeline: Q4 2025
Integrate & Showcase
Charles Hinton will produce a Update the official event website (now live as a draft at owl125.com) with the curated photo gallery, ensuring easy access for all alumni. Coordinate production and installation of physical displays for the 125th Anniversary Celebration ceremony.
Owner: Dave Velaski
Timeline: Q4 2025 – October 2026
These visual elements will be integrated into the welcome area and throughout the Barry Auditorium during the main celebration, offering attendees a walk through history.
Memorial Tribute: Honoring Our Fallen Brothers
As we gather to celebrate our 125th anniversary on October 9-10, 2026, we dedicate a special moment to remember and honor the brothers who have passed, leaving an indelible mark on our fraternity.
Reflective Space
A beautifully arranged memorial table will feature cherished photographs, symbolic candles, and items of remembrance, creating a sacred space for quiet contemplation and honor during the main event at Barry Auditorium (pending confirmation).
Dedicated Ceremony Segment
Our Saturday evening program on October 10, 2026, will include a heartfelt remembrance segment, allowing us to collectively honor our fallen brothers through shared memories and a moment of silence.
To ensure a comprehensive and meaningful tribute, we are actively collecting information and memories from our community. Our current status is Q4 2025.
Q4 2025 – Q1 2026: Information Gathering
Outreach to families and alumni to collect names, photos, and brief anecdotes of brothers who have passed.
Q1 – Q2 2026: Content Curation
Compile and organize all submitted memorial information, ensuring accuracy and a respectful presentation.
Q2 – Q3 2026: Display & Program Integration
Finalize the design of the memorial table and integrate tribute content into the Saturday evening ceremony program.
Fundraising Goals: Investing in Our Future
The 125th Anniversary Celebration represents both a milestone and a springboard. Our comprehensive fundraising approach combines ticket sales, silent auction proceeds, and tiered sponsorships to support current operations and fuel new initiatives.
Our ticket sales goal is based on 125 attendees × $50 = $6,250.
- Sponsorships
- Silent Auction
- Ticket Sales
- Gifts from Brothers
- Corporate Donations
Gifts from Brothers are estimated based on 125 attendees: 20% donating $50 (25 × $50 = $1,250), 10% donating $100 (13 × $100 = $1,300), and 3% donating $500 (4 × $500 = $2,000), totaling $4,550. Corporate Donations are assumed to be $8,000.
Ticket Sales: $6,250
Revenue generated from 125 attendees purchasing tickets for the event.
Silent Auction: $15,000
Funds raised through bids on exclusive items and experiences during the event.
Gifts from Brothers: $4,550
Direct contributions from alumni, estimated based on tiered donation amounts.
Corporate Donations: $8,000
Financial support provided by corporate partners and organizations.
Sponsorships: $12,000
Revenue from tiered packages offering recognition and various benefits.
Total Fundraising Target: $45,800+ (net after event costs)
Launching Our Future: Bold New Initiatives
Our 125th anniversary isn’t just about celebrating history—it’s about building our future. We’ll use this platform to officially launch three transformative initiatives that will define the next chapter of the Owl Legacy Foundation. As of Q4 2025, these initiatives are actively in development and preparing for their official launch.
The Grit Institute
Premier leadership development program featuring exclusive alumni interviews and mentorship opportunities. A first interview teaser is currently in production and will debut at the celebration, offering attendees a glimpse into the wisdom and experiences of distinguished Owls.
Student Athlete Financial Initiative
Comprehensive support program providing financial literacy education, emergency assistance, and career transition resources for student athletes. This initiative addresses critical gaps in athlete welfare and post-college success, with curriculum development underway in Q4 2025.
Nemzek Award Expansion
Enhanced recognition program honoring outstanding contributions to the Owl Legacy Foundation. Planning for the 2026 award presentation is in progress, with expanded criteria and increased visibility for this prestigious honor being finalized in Q4 2025.
Initiative fliers are being prepared for distribution in welcome packets, and each program will be featured during Saturday’s main celebration on October 10, 2026. The full event details, including the Friday evening social at Suite Shots Fargo from 4:00-6:00 PM and after-party at Steve Carr’s Garage from 6:30-9:00 PM, and the Saturday main event at Barry Auditorium (pending confirmation) are available on the draft website at owl125.com. A hotel block with 15 rooms has been reserved at Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead, and the next planning meeting is scheduled for November 26, 2025, at 7:00 PM CT via Zoom.
Immediate Action Items
The journey to an exceptional 125th Anniversary Celebration begins now. Our immediate priorities focus on establishing the foundation for successful execution across all event elements, reflecting the new master plan dated November 13, 2025.
Schedule Kickoff Meeting
COMPLETED
The kickoff meeting was successfully held on November 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM CT via Zoom, establishing communication protocols, clarifying roles, approving the budget, and setting the next steps.
Create Anniversary Deck & Website
Lead: Donn & Mike S
Professional presentation showcasing vision, timeline, budget, and sponsorship opportunities for stakeholder engagement. Website is now live at owl125.com (draft).
Secure Key Venues & Accommodations
Q4 2025 Priority
Friday, October 9, 2026: Suite Shots Fargo (3 adjoining bays, $570 total, inquiry submitted) from 4:00-6:00 PM, plus 6:30-9:00 PM after-party at Steve Carr’s Garage.
Saturday, October 10, 2026: Barry Auditorium (pending confirmation). Hotel block: 15 rooms at Courtyard by Marriott Moorhead.
Let's make the 125th the biggest Owl event in decades.
This celebration honors our past, strengthens our present community, and invests in the future of the Owl Legacy Foundation. Together, we’ll create an unforgettable weekend that sets the standard for excellence and brotherhood for the next 125 years.