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I suppose this topic could start in "Around South Dakota, but I thought it might better fit here. Moderators I am sure will adjust accordingly. Its about Ted Muenster retiring from USD. It talks about USD mostly. Muenster is described by the Argus as the President of the Foundation. I am not sure but I believe Executive Director of the USD Foundation is a more fitting job description. It includes a few quotes from David Marquart of SDSU Foundation, who I believe is offically the Executive Director. The difference is that that Executive Director is a full time employee and the President, is elected by the board of directors. None-the-less some feelings of Muenster and his preception of athletics pops out.
LINK
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs...707160328/1001
Move to Division I prompts changes
USD Foundation's leader to step back
By Melanie Brandert
mbrander@argusleader.com
Published: July 16, 2007
The University of South Dakota Foundation's president, who recently completed a record fundraising campaign, will step away from full-time duties Jan. 1.
Ted Muenster, who has held his position for 10 years, said he will switch to part-time status in another area of the foundation for at least three years and then retire.
Through the years, Muenster has been prominent in Democratic politics in South Dakota, acting as former Gov. Richard Kneip's chief of staff and campaigning for the U.S. Senate in 1990 against former Sen. Larry Pressler. He also was a partner in a public opinion and market research firm before taking his job with the foundation.
USD's eventual move to Division I athletics appeared to play a role in the move Muenster said the foundation has a new athletic fundraising emphasis.
"There should be someone with more experience with athletic fundraising," he said.
The foundation hired David Herbster as new athletic development director. He started two months ago, but one person cannot do the job, Muenster said. The entire organization must be involved.
Muenster says athletics are overemphasized, and he hopes that athletics will not overshadow academic fundraising.
"Once you're in Division I competition, pressure mounts to win, and financial pressures are greater. We'll have to see how it all plays out," he said.
Muenster's decision comes about two months after the foundation announced it set a state university record of nearly $134 million for Campaign South Dakota, an eight-year campaign to raise money for academic scholarships, buildings and academic programs, faculty support and general use.
Though rumors abound that health issues might have factored into Muenster's decision, he said that's not the case.
"This was decided over a year ago," Muenster said. "It is not a new thing - the board and executive committee have known."
Although, Muenster laughingly said, "The job can drive you nuts."
Paying for sports
USD President Jim Abbott praised Muenster.
(Read More)
LINK
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs...707160328/1001
Move to Division I prompts changes
USD Foundation's leader to step back
By Melanie Brandert
mbrander@argusleader.com
Published: July 16, 2007
The University of South Dakota Foundation's president, who recently completed a record fundraising campaign, will step away from full-time duties Jan. 1.
Ted Muenster, who has held his position for 10 years, said he will switch to part-time status in another area of the foundation for at least three years and then retire.
Through the years, Muenster has been prominent in Democratic politics in South Dakota, acting as former Gov. Richard Kneip's chief of staff and campaigning for the U.S. Senate in 1990 against former Sen. Larry Pressler. He also was a partner in a public opinion and market research firm before taking his job with the foundation.
USD's eventual move to Division I athletics appeared to play a role in the move Muenster said the foundation has a new athletic fundraising emphasis.
"There should be someone with more experience with athletic fundraising," he said.
The foundation hired David Herbster as new athletic development director. He started two months ago, but one person cannot do the job, Muenster said. The entire organization must be involved.
Muenster says athletics are overemphasized, and he hopes that athletics will not overshadow academic fundraising.
"Once you're in Division I competition, pressure mounts to win, and financial pressures are greater. We'll have to see how it all plays out," he said.
Muenster's decision comes about two months after the foundation announced it set a state university record of nearly $134 million for Campaign South Dakota, an eight-year campaign to raise money for academic scholarships, buildings and academic programs, faculty support and general use.
Though rumors abound that health issues might have factored into Muenster's decision, he said that's not the case.
"This was decided over a year ago," Muenster said. "It is not a new thing - the board and executive committee have known."
Although, Muenster laughingly said, "The job can drive you nuts."
Paying for sports
USD President Jim Abbott praised Muenster.
(Read More)
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