News Highlights

Glen, Becky Taylor named Philanthropists of the Year

At annual Gala ceremony

Minnesota State Mankato graduate Glen Taylor and his wife Becky have been named 'Philanthropists of the Year.'

2008-09-17
Minnesota State University, Mankato Media Relations Office news release [9/12/2008]

Minnesota Timberwolves owner and business executive Glen Taylor and his wife Becky have been named "Philanthropists of the Year" at Taylor's alma mater, Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The Taylors received the award Sept. 12 at the annual Foundation Gala - a black-tie banquet and ceremony honoring friends of the university. The event also commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation, and its second-highest fundraising year.

The Philanthropist of the Year Award is presented by the Foundation to those who have demonstrated exceptionally loyal and generous giving and support to Minnesota State Mankato.

"For many years Glen Taylor has been an outstanding friend and generous benefactor to Minnesota State University, Mankato students and to the entire state," said Minnesota State Mankato President Richard Davenport. "The generosity of Glen and Becky, the Taylor Corporation and the Taylor Family Foundation has elevated several university programs to national prominence.

"Glen and Becky know the importance of giving back. They are true purple-and-gold enthusiasts, and we are deeply grateful for their friendship."

On Friday night the Taylors' many contributions were recognized by Davenport, by Minnesota State Colleges & Universities Chancellor James H. McCormick and his wife, Dr. Maryan G. McCormick, and by Foundation President Tami Paulsen.

Glen Taylor, a 1962 graduate of Minnesota State Mankato, has given millions of dollars to the University for endowed scholarships, doctoral fellowships, endowed faculty chairs, a new nursing institute, the Taylor Center athletic building and numerous building renovation projects.

Taylor family and foundation contributions to Minnesota State Mankato over the years include:

• $7 million to the School of Nursing recently for an endowed faculty chair, a nursing institute and doctoral fellowships in nursing. It is the first endowed faculty chair at Minnesota State Mankato.
• The naming gift for construction of the Taylor Center athletic and admissions facility.
• Support for Presidential Scholarships and other scholarships.
• Renovation of three food science laboratories into state-of-the-art facilities for dietetics, food and nutrition and food science technology teaching and learning, as well as an endowment to support the program.
• A fund to help hurricane-displaced students attend Minnesota State Mankato or South Central College after the 2005 Hurricane Katrina disaster.

Taylor is chairman of the multinational Taylor Corporation, based in Mankato. He earned a bachelor of science degree in 1962 from what was then Mankato State University, and attended Harvard School of Business.

In the 1960s, while a student, Taylor worked at Carlson Wedding Service, a print shop specializing in formal invitations. After graduation he continued to work at the company, developing strategies to cut delivery time, improve service and expand offerings.

Taylor purchased the company in 1975, assembled a passionate leadership team, and dramatically expanded the firm's capabilities, growing it into one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Today Taylor Corporation, based in North Mankato, includes more than 100 subsidiaries providing business and personal communications products, technologies and services.

Taylor was a Minnesota state senator from 1980 to 1990, serving as assistant minority leader and minority leader. He is one of only three people to receive a Minnesota State Mankato honorary doctorate degree (the other two people are Lowell and Nadine Andreas).

Becky Taylor, a licensed practical nurse at a Mankato health-care center, received her nursing degree from South Central College in North Mankato. Her mother also was a nurse, as is her daughter.

In addition to honoring Glen and Becky Taylor, the Minnesota State University, Mankato Foundation cited KMSU-FM radio hosts as "Volunteers of the Year," and celebrated the second-highest fundraising year in its history. From July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, the Foundation received gifts and pledges of $12,358,843, according to Paulsen, who is secretary-treasurer of Paulsen Architects, Inc., Mankato.

Paulsen and Davenport also recognized many other generous Minnesota State Mankato donors from 2007-2008. The University's Concert Choir and the alumni group Ellis Street Singers, led by faculty emeritus Allen Wortman, provided entertainment.

Email this article | Permanent link | Topstories news | Topstories news archives