Crafted with Purpose
Vikki Bleise Honors Her Father Don Bleise's '48 Impact Through an Endowed Scholarship from an IRA.
For more than 40 years, Don Bleise, '48 Architectural Drafting & Estimating Technology, made an impact in the Minnesota lumber industry. From his early years at National Lumber Company, to sourcing millwork for Shaw/Stewart Lumber Co., Bleise was well known, and well respected.
And his legacy will now live on at Dunwoody.
Don's daughter Victoria Bleise is honoring her father's memory and legacy by establishing The Bleise Family Endowed Scholarship Fund in his name. The scholarship will be awarded to a student(s) enrolled in the Bachelor of Architecture program with a demonstrated need for financial assistance. Victoria is making the gift by establishing Dunwoody as the sole beneficiary of an IRA.
Don grew up in St. Paul and enlisted in the Navy during World War II, where his service to our country took him nearly around the world. After retiring from active duty, he returned home and decided to pursue his interest in architecture.
He attended Dunwoody, and after graduating, worked and became part owner of National Lumber Company. After closing that business, he went on to sell lumber and building materials for Kindem Millwork. The later years of his career were in commercial millwork for Shaw/Stewart.
Besides a successful career in the industry, Don was also active in two professional lumber associations: the Mississippi Valley Lumber, Sash & Door Sales Association and the International Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo, serving as president in 1966 and being recognized as Lumberman of the Year in 1977. He also served as Hoo-Hoo Secretary-Treasurer over a span of more than 25 years.
Don's interest in architecture and millwork went beyond his professional life. He even built the family home – and years later had it moved to its current location in St. Paul. Victoria, who now resides in the home her father built, said that when she remodeled the home, the construction workers were in awe of the craftsmanship.
Victoria said that when her father passed away the only request in his will was donating to the Mississippi Valley Association, which provides scholarship support to a Dunwoody student each year. But Victoria wanted to take that request a step further and established the endowed fund.
She said her father would be embarrassed by the named gift – but she also knows he would be proud to know he was helping future generations of Dunwoody students achieve their dreams.
