Jackson Dinsdale, a talented student-artist from Grand Island, Nebraska, who died in 2014, left a legacy that continues to benefit students at Hastings College.
The College announced today that it has received a grant of more than $430,000 from the Jackson Dinsdale Endowed Fund, a donor-advised fund held at the Grand Island Community Foundation and administered by Dinsdale’s parents, Kim and Tom Dinsdale. This is the first of what will be an annual disbursement from the fund to Hastings College, according to Melissa DeLaet, chief executive officer of the Foundation.
The grant will be used to support all facets of a Hastings College education, including scholarships and specialized student experiences, as well as programming in the Jackson Dinsdale Art Center, which was dedicated in 2016 and funded, in part, by a $5 million legacy leadership gift from Dinsdale’s estate.
“Jackson discovered his passion for art at Hastings College and thrived under the mentorship of his professors,” said Kim Dinsdale, chair of the Hastings College Foundation Board of Directors. “The Jackson Dinsdale Endowed Fund will benefit the College and all students for years to come while perpetuating Jackson’s generous spirit and desire to serve others.”
Dinsdale graduated in 2010 from Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, Missouri, an experience that developed his leadership skills and commitment to public service. He was the youngest person ever to establish a donor-advised fund at the Grand Island Community Foundation. Jackson aspired to become a police officer and volunteered his time with the Central Nebraska Humane Society.
“In life Jackson was a testament to the energy and passion that legacy giving embodies across all ages,” DeLaet said. “Though young, he was wise and compassionate beyond his years, and we are honored to be able to assist Kim and Tom as they continue his legacy.”
Dinsdale was completing a major in studio art at Hastings College and enjoyed metal sculpture and glassblowing. He advocated for improved art facilities at the College and helped secure a leadership gift for that purpose. Hastings College awarded Dinsdale an honorary degree, posthumously.
“Jackson was a kind and thoughtful young man who acted decisively when he saw a need,” said Gary Freeman, executive director of the Hastings College Foundation. “Grants from the Jackson Dinsdale Endowed Fund reflect his sense of purpose by focusing on projects that address top priorities across campus.”
Hastings College is a private, four-year institution located in Hastings, Nebraska, that focuses on student academic and extracurricular achievement. With more than 60 majors and 15 pre-professional programs, Hastings College has been named among “Great Schools, Great Prices” by U.S. News & World Report and a “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review. For more, go to hastings.edu.
The Grand Island Community Foundation was established in 1960, with the mission to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Central Nebraska and assist donors in realizing their charitable goals. Accredited by the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, the Foundation currently manages $21 million in assets and has helped establish hundreds of charitable funds over the past 55 years. Each year the Foundation serves hundreds of donors through individual, family and corporate legacy funds. To keep up with the latest happenings at the Foundation, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. The Grand Island Community Foundation is located in the Great Western Centre Building at 1811 West 2nd Street, Suite 365, Grand Island, Nebraska. For general information, call 308-381-7767 or visit www.gicf.org.
