The KMSU Auction is a way for Minot State Professional Communication students to apply their studies of broadcast production, public relations, and advertising.
The KMSU Auction was first designed to raise funds for the broadcasting department and was to run only one year. The idea was for students to go into the community, talk with area businesses, and ask for donated goods or services. These donated items would then be auctioned live from the broadcasting studio on the Minot State University campus. To the amazement of the department, the auction was a huge success.
Due to the positive feedback from the community and the excitement of students in the department, the success has elevated each year.
In 2011, history was made as the entire department worked to make a difference for the Minot community following the Souris River Flood that devastated thousands of residents and businesses. Local donors, many who were flooded themselves, still showed their support and a record number of items were collected. The students made the decision to donate 100% of the profits toward recovery efforts! After much discussion and brainstorming by the auction class, it was decided that they would ask flood victims to submit their personal stories from the flood and a committee would vote on a recipient to receive the funds. To everyone’s surprise, so much money was raised that the students were able to donate to five lucky families instead of just one and even awarded all the applicants with a monetary donation. Minot Automotive Center stepped up as a corporate sponsor and added another $10,000 to the $15,000 total raised by the auction.
From the first year making a few thousand dollars to 2011’s record profit of $28,000 the auction continues to grow and students continue to gain invaluable experience. Without the generous contributions from Minot businesses and beyond, this would not be possible.