Donors of Distinction: Jim & Barb Vigen

All non-profit enterprises that have annual expenses and funding targets depend upon the donations of committed individuals and families who are motivated by the mission of the enterprise and are connected to its history.  This is most truly exemplified by the significant giving of Jim and Barb Vigen.  


Both Jim and Barb (Sticklemyer) grew up in the “old north side,” of East Grand Forks along North 1st Street.  They both attended school at Sacred Heart. He graduated in 1951 and Barb in 1952.  He attended the University of North Dakota, receiving a degree in Civil Engineering and served in the US Army from 1953-1955.  Barb graduated, attended Aaker’s Business College and worked for NSP in Grand Forks.  Barb’s memories of Sacred Heart are positive, vivid and fondly shared. 


 
In 1956 they married at Sacred Heart and started their family.  They had four children – Julie (Vigen) Yoney ‘76, Shari (Vigen) Johnson ‘81, Mike ‘75, and Jeff ‘82.  Mike passed too young in April of 2003.  Like their parents, the children attended and graduated from Sacred Heart School along with most of the grandchildren and now, great-grandchildren.  A review of contributions from the Vigen family displays a consistent generosity to Sacred Heart that has passed from generation to generation. 
      
Jim worked for the Don Floan Engineering company for twelve years before joining his father (Hover Vigen) in the construction business in 1969.  He became president of the company in 1975 and continued until his retirement in 1998.  His service to the community included membership in numerous civic groups, Citizen State Bank and the Sacred Heart School Board.  Success in business did not surpass the love that Jim and Barb shared with family, friends, community and Sacred Heart.  In 2011 Jim received the Lumen Christi Award.  Alas, he passed away on August 2, 2018 at the age of 84.  

While reflecting upon her life with Jim and their relationship to Sacred Heart, Barb was clear, unequivocal, and matter-of-fact.  She and Jim never thought of “not” giving to Sacred Heart.  As she noted, “It was what our parents did, what we were expected to do, and what we expect our family to do.  We grew up loving Sacred Heart.  We received a great academic and virtue-based education.  We were expected to give back.  We did because we should.  We did because we could.” 

Three Ways to Support Sacred Heart Students

1. Give to the Memorial Scholarship: A one time amount (below $5,000) can be gifted to the Memorial Scholarship fund in honor of an individual.
2. Contribute/start a Named Scholarship: A scholarship with a principle amount of $5,000 in an endowed fund can be dispersed on a yearly basis according to the criteria guidelines set forth by the donor. Establishing individuals will receive a notification each year indicating the fund balance and a thank you letter from the student awarded the scholarship.
3. Contribute/start an Endowment: New endowments require a minimum contribution of $5,000, or donors may contribute to one of the existing named endowments. These endowments distribute 4% of the growth in that endowment each year for the purpose(s) for which the endowment was created.

Give online at www.sacredheartegf.net/give or contact Dennis P. DeMers, Foundation Director 218-773-0877 or [email protected]rtegf.net.