Grand View University Receives $200,000 Gift from the Danish American Club, Inc

October 23, 2026

Grand View University has received a $200,000 gift from the Danish American Club, Inc. The gift reflects the relationships that demonstrate the deep bond between the university and the Danish American community it has called home since 1896.

The Danish American Club, located in Greenwich, Connecticut, was founded in 1901 and has spent more than 125 years serving as a unifying presence in its community, offering social, cultural and charitable support to generations of Danish immigrants and their descendants. The Club's history of investing in people and community institutions made Grand View a natural partner.

Grand View was founded in 1896 and is the only remaining university in the United States established by Danish immigrants. Grand View carries that heritage forward through the Danish Immigrant Archives, its identity as a “School for Life” rooted in the philosophy of N.F.S. Grundtvig, and its relationships with Danish American communities across the country.

Bruce Bro, who serves on the university's Board of Trustees, helped connect Grand View and the Danish American Club. Kim Qvistorff, a member of the Danish American Club's board, was instrumental in advocating for the shared mission and heritage that connect the Club to Grand View.

“This gift is a testament to what happens when people who care about the same things find each other,” said President Rachelle Keck. “Bruce Bro's knowledge of the Danish American Club and Kim Qvistorff's leadership within it made this possible. Grand View was founded by Danish immigrants who believed in the power of education to transform lives, and the Danish American Club's generosity ensures that mission carries forward. We are incredibly grateful.”

“As we celebrate Grand View's 130th year, we reflect on what and who have supported Grand View as a thriving college and university,” said LB Lyons, Vice President for Advancement. “It's relationships like this one. The Danish American Club's generosity is rooted in the same values that brought Danish immigrants to Des Moines in 1896 and in the belief that education should be for all.”