*David M. Larson, of Wayzata, Minn., retired Cargill executive and University of Minnesota regent, died Oct. 25, 2014 at age 70. Shortly after David’s birth in Valparaiso, Ind., his family moved to Glenwood, Minn., where he spent most of his youth. Having been impressed with his family’s support of foreign students, David attended the University of Americas in Mexico City a year after starting at St. Olaf College. He finished his degree in political science at the University of Minnesota and became a lifelong advocate of that institution, eventually being elected a regent in 2005. He joined Cargill as a trainee in 1966, and soon turned to Cargill’s feed business, serving in Kansas City, Kan. before a year of military service in Vietnam. When he returned, he managed Cargill’s Research Farm in Elk River, Minn., and was promoted to various management positions in Kansas City and Minnesota. In 1983 he was appointed president of the entire Feed Division, and in 1995 was president of Cargill’s Animal Nutrition and Poultry Group, which then operated in 22 countries. His predecessor credited David’s ability to understand the business, look critically at opportunities, and effectively train new talent. David served the entire industry when he was named chairman of the American Feed Industry Association in 1990. Elected executive vice president of Cargill in 1999, David became known for his advocacy of corporate branding, quality, and employee engagement and recognition. Always passionate about Cargill’s talent, he wrote that “there is no more significant form of recognition than offering people trust, freedom, and responsibility.” David was a mentor to a number of key Cargill executives including its executive chairman Greg Page. David was a member of the company’s Corporate Leadership Team and served on the Cargill Board of Directors. After 44 years, David retired from Cargill in 2010, but he continued to seek ways to engage with the community. He served on the executive council of the Minnesota Historical Society, was a trustee of the board of National History Day, and a year after his retirement he was elected to a second term as a regent of the University of Minnesota, where he served as vice chair from 2011-2013. He was a Board appointee to the University of Minnesota Foundation Board of Trustees, serving for 12 years. A long-time volunteer at the University prior to serving on the Board of Regents, he was an active member of the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Advisory Board and volunteered for the University of Minnesota Foundation during Campaign Minnesota. David had a deep love of the University and often said that higher education was the foundation for his successful professional career. Honoring that legacy, David endowed a scholarship at the University in 2008 aimed at addressing his concern about the rising cost of education for middle class families. Since its inception, the University has admitted 350 Larson Scholars. Thanks to David’s vision and generosity, this community of students has been able to follow their dreams, receive an exceptional education and graduate with minimal debt. A passionate Gopher football fan, David also provided generous support to Gopher Athletics. David is survived by his wife, Janis; children, David Lance and Reid; a granddaughter; sister, Sandra Swartzmiller; brother, Paul W. Larson; nieces, Nicole and Melissa; and nephews, Stefan and Chris. David was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Marvin Larson. Memorials preferred to the Coach Kill “Chasing Dreams” Epilepsy Fund, 1600 St Paul, Minn.