Celebrating Our People
University Leadership Honors celebrates the outstanding faculty members appointed to endowed positions and the generous donors whose investments in these roles ensure that academic excellence and innovation at SDSU thrive for generations to come.
Meet this year's honoreesA Parade of Milestones
For Hannah Hank ’24, six years with The Pride of the Dakotas have been a journey of growth, leadership and unforgettable memories, culminating in one final trip to Chicago with her “second family.”
Calling all JackrabbitsStay Connected
Find everything you need to get involved with our alumni chapters and programs, support campus initiatives, and learn about our upcoming events in one convenient place.
Get Involved
Meet fellow Jackrabbit alumni through programs or your local chapter. From mentorship opportunities to travel groups, explore the various ways to find your people.
Learn MoreGive Back
Support the university you love and make an impact — whether it’s through student scholarships, Jackrabbit Athletics, a specific college, or a gift in honor of someone special. Discover the many ways you can give back to SDSU.
Learn MoreEvents
Mark your calendars to stay connected with fellow Jackrabbits! Explore upcoming alumni gatherings, signature annual celebrations, and ways to join the SDSU community throughout the year.
Learn MoreNow available onlineSTATE Magazine
Discover stories of impact and inspiration in the official publication for SDSU alumni and friends, STATE Magazine.
The current issue is now available digitally, giving you easy access to inspiring alumni stories, campus highlights, and ways to stay connected — anytime, anywhere!
Explore the Latest Issue
Jackrabbit StoriesTold Once. Felt Forever.
Stay connected with South Dakota State University through stories from our community. Browse articles on alumni, donors, students, and the traditions that continue to make our institution such a special place.
Setting the Tone for Generosity: Couple Funds New Endowed Position
Keith and Glynn Bartels’ latest gift to SDSU creates an endowed Director of Athletic Bands position, strengthening The Pride of the Dakotas and its impact on generations of students.
SDSU Metro Center to Serve as Healthcare Hub
The SDSU Metro Center will provide a permanent home for Sioux Falls–based SDSU health programs. A $1 million challenge match from Susan and Mark Leddy is now doubling the impact of gifts supporting this transformative facility.
Professional Pairing, Personal Progress
The SDSU Alumni Mentor Program gave Erica DeBoer and Carley Mullins the opportunity to form a lasting bond through their passion for nursing.
Growing Student Potential with Gifts of Grain
When a corn seed emerges from the soil in the spring, it has so much potential – and like many South Dakota farmers, Randy ’99 and Cindy (Abraham) ’78 Frederick do everything they can to maximize its yields.
Ramsdells’ Generosity puts Jackrabbits Soccer on the Map
With their latest investment, the Scott ’75 and Lani Ramsdell family are ushering in a transformative next chapter for Jackrabbits Soccer and ensuring the team has the ultimate home field advantage with a new, state-of-the-art, on-campus facility.
A Lesson in Giving Back: Nissen Turns Grief into Generosity
For Judy Nissen, creating a scholarship at SDSU was the perfect way to honor both her late husband and her life’s calling in education.
Scholarships: The Gift of Time Well Spent
Thanks to scholarships, Kole Hawkins has the chance to invest in SDSU the same way others have invested in him.
From One Jack to Another
The SDSU Alumni Mentor Program allows Jackrabbits like Vanessa Klemme VanDeWiele and Daewon Kim to learn from each other, in the workforce and beyond.
Commemorating Where Their Story Began
Wes and Tracy Chambers are giving back in ways that honor their family and support the university that shaped their lives.
A Parade of Milestones
For Hannah Hank ’24, six years with The Pride of the Dakotas have been a journey of growth, leadership and unforgettable memories, culminating in one final trip to Chicago with her “second family.”
A Journey to Generosity: Dettmans Double Their Impact Through Matching Gifts
Through company matching gifts, Gary and Donna Dettman are taking their philanthropy to new heights.
A Purpose in the Pain
A scholarship gave nursing student Hanna Eide hope at exactly the right moment.
The Ripple Effect
In the wake of tragedy, Trevor Peterson established a research award to fuel the work his daughter believed in most.
Garrys Pay It Forward for Jackrabbit Nation
Jerome and Elaine Garry's lifelong connection to SDSU and its community led them to establish a lasting legacy through an estate gift.
Need to Update Your Contact Info?
The easiest way to stay connected with SDSU is to keep your information current — and now it’s easier than ever with no login required!
Share your new address, career updates, or life milestones to stay in the loop on events, alumni news, and ways to engage with Jackrabbit Nation.
Update your info
Upcoming Events
-
Oct. 1712:00pm - 3:00pm MTWest River Jacks Watch Party
Rapid City, SDThirsty's -
Oct. 171:00pm - 4:00pm CTTC Jackrabbits Watch Party
Minneapolis, MNTom's Watch Bar -
Oct. 171:00pm - 4:00pm CTSioux Falls Area Jacks Watch Party
Sioux Falls, SDWiley's