Two Sylvan Circle certificate holders laying flat on a gold, sparkly table cloth

Sylvan Circle Legacy Society

Sylvan Theatre on a beautiful summer day framed by green leaves.

A lasting legacy

Alumni and friends of South Dakota State University who make a commitment to the future support of students, faculty, and SDSU as a whole are honored with membership in the Sylvan Circle, the legacy society for planned and deferred gifts. 

This recognition society takes its name from the Coolidge Sylvan Theatre, one of the treasured and more recognizable landmarks on SDSU’s campus. 

Membership Details

Sylvan Circle membership is available to those individuals who have arranged and documented a non-contingent gift to go directly to the SDSU Alumni & Foundation for future support of South Dakota State University in their estate and financial plans. 

Ways to support the SDSU Alumni & Foundation in your plans include: 

Gift Planning Options at SDSU

Benefits

Sylvan Circle members receive: 

  • Permanent recognition as a Sylvan Circle member
  • Inclusion in a lifetime giving society, based on the estimated or actual value of the planned gift, combined with all other lifetime gifts and credits
  • Listing of member names in the annual SDSU Alumni & Foundation’s STATELY Review
  • Listing of member names on the SDSU Alumni & Foundation’s website
  • An invitation to the annual Sylvan Circle recognition event
  • A lapel pin, given to each member, recognizing their membership
  • Special university publications, reports, and notification of events
  • The satisfaction of helping South Dakota State University continue to thrive into the future 
Sylvan Circle certificate sample with the Sylvan Theatre blurred in the background

 

Honoring our current members

Explore the list of individuals whose planned gifts have earned them membership in the Sylvan Circle, leaving a lasting impact on the future of SDSU. List is sorted alphabetically by last name.

Last updated: September 23, 2025

Already have SDSU in your will or estate plan?

We would like to recognize you for your generosity and commitment by inviting you into the Sylvan Circle Society, as well as ensuring that your gift reflects your wishes on campus.

Tell Us About Your Gift
Aerial photo of the Coughlin Campanile with the SDSU campus in the background during a sunrise.