A Journey to Generosity: Dettmans Double Their Impact Through Matching Gifts

When Gary Dettman ’77 was in the first grade, he rode on an airplane for the first time.

The experience was far from conventional: his parents sent him on a flight from Pierre to Bismarck, alone – the practice of airline employees accompanying minors on air travel hadn’t been established yet. While en route to Bismarck, Gary’s flight stopped for a lengthy layover in Aberdeen. A family friend worked as a highway patrolman in the area, so seven-year-old Gary joined him for a ride-along in his cruiser to pass the time. Next, Gary hopped on to another flight to finally join his grandparents in North Dakota. The journey didn’t stop there. It incited a deep fascination with aviation that would lead him to a treasured career as a pilot, a college education at South Dakota State, and a lasting dedication to giving back to his alma mater. Company matching gifts would prove to be the perfect vehicle for Gary’s philanthropy to take flight.

Growing up in Pierre, South Dakota, Gary was familiar with South Dakota State, and he knew the university offered an Air Force ROTC program – his ticket to the skies. Majoring in ag engineering, he joined the ROTC, where he’d meet his college sweetheart and future wife, Donna ’78. Donna was a member of Angel Flight, a philanthropic group on campus that participated in community service projects like highway cleanup, ushering at football games, and supporting students in the ROTC program, which put her right into Gary’s orbit. The two also found common ground through their participation in intramural volleyball. Hailing from Chester, South Dakota, Donna had chosen SDSU for its reputation and familiarity, much like Gary. The couple would go on to traverse the country for years, yet always call the university home. 

Following graduation, Donna utilized her sociology major and worked in human resources while Gary served in the Air Force for nine years. Along the way, the couple had two children, Jessica and Aaron. When Gary began work as a commercial pilot for Delta Air Lines, his demanding job schedule led to Donna staying at home with their kids. Her piano lessons and time singing in the SDSU Concert Choir had honed her talent for music, and what she humbly deemed a hobby quickly turned into a music studio she’d lead for 23 years, along with teaching lessons. Meanwhile, Gary’s career with Delta sent him around the country, which meant frequent moves for the family. Gary and Donna eventually polled their kids and asked them where they’d like to finally settle down and grow up; Jessica and Aaron’s deep love of skiing inspired the Dettmans to choose Salt Lake City to put down roots…at least, for several years. 

With their children now grown – Aaron’s an attorney in New York while civil engineer Jessica is raising her own family with her husband in Montana – Gary and Donna returned to western South Dakota, though they frequently make trips back to Brookings for yellow and blue events. They were streetside at the 2022 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, beaming with excitement as they watched The Pride of the Dakotas march past. They set out for Frisco in January 2024 and cheered among thousands as SDSU Football took home their second FCS National Championship. Gary and Donna readily admit that when it comes to all things South Dakota State, they want to get involved and give back. 

The couple have established scholarships and excellence funds for both music and aviation programs at SDSU, reflecting each of their own passions and career paths. With Gary’s long tenure with Delta came the opportunity to utilize matching gifts to take their generosity to the next level.

Gary explains the process was quite seamless, especially with things being handled online. He describes the arrangement as a matter of logging on, filling out basic information, and checking his employer’s list of institutions that are eligible to receive donations. Essentially, Delta matches the gifts Gary makes to SDSU, doubling his impact – and creating the perfect avenue to support his alma mater.

When asked about the motivations behind their gifts, the Dettmans point to the standout experiences they each had during their college years and their desire to help students achieve their dreams, just as Gary and Donna did. Thanks to an ROTC scholarship, Gary became the first in his family to attend college, finally taking off in his pursuit of becoming a pilot. Donna utilized her musical talents to establish a thriving business that taught countless students, still maintaining her passion by playing for their church and accompanying Black Hills State students. While she’s made gifts of her own through IRA distributions, regardless of gift vehicle, the couple agrees that meeting the students who benefit from their generosity makes every dollar worth it. 

“It’s great to be able to give back to students and to families,” says Donna. “It’s very fulfilling to be involved in their lives. You’re helping somebody succeed, and there’s no greater feeling than that.”

It’s been many years since seven-year-old Gary boarded his first flight, buckled his seatbelt, and filled with awe as the plane climbed steadily into the horizon. The experience was a turning point, the moment a love of flying set the course that would lead to South Dakota State, to Donna, and to a life in the skies. Things might look remarkably different if Gary had simply taken the short trip by car – for the university, for the Dettmans, and for the many Jackrabbits whose lives have been brightened by their generosity.