Philanthropy By Students, For Students
The culture of giving at SDSU is upheld by Jackrabbits of all ages, as shown by the variety of donors on One Day for STATE.
A key component of the success of SDSU’s annual giving day is the strategy of introducing philanthropy to students. By joining in the excitement, Jackrabbits witness firsthand how gifts of any size can make an impact, realizing the power of giving back and working together at an early phase of their lives. By engaging in One Day for STATE, students learn to become loyal leaders and supporters of their alma mater, establishing generosity not just as something to do for an event, but as a way of life.
Take Anna Chicoine, for example. A 2018 English graduate, Chicoine was among the 106 students who donated to One Day for STATE in its inaugural year in 2017. Struck by that experience, she’s made a gift during it every year since. She credits her decision to immediately join the giving day as a way to recognize the transformational time she spent at State.
“I can genuinely say that SDSU gave me some of the best years of my life,” Chicoine said. “The Jackrabbit community is a welcoming, lifelong family, and I give back so that future students can also find their Jackrabbit family and make their own memories.”
A former Hobo Day Grand Pooba, Chicoine views One Day for STATE as an opportunity to stay connected.
“While we are all Jackrabbits and share the bond of attending SDSU, we each have our own unique stories; One Day for STATE provides an amazing 24 hours to share those with each other and ensure future students are able to one day have their own experience at SDSU,” said Chicoine.
Current students at the university clearly share Anna’s viewpoint on paying it forward. In 2024, 555 students contributed $8,793 in those 24 hours.
The momentum of One Day for STATE builds through infectious inspiration, fueled by loyalty, pride, and the drive for excellence inherent to being a Jackrabbit. It’s the result of the magic that can happen when a bold ambition to make a difference becomes a new tradition to shatter records, catalyze growth, and think big for the future. It starts with students like Anna was, who go on to become young alumni, perpetual donors, and lifelong friends of SDSU.
“By starting the tradition of giving now, I will be able to look back and see how my impact has grown over the years,” said Chicoine. “It will be cool to say 20 years from now that I have participated in One Day for STATE for more than 25 years, impacting thousands of Jackrabbits.”
One day of giving. A lifetime of impact!
One Day for STATE is a 24-hour opportunity for Jackrabbits to celebrate everything we love about South Dakota State University and grant countless opportunities along the way.
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