SDSU Celebrates America 250

Known as America 250, this national commemoration provides an opportunity to reflect on the ideals that shaped the country, recognize the individuals and communities who have contributed to its growth, and inspire future generations to carry forward the promise of opportunity, innovation and service. 

As South Dakota’s land-grant university, South Dakota State University is proud to play a meaningful role in honoring this historic celebration. Below is a list of America 250 events held on campus this spring. 

• March 26 – Harding Distinguished Lecture featuring archeologist and author William Taylor. 
• April 7 – Daschle Dialogues headlined by presidential historian and Pulitzer-Prize winning author Jon Meacham. 
• April 11 – America 250 celebration concerts from the School of Performing Arts featuring the SDSU choirs and the symphony orchestra. The performances included Randall Thompson's "The Testament of Freedom" and John Philip Sousa's lyrics to "The Stars and Stripes Forever."
• April 14 – 250 Years of American Civics and Media, a discussion of the role of media in shaping civic life over the last 250 years and why staying informed still matters today. 
• May 22 – Science as Art, a competition held by SDSU's College of Natural Sciences that included original artwork themed to celebrate America 250 and related to science. 
• June -January – America in Art, an exhibition and gallery at the South Dakota Art Museum that considers the promise and paradox of the nation's legacy while exploring the ideals, struggles, freedoms and contradictions that define it. A public open house was held June 13, and a public reception will be held Aug. 7. The gallery will run from June 13 to Jan. 2, 2027. 

As the nation commemorates 250 years of independence, SDSU remains committed to honoring America’s legacy while preparing for the future and is proud to help celebrate America 250.

Written by University Marketing & Communications