Since in-person activities largely came to a halt in spring 2020, it’s been a slow but steady progression from canceled to virtual to a virtual/in-person hybrid to socially distanced events.
The South Dakota State University campus is gearing up for “back to normal†this fall, which shapes up to be among the most active and most consequential fall semesters in recent memory. Classes resume Aug. 23.
In a 2 ½-month span, SDSU is preparing for naming ceremonies honoring two former presidents, three investitures for faculty and leadership in academic colleges and programs, and the formal dedication of two new buildings. A commitment for a second endowed dean is also set to be announced.Â
Mixed in with it all is the fifth-annual One Day for STATE celebration and another major concert in Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Jacks Bash 2 is set for Sept. 8. The common thread with most of these events is their connection to philanthropic giving; they’re scheduled on the heels of the SDSU Foundation’s record fundraising year in 2020, when $73.2 million in new gifts and commitments were made.
These events add to the university’s momentum and the anticipation of a bold announcement planned for Oct. 21.
But before that bold announcement during the week of Hobo Day, there’s ample reason to get back to campus this fall.Â
One Day for StateÂ
One Day for STATE has become the annual 24-hour rallying point for Jackrabbits throughout the world.
In 2020, 4,888 different donors contributed $1,617,648. There were donors from all 50 states and 19 different countries. The gifts touch every corner of campus, supporting everything from scholarships and programs to student organizations and athletics. This year’s event is set for Sept. 2.
Miller WellnessCenter Dedication
The Miller Wellness Center will be dedicated in honor of president emeritus Peggy Gordon Miller Oct. 22. The first phase of the facility was built during her time as president.
Chicoine Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering Hall Dedication
A ceremony for the Chicoine Architecture, Mathematics and Engineering Hall to honor president emeritus David Chicoine and his wife, Marcia, is planned for Nov. 6. The university’s architecture program, which is fully accredited, was launched under Chicoine’s presidency.
3 Investitures
An endowed position is one of the highest academic honors bestowed.Â
An endowment created by a donor provides resources in perpetuity to support research and scholarly activity while assisting in the recruitment and retention of top faculty.
An investiture is the formal ceremony to honor both the holder and donor of the endowed position. Three investitures are scheduled for the fall semester:
Duane Sander Endowed Professorship in Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Aug. 27);
The Everett and Bernetta DuBois Endowed Professor in Business Finance and Investments Analysis (Sept. 22); and
Profilet and DeJong Family Endowed Director of Early Childhood Education (Oct. 22).
Raven Precision Agriculture Center Dedication
SDSU was the first university in the nation to create a four-year precision agriculture degree. The building’s dedication will be Sept. 11.
American Indian Student Center Dedication
The American Indian Student Center is an essential investment in SDSU’s commitment to helping enrolled members of the state’s nine reservations access higher education. Along with the scholarships provided through the Wokini Initiative, the center creates a place of belonging and support for the growing American Indian population at SDSU. The dedication is set for Oct. 8 and includes an evening concert by Brulé, a contemporary Native American new-age music group based in South Dakota.
