Dear Alumni and Friends,
The winter semester is well underway at South Dakota State University. We celebrated many great accomplishments during the fall, both academically and athletically. We were honored with a $4.1 million gift to build a new American Indian Student Center on campus, providing access and resources to future American Indian students. The Jackrabbits football team kept the Dakota Marker at home for a second consecutive year and made its first trip to the NCAA Division I Football Championship semifinals. It was a memorable end to 2017.
As we move toward the conclusion of another academic year, I am reminded of the opportunities and challenges that are before us. I recently had the privilege of giving the State of State address to our university community. I told them of a presentation I heard from the CEO of Raven Industries, Dan Rykhus, and how he described leadership as both a steward and architect. We too find ourselves both stewards of our historical mission and accomplishments and architects of our future.
It is that responsibility and opportunity that drives us each and every day. As I looked through this edition of STATE, I see the individuals who are those architects and the impact being stewards of our historical mission has on society. South Dakota State University is that place that transforms lives.
It was barely five years ago Mark York was walking the hallways of Berg Agricultural Hall. Today, his story of sending tractors to Africa to help farmers is one that has the potential to change the economy of a country. The educational and personal benefits Mark gained at SDSU helped turned him into a visionary, entrepreneur and leader.
I think any of us who have attended a Jackrabbits’ wrestling match have left inspired by the energy and passion of coach Chris Bono. His story reminds me that it’s the people—faculty, staff, coaches, students, mentors—who make being a Jackrabbit something to be proud of. Coach Bono is an example that dedicated, passionate people create the opportunities for others to succeed and there are hundreds of those people at our university.
In the coming months you will hear more about our new strategic plan Imagine 2023: Aspire, Discover, Achieve and the people who will be the architects of our future and those who continue to make SDSU that special place for everyone.
Thank you for your support and being part of the Jackrabbits family. Go Jacks!
Barry H. Dunn
President, South Dakota State University
