History

Our History

Looking back on our humble beginnings gives us insight into how far we have come and how much more there is left to do. Something that has remained constant is the pride and support we feel and why we continue on our mission of supporting students and faculty and creating a strong community of Coyotes.

USD Alumni Association

Established in 1889, the mission of the USD Alumni Association is to maintain a lifelong connection among alumni and friends, to inspire service, leadership, tradition and expressions of loyalty and support of the University of South Dakota.

USD Foundation

In 1922, the University of South Dakota Foundation was formed by a group of Vermillion residents as the University of South Dakota Endowment Association (EA), responding to a need for private support of student scholarships and loans.

Onward: The Campaign for South Dakota

The USD Foundation has come a very long way since its humble origin in 1922, providing increasing resources for the development of South Dakota’s flagship university. Since the turn of the 21^st century, the foundation has been a major player in more than $250 million of campus improvements and millions more for student aid, faculty support and other operating needs.

In 2012, USD unveiled Onward: The Campaign for South Dakota, a $250 million campaign focused on four pillars: scholarships, faculty support, facilities and program enrichment. After seven years, the campaign ended in June 2019, with 16,176 donors raising a total of $272.4 million.

The future holds even more promise as USD continues to raise its prominence as one of the nation’s highest-quality comprehensive state universities. It will be something to behold!