Stories
“While I don’t know what the state of the world is going to look like in 50 years, I do know there will always be somebody who needs a helping hand, or a little extra help, to achieve their goals and dreams,” said Dan Garry.
When Dan (’72) and Candy (’78) Garry reflect on their time at the University of South Dakota, their memories are warm and abundant, filled with a growing pride for their alma mater.
“USD gave us more than a traditional education; it gave us life-changing opportunities to explore our passions in ways we hadn’t imagined,” Candy said.
Both were deeply involved on campus; Dan worked two jobs while serving on the Student Senate and reporting for The Volante; Candy worked for KUSD TV on a work study program, and she worked two jobs during summer and spring breaks. She wrote for the Volante and served as press secretary for the Student Association. She also served on the Dakota Days committee and the Newman Council. She completed three internships ranging from working at the state legislature to the State Division of Tourism.
I can't say enough about the value of internships.
“I can’t say enough about the value of internships,” Candy said. “These did more than offer me real-world experiences; the internships motivated me to really drill down on my studies and fully embrace academics. You’re not just reading how the legislature works, but you’re experiencing it firsthand in addition to hearing it lecture. Suddenly these classes became more relatable.”
Candy used those experiences to lead a successful career as a Public Information Officer for the National Park Services at the U.S. Department of Interior, working with notable names like the Smithsonian, National Geographic, and Congress. After that, she worked as a journalist, photographer and consultant.
Dan, on the other hand, took a different route to professional success. “I had to put myself through college, so I never had the ability to have internships – instead I worked,” he said. He went on to become chief of staff to Governor Richard Kneip and, after that, Director of State Services for the National Governor’s Association.
While the lack of internships didn’t impact Dan’s ultimate rise to Corporate Issues Management Director of 3M Company, the pair, now married 46 years, reflect on the differences those early opportunities made. They feel passionate about creating internship opportunities for current students who may not otherwise be able to afford such life changing opportunities.
“We believe all students should have equal opportunities for internships regardless of their financial status,” Candy said. “There are some very qualified, deserving students out there who work their tails off at school and with extracurricular activities, but they just can’t get ahead. They miss out on these enriching opportunities because they can’t afford to take time off work, or they can’t afford any expenses associated with internships. It’s vital we try to level the playing field by giving them some help.”
That’s why the pair created two endowments: the Daniel and Candace (Cotton) Garry Government and Public Service Internship Endowment; and the Candace (Cotton) and Daniel Garry Media and Journalism Internship Endowment. Created in 2019, the Government/Public Service Endowment will provide financial support to students within the Department of Political Science who are accepted into a state government-related internship program. The Media/Journalism Endowment will provide financial support for Mass Communications students wanting to pursue an internship in their area of study.
“Those internships were wonderful, but were equally as tough from a financial standpoint,” Candy, who also had to put herself through college, said. “Taking those positions meant taking time off from work and putting in double shifts in advance. It was a huge sacrifice, a sacrifice I don’t want current students to have to make.”
Their dedication to USD grew through their involvement with the College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council, where they met students and learned about their aspirations.
“The caliber of students we met absolutely blew us away and really solidified our pride in the university the students it supports,” Dan said. “It’s something we wanted to be part of.”
Looking back six years since founding their endowments, the Garry’s are more confident than ever in their decision to take part in planned giving, paying it forward the best way they know how.
“Creating an endowment that will payout after our time fits our lifestyle best,” Dan said. “Planned giving was more sensible for us because it’s something you can build on. You don’t have to have $100k to give $100k.”
You don't have to have $100k to give $100k.
That sentiment of “giving what you can when you can” is something these alums want to make sure the younger generations understand.
“I don’t believe they did it when I graduated 52 years ago, but the Foundation reaches out to new graduates and encourages them to make a small contribution, really solidifying that it’s never too early to start paying it forward,” Dan said. “We both feel strongly about that. It’s not about the amount you give, but the fact you’re putting a plan into place to invest in the future of USD.”
To learn more about the planned giving options available at USD, click here.
