A female college student smiles in her commencement cap and gown while proudly holding her diploma.

Investing in Jackrabbits

You know what it means to be a Jackrabbit — to dream big, work hard, and make a difference. Today’s students are following that same path. Scholarships help open doors, giving them the support they need to succeed at SDSU and beyond. Together, we can invest in their journey and strengthen the legacy we all share.

Support the Next Generation
Featured Story

Ramsdells Named SDSU Alumni & Foundation's 2026 Philanthropic Family of the Year

The SDSU Alumni & Foundation honored the Scott ‘75 and Lani Ramsdell family as this year’s Philanthropic Family of the Year.

Read Story

Calling all JackrabbitsStay Connected

Find everything you need to get involved with our alumni chapters and programs, support campus initiatives, and learn about our upcoming events in one convenient place. 

Get Involved

Meet fellow Jackrabbit alumni through programs or your local chapter. From mentorship opportunities to travel groups, explore the various ways to find your people.

Learn More

Give Back

Support the university you love and make an impact — whether it’s through student scholarships, Jackrabbit Athletics, a specific college, or a gift in honor of someone special. Discover the many ways you can give back to SDSU.

Learn More

Events

Mark your calendars to stay connected with fellow Jackrabbits! Explore upcoming alumni gatherings, signature annual celebrations, and ways to join the SDSU community throughout the year.

Learn More

Now available onlineSTATE Magazine

Discover stories of impact and inspiration in the official publication for SDSU alumni and friends, STATE Magazine.

The current issue is now available digitally, giving you easy access to inspiring alumni stories, campus highlights, and ways to stay connected — anytime, anywhere!

Explore the Latest Issue
A collage of past STATE Magazines, including covers and individual stories spread out and laid over one another.

Jackrabbit StoriesTold Once. Felt Forever.

Stay connected with South Dakota State University through stories from our community. Browse articles on alumni, donors, students, and the traditions that continue to make our institution such a special place. 

Collage of older photos of Gordon Elzenga: one in his commencement outfit, a professional headshot, and one holding his daughters. Collage of older photos of Gordon Elzenga: one in his commencement outfit, a professional headshot, and one holding his daughters.

A Lesson in Giving Back: Nissen Turns Grief into Generosity

For Judy Nissen, creating a scholarship at SDSU was the perfect way to honor both her late husband and her life’s calling in education.

Read Story
Kole Hawkins dressed in a Jackrabbit shirt, smiling in front of blue wall that says "Where Loyalty Lives." Kole Hawkins dressed in a Jackrabbit shirt, smiling in front of blue wall that says "Where Loyalty Lives."

Scholarships: The Gift of Time Well Spent

Thanks to scholarships, Kole Hawkins has the chance to invest in SDSU the same way others have invested in him.

Read Story
Vanessa Klemme VanDeWiele and Daewon Kim sit together at the culmination event, smiling and looking at a phone. Vanessa Klemme VanDeWiele and Daewon Kim sit together at the culmination event, smiling and looking at a phone.

From One Jack to Another

The SDSU Alumni Mentor Program allows Jackrabbits like Vanessa Klemme VanDeWiele and Daewon Kim to learn from each other, in the workforce and beyond.

Read Story
Wes and Tracy Chambers are smiling and standing in front of a blue wall with a large Jackrabbit logo and the word "Jackrabbits" in text. Wes and Tracy Chambers are smiling and standing in front of a blue wall with a large Jackrabbit logo and the word "Jackrabbits" in text.

Commemorating Where Their Story Began

Wes and Tracy Chambers are giving back in ways that honor their family and support the university that shaped their lives.

Read Story
Donna and Gary Dettman are smiling together on a sunny day in the Black Hills. Donna and Gary Dettman are smiling together on a sunny day in the Black Hills.

A Journey to Generosity: Dettmans Double Their Impact Through Matching Gifts

Through company matching gifts, Gary and Donna Dettman are taking their philanthropy to new heights.

Read Story
SDSU Alumni & Foundation staff with their boards and staffs infront of the "Where Loyalty Lives" clings on the windows SDSU Alumni & Foundation staff with their boards and staffs infront of the "Where Loyalty Lives" clings on the windows

Together as One

The decision for the SDSU Foundation and Alumni Association to consolidate into the SDSU Alumni & Foundation is the result of decades of momentum, fueled by a vision of remarkable impact and unparalleled service.

Read Story
Rebecca Kurtz and Steve Schwanke smile at the camera while on a hike in a mountain area Rebecca Kurtz and Steve Schwanke smile at the camera while on a hike in a mountain area

Investing in Tomorrow’s Global Researchers and Leaders

Rebecca Kurtz and Steve Schwanke are investing in SDSU’s future through native plant research awards and an estate gift to the global agricultural leadership program.

Read Story
Collage of Hanna Eide that includes a photo of her wearing an SDSU football jersey infront of blue and yellow wall, a photo of her and her husband at an SDSU football game, a photo of her nursing headshot and a photo of her and her son, Baylen. Collage of Hanna Eide that includes a photo of her wearing an SDSU football jersey infront of blue and yellow wall, a photo of her and her husband at an SDSU football game, a photo of her nursing headshot and a photo of her and her son, Baylen.

A Purpose in the Pain

A scholarship gave nursing student Hanna Eide hope at exactly the right moment.

Read Story
Freddy Moran Sr. and his daughter Sam stand together with the Coughlin Campanile in the background. Freddy Moran Sr. and his daughter Sam stand together with the Coughlin Campanile in the background.

Nontraditional Morans Multiply Jackrabbit Pride

For the Moran family, returning to school at SDSU became a multigenerational tradition and a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.

Read Story
A collage of photos of a woman and a choir A collage of photos of a woman and a choir

The Gift of a Lifetime

Now an elementary music teacher, 2022 alum Andrea Berends believes scholarships were the true high note of her time at SDSU.

Read Story
A man singing on stage with a choir A man singing on stage with a choir

To Dream Impossible Dreams

With scholarship support, Steiger Manson’s passion for music can finally take center stage.

Read Story
A girl standing in shallow water holding a fish A girl standing in shallow water holding a fish

The Ripple Effect

In the wake of tragedy, Trevor Peterson established a research award to fuel the work his daughter believed in most.

Read Story
Rendering of the outside of the SDSU Metro Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Rendering of the outside of the SDSU Metro Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

SDSU Metro Center to Serve as Healthcare Hub

The SDSU Metro Center will provide a permanent home for Sioux Falls–based SDSU health programs. A $1 million challenge match from Susan and Mark Leddy is now doubling the impact of gifts supporting this transformative facility.

Read Story
Elaine and Jerome Garry smiling together, wearing Jackrabbit gear. Elaine and Jerome Garry smiling together, wearing Jackrabbit gear.

Garrys Pay It Forward for Jackrabbit Nation

Jerome and Elaine Garry's lifelong connection to SDSU and its community led them to establish a lasting legacy through an estate gift.

Read Story

Need to Update Your Contact Info?

The easiest way to stay connected with SDSU is to keep your information current — and now it’s easier than ever with no login required!

Share your new address, career updates, or life milestones to stay in the loop on events, alumni news, and ways to engage with Jackrabbit Nation.

Check It Out
Aerial photo of the Coughlin Campanile with the SDSU campus in the background during a sunrise.
View More