SDSU Foundation reports record year for gifts, pledges
The one-year total exceeds the amount raised for SDSU’s entire previous comprehensive campaign, Visions for the Future, which successfully surpassed its $50 million goal by raising $52.4 million between 1994 and 1998.
“We are humbled by the unprecedented investment of private gifts and pledges made over the past year,” said Steve Erpenbach, President and CEO of the Foundation. “The university leadership has presented a bold vision for South Dakota State’s future that will mean greater opportunities for students and help fuel economic growth in the state and region.”
It Starts with STATE is designed to increase scholarships for students, strengthen faculty excellence and support expanded research opportunities, build and revitalize facilities and invest in athletics, museums, the arts and international experiences, Erpenbach said.
The $52.9 million shows the “extraordinary loyalty and generosity” of alumni and friends, according to SDSU President David L. Chicoine, a 1969 alumnus.
“It is a remarkable figure, particularly with the challenges in the global economy,” Chicoine said. “This level of support is an expression of confidence in the vision for South Dakota State, developed through the strategic planning process. The goals of our plan will be realized through the commitment and determination of faculty and staff, the enormous energy and inspiration of students, and the generosity of alumni, friends and other partners.”
The total amount of gifts and pledges came from 10,967 unique donors, including 1,097 donors who had not previously made a gift to SDSU. The ages of last year’s donors span 80 years, from a 1928 alumnus to several 2008 graduates.
A $15 million investment by Avera Health as the signature donor for the Avera Health & Science Center, now under construction, was the largest single gift. There were 52 gifts and pledges of $100,000 or more.
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