BROOKINGS, S.D. (9-18-26) — Jackrabbits in all 50 states united to tackle historic philanthropy on Sept. 10 during One Day for STATE. The SDSU Alumni & Foundation’s 10th annual giving day celebrated all things South Dakota State University and the impact that can be made through private gifts.
In 24 hours, 6,949 donors united to raise $3,538,288 from 8,190 gifts to transform lives at SDSU, supporting funds for over 110 different causes, including scholarships, research, academic programming, athletics and many more. One Day for STATE aimed to rally alumni, faculty and staff, parents, current students and friends in support of SDSU.
The total donor count included 1,145 faculty and 678 students, demonstrating the One Day for STATE excitement that starts right on campus.
“One Day for STATE is about connection and Jackrabbit pride, how we can all work together to make a difference for this university,” said Erin Glidden, SDSU Alumni & Foundation vice president for creative and data atrategies. “The way people respond makes it clear: SDSU is truly someplace worth celebrating.”
The celebration culminated with the community favorite Yellow and Blue Block Party. The festivities featured all the classics for the party’s lineup: performances by The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band followed by the SDSU cheerleading and dance teams, along with food trucks, free SDSU ice cream, kids’ activities and more.
The success of One Day for STATE would not have been possible without support from the yellow and blue community, near and far. Whether you gave a gift, donated your time and talents, or simply celebrated State on Sept. 10, you truly made a difference. For the 10th consecutive year, the Jackrabbits family proved there’s nothing we can’t do when we work together.
One day of giving. A lifetime of impact.
About the South Dakota State University Alumni & Foundation
The South Dakota State University Alumni & Foundation was formed Jan. 1, 2026, through the consolidation of the university’s two largest relationship building partners. The SDSU Alumni Association was founded in 1889; the SDSU Foundation became a legal entity in 1945. They operated as separate but complementary organizations until the boards unanimously voted to consolidate at a joint meeting in October 2025.
The organization connects more than 93,000 living alumni and thousands of families and friends with the university through communication and events, while raising and managing philanthropic gifts that support SDSU initiatives. The SDSU Alumni & Foundation has $485 million in assets. The organization has 60 full-time employees.
For more information: SDSU Alumni & Foundation
— From SDSU University Marketing and Communications
