BROOKINGS, S.D. — Sept. 8, 2026 — The fall semester at South Dakota State University brings three things without fail: the return of Jackrabbits to Brookings, opportunities for campus and community connections, and the celebration of One Day for STATE.
The SDSU Alumni & Foundation will host the university’s 10th annual giving day on Thursday, Sept. 10. The 24-hour campaign invites Jackrabbits everywhere to join together in celebration of SDSU and the incredible impact of philanthropic giving.
Last year, thousands of donors raised more than $3.2 million in donations during One Day for STATE, stemming from 7,824 gifts overall. This year, the SDSU Alumni & Foundation has a goal to rally 5,000 donors in just 24 hours. Donors may choose which area of campus their gift can impact, ranging from scholarships, colleges of choice, faculty support, student travel and a variety of academic and co-curricular programs.
Part of what makes One Day for STATE special is the opportunity for gifts of all amounts to go further, thanks to numerous challenge donors. All gifts help unlock additional funds, with more than $700,000 in challenges waiting to be unlocked this year.
“One Day for STATE started out as just a whiteboard idea for our organization 10 years ago,” said Erin Glidden, SDSU Alumni & Foundation vice president for creative and data strategies. “This event has become more impactful than we ever could have imagined. Year after year, we’re amazed at how Jackrabbits respond to the challenge and help us dream big for SDSU.”
During the 24-hour event, donors can visit onedayforstate.org to designate their gifts to areas they are passionate about supporting.
One Day for STATE aims to unite Jackrabbits alumni, donors, friends and even current students in support of SDSU. Last year, 643 students donated to One Day for STATE, accounting for $14,512 of funds raised. Faculty and staff also play a critical role in the day’s success, with 1,163 members raising $106,301 in the 2025 event.
The SDSU Alumni & Foundation is kicking off One Day for STATE with Jack’s Journey the night before on Sept. 9. The festivities will be brought right to the homes of local Jackrabbits, building excitement and connection on the eve of the giving day. Jack will depart from the SDSU Alumni & Foundation at 6 p.m. to start his trip around Brookings. You can learn more details and preview Jack’s route here.
One Day for STATE officially begins on Sept. 10, with several opportunities to get involved throughout the day, culminating with the Yellow and Blue Block Party. Bring your Jackrabbits family and friends to this free signature community event, taking place from 5-8 p.m. on the Alumni Green. The night’s lineup will include a performance by The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band at 6:30 p.m., followed by the SDSU dance and cheer teams. The party will also feature food trucks, free SDSU ice cream, the Bummobile and plenty of kids’ activities. Learn more on the SDSU Alumni & Foundation’s event page.
“One Day for STATE is about connection and Jackrabbits pride, how we can all work together to make a difference for this university,” Glidden said. “The way people respond makes it clear: SDSU is truly someplace worth celebrating.”
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
