Highlights from 2024

In January, the Jackrabbits secured their second consecutive NCAA Division I Football Championship by defeating the Montana Grizzlies 23-3, culminating in an undefeated 15-0 season and extending their winning streak to 29 games.

In February and August, the Foundation's newest loyalty giving society, Loyal Blue, shared a webinar with members as a premier opportunity to hear from university leaders. 

The Michael’s Journey conference is a collaboration between the Mike and Jennifer Hart family and SDSU’s College of Education and Human Sciences to raise awareness for autism.

Both the men's and women's basketball teams swept the Summit League Tournament, with each winning their respective championships. The men's team defeated the University of Denver while the women overtook North Dakota State.

Both the men's and women's basketball teams swept the Summit League Tournament, with each winning their respective championships. The men's team defeated the University of Denver while the women overtook North Dakota State.

Foundation staff joined the Jacks Give Back movement to serve the community in April, volunteering their time at the Brookings Regional Humane Society.

On April 9, SDSU announced the creation of the Mike Huether Public Service Academy, a program designed to develop future leaders committed to public service.

On April 26, SDSU recognized Dick and Karen McComish by naming the electrical engineering and computer science department in their honor, following their $5 million gift, making it the university's first endowed and named department.

The iconic Coughlin Campanile underwent a $900,000 renovation that focused on masonry repairs and limestone restoration.

In the aftermath of the April 19, 1993, plane crash that claimed the lives of seven South Dakotans, including Governor George S. Mickelson, hundreds of people rallied to create the Mickelson Memorial Grove at McCrory Gardens. It was dedicated in August 1994. Thirty years later, an effort has begun to restore the memorial. The first phase of that restoration project was celebrated on August 2.

On August 22, the Sylvan Circle Social featured Dan Hansen, the J. Bruce Laughrey Endowed Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, who described the impact of philanthropy at the university.

The First Bank & Trust Alumni Rabbit Den  is a premier spot for yellow and blue alumni to gather and tailgate on football game days.

On September 27, the newly renovated First Bank & Trust Arena opened its doors to the public, ushering in the next chapter of athletic excellence at SDSU. The facility represents a blend of nostalgia and modernism, enhancing the fan experience while paying tribute to Frost Arena.

In fall 2024, SDSU achieved a record enrollment of 12,065 students, marking a 4.9% increase from the previous year.

On September 5, during the eighth annual One Day for STATE, 6,068 donors raised over $2.7 million in just 24 hours.

On September 5, during the eighth annual One Day for STATE, 6,068 donors raised over $2.7 million in just 24 hours.

On September 19, SDSU celebrated the University Leadership Honors ceremony, a collective investiture event to recognize both new and existing holders of endowed faculty positions. 

On October 11, the university celebrated the grand opening of the Thompson Center, the state's most comprehensive counseling education facility, featuring seven dedicated counseling rooms, including specialized spaces for play therapy and group sessions.

The Jim and Julie Higgins Hobo Day Plaza was dedicated on October 11 in recognition of their $500,000 gift to the Hobo Day Legacy Fund Endowment. It is the largest gift ever to support the university’s most unique and beloved tradition.

SDSU volleyball achieved a historic season, securing their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2007 with a 27-2 record, which included a 22-match winning streak.

The Alumni Association’s Legends & Leaders banquet recognized a new class of Distinguished Alumni. (Back row, left to right: Rob Wylie '76; Erica DeBoer '97; Dennis Helder '79 & '80/M.S. '85; Curt Everson '77/M.S. '79. Front row, left to right: Jerry Tunheim '62/M.S. '64; Kendra Kattelmann '77.)

On Hobo Day, alumni and friends gather at the Lohr Building for a tradition of donuts, coffee, and camaraderie before the parade.

On Hobo Day, alumni and friends gather at the Lohr Building for a tradition of donuts, coffee, and camaraderie before the parade.

Funded by Dennis and Jeanne Unkenholz, the annual Deciphering Dyslexia conference is dedicated to building awareness and resources for the disorder.