Geaux Yotes: USD to Celebrate 2023 Dakota Days Oct. 1-7
“Every year, Dakota Days brings our Coyote family back home to celebrate a longstanding USD tradition,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “I always look forward to seeing how students, alumni and the broader campus community come together during this exciting time.”
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Geaux Yotes,” a playful reference to USD's marching band, The SOUND of USD's, invitation to participate in two Mardi Gras parades this coming February.
The week kicks off Sunday, Oct. 1, with Paint the MUC Red. From 5-8 p.m., students are invited to help “paint the MUC red with Dakota Days spirit,” while enjoying free food and themed giveaways.
On Monday, Oct. 2, all are invited to attend the Dakota Days Kickoff & Royalty Reveal from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Sanford Coyotes Sports Center. This community event will feature family-friendly activities, a basketball showcase, a homecoming pep rally and more. The top 14 Dakota Days royalty candidates will also be announced.
Throughout the rest of the week, USD’s campus will be bustling with a variety of activities, with some highlights including a Coyotes Connect event, campout and street dance. The celebrations extend beyond the Vermillion campus, with a USD – Sioux Falls Dakota Days Celebration scheduled for Oct. 5 at the USD – Sioux Falls campus.
Friday night, the USD Alumni Association will celebrate outstanding alumni for their personal and professional achievements, services within their communities and loyalty to USD during the Unleash Your Legacy Achievement Awards. This year's award recipients include Melissa Dittberner, Ph.D., '12, '14, '18; Vance Thompson, Ph.D., '82, '86; Nancy Gallagher '77; and Matt Michels, J.D., '80, '82, '85. Learn more about the recipients.
Saturday morning’s festivities will begin with the 109th annual Dakota Days parade at 9 a.m. The parade route starts near the Vermillion High School on Main Street. Themed floats, The SOUND of USD marching band and community figures will travel west to downtown and at the intersection of Main and High Streets. A hospitality tent will be available at the Inman House at 415 E. Main St.
The week’s events will culminate with the South Dakota Coyotes football team taking on Murray State at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the DakotaDome. Prior to the game, Coyote fans are invited to partake in pregame festivities at Coyote Alley Tailgate, where students, alumni, and faculty and staff join together to garner support for the home team. Get tickets to the game online.
Visit the Dakota Days webpage to see the full schedule of events.
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2022 Dakota Days Celebration Scheduled for Oct. 16-22
The annual Dakota Days celebration, a week devoted to showcasing the pride and school spirit that define life at the University of South Dakota, is set for Oct. 16-22. There will be events for students, alumni and friends of all ages.
