The Power of the Collective
Small groups of alumni and friends are making big impacts at USD
Several groups of alumni have successfully applied the concept to build coalitions of support for specific projects or programs at USD – and their impacts have been far-reaching.
Coyote Brotherhood
For more than five years the Coyote Brotherhood – a collection of more than 400 former Coyote football players and coaches – has provided a place for South Dakota football alumni to reconnect with teammates, stay engaged with the university and lend their support to the program and today’s student athletes. With the football locker room slated for a facelift as part of the DakotaDome renovation plan, the Coyote Brotherhood decided to lend their support – citing the locker room as the place where friendships form, bonds are built and the brotherhood begins.
Beginning in 2020, the Coyote Brotherhood spearheaded an ambitious crowdfunding campaign, raising more than $72,000 from 167 donors. In 2021, they surpassed a $75,000 goal to raise more than $110,000 from 171 donors.
The renovated locker room opened just ahead of the 2020 season and is more than three times the size of the previous locker room, with 110 individual lockers. Each locker features a customizable nameplate, a padded seat, ample storage for personal clothing, practice and game gear, and a floor to ceiling ventilation system used to dry equipment. And, of course, the Coyote paw.
Read more about the Coyote Brotherhood and new locker rooms.
USD Women in Philanthropy
The University of South Dakota Women in Philanthropy network celebrates and inspires women throughout the USD community as donors, leaders and decision makers. Inspired by a shared mission, the group provides a platform where women can pool their resources, passion and philanthropic insight to make a difference in the lives of USD students.
A volunteer steering committee of women alumnae select a variety of projects to support each year, from large scale concepts that need “kickstart” funds to small one-time projects. Groups across campus can appeal for support during an annual application period.
One such project was Charlie’s Cupboard, an on-campus food pantry available to students. USD Women in Philanthropy provided kickstart funds and the Student Government Association led the student body, campus and alumni communities to provide additional support during the university’s annual giving day, Unite for USD. Open every other week, Charlie’s Cupboard serves an average of 200 students per session.
Charlie’s Cupboard is just one of a half dozen initiatives that have received support from USD Women in Philanthropy. Since 2019, more than 300 women have participated in USD Women in Philanthropy virtual or in-person events, have made a gift or volunteered their time.
Read more about USD Women in Philanthropy.
Patriots Plaza
Patriots Plaza sits in the heart of campus on the mall between the Beacom School of Business and the Knudson School of Law and features a display of American, South Dakota, POW/MIA and USD flags. It honors three alumni Medal of Honor recipients, other veterans and the centennial of Army ROTC at USD.
A group of faculty, alumni and community members formed a steering committee to create plans for a memorial to honor USD’s highest achieving veterans. That group worked with USD to develop the design. In 2019, with a matching commitment from the university to ensure timely completion of the plaza, the group began raising funds.
More than 150 alumni, friends and businesses made gifts to support Patriots Plaza. Many of those gifts were made to honor veterans whose names are commemorated on brick pavers within the plaza. Patriots Plaza was dedicated on Veteran’s Day 2020. For years to come, students and visitors to the USD campus can enjoy the memorial and reflect on the sacrifices of our military service members.
Read more about Patriots Plaza.
