USD to Celebrate 112th Annual Dakota Days Sept. 28 - Oct. 3
“The Dakota Days homecoming celebration highlights the traditions, memories, reunions and excitement that bring our campus to life,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “Each year adds a new chapter to a longstanding tradition that has become an important part of the Coyote community. It’s a time when we come together, celebrate what makes USD special and show what it truly means to be a Coyote.”
On Monday, Sept. 28, all are invited to attend the Dakota Days Kickoff Carnival held at the west lawn of the Muenster University Center. This student-led event runs from 4:30-7:30 p.m. and features a Dome Dog eating contest, carnival games, inflatables, food trucks and more, hosted by a variety of student organizations. The carnival will conclude with the Dakota Days Royalty Reveal.
Campus will be buzzing with events and activities through the week, including a street dance for students, a lip-syncing competition and a Fresh Friday event—which brings together students, organizations and campus partners for a chance to connect and celebrate the Coyote community. The week will also include programming for faculty, staff, alumni and friends of USD, such as a Feed the Funnel volunteering opportunity on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
A number of ceremonies marking facility enhancements and campus improvements will take place on Friday, including a groundbreaking ceremony for the Gassen Family Fieldhouse, a ribbon cutting for the Beacom School of Business’ Sales Center and a ribbon cutting for the Knudson School of Law building renovations.
Friday evening, the Unleash Your Legacy Alumni Achievement Awards will occur from 5:30-8 p.m. in the Sanford Coyotes Sports Center. This cornerstone Dakota Days event celebrates outstanding alumni for their personal and professional achievements, service within their communities and loyalty to USD. The 2026 award recipients are Rachel Norberg, J.D. ’18, ’15; Pierce McDowell, J.D. ’83; Mike Kujak ’88; Casey Peterson ’75; and the Legacy Family of the Year, the Nelson Family.
Coyote pride will be in full swing Saturday, Oct. 3, as students, alumni and the Coyote community lines the streets for the 112th annual Dakota Days parade, to the theme of “Lights, camera, Coyotes!”
Starting at 9 a.m., the parade begins on Main Street near Vermillion High School and will be led by parade marshal Jim Clements. Student and community floats, the SOUND of USD marching band and community leaders will make their way downtown and end 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 all lead to South Dakota Coyotes football taking on Indiana State University at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 3, in the DakotaDome. Before the game, Coyotes and fans are invited to the Coyote Alley Tailgate, where students, alumni, faculty, staff and community come together to build support for the Yotes. Tickets to the game are available online.
Dakota Days is USD’s most highly anticipated campus tradition, and with so many ways to get involved, there is a chance for everyone to join in the Coyote experience.
Visit the Dakota Days webpage to see the full schedule of events.
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