In a significant move, the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Alumni Association and the SDSU Foundation have decided to consolidate into a single organization. This decision was made during a historic joint meeting of their boards, marking the first time both entities have convened together. The consolidation will officially take effect on January 1, 2025.
South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn expressed his support for the decision, highlighting the forward-thinking approach of both organizations. “They have supported the university since their humble beginnings and today charted an exciting path for the future,” Dunn said. This consolidation aims to enhance the support provided to SDSU, furthering their shared mission.
Shared History and Future Vision
Both the Alumni Association and the Foundation have long operated with a common goal but maintained separate staff and governing boards. The Alumni Association was established in the late 1880s, while the Foundation was founded in 1945. Since 2017, they have been working from the same location following an expansion of the Lohr Building to house the Alumni Center.
Leaders from both organizations began discussing the possibility of consolidation after the successful completion of the Bold & Blue comprehensive campaign in April 2024. This campaign marked a historic fundraising effort that has set the stage for the organizations to come together. Steve Erpenbach, president and CEO of the SDSU Foundation, stated, “While many of our peers have made this decision out of necessity, we are making this decision at our strongest.” He emphasized the health and alignment of both organizations, noting that the SDSU brand has never been stronger.
Collaboration and Strategic Growth
Andi Fouberg, president and CEO of the SDSU Alumni Association, echoed Erpenbach’s sentiments, stating, “This consolidation allows us to grow strategically together.” She praised the seamless collaboration between the two teams over the past eight years. Throughout the decision-making process, they evaluated their progress using a stoplight system, which consistently indicated a “bright green” signal to proceed.
The consolidation is expected to enhance the organizations’ ability to serve alumni, donors, and friends of SDSU. It aims to streamline operations and strengthen the support network for the university. As the largest and most comprehensive institution of higher education in South Dakota, SDSU confers degrees from seven colleges, offering nearly 230 majors, minors, and specializations, alongside 39 master’s degree programs, 17 Ph.D. programs, and two professional programs.
SDSU is recognized as a Doctoral University with high research activity, achieving more than $94 million in research expenditures for the 2025 fiscal year. The university operates across multiple locations, including its main residential campus in Brookings and additional sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, and Rapid City, as well as Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites throughout South Dakota.
The merger of the SDSU Alumni Association and SDSU Foundation marks a new chapter in their long histories, promising to bolster the institution’s capabilities in fostering relationships and supporting the educational mission of SDSU. As both organizations unite, the anticipation for future developments continues to grow.
