A Legacy Taken to New Heights

Through Al Tuntland’s generosity, a new hangar will accommodate the soaring demand in the aviation program.

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At 12 years old, Al Tuntland flew for the first time with his father. At that moment, he decided he was going to be a pilot, and the ripple effect of that decision would go on to impact South Dakota State University decades later.

Al Tuntland posing in front of an airplane on a snowy, cold day.

Tuntland earned his license four years after his first flight, kicking off the start of a lifelong passion for aviation.

He would later share his enthusiasm by gifting his 1988 Piper Malibu JetProp DLX to the SDSU Foundation in 2009.

This generous contribution laid the groundwork for a key partnership between the SDSU Foundation and the university to elevate the program: the Foundation would purchase aircraft and lease the planes to SDSU for use at a reduced rate.

Tuntland continued to be a major champion for the flourishing aviation program at State; he and his wife, Sharon, made a lead gift to help fund the construction of a new airplane hangar.

Though he’d requested only a small plaque in recognition of his generosity, Tuntland’s friends and colleagues stepped forward with supplemental gifts to ensure his name would be placed on the exterior of the building.

The Foundation broke ground on the Alan O. Tuntland Hangar in October 2021 and dedicated the space a year later.

The Alan O. Tuntland Hangar

13,260-square-foot structure
Accommodates 12 owned and leased aircraft, more than doubling the previous capacity
Located in the northwest part of the Brookings Regional Airport
Will help to support the increasing demand and ever-growing enrollment within the aviation program

The aviation program had 65 students enrolled in 2014 when Dr. Cody Christensen took over as coordinator. The leadership team within aviation had set a goal to reach 120 students enrolled by 2020. As of fall 2022, the program has more than 180 students.

Christensen recognized the impact that Tuntland’s gift will have for the aviation program’s needs, particularly when it comes to growth in equipment and enrollment.

“The SDSU Aviation Facility has been at capacity for some time, and it has impacted our ability to effectively operate out of one hangar,” said Christensen. “We plan to grow into the new hangar and start increasing the frequency of the classes that we offer.”

Christensen also reported that the aviation program is in the process of updating their fleet with new avionics and equipment while working to defray the cost of education for students.

With Tuntland’s gift piloting the way, SDSU continues to ensure that when Jackrabbits pursue careers in aviation, they reach new heights both personally and professionally.

“The work that Al started with the Foundation really has been one of the linchpins for success in our program,” said Christensen. “This opportunity that we are presented will allow us to support the needs of the program, provide pilots across the state, and continue the land grant mission of SDSU.”