One Day for STATE: A Frenzy of Philanthropy
South Dakota State University’s annual giving day is a 24-hour opportunity to build one bold future.
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In 2017, the SDSU Foundation launched a bold dream: to hold an annual giving day to support countless causes at the university and to celebrate all that we love about SDSU.
On August 30 of that year, One Day for STATE kicked off with an ambitious first-time goal of 500 donors in a single day. 24 hours later, the loyalty and enthusiasm of Jackrabbit nation had rallied more than double that goal: 1,196 unique donors and $298,558 raised.
Each consecutive year, this iconic celebration continues to shatter records and connect Jackrabbits on an even grander scale. The event returns September 7, 2023, on the heels of historic success:
In 2022, One Day for STATE crossed a threshold of philanthropy of which the Foundation had barely dared to dream: 5,882 donors united to raise $2,400,960 in just one transformative day.
While those numbers are impressive, they wouldn’t be possible without the unwavering loyalty of every generation of SDSU alumni, students, faculty, and friends. One Day for STATE is about far more than money; it’s about connection and togetherness, the entire Jackrabbit family working together to build what comes next at the university. What makes the day special is that it doesn’t succeed based on the number of dollars raised, but by the number of people reached.
There are several ways to get involved with One Day for STATE. Challenge donors help to rally momentum; their gifts are unlocked based on the number of donors who make a gift, inspiring others to join in the excitement.
In 2021, Karen and Richard McComish sponsored the 50 States Challenge, helping to put Jackrabbit nation’s philanthropy on the map. When SDSU managed to reach a donor in each of the fifty states, the map turned Jackrabbit blue and the McComishes’ gift of $50,000 was unlocked.
“It has to do with the burden now being borne by the students. When we were students, there was a larger portion of the costs covered by the state of South Dakota. By encouraging alumni nationwide to join us in the 50 States Challenge, we can all help lift the burden for students even more.” - Karen McComish
Social ambassadors also play a key role in the success of SDSU’s annual giving day. Anyone from the yellow and blue community can sign up to be an advocate, spreading the word on their social media platforms and shouting their love for State from the digital rooftops. An academic advisor with the School of Communication and Journalism, Erica Quam has served as a social ambassador for numerous years.
“I love finding creative and fun ways to share my love for our department and SDSU on social media. The opportunities are endless, but what’s more important is the access that is created via the donations on One Day for STATE.” - Erica Quam
One Day for STATE eases financial barriers for students, supports updates to facilities and equipment on campus, enhances extracurricular growth, and opens doors for all Jackrabbits.
Whether you participate as a challenge donor, volunteer as a social ambassador, give back what you can, or simply share your excitement for the event, your voice is a gift. You can help the yellow and blue community shape the future of SDSU, together as one.
“One Day for STATE reminds us, and especially students, that everyone can have an impact,” said Quam. “Everyone can make a difference. Any amount of a donation or participation during this day can truly change lives.”
