CULTURE + ENTERTAINMENT
At South Dakota State University (SDSU) , there is a culture of giving, says senior associate athletic director for development Ryan Christy . One alumnus who started this movement was Jerry Lohr of J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines in Northern California. A 1958 graduate, Lohr continued to support his alma mater with substantial donations, creating a ripple effect for others to step up. “If he wouldn't have started a culture of giving, you wouldn't see any athletic facilities that we have now,” said Christy. While there are too many donors to list (a good problem to have), there are a few honorable mentions, including Van and Barb Fishback of First Bank & Trust , Dana Dykhouse of First PREMIER Bank , T. Denny Sanford , the Larson Family Foundation of Larson Manufacturing , and Reece and Al Kurtenbach of Daktronics . Christy also gives kudos to David Chicoine and Peggy Miller , who were both SDSU presidents during the NCAA Division I transition era. This journey of philanthropy by “ Jackrabbit Nation ” also grew the SDSU Foundation , which has raised over $600 million for areas in the university with the Bold & Blue campaign. 605 was able to see some of these funds put into (impressive) action with a private tour of the First Bank & Trust Arena and Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium .
ROAD TRIP ISSUE may 2026
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