The South Dakota State University Ephemera Collection is an artificial collection composed of assorted ephemeral items related to the university’s history, student life, and promotional materials. These items do not fall under the defined scope of any other established collection and are instead gathered selectively based on their uniqueness, illustrative value, or historical interest. Material is added on an ad hoc basis as it is discovered.
The collection includes newspapers and clippings referencing the early State Agricultural College, athletic passes, decals, diplomas and diploma folders, invitations to student events, dance cards, letters, menus, name tags, examination materials, and souvenir paper items such as notebooks, postcards, and placemats. It also contains view books, student notes, receipts, greeting cards, banquet programs, university binders, metal seals, and tickets to various events. Several items reflect student and faculty experiences, while others highlight campus buildings, traditions, and academic milestones.
Together, these materials offer meaningful glimpses into campus customs, student experiences, university branding, and social life at SDSU. They document a variety of institutional and student activities including formal gatherings, alumni relations, promotional outreach, and campus health protocols.
The collection is valuable for illustrating lesser-documented aspects of SDSU’s institutional culture and student life through material culture and print ephemera. While not systematically gathered, these items provide researchers with visual and tactile evidence of SDSU traditions, commemorative events, and daily campus life. Materials such as early diplomas, souvenir decals, handwritten correspondence, and party memorabilia capture elements of the university’s past that are not always reflected in official records.
