Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
South Dakota State University. Young Men's Christian Association
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The Young Men’s Christian Association at South Dakota Agricultural College was officially established on November 14, 1897. The organization sought to promote the development of mind, body, and spirit by encouraging Christian faith, character, citizenship, and leadership among students. Governed by a cabinet with members serving one year terms, the association organized weekly fellowship meetings, conducted deputation work, operated an employment bureau, and provided reading rooms, rest areas, and recreational opportunities. The YMCA remained active on campus into the early twentieth century.
The Young Women’s Christian Association was similarly organized to support the spiritual and social life of female students. Open to all women enrolled at the college, the YWCA provided opportunities for Christian expression and community involvement and was governed by its own cabinet. The two organizations occasionally held joint meetings and contributed to the religious and social life of the campus during the institution’s early decades.