1932 (February and June) and 1934 (February)

1948-1951 (scattered issues), and 1959-1960 issue, 75 Years SDSC - 35 Years AZ

The Alpha Zeta Records document the history and activities of the South Dakota Chapter of Alpha Zeta, an honorary agricultural fraternity established at South Dakota State College in 1924. The collection encompasses extensive correspondence related to the chapter’s formation, including the original 1924 charter certificate, and various versions of local and national constitutions and by-laws. It contains newsletters, brochures, and publications such as the Alpha Zeta Newsletter (1948–1960), Prairie Winds alumni newsletters (1980s), and reports from national biennial conclaves dating from 1929 to 1966.

Included are comprehensive reports from the South Dakota Chapter to the national fraternity spanning 1931 to 1987, such as monthly meeting minutes, semester membership and initiate reports, and officer reports. The collection also preserves local materials: pledge and new member manuals, membership directories, examination records, songs, awards certificates, and memorabilia like banners and scrapbooks.

Photographic materials consist of loose color and black-and-white photos documenting initiations, social events, awards ceremonies, and group portraits from the late 20th century. Membership cards, both individual and blank, dating from 1924 onward are also part of the collection.

This archival resource provides a rich and detailed record of the chapter’s evolution, its members, and its role within agricultural education and leadership development over nearly a century.

This collection is a resource for the study of agricultural education, student leadership development, and fraternal organizations at South Dakota State University and nationally. It offers valuable insights into the social, academic, and community-oriented functions of Alpha Zeta as a prominent agricultural fraternity. The records reflect the local chapter’s commitment to fostering agricultural leadership, academic excellence, and service, documenting its growth, challenges, and community involvement through multiple decades.

includes dated and undated handwritten and typed listings, survey responses [from 195?], as well as lists of accepted pledges from 1938-1943, 1949-1950

Includes revisions dated November 18, 1992, March 23, 1992, October 3, 1985, and undated earlier versions

Includes 1924 certificate

This collection includes annual reports, multiple issues of the Dairy Digest periodical, awards banquet programs, and a scrapbook compiled in 1985. The Dairy Digest began as a newsletter and evolved into a formal periodical in the early 1990s, providing updates on the Dairy Department and Dairy Club activities.

The records document the ongoing activities, achievements, and growth of the Dairy Club at South Dakota State University. The Dairy Digest serves as a valuable historical resource capturing departmental news and student involvement over time, while the scrapbook offers a visual and narrative glimpse into the club’s past.

inviting Ray Melvin Lien to an examination for membership

Oct-Dec, 1947 thru January 31, 1967 [missing some reports from 1950, 1951, 1957, 1958, 1964]

from 1931-1966 [missing 1932, 1944,1945, 1957

May, 1937-December, 1953 (missing 1940-1945 and parts of 1946, 1948, 1949, 1950)

January, 1954 thru April 1964 (missing most of 1957), as well as semi-annual reports of Fall and Spring, 1966

includes SD sections arranged by year and by city

The Gamma Sigma Delta Records, South Dakota State University Chapter, document the establishment, development, and activities of the Honor Society of Agriculture at SDSU from its founding in 1958 through the late 20th century. The collection encompasses constitutions, handbooks, membership lists, banquet and conclave programs, newsletters, financial and account records, and detailed histories of the chapter and national society. Significant materials include records of national and international conclaves held at SDSU, banquet planning and programs, award documentation including the International Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award received by Dr. Oscar E. Olson, and memorabilia such as society jewelry and photographs. The collection also contains audiovisual materials, including a VHS tape highlighting the society.

These records are for research on professional agricultural fraternities, student leadership, agricultural education, and community-building in higher education. They provide insights into the recognition of academic and professional achievement in agriculture, the evolution of student organizations, and the broader role of Gamma Sigma Delta in promoting agricultural excellence.

from 1924-1943 and from 1955; also blank membership cards

• Alexandria Herald - Judged good in reporting of local public affairs
• Canova Herald - Judged superior in community service
• De Semt News - Judged excellent in community service, Judged good in front page makeup
• Hot Springs Weekly Star - Judged superior in reporting of local public affairs, judges excellent in local news story
• Madison Daily Leader - Judged superior in front page makeup
• Mobridge Tribune - Judged good in locally written column
• Report and Farmer - Judged superior in locally written column, Judged good in community service
• Selby Record - Judged Good in Local News Story
• Sioux Valley News - Judged superior in local news story, Judged excellent in reporting of local public affairs, Judged good in editorial. Judged excellent in locally written column, Judged excellent in front page maleup
• Vermillion Plain Talk - Judged excellent in editorial
• Wessington Spring Independent - Judged superior in editorial

1982, 1985-1987, and one undated (issues missing)