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The South Dakota Humanities Council (SDHC), founded in 1972 in response to an act of Congress, is the only cultural organization whose sole mission is to deliver humanities programming to the people of South Dakota. Through literature, history, and other humanities subjects, the Council promotes increased cultural awareness and appreciation of the state’s rich cultural heritage while emphasizing the importance of understanding the universal human experience. This programming vision forms the core mission of SDHC.

The agency supports and promotes public programming while providing grant funding to South Dakota non-profit and educational organizations for programs in traditional humanities disciplines. For 35 years, the SDHC has offered a wide range of opportunities. Financial grant support is available for community organizations through Discussion Grants, Media Grants, and Research Grants.

The Council is operated by a staff of five full-time professionals and governed by an 18-member volunteer board of South Dakotans who set policy, provide guidance, and determine programming goals and missions. The board includes citizens from varied backgrounds, with four members appointed by the Governor of South Dakota.

The Brookings Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) was founded in 1931 with 37 members under Miss Gertrude Young. Full membership recognition for South Dakota State College (SDSC) graduates came in 1950 after sustained effort.

Early programs included promoting a kindergarten, which the branch ran in the city library basement from 1932 to 1941 before it joined the public school system. During World War II, members supported the war effort through ration distribution, Red Cross work, and material salvage. The branch has consistently contributed to the National Fellowship Fund through events such as bridge benefits, style shows, and sales of maps, books, and calendars.

Scholarships have long been a priority. A junior-year fellowship evolved in 1962 to awards for a high school senior and an incoming SDSC student. Following Miss Young’s death in 1964, these became the Gertrude Young-AAUW Scholarships.

Study groups have grown in importance. By 1954, groups covered child study, money management, international relations, music, and crafts. In 1963–64, the focus shifted to four areas: community problems, cultural interests, education, and world issues. These groups spurred action programs including support for educational television, international book distribution, special education initiatives, and engagement with legislative issues, particularly in education and women’s rights.

Rotary International is a global organization of business and professional leaders dedicated to humanitarian service, promoting high ethical standards in all vocations, and fostering goodwill and peace. The movement began in 1905 when four Chicago businessmen met to build fellowship within the business community. As membership grew, meetings rotated among members’ places of business, inspiring the name ""Rotary."" Rotary became international in 1910 with the formation of a club in Canada, and by 1921 it had expanded to every continent. The organization formally adopted the name Rotary International in 1922.

The Brookings Rotary Club was established in 1919 through the efforts of local businessmen Ivan Cobel and Clyde Hinkley, who believed a Rotary Club would help strengthen ties among the business community. With support from other local business leaders and sponsorship from the Watertown Rotary Club, the Brookings club received its charter on February 1, 1920. Arthur Stoll served as the first president, and the club began with 21 charter members.

Throughout its history, the Brookings Rotary Club has contributed significantly to local civic and youth initiatives. These include supplying instruments and uniforms to the Brookings High School band, sponsoring Boy Scouts and youth sports teams, and initiating the concept for the Brookings United Retirement Center. The club also helped establish the United Fund, provided equipment for the Brookings Hospital, and developed Rotary Park. Members have contributed to international efforts as well, including book drives for schools in South Africa and the Philippines, financial support for the Polio Plus campaign, and contributions to the Rotary International Foundation.

Brookings Rotarians have played an active role in the broader Rotary organization, with six members serving as District Governors. The club has sponsored young professionals for international group study exchanges and awards a four-year scholarship annually to a local student attending South Dakota State University. It also provides educational awards for students studying abroad.

The Brookings Rotary Club remains active today, supporting local projects and promoting fellowship and service among members from the business, industrial, and educational sectors. Weekly meetings continue to serve as a platform for community engagement and informative programs.

In the fall of 1952, a group of faculty members, with the support of the South Dakota State College administration, organized a private stock corporation to address the growing need for faculty housing. The corporation aimed to acquire property and construct apartment buildings primarily for faculty rental, with assistance from the Federal Housing Administration. It developed and owned two six-unit apartment buildings located north of Sixth Street between 16th and 17th Avenues, across from Hillcrest Park. The Faculty Housing Company operated until January 21, 1963, when stockholders voted to dissolve the corporation at a special meeting.

The Scotland, South Dakota chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) is an active organization dedicated to promoting agricultural education and leadership among high school students. Established in the mid-20th century, the chapter has a long-standing tradition of excellence in FFA judging competitions, community service, and student leadership development. Under the guidance of dedicated advisors, the Scotland FFA has produced numerous state contest winners and alumni who have gone on to leadership roles in agricultural education and industry. The chapter remains a vital part of the Scotland School District and continues to participate in local, state, and national FFA programs.

Hugill, Blatherwick, Fritzel, Kroeger, Griffin & Berg was a prominent South Dakota architectural firm whose evolution spanned much of the 20th century.

The firm began in 1921 when George C. Hugill and Wilfred F. Blatherwick established Hugill & Blatherwick in Sioux Falls. Both men were formally trained architects with experience in civic, educational, and ecclesiastical design. Over the next two decades, the firm became known for designing county courthouses, churches, schools, and public buildings throughout South Dakota, with several projects later listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1946, Wendell C. Fritzel joined as partner, forming Hugill, Blatherwick & Fritzel. Jean R. Kroeger entered in 1956, expanding the firm’s scope and reputation as Hugill, Blatherwick, Fritzel & Kroeger. After the deaths of Hugill and Blatherwick in the late 1950s and early 1960s, Edward L. Griffin and Milton L. Berg joined, and the firm continued under the name Fritzel, Kroeger, Griffin & Berg.

Throughout these transitions, the firm remained influential in shaping South Dakota’s built environment, contributing notable designs for universities, civic centers, schools, religious institutions, and airports. In 1985, the practice transitioned into Holman Beck Associates, which later became Holman & Associates, continuing operations until its closure in 2009.

Over nearly nine decades, the firm and its successors left a ignificant architectural legacy across the region, blending early 20th-century classicism with mid-century modernism in their wide-ranging portfolio.

On January 20, 1933, a group of women met at the home of Mrs. A.H. Hoppe to organize a music club under the auspices of the American Association of University Women. They adopted the four-year study program of the National Federation of Music Clubs. In 1934, the club became officially affiliated with the Federation. The organization's goals were to promote mutual support among members and to advance music within the community.

The Prairie Striders Running Club was founded in Brookings, South Dakota, in 1969 by community members Jay Dirksen, Russ Strande, Howard Sauer, Lyle Derscheid, Keith Morrill, Bruce Berger, Lornie Bartling, Bob Bartling, Harvey Mills, Scott Underwood, Don Solsvig, and Jim Egeberg.

A non-profit organization affiliated with the Amateur Athletic Union, the club aims to unite running enthusiasts and promote the sport throughout South Dakota. It hosts various local races, including 5K, 8K, the Jackrabbit 15, and the Longest Day Marathon.

The club also publishes a newsletter and offers running resources to its members. These include coverage of club events, state high school meets, regional collegiate races, and national competitions involving members and their families, along with record-breaking performances and historical insights from the world of competitive running.

The Saturday Literary Club, founded in 1897 with 14 members, was the first women’s club organized in Brookings, South Dakota. Dedicated to social engagement and cultural enrichment, the club played a significant role in the community’s intellectual life.

The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) Summer Track Program began in 1969. It was part of the ""1969 Junior Champ Track Program,"" held in ten cities across South Dakota and sponsored by the South Dakota Jaycees and the Spader Camper Center of Brookings. Stan Jensen of Brookings served as the program’s chairman.

The program aimed to give youth the opportunity “to run, jump, or throw” and to experience the enjoyment, recreation, and sense of well-being associated with physical activity and fitness. It culminated in a state championship for boys and girls aged 15 to 18, with winners qualifying for the 6th/5th Annual U.S. Jaycee Junior Track and Field Championships at the University of Minnesota. Food, lodging, and transportation were provided by the sponsors.

From 1970 to 1973, the South Dakota Jaycees and the American Dairy Association of South Dakota continued supporting the Junior Track Program, with state meets held in Brookings.

The Sioux Falls Jaycees Developmental Meets, affiliated with the Sioux Falls Recreation Department and directed by Rich Greeno, were held from 1974 to 1976 and had reached their eighth year by then.

Sokota Hybrid Producers, Inc. was a South Dakota-based agricultural cooperative that supplied hybrid seed corn to farmers in South Dakota and neighboring states. The organization traces its origins to 1924, when Clifford Franzke, an agronomist with the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, began inbreeding local corn varieties to develop hybrids suited to the regional climate. In 1942, a new hybrid seed was released to farmers, and efforts to standardize seed grading were initiated by Fred Baldridge, a retired farmer.

The cooperative formally incorporated in 1944, with 24 farmers purchasing certificates of equity to establish the organization. E.G. Sanderson served as its first president. In 1945, W.L. Davis, a vocational agriculture instructor in Brookings, became manager and oversaw construction of Sokota’s processing plant in southern Brookings. Davis remained in the position for nearly 35 years.

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sokota operated one of the largest corn breeding programs in the region, reportedly exceeding the scope of similar efforts at South Dakota State University. The cooperative was sold in 1985 to North American Plant Breeders, marking the end of its independent operations.

The Brookings Veterans Society was composed of discharged and separated members of the United States Armed Forces who were enrolled as students at South Dakota State University. In the preamble to its constitution, the society acknowledged its members’ dual roles as both veterans and students. Recognizing this unique perspective, they believed their primary responsibility was to support the interests and welfare of the broader student body. The society’s purpose, as outlined in its constitution, was to uphold the South Dakota State University Student Code and to support the educational mission of the institution. It sought to create a welcoming environment for new veteran students, offering help and assistance as they transitioned into university life. The organization also aimed to provide information and encourage discussion on legislation, current events, and political issues affecting the university, the state, the nation, and the world. Additionally, the society worked to advocate for the general interests of veterans and other students on campus, to improve classroom and residential facilities, and to encourage veterans to enroll in, remain at, or return to South Dakota State University.

The Dakota Farmer was established in 1881, eight years before North and South Dakota achieved statehood. It was first published in Alexandria, in what is now Hanson County, South Dakota, by founder James Baynes. Within its first year, Baynes sold the publication to Augustine Davis, who relocated operations to Huron, South Dakota. In 1883, Davis sold a half-interest to William Bushnell, who became sole proprietor by 1885.

Under Bushnell’s leadership as editor and manager, The Dakota Farmer gained early prominence. The publication relocated to Aberdeen in 1893 and became a vocal supporter of agricultural development in the region. It advocated for improved livestock, crop quality, and the advancement of local farm organizations. Bushnell’s influence extended beyond publishing—he was active in public affairs and later served as state statistician for South Dakota.

Over the following century, The Dakota Farmer continued to evolve with its readership, providing trusted agricultural news and guidance through changing economic and environmental conditions. In 1979, the magazine was acquired by Webb Publishing, which viewed it as a natural complement to its flagship title, The Farmer.

Today, The Dakota Farmer is part of Farm Progress Companies, a leading publisher of agricultural media. Farm Progress oversees 18 state-specific farm magazines and operates eight major farm shows across the country, including the nationally recognized Farm Progress Show.

The Milwaukee Road, officially known as the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad (CMSP&P RR), was a Class I railroad that operated across the Midwest and northwestern United States from its founding in 1847 until its merger with the Soo Line Railroad in 1985–1986. Over its history, the company underwent several name changes and periods of bankruptcy. Although it no longer exists as a separate entity, its legacy is preserved through landmarks such as the historic Milwaukee Road Depot in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and through preserved equipment like the Milwaukee Road 261 steam locomotive.

Originally incorporated as the Milwaukee and Waukesha Railroad in 1847, the company soon changed its name to the Milwaukee and Mississippi Railroad. Its first rail line, connecting Milwaukee and Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, opened in 1850, with passenger service beginning on February 25, 1851. The name was changed in 1874 to the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad, and by 1887, it had expanded lines through Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

The Dakota Agricultural College Board of Regents was established in 1881 by the Dakota Territory to oversee the founding and governance of a land-grant college in Brookings, later known as South Dakota State University. During the territorial period, the Governor of Dakota Territory served on multiple institutional boards, including that of the agricultural college, actively shaping educational policy between 1883 and 1889.

The board appointed George W. Lilley as the college’s first president in 1884, under whose leadership the first permanent buildings were erected and academic programs were initiated. In 1885, James Plummer Day, a Civil War veteran and legislator, was appointed to the college's Board of Trustees and remained involved through the transition to statehood.

Following South Dakota’s admission to the Union in 1889, the newly formed South Dakota Board of Regents assumed oversight of all state higher education institutions, including Dakota Agricultural College. Day and other early trustees continued their service under the restructured governance model. This early board laid the foundational policies for curriculum, facilities, land use, and administrative structure that would shape the development of the institution for decades to come.

The Freemasons. Grand Lodge of the State of South Dakota is the governing body for Freemasonry in South Dakota. Established shortly after South Dakota achieved statehood in 1889, the Grand Lodge oversees the activities of local Masonic lodges across the state, setting regulations, granting charters, and organizing statewide events and communications. Freemasonry, a fraternal organization with historical roots in medieval stonemason guilds, emphasizes moral and spiritual development, brotherhood, charity, and civic responsibility.

In South Dakota, the Grand Lodge publishes materials such as proceedings of annual communications, newsletters, ritual guides, and historical summaries, which document the administrative and ceremonial activities of Masons in the state. These publications also often include member directories, lodge reports, and commemorative content related to Masonic anniversaries and public service. The Grand Lodge has historically played a role in community leadership and philanthropy throughout South Dakota.

Field of Activity: Geography
Delta Zeta Chapter (South Dakota State University)

The National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the rights and benefits of retired federal employees and their families at the local, state, and national levels. The Big Sioux Chapter (Chapter 0872), based in Brookings, South Dakota, is part of the South Dakota Federation of NARFE chapters. Although currently inactive, the chapter has previously served members in the region through advocacy, community engagement, and information-sharing.

The Prairie Repertory Theatre was founded by students and faculty in 1971 after the relocation of the Oldham Opera House. The Prairie Repertory Theatre was created through collaboration by the Prairie Historical Society and South Dakota State University in order to present a joint summer theater season. The Prairie Repertory Theatre has worked to encourage theatrical talents in the community and continue the historic tradition bringing theater to the communities in South Dakota.

The Prairie Repertory Theater presents four plays a summer for a duration of six weeks a play at SDSU in Brookings and at Prairie Village near Madison, SD and recently celebrated their 50th year of theater productions.

Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located in Brown County, northeastern South Dakota, near the city of Columbia. It was established in 1935 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Encompassing over 21,000 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and open water, the refuge was created to protect and enhance migratory bird habitat, particularly for waterfowl.

It is recognized as a Globally Important Bird Area and a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Sand Lake provides critical breeding, nesting, and migratory stopover habitat for hundreds of bird species, including ducks, geese, herons, and endangered whooping cranes. The refuge also supports a variety of mammals, amphibians, and fish species.

The refuge is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and includes facilities for research, conservation, and public recreation, such as birdwatching, environmental education, photography, and regulated hunting and fishing.

The South Dakota State University (SDSU) Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) was established in 1937. SPJ, originally founded as Sigma Delta Chi in 1901, is a national journalism organization committed to promoting ethical standards, defending First Amendment rights, and fostering the free flow of information vital to a democratic society.

From 1940 through the mid-1970s, the SDSU chapter produced The Bum and The Junior Bum—game-day programs for Jackrabbit football and basketball, respectively. The Bum was prominently associated with Hobo Day festivities. Revenue from these publications supported the chapter’s annual travel to Sigma Delta Chi national conventions.

In the mid-1970s, the chapter lost official sponsorship from the national SPJ organization, rendering continued publication of the programs financially unsustainable. Responsibility for producing The Bum and The Junior Bum was subsequently transferred to the Jackrabbit Sports Information Service within the SDSU Athletic Department. Archival copies of The Bum can be found in the Jackrabbit Sports Information Service Records (UA 46).

Also known as Commercial Science, the Department of Commerce at South Dakota State University existed in the early 1900s and disappeared from college catalogs around 1903. The department offered both secretarial and commercial courses. Secretarial instruction included business law, commercial methods (such as letter writing and filing), typewriting, money and banking, shorthand, and accounting. Commercial courses covered topics such as bookkeeping, business methods, commerce and industry, business affairs, and related subjects.

The Faculty Round Table was established on November 1, 1901, with the purpose of fostering professional and social engagement among its members. Membership was limited to the college’s faculty and instructors, along with their spouses. The group held regular monthly meetings during the academic year, with the goal of encouraging intellectual exchange through the presentation and discussion of scholarly papers.

The Hatch Act of 1887 established the Agricultural Experiment Station and required all colleges created under the Morrill Act of 1862 to form a department designated as an Agricultural Experiment Station. These stations were tasked with acquiring and disseminating practical and useful agricultural information for the people of the United States, as well as promoting scientific investigation and experimentation. The act required annual reports from all stations and the distribution of periodic bulletins or progress reports. Federal funds supported this work, and in 1887 Dakota Agricultural College, the predecessor of South Dakota State University, established its Agricultural Experiment Station in accordance with these requirements.

Today, much of the station’s research is conducted in Brookings, with additional work carried out at six field stations and at the West River Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Rapid City. Field stations address local or specialized agricultural problems, and further research is conducted on farms and ranches, in wildlife areas, in streams and reservoirs, and in cooperation with businesses and institutions across nearly every county in the state.

The research program of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences is based on structured experiments that provide new knowledge and service to the citizens of South Dakota. This information is used by farmers, ranchers, homemakers, industry, university classrooms, and extension education programs. Research covers livestock; crops and soils; community and public affairs; animal health; fertilizers; garden and orchard; home and consumer topics; water resources and irrigation; forestry; insects; farm machinery; marketing; business management; farm buildings; pollution; range and grass; fisheries; plant diseases; wildlife; sociology; and biostress in plants, animals, and humans. Funding is provided through state and federal appropriations, industry grants, and federal and state grants. Research findings are published in Experiment Station or Extension bulletins, scientific journals, and in the quarterly publication Farm and Home Research.

The South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum was established in 1967 by South Dakota State University (SDSU). From 1975 to 1995, it operated as a program of the South Dakota State Historical Society. In April 1995, the museum was reaffiliated with SDSU and now reports directly to the Vice President for Administration.

The museum is dedicated to preserving, studying, and interpreting materials related to South Dakota agriculture and rural life from 1860 to the present. Its scope includes agricultural technologies, crops, livestock, and the social, cultural, and institutional aspects that have influenced and been influenced by the state’s rural environment. The museum’s permanent and part-time staff carry out key museum functions, including collecting, restoring and preserving, researching, exhibiting, and interpreting items relevant to its mission.

In 1947, the South Dakota General Federation of Women's Clubs voted to raise funds for an art center to provide the people of South Dakota with a dedicated space to view works of art. In 1950, the Federation selected the campus of South Dakota State College in Brookings as the location for the facility. Construction began in 1969, and the Memorial Art Center was dedicated in 1970. In 1976, it became the first museum in South Dakota to receive accreditation from the American Association of Museums. Reflecting its expanded programming and statewide role, the South Dakota Board of Regents renamed the institution the South Dakota Art Museum in 1987.

The museum's mission is to collect and preserve works of art that represent South Dakota’s diverse artistic heritage. The tradition of building the museum’s collection began with a donation from the Women’s Club at the time of the building’s completion. Additional acquisitions were made through support from the South Dakota State University Alumni Association and the South Dakota Arts Council. The museum’s permanent collection has since grown through both purchases and private donations, and it serves as a key resource for exhibitions, educational outreach, and scholarly research.

The South Dakota Art Museum features galleries dedicated to works by Harvey Dunn, Oscar Howe, Native American tribal art, and Marghab Linens. Additional galleries host rotating exhibitions showcasing a range of themes, media, and artistic styles. The museum also offers public programming including lectures, exhibition briefings, receptions, children’s activities, films, and other events.

Formed in 1971, the South Dakota Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women was a state-level governing body for collegiate women’s athletics in South Dakota. It organized competitions, coordinated with national organizations such as the Division for Girls’ and Women’s Sports and the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, and worked to standardize competition and promote women’s athletic programs across the state. Membership included most public and private institutions in South Dakota. The association concluded its activities in June 1982 as national governance shifted, particularly with the NCAA assuming responsibility for women’s athletics. Its work marked an important transitional period during the early implementation of federally mandated equity in collegiate sports.

In 1890, the South Dakota Legislature established a governing board for higher education, creating a nine-member Board of Regents appointed by the governor and officially known as the Regents of Education. This board operated in conjunction with each institution’s individual Board of Trustees, which retained primary authority over local decision-making and institutional operations.

This dual system of governance continued for six years. However, administrative inefficiencies and conflicting oversight prompted legislative reform. In November 1896, the South Dakota Constitution was amended to establish a single, centralized five-member Board of Regents with full authority over all public educational institutions in the state.

Over time, the Board’s structure evolved. Today, the South Dakota Board of Regents is composed of nine members, including one student regent. Regular regents serve six-year terms, while the student regent serves a two-year term. The Board acts as the constitutional governing body for six public universities and two special schools in South Dakota. Its responsibilities include approving institutional budgets, curricula, faculty appointments, and salary structures, among other governance duties.

The South Dakota Crop Improvement Association (SDCIA) traces its origins to the formation of the South Dakota Corn Growers and Corn Breeders Association in September 1906. Initially intended as a temporary organization to enhance corn cultivation in the state, it became permanent following the success of its first crop show. A.E. Chamberlain of Howard was elected the association’s first president.

In 1909, the organization broadened its scope to include other grains and was renamed the South Dakota Corn Growers and Grain Growers Association. In 1924, it merged with the South Dakota Experimental Association, a group focused on testing and promoting new crop varieties. The following year, the combined organization adopted the name South Dakota Crop Improvement Association.

Since then, the SDCIA has played a central role in advancing seed crop improvement across the state. It established several key initiatives, including the Seed Council of South Dakota in 1928 and the Foundation Seed Stocks Corporation in 1944, to oversee seed testing and certification. The organization holds an annual state crop show and membership meeting to educate farmers about new seed varieties and farming techniques. It also supports the development of county-level associations to promote agricultural education and the use of pure, certified seed.

The South Dakota Dairy Association, founded in 1904, played a key role in advancing the state's dairy industry. It promoted dairy farming practices, supported producers, and contributed to the sector's economic impact. The association was governed by a board including a president, vice-president, and secretary-treasurer, ensuring strategic direction. Since 1976, South Dakota State University has hosted the South Dakota Dairymen’s Conference, later renamed the Dairy and Forage Conference. Annual conventions facilitated industry collaboration and policy discussions. In 1993, the association merged with the North Dakota and Minnesota dairy promotion councils to form the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.

In 1980, the National Science Foundation established the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, known as EPSCoR. The program was created to assist states in developing self sustaining academic research enterprises with competitive capacity that supports economic viability and development. The mission of EPSCoR is to strengthen research and education in science and engineering throughout the United States and to prevent an undue concentration of such research and educational resources. Since its establishment, several federal agencies have developed comparable programs, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Department of Energy, the Department of Defense, and the National Institutes of Health.

The South Dakota EPSCoR program seeks to enhance the state’s research capacity in science and technology, expand educational opportunities for K 12, undergraduate, and graduate students, and encourage technology transfer and commercialization activities that support economic development within South Dakota. To achieve these objectives, South Dakota EPSCoR maintains collaborative relationships with the Office of Commercialization, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and the South Dakota Board of Regents. Participating institutions include the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University, and the University of South Dakota.

The South Dakota Farm Bureau is one of the oldest agricultural organizations in the state, with roots dating back to 1913 when local efforts began at the county level. The South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation was officially established in 1917. Initially, the Bureau worked closely with the Cooperative Extension Service, but this relationship had largely dissolved by 1935 as the organization evolved independently.

The South Dakota Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company, once a key service arm of the Federation, offered insurance exclusively to its members. This member-owned company merged with the Iowa Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company in July 1999, at which point it ceased operations under the South Dakota name. The South Dakota Farm Bureau Service Company, a for-profit corporation wholly owned by the Federation, continues to operate in support of the Bureau’s broader mission.

In 1881, farmers in Yankton County organized the first alliance in Dakota Territory, inspired by Milton George, editor of the Western Rural, who condemned discriminatory railroad practices and advocated for the National Farmers’ Alliance. A sharp drop in wheat prices in 1884 fueled widespread unrest, prompting mass meetings in Clark, Huron, Mellette, and Redfield, where farmers called for railroad regulation. In response, a territorial railroad commission was established in January 1885, but opposition rendered it powerless to set freight rates. The movement strengthened in February 1885, when delegates from eleven counties convened in Huron to form the Dakota Farmers’ Alliance, affiliating with the national organization. By mid-summer, the number of local alliances in the territory had tripled, demonstrating the growing influence of the farmers’ movement.

Journalist Isaac Newton Gresham founded the Farmers Educational and Cooperative Union in Point, Texas, in 1902 to protect and promote the interests of family farmers. The organization expanded nationally in 1905.

The Farmer’s Union was introduced to South Dakota around 1914 by former members of the Nebraska Farmers Union who had relocated to the state. Early organizational efforts in South Dakota were driven by Farmers Union officials from Nebraska.

On March 16, 1917, the South Dakota Farmers Union was officially established as a state unit during its first state convention in Mitchell. The convention brought together 268 delegates representing 14 counties, reflecting the organization's growing presence. By this time, 134 local chapters had been formed across the state.

Education has been a cornerstone of the South Dakota Farmers Union, pioneering programs that were later adopted by other state units. In its early years, the Union played a crucial role in collective purchasing, helping farmers acquire essential supplies such as flour, coal, and twine.

The South Dakota Higher Education Faculty Association (HEFA) was established on March 27, 1971, by forty-five faculty members representing five state-supported educational institutions. The group formed in response to frustrations over low salaries, a state Supreme Court ruling that limited faculty rights to due process in disputes with administrative officers, and ineffective communication with the Board of Regents on matters traditionally regarded as faculty prerogatives. According to its constitution, HEFA aimed to give South Dakota’s public college and university faculties a unified voice on issues affecting them and to represent their individual and collective interests before influential decision-making bodies. A primary goal of the organization was to improve communication between faculty and all levels of university administration.

By 1976, the HEFA branch at South Dakota State University underwent a reorganization to expand its membership and joined with faculty groups from other state institutions to form the South Dakota Faculty Coalition, a broader and more inclusive organization. In 1977, HEFA ended its pursuit of recognition as the official collective bargaining unit for higher education faculty and instead endorsed the Council of Higher Education–National Education Association (COHE–NEA) to serve in that capacity. Following this endorsement, HEFA appears to have dissolved by 1978.

The South Dakota Nurses’ Association (SDNA) was established on July 11, 1916, in Rapid City as the South Dakota State Association of Graduate Nurses, with Elizabeth Dryborough elected as its first president. Initially comprising just seventeen nurses, it became the 43rd constituent of the American Nurses Association. The association adopted its current name in 1929 and introduced a district-based organizational structure, later expanding to thirteen districts in 1957.

From its inception, SDNA has played a central role in advancing nursing standards and professional practice across South Dakota. Its earliest achievement was drafting and promoting the 1917 Nurse Practice Act, which established licensing standards and led to the formation of the South Dakota Board of Nursing. Since then, SDNA has consistently advocated for educational requirements, continuing education, and health care legislation. It has supported professional development through conventions, workshops, and its long-standing publication, The South Dakota Nurse.

The South Dakota Nurses Association exemplifies the foundational influence on nursing regulation and its ongoing leadership in shaping health care policy, education, and professional advancement for nurses in South Dakota.

The South Dakota Nurses Foundation was formally established in 1999 as a secondary foundation to support and collaborate with the South Dakota Nurses Association. A previous version of the Foundation operated from 1990 to 1998 but was disbanded due to leadership challenges.

The Foundation focuses on three core objectives: advancing research to expand nursing knowledge and improve healthcare practices; supporting education to promote health-related learning and professional development; and providing service to benefit the people of South Dakota through the healthcare profession.

Since its reestablishment in 1999, the Foundation’s Board of Directors has met annually, with the exception of 2001.

The South Dakota Ornithologists’ Union (SDOU), established in 1949, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the study, appreciation, and conservation of birds in South Dakota. It serves as a network for both amateur birdwatchers and professional ornithologists, fostering interest in birdlife through field observation, research, and educational initiatives. The Union publishes South Dakota Bird Notes, a quarterly journal that documents bird sightings, research findings, and seasonal activity across the state. It also maintains an official state bird list and oversees a Rare Bird Records Committee to verify unusual observations. Through regular meetings, field trips, and conservation grants, the SDOU has contributed significantly to the understanding and preservation of South Dakota’s avian biodiversity.

In the spring of 1970, I.J. Carey and others founded the South Dakota Paint Horse Club, an affiliate of the American Paint Horse Association. Carey served as President for three years before becoming National Director and Secretary-Treasurer.

The South Dakota Paint Horse Club operated as a non-profit organization to promote the paint horse—a breed known for its distinctive white and dark-colored markings. The club focused on publicizing the breed through newspapers, television ads, and magazines, as well as by organizing horse shows, fairs, auctions, and races. These efforts, which included local and national awards and memorabilia, significantly increased interest and membership.

Among the club’s most notable contributions were its paint horse shows and the Hoofprints newsletter, launched in 1975. The newsletter featured updates from officers and directors, show dates, futurity results, meeting notes, sales, and financial statements. Due to financial challenges, the South Dakota Paint Horse Club disbanded in 2021, leaving a lasting legacy in support of the paint horse breed.

The South Dakota Resources Coalition was established in the early 1970s, during the formative years of the national environmental movement. Although conservation efforts had long existed, significant federal action began after 1967 with the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of major environmental legislation.

In 1972, Governor Richard Kneip sought to unify various grassroots environmental groups in the state, offering political support and visibility. Esther R. Edie, then secretary of South Dakotans for a Quality Environment, facilitated communication among citizens' groups. With support from the governor’s office, a South Dakota Environmental Symposium was held on September 28, 1972, attracting around 80 participants. The event featured state officials and experts addressing topics such as water management, forest practices, air quality, recycling, and the establishment of a formal environmental organization.

Following the symposium, the South Dakota Environmental Coalition was formed and became active in state and national environmental issues, including the Oahe irrigation project, the Clean Air Act, the Water Pollution Control Amendments, and the Trans-Alaska pipeline. The group held its first annual meeting in May 1973 at Augustana College. By the end of that year, numerous South Dakota organizations had joined, representing a broad coalition of environmental, civic, and academic interests.

In 1978, the group adopted the name South Dakota Resources Coalition to reflect its wider scope and was incorporated as a non-profit. In 1982, it established the South Dakota Resources Protection Fund to support lobbying efforts. Over the years, the coalition has sponsored public education initiatives and partnered with South Dakota Public Television and the U.S. EPA on projects addressing water quality and land use. Notable projects include the 1973 television series Who Shall Control the Land?, a water quality institute funded in 1974, and the film The Invisible Thief in 1978–79.

The coalition has participated in numerous state advisory committees and regional environmental initiatives, including the South Dakota Futures Program and the Great Plains Environmental Conference. Throughout its history, the South Dakota Resources Coalition has played a significant role in advancing environmental advocacy in the state, particularly in areas such as water quality, waste management, and mining regulation.

The South Dakota Social Science Association was composed of professional sociologists and students from colleges and universities across the state. The organization sponsored annual meetings, paper competitions, award ceremonies, and published an academic journal. Its meetings provided a forum for presenting research, exchanging ideas, and fostering collaboration in the field of sociology. The association became inactive in the 1980s.

Became South Dakota State University in 1964.

The South Dakota State Poetry Society was founded by Dr. James C. Lindberg of Northern State College and formally organized in Huron on October 5, 1927 in the Marvin Hughitt Hotel. The first officers of the organization were: Dr. Lindberg, President; Gertrude B. Gunderson of Mitchell, Vice President; and Ethelyn Miller Hartwich of Huron, Secretary. The stated purpose of the society is to encourage and foster the writing and publication of poetry by South Dakota writers. The organization was registered as a Nonprofit Corporation with the South Dakota Secretary of State on September 22, 1970.

Dr. Lindberg developed the first South Dakota Poetry magazine, Pasque Petals, which was made the official publication of the poetry society at its organizing meeting. Publication began in May of 1926 and continues today. It is the oldest poetry journal in continuous publication in the National Federation of State Poetry Societies.

South Dakota State Poetry Society is directed by a board made up of nine South Dakota poets who select an editor for Pasque Petals, oversee the annual national competition of poetry, and recommend the South Dakota Poet Laureate to the Governor. The current Poet Laureate is Lee Ann Roripaugh of Vermillion. The Poet Laureate post was a lifetime appointment until a recent change in state law that sets a four-year term.

Past Poet Laureates are:

• Badger Clark, 1928-1957
• Adeline Jenny, 1958-1973
• Mabel Frederick, 1973
• Audrae Visser, 1974-2001
• David Allan Evans, 2002-2014

South Dakota State University (SDSU) originated in 1881, when the Dakota Territory legislature authorized the establishment of a land-grant agricultural college under the provisions of the Morrill Act. The first campus building was completed in 1883, and the institution gradually broadened its academic scope beyond agriculture as South Dakota approached statehood.

In 1904 the school was renamed South Dakota State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts, reflecting its expanding programs in science, engineering, and the liberal arts. Over the following decades it continued to grow in size, mission, and research activity.

The institution achieved full university status in 1964, becoming South Dakota State University. Today SDSU offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, including doctoral degrees, and continues to advance its land-grant mission through teaching, research, Extension, and service to the people of South Dakota.

In 2006, South Dakota State University (SDSU) celebrated its 125th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s long-standing service to education, research, and community development. To plan and coordinate the commemoration, the university established the 125th Anniversary Planning Committee, which was tasked with organizing a yearlong series of events, publications, and initiatives that reflected the institution’s legacy and accomplishments since its founding in 1881.

The committee was chaired by Carol J. Peterson, with University President Peggy Gordon Miller and Presidents Emeriti Sherwood Berg and Robert Wagner serving as honorary co-chairs. Its membership represented a broad cross-section of SDSU’s community, including faculty, staff, students, administrators, and alumni. Members included Joel Hefling, Edward P. Hogan, Wesley Tschetter, Padmanaban Krishnan, Deb Gulbranson, V.J. Smith, Carolyn Clague, Stephen Van Buren, Barbara Hartinger, David Marquardt, John Miller, Steve Marquardt, Laurie Nichols, Michele Sage, Adam Karnopp, Jennifer Crickard (staff), Emery Tschetter (staff), Adam Zobel (student), and Cy Fixen (student).

Together, this diverse group worked to ensure that the 125th anniversary observance was both celebratory and substantive, encompassing a wide range of commemorative activities that honored SDSU’s past while inspiring future growth. Their work culminated in public events, gala celebrations, outreach programs, exhibitions, memorabilia, and historical documentation projects, many of which engaged alumni and communities across South Dakota.

The records produced by the committee including correspondence, minutes, audiovisual media, publications, and memorabilia are preserved in the SDSU Archives and Special Collections, providing a lasting resource for understanding the university’s heritage and the planning of major institutional milestones.

The Academic Women's Equity Coalition was established at South Dakota State University during the 1983–1984 academic year in response to informal conversations among faculty members concerned with workplace policies and professional opportunities. Open to all faculty and supporters of its mission, the coalition aimed to promote equity in hiring, salary, promotion, and tenure practices. It provided a forum for discussing faculty experiences, identifying institutional barriers, and fostering professional development.

The coalition advocated for clear, consistent communication in professional contexts and supported faculty interested in administrative advancement. Through these efforts, it contributed to institutional conversations about fairness, transparency, and career progression within the university setting.

The Administrative Council was established in 1942 as the successor to the Council of Deans, which had originated in 1923 as the Committee of Deans. The earlier body was composed of the deans of academic areas, including the colleges and the Deans of Men and Women. It handled decisions related to campus regulations, student requests to exceed course loads, absences, disciplinary matters, vocational course implementation, and adjustments to course credits. It also approved candidates for degrees and set the academic calendar. Although the president’s name appears frequently in the minutes, it is not clear whether he attended all meetings.

The renaming to Administrative Council did not involve a change in function, and its responsibilities and discussion topics remained consistent. By the mid-1950s, membership expanded to include faculty representatives from the Faculty Association.

By 1955, the Faculty Handbook described the Administrative Council as meeting weekly with the president to address matters of administration and policy raised either by the president or by council members. Although not formally defined as a decision-making body, it continued to carry out such functions. The university president served as chair. This description remained in the handbook until 1970, when the newly formed Academic Senate assumed the Council’s policy-making and decision-making responsibilities.

The American Indian and Indigenous Studies program at South Dakota State University is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of Indigenous values, histories, and communities in the United States. The program emphasizes both historical and contemporary Indigenous experiences, with coursework addressing Indigenous histories, languages, arts, sovereignty, social and political issues, and present day circumstances. As a small academic program, it allows students to identify individual areas of interest and pursue undergraduate research related to Indigenous topics. Students who complete the program earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and are prepared for careers serving Indigenous communities, including work in tribal or federal agencies. Study within the program supports cultural understanding and responds to the need for multicultural awareness in higher education.

In 1994, the minor was renamed the American Indian Studies minor, coinciding with the introduction of Lakota language courses. In 2013, the university began offering a Bachelor of Arts in American Indian Studies. The major and minor have continued to support a comprehensive understanding of American Indian experiences. In 2021, the program was renamed the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program.

The Native American Club was first organized in 1992 under the leadership of Jack Marken, Head of the English Department. The club was established with four primary objectives. These objectives included hosting prospective Native American students, providing academic support through tutoring, offering a space for Native American students to engage with their culture, and promoting cultural awareness through programs and activities for the South Dakota State University and Brookings communities.

The Native American Club sponsored a wide range of activities and events, including hand games tournaments, Indian taco sales, basketball tournaments, and Indigenous conferences. The organization is best known for establishing the South Dakota State University Wacipi. The club held its first contest Wacipi in 1977. After a hiatus, the contest resumed in 1990 and has since been held annually as a Native American Club event.

In 2015, the Native American Club changed its name to the American Indian Student Association. Following the name change, the scope of the organization’s objectives was reduced. The American Indian Student Association no longer hosted prospective Native American students or provided tutoring services. The association continues to provide a welcoming space for Native American students and to support cultural awareness programs and activities.

The American Indian Education and Cultural Center first opened in 2010 and was located on the southwest side of campus near the Academic Evaluation and Assessment Building and the Jerome J. Lohr Building. The center was established with three primary purposes: to recruit Native American students to the university, to support the retention of Native American students, and to assist Native American students in completing their college degrees.

In 2016, the center was renamed the American Indian Student Center under the direction of April Eastman. At that time, the center relocated to the lower level of Enrollment Services due to construction of the Alumni Center on the site formerly occupied by the American Indian Education and Cultural Center. In 2017, the American Indian Student Center received $4.5 million in donor funding to support the creation of a new facility for Native American students. In 2020, the center moved to its current location just south of the Rotunda.

The American Indian Student Center continues to support the original purposes of the American Indian Education and Cultural Center while expanding its focus on student retention. Services provided include tutoring, access to computers, financial assistance, drum rooms, art rooms, and study spaces. The center also supports Indigenous student organizations by providing meeting space, assistance with event planning, and guidance on club activities. In collaboration with the Native American Club, the American Indian Student Center has helped coordinate events such as the South Dakota State University Wacipi Powwow, which provides opportunities for Indigenous and non Indigenous participants to engage in traditional dances and cultural experiences.

Since 1887, the Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory has maintained a tradition of providing quality veterinary diagnostic services to the state and region. As one of only 42 North American laboratories that are fully accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, the laboratory serves animal owners by acting as a reference laboratory for animal health professionals and state/federal regulatory officials. This rigorous accreditation standard is compliant with international expectations as laid out by the OIE, thus ensuring trade markets are available to their clients.

As a reference laboratory, they provide the precise detailed animal disease information that is needed for those in charge of managing, treating and preventing diseases of animals. Many of the diseases the laboratory deal with are also potential human diseases, and thus the lab also plays a significant service role for public health surveillance. The laboratory serves all companion and food animal owners by working with their local veterinarian.

The laboratory continues as a member of the USDA National Animal Health Network (NAHLN), a member of the USDA/FDA Food Emergency Response Network (FERN), and a member of the DHHS/FDA Veterinary Laboratory Reference Network (Vet-LRN).

The Centennial Steering Committee was established on July 16, 1979, to oversee the planning and execution of South Dakota State University’s Centennial Celebration in 1981. H.M. Briggs, President Emeritus of SDSU, served as Chairman, while former Vice President David Pearson was appointed Vice-Chairman. The committee was composed of representatives from various academic and administrative units across campus, as well as individuals from outside the university community. Its first meeting took place on July 21, 1980.

At the inaugural meeting, Briggs outlined the committee’s responsibilities and emphasized that each member would also serve as chair of a corresponding sub-committee aligned with their area of university involvement. The Steering Committee organized into multiple sub-committees to handle specialized components of the celebration, such as publications, events, and departmental participation. Each sub-committee was tasked with developing programming and executing their portion of the centennial.

Committee members received stipends from the university to support their planning work, with financial support increasing as needs evolved. While sub-committees carried out much of the programmatic work, the Centennial Office, staffed by Briggs and office assistant Yvonne Ehlebracht, handled the committee’s day-to-day operations. The office coordinated budgeting, recordkeeping, logistical arrangements, and meeting planning, and also managed a majority of the outgoing and incoming correspondence related to the Centennial.

The college’s academic program is twofold, encompassing both traditional agriculture and the biological sciences. Agricultural work spans four primary areas: academic programs, research, extension, and statewide services. Research and investigations address issues in livestock, natural resources, field crops, veterinary science, horticulture, agricultural economics, dairy, landscape design, and mechanized agriculture. These findings inform classroom instruction, extension work, and public inquiries. The Extension Service disseminates research findings statewide, bringing applied knowledge directly to communities.

Biological sciences are primarily conducted within the departments of biology/microbiology and wildlife and fisheries sciences. These disciplines are integral to all departments focused on plant and animal sciences.