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This artificial collection documents Hobo Day, the homecoming celebration of South Dakota State University, through a wide range of published and ephemeral materials dating from 1912 to 2023, with the bulk of the material from the mid twentieth century through the early twenty first century. The collection consists of newspapers, newsletters, correspondence, news releases, souvenir programs, posters, invitations, handbooks, certificates, placemats, and extensive ephemera such as buttons, bumper stickers, hats, pennants, a crown, license plates, and apparel. Also included is a substantial photographic component documenting parades, football games, royalty, floats, student activities, visiting dignitaries, alumni events, and associated traditions across multiple decades. Materials originate from campus offices, student organizations, community sources, donors, and later retrospective collecting efforts. Items are added to the collection as materials are discovered or donated, reflecting its ongoing and accumulative nature.

This collection documents the development and continuity of Hobo Day as a central tradition in the history of South Dakota State University. The materials document changes in student culture, athletics, campus traditions, alumni engagement, and public representation of the university over more than a century. The long run of buttons, ephemera, and photographs offers a detailed chronological record of themes, slogans, design styles, and institutional priorities associated with homecoming celebrations. The collection supports research in university history, student life, regional culture, and commemorative practices at land grant institutions.

The University Program Council Records document the wide range of cultural, educational, and social programming organized by the UPC at South Dakota State University. Spanning various media formats—including posters, newsletters, clippings, programs, brochures, and calendars—these records capture performances and events such as concerts, dances, theatrical productions, films, lectures, festivals, and major campus traditions like Hobo Day. The materials are arranged across three boxes and cover both recurring and one-time events, reflecting UPC's central role in campus life and student engagement.

These records provide insight into student life, entertainment trends, and the evolving cultural landscape at SDSU. They showcase the efforts of student leaders to build community and enrich the collegiate experience through diverse programming. The collection also documents the institutional history of major campus traditions and celebrations.