Identity area
Type of entity
Authorized form of name
Parallel form(s) of name
Standardized form(s) of name according to other rules
Other form(s) of name
- Sigma Delta Chi
- Society of Professional Journalists (U.S.)
Identifiers for corporate bodies
Description area
Dates of existence
History
The South Dakota State University (SDSU) Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists was established on campus in 1937. The Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), originally founded as Sigma Delta Chi in 1901, is a broad-based journalism organization dedicated to upholding ethical standards, promoting the free practice of journalism, and protecting First Amendment rights. It also fosters the free flow of information essential to an informed public and works to inspire and educate future journalists.
Between 1940 and the mid-1970s, the SDSU chapter published The Bum and The Junior Bum. The Bum served as the official program for Jackrabbit football, primarily for Hobo Day, while The Junior Bum was later introduced as the official program for Jackrabbit basketball. Proceeds from these publications funded the chapter’s annual trip to the Sigma Delta Chi national convention.
In the mid-1970s, the SDSU Chapter of Sigma Delta Chi lost its sponsorship from the National Society of Professional Journalists. As a result, publishing The Bum and The Junior Bum was no longer financially viable for the organization. The Jackrabbit Sports Information Service, a unit within the Athletic Department, took over responsibility for producing these programs. Copies of The Bum are archived in the Jackrabbit Sports Information Services records [UA 46].
Places
Legal status
Functions, occupations and activities
Mandates/sources of authority
Internal structures/genealogy
General context
South Dakota State University Chapter