The SDSU Foundation started in 1946 with just one employee. Seventy years later, our organization comprises a 16-member Board of Governors and 100+ member Council of Trustees who manage over $190 million in assets. SDSU created the Foundation to help SDSU—and our mutual interest in making SDSU the best it can be is unwavering.

The Foundation is the largest private funding resource for the University, and our donors’ gifts directly benefit SDSU. This support allows SDSU to impact greatness on campus when an opportunity arises and keep education affordable. In 2013, the SDSU Foundation reported generating a record $255 million in donor support through our 6-year It Starts with STATE campaign. This campaign and all Foundation efforts significantly contribute to SDSU’s success.

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South Dakota State University Foundation

Steve Erpenbach

Brittany Peterson

Mike Birgen

Mark Sandager

Maggie Miller

David Hecht

The Development and Fundraising Team at the South Dakota State University Foundation is responsible for cultivating relationships with donors, strategizing and managing fundraising campaigns, and enhancing digital engagement to secure financial support for SDSU. This team collaborates to plan and execute initiatives that encourage loyalty giving, planned gifts, and large-scale contributions to support the University's growth and affordability. Their combined efforts ensure a continuous flow of resources, fostering academic excellence and campus development.

Development and Fundraising Team

Development and Fundraising Team

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Team members