USD grad, media innovator Al Neuharth dies at age 89

Allen H. Neuharth, a former Volante editor, 1950 University of South Dakota graduate, visionary founder of USA TODAY and creator of the Freedom Forum died Friday at his home in Cocoa Beach, Fla. Neuharth was 89.

USD President James Abbott sent an email to students and staff informing them of Neuharth’s death.

“It is my sad duty to report that our alumnus, benefactor and friend Al Neuharth has died,” Abbott said in the email. “He was a favorite of students, faculty and staff in part because he visited USD so often. He was in Vermillion three or four times a year.”

Neuharth was last on the USD campus in October 2012, when he presented Marilyn Hagerty with the Al Neuharth Award for Excellence in Media. During his time in Vermillion, Neuharth also met with students, staff and community members to share his experiences as a longtime newspaperman.

In 2003, after a lead donation was made by the Freedom Forum, the “New” armory at USD was renovated and renamed the Al Neuharth Media Center. The building now houses student media, the contemporary media and journalism department and South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

The loss of the media executive was one felt by the whole state, said Abbott.

“The state of South Dakota and the nation have lost a great media innovator, and USD has lost a wonderful alum and a dedicated supporter,” Abbott said.