Tordsen calls students to “live the tradition”

My Fellow Yotes,

This year marks a milestone full of fun-filled events, memories and monumental achievements. First off, the State of South Dakota is celebrating 125 years of statehood. Secondly, the University of South Dakota Foundation will kick off the largest fundraising effort in state history with Onward: The Campaign for South Dakota this Friday. And finally, it’s the time of year again for our annual homecoming: Dakota Days.

The 100th Dakota Days is sure to be one to remember. Think about it, 100 years of tradition! 100 years filled with USD football, parades, activities, pep rallies, memories and so much more.

Dakota Days reminds me that USD is so much larger than just right now. Dakota Days is a legacy at USD that stems further back than your or my time here. It encompasses alumni and friends from across the decades and brings them all back to USD to experience it once again. Some travel hundreds of miles to reunite with their fellow friends and Coyotes and spend the weekend showing us what the USD is all about.

When walking across campus this week, don’t forget to show off YOUR Coyote spirit. Shake hands and get to know a few alumni. Wear red. Go to all of the events. Go to the parade. Go tailgate. And go watch our Coyotes beat the University of Northern Iowa in a packed DakotaDome on Saturday. By doing all of the above and more, you are choosing to be a part of a large tradition in South Dakota.

It only makes sense that this year’s theme is “Live the Tradition.” That is exactly what we are doing here at USD. Whether you are an alumnus coming back to live the tradition of Dakota Days, or if you are a first-year student experiencing Dakota Days for the first time, make sure you take a good look at where USD has been, where we are now, and where we are going. There has never been a better time to be a Coyote!

Have fun, be safe and go “Live the Tradition” this Dakota Days!

Sincerely,

Tyler Tordsen

President, Student Government Association