USD athletics receive $1M gift

Earlier this month, James “Jim” Clement, USD alumni donated $1 million to USD athletics for the department to use at their discretion.

Clement is a long time supporter of the Coyotes, dating back to his childhood. Clement grew up in Vermillion, SD, attending college here. His father was a former dean of the business school while Clement was growing up, so Clement has been involved with USD for almost his entire life.

“My earliest memories are memories that are earlier than anyone teaching or coaching there. And I have a great deal of pride in it as a result,” Clement said.

The alumni currently works as a Senior Vice President at RBC Wealth in Rapid City, SD. He plans to retire at the end of the year.

Clement has offered his support financially to several different projects at USD, with the Dakota Dome and the Sanford Coyote Sports Center (SCSC) highlighting that list.

“It became apparent to me that this would be a gift that could help, and I did it in a way where it was not targeted at any particular sport or thing,” Clement said.

Not only does Clement provide financial help for the University, but he also supports in any way he can. 

“I make it a point on every Friday in my office to wear a South Dakota shirt,” Clement said.

Because of the freedom of the donation, the athletic department gets to choose where they decide to put that money in. Jon Schemmel, the USD athletic director, detailed what the department will likely do with the donation.

“It’ll be utilized primarily either for the capital projects that we’re doing or… the increase in our ability to offer more scholarships to student athletes or scholarship enhancements, or even rev (revenue) share,” Schemmel said.

Schemmel explained how donations make an impact on the department, emphasizing their importance to student athletes.

“Ultimately with it, the investments that we can take from donors and the donations that we get from them … what that does is we know no matter what, on some level, that is getting invested to enhance the student athlete experience that we provide here at the University of South Dakota,” Schemmel said.

Through facilities, scholarships and additional revenue sharing, it can enhance recruitment. An enhancement in recruitment means better athletes, which then generates even more revenue, creating a cycle that overall enhances the athletics department as a whole.

Schemmel praised Clement. 

“His ties run deep here and his name is a popular one on this campus, and he is as passionate and as loyal a donor and fan as we have. His love for USD and for the Coyotes run throughout this entire institution. He is always a fun one to be around and you could never have a bad day around Jim Clement,” Schemmel said.