South Dakota State University Athletics
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE ATHLETICS LAUNCHES YELLOW & BLUE LEADERSHIP SOCIETY
8/20/2026 12:00:00 PM | General
BROOKINGS, S.D. - South Dakota State Athletics has announced the launch of the Yellow & Blue Leadership Society, a comprehensive giving society that will be made up of the most impactful group of Jackrabbit supporters.
The Yellow & Blue Leadership Society will recognize individuals who make new commitments of $100,000 or more to SDSU Athletics, fulfillable over four years. The leadership society will give supporters the opportunity to enhance their legacy with high-level, long-term gifts to the Jackrabbits. Gifts to the Jackrabbit Club, team excellence funds, Jackrabbit Athletic Scholarship Auction, Athletic Director's Fund, Student-Athlete Experience Fund, capital projects and endowments all qualify for Yellow & Blue Leadership Society membership.
"The Yellow & Blue Leadership Society is an exciting opportunity to recognize this group of impactful donors for their commitment to the Jackrabbits," said Ryan Christy, SDSU Senior Associate AD for Development. "Long-term giving plans are essential to the success of our department. We are grateful for every gift benefitting our student-athletes, but our high-level leadership gifts are critical to our ability to prepare for the future."
More information on the Yellow & Blue Leadership Society, including how to become a member, is available by contacting a member of the Jackrabbits' Athletic Development team by email, or by calling (605) 697-7475.
In addition to standard Jackrabbit Club membership benefits or excellence fund benefits, Yellow & Blue Leadership Society members will receive extra benefits, including:
The following individuals are charter members of the Yellow & Blue Leadership Society:
South Dakota State's Athletic Development Contacts
Phone - (605) 697-7475
Ryan Christy - Senior Associate AD for Development - Ryan.Christy@sdstate.edu
Jordon Boe - Assistant AD for Development - Jordon.Boe@sdstate.edu
Ben Jenkins - Assistant AD for Development - Benjamin.Jenkins@sdstate.edu
Jordyn Cranny - Assistant Director of Development - Jordyn.Cranny@sdstate.edu
Patrick Hoffmann - Assistant Director of Development - Patrick.Hoffman@sdstate.edu
-GoJacks.com-
The Yellow & Blue Leadership Society will recognize individuals who make new commitments of $100,000 or more to SDSU Athletics, fulfillable over four years. The leadership society will give supporters the opportunity to enhance their legacy with high-level, long-term gifts to the Jackrabbits. Gifts to the Jackrabbit Club, team excellence funds, Jackrabbit Athletic Scholarship Auction, Athletic Director's Fund, Student-Athlete Experience Fund, capital projects and endowments all qualify for Yellow & Blue Leadership Society membership.
"The Yellow & Blue Leadership Society is an exciting opportunity to recognize this group of impactful donors for their commitment to the Jackrabbits," said Ryan Christy, SDSU Senior Associate AD for Development. "Long-term giving plans are essential to the success of our department. We are grateful for every gift benefitting our student-athletes, but our high-level leadership gifts are critical to our ability to prepare for the future."
More information on the Yellow & Blue Leadership Society, including how to become a member, is available by contacting a member of the Jackrabbits' Athletic Development team by email, or by calling (605) 697-7475.
In addition to standard Jackrabbit Club membership benefits or excellence fund benefits, Yellow & Blue Leadership Society members will receive extra benefits, including:
- Public recognition as a Yellow & Blue Leadership Society member
- Exclusive invitations to "state of the department" meetings with Athletic Director Justin Sell
- Unique engagement opportunities with AD Sell, head coaches and student-athletes
The following individuals are charter members of the Yellow & Blue Leadership Society:
- Rusty and Sherry Antonen
- John and Wendy Baumiller
- Scott and Karla Dagel
- Barbara A. Dohrer
- Dana J. and LaDawn S. Dykhouse
- Gary and Kathy Hansen
- Mylo A. and Lillian G. Hellickson
- Richard J. and Mary A. Helsper
- Randy T. and Julie M. Jones
- Arlo DeKraai
- David Knowlton
- Steven Kvistad
- The Ramsdell Family
- Roger and Pam Rix
- David E. and Laurie J. Schaefer
- Chris and Molly Schenkel
- David W. and Barb Schmidt
- Jeff and Jane Siekmann
- Lowell D. and Karen E. Somsen
- John and Laurie Stiegelmeier
- Dick and Patti Stolp
- Curt and Cindy Swanhorst
- Kimberly Tyler
- Two anonymous donors
South Dakota State's Athletic Development Contacts
Phone - (605) 697-7475
Ryan Christy - Senior Associate AD for Development - Ryan.Christy@sdstate.edu
Jordon Boe - Assistant AD for Development - Jordon.Boe@sdstate.edu
Ben Jenkins - Assistant AD for Development - Benjamin.Jenkins@sdstate.edu
Jordyn Cranny - Assistant Director of Development - Jordyn.Cranny@sdstate.edu
Patrick Hoffmann - Assistant Director of Development - Patrick.Hoffman@sdstate.edu
-GoJacks.com-
Tuesday, August 18
Sunday, August 16
Friday, August 14
Wednesday, August 12