Stories
Behind the Why is the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association's Q&A series that takes a deeper dive into the donors and stories that make up our Coyote community. This week's donors are Dick and Bev Casey of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The pair, lifelong supporters of USD, its students and accessibility, established the Richard and Beverly Casey Dare to Dream Scholarship to provide a pathway to higher education for students facing significant obstacles to college attendance. Read on to understand the "why" behind their support and what role USD has played in their lives.
Tell me about your connection to the University of South Dakota.
Dick: I attended the University of South Dakota from 1970 to 1977, earning a degree in government from the College of Arts and Science in 1974 and a law degree from the USD Knudson School of Law in 1977. Most importantly, I met and married Bev Homan while there. As an undergraduate, I served as vice president and president of the Student Association and had the honor of emceeing the 50th and 51st Stroller Shows. In law school, I served as senior class president of the Class of 1977.
Bev: I transferred to USD in my junior year and graduated in 1973 with a double major in special education and elementary education. I was part of the All-Independent Strollers cast that year, which is also when I met Dick. We've been together for 53 years!
How did your experience at USD shape your life or career?
D: I met so many great people at USD - none more important than Bev. The leadership positions I held in student government taught me skills that proved essential throughout my career, both in community leadership positions and during my time leading the State Bar of South Dakota. Choosing to spend my life in South Dakota allowed me to enjoy lifelong friendships that, in many cases, also became professional relationships throughout my legal career.
B: While at USD, I formed many meaningful friendships that had a lasting impact on my life—including, of course, with my best friend and husband, Dick. Looking back, I realize how impactful the faculty was. They were more than just instructors; they were mentors who genuinely cared about us in and out of the classroom. I felt a personal connection to my professors, always there to advise and assist. Their guidance inspired me to be the teacher who cared deeply about each student.
Let's talk about the inspiration behind establishing the Richard and Beverly Casey Dare to Dream Scholarship Endowment.
D: I've been actively involved in a pathways program through the State Bar of South Dakota in recent years. The program encourages middle school, high school and college students—as well as adults—to explore careers in law and related fields. A key aspect is reaching students whose parents didn't attend college, with the belief that "if you can see it, you can be it!" Financial assistance is crucially important for any student, and especially so for those students who dare to dream of attending college and pursuing a legal career.
B: Throughout my years of teaching, I often worked in Title I schools with students from low-income families. I remember a school counselor telling me that a young boy had said to him, "You're the only man I know who hasn't been in jail." I remember thinking, "This little boy doesn't have a chance." Too many children grow up believing that's all their future holds—because it's all they've seen. We need to help them believe a different future is possible. I grew up playing "school" with the neighborhood kids. I want today's children to do the same and to dream of becoming teachers themselves.
What do you hope your planned gift will accomplish for future generations of USD students?
D: Personally—and admittedly selfishly—I hope our gift helps students from underserved communities and diverse backgrounds afford law school, so they can meet the unmet legal needs of South Dakotans.
B: And I hope this gives young people a chance. I hope young people from families with no history of higher education go on to earn a degree without being burdened by debt, so they can achieve a higher standard of living than they grew up knowing.
What would you say to others considering making a planned gift to USD?
D & B: Tove Hoff Bormes and the folks at the USD Foundation are so very accommodating and easy to work with. They take the time to understand your giving goals and help bring your vision to life. The experience is easy and enjoyable, and the sense of gratification of giving back is truly priceless!
Do you have any advice you'd like to leave for current students and/or recent alumni?
D & B: To current students—make the most of your time at USD. Meet as many people as you can and take full advantage of both classroom learning and personal connections. You'll encounter many interesting, talented people, some of whom will offer valuable networking opportunities, and others who may become lifelong friends. To recent alumni—use what you learned at USD and the relationships you built to launch and grow a successful career. And always remember where you came from by giving back, both with your time and your treasure, to the University of South Dakota.