Legacy

What's Your Legacy?

The University of South Dakota and the Alumni Association are proud to honor the legacy families of USD, and their unending support for our university, its programs and its students. This scholarship program aims to bring the Coyote family together to recognize and support the children of alumni who pursue a degree at USD and see it as the obvious choice.

The “What’s Your Legacy?” series will not only highlight current legacy families, but it will also give students and alumni alike a chance to further understand the impact the Coyote Legacy Scholarship has on incoming freshman and their educational experience at USD. Updates, stories and details will be posted via social media, our website, emails and more.

Meet our 2023 Legacy Families »

2022 Coyote Legacy Family of the Year

The Mickelson family boasts four generations of USD graduates, dating back almost 100 years, and is the 2022 Coyote Legacy Family of the Year.

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Fourth-Generation Coyote Continues Family's Legacy

Though he felt the pull of his family ties to attend the University of South Dakota, fourth-generation Coyote, Cliff Johnson, said he chose to attend the state's flagship university because of its academic excellence and amazing support system. His family legacy was just a bonus.

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A Family Tradition: The Davis/Lavin Family

The Davis/Lavin family has had 5 generations of family members attend the University of South Dakota, since the early 1900s. The Coyote Legacy Scholarship Program aims to honor and recognize families, like the Davis/Lavin family, who have made a multi-generational commitment to USD.

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Taken in the late 1920s or early 30s, this photo shows Marshall Davis at the back of the photo to the right of the man in the hat and tie.

Inspired to support future Coyotes? Give to the Coyote Legacy Scholarship today!

The Coyote Legacy Scholarship aims to bring the Coyote family together to recognize and support the children of alumni who pursue a degree at USD and see it as the obvious choice. Children of University of South Dakota alumni can pay in-state tuition for their undergraduate degrees regardless of where they live under a program approved by the South Dakota Board of Regents. The Coyote Legacy Scholarship program is currently available to in-state students so their families may be similarly recognized for their commitment to the University of South Dakota.

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Are you a multi-generational Coyote? Tell us your family's story for a chance to be featured!

Tell us about your multi-generational Coyote Family!

Baby Yote Gallery

Have a new Yote in the family? Fill out our Yote Notes Form to be featured in our gallery!

Submit a Yote Note
Dustin Gasper '09 and Laura Hofer Gasper '11, '14 with their little Yotes!
Vance '08 and Emily '08 (Shelton) Janak welcomed their third daughter, Evelyn Judith, into the world on March 18, 2023.
Logan is multi-generational Yote in the making! Her great grandparents, grandparents, and both parents attended USD. We hope she continues the Coyote legacy! (Submitted by Kyle Brunick '16)
Peyton Smith '12 and Kelsey Warkenthien-Smith '14 are expecting their second Yote baby in July 2023. Their 3 year-old Yote Mila is excited!
Adam and Tamarra (Roths) Friedrichsen '07 welcomed Reagan Joy to the world on January 3, 2023.
Andrew and Brittany (Lunstra) Yanish ‘16 welcomed their daughter Ruby Yanish on November 16th. She joins big sister Lucy!
Andrew '17 and Kaela '17 Schuiteman welcomed Dean Alexander into the world on November 5th, 2022!
Cierra Schmidt of Freeman, SD. Daughter of alums Rachelle Schmidt '18 and Brennan Schmidt '19.
Peter Michael Mehlhaff was born on September 20th, 2022 to Joe '21 and Kaylyn Mehlhaff. He was 7 pounds 15 ounces and looks forward to being a Coyote!