Alumni and Campus Community Contribute to President Abbott's Legacy

After 21 years of leadership and service, President Abbott will be remembered for transforming USD into the thriving and growing community it is today. This spring, alumni and friends, and the campus community, stepped up in a big way to express their gratitude and contribute to President Abbott’s legacy through the James W. and Colette Abbott Scholarship Fund.

President Abbott traveled around the country in the closing months of his presidency, appearing at several USD Alumni Association “On the Move” events. Alumni and friends that attended, along with hundreds of others, responded to the request from USD Alumni Association Board Chair Torrey Sundall to honor President Abbott’s legacy by contributing to the scholarship fund. Nearly $100,000 has been raised from more than 260 gifts by alumni and friends.

The campus community also contributed to the James W. and Colette Abbott Scholarship Fund during the first annual Giving Week at USD from April 16-20, sponsored by the Student Alumni Association. With a $5 donation, the donor received an Abbott bitmoji button to wear and show their support around campus. The Student Alumni Association set an initial goal of $2,500, which to their amazement was quickly met during day three of Giving Week. The goal was then increased to $5,000, which was also met and exceeded on the final day of the week. In total, an additional $5,760 was raised for the scholarship fund by over 500 students, faculty and staff.