Rooted in Legacy, Growing Opportunity

A Gift That Will Grow for Generations

Some gifts create an immediate impact. Others are thoughtfully planned to benefit generations to come.

For University of South Dakota alumna Kristin K. Anderson, a planned gift was more than an estate decision—it was an opportunity to honor her family's legacy while investing in the future of the University she loved. Through her estate, Anderson gifted family farmland to the University of South Dakota Foundation & Alumni Association. Following her passing, the land was liquidated to establish the Sigurd & Vivian D. Anderson '32 Scholarship Endowment, creating a lasting source of scholarship support for future Coyotes.

A Family Legacy at USD

Kristin was the daughter of former South Dakota Gov. Sigurd Anderson and Vivian D. Anderson '32, both of whom shared a deep connection to USD. After teaching history in Rapid City and Webster, Sigurd Anderson returned to the University of South Dakota to earn his law degree. He went on to build a distinguished career in public service, serving as Day County state's attorney and later as South Dakota's assistant attorney general. Following three years of service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Anderson was elected South Dakota attorney general before becoming that state’s governor in 1951.

Inspired by her family's commitment to education and public service, Kristin earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science and mass communications from USD in 1976 before completing a Master of Arts in mass communication in 1978. During her time on campus, she served as a reporter and copy editor for The Volante, participated in Alpha Phi Sorority and Guidon Scholastic Honorary and developed friendships that would last a lifetime.

Those relationships remained among the most meaningful of her life.

"Kristin was not just an estate planning client; she was a good friend," said Sarah Larson of Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, who assisted with Kristin's estate planning. "We met at USD and became roommates and later housemates in Vermillion. Many of Kristin's closest lifelong friends were those she met at USD."

Friends and colleagues remember Kristin as kind, loyal and endlessly curious. She loved books, history and journalism and was deeply committed to preserving the stories that shaped her family and her home state. She established the Sigurd Anderson Museum in Webster and worked alongside museum staff and the University to ensure historical records, books and family archives were preserved for future generations. Her quirky sense of humor and thoughtful nature made her a beloved friend to many.

A Legacy Planned With Purpose

Nearly 30 years before her passing, Kristin made a decision that reflected both her generosity and her unwavering commitment to USD. She included a provision in her estate plan directing that the farmland she inherited from her parents be gifted to the USD Foundation & Alumni Association to create scholarships for future students. It was a decision she never reconsidered.

By choosing to give an appreciated asset through her estate, Kristin demonstrated one of the many ways planned giving can make a transformational impact. While many donors first think of cash gifts, assets such as farmland, real estate and other property can also become meaningful charitable gifts through thoughtful estate planning. These gifts allow donors to leave a legacy that reflects their values while creating opportunities for future generations.

Growing Opportunity for Future Coyotes

Today, the Sigurd & Vivian D. Anderson '32 Scholarship Endowment stands as a testament to Kristin's vision. What was once family farmland now provides educational opportunities for students pursuing their dreams at USD.

Kristin understood that a legacy is measured not only by what we leave behind but also by the lives we touch. Through her thoughtful planning and extraordinary generosity, future Coyotes will benefit from her gift for generations to come.

To learn more about including USD in your estate plans and exploring your giving options, visit our Planned Giving website or contact our team.

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