Read about fellow DSU alumni and champions who are helping us all rise together.

Shirley Blankley
Shirley Blankley’s gift to the Trojans Unite campaign, and generous endowment, has created a lasting benefit for Dakota State University’s football program. Today, Blankley Field at SDU is named in honor of Shirley and her late husband, “Big George” Blankley. Focused on providing scholarships to top football players, with an emphasis on South Dakota residents and students requiring financial aid, this gift has already made a meaningful difference.
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Shirley has had the privilege of meeting and sharing meals with several scholarship recipients over the years. During these moments, she highlights the importance of hard work and dedication, values that align with the opportunities her gift supports.
This endowment is part of a broader impact being made on DSU’s athletics programs. Blankley Field, an integral part of the new athletics complex, is poised to enhance the university’s facilities, providing both current and future athletes with top-tier resources. The addition of this field is expected to strengthen DSU’s recruiting efforts, making the university more competitive within collegiate athletics.
Through this generous support, Shirley has played a pivotal role in ensuring that DSU athletics continues to evolve and thrive, simultaneously honoring its rich history and paving the way for an even brighter future. This contribution has helped lay the foundation for sustained success and has become a vital part of shaping DSU’s athletic programs for years to come.

Pictured: President Griffiths, Miles Beacom, Lisa Beacom, Matt Hocks, and Brian Kern.
The Beacoms
The Beacom family’s generosity has left an indelible mark on Dakota State University (DSU) and the surrounding communities. Their contributions have transformed the university’s landscape, creating opportunities for growth and fostering an environment where students can thrive both academically and athletically. Through their financial support and dedicated spirit, the Beacoms’ impact continues to ripple far beyond the campus grounds, inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators. The new Beacom PREMIER Complex is the first new DSU athletics facility since the Fieldhouse was finished in 1960.
“The experience my brother and I had at Dakota State University allowed us to obtain degrees, which helped us succeed in life,” said Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard CEO. “Lisa and I believe it’s important to give back so future DSU students have this same learning experience both in the classroom and on the field.”
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Miles Beacom, an accomplished alumnus of DSU, and his wife Lisa have consistently demonstrated their passion for education and community development. Their support has funded the construction of state-of-the-art academic, athletic, and research facilities on DSU’s campus, enriching the experience of students and staff alike. These improvements provide a nurturing environment for academic excellence and athletic achievement, ensuring DSU remains a competitive and attractive institution for students from all over.
For Miles Beacom, the decision to give back stems from the critical role DSU played in his and his brother Dan’s lives. Both credit DSU with providing the education and foundations that allowed them to succeed in their careers. Miles’ brother Dan left a legacy of humility, mentorship, and leadership, supporting others with his belief in the power of teamwork. This shared appreciation and value for the education they received have been a driving force behind the Beacoms’ continued generosity toward the university.
The Beacoms’ impact is not limited to the DSU campus. Their involvement has strengthened the Madison community and extended into Sioux Falls through partnerships that bring new opportunities and visibility to the university and the region. Their philanthropy has created excitement and optimism among students, faculty, and community members, further cementing DSU as a pillar of educational excellence in South Dakota.
Through their unwavering support, Miles and Lisa Beacom exemplify the powerful role that alumni can play in shaping the future of their alma mater. Their story serves as a testament to the lasting impact that giving back to one’s community can have. The Beacoms’ vision and generosity not only honor the past but also set the stage for a bright and promising future for Dakota State University, its students, and the communities it serves.
“We both love South Dakota and we love being able to help have an impact on Dakota State and South Dakota,” said Miles. “And it’s fun watching the excitement at Dakota State and in the Madison community, and now it’s overflowing into Sioux Falls with the new partnership.”
tre maddox
For NBA referee and Dakota State University alumnus Tre Maddox (B.S. ’90), success has always been about dedication, perseverance, and continuous growth. During his recent visit to campus, Maddox reflected on how his time at DSU shaped his journey—first as a student-athlete, then as a business owner, and ultimately as one of only 74 elite referees in the NBA today.
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