Dakota Days
A Tradition Like No Other
Dakota Days is arguably the most anticipated tradition on campus, dedicating an entire week to celebrating the pride and school spirit that define life at USD. Each October, the homecoming festivities bring together students, alumni and the community for a full slate of events and celebrations. From reunions to long-held traditions, Dakota Days offers alumni the chance to reconnect, reminisce and relive the Coyote experience.
For more information on reunion events, alumni achievement awards, future Dakota Days dates and more, contact us at the button below.
The Beginning of Dakota Days
Robert Slagle, the ninth president of the 17Թ, brought the idea of Dakota Day with him to USD, and the USD Students’ Association organized the first Dakota Day on November 20, 1914.
On a sunny Friday, parade participants assembled in front of East Hall. The first Miss Dakota, Fern Wassum, led the parade in a car decorated with red and white bunting. The parade wound through Vermillion and met the Yankton College football team at the train station. USD won the football game 33-3.
The Volante reporting on the day said, “Without a doubt, a more cosmopolitan gathering never assembled in this section of the country.”
Dakota Days Royalty
Fern Wassem, Class of 1917, was the first woman to become Miss Dakota. She was elected by a student vote and rode the parade in a car decorated with red and white bunting. The honor of Mr. Dakota was added to the Dakota Days tradition in 1986 with Karlton Adam, Class of 1987, being the first to bear that title.
Former Miss and Mr. Dakotas
Through the Decades
