Yankton School District Alumni Association Celebrates $500,000 Matching Endowed Scholarship Gift
The Yankton School District Alumni Association is proud to announce a transformational gift that will impact students for generations. Dave and De Knudson have made a $500,000 donation to establish a permanently endowed scholarship and have designated the contribution as a matching gift for the community.
Dave Knudson, Yankton High School Class of 1968, shared the motivation behind the gift, “I had excellent teachers and a wonderful education. That education has helped me throughout my life, and as part of celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Yankton school system, I am pleased to announce that my wife and I are giving the Yankton School District Alumni Association a matching gift of $500,000.”
Knudson went on to graduate from Harvard College, New York University School of Law, and the University of South Dakota Beacom School of Business. He has practiced law for fifty years and has long been active in public service. In 2021, the law school at the University of South Dakota was named the Knudson School of Law in his honor.
With this matching gift in place, every contribution made by alumni, families, and community members will be doubled, accelerating the growth of the new endowment and expanding long-term opportunities for the Yankton School District.
Dr. Wayne Kindle, Superintendent of the Yankton School District, emphasizes the impact of this gift, “This gift from Dave and De Knudson is monumental in putting the Yankton School District Alumni Association in a position to move forward with a plan to seek other donors. Most importantly it will benefit Yankton High School students for many years into the future. We are simply blessed to have this gift. This will certainly inspire others who have been considering a gift, and we welcome them to reach out to us. This also recognizes the appreciation alumni have for the Yankton School District – affirming this is a very special place.”
Frani Kieffer, Director of the Yankton School District Alumni Association, emphasized the impact of the combined gifts. “This gift is more than just scholarships. It is an investment in our students. The matching gift gives everyone the chance to double their impact. Together, with the help from Dave and De, we are building a legacy that will benefit generations to come.”
The Yankton School District Alumni Association was proud to establish their Endowment in July. The creation of this endowment was made possible by a trust gift from Eugene (Yankton High School Class of 1947) and Connie Mielenz (Yankton High School Class of 1950). The endowment will provide ongoing support for the district and ensure future generations will have access to opportunities that enhance learning, encourage innovation, and prepare them for lifelong success.
The Yankton School District Alumni Association’s goal is to create a global community of alumni and friends who support the development of educational opportunities in the Yankton School District. To learn more about the Yankton School District Alumni Association or to reach out to Frani Kieffer, please visit bit.ly/YSDAlumni, email Frani.Kieffer@k12.sd.us, or call (605) 760-2019.
