Big day elevates DSU legacy

September 10, 2024

To say August 27, 2024, was a big day in Dakota State University history is an understatement.

It will be remembered as the day when the new Beacom PREMIER Complex opened at Dakota State University, complete with a kickoff celebration concert featuring Old Dominion, Brothers Osborne, and Elle King.

The concert, exclusively sponsored by First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, created much excitement among students, staff, community members, and alumni including Chris Kreul, executive vice president and chief technology officer of First Bank & Trust.

He attended the concert and knows the real legacy of this facility will come in future days.

"Facilities that allow for a positive experience create a differentiating factor for student journeys," he said. "The new complex adds to a strong overall platform being built out at Dakota State University, and for me, it grants additional strength to the individuals who tirelessly work for Dakota State."

These include, "every individual, from part-time help to the President, strives daily to create something extraordinary for the DSU community. The new facility significantly enhances the legacy we are building," Kreul said.

Fellow alumnus Miles Beacom agrees. "People want to be part of the continued success of Dakota State," said Beacom, who is a major donor to the facility, and CEO of First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard.

"My wife Lisa and I are proud to be a part of this legacy, and I hope other alumni come back and see what was built, and that inspires them to get involved in future projects."

These future opportunities will benefit the surrounding area as well as Dakota State.

"The City of Madison and local businesses will all see a positive economic impact from this wonderful addition to our community," said Adam Shaw, Madison City Commissioner. A community housing development being built north of the complex demonstrates how the facility is already impacting the Madison community.

Shaw, who is a DSU alumnus and the Madison High School principal, knows this top-tier facility will provide Madison student athletes with the opportunity to play at a high level in an amazing venue.

Beyond its role in enhancing athletic offerings for all ages, the Beacom PREMIER Complex will also become a gathering place for the community. As a full-service facility available for rent, "it has the potential to host a variety of local events, bringing together families, alumni, and supporters to celebrate sports and community pride," Shaw stated.

"It's exciting to see all the growth and progression over the last 10 years. I am looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring!" he said.

Griffiths notes that, "Madison is rising with Dakota State." Beacom sees that impact reaching even further.

"It's not just what's happening on campus, but everything President Griffiths has done has a greater impact on South Dakota and our region," he said. "For example, the facility in Sioux Falls will provide great jobs for graduates from Dakota State and attract new residents who will contribute to our overall economy. I'm proud to be part of it."

Beacom added that the Madison community should also be very proud of these accomplishments. "If the community were not behind the growth of Dakota State, this facility would not be here," he said.

The complex was built with $41 million in private funds, from stakeholders including several major donors - the Beacom family, T. Denny Sanford, First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, Brian Kern and family, the George Blankley family, along with many alumni and community stakeholders.

"Dakota State couldn't have done this without the community giving back to us," said Griffiths. "Making it happen is the result of a lot of different people contributing money, time, effort, ideas, all coming together."

Both noted the irony that 40 years ago there were considerations to close the university or make it part of the state's prison system. Instead, DSU is a nationally recognized, STEM focused institution that is growing and rising in its impact. With the success the university is seeing in academics and athletics, the new facility will continue to move Dakota State forward in both avenues.

"DSU faculty and students had the vision, and we, as alumni, donors, and stakeholders, helped make it a reality." Beacom said. "This is amazing to have in Madison, S.D.'"

Kreul believes "this continued investment in the community to provide a venue for Dakota State University and Madison allows the opportunity to create new lifelong memories. The venue will allow old friends to reconnect and new acquaintances to become old friends."

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