Gestring assumed the presidency June 22, 2018, after almost 13 years at USD. Prior to becoming president, Gestring was USD’s chief financial officer since 2010 and a part of the USD finance staff since 2006. She is a South Dakota native and earned her Master of Business Administration degree from USD in 2014. Gestring is the second alum and woman to serve as president.

Inauguration week will commence on Sunday, Feb. 10, with each day of the week representing a theme and activities for the community to participate in.

Sunday, February 10 | Day of Pride

1 p.m. Men's Basketball: USD vs. Oral Roberts at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center

Monday, February 11 | Day of Service

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Blood Drive at the USD CSAC Group

The blood drive will be located in the southwest corner of Patterson Hall, just east of the Muenster University Center.

11 a.m. – 4 p.m. All-Campus Service Activity

The Coyote community will be collecting canned goods to support the Vermillion Area Food Pantry. Cans can be dropped off at the Muenster University Center Pit between 11-4 p.m. or at the Wagner Alumni Center all week long.

5–7 p.m. Sioux Falls Alumni Chapter Service Project: The Banquet

Sioux Falls area alumni and friends are encouraged to serve their community by volunteering at the Banquet Downtown, 900 E 8th St., Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Tuesday, February 12 | Day of Giving

Giving Day will commence at 9:57 a.m. Feb. 12 and conclude at 5 p.m. on Feb. 13.

Over the course of these two days, a total of 1,862 minutes will be dedicated to supporting USD priorities. The official giving day website is www.uniteforusd.org.

The student raffle will be drawn at the Unite for USD Giving Day Kick Off at 9:57 a.m. in the Muenster University Center Pit. 

Wednesday, February 13 | Inauguration

2 p.m. Installation Celebration in Aalfs Auditorium

Guests are encouraged to attend a reception immediately following the ceremony at the Muenster University Center and is open to the public.

7:30 p.m. Presidential Inauguration Showcase in Aalfs Auditorium, following the inauguration reception.

“USD is on a tremendously positive trajectory and I have been really proud to be a part of that over the past 11 years. I am honored and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead the University of South Dakota as its 18th president,” Gestring said. “The talent that exists at USD amongst the faculty and staff, combined with how deeply we all care about the university, is what will set us apart from other universities and will provide limitless possibilities for our future.”

For additional information regarding room and board and parking, visit www.usd.edu/inauguration or contact the Office of the President at [email protected]

Download a high-resolution photo of President Gestring

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