South Dakota Athletics Receives $1 Million Boost from Alumni

VERMILLION, S.D. — In a significant development for the University of South Dakota (USD) and the Vermillion community, Bill Gassen and Jill Gassen, esteemed alumni and prominent figures in South Dakota, have pledged a $1 million donation towards the construction of a new indoor track and field facility. The state-of-the-art complex, to be known as the Gassen Family Fieldhouse, will offer USD’s Coyote student-athletes a premier training environment and serve as a landmark addition to Vermillion’s athletic amenities.

Announced by Athletic Director Jon Schemmel on a brisk Tuesday morning, this transformative gift underscores the Gassens’ commitment to their alma mater and community. “I want to thank Bill & Jill Gassen for their shared vision and leadership investment into USD Athletics and the Gassen Family Fieldhouse,” Schemmel emphasized, highlighting the anticipated impact on the holistic experience of the university’s track and field athletes and the broader community.

Bill Gassen

The Gassen Family Fieldhouse, a project that has been gaining momentum since the announcement of an initial $20 million gift from philanthropist Mr. Denny Sanford in August 2025, is poised to become a cornerstone of South Dakota’s sports infrastructure. The facility will feature a 200-meter banked track, strategically designed warm-up lanes, and an array of specialized areas for long jump, triple jump, pole vault, high jump, and throwing events. Elevated seating for 2,000 spectators will ensure an engaging viewer experience, while dedicated spaces like coach offices, a recruiting lounge, a training and nutrition center, and locker rooms will cater to the needs of contemporary athletes.

Bill and Jill Gassen’s exceptional journey began in Vermillion, where they not only earned their degrees from USD but also forged their athletic identities as Coyote athletes—Bill as a shot put thrower and football player, and Jill as a hurdles and pole vault competitor. “We are deeply grateful for our experiences at the University of South Dakota,” expressed the Gassens. “It is where we had the privilege of competing as student-athletes and where we completed our education, earning our undergraduate degrees and later furthered our professional paths.”

Today, Bill Gassen holds the role of President and CEO at Sanford Health, a testament to his enduring leadership in South Dakota, while Jill Gassen serves as a physician assistant at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, bringing her expertise to enhance the healthcare landscape of the state.

Jill Gassen

This philanthropic gesture is inspired by Mr. Denny Sanford, a fellow USD track and field alumnus whose $20 million contribution is dedicated to fostering a robust future for young athletes at USD. The facility, expected to be named after Mr. Sanford, will provide unprecedented opportunities for students wishing to pursue their athletic aspirations alongside academic achievements.

The Coyote athletics program and the wider Vermillion area stand to benefit significantly from these enhancements, advancing USD’s mission to cultivate excellence in sports and education. The addition of the Gassen Family Fieldhouse not only marks an exciting development in South Dakota’s athletic landscape but also reflects a deep-seated commitment among alumni to invest in future generations of scholars and athletes.

Pending approval from the South Dakota Board of Regents, construction of the indoor track facility will commence, marking a new era for USD athletics and the community of Vermillion. As South Dakota continues to cement its reputation as a vibrant locale for sports development, initiatives such as these reinforce the state’s dedication to educational and athletic excellence.

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Jon Schemmel
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This ambitious project is not only a milestone for the University of South Dakota but also reinforces the value of community-building in creating top-tier opportunities for budding athletes. The Gassen Family Fieldhouse and its facilities can catalyze an enriching environment where student-athletes in South Dakota can thrive.