Augustana University joins the Sioux Falls community and people across South Dakota and the nation in mourning the passing of T. Denny Sanford.
Denny Sanford believed in bold ideas and the power of philanthropy to transform lives. His extraordinary generosity strengthened healthcare, education and communities throughout our region, creating opportunities that will endure for generations.
His philanthropy benefited Augustana in many ways. Students have been recipients of the Horatio Alger Denny Sanford Scholarship and South Dakota Freedom Scholarship. The Master of Science in Genetic Counseling program in partnership with Sanford Health was inspired by Denny’s vision and gifts.
He also had a lifelong passion for the sport of hockey, and Augustana will be forever thankful for his transformational investment in bringing Division I college hockey to our university, the city of Sioux Falls and state of South Dakota. We will miss Denny’s presence in Midco Arena, cheering on the Vikings and witnessing the broad community impact that he always knew was possible.
On behalf of the Augustana University Board of Trustees and university community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Denny's family, friends and colleagues. We are profoundly grateful for his visionary partnership, generous spirit, enduring friendship and the confidence he placed in all of us. His legacy will live on through our graduates whose lives are enriched because he believed and invested in people and organizations motivated by purpose and committed to the greater good.