YANKTON COLLEGE...Then & Now
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Yankton College, the first institution of higher learning in Dakota Territory was founded in 1881 by Dr. Joseph Ward,
a graduate of the prestigious Phillips Academy, Brown University and the Andover Theological Seminary.
He came as a missionary pastor to the Yankton Congregational Church and went on to organize the Yankton Academy in 1872,
acknowledged in its day as the Territory's most advanced educational institution. The Academy eventually became Yankton's
public high school. In 1881, Ward established his dream, a Christian institution of higher learning, Yankton College. |
| Although the enrollment at YC was never large, the main tradition at Yankton College was to provide a quality liberal arts
education which produced distinguished leadership and a desire to accomplish great things in many young men and women
from around the nation and the world. |
| Among the distinctions of Yankton College are the Conservatory of Music, the School of Theology, the astronomical Clark Observatory,
the first outdoor Garden Terrace Theater, several Rhodes Scholars, influential faculty and a record breaking athletic program.
Scholars and educators; lawyers and doctors; musicians and artists; athletes and theologians, emerged from here and went on to
lead successful lives filled with responsibility and wisdom. The history of the institution on the Hill spanned 103 years
where a standard for excellence, life-long friends and lasting memories were created. |
| Yankton College still matters in the hearts and minds of many: students, alumni, teachers, trustees, administration and friends.
The campus has been closed for more than twenty-five years but the legacy continues on! |
| Dr. Jospeh Ward, 1884, Inaugural Address:
"What can be nobler than to found an institution that, by the simple force of its daily life, shall go out among the young and call each one to a higher life than he could have found without it!"
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| Yankton College 1912 |
KEEPING THE TRADITION ALIVE
Administrative Office
Yankton College, after closing in 1984, has maintained an administrative office.
After the sale of the campus to the Federal Prison System, Yankton College made a significant contribution towards the building
of the Summit Activities Center and Yankton High School. Because it is a common-use facility, it is here that Yankton College maintains an
office, as well as the intimate 106 seat theatre, named the Yankton College Alumni Hall. Visitors to the Yankton College office will
find history very much alive with displays of college memorabilia and historical documents. Alumni or history buffs may view photos, college
yearbooks, bound scrapbooks, student newspapers and many other mementos from YC's existence.
Yankton College staff includes: Executive Director, Jan Garrity and Office Manager, Judi Olson. Office hours are:
8:30 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday, or by appointment. Yankton College is governed by a 15-20 member volunteer Board of Trustees, who meet each year
in April and September in Yankton. In addition, the Alumni Advisory Board offers assistance with Alumni Outreach that includes the All-Class Reunion and other projects.
Transcripts
Yankton College maintains the transcripts, teaching credentials, and other records that its
alumni may need to further their education or employment. They are available through the YC office at $10 for each transcript or credential request, prepaid by check or credit card
(Visa or Master Card). Fax or mail a written request that needs to include your contact information (maiden name), social security number, date attended,
where the transcript is to be sent and a signature.
Alumni Outreach
Yankton College alumni connect with its alma mater through alumni outreach that includes: All-Class Reunions held every even year,
Regional Reunions, monthly Alumni E-Newsletters, the Alumni Annual Bulletin and much more. Over 3000 alumni are reported in the YC data base, ages 45-90, still living.
Many actively communicate with the YC office and link themselves someway with other YC alumni. If you wish to update your contact information to receive the e-newsletter
and other YC mailings, inform the YC office of your current email address and mailing address. E-newsletters are sent monthly and filled with interesting alumni updates.
The Alumni Annual Bulletin is mailed to alumni and friends to keep them informed about alumni, events and the life of the College, past and present.
During even numbered years, Yankton College hosts an All-Class Reunion in Yankton. Typically more than 300 people attend the 2 day event to
share memories and Greyhound pride. The event includes individual class get-togethers, a Golf Tournament, the Letterwinners Luncheon, the Fine Arts Luncheon, the All-Class Reunion Banquet, a Talent Show, alumni
awards, a tour of the old campus and other programs. This is your chance to connect with life-long friends and share lasting memories that were created through Yankton College. Specific times and more
reunion information is available just prior to the date.
YC Alumni Regional Reunions are encouraged and planned usually during the odd numbered years. These are held based on regions and
gathering points when the chance arises.
Scholarships
One of the important ways that Yankton College continues to foster the cause of
a liberal arts education is by awarding scholarships annually to worthy
students who wish to continue their education. These scholarships are
awarded on a one-time basis to deserving high school graduates and post-graduate
students to use at an accredited college or university. Since 1990, Yankton College has awarded over $250,000
to more than 200 students to begin college or graduate studies.
Applicants MUST either have: a) a family relationship to Yankton College
alumni, former faculty or staff, or b) a family friend, teacher, pastor or other person with a connection to Yankton
College may recommend the applicant.
Licensed Ministry Program
Yankton College has supported a multi-state educational Licensed Ministry Program through a partnership
with the United Church of Christ that has existed since 1997 and has grauated 40 students, who recieved their Associate of Theology degrees.
This is a learning opportunity for those called to the ministry or to expand their knowledge and lay ministry training.
As the needs and resources of churches change, the face of ministry training must also change. The
Licensed Ministry Program is currently on hiatus, in order to investigate and meet the needs of these changes. More information will be available as soon as
possible.
Sponsorships
Yankton College continues to seek partners in its efforts to sponsor and develop programs of worth. These collaborative efforts
encourage and bring fine arts and other programs to the community.
Small performances are held in the Yankton College Alumni Hall that are sponsored by Yankton College.
The two-act plays, Love Letters and The Diaries of Adam & Eve have been performed and directed by YC alumni presenting to the audience remarkable stories.
"Yankton College has long stood for excellence in fine arts and is pleased to present an example of that once again in Alumni Hall," says YC Board Chair, Joan Neubauer.
Yankton College is proud to join with Yankton High School to sponsor the annual String Orchestra Festival held every November at the
Yankton High School Theatre. Regional high school students from South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska gather for a day of string orchestra workshops under the guidance of
a professional orchestra director. In the evening, the students perform a free concert of splendid classical music with a reception that follows.
Other sponsorships of Yankton College include: the Oscar Howe Summer Art Institute which provides workshops for talented college and high school
art students to learn about contemporary Native American Fine Arts. This institute was established in the 1960's by leading Modern Indian artist, Oscar Howe, and continues to
educate future generations of Native American Artists; the Yankton Children's Choir hosts a day camp which teaches youngsters to read music, sing and perform; and the Yankton College
Organ, installed at the United Church of Christ in Yankton.
Dr. Joseph Ward Statue
| In the United States Capitol is comprised of statues donated by individual states to honor persons notable in their history. This marble likeness
of Yankton College founder, Dr. Joseph Ward was sculpted by Bruno Beghe and given in 1963. It is one of South Dakota's two statues and is located in the Hall of Columns. The following website from the Architect
of the Capitol has more information: |
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Yankton College Mission Statement |
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Yankton College
re-affirms its proud heritage by
looking to the future
to find new ways to further its support
of a liberal arts philosophy;
to develop moral and ethical character
and the whole person;
to support individuals to be successful
in their chosen careers;
and to instill the attitude that education
is a life-long process.
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Summary
Yankton College maintains its educational mission and liberal
arts concept yet today, continuing the story that still shapes the lives of many students by awarding
scholarships, sponsoring programs and reaching out to its alumni.
HAIL! YANKTON COLLEGE!
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