University of South Dakota Athletics

Sissetori, SD native Joe Robbie, who owned the NFL's Miami Dolphins, always maintained a deep abiding commitment to his alma matter, The University of South Dakota. Robbie played an important role in the DakotaDome project, serving as chairman of the national fundraising campaign for the DakotaDome. Robber a 1943 USD graduate, received his law degree from USD in 1946. He received USD's Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award in 1972 and received an honorary doctorate of law degree from USD during the 1979 commencement exercises. Robbie founded the Miami Dolphins in 1966, leading one of the most successful National Football League franchises. He was president and managing general partner for the Miami Dolphins that had the NFL's best record in the 1970s, including three consecutive Super Bowl appearances. The 1972 Miami Dolphins remains the only team to go through a season unbeaten (17-0). Robbie, who was honored in 1978 as South Dakota Sports Celebrity of the Year by the South Dakota Sportswriter Association, is also a recipient of the Horatio Alger Award honoring those who have attained success through personal perseverance. Other recipients of the award have been Dwight Eisenhower, Herbert Hoover, and Bob Hope.