VERMILLION, S.D. — University of South Dakota Director of Athletics Jon Schemmel and Senior Associate AD & Chief Revenue Officer Ben LeCompte have announced a one-million-dollar gift from Doyle ('74) and Rachel Knudson.
 
"I want to thank Doyle & Rachel for their investment into our student-athletes and Coyote Athletics. This gift will have tremendous impact on our ability to continue moving forward despite all of the changes and challenges looming with the House Settlement and Division I athletics," commented Schemmel. "They have been a big reason for our success in athletics and continue to be amazing partners for our future."
 
The gift will create the Doyle & Rachel Knudson Athletics Fund and will consist of a minimum commitment of one million dollars over a nine-year span. The new fund will be utilized at the discretion of the athletic director to advance Coyote athletics.
 
"I also want to thank Ben LeCompte for his work with the Knudson family and reshaping our athletic development operation to prepare for the modern era of Division I collegiate athletics," concluded Schemmel.
 
Doyle Knudson, a native of Centerville, S.D., is a University of South Dakota Business School alum, graduating in 1974. His career was with C.H. Robinson World Wide (1975-2002), when he retired in 2002. He has also served on the USD Foundation Board (2005-10) and served as Chairman from 2011-13.
 
Rachel Knudson, a native of Las Cruces, N.M., earned her undergraduate degree from New Mexico State University in 1974 and her master's in 1975. She had a 25-year career with NASA's nuclear testing sites, retiring in 1995.
 
The Knudsons have two sons, Jace and Tony. The proud alum (Doyle) and Howling Pack Members reside in Paradise Valley, Arizona.