VERMILLION, S.D. — University of South Dakota graduate Jim Clement ('88), a Senior Vice President at RBC Wealth in Rapid City, South Dakota, has committed a $1 million gift to USD Athletics. The gift to be used at the discretion of the Athletic Director for the department's greatest need.
 
For more than three decades, Clement has given back to his alma mater in many different ways. It began with serving on the USD Alumni Association Board of Directors, a position he held for eight years.
 
"There is not a more passionate Coyote than Jim Clement. I am grateful for his support in our vision for the future of Coyote Athletics and his gift will make an immediate and long-lasting impact on our student-athletes," said Athletic Director Jon Schemmel. "The Clement family have a long-lasting legacy at USD and this investment from Jim continues the tremendous impact they have on our future."
 
Clement has been a Coyote since his childhood, attending many events and Dakota Days event growing up before becoming a Coyote himself in the 1980s. He firmly believes in the life-changing education USD provides and how important athletics is to campus life. Today, Clement is an active member of the USD Foundation & Alumni Association, giving back with the Clement Coyote Beginnings Scholarship.
 
"The University of South Dakota provided me and many others a fine education preparing us to be successful," noted Clement. "I am personally grateful to the institution and feel it's very important to invest back when I can so that future students can also have the experience that the past students like me had."
 
Clement has been a generous supporter to Coyote Athletics for years. He's contributed to the Sanford Coyote Sports Center (SCSC) and DakotaDome renovation projects. He's also contributed as a serving member to the Yote Fund's Board of Directors.
 
"Athletics Is an important part of campus life and keeps our alumni and friends in touch with USD and is a source of great pride. The ever-changing environment in college athletics today requires all of us to do what we can to help Our Coyotes be competitive and a source of pride now and consistently into the future," continued Clement. "Attending events, wearing USD gear in our communities, and donating to the Yote Fund are all ways that all of us can spread out Coyote Pride and build out Brand. Being a regular at the Calling All Coyotes annual event has provided me with the opportunity to meet our athletes and coaches in person, and I always leave the event very proud of them and with a feeling that they deserve my support."
 
Clement served as the University of South Dakota's Grand Marshal this year for Dakota Days this year and in 2018 received the Service to the University Alumni Achievement award.
 
Clement is a 1988 graduate of the University of South Dakota with a degree in political science.