The University of South Dakota has announced that Susan Tuve will deliver the commencement address at USD’s 139th Commencement Ceremonies. The ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center.
Tuve has been recognized for her career achievements in trust and investment banking, contributions to her local community and dedication to USD.
“We are honored to have Sue serve as this year’s commencement speaker,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “Sue embodies generosity, curiosity, a passion for learning and a commitment to service. Our graduates can look to her not only for a model of career success, but also as a striking example of how we each can make an impact on our community. Sue is truly a lifelong friend to the university, and we look forward to welcoming her to the commencement stage as we celebrate our graduates.”
Susan Lofthus Tuve was born and raised in Vermillion, South Dakota. She graduated from Northfield Minnesota High School before attending USD. After the first two years of her academic journey at USD, Tuve transferred to the University of Minnesota to study anthropology—a program not offered at USD at the time. She graduated magna cum laude, earning a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology.
Following graduation, Tuve embarked on a 35-year career in trust and investment banking, first with a national bank and later with a private bank in Minneapolis. After her retirement, she joined the USD Foundation as director of planned giving. In this role, she worked tirelessly to raise private funds to support the university’s programs and initiatives.
Tuve has served on the USD Foundation Board in several capacities over the years, including as chair of the Investment Committee and chair of the Board of Directors. Today, she continues to serve the USD Foundation as a trustee. She is also a member of the USD Scholarship Committee and the Dean’s Council for the College of Arts & Sciences.
Tuve is an active member of her local community. Since moving to Vermillion in 2005, Tuve has served on a number of boards, including the Dakota Hospital Foundation Board, the Vermillion Publics Schools Foundation Board and the Vermillion Cultural Association Board. She is currently a member of the Vermillion Community Foundation Board.
Tuve and her husband Douglas have been married for 50 years and are enthusiastic supporters of the College of Fine Arts and all Coyote teams. They were inducted into the College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame in 2021 and were grand marshals of the Dakota Days parade in 2024. They have contributed significantly to scholarships, endowments and other efforts that support USD and enrich the community. Tuve was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma in 2008, received an Alumni Achievement Award in 2015 and received the Inman Award in 2019.
By: USD News service