ABERDEEN, S.D. — Northern State University is celebrating 125 years of history, growth and impact with a yearlong anniversary celebration honoring the institution's past while looking ahead to its future.

Northern officially kicked off its 125th celebration Aug. 18 as faculty and staff gathered ahead of the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

"125 years of Northern State University. It's tremendous," said Northern State University President Dr. Alan LaFave as he addressed faculty and staff gathered in Kessler's Champion Club Room on campus. "We've got so much happening this year that's going to help commemorate that."

Northern's story began in 1901, when legislation established the Northern Normal and Industrial School in Aberdeen with a mission to provide instruction in teaching, industrial and mechanical trades, arts, sciences and other areas of learning. Though a fire gutted the first building as it was nearing completion, Northern officials pushed forward and classes began in fall 1902.

That determination continues to define Northern today.

During his presentation to faculty and staff, LaFave reflected on the university's recent accomplishments and the work underway to position Northern for its next chapter. He highlighted strategic planning efforts during the first half of 2026 that brought together campus leaders, community members, students, faculty, staff and alumni to help shape the university's future.

"We have, I believe, the most beautiful campus, not only in South Dakota, but the entire upper Midwest," LaFave said. "It is an amazing campus that attracts students. When they come on campus, and they see all those wonderful buildings, they're wowed."

But Northern's story is about more than its buildings.

The people who make up the university community — and the relationships they build with students — are central to the Northern Experience, LaFave said.

"What really wows them is talking with you, getting to know you, understanding in their mind how much you can help them advance their academic journey," he said.

A major goal for the university is to increase enrollment by cultivating a vibrant and supportive campus community where students can thrive and succeed.

"That's really what it's all about," LaFave said. "We want our students to be successful."

The 125th anniversary celebration will continue throughout the academic year, with special events and opportunities to recognize the generations of students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters who have helped shape Northern.

The celebration will be especially prominent during Gypsy Days and Homecoming the week of Sept. 21, when alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends of Northern will return to campus to celebrate both homecoming and the university's 125th anniversary.

In addition to traditional homecoming activities — including the Gypsy Day Parade, royalty coronation, tailgate and football game — the university will honor its past at the Hall of Fame and Distinguished Alumni Banquet, open houses across campus for the schools, colleges and departments, and the formal inauguration of Dr. LaFave as Northern's 19th president, the first Northern alumnus to hold the office. Additional events and activities will be announced in the coming weeks.

"The determination of those who built Northern from the ground up remains the foundation on which we stand today," LaFave said. "One hundred and twenty-five years later, Northern's best chapters are still being written. There's no better time to be a Wolf than right now."

For more information, contact Chad Hatzenbuhler, director of communications and marketing, at chad.hatzenbuhler@northern.edu or 605-626-2046.