South Dakota State University is home to over 250 student organizations. Each gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build community across campus. This is the second in a series of profiles about students taking on leadership roles at State.

The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band is a time-honored tradition at South Dakota State University. Abby Connor, a senior agricultural systems technology major, is a co-captain for The Pride’s color guard.

The Winfred native began her band journey prior to starting at SDSU. Playing tenor saxophone, she always wanted to join Howard School District’s four-member color guard. In her junior year of high school, she had the chance.

It was her band director who encouraged her to join The Pride once she started at SDSU. 

In her role as a captain, Connor assists with choreographing routines and preparing the 25-member color guard for performances. 

Connor says participating in The Pride gave her the opportunity to experience a different side of campus that she otherwise would not have interacted with. 

“Being an agricultural systems technology major, I'm on the opposite side of campus, and I wouldn't have known how cool the performing arts center is or all the different people who are involved in The Pride,” Connor said. 

The Pride of the Dakotas accepts members from all majors, something Connor says creates a unique family environment between the various components of the band. 

“You kind of view the color guard or the drumline as something separate than the band, and from time to time we are, but we all work together, and it's just really cool,” Connor said. “I just think that the family aspect is very true in this organization.”

Family tradition is among the reasons Connor decided to attend SDSU. Her dad, three of her uncles and her older brother all attended SDSU. She also appreciates that she can go home to help on the farm as her hometown is just under an hour away from campus. 

“It's a family tradition pretty much at this point,” she said. “I'm really glad to be a part of it.” 

Connor said she has developed an interest in precision agriculture while at SDSU, but she’s not quite sure what’s next after graduation in May. She’s considering a master’s degree, but she knows she wants to end up in a career that helps farmers maximize their investment.