Returning to Their Roots, Alumni Give to the Next Generation
“We would like to help somebody else, so they can have the opportunities and experiences like we had here.”
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Even though their hometown of Columbus, Nebraska, is nearly a four-hour drive from Brookings, Brian and Kendra Bunkers return to SDSU whenever possible.
Football games, reunions, Hobo Day – more than 40 years after they graduated, these two Jackrabbits say they love returning to SDSU.
“I keep telling people, I’d go back to college tomorrow,” said Brian, a 1979-1982 Jackrabbit Football alum. “I mean, that was the best time of my life.”
Kendra, a 1983 pharmacy graduate, agreed, adding, “We were out of touch for a few years because we were so focused on our careers and raising kids. But after coming back for a few games and getting to see old friends, it was like we came back to our roots.”
Ahead of a recent football reunion, the couple spent some time reflecting on their university experiences and shared their story with Foundation staff.
Brian and Kendra were both recruited to SDSU – Brian by former Head Football Coach John Gregory and Kendra by her older brother, Kevin Haarberg, a 1979 pharmacy graduate. The couple met through mutual friends. Kendra was active in student government, and Brian’s roommates were also involved.
“We were all in the same spot at the same time, learning a little bit about life,” Kendra said. “Most of us were on our own for the first time, and there were so many kids from different areas. Everybody just seemed like a friend.”
As Brian reflects on the friendships he built while playing Jackrabbit Football, he attributes the time spent together and the experiences shared to why his fellow alumni became like family.
“We call it a football reunion, but it’s a family reunion, because these guys – I spent more time with them than I did with my family because of practices, team meetings, and workouts. I got to know everyone really well.”
Brian went on to say that, in addition to gaining lifelong friendships, playing collegiate football prepared him for his 40-year career as a financial advisor. He explained it’s a field where relationships are important. Today, some of Brian’s clients are the grandchildren of some of his first clients.
Building relationships is also important to Kendra. She credits her SDSU professors for emphasizing the value of communication. “A big focus was communication. They were trying to teach us that, so we were not just a figure behind a counter.”
She added that, although there are more expensive pharmacy programs at other universities, throughout her career, she always felt equal to colleagues who did pay more for the same degree. Brian agreed.
Brian Bunkers“I always felt the education we had was as good as, if not better than, others. It’s just the way South Dakota State University is set up."
To pay it forward, the couple supports a football scholarship and worked with Foundation staff to establish a fund through their estate to support both the College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions and Jackrabbit Athletics.
“We would like to help somebody else, so they can have the opportunities and experiences like we had here,” Kendra said.
Brian added, “We feel really strong and good about doing this. You've got to feel good about how you give. That’s one thing I emphasize with my clients – and we feel really good about this.”
