University of South Dakota Director of Athletics Jon Schemmel has announced that South Dakota football alum Dr. John House (’76) has gifted the athletic department 5.6 million dollars, the largest non-corporate donation in this history of USD Athletics.
“I want to thank John and the entire House family for this investment in the future of Coyote Athletics. The University of South Dakota is committed to having a championship program in the second highest level of football nationally, this gift furthers that commitment,” noted Schemmel. “John has shared the vision for athletic and academic excellence with the university and department since our transition to Division I. This gift will have a tremendous outward impact for all Coyote student-athletes.”
The gift will go to support the South Dakota football program operationally and for further athletic facility enhancements.
“I owe a lot to USD for giving me the opportunity to excel, on the field and in the classroom, the operating room and the boardroom. The scholarship I received changed my life,” commented Dr. House. “This donation is my way of paying it forward, so future student-athletes can have the same shot at success I had. It’s not just about football—it’s about giving the next generation the tools they need to succeed, academically and athletically.”
A 2002 inductee in the South Dakota Athletics Hall of Fame, House was a key member of the Coyote football program that captured North Central Conference (NCC) titles in 1973 and 1974. Originally of Fremont, Nebraska, he was named an All-NCC offensive unit as an offensive tackle for the 1976 campaign when the Coyotes went 5-5.
A 6-3, 229 offensive lineman, House was a member of the 1973 and 1974 NCC championship Coyote teams. He earned four football letters and was named a team captain his senior season. He lettered as a freshman when he was a reserve on the varsity team, which won the NCC title and played in the NCAA Far West Division II regional. He started more than 30 games in his final three seasons as a Yote.
“I also expect my contribution, alongside the recent leadership contribution by Scott Jones, to motivate many more Coyote alums to step up and join us in this spirit of giving. With Schemmel leading the charge as our new Athletic Director, I’m confident that USD Coyote Football is on the verge of greatness,” concluded Dr. House. “His vision for a championship-caliber program competing at the highest level possible will keep USD and its student athletes winning for years to come.”
Dr. House is the former Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO of USMD Holdings (NASDAQ: USMD) and is currently Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of US Specialists Management (USSM), a physician practice management company. USSM has partnered with multiple physician groups across the US to help specialist physicians remain independent by providing operational expertise and strategies to develop and grow their clinical and ancillary services while proving world class patient care.
Dr. House was a practicing Board Certified Urologic Surgeon until 2017 and currently lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife Karla, son Lukas and daughter Lena.
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