Al Schoeneman

If Al Schoeneman could do life over, he would go to college in Sioux Falls. "I didn't graduate from USF, but in hindsight, it was a missed opportunity," he says. "I should have gone to college where I wanted to live. That's advice I try to pass along."

After graduating from the University of Kansas in 1970, the Sioux Falls native moved back home to help operate the family business. He retired from Schoenman's Building Materials Center after 54 years this May.

While Schoeneman is unable to change his past, he realized he could impact the future for others. His generous donations to USF have helped fund projects like the Vucurevich School of Business, Sullivan Faith and Living Center, North Residence Hall and the USF Sports Complex. He also contributes to scholarships and programs that support the University's mission. As a past member of USF's Foundation Board and Board of Trustees, he had the opportunity to help shape important decisions for enhancing the USF experience.

"I would consider myself an ambassador for USF," he says. "I believe in what they are doing. I value education and I enjoy athletics, and there are fantastic people on campus. I've met students who are going to change the world."

Schoeneman doesn't have children of his own but feels it's important to invest in tomorrow's leaders and is respected as a generous community philanthropist.

"I'm in a different situation than most. I don't have any heirs," he explains. "I support causes that matter to me. I feel like we all need to do our part and give where we can."

Now that he's retired, Schoeneman shares his time between Sioux Falls and Phoenix, where he enjoys golfing and watching professional football, basketball and baseball events in the area.

"The weather in Phoenix is great in the winter, but you just can't beat the people in Sioux Falls," he says. "This is home and I am grateful to be able to give back to my community and institutions like the University of Sioux Falls."