Governor Larry Rhoden and First Lady Sandy Rhoden ’80 parade marshals for DSU

September 18, 2025

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and First Lady Sandy Rhoden ('80) are the 2025 Trojan Days parade marshals.

Sandy Rhoden grew up in Madison from age eight on. Known by her maiden name at the time, Sandy Murphy graduated from Madison High School and earned physical education and art degrees from Dakota State University, while competing in track & field.

She attended with her twin, Debbie (Murphy) Schnell ('79), who earned a degree in elementary education. But they weren't the only Murphy family to graduate from DSU. Sandy's two other sisters, Trish Murphy ('88 and '90), and Marletta Eich ('83) did, as well as their mother, Marlyn Murphy ('68).

She went on to teach and coach track and tumbling. Her first teaching job was in Dupree, SD, where she taught kindergarten, coached high school basketball, and started a cheer and dance team. She received the Teacher of the Year Award in 1995 from Meade School District.

Despite settling elsewhere in the state, the Rhodens continue to visit Madison. Governor Larry Rhoden has noted in the past that Madison is a surrogate city, where he has many friends and family.

"Homecoming is a special time when we welcome alumni back to campus and celebrate the spirit and legacy of DSU," said Braxton Lacher ('24), alumni relations officer. "Having the Governor and First Lady lead our parade would be a meaningful and memorable highlight for our entire community."

The Trojan Days Parade is Saturday, Sept. 27 and will begin at 9:30 a.m. along Washington Avenue between 11^th and 3^rd Street on the eastern edge of campus. It will be followed by tailgate starting at 11 a.m. and the football game against Southern Oregon at 2 p.m.

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