In this episode of STATE Stories, we sit down with Steve Hildebrand, a 1986 SDSU graduate and 2010 Distinguished Alumnus, whose career spans presidential politics, community leadership, and philanthropy. From volunteering on George McGovern’s campaign as a student to serving on the national stage with leaders like Al Gore and Barack Obama, Steve shares how his experiences at SDSU shaped his path in public service. He also reflects on the mentors who influenced him, the friendships that have lasted a lifetime, and his passion for giving back through the Promising Futures Fund, a nonprofit providing opportunities for underserved youth in Sioux Falls. With honesty and conviction, Steve offers advice for today’s students and reminds us of the power of hard work, involvement, and speaking up for what matters.