Staters for State and the South Dakota State Alumni Association have chosen the Phil and Gene Christie family of Bruce, SD, as their 2003 SDSU Family of the Year for their contributions and strong support of the SDSU community.

While neither Phil or Gene attended SDSU, all five of the couple’s daughters are graduates, as well as seven grandchildren and three in-laws.

The criteria for the contest include support of SDSU and its mission, number of family members who have attended, significant achievements and involvement as both students and alumni.

The Christie family was nominated by Dr. Mary Ryder of the SDSU English department.