Nancy McCahren

Nancy passed away June 18, 2026 in Vermillion, SD. She ran the race well and found peace.

Born February 21,1935 to Carl and Hazel Hoy in Sioux City, IA. Raised in Vermillion, she grew up on Main Street just blocks from USD’s campus. She emerged as a force to be reckoned with in high school competitions in the Debate Club and never stepped back from the mic of life.

Graduating a Tanager from VHS in 1953, she entered the University of South Dakota down the street, pledged Kappa Alpha Theta and the mission was on!

She was crowned Miss USD and insisted this was a talent not a beauty contest. Though never confirmed, her talent was clarinet. She had the finesse of Marilyn Monroe and punch of Judith Dench. She pulled it off and wore the crown well.

Nancy earned her BA in English in 1957. Highlighting this included a Fulbright Scholarship to Paris, France. She married Lee M McCahren in 1959. The newlyweds briefly lived in both Aberdeen and Chicago before returning to Vermillion and settling down. Their home was situated one block from Slagle Hall, the heartbeat of campus, on University Street. They were rooted here the next fifty years.

Initially, Nancy became a professor of English. This connected her with incoming students taking their prerequisite literature and composition courses. It was a perfect match. Students and she thrived on the challenge of her instruction and incoming energy each freshman class brought.

Advising Greek and Panhellenic Councils, Foreign Students and Cheerleading (once!) kept her in the melting pot of Student Life.

Next up? Having earned her MA in French she moved to the department of Modern Languages. She taught French with the same "joie de vivre" she had English.

Nancy achieved her EdD and earned the title Doctor. She raised a family and was a proud charter member of PEO, chapter BV. She served all offices culminating in state presidency in this philanthropic, educational, organization which was near and dear to her heart.

Her final post at USD in her life long career was Alumni Director. This role fit like hand to glove. She traveled the country and abroad representing the University. This stage put her in the limelight of former students lives, their families and careers. She remained loyal in this role until retirement in 2004.

Then began her full time job - Athletics! She loved sitting court side cheering on The Coyotes. She was inducted into the USD Athletics Hall of Fame, served as Dakota Day Parade Marshal.

The last decade of her life she visited Coach K at Duke as a Christmas present to herself. Then she was off to Spokane with family to visit her brother, Richard and Gonzaga University. The final voyage was with a dear friend on to The Adriatic Sea for a week long cruise near Turkey.

She lived every breath of life she could to its fullest. Her flair, love for students, athletics and quick wit will be greatly missed.

Nancy is preceded in death by parents, husband, and brother Richard. She is survived by children Lee C and Julie, grandson Braiden and brother Carleton.

Nancy Hoy McCahren Endowment

USD Alumni Foundation Office

1110 N Dakota Street

Vermillion, SD 57069