Letter: Charlie Coughlin’s legacy will continue

In “Goodnight Coughlin,” (Argus Leader, Nov. 9), it was announced that “after 54 years, Coughlin-Alumni Stadium is no more” as it is to be demolished to make way for the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Charlie Coughlin, South Dakota State University graduate, class of 1909, gave $50,000 to kick start the fund to build that stadium in 1962. But the headline might be qualified to “a half Goodnight Coughlin” for his generosity to his alma mater was equally evident with his gift of $75,000 for the Coughlin Campanile. The distinctive red light on top of that landmark bell tower has been a beacon guiding travelers on the prairies since 1929.

Coughlin’s oft stated principle for life, “The sky is the limit” found expression in his educational achievement and engineering excellence in industry.

This grandson of Irish immigrants from Carthage, rose to become the CEO of Briggs and Stratton Corporation. This world-class company thrived under his leadership from 1935 to 1972, where Coughlin “successfully navigated the company through World War II, labor difficulties and the incredible growth of the postwar boom years. His brilliance as an industrialist was subsequently recognized by the Harvard Business School,” (Briggs & Stratton website).

His double gift to SDSU was an expression of his belief that every son and daughter of the prairie should enjoy the opportunities afforded to him. When the dust settles after the demolition of the Coughlin Sports Stadium, his legacy and generosity will continue to guide today’s sons and daughters from the prairie who may discover a beacon illuminating their way to the sky.