Alumni and faculty display “warm feelings” of newly named Aalfs Auditorium

As Kathy Aalfs cut the ribbon concluding the ceremony at Slagle Hall, alumni and faculty of the University of South Dakota stood and clapped as the auditorium received a new name.

The formerly named Slagle Auditorium became the Bailey and Kathy Aalfs Auditorium today after a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony held in the recently renovated hall.

The auditorium was renamed to honor and show appreciation for the donation given by the Aalfs to help with the renovations.

Assistant Dean of the Business School Rhonda Hulkonen, was among the crowd at the ceremony and said the new auditorium is “gorgeous.”

“It’s been several years since I’ve been in the building,” Hulkonen said. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing the utilized.”

Senior Megan Jorgenson, who could not make it to the ceremony, was involved with the Let There Be Light campaign, which contributed to the chandeliers in Aalfs Auditorium.

“I like that (the university) gives students the ability to change things on campus,” Jorgenson said. “A lot of students want to give back; they just need a little right.”

Bailey Aalfs said he and his wife could recall graduation ceremonies and many shows during their time at USD.

“Our education played a significant part in our lives and we wanted to give back to the university,” Bailey Aalfs said.

Abbott said he was very impressed with the turnout of the ceremony.

“There were about 250 people that attended,” Abbott said. “I was shocked to have this many people show up at 3:30 on a Friday. It really reflects peoples’ feelings about USD and their warm feelings about the Aalfs