Tordsen: ‘USD will become your home away from home’

To my fellow Coyotes,

Welcome to the University of South Dakota! We are so excited you have chosen to become a part of our Coyote Family. We can’t wait to get to know you better as you make Vermillion your home away from home.

Choosing USD as your place of learning is one decision that you will not regret. There is no better time to be a ‘Yote! We have a tradition of success here at USD and are continuing to grow that legacy onward.

We have continued to improve the image of our campus, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful academic and extra-curricular buildings and resources that USD has to offer.

We have grown into a Division 1 university that students wish to be a part of. We play dynamic games against renewed rivalries, play large schools from across the nation and impress our opponents with the competitive spirit that the Coyote Crazies’ mentality brings to the Dome.

USD has built a legacy for producing prestigious and incredibly successful alumni, a group that I’m sure you will fall into down the road. But don’t get too excited yet. You have much to experience as an undergraduate first.

You know the saying “It’s not about what you know; it’s about who you know.” Well at USD, you get both. Our academic programs on campus provide the best classroom experience for all students, the best mentors anyone could ask for and a solid degree for you to leave with your head held high.

Also, the friendships that you will make at this university are ones you will never forget. As I mentioned before, USD will become your home away from home because of these friendships and experiences that you will have here.

Furthermore, I challenge you to get involved and get out of your comfort zone. College is a time for you to really make a name for yourself. You have over 120 student organizations to choose from.

Whether it’s joining one of the strongest Greek systems in the nation, intramural and club sports or any interest group you can think of, I encourage you to get involved. If that isn’t enough, our university has events planned to give you that well-deserved break from homework, such as Coyote athletic events, concerts, speakers, plays and so much more!

As your student body president, I am here to serve YOU. If there is anything I can do to help you while you are here, please do not hesitate to talk to me. I care very much about your success at USD, as do countless others on campus, and I will do my best to make your journey successful.

I, along with the Student Government Association, are your voice to the faculty, administration and the Board of Regents, so please, talk to us — we are your greatest advocates!

If there was any message that I wish for you to take away from this, it would be to ask questions, get involved and most importantly, have fun! You couldn’t have picked a better time to join the University of South Dakota. You are joining a legacy of success. The next step is for you to leave yours.

Welcome, have fun and as always, Go ‘Yotes!

Tyler Tordsen

President, Student Government Association