Abbott: USD cherishes newcomers

One of the best parts of my job as president of the University of South Dakota is welcoming new students and their families to our campus. It’s a privilege for all of us at USD to embrace the newcomers, get to know them, mentor them in and out of the classroom, laugh with them, cry with them and finally, to send them into the world stronger and wiser.

Our students tell us that’s what they love about USD. It’s a Division 1 research university with small-town charm. As the state’s only designated liberal arts university, we teach our students how to think, not what to think.

So many exciting opportunities cross my desk every week that it’s difficult to highlight just a few. But here are some worth mentioning:

Children of Alumni Tuition Break

We’re keeping it in the Coyote family by offering in-state tuition for children of USD alums, regardless of where they live. As long as one parent or guardian received any degree from USD the son or daughter can pay in-state tuition. That means tuition of $4,341 a year instead of the out-of-state rate of $8,457.

$500 Interest-free Book Loan

Families know it’s expensive to get a student ready for college. We don’t want cash flow problems to stop students from buying textbooks. So any full-time, undergraduate student attending class on the Vermillion campus can receive a $500 loan to buy books and class supplies at the USD Bookstore. No proof of financial need is required, and no interest will be charged. Qualifying students can charge their book purchases during five weeks at the beginning of the semester. The cost will be added as a line item on the student’s USD bill for later payment.

Upgrades on North Campus

The new basketball/volleyball arena, athlete performance center and classrooms are taking shape south of the DakotaDome and will be in use by fall 2016. You’ll also see a new outdoor track and soccer complex nearby. We’re also adding a Papa John’s restaurant in the North Complex residence halls, joining Qdoba, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Chick-fil-A already open in the Muenster University Center.

ONWARD: The Campaign for South Dakota

The largest capital campaign in USD history continues with a goal of raising $250 million to invest in students, faculty and facilities. Since the Legislature of Dakota Territory created USD in 1862 we’ve been moving Onward, with the help of alumni and friends.

(Photo: University of South Dakota President Jim Abbott speaks during the USD Onward Campaign Red Tie Event Oct. 10 in the Muenster University Center ballroom. File photo / The Volante)