April 2016
Student recounts personal experience, advocates for others to report early
By Trent Opstedahl and Ally Krupinsky “He took a step closer to me, and looked me in the eyes and said, ‘You owe me.’ ” Senior Jackie Ortmeier was a junior at USD when she reported being sexually assaulted in 2013 at a fraternity formal. She’s not the first USD student to have experienced this […]
‘It’s on Us’ to prevent sexual assault at USD
Rape. It’s a four-letter word not many people like to talk about, especially when it’s discussed in relation to college students. Rape isn’t just something that happens at large colleges — it’s something that has happened here at USD and to USD students, and something that will happen again unless steps are taken to address the […]
Bicycle service aims to help international students
When international students first arrive at USD, they face a considerable amount of stress, both emotionally and financially. Patrick Morrison, the International Club adviser for the Center for Academic and Global Engagement, said considering all of the other things international students have to pay for, transportation can often be overlooked. “For them, when they first get here, […]
Vermillion Area Arts Council raises funds to employ art teacher
One Vermillion organization hopes to get art back into some of the city’s schools. The Vermillion Area Arts Council (VAAC) is raising funds to get an art teacher back into the school district, as there hasn’t been an art teacher employed at the elementary or middle schools for three years. VAAC board member Jessi Wilharm said there are a […]
Library worker reflects on her four years behind the desk
With finals week approaching, the I.D. Weeks Library will serve as a space for a number of USD students to study, write papers and cram for tests. Those that work there, however, have consistently been there all year. Becca Gaikowski, a senior health science major, closes the library three nights out of the week. Gaikowski applied […]
Sidewalk chalk messages trigger varying emotions
Chalk messages supporting presidential candidate Donald Trump appeared on campus this past Friday, urging students to “build the wall” and to “#StopIslam.” In October, a spike in chalk messages sparked a discussion between USD administrators and Student Government Association senators on whether or not a policy limiting chalking on sidewalks should be implemented. In the […]
USD introduces new women’s head coach
At a Monday press conference in the Muenster University Center, athletic director David Herbster introduced Dawn Plitzuweit as the new head coach of the USD women’s basketball team. Plitzuweit just completed her fourth season at Northern Kentucky University with a record of 19-14 in the 2015-16 season. She’s taking over for Amy Williams, after Williams departed […]
Student athletes receive help from academic advisers to ensure eligibility
Every student at USD has the tools to be academically successful, however, student athletes have a slightly different program that ensures they maintain eligibility. A team of three full-time academic advisers and two graduate assistants manage the academic well-being of more than 350 athletes on campus. One academic adviser, Taylor Chapman, who ran cross country […]
Diver Greysen Hertting looks to follow up historic season
In her three years at USD, junior diver Greysen Hertting has put together an impeccable resume. Earlier this month she was named Summit League Diver of the Year for the third consecutive season. This win comes after she swept both boards at the Summit League Championships. She’s the first female diver to ever do this. […]
Improv Club teaches students to think on their toes
While it might seem as though improv is just for laughs, in reality, as is the case at USD, it helps participants get comfortable in any situation they may come across. “This group was started to help those involved to think on their toes in different situations,” Improv Club secretary Madeline Schmitt said. Previously a […]