September 2017
BREAKING: President Abbott announces retirement
USD President James Abbott announced his retirement Wednesday during the annual State of the University Address. “This concludes my 21st State of the University Address. It is also my last,” he said on stage in Aalfs Auditorium. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served my alma mater for 21 years. I’m also very […]
Asbestos abatement an ongoing and costly project on campus
Asbestos was abated in 33 Brookman Hall rooms over the summer. The abatement cost about $18,000, said Bob Oehler, Facilities Management associate vice president, in an email. According to the American Cancer Society, “There is no health risk if the asbestos is bonded into intact finished products, such as walls and tiles. As long as the material […]
USD sees enrollment increase
There are 10,261 students enrolled in USD this fall, a 2.2 percent increase from last year’s 10,038 students. The university has seen one of the biggest increases in students from Iowa, which had a 9.2 percent increase. Scott Pohlson, vice president for enrollment, marketing & university relations, said this was due to offering in-state tuition to […]
Editorial: USD should alter free speech policies
Across of the outer wall of the Al Neuharth Media Center are the words of the renowned First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and […]
ROTC holds field training exercise in Yankton
The Reserve Officers Training Corps held a two-day field training exercise this weekend at the Lewis and Clark Boy Scout Camp in Yankton. Thirty-two USD students of all grade levels in ROTC attended. ROTC prepares students to become officers in the U.S. military. Students who enroll in ROTC receive a paid college education and a guaranteed […]
Behind the scenes of ‘Rhinoceros’: Putting a production together
Before a production is ready for an audience, its cast and crew puts in an immense amount of time and effort to perfect the show. Work for “Rhinoceros” began last semester. The design process for a production this size can take eight to 12 weeks, said technical director Scott Mollman. The crew has multiple production […]
Chemistry professor awarded for hard work and dedication
USD chemistry professor and dean of USD’s graduate school Ranjit Koodali was recently recognized for his commitment to research and teaching. Earlier this year, Koodali was awarded the Salutes to Excellence Award from the American Chemical Society. The award is given to individuals who’ve made significant contributions to the field, according to the organization’s website. “It has an […]
Social media marketing professor ‘keeps it real’ in the classroom
Travis Loof, a new professor in the media & journalism department, isn’t unacquainted with life in Vermillion. Loof, from Watertown, SD, said he always knew USD was perfect for him. “USD seemed like the best fit, so I only applied to USD,” he said. He graduated from USD with an undergraduate degree in communication studies in […]
Students should try meeting new people
Growing up, we’re constantly told not to talk to strangers. I believe, at this age, students should do the opposite. Some of the most important interactions and strongest friendships have resulted from picking up a conversation with a complete stranger. For some, this may seem daunting not only because of “stranger danger,” but because it […]
Honors Program sees record enrollment
USD’s Honors Program is setting records outside of the classroom this fall. This school year, 158 first-year students were accepted into the program, making this the largest incoming class of Honors students in the history of USD. “I think that the increase in the numbers reflects the fact that the students coming to USD […]