November 8, 2017
New organization founded to represent Nepalese culture
The Nepalese Student Association (NSA) was formed earlier this semester to celebrate events and create a welcoming environment to the increasing numbers of Nepalese students at USD. Chandra Karki, NSA’s president and a senior chemistry major, planned Dashain, the group’s first event on campus. He traveled to Miami in late September to learn about how […]
Player of the Pack: Matt Mooney
Matt Mooney is a junior on the men’s basketball team majoring in innovation and entrepreneurship. Karina Dufoe: What are your thoughts on the upcoming season/expectations for the team? MM: I’m extremely excited and pumped for the upcoming season. We’ve worked really hard this offseason and it’s been a while since we’ve played. I think coming […]
The importance of art programs, creativity
For a lot of universities, sports are an integral part of the college experience. Students enjoy screaming for their favorite team and exhibiting school colors as a way to show team spirit. Sports programs, while fun and entertaining, shouldn’t be the main focus in terms of academics. It’s important to have balance in what’s learned […]
Four things that shouldn’t be said to an art major
As a studio arts major, I often get bombarded with annoying statements and questions. They range from, “Oh, I could do that” to, “Your classes must be easy” to, “It must be cheap.” Here are four things that shouldn’t be said to an artist. “I could do that” Saying, “Oh, I could do that” when […]
‘Walking in two worlds:’ Indigenous students balance culture, education
For some USD indigenous students, balancing heritage and school can be difficult. Whether from the reservation or a small town, indigenous students often have different experiences from their peers. Living with labels The terms “Indian,” “Native American,” “American Indian” and “Native” are problematic for some indigenous people, said junior social work major Mekko Bearkiller. “We […]
Why the greatest books kept me from reading
My junior year of high school, Geoffrey Sheehy announced our Language and Composition class would be reading Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” as part of our novel unit. Sheehy, a phenomenal teacher and mentor, motivated me to become a better reader. However, after turning “The Scarlet Letter’s” front cover painted with a fancy, bold “A,” I faced a problem […]
Need-based financial aid program in the works for South Dakota
South Dakota is one of the only states that doesn’t offer a need-based financial aid program. The South Dakota Board of Regents has been working on a program, Dakota’s Promise, to change that. Dakota’s Promise is a five phase, state-funded aid program that could support 6,000 students once fully implemented. SDBOR has sent a recommendation […]
Married faculty couple builds careers at USD
Meera and Venky Venkatachalam’s matching surnames are not a coincidence: they’re a married couple working at USD. The Venkatachalams were married in 1984 and immigrated to the United States from India in 1987. They met working at an engineering company in India and came to the U.S. in order to pursue their doctorate degrees. “I have now […]
Business school celebrates faculty through scholar series
The Beacom Scholar Series showcases the business school’s faculty through presentations of their research. Venky Venkatachalam, dean of the business school, implemented the Beacom Scholar Series when he came to USD. “It was very important for me at that time to have this Beacom Scholar Series as a forum to showcase faculty research contribution,” he […]
Updated: Sexual assault education grant approved, progress yet to be seen by students
Though USD received a $300,000 grant in October of 2016 to educate students on sexual assault, progress with training and programming has yet to be seen by students. Marisa Cummings, ICARE program coordinator, was hired last February to oversee the grant’s day-to-day operations. She submitted the strategic plan for ICARE (Inclusion, Compassion, Advocacy, Respect and Engagement) on […]