March 2023
Increase in Bar Checks Causes Controversy
Bar checks are on the rise in Vermillion. In the first three months of 2023, underage drinking arrests rose by 300% compared to this time last year. Likewise, arrests for fake IDs are up 271%. According to Vermillion Police Chief Crystal Brady, bar checks have increased due to recent officer hirings after years of short-staffing. […]
PanLingua Returns for 10-Year Anniversary
For their 10-year anniversary, PanLingua is coming to USD on April 3. This is the fourth time that USD has hosted this event. PanLingua is an undergraduate research conference where students present their research papers or cultural experiences in a target language. USD professor in Modern Languages & Linguistics, Angela Helmer, said there will be […]
Student Explores Future in Writing
Many students have hobbies outside of class, but few have hobbies that get their writing published. Junior Josh Ellerbeck, a communication studies major, held his third book signing for his most recent book “Streetlights.” Ellerbeck’s 400-page novel, “Streetlights,” was published Aug. 30, 2022, to not only raise awareness for Huntington’s disease, but also raise money […]
Short Film Project Challenges Students
The Fool’s 48 Short Film Project is set to return again this year. This competition challenges participants to write, direct and edit a short film in just 48 hours. For 2022 student participant Gen Hirata, the competition was an opportunity to learn what it takes to make a short film. “I’ve been passionate about filmmaking […]
‘StoryWalks’ Returns For Spring Season
The Vermillion community continues to come together in many ways to create special events for the residents that build connections and create fun. The Vermillion Public Library put together an event called StoryWalks where anyone can walk outside and read a book through downtown Vermillion. They use picture books so people can read a story […]
Increase in Student Volunteers at Humane Society
USD student involvement at the Heartland Humane Society in Yankton had increased in the past year. Currently, there are over 150 volunteers with a mix of community members and students. In total, there are 25 students volunteering this year. The Heartland Humane Society is an animal shelter for unwanted animals. They take care of a […]
36 Ukrainian Students Receive ‘Unissued Diplomas’
On Feb. 24, 2022, Russian soldiers officially invaded Ukraine, causing many people to lose their lives. One year later, USD student Oleksandra Lukina and many others, put an exhibit on the second floor of the MUC to honor Ukrainian students who lost their lives during the war. The exhibit honors 36 Ukrainian students from around […]
Non-Profit Celebrates 50 Year in Vermillion
Sesdac, a non-profit organization that provides services and supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, celebrated 50 years of service to Vermillion on March 24. Sesdac held an open house for USD students and Vermillion residents. Dr. Don Monroe was the founder of the Southeast South Dakota Activity Center, Inc., later known as Sesdac, in […]
SGA Cuts Budgets for Multiple Programs
Editors Note: The Volante staff updated this article as of April 5, 2023 in order to correct misinformation SGA initially cut the budget for Safe Rides, however, it was then amended to include $10,000 for the program. This amount will fully cover the funds needed to successfully provide this service to the Vermillion community. SGA […]
What Gender Indicates About Humor
The realm of comedy has, unfortunately, been dominated by men throughout history. Early Shakespearian play stages used male actors to portray females, leaving them no chance for advancement, and movies nowadays are still more likely to cast a man for a part meant for comic relief over a woman. Luckily, women have begun making their […]