Feature
New music department professors ‘pushing tradition and excellence’
Two new faces in the music department faculty have high hopes for the bands of USD. Director of bands John LaCognata and director of athletic bands Todd Cranson both have their sights set on growing the bands’ skills and retaining music and non-music majors for the several ensembles offered by the band program. Junior band […]
USD Special Olympics Club doing ‘rewarding’ work
When sophomore Kelsey Koupal came to USD, she couldn’t find a student organization that suited her interests. That’s why she started the USD Special Olympics Club this year. Working with people with disabilities has always been an interest for Koupal. “You walk out of it so rewarded,” she said. “For me, if I have one athlete come […]
People of the Pack: Natalie Etzel
Natalie Etzel is a junior health service administration major from Delnal, MN. Devin Martin: What are some of your hobbies? Natalie Etzel: I work at Qdoba, I work there a lot (as) a student manager. I love working out at the Wellness Center, I love being outdoors. I am originally from Minnesota. I love the lakes, the forests and […]
New sculptures on campus ‘something to be very proud of’
Campus gained seven new works of art over the summer. The on-campus sculptures were placed by SculptureWalk, a nonprofit based in downtown Sioux Falls, where displays are rotated annually. “I do a special call to sculptors for USD and Vermillion,” said Jim Clark, director of SculptureWalk. “They have committees and select their sculptures for a […]
USD alum featured in gallery, donates paintings worth $550,000
USD alum J. Steven Manolis is hoping to paint the town red. Manolis was born in Vermillion and graduated with honors in business from USD in 1970. He currently lives in Miami, FL and works as a full-time painter. Manolis recently donated seven paintings to USD, which are valued at $550,000. These works will be […]
People of the Pack: Dragana Lunic
Dragana Lunic is a junior majoring in international studies. Morgan Matzen: What are your career goals? Dragana Lunic: I’m hoping to join the Peace Corps after I graduate. Maybe I’ll do some foreign affair work at an embassy or something like that, or teach English abroad. I think I’d like the teaching abroad the most, […]
Volunteer firefighters dedicated to protecting community, saving lives
Fighting fires is just one more commitment for the 20 full-time students that volunteer for the Vermillion Fire Department. Vermillion EMS deputy chief Matt Callahan said the volunteers bring a new atmosphere to the department. “They’re a younger generation of people, so I think it helps with that, helps with the diversity of the department,” he […]
Adopt-A-Grandparent a chance for students to gain volunteer experience, friendships
Through volunteering, some USD students have gained grandparents away from home. SERVE’s Adopt-a-Grandparent program requires students to visit with their assigned “grandparent” once a week at the Sanford Care Center to socialize and create longtime friendships. Kayla Mitzell and Gladys Rasmussen Sophomore Kayla Mitzell has been involved with Adopt-A-Grandparent since she was a first-year, and […]
Sophomores form The Undergrads, cover rock hits
A fresh-faced band of sophomores known as “The Undergrads” just hit the scene in Vermillion. Following in the footsteps of The Beards, a band of professors, is Liz Kubal (singer), Spencer Andreson (guitar) and Riley Ackerman (drums). The Undergrads headlined for The Beards last Friday at The Varsity Pub, where the basement was filled with […]
Three seniors share experiences in research, science
For students involved in research, USD offers many opportunities to get involved. Three seniors, all who’ve been involved in research for years, shared their experiences in research, why they’re passionate about science and how USD helped them get where they are today. Jade Fostvedt Jade Fostvedt, a senior chemistry major, has being doing research since […]