Habitat for Humanity embraces COVID-19 regulations while continuing to help community

COVID-19 has altered the manner in which people now interact and socialize. While learning to alter their ways, USD’s Habitat for Humanity has found new opportunities to embrace these changes. USD’s Habitat for Humanity was formed in the early 90’s and partners with their parent chapter, Yankton’s Habitat for Humanity. USD’s Habitat for Humanity chapter […]

3 mins read

USD professors evaluate fall semester, look ahead to spring

This semester, the entire USD community implemented and adapted to the changes in place due to COVID-19. From wearing masks across campus to getting used to hybrid and online learning, the fall semester was much different than years past. While students had to adjust to new schedules and campus operations, USD professors had to alter […]

4 mins read

IEW provides “evidence to our resilience as a pack”

The Gallagher Center in collaboration with ethnic groups on campus —including the International Office, the Center for Diversity and Community, Foreign Language departments, African Student Association, etc. — are helping USD celebrate International Education Week (IEW) during the week of Nov. 16-20. The celebration will include both in-person and virtual events. IEW is a national […]

3 mins read

Annual coat drive donates winter wear to community members

For over a decade, Grace Baptist Church hosts a coat drive each year to help those in the community who may need coats for the winter as the weather changes. This year, the coat drive will take place Nov. 6 through 8.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the church had to change how they distributed […]

3 mins read

Alumni group supports women and philanthropy at USD

USD Women in Philanthropy focuses on the role women play at USD and showcasing their importance. This organization is made up of women alumni that tell the story of the role women play at the university. USD Women in Philanthropy displays what USD stands for. Caitlin Duffy, the USD Women in Philanthropy Director of Development […]

3 mins read

Graduate student holds community composting survey

USD is home to over 2,000 graduate students — many of them with big goals for post graduation. One specific graduate student, Jacinda Maassen, has intentions on making the Vermillion community a healthier environment. Jacinda Maassen completed her Masters degree for Sustainability Development in Sweden and is currently working on her PhD in Sustainability here […]

2 mins read

Strollers organization introduces diversity training

Changes are coming to campus for the Strollers organization this year. With new plans, training and volunteer opportunities, Strollers is implementing a new way to run their organization. Keeley Rexwinkel, senior nursing major and a member of the Strollers organization, said changes are being made to the organization and new policies are being enforced. “The […]

2 mins read

Writers group provides space for local writers to practice their craft

Originally started as part of the Vermillion Literary Project (VLP), the Vermillion Community Writers Group has been a space for local writers to meet and work for over ten years. Marcella Remund, advisor to the VLP and head of the group, said membership ebbs and flows, but the group always has a variety of writers […]

4 mins read

Heartland Humane Society helps furry friends find forever homes

Approximately 6.5 million animals enter an animal shelter each year. Currently, the Heartland Humane Society in Yankton, SD is home to roughly 30 of those shelter animals.  Kerry Hacecky, the director at Heartland, said most animals they house were either surrendered by their previous owner or were stray.  Hacecky said half the stray animals are […]

6 mins read

New CARE Team collects research to aid in USD’s, South Dakota’s COVID-19 response

USD’s School of Health Sciences has created the Community Action Response Epidemiology (CARE) team to partner with the South Dakota Department of Health and the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board to provide contact tracing, health promotion and comprehensive services to the state of South Dakota. Susan Puumala, the project director of the CARE team, […]

2 mins read