Federal stimulus bill: How will the American Rescue Plan impact South Dakota?

President Joe Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a $1.9 trillion stimulus and economic relief bill, into law March 11. The bill has a number of wide-ranging impacts, including short-term expansions of unemployment benefits, money for state and local governments, changes to health insurance exchanges, a modification of the Child Tax Credit […]

9 mins read

USD Symphony Orchestra performs winter concert

The USD Symphony Orchestra presented their winter concert Friday. Due to COVID-19, the performance had limited attendance by invitation only and was live-streamed for others to virtually attend. Director of Orchestras Luis Viquez said that they have followed all USD mandates, but preparing the orchestra for this concert had its challenges due to COVID-19. “We […]

4 mins read

USD Chamber Singers perform at Spring Choral Showcase

The USD Chamber Singers performed at the Spring Choral Showcase on Sunday, Feb. 28. In previous years, the three USD choirs would perform together, but due to COVID-19 performances had to be adjusted.  The Chamber Singers is the premiere vocal ensemble at USD with a repertoire of primarily a cappella style performances.  Dr. David Holdhusen, […]

2 mins read

USD encourages COVID-19 tests before break

With only two days left until the campus is vacated and students return home for spring break, the university is preparing for the COVID-19 repercussions that could be seen after the Coyotes reconvene after the break. USD is continually stressing the importance of getting tested and is offering students “Know Before You Go” PCR testing […]

3 mins read

Dakotathon continues despite COVID-19

This year’s Dakotathon, an annual fundraiser at USD, will be held virtually because of COVID-19 restrictions. However, this hasn’t stopped students from choosing to participate.   Junior medical biology major Leah Drengenberg said she had never heard of Dakotathon until the end of her freshman year, but had heard of dance marathons. Drengenberg said she was sitting in class when people came in to talk about the Dakotathon and she decided […]

3 mins read

A Spring Break like Never Before

As the middle of the semester approaches, students are busy deciding their plans for spring break. Last year, USD students went home for spring break and didn’t return until the fall of next year. This year, students have decided to stay at home because of COVID-19 risks, while others have plans to travel this spring […]

2 mins read

SGA hosts deputy athletic director

USD’s Deputy Athletic Director, Mike West, and USD’s Director of Athletic Marketing and Promotions, Jarren Duffy, spoke at this week’s SGA meeting. Student attendance at athletic events is growing and is above average compared to other universities. Normally over 200 students attend the volleyball and basketball games. “It’s been awesome to see the students section […]

4 mins read

The Vermillion Welcome Table continues to provide through COVID-19

Food programs in Vermillion had to find new ways to serve the community when COVID-19 hit its doors March of last year. The Welcome Table, who hosted weekly Monday meals for the community, switched to takeout boxes in May to continue providing meals for those in need. John Lushbough, the head of the Vermillion Welcome […]

3 mins read

Professors celebrate their published books despite COVID-19

In 2020, three books were published by professors in the College of Arts and Sciences. Ben Hagen, Marcella Remund and Sara Lampert all discussed their new books with professor Zoli Filotas during an author panel. The panel was held online to celebrate the teacher’s publications.   All three teachers said they participated in the author panel to increase awareness for their […]

2 mins read

Writing Center spring hours include expanded Zoom sessions

Over the past year, USD’s Writing Center has adapted to the COVID-19 by increasing opportunities for students to receive assistance virtually while maintaining in-person meetings. Emily Kluin, a writing consultant at the Writing Center, said the center helps students with all stages of writing, from citation styles to formulating a rough draft to offering guidance […]

3 mins read