Fine Arts looks forward, prepares for “normal” semester

The Fine Arts building has seen many changes during the last year due to COVID-19 — changes such as smaller ensembles, livestreamed performances and limited audiences.   Before COVID-19, Bruce Kelley, dean of the College of Fine Arts, said the building was lively and had frequent performances. Although the departments have tried to continue with performances, Kelley said […]

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Festival of Nations creates togetherness during pandemic

The International Club hosted its biggest annual event, the Festival of Nations, March 21. The event typically has about 350 attendees, however, due to COVID-19, the MUC ballroom had limited seating of 100 people.  Senior medical biology and psychology major and International Club Vice President, Sara Lane, said Festival of Nations serves to embody what […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Summer camps, conferences canceled in response to COVID-19

USD announced on Friday all summer camps are canceled— including American Legion Auxiliary South Dakota Girls State, originally scheduled for June 1 through 6, Despite the cancellation, all participants will receive a certificate of achievement and according to the press release, will be invited to the banquet scheduled for the fall. ALA South Dakota Girl […]

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USD Beacom School of Business offers webinar series to support local businesses during pandemic

Beginning on Thursday, the Beacom School of Business is offering a webinar series led by faculty to show support to small businesses during the Coronavirus pandemic. As the leading business school in South Dakota, Venky Venkatachalam, dean of the USD Beacom School of Businesses said it’s important the Beacom School shows their support to economic […]

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Coronavirus victims in Clay County start to recover

The status of the coronavirus in South Dakota took a turn on Sunday when Smithfield Foods, one of the largest pork-processing plants in the state, saw 438 workers fall ill to COVID-19, as stated in the Washington Post.  The plant, located in Sioux Falls, is closed indefinitely according to the company’s website. With these new […]

1 min read