USD to host October commencement for spring 2020 graduates

On Saturday, Oct. 24, USD will host a commencement ceremony for students who graduated in the spring of 2020 and would have walked if not for the pandemic. The ceremony will be held for both undergraduate and graduate students and will take place at 9 a.m. in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Laura McNaughton, chief […]

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Promoting history and education for the LGBTQ community at USD

Spectrum, I CARE and Women, Gender and Sexualtiy Studies have teamed up to bring LGBTQ history to USD this October.  October is LGBTQ History Month and the three groups have ensured that there are many events and activities throughout the month to educate students and shed light on the long history of the LGBTQ community. […]

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USD implements random COVID-19 tests for asymptomatic campus population

To assess whether it needs to implement further safety measures on campus, USD has begun weekly COVID-19 surveillance testing of asymptomatic students and staff. Kevin O’Kelley, member of USD’s COVID-19 task force, said the testing of asymptomatic students and staff is one of three COVID-19 testing programs on campus. The second is the testing of […]

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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 […]

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USD Swim and Dive prepare for season with intrasquad meet

USD’s swimming and diving teams had their 2019-20 season come to an early end due to COVID-19, but the team made their return to the pool Saturday for an intrasquad meet to kick off the new season. The Red vs. White intrasquad meet held in the DakotaDome pool was live-streamed for parents and fans to […]

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Mr and Miss Dakota 2020 Top 14 candidates revealed

Yotes, never fear. Your Dakota Days Royalty candidates are here. Each year USD selects upperclassmen campus leaders to represent the best of the best for Dakota Days. A tradition that started in 1914, Mr and Miss Dakota represent the value of excellence both on and off campus and are celebrated for helping USD become the […]

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Yote Yards begins new D-Days tradition

Due to alterations in the way USD has been operating, Dakota Days has had to make some changes to its events for the week. Newly added to the list is the D-Days Yote Yards event, which encourages community members and students to decorate their yards with USD gear. Hailie Warren, director of public relations at […]

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Living by faith, not by sight

Disabilities can be perceived as holding a person back, but for one USD student, looking to the future is what she does best.  Nichole Boese, junior communication studies major, does not define herself by her disability, but by her passions. “I am proud of who I am and I am proud of my disability,” Boese […]

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Morse’s Farm Market brings local flavor to produce

Morse’s Farm Market, tucked away on Dakota St. on the outskirts of Vermillion, is a smaller operation than the competing Vermillion Area Farmer’s Market, but one that’s been a part of the community for generations. Mitchell Morse, the proprietor and sole operator of the market, has been working at the farmer’s market since he was […]

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‘The eyes say a lot’: Masks change communication between students, faculty

With new procedures and precautions on USD’s campus, wearing a mask at all times in an indoor setting for professors and students has caused communication in the classroom to be different than previous years. Lori Costello, an assistant professor of Strategic Communication, said mask-wearing, muffled voices and a lack of face recognition have been an […]

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