PHOTO OF THE WEEK
THE COLLEGIAN REPORT
This week, we get an update on details about Senate Bill 100, learn about a campus organization that raised money for charity and hear about a new cinema experience on campus.
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Sigma Phi Epsilon members Carter Shawd, a freshman business economics major (left), and Coen Cook, a freshman nursing major, seesaw as part of the fraternaties sexual assualt awareness week on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. SPE members take hour-long shifts for 24 hours while passersby could donate for the opportunity to throw water ballons at the members on the seesaw.
JACKRABBIT STAMPEDE
The South Dakota State rodeo team brought the heat to the arena Saturday night at the 69th annual SDSU Jackrabbit Stampede Rodeo.
STATE A THON
State A Thon, SDSU’s largest student organization, raised over $160,000 for charity, the second largest amount in organization history.
RYANN DAVIS Asst. News Director
The South Dakota Board of Regents recently approved a 2.9% statewide increase in cost of tuition, making room for curiosity as this affects every student and their tuition.
Beth Vollan, the director of financial aid and scholarships at SDSU, gave insight to what this increase means for students who rely on financial aid, saying the difference being made in financial aid due to the tuition increase comes from the increase in students’ cost of attendance.
“Then it gets kind of complicated in terms of what that does for financial aid offers,” Vollan said. “You look at a student’s SAI (Student Aid Index) number
from their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and then you look at their cost of attendance and the gap in between there is where they can get need-based, subsidized student loans. So you could have more students potentially qualifying for subsidized loans.”
The financial aid offered at SDSU is based on, for the most part, federal statutes and regulations. Therefore, financial aid itself will not see an increase as those limits are made by the federal government.
However, for students who obtained scholarships on top of student loans and surpassed their cost of attendance through the number of earned scholarship money, their student loan amount will be reduced by that amount.
South Dakota State University’s research expenditures reached a record $84 million in fiscal year 2024, a 13.5% increase from the previous year’s $74 million.
SDSU’s research proposals also rose, totaling $270 million, up from $155 million. The university, currently classified as an R2 research institution by the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education, aims for R1 status, which requires at least $50 million in annual research expenditures.
Notable research projects include:
• Native plant restoration in the Northern Great Plains (National Park Service)
• The impact of lean pork in plant-based diets on older adults (National Pork Board)
“Likewise for students who take out private loans to fund their education, they’ll be able to borrow a little more to cover that as well,” Vollan said.
When asked about the significance of a 2.9% increase in tuition, Vollan said it’s not insignificant, but she also wouldn’t consider it large.
“So I think it was fair, right, that’s my personal opinion,” she said. I feel like it was understandable.”
Since the tuition increase, Vollan said the financial aid office has not received any more calls or communication than normal.
“We may when students get their bill, they see an increase, they may contact us and ask why it’s different,” Vollan said.
• Development of resilient rural electrical grids (National Science Foundation)
• Insights into inflammation (National Institutes of Health)
• Nanoparticle therapies for tuberculosis
• Palliative care access for Native Americans
• Community walkability studies
• Cost-benefit analysis of food and nutrition education programs (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
• Dual credit composition course development (National Endowment for the Humanities)
Scholl said that research expenditures are only one measure of SDSU’s research activity, noting significant contributions
in the social sciences, arts and humanities.
The College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, the College of Natural Sciences, and the Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering contributed the most to the record expenditures.
– COLLEGIAN STAFF
SDSU Alumni Association CEO Andi Fouberg addressed the Students’ Association senate on Monday, highlighting the progress of the Alumni Mentor Program.
Now in it’s fourth year, the program matches eligible students to SDSU alumni and creates opportunities for support throughout students’ college careers.
She says the program has grown.
“There were 36 students in the pilot program and now we’re talking about 227, so some things are going to have to change,” Fouberg said.
Also during the meeting, Finance Chair Dominic Delahoyde announced the approval 0f the fiscal year ‘26 budget. This is the first budget under the new General Activity Fund Strategic Plan.
Delahoyde also gave the March finance report, saying there was $5,712 spent in the month and that there was $9,624 remaining in the interior budget for the rest of the year.
– RYANN DAVIS Asst. News Editor
RYANN DAVIS
Asst. News Editor
The Miller Wellness Center (MWC), which offers a variety of Group Fitness classes targeted at diverse age ranges, and available at different times throughout the week, recently saw a 39% increase in class attendance rate.
Group Fitness classes have been available to students and members of the community since 2008, when the Wellness Center opened. However, it wasn’t until eight years later that students could attend classes for free. The 2019 members of the Students’ Association allowed Group Fitness to be included in the General Activity Funding (GAF) Fee, making classes free of charge for students. Jake Heidenreich, the fitness and aquatics coordinator at the MWC said this completely changed the demographic for who is attending classes.
“Most of our classes were - back in those days were- focused on the community members and now we’ve completely flip-flopped since students now have ready access,” said Heidenreich.
The number of classes offered has seen little change over the years with an average of 45 to 60 classes per week. This number is dependent on the semester and fitness instructor availability. However, the dynamic changed as the 2025 spring semester began.
“This semester we have especially done a big push to add extra classes onto our schedule just because we’ve had such a high demand for classes,” said Heidenreich. “Throughout this entire spring semester we are averaging 900 people per week.”
The Group Fitness classes saw peak attendance in February with close to 1100 attendees in one week. Spring 2025 began with 52 classes and according to Heidenreich, the MWC has added five more time slots, making 57 classes available for sign up each week.
The yoga classes have been the most popular with the Tuesday and Wednesday 4:15 p.m. time slots being 97% full most weeks.
“Most of our cycling classes are along the same lines; we just are limited because we only have 25 bikes,” said Heidenreich.
Emily Weiss, a fitness instructor at the MWC is a senior human biology major and plans to attend PA school after obtaining her undergrad. Weiss began instructing this semester. She, too, has noticed the increase in class attendees.
“I’ve been attending classes the entire time I’ve been a college student, and defi-
nitely since this semester it has increased and I love it as an instructor,” Weiss said. “It is so fun to see the bikes fill up and have that positive energy all throughout class because there’s so many people.”
She teaches “Rhythm Ride,” which is 45 minutes of cycling, “Night Ride” and “Spin and Stretch.” Available for official sign up next semester, “Spin and Stretch” is a combination of cycling and yoga, 30 minutes on the bike and 15 minutes on the mat. Weiss also often subs for “2BFit,” a class targeted toward those of older age.
Weiss sees the most attendance when instructing in the morning. The Rhythm Ride classes she teaches on Mondays and
Email: jacob.heidenreich@ sdstate.edu
Phone: 605-688-6415
Office: Wellness Center 111
Thursdays at 6 a.m. are normally full.
The increase in attendance has only affected Weiss in positive ways.
“I really enjoy looking out, seeing everyone so happy to be there. It’s very motivating to me, and also to the others,” Weiss said. “Also seeing everyone in sync with moves is really awesome.”
The MWC has a “no-show” policy for their classes. Attendees are allowed to cancel their class up to 30 minutes prior to its start time; however three “noshows” will result in suspension from registering and attending Group Fitness for two weeks. The policy has been implemented stronger with the increase in people signing up every week.
“We’ve had to be really strict on that because if people are ‘no-showing’ our classes, then they’re taking away spots from other people,” said Heidenreich.
Since seeing the major increase in attendance, the MWC has been on the lookout for more fitness instructors, added more class time slots and while there have been no big purchases, Heidenreich said his exercise band budget has increased.
Weiss recommends the Group Fitness classes to anyone who has never been.
“It’s such a positive environment and instructors are only there to help, if you ever have questions you can go up to any of them,” Weiss said. “We love seeing new faces as well as returning.”
If students are interested in becoming a fitness instructor, they can reach out to Jake Heidenreich.
JAMI BERGESON Reporter
Over 350 people attended McCrory Gardens’ Eggstravaganza on April 14. The event was in partnership with the Ag Heritage Museum and the South Dakota Art Museum.
Kids and their families had the opportunity to participate in bingo, face painting, crafts, bunny sack races and an egg hunt. Golden tickets were placed in three eggs, which could be exchanged for a prize.
Five-year-old Oscar Harty, a resident of Brookings, was one of the lucky winners. According to Harty, getting the golden ticket was his favorite part of the event. Participants got pictures with Jack the Jackrabbit, as he roamed around the event playing bingo and entertaining the kids.
Rylin Yerdon, Miss McCrory Gardens, and senior advertising student ran the bingo game with the help of Evian Johnson, Miss Hot Springs Teen, a senior at Brookings High School.
Other student volunteers included President of Interfraternity Council and member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Peyton Plagman. As well as Panhellenic President and member of Chi Omega, Kayla Capozzi.
Sydney Trio, an Education Coordinator and Extension Horticulture Assistant,
Children participating in the McCrory Gardens’ Eggstravaganza
created the event along with two other education coordinators from the SD Art Museum and the Ag Heritage Museum in 2023. This is the second year the event was held, with roughly 250 people attending in 2023.
McCrory Gardens is a university operated botanical garden that serves as a research center and community recreation area.
“It provides a safe place for kids to come and have fun,” Trio said.
Events are held year-round. One event, “Garden Glow,” is where the garden is decorated with seasonal lights in December and January. The plants are specifically selected to withstand harsh winter conditions so guests can enjoy them all year.
While many events charge an admission fee, organizers strive to provide free entry to as many community events as possible.
“We offer something almost every month where it’s a free opportunity for kids, families [and] everyone to come to the gardens at no cost,” said Lisa Marotz,
McCrory Gardens director of operations. McCrory Gardens is celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. Their annual garden party is scheduled for August 1.
To celebrate their diamond anniversary, the display will feature plants with names that include “diamond” or “sparkle,” along with varieties known for their shimmering appearance.
EMMA MERNAUGH Assistant News Editor
South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director Nathan Lukkes addressed a full room at the Student Union last Thursday, offering insight into recent tuition changes, legislative decisions and the broader future of higher education in the state.
Lukkes, an SDSU alum and South Dakota National Guard veteran, opened the forum by encouraging feedback.
“My hope is that there are a lot of questions,” Lukkes said.
Tuition on the rise after years of stability
A key point of discussion was the recent cost of tuition increase across South Dakota’s public universities. Lukkes said that while the system had effectively frozen tuition for five years, with only a one-time $100 increase, campuses could no longer absorb the rising operational costs and inflation.
“We’ve seen unprecedented inflation,” Lukkes said. “Campuses have had to absorb, cut, reallocate, do their part in freezing tuition and fees.”
The average student will see a cost increase of roughly $443 annually, which Lukkes framed as “a manageable, reasonable increase” in the broader context of rising consumer costs.
“Nobody wants to pay more,” Lukkes said, “but I think when you look at what your groceries have done, what your insurance has done and everything else that you’re buying, we hope students will view that as a reasonable increase.”
Campus carry law raises safety concerns
Lukkes addressed the newly passed law allowing individuals with enhanced concealed carry permits to bring firearms onto university campuses.
“We’re not anti-gun, we’re not anti-Second Amendment,” he said, “but our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our campus communities.”
He noted that the board worked to limit the law’s impact by negotiating restrictions in certain areas and requiring firearms to be stored in locked containers
“We want every student on campus to feel safe, welcome and included.”
Nathan Lukkes, South Dakota Board of Regents executive director
when not in use.
“Not ideal, not perfect, but we were happy that we were able to get some concessions that I think will drastically minimize the operational impact,” Lukkes said.
SDSU President Barry Dunn added context to the scope of the change. There are only 113 18-to 21-year-olds in South Dakota with that permit. Dunn emphasized that safety is a shared priority.
“It’s not any of our responsibilities or other students’ responsibilities to manage this,” Dunn said. “If there’s a problem, it needs to be referred to law enforcement.” Student access and inclusion
The discussion also addressed a new state law requiring that multi-occupancy bathrooms and dormitories be designated by biological sex. Lukkes said the university is working to comply with the law while maintaining a welcoming environment.
“We want every student on campus to feel safe, welcome and included,” he said. “This legislation doesn’t change that commitment.”
Lukkes also shared concerns about increasing visa enforcement and federal changes that have affected some international students.
“There’s a very real impact to those students that are having the rug pulled out from under them,” Lukkes said, referencing students forced to leave the country with little notice. “We’re trying to help minimize the disruption to their educational pursuits.”
Lukkes stressed that South Dakota’s higher education system remains in a strong position compared to other states but must continue to plan ahead.
“SDSU is knocking it out of the park with an 83.8%
retention rate,” Lukkes said “and you’re doing it at a fraction of the cost of your competitors.”
He explained that SDSU spends roughly $9,000 less per student than peer institutions but warned against overreliance on efficiency alone.
“We can’t become complacent,” Lukkes said.
He reaffirmed the board’s support for SDSU’s R1 research aspirations and praised new doctoral offerings, including a Ph.D. in social sciences.
“That effort is critically important to diversifying and driving our state’s economy for the decades to come,” he said.
Closing
Lukkes concluded by encouraging attendees to share the success stories of SDSU and the broader public university system.
“The best advocates for us are our graduates,” he said. “Push us to tell more stories. The more we tell our story, the better off we are.”
“Keep doing what you do,” Lukkes said. “It’s critically important for the state, for SDSU, and for Brookings. You are truly leading by example.”
JACK McCARTY Entertainment Editor
Sean Mandell, a writer for the New York Post, said in his review of “A Minecraft Movie” that it is “Gen Z, Alpha’s ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show.’” This line caused me to lose sleep.
I read this before I had seen the movie. “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a time honored cult classic with genuine and impactful themes about sexuality. Sure, people are going to see it for the lively theater experience and goofy, over-thetop scenes, but there’s no way people are going to be hosting midnight screenings of “A Minecraft Movie” in 50 years, right?
After having seen the film, I still stand by my initial skepticism and disagree with Mandell’s framing, but not in the way that I was expecting. I don’t think that “A Minecraft Movie” is this generation’s “Rocky Horror,” I think it’s this generation’s “SpongeBob SquarePants Movie,” or at least it should have been.
“The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie” is a genuinely touching and earnest film about how it’s OK to be a kid and how it’s important to retain a level of childlike wonder in the face of growing responsibility. “A Minecraft Movie” has a similar theme about how it’s good to be creative and curious and how adults should embrace their creative side. Maybe that characterization is a bit of a stretch, but if there is any theme the movie has, it’s to be creative.
The movie has the perfect intellectual property and premise to do this. Steve, played by Jack Black, had a passion, got bored with the mundanity of modern life, pursued his childhood goal and then fell into the “Overworld.” Then along the way, a bunch of people down on their luck found themselves there too, and needed to find their way out using creativity and wit. Where the film primarily loses the thread is in its character development, or lack thereof.
Just about every character in the movie introduces themselves and their main quirk through blatant exposition and then nothing is ever built upon after that. I was joking with my brother after
the movie about how the main kid in the film, Henry, has zero character arch. He builds a jetpack in the beginning of the movie and then he builds a jetpack at the end. Henry is a wiz kid but he is hardly ever challenged or grows to appreciate that aspect of himself. The only level of “development” that he has is that he’s bullied for all of 30 seconds in the beginning of the movie - and that’s it. He doesn’t have doubts about his creations and isn’t concerned about how people might find his ideas weird. He doesn’t change at all. What does that tell the target audience of presumably children? If you’re born with the right brain and good genes, you too could one day build a jetpack?
In “The SpongeBob Movie,” Spongebob is the surrogate for the children in the audience. We see him struggle with wanting to be an adult but then finds out that being a “goofball and a wingnut” is OK sometimes and you should hold on to that. “A Minecraft Movie” tries to do this in a way, but the story is centered around adults. There’s a sense they wanted to encourage kids to get in touch with their creative side but they relied too much on Jack Black being himself and Jason Momoa being a “Johnny Bravo” type loser.
This is all to say that I think it’s a shame how this movie turned out because a lot of people, including myself, owe so much to the game “Minecraft.” It might be weird to wax philosophical about a game that’s old enough to drink in some countries, but there really is something special about it that the movie tried, but ultimately failed to capture.
I remember playing online with my friends, building castles and towns in survival mode, building giant roller coasters in creative mode and feeling that the only limit to what I could make is my own imagination. The game genuinely helped foster some important skills that I still value to this day. That could have been used in the movie to both remind the older audience of what that felt like and to hold onto it and inspire the younger audience to value their own creativity.
I know it might seem like I’m grafting my own narrative onto the story and
that “it’s just a kids movie,” but like I said, “Minecraft” is genuinely something special and I think the writers at least understood that to an extent. There are very brief moments where important themes and feelings are touched on, and it seems like they knew how to set up the characters but just didn’t know what to do after.
That’s not to say the movie is bad. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout a suprising portion of the film. Jason Momoa’s character is the right mix of overconfident and incompetent, which feels very reminiscent of early “Tenacious D” humor, which I appreciate. The line “My dad said they debunked math” absolutely murdered my brother in the theater, and I really liked the line, “Are you finished? ‘No I think he’s Swedish.’”
There is a surprisingly good time to be had, it just feels shallow overall. Like I said earlier, I don’t think people are going to be too fond of this movie 50 years from now. I also don’t think I’m holding this movie to too high of a standard, even if it is a kids film. Some of the most iconic kids films of all time are still enjoyable, no matter your age. I still think “The SpongeBob Movie” holds up very well,
even as a cynical adult.
The production quality, break neck pacing and memes will all feel outdated in a year, and in another week or two, no one is going to find “CHICKEN JOCKEY” funny. “A Minecraft Movie” could have been genuinely something special, but it just ended up as a vapid, yet ultimately fun piece of popcorn schlock. With that being said, I give “A Minecraft Movie” a 5/10.
JACK McCARTY
Entertainment Editor
Naloxone is being supplied to buildings and residence halls throughout campus.
Naloxone, also known by its brand name Narcan, is an opioid antagonist. This means that the drug is able to stop someone experiencing an overdose on heroin, fentanyl or prescription opioids. It is administered through the nose.
On Jan. 31, the university updated their policies and procedures portion of their website to announce that this change has been made. Then, at the Feb. 24 Students’ Association meeting, Chief of Staff Rylee Sabo announced that naloxone would be administered to buildings and faculty across campus. It is also available at the campus pharmacy.
“We have been approved to have them installed in the residence halls, Student Union, athletic facilities and the Performing Arts Center,” Sabo said.
According to Sabo, boxes were provided for free by the Department of Health.
“Boxes are placed where anyone can access them,” Sabo said.
The Environmental Health and Safety department oversees the Naloxone program and the implementation of the opioid antagonist as well as managing the ‘acquisition, distribution, transportation, storage, maintenance, training and use of Narcan at the university.’
Naloxone was first made available to employers in South Dakota under House Bill 1162, which was passed in 2023.
The bill “develops a protocol for the transport, storage, maintenance, and location of the opioid antagonist,” according to the South Dakota Department of Health website. It also “provides training and instruction, developed by the Department of Health and made available on the Department of Health website, to employees or personnel authorized to administer an opioid antagonist on the employer’s premises.”
On March 11, Gov. Larry Rhoden signed into law House Bill 1141, which
works to simplify the distribution of naloxone.
Despite the overall 24% drug overdose death decrease in the United States, South Dakota is one of five states that has seen this number increase.
Angela Kennecke is the CEO of the opioid overdose prevention charity Emily’s Hope and is a news anchor at KELO-TV.
Kennecke said that other states are noticing less deaths from overdose, one of the reasons being widespread access to the free distribution of naloxone.
“South Dakota is behind in this area, but we’re working hard to change that through our efforts at Emily’s Hope.”
One of the main arguments against providing naloxone is that it enables drug use. Kennecke disagrees.
“[This criticism is] deeply misguided. Harm reduction doesn’t promote drug use. It promotes survival,” Kennecke said. “There is no evidence that providing naloxone encourages people to use drugs. What it does do is give someone a second chance and opportunity to get help, to seek treatment, to recover.”
She added that other health crises
have life-saving medications accessible, whether it’s insulin for diabetes, or EpiPens for allergic reactions, and Narcan for overdoses shouldn’t be different.
“We value life,” Kennecke said. “It should be no different for substance use disorder, which is a disease, not a moral failing.”
Matthew Filteau, an assistant professor of sociology at SDSU, shares this sentiment.
“It’s widely proven that harm reduction is much more effective than abstinence-based treatment, and naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, falls underneath harm reduction,” Filteau said.
Filteau also thinks that training people how to use naloxone is important, equating proper training to knowing how to do CPR.
Sabo thinks the roll out of naloxone is a good thing.
“I think this is 100% worth it,” Sabo said. “If one of these Narcan boxes can save even one person on campus, they are absolutely worth implementing on campus.”
Kennecke and Filteau also both agree that everyone should carry naloxone.
“You never know when you might come across someone who is overdosing, it could happen anywhere,” Kennecke said. “I’ve heard real-life stories of overdoses happening in public restrooms, on city buses and even in traffic. Having naloxone on hand could mean the difference between life and death.”
Filteau said that naloxone is free in many programs across the country. He specifically mentioned Emily’s Hope and their work in making naloxone freely available in Vermilion, South Dakota.
Kennecke also believes that Naloxone should be free.
“No one should have to choose between their budget and carrying a medication that could save a life,” Kennecke said.
One of the ways that Emily’s Hope has made headway in getting this drug accessible is through their free naloxone distribution program, which supplies kits for people experiencing an overdose.
According to Kennecke, Emily’s Hope has distributed 2,836 kits, which totals to 5,672 doses of naloxone as of March 16. These kits can be found at supply boxes throughout South Dakota. There are six locations in Sioux Falls and one each in Rapid City, Vermilion and Pierre.
Kennecke wants people to know that opioid addiction doesn’t discriminate. It can happen to anyone, including your classmates, coworkers and children.
“That’s what happened to my daughter, Emily. She thought she was using heroin, but it was laced with fentanyl,” she said. “She died before we could get her into treatment. That’s why I do this work now, because no one should have to lose someone they love to something that’s truly preventable.”
Kennecke classifies substance use as a disease, not a moral failing. She says shaming pushes people further away, rather than towards the help they need.
“Harm reduction, including access to naloxone, is a compassionate, science-based approach to saving lives and offering people a path to recovery when they’re ready,” she said.
LUCY AZINGER Reporter
The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center will be hosting its first Arts at the Oscar event on May 15, titled A Night of Stars, showcasing the community’s artistic talents in a variety of forms.
The event will be held at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, and will begin at 5:15 p.m. with a social hour before beginning at 6 p.m. with a small opening ceremony continuing with a showcase and ending with headliner “The Kings of Soul & Swing.”
The Kings of Soul & Swing are a two man group consisting of Julius Thomas III, who has played Hamilton in “Hamilton: An American” Musical on Broadway, and Mark R. Kopitzke, a vocalist for the Glenn Miller Orchestra.
“The different showcase categories are going to be a group and individual of dance, drama, instrumental, vocal, visual arts and aerial arts,” said Katrina Weber, Oscar Larson marketing coordinator intern.
Weber said the event will be held throughout the entire building, using all the performing spaces and lobbies. Each showcase category will have its own area where guests can enjoy what is being offered, with The Kings of Soul & Swing in the Oscar Larson Theater.
The event has no age limit and instead will be putting their showcases into age groups, one for 17 and younger and another for 18 and older.
“It’s open to everyone,” Weber said. “It’s a true community event.”
Artists for the event have already been contacted. One artist being visual artists and Brookings Art Committee Director, Rachel Funk.
“Since my showcase is a visual art one, the preparation of my piece only includes making sure the hanging wire is still secure,” said Funk.
While her painting is already finished, her work in preparing the visual
arts showcase is still ongoing. Funk has been contacting local Brookings artists, encouraging them to submit their work.
“We’ll have photography, sculpture, paintings, fiber art, and more on display,” Funk said. “There will also be a live demonstration element to the visual arts showcase.”
The live demonstration will include wood carvers from the Dakota Prairies Woodcarvers Guild showcasing their craft in the Fishback Studio Theater. Funk also hopes to have a ceramic artist demo and a life drawing session.
Michael Walsh, professor of clarinet and music history, will also be performing at the showcase alongside his graduate student, Joseph Cassady.
“The piece is for two clarinets and a piano by Franz Krommer,” Walsh said.
Walsh and Cassady will be on the clarinets, with a pianist by their side. Walsh
is also helping with preparations for the event.
“My main job was to get the performers for the band to perform with the headline performance of the Kings of Soul & Swing,” said Walsh.
The band, consisting of saxophones, trumpets, a trombone and drums, all from Brookings, Sioux Falls and Vermillion.
Tickets for the event cost $33 including the ticketing fee. These tickets allow guests into the entire event, so no extra purchases are necessary.
“They can call the box office between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or purchase them online.” Said, Peyten Weise, box office coordinator intern and senior at SDSU.
Art at the Oscar: A Night of Stars
Date: May 15, 2025
5:15 p.m. Social hour
6:00 p.m. Opening ceremony
6:30 p.m. Local talent showcase
8:30 p.m. The Kings of Soul & Swings
The tickets can be found online at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center website. They are also available for purchase the day of the event at the box office.
“We’re hoping to sell 500 tickets,” said Weber.
Arts at the Oscar: A Night of Stars is an event to showcase the talent of Brookings and surrounding areas. It’s an event to connect people to individual artists and the community at large Weber said.
“My hope for this event is that our artists and performers feel truly seen and appreciated for the joy, depth, and connection they bring to our community,” said Funk. “And that attendees leave with a renewed appreciation and awareness of how essential the arts are.”
The event is also hoped to be continued, becoming an annual event to celebrate the community artists and what they bring to Brookings through their art.
“My hope is that the event is truly a celebration of the arts in the town of Brookings,” Walsh said. “It will be a great time so come one, come all!”
South Dakota State University’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) Prexy Council will host its 15th annual Ag Week celebration April 22-25.
This year’s Ag Week theme is “Where Excellence Meets Agriculture,” a sentiment that was created and voted on among the Prexy Council representatives and executive officer team. The council also determined this year’s keynote speaker, entrepreneur Andrea Flemming.
Throughout the week, students are encouraged to pick up free Ag Week T-shirts in areas on campus such as Pierson Hall, Raven Precision Ag Building, Animal Science and Main Street in the Student Union. All the events hosted by Prexy Council are free to students, because of donations from industry sponsors.
There are opportunities for students across campus, whether they’re involved in agriculture or not, to enjoy
Ag Week. The week is meant not to only celebrate those involved in agriculture, but to educate the entire campus about CAFES and the agricultural industry.
Ag Week begins on Tuesday, April 22, which is also Earth Day this year. To celebrate the day across campus, Prexy Council, alongside the Natural Resource Management Department, will host an Earth Day related event open for everyone.
To kick the week off, there will be a dodgeball tournament in the Barn Tuesday at 7 p.m. where students can win prizes with their teams of six.
On Wednesday morning students can either walk or run in the second annual Milk Run hosted by Dairy Club. It begins at 6:30 a.m. in front of Dairy Science Hall. If you’re not in it for the fitness, Swine Club will be serving breakfast afterward in the lobby of Dairy Science.
Wednesday is packed with opportunities to connect with professionals and peers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Main Street in the Student Union. CAFES student
clubs, organizations and Ag Week’s sponsors will be tabling and hosting activities.
The Ag Week banquet will cap Wednesday’s festivities. Beginning at 5 p.m., students can find a free meal at Club 71. There also will be an opportunity to grab a shirt at the event. The banquet program will begin at 5:30 p.m. before the keynote speaker, Andrea Flemming gives her speech on “The Agricultural Industry has NEVER Failed Me.”
Flemming is a fifth-generation farmer and entrepreneur from southwest Minnesota. She had plans to become a large animal veterinarian after attending SDSU for animal science but those plans changed. She ended up moving back home to her family’s farm and joined in with her parents and eventually her husband, where she fell in love with entrepreneurship and farming with family.
Flemming calls herself a “multi-passionate serial entrepreneur.” She is a public speaker, runs her own online fitness groups as a certified personal trainer
and is a social media content creator promoting ‘day in the life’ agriculture content.
After the conclusion of the keynote address, there will be an awards ceremony. During this portion of the program, CAFES clubs and organizations are recognized for successes and accomplishments.
Applications open every spring for outstanding seniors, teacher of the year, adviser of the year and club of the year. A selection committee made up of student representatives, faculty and staff is created for each award category.
The CAFES Advocate is the only member of the Prexy Council Executive Committee that is voted upon by their peers. Voting occurred in March, alongside the Students’ Association elections. That person also will be announced at the Ag Week Banquet.
picnic and potluck with dishes that represent
their clubs. Students are encouraged to come and connect with peers.
A photography contest opens the month before the banquet and the submissions are voted on through a “people’s choice” category, along with a separate judging category.Categories include black and white, animal, nature and landscape, action and this year’s theme, “where excellence meets agriculture.”
Thursday events begin at 5 p.m. in the Raven High Bay, where clubs will hold a
After the picnic and potluck in Raven Room 176 at 6:30 p.m., there will be Ag Week Trivia Night with special guest and moderator, Dean Joseph Cassady, the South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of CAFES.
To wrap up the week’s activities on Friday, Prexy Council and the Swing Dance Club will host a swing dance from 8 p.m. to 11:45 p.m. in The Barn. Cost is $5 at the door.
President: Mitchell Vaner Wal, Howard, S.D.
Vice President: Luke Gordon, Worthington, MN
Secretary: Tyler Andersen, South Sioux City, NE
Treasurer: Kyle Hagen, Glenco, MN
Ag Week Chair: Kristen Smith, College Springs, IA
CAFES Advocate: Dellana Muck, Caledonia, IL
Ag Week used to be “Ag Day,” but serves the council. The representatives
with the growth of the CAFES college and overall interest, led
to an expansion in the schedule. CAFES Prexy Council is the governing student body for all the students in CAFES. There are over 30 clubs that are part of CAFES, with each of those clubs having a representative that serves the council. The representatives play a crucial role in ensuring that their clubs are involved and have recruitment opportunities throughout the year. Each year, the council hosts various events such as an ice cream social in the fall semester and a hot chocolate social in the spring semester. These socials serve a recruitment opportunity for all the clubs within CAFES. Their largest event they plan is Ag Week every spring.
FAREN BEBEAU
Reporter
South Dakota State University’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is set to expand its academic offerings with a Ph.D. in social sciences after receiving approval from the Board of Regents.
The S.D. Board of Regents (BOR) approved the Ph.D. social sciences program at their meeting on April 2, 2025.
Looking for ways to contribute to the R1 aspirations of the university, the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences took a deep dive into looking for how they could contribute.
“In order to achieve R1 status, there must be research expenditures, which SDSU is knocking out of the park,” Dr. Paul Markel, professor of Psychology and Director of the School of Psychology, Sociology, and Rural Studies, said. “Another area is producing research Ph.D.s, which is where the campus needs help.”
To expand the university’s academic offerings, the academic college is excited to offer an interdisciplinary social science Ph.D. collaboration and research across the different colleges will contribute to the degree’s offerings.
“We’re designing this program in such a way that we can draw in faculty across SDSU to make this as sustainable of a program as it can possibly be,” said Dr. Jason Zimmerman, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. “We have lots of social science expertise across the SDSU campus.”
Program coordinators are not looking to hire any additional faculty at the launch of the degree. Utilizing the knowledge of fellow professors on campus will contribute to the background of the Ph.D. program.
Social science is a wide range of disciplines and is practiced in almost all of the academic colleges at SDSU. In many different areas the coursework will determine the plan of study a student may take. Hiring no additional faculty is necessary at this time due to the adaption of the degree program.
“What we need is a Ph.D. program that allows students to design their coursework around their eventual career goals,” Zimmerman said.
The plans for the program are just that. Students will be able to design their coursework of study through their own interests in research. The program was created to be adaptable and interdisciplinary allowing students to
“What we need is a Ph.D. program that allows students to design their coursework around their eventual career goals.”
Dr. Jason Zimmerman, Associate Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
create their path of study and future careers.
The program is accepting of many different majors. Students coming in with an accredited master’s will be reviewed by the advisory committee, and 30 credits may be accepted into this 90-credit Ph.D. program. With the program accepting numerous different majors, they all seem to have one thing that ties them all together; some
level of statistics.
After a meeting with Zimmerman and Markel, they are excited to launch the program and provide such a diverse doctorate to students, where students can formulate their course of study through the school of psychology, sociology, and rural studies.
The initial launch of the program is expected to have roughly 10 students, with more to come as the program continues to grow.
“It’s the right degree for this time in terms of the complex problems where people are at the center, giving our students the best opportunity to design that interdisciplinary Ph.D. where people are at the center of complex systems,” Zimmerman said. “And so for that reason, I think it’s the best Ph.D. program that our college can pursue at this time.”
The program will be in the graduate catalog in the Fall of 2025, with the recruitment of the first students in the fall of 2026.
ANDREW LEWNO Reporter
While walking to class or enjoying an outdoor activity, South Dakota State University students may have noticed that a lot of trees have been taken down across campus, as well as many of their newly planted replacements.
Tree removals and plantings have been on the rise around Brookings, because of a “perfect storm” factor of emerald ash borer, diseases and underplanting, according to local experts.
John Ball, the extension forestry specialist at SDSU, said that Brookings is heavily populated with elm and ash trees. When Dutch elm disease was striking the community in the 1970s, the city suggested planting ash trees to replace them. Then, once the invasive Asian beetle - the emerald ash borer - arrived in South Dakota in the late 2010s, the surplus of ash trees that were planted decades ago were now on the chopping block.
In addition, from the 1960s to 1980s, very few trees were planted, meaning the community was inheriting a less populated generation of trees compared to before. It is only now that this generation of trees is becoming victim to the diseases and pests that we are seeing the consequences.
These factors, as well as others such as construction, have led to the Brookings and SDSU forestry departments being busier than ever trying to heal this woody wound, as well as stopping the spread where they can.
“It’s not like every ash tree in town has EAB [emerald ash borer], right now,” said Ryan Burggraff, forestry supervisor for the Brookings city forestry department. “But every ash tree in town, if left untreated, will.”
But not all hope is lost. Treatments may be a solution to keep a healthy tree strong. These treatments, which usually come in the form of chemical injections, happen every other year. This process is
significantly less efficient when used on trees already infected, so this practice is used primarily on remaining healthy trees, according to Burggraff.
Trees are also being planted all over SDSU and Brookings to fight the growing issue. SDSU typically plants about 100 to 150 trees on campus each year, while the city plants 250 to 300 trees each fall, with an additional 500 to 600 saplings given away to the community around Arbor Day.
So, how can the community help?
Protect what you can. If there is a specific tree a family wants to keep safe, say a tree that provides shade to their whole backyard, these injections and treatments may be their answer. Burggraff suggests contacting someone who is an International Society of Arboriculture arborist, as well as a licensed commercial applicator.
Plant, but don’t overplant. Tanner Aiken, the project manager/horticulturist at SDSU, said the next species of tree that is at risk of over planting is maple.
Aiken said that, similar to ashes and elms from generations prior, maples have become the most popular species of tree
to plant. However, this leaves the community just as vulnerable as before to a new kind of disease or invasive pest.
“Standing in your front yard, take a look around,” Aiken said. “If you can see two or three maples from your front yard… you’re picking a different tree.”
But where can people get new saplings and trees to plant? And how will they know how to properly take care of it?
South Dakota’s Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of April, which in 2025 lands itself on April 25. Both SDSU and the greater Brookings community will have opportunities for people to learn about proper tree care, as well as get a new tree to plant.
The city will have 500 to 600 hackberry saplings available to take home, with one being given to every participant in the Kay Cheever Annual Arbor Day Run/Walk For Shade 5k. After each participant receives
their sapling, the remaining inventory will be stored in the county building and can be picked up by residents for free.
Alternatively, on SDSU’s campus, the annual Arbor Day plantings will take place where 15 total trees will be planted in between Caldwell and Young halls. The event will begin at 1 p.m. and offer hands-on experience planting trees alongside the likes of certified International Society of Arboriculture arborists Aiken and Ball, for those willing to get their hands dirty. Each year, the ceremonial plantings are accompanied by addresses given about specific related topics. This year, the main educational theme is diversity.
SDSU officials are hoping to see the most student engagement yet for an Arbor Day celebration later this month. Aiken is optimistic this goal will be met. He said that some of the large elms on campus were planted right after World War I and that they were planted by someone just like these trees will be. “I think it’s humbling a little bit, you know? You’re doing something that is going to outlast you by a fair degree” Aiken said. “You’re making your mark.”
JON AKRE
Sports Reporter
South Dakota State took home their first conference series victory this past weekend, taking two out of three games against the Omaha Mavericks.
The Jacks look to carry that newfound momentum into the Twin Cities this weekend, where they will face the conference-leading St. Thomas Tommies.
The first game of the 3-game series starts today at 3 p.m., with two games on Friday at 3 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. All three games will be streamed through Midco Sports Plus.
The Jacks hit the road to St. Paul, Minnesota, this weekend in one of the biggest series of the season against the current top team in the Summit League.
The Tommies have suffered just three losses against conference opponents, including an 8-2 loss to the Jacks on March 22, but will enter this weekend’s series on a two-game losing streak after dropping the last two games of the series to NDSU.
“They have really good pitching depth,” said SDSU head coach Rob Bishop. “They throw a ton of strikes; they have a really good bullpen, and they have a veteran lineup. The reason they’re ahead right now is that they have just made teams beat them.”
Statistically, UST is one of the most consistent teams in the Summit League, leading the conference in batting average (.304) and second in pitching ERA (6.89).
Tanner Recchio and Joe Vos are two of the best hitters in the conference. Recchio is hitting at a .361 clip with eight doubles and 16 RBIs, while Vos has a .358 batting average, 10 doubles, six home runs, and 25 RBIs. Max Morris is another dangerous hitter for the Tommies, bolstering a .353 average with nine doubles and 29 RBIs.
Walker Retz has been the Tommies’ ace this season with a 4.63 ERA, good for third in the conference, while Marcus Kruzan’s 5.22 ERA is sixth in the Summit League.
A five-run third inning highlighted the Jacks’ opening series victory over the Mavericks last Friday.
Luke Luskey and Jess Bellows each homered in the win, while Nolan Grawe, Carter Sintek and Owen Siegert each drove in runs in the win.
Caleb Duerr took the win on the mound, surrendering five runs on eight hits in five innings pitched. Ty
Madison and Dylan Driessen combined to shut out the Mavericks over the final four innings.
The Jackrabbit offense erupted for 11 runs over the game’s final three innings to earn a mercy rule victory in game two on Saturday.
Owen Siegert batted 4-for-5 with three RBIs in the win, Nolan Grawe had three hits, a walk and a solo homer, while Carter Sintek added two hits, a walk and a homer, driving in two runs in the win.
Jake Goble took the win on the mound, allowing just two runs on four hits in four innings, striking out five batters.
5)
The Jacks ran out of steam in the final game of the series, losing in a seven-inning mercy rule.
Omaha struck for 24 hits in the game, including two home runs, three doubles, four walks and 18 RBIs. The only Jackrabbit offense came in the form of three home runs by Luke Luskey, Adam Benes and Dayton Franke.
Game one
Hits: (SDSU 10, Omaha 8)
Walks: (SDSU 2, Omaha 3)
Strike outs: (SDSU 5, Omaha 9)
Game two
Hits: (SDSU 13, Omaha 6)
Walks: (SDSU 6, Omaha 2)
Strike outs: (SDSU 5, Omaha 9)
Game three
Hits: (SDSU 10, Omaha 24)
Walks: (SDSU 0, Omaha 4)
Strike outs: (SDSU 9, Omaha 8)
JORDAN RADDATZ Sports Reporter
South Dakota State Softball took a 2-1 series loss against St. Thomas on Saturday and Sunday.
Game one (STT 6, SDSU 0)
The Jacks suffered their first shutout in Summit League competition this season. The Tommies put up three runs each in the first and third innings.
Pitching duties started with Madi Mangulis, who threw the first inning. Tayler Becker was sent to the mound for the next two innings before Hailey Herman finished the game, preventing the Tommies from scoring additional runs. Three batters struck out against the Jacks.
Game two (SDSU 8, STT 5)
SDSU picked up their lone victory of the series in the second game on Saturday. A four-run effort in the second inning leapfrogged the Jacks ahead, highlighted by two doubles by Akayla Barnard and Emma Vike. The Tommies tied the game in the fifth inning before Vike hit an RBI triple the next inning. Barnard capped the Jacks’ scoring efforts with a home run in the seventh.
Tayler Becker got the start before Sylvia Shromoff relieved her for the next four innings. Amanda Vacanti recorded her first save of the season with her throwing the last two innings.
Two RBI doubles by SDSU put them ahead in the second inning. The Tommies responded with six unanswered runs, taking the lead in the fourth inning to take the series victory.
SDSU moves to 6-3 in Summit League play, dropping to third place behind Omaha (9-3) and St. Thomas (6-3), while also moving to 21-20 overall this season. The Tommies are now 21-16 overall.
“We did everything that we didn’t do
in game one and game two, and it bit us,” head coach Kristina McSweeney said.
“And it’s been a curse my entire coaching career. You walk somebody and you pitch for Kristina McSweeney, they’re gonna score…game three was a lot of that, you know, the five walks we gave up scored.”
The Jacks return to home turf to host North Dakota State in a three-game series on Friday and Saturday. NDSU currently ranks sixth in the conference with a 3-6 record, only ahead of Kansas City.
Taylinn Warren holds the Bison’s best batting average with a .375. Despite only playing in 22 games and starting in 14 of them, Warren has scored 18 hits and 14 runs in 48 at-bats. She also has five RBIs on the season.
The best batting average among starters is Chloe Woldruff, who has a .320 and has missed just one game this season. Woldruff has 31 hits on 97 at-bats, along with a home run, but to find the most home runs is going to Bella Dean. Batting .230, she accounts for half of the team’s 12 home runs this season, despite recording only 16 hits in the team’s second-highest at-bat count. Dean also leads the Bison in RBIs and has a perfect stolen base percentage.
“The keys for us is winning innings,” McSweeney said of the upcoming series. “Getting out of the first inning, which seems to be our biggest issue…when we’re clean on defense, we have a really good chance of winning, and then controlling the beginning [of the game].”
The series kicks off with a doubleheader on Friday. The first pitches are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. It will conclude with a game on Saturday at 1 p.m. All games in this series will be streamed on the Summit League Network through Midco Sports.
Batting Average: Abby Gentry (.375)
Runs Batted In: Abby Gentry (39)
Runs: Mia Jarecki (32)
Hits: Abby Gentry (45)
Slugging: Abby Gentry (.699)
At Bats: Mia Jarecki (128)
Total Bases: Abby Gentry (79)
ERA: Amanda Vacanti (3.40)
Wins: Tayler Baker (6)
April 18-19: NDSU
Apr 21: Iowa State
Apr 26-27: Omaha
May 2-3: UND
CONFERENCE STANDINGS
No. 1: Omaha (9-3) No. 2: St. Thomas (6-3) No. 3: SDSU (6-3) No. 4: UND (7-5)
No. 5: USD (4-5)
No. 6: NDSU (3-6) No. 7: Kansas City (1-11)
Assistant Sports Reporter
SDSU opened their 2025 football season with the annual Spring Game at the Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex.
The scrimmage was Dan Jackson’s first time at the helm of the team after being appointed to head coach back in December.
Former head coach Jimmy Rodgers left after the 2024 season to take the Washington State head coaching job, taking over a dozen Jackrabbit players with him. Additional losses to the transfer portal included Mark Gronowski (Iowa) and Griffin Wilde (Northwestern).
The scrimmage featured a sneak peek into who might fill the gaps.
Jack Henry started the opening drive under center, but the offense struggled early, resulting in a quick three-and-out, earning the defense three points for its stop.
On the second drive, senior Chase Mason connected with redshirt freshman Jack Smith for the offense’s first down. Running back Nate White gained ten yards on a handoff, but a trick play involving a reverse to Elijah Ervin ended in an incomplete pass.
The drive stalled, leading to a fourthand-five situation. Mason executed a read option, scrambling for a first down to the seven-yard line. The offense eventually scored three points with a field goal by Anthony Erickson.
Jack Amer took over for the third drive but faced pressure from the Jackrabbit defense. Defensive end Dawson Ripperda broke free, forcing Amer to roll out, where he was hit by linebacker Joe Ollman, resulting in another three-andout. The defense held a 6-3 lead.
The fourth and fifth drives yielded no points for the Jackrabbit offense, while the defense added three points each time. The sixth drive saw an 11-play effort capped off with a seven-yard rushing
touchdown by Brenden Begeman, followed by a successful extra point, putting the offense ahead 10-9.
During the seventh drive, the offense faced a fourth-and-three. They opted to go for it, but Jack Henry’s pass was intercepted by junior Dontay Jackson, who took it 65 yards to the house.
Mason started drive eight with a fiveyard run followed by a 12-yard completion to Sammy Dresie. Transfer Nate White finished it off with a two-yard touchdown run to bring the score to 16-15.
The next two drives simulated endof-game scenarios, starting with 1:21 left on the clock and the score set at 17-21, with the offense trailing. Chase Mason launched a deep shot to Elijah Ervin, completing a pass to the 15-yard line, but an incomplete pass followed, leading to a diving interception by Jalen B Lee.
On the second attempt, Mason again
faced challenges, including an incomplete pass. However, the offense managed to convert a fourth-and-ten with a catch by Jack Smith. Quick completions to Sammy Dresie and Jack Smith positioned the Jackrabbits at the 19-yard line with 33 seconds remaining. Mason threw toward the end zone where Dresie made a spectacular one-handed catch for a touchdown.
As the spring game resumed, Tak Tateoka took the reins. The offense gained just nine yards on three plays, leading to a crucial fourth-and-one. Aiming to convert, they ran it up the middle with Brenden Begeman, but he was stopped short by Brody Targgart and Mac Muller, making the score 18-16.
Abe Hoskins III finished the scrimmage with an interception on the first play of the final drive to propel the defense with a 24-16 victory.
SDSU’s first official game of the season is against Sacramento State on Saturday, August 30, at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.
Aug. 30: vs Sac State
Sept. 9: @ Montana State
Sept. 13: vs Drake
Sept. 27: vs Mercyhurst
Oct. 4: @ Youngstown State
Oct. 11: vs Northern Iowa
Oct. 18: @ Murray State
Oct. 25: @ NDSU
Nov. 1: vs Indiana State
Nov. 8: @ South Dakota
Nov. 15: vs Illinois State
Nov. 22: @ North Dakota
JACOB BRENDE
Assistant Sports Editor
South Dakota State had a strong showing in the USD Challenge, featuring an impressive and historical performance in the discus throw. The Jackrabbits tallied five first-place finishes in the meet last Saturday.
SDSU had six runners place in the top 15 as they picked up silver in the 100-meter dash with Carter Toews’s 10.43 mark. Five Jackrabbits also placed in the 200-meter dash with James Pierce clinching second place after a 21.07 run.
Pierre Lear continued his strong season by placing second in the 110-meter hurdle after getting a mark of 13.77. Ben Morningstar and Carter Johnson also placed in the top 10 in the event.
Grayson Ring and Brooks Holen took home third and fourth after they both scored a jump of 6-7.5 feet.
The discus throw was dominated by the Jackrabbits with three earning medals in the event. Caiden Fredrick, who now holds the program record for the throw, got a first-place mark with a 187-0 foot throw. Ethan Fischer took second with 186-3.5, and Cayman Gebheim earned third with 183-1.75.
“I would call it a relatively historic day,” said head coach Rod DeHaven. “When you look at not only the school record, but Ethan Fischer almost breaks his own school record and then Cayman Gebheim improves his freshman record, and I think all three are in the top three all time.”
Gebheim, Fredrick and TJ Christensen took home second, third and fourth respectively in the shot put with distances of 53-11.25, 53-5.75 and 51-11.25.
Hunter Wallster got SDSU a second-place finish in the hammer throw with a 195-9.25 foot throw.
SDSU continued their strong showing in the 100-meter with an additional seven placing in the top 15, all earning a personal record.
Brielle Dixon placed second highest in the event after running an 11.67. Maggie Madsen took home third with a time of 11.71, and Sian O’Sullivan placed fifth, running 11.87.
Erike Kuntz and Cerington Jones, after running a time of 24.72 and 24.98, placed in fourth and fifth place in the 200 meter.
Katelyn Darnell brought SDSU another first-place finish after she won the 400 meter with a time of 56.38, a personal record for Darnell. She also competed in the 100 meter hurdles, where she achieved an additional personal record with a time of 14.23 as she earned third.
The 4x100-meter relay team consisting of Dixon, Madsen, O’Sullivan and Jenna Johnson won first after they ran a time of 46.39. South Dakota State’s “B-Team” of Reese Beemer, Ellie Harris, Ciara Benson and Cerington Jones placed fourth after a 48.02 run.
South Dakota State continued an incredible shot put performance as three Jackrabbits placed within the top five, all achieving a personal record. Mildred Young won the event with a distance of 44-8.25. Jalyn Shepherd placed second with a distance of 44-3.5, while Cloe Kalanick got fourth with a 44-foot throw. Madison Kizer got gold in the high jump after achieving a 5-8.75 foot leap.
Today, the Jackrabbits will be in Lawrence, Kansas as they participate in the Kansas Relays, as well as taking part in the Pacific Coast Intercollegiate in Long Beach, California. On Saturday, they will take part in the Beach Invite, also located in Long Beach.
SDSU’s Pierre Lear is more than just an athlete. The school’s record holder for the 60 and 110-meter hurdles is in his second year as a graduate teaching assistant and is instructing 67 students this semester.
Since he has experience in both fields, Lear thinks that he can apply what he learned from track to improve his skills and knowledge in teaching.
“I’ve learned a lot from track,” Lear said. “Hard work and determination and how to get up when you fall down and I really apply that to teaching. Because I have some good days and some bad days in the classroom, but I understand that
each day is a blessing and a gift.”
Even though Lear makes it look easy while competing as a track athlete and on his way to becoming a professor, his path to this point is far from easy.
Lear was adopted at nine years old in 2010 with his sister from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, after an earthquake and moved to Watertown, South Dakota, a 2,311-mile move.
“It was a crazy culture shock,” Lear said regarding the change from Haiti to the United States. “I came knowing maybe the basic level of English, but we spoke Creole, which is a dialect in a combination of French and Spanish and so my sister and I spoke to each other but knew very little English.”
Lear was also introduced to another
culture shock when he saw snow for the first time when a January snowstorm rolled into Watertown.
Lear realized he had what it takes at State Track during his junior year of high school. By the end of the meet, Lear earned first in the 110-meter hurdles, 300-meter hurdles and a second-place finish in the high jump. This showing motivated Lear to work even harder for his goal of competing at the collegiate level.
When it was time to commit to a school, Lear decided to stay close to home and attend South Dakota State.
“Both my parents went here, my older sister Bailey went here and we were just a big Jackrabbit family,” Lear said. “We always came to the Hobo Day Parade
ever since I could remember.”
In 2020, Lear officially joined the Jackrabbits. In his six years with the team, Lear holds two school records and multiple Summit League All-League Team awards from both the indoor and outdoor seasons.
Lear not only left his impact on the record book but also the people he has worked with along the way.
Eric Hanenberger, associate head coach for SDSU track and field says Lear is a leader on the team.
“He’s got a personality that kids are just gravitating towards,” Hanenberger said. “He’s super outgoing and he does a really good job of both leading by example and verbally, spiritually, you name it.”
Hanenberger is in charge of coaching
the sprints, hurdles and relays and is in his tenth season with the Jackrabbits.
“I think if you’re lucky, you get a kid like this once or twice in your career,” Hanenberger said.
Despite his success, Lear’s path hasn’t been without hurdles.
“It’s [dyslexia] affected me and for a long time I used that as like an identity piece, a label all the way throughout my life,” Lear said.
Dyslexia is a neurobiological learning disability that can make reading, writing
read for Lear. But that didn’t stop him as he took extra time outside the classroom to work harder and improve his learning.
Lear’s hard work paid off after he was offered a graduate teaching position.
Brian Romsa, an associate professor of sport and recreation management told Lear about an open position where he could obtain his master’s and teach. After some consideration, the hurdler jumped on the opportunity.
“And so every day, even though I might not be necessarily happy, I have joy because I know where my joy comes from.”
More than just his students notice his personality.
“I think his biggest strength is just his positivity and energy and passion,” Romsa said. “He’s always excited about stuff. And even when he’s facing challenges, he does it in a very positive way and believes that he can find the solution and keeps working until the job gets done.”
reach nationals in Eugene, Oregon. The Watertown high school graduate is striving for big goals as a teacher as well. He wants to be a professor and then ultimately become a university president someday, possibly at his alma mater, South Dakota State.
“All the way up until my sophomore year of college I had extended time on take
“He’s very passionate about learning, passionate about students, passionate about helping other people, he’s responsible,” Romsa said. “He follows through with stuff, works hard, creates a good environment. I thought that he could really push our program forward.”
As great as Lear is, he can’t do it all alone and he has a great support system that inspires him.
Every class period, Lear tries to inspire his students by being energetic. This semester, the hurdler is teaching fundamentals of sport and recreational leadership (RECR
A passage would take the average student thirty minutes to read would over an hour to 260).
“I would foremost say my faith in God has been the biggest inspiration,” said Lear. “And from there just the people around me, my support system, whether that be my parents, my wife, Shania, and just my friends that have surrounded me.”
“I hope that he achieves whatever his dreams and goals are and I expect he will, because he is willing to put in the work and do what it takes to accomplish whataver he sets out to do.”
students are counting energy and deep down I really find my strength from my family and my faith,” Lear
In his last year of competing in track, Lear has set big goals. For himself. He wants to compete at a high level whenever he is in an event and he wants to reach the Midwest qualifiers at Texas A&M and
Brian Romsa, Head of the Sports and Recreation Department
“I understand that on me to bring that said.
Summit League Indoor Track & Field All-League Team: 60m Hurdles (2022, 2023) | 4x400m Relay (2022, 2023)
Summit League Outdoor Track & Field All-League Team: 110m Hurdles (2021, 2022, 2023)
Summit League Indoor Track & Field Titles: 60m Hurdles (2022, 2023)
Summit League Outdoor Track & Field Titles: 110m Hurdles (2022)
Summit League Team Championships: Indoor Championships (2021-22, 2024-25)
