USF Vessel October 2022

Cover photo by: Tessa Haag

Editors Kelsey Sutton

Rianna Banik

Apolonia Davalos

Ben Wollmuth

Connor Aldrich

Dawson Davito

Erica Sunde

Evan Wibben

Gunner Gould

Joseph Sapp

Josh Werre

Makenna Wallin

Matthew Sterud

Neveah Schreiber

Levi Smith

Madyson Redday

Sebastian Pares

Thomas Scandin

Writers

Late Night Coffeehouse

By: Gunner Gould

During the peak of homecoming week, students were invited to Cooper’s Cafe late at night for some fun with friends, live music, snacks, and coffee. During the Late Night Coffeehouse Live event, students could be observed doing homework, playing games, and socializing with other students. While the Cougar Activity Board (CAB) was coming up with ideas for homecoming week, Allan Idjao threw out the idea for the event and junior Cooper Dixon, an events coordinator for CAB, jumped on the opportunity. Dixon had two big reasons he wanted to help the event happen; bringing live performances to USF, and his love for coffee. When asked what the purpose of the entire event was, Dixon had a pretty simple answer, “Community building, having fun and getting homework done,” he said.

As far as getting the event up and running, Dixon had a lot of help. He got a couple of fellow students, Elijah Hamilton and Noah Schmidt, to help out with the live music, and USF’s meal provider, Aladdin, helped out with the coffee and snacks. With the venue set, all Dixon needed was people to come. With help from emails and fliers, attendance was way higher than he expected. Only expecting 20-30 students, Dixon was pleasantly surprised to see approximately 50-60 students show up for this night of fun and relaxation. With this much turnout, it’s something Dixon hopes to do more of, mentioning possibly having them every semester.

Alumni Tours

By: Neveah Schreiber

Homecoming for the University of Sioux Falls is an incredible way to get connected with family, friends, and USF alumni. I had the honor of giving tours to alumni and hearing all about the stories from their time here. Giving tours is already a way to learn and display the wonders of this campus, so hearing stories of past students was even better.

I gave one tour to two alums and their two children. They told me a number of stories about being college students at USF, what they did for fun, and how the campus has changed physically in the years after they graduated. They told me about how the current theology department desk space is where one of them previously lived, when it used to be a dorm room, and that the beds in Kroske used to be bunk beds built into the wall. The business department used to be on the top floor of the Science Center and the media related labs used to be on the top floors of Jeschke! They were very glad to not have to climb the stairs in the Fine Arts Center to see the media equipment that we have.

USF has changed drastically as years go by, but that’s the beauty of it all. Adapting and changing is an incredible skill to possess, and they were glad that USF can do so. All the alumni I met that day were impressed and happy that USF has grown to meet the needs and careers of its students.

Photo by: Rianna Banik

Band Concert

The homecoming band concert is an annual tradition that Jonathan Neiderhiser, USF’s Director of Instrumental Music, didn’t think was going to happen this fall. With homecoming’s early arrival, having a concert ready in time seemed unlikely.

“I thought we weren’t going to do it this year because it was early,” Neiderhiser says. “[T]he Development Office called and said, ‘Are you doing your outdoor concert’… and I said, ‘Well, sure. We’ll see what we can put together.’”

By: Josh

The concert landed on Sept. 23, meaning that students had exactly one month to prepare their music. The program featured the Chamber Orchestra as well as the Pop, Blues, and Jazz Ensemble. Pieces included “Waves of the Danube”, “The Ash Grove”, and, Neiderhiser’s personal favorite, “The Jive Samaba.”

Initially, the instrumentalists were going to take advantage of the mild September weather and play outside on the Science Center patio, but untimely rain meant the concert had to be moved to Big-Z. Despite the setback, the concert was a success. “I’m really excited,” says Neiderhiser. “I think it went off really well, and the students really put in a lot of work. I think it was a pretty great start.”

The Chamber Orchestra and the Pop, Blues, and Jazz Ensemble made their return for their fall concert, Transformations, on Oct. 23 in the Meredith Auditorium at the Jeschke Fine Arts Center.

First-Gen Picnic

Cougar Days at the University of Sioux Falls is a great time for students to come together and enjoy a week full of activities and cheer on the Coo! One of the activities on the list this year was the First-Gen Picnic held on the USF campus quad. The picnic, which ran from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 21, was put on by Diana Rivera, coordinator of the First-Gen program. The program aims to provide first-generation college students with a community where they can feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated.

The picnic took place on the campus quad, right in the middle of USF. There were blankets laid out for maximum comfort and the weather was calm and warm. The menu for the picnic was sliders, the perfect watermelon, and fruit punch. There were also tons of games to play. First-Gen students had the opportunity to meet and mingle with each other and share experiences. While playing games, students were asked to introduce and share fun facts about themselves with other members of the group. While most answers were silly and fun, it was an excellent way for students to open up about their backgrounds and what it feels like to be a First-Gen student.Among these students was Ahou Nze who said, “It’s really good for students to get to connect and get to know each other and the upperclassmen.” For more information on the First-Gen organization at USF stop by the Student Life office.

By: Madyson Redday

USF Sunday

By: Ben Wollmuth

Homecoming week is often a big week for many schools and universities. It is a time to celebrate the school, new and former students, and the start of the new academic year. For many schools, the events of homecoming culminate in a football game between the home team and one of their rivals. At USF, however, homecoming ends with a church service and a choral performance at the church where USF began.

In 1883, USF was born in the basement of the First Baptist

Church Sioux Falls, only a few blocks away from where the campus would be standing over 100 years later.

USF’s professor of music and director of choral activities, David DeHoogh-Kliewer, says that that bond makes USF Sunday far more than just a celebration of the school itself.

“USF Sunday is a celebration of the foundational relationship between our school and USF’s mother church,” says DeHoogh-Kliewer. “The fact that USF’s homecoming activities conclude with a set of worship services is not only significant [but also] unique among colleges.”

USF Sunday typically features two worship services: one traditional service and one contemporary service. Both services provide a choral performance by USF’s Concert Chorale under the direction of DeHoogh-Kliewer, an annual occurrence that, according to DeHoogh-Kliewer, has been happening for around a century. This year, in preparation for their fall concert on November 6, the Concert Chorale performed four songs. The service began with a greeting and a hymn, which was followed by a three-song set, including “Haleluya! Pelo Tsa Rona,” “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” and “John the Revelator.” At the end of the service, the Chorale performed “Peace I Leave With You,” a benediction song that acted as a peaceful send-off to those in attendance.

While much of the University of Sioux Falls has changed since it began in the First Baptist basement, including a change in name and a very recent

change in logo, USF Sunday has stayed the same. However, the day’s importance is not only recognized by USF students and faculty. “The congregation of First Baptist (Sioux Falls) is engaged in the life of the university,” says DeHoogh-Kliewer. “As our founding church, the congregants of First Baptist Church support the university through prayer, attending university events, and financial provision.” Moreover, USF Sunday shows faculty, students, and supporters just what it means to be part of the school.

“The university’s mission,” says DeHoogh-Kliewer, “is demonstrated in a special way during these worship services, placing our first priority on engaging Christ in a secular world.”

If you happened to miss USF Sunday this year, you will be able to see the Concert Chorale’s continued celebration of USF and its relationship with First Baptist and Christ at the fall concert at First Baptist on November 6.

Grocery Bag Bingo

By: Xavier Blackwell

It was a busy week for Cougars with Homecoming celebrations hosted on campus throughout the week. Homecoming, known as Cougar Days at the University of Sioux Falls, features a myriad of fun activities and traditions for students, faculty, and alumni. One of these activities, Grocery Bag Bingo, is a student favorite.

Dozens of students gathered on Thursday, Sept. 22, to compete for a chance to win free groceries by playing bingo. Competitors filled out wacky shapes on their playing cards before racing to the front of Big Z, the lecture hall where the event was located. Tiebreakers were to be played out by rock-paper-scissors and dance battles, although none were needed this time. The groceries were provided by the Cougar Activity Board (CAB), which sponsored the event. Amber Tebbe, a member of CAB and the planner of the event says that it is always a fun time hosting. “We start planning [homecoming] a few weeks before the semester starts,” says Tebbe.

Lilli Kahle, a freshman at USF and winner of groceries, spoke about her first time attending Grocery Bag Bingo. “I’d recommend coming here to play, its really fun.” She says her favorite items in the bag were the packs of ramen and a loaf of bread, convenient since she needed more anyway. “I think it’s better for people to get involved and to meet new people,” says Kahle when asked about campus activities.

Students who missed out on the Bingo fun won’t have to wait long, as Grocery Bag Bingo will return again in the Spring.

Fall Fest

By: Joseph Sapp

The University of Sioux Falls Homecoming was September 19-24, 2022 and there were an abundance of events on campus including Fall Fest. At this event, faculty and volunteer students host carnival-themed events for students to play. This event happened on Friday, September 23 from 6-8 p.m. and was located on campus in the quad where there is an open grass area.

This was a very fun event because there were many games and activities. One of the hottest events was 9 square. Nathan Elias said,“Fall Fest is a really fun homecoming event that brings the carnival feeling right to you. My favorite event so far is 9 square. 9 square is just like four squares but it is played above and it has nine total squares instead of the traditional four.”

When asked what makes Fall Fest fun, Amber Tebbe had an interesting take on it. “I would have to say bringing the whole community of USF together and seeing everyone have fun and have a good time.” Tebbe was hosting an event called pong toss. “ So you have three ping pong balls and there are five cups of water and you have to make the ball in a cup to earn points.” And you can’t have school without some sort of prizes. “There are five jars of candy and students have to guess how many pieces of candy are in the jars. The person closest to the number of pieces wins the jar of candy,” said Jordan Ryder. “ Fall Fest as a whole is really fun for me because we have been planning it for a little over two months and it’s great to finally see the vision come alive and to see everyone having fun and enjoying it.”

By: Evan Wibben

Worship Night

This year’s homecoming worship night had a great turnout with many students participating. Worship night takes place every Thursday at 9 p.m. on the University of Sioux Falls campus inside of the McDonald Center in Cooper’s Cafe. Worship night consists of a worship team leading everyone in a few songs, then a student from USF speaks, followed by more worship songs.

There was a great spirited glow in this year’s homecoming worship night. Those attending were joyful and came ready to sing. Isaiah Henderson, a student at USF who often leads the worship team said, “Being able to worship as a community of Christ’s followers really helped bring our community closer and our school spirit really came out. It was great to be in fellowship after worship with everyone.” After worship the students talk with each other because worship night is the one night many of the students will see each other.

Elijah Hamilton, a student at USF who is one of the small group leaders for InterVarsity, talked about what made this week’s homecoming chapel different from all the other weeks. “This week’s worship night has a more energetic feel to it, it may be because of the excitement of the homecoming game that is coming up or everyone is just feeding off each other’s energy.” No matter what the reason was for the extra energy, it was a very meaningful homecoming worship night.

President’s Picnic

By: Matthew Sterud

Thursday, September 22, 2022, celebrated another successful President’s Picnic. An opportunity for students, staff, and the board of trustees to gather for some free food and entertainment on the University of Sioux Falls’ beautiful campus. President Bradfield says that “we try to make it a big community event where students and employees and their families are invited.”

Attendees of the picnic were treated to a delicious burger bar, plenty of sweet treats, and a drink of choice. The entertainment of the evening was provided by Richard Shaw Jr., a celebrity saxophonist with an unmatched talent.

Shaw Jr. even played two saxophones at the same time! President Bradfield says that Shaw is “an incredible musician. He’s a lot of fun and he’s very mobile.” Richard Shaw Jr. also stopped by USF’s band classes and the homecoming game tailgate.

President Bradfield wants everyone to know that the picnic is a “festive opportunity to get together as a community, enjoy fellowship, enjoy food, and hopefully have a great time and understand the culture of the University we’re trying to build.”

Photo by: USF Marketing

USF’s

Cougar dynamism is on the rise. Banana comedy, dancing dinosaur, wood breaking Tae Kwon Do, campus leadership impersonations, improv shenanigans, acapella fun, interpretative dancing, and an array of original songs and covers, USF’s Got Talent gave the brave the spotlight. Thirteen acts competed for the cash prize of $100.00 on Saturday, September 24, at the University of Sioux Falls in front of students, parents, alumni, and staff.

The show commenced at 8 p.m. beginning with 2021’s USF’s Got Talent reigning champions Acapella Group. The Acapella Group performance presented their rendition of “Some Nights” by FUN. Performers included Kelsey Brenna, Cooper Dixon, Ben Morrison, Megan Sundvold, Michaela Davis, Genna Morrison, Abby Kate Hamilton, Isaiah Henderson, Stephen Waltner, and Elijah Olson.

Got Talent

Following the opening act was USF’s Got Talent 2019 veteran Ruth Hillman. Ruth is a senior majoring in Arts Education. She returns to the stage with her stand-up comedy comprised of dad jokes and, in her own words, “bad puns.” Everyone went bananas over her act. Honing her craft for comedy since elementary school, Ruth shared that “it was awesome to hear the crowd laughing.”

Another one of our acts was an original song and piano performance by freshman Chylee Thompson. Chylee said her song, entitled Overflow, is “a very personal song.” Overflow is about her “depression and everything that [she] went through” when she felt unseen.

Photos by: Apolonia Davalos and Sam Martin

USF’s

The song “eventually talks about how God overflows us with hope and peace and love.” Chylee “wanted it to be a very encouraging song” and something more “for others to actually be able to relate to.” Overflow is available for listening on Spotify, Apple Music, and all social media platforms.

Receiving the majority vote for favorite act out of thirteen performances, the number one ranking champion of USF’s Got Talent was awarded to freshman roommates Sydni Mauldin and Kaci Kennedy. A duet performance of Skyscraper by Demi Lovato, Sydni and Kaci knew they needed to standout from a multitude of singers.

Written by: Apolonia Davalos

Got Talent

Their secret weapon was Sydni’s improvisational dance dressed in an inflatable Tyrannosaurus rex. Laughter ensued the moment Sydni entered from stage left. Midway through their performance, both Sydni and Kaci underwent swift costume changes into modern performance attire. Kaci said it felt “kind of crazy” to win. Sydni affirmed, “We were shocked.”

USF’s Got Talent was hosted by Homecoming Queen Apolonia Davalos. Sound board was operated by Hope Dunkle. Neveah Schreiber served as Assistant Stage Manager.

Other independent acts included performances by Emily Krause, Anab Nuur, Danielle Burtis, Chris Higgins, Sean Flaherty, Daniel Newman, Stephen Waltner, Abby Kate Hamilton, Jordyn Maynard, and USF’s improv club Improvidence.

Photos by: Apolonia Davalos and Sam Martin