Skip to main content

USF College Monthly | September 2016

Page 1

USF

College Monthly A print production of USF student media.

September 2016 Volume 4 Issue 1 | usfcollegeweek.com


YOUR STORY, YOUR WAY College Monthly Editors’ Welcome

Each year before the leaves begin turning over, crisp mornings nip at us as we struggle to 8am classes, and homework occupies all free time, the community at the University of Sioux Falls has the pleasure of welcoming new and returning students. Campus springs to life as first-time freshman settle into their dorms and get accustomed to our cozy campus and buzzing dorm life. Waves of returners quickly settle into on-campus and off-campus housing just in time to attend their first classes. It’s a busy, energetic, and sometimes frenzied time of the year, and we love it. Back to school means the student news staff at USF has a new body of interviewers, a new purpose for content that we haven’t quite figured out yet and, of course, new faces. Miranda Cain

In just our third year of publishing, the USF College Monthly magazine welcomes a new editor, Whitney Fryer. Partnering with senior veteran, Miranda Cain, Whitney comes to us as a Junior Political Science and Journalism major with years of writing and editing experience, going all the way back to high school. For this Fall semester, Miranda and Whitney will work to bring the USF population relevant, interesting, and quality news keeping you up to speed on campus and community wide events while preparing for the arrival of Yuharelly Comparan to the spring staff. The USF College Monthly Magazine looks forward to providing the students, staff, faculty and friends of USF with a new perspective on news while striving for excellence and quality. We can’t wait to tell the story of this year’s student body, and we need your help to do it.

Whitney Fryer

Stay up to do date with content at www.usfcollegeweek.com, look for new magazines the first Thursday of every month, and get involved by liking USF College Week on Facebook and following us on Twitter, @USF_CW. Help us write your story, your way.

In the Political Area:

Are Clinton and Trump My Only Options? Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have both had their fair share of controversy surrounding their campaigns, resulting in nationwide upset. Although many voters proudly support their candidate, others feel neither is fit to serve as the country’s Commander in Chief.

promoting environmentalism, nonviolence, social justice, grassroots democracy (political participation at the local level), and antiracism (GP.org).

In May, the Libertarian Party (LP) nominated Gary Johnson, who selected Bill Weld as his running mate. Johnson, also the Clinton and Trump might stand at the party’s nominee in 2012, received roughly forefront of the election, but they are not the one percent of the popular vote (Federal only contenders. Third-party candidates Jill Election Committee). Stein and Gary Johnson are also seeking the presidency. The Libertarian Party is the third-largest and fastest growing political party in America Stein and running mate Ajama Baraka (ballotpedia.org). The LP promotes nonformally received the Green party’s intervention (no political alliances with other nomination in August (npr.org). Stein was nations), laissez-faire or nongovernmental also the party’s nominee in 2012. intervention in economics, and the abolition of the welfare state (LP.org). The Green Party of the United States (GPUS) is the county’s fourth-largest political party; Although Trump and Clinton are the two

2 | COLLEGE MONTHLY

By Whitney Fryer main contestants and the election will likely go to one or the other, this does not mean your vote has to. In November, if you find yourself heading to the polls to vote for the “lesser of two evils,” consider voting for Stein or Johnson. Even though neither will likely win, that does not mean your vote is wasted. Voting is a chance for you to share your vision of government. In order for one of these candidates to make a difference in November a very large majority of people would have to come out in support of them, which is not likely. However, if a third-party candidate does well, other candidates might adopt their ideals in hopes of drawing in some of their supporters. Therefore, just because you do not cast your vote for a mainstream candidate does mean your vote is wasted.


Dear Students, Welcome to the University of Sioux Falls! We have been hard at work planning new facilities, programs, activities, and special events to improve our campus and enhance your experience. But more importantly, we have been praying for your arrival. The key ingredients are in place for a great year in the life of USF. As you begin this academic year, I want to encourage you to be intentional in taking advantage of all that USF has to offer—from our challenging academic programs and outstanding faculty and staff who desire to get to know you personally, to the meaningful connections that you are sure to make with friends and colleagues that will enrich your life. In addition to all of the amazing things that will take place in and out of the classroom, we are in the midst of the largest campus improvement project in the history of our University. As a soon-to-be retiring president, I am looking forward to presiding over this campus construction project during my 20th and final year at USF with great anticipation. There is no hiding the fact that the construction of a new $11.7 million, 188-bed residence hall will present navigational challenges throughout the year. I want to encourage you to exercise caution when walking near a construction site or parking off-campus. My hope and prayer is that you will remain patient and mindful that while USF’s campus is under construction, every person that you meet on campus is also “under construction.” The over-arching theme for student development during the 2016-17 academic year is hospitality. In essence, we plan to welcome you with open arms and engage you in a multitude of activities and events. We are making room for you at the table! Make a special note on your calendar for Monday, September 12th. That is the day when the University will launch USF360 and welcome Bob Goff to campus. Bob is a nationally renowned speaker and noted author of the book, Love Does. While dedicated USF professors intentionally integrate faith and learning, each and every employee at USF is committed to helping you build on the academic content, knowledge, and skills that will prepare you for success in all aspects of life. You will undoubtedly develop close-knit friendships and build meaningful relationships during your time at USF, and those connections will make you stronger and more prepared for the day when you walk across the stage to receive your diploma. Blessings for a great year, Mark Benedetto President SEPTEMBER 2016 | 3


Building the Legacy Cougar Fall Sports Preview Story by Evan Gentry | Photos by Miranda Cain

The University of Sioux is coming off a historic athletic year in 2015-16 with the football program making its first Division II playoff appearance in only their fourth season. The women’s basketball program brought home its first NSIC Championship while the men played three nail biters with eventual national champions and cross town rival, Augustana University. The track and & field program produced another bundle of AllAmericans while the baseball program made its first ever appearance in the post season. Many student athletes stayed in town over the summer break to dedicate themselves to the success of their team as well as the athletic department as a whole. The beginning of August marked the start of fall sports season. While many students were soaking up the final rays of the summer sunshine, USF athletes were lacing their cleats, strapping on the pads and putting up the nets for their preseason practices. Some teams have corrections to be made to improve their seasons while others have the pressure of the national media beating down on them. Through the thick and thin, this will be the best fall for Cougars sports since making the transition to Division II.

Women’s Soccer

4 | COLLEGE MONTHLY

Coming off a disappointing 2-14-1 season the women’s soccer program is looking to improve their play in 2016. Only graduating a single senior, Jordan Craig, the Cougars will have an enormous amount of experience coming back. Although they have 6 seniors on the squad, they still have a number of underclassmen with playing experience to offer Coach Brittany


Goosen in her second season as Head Coach. Goosen is looking to establish a winning program with players growing both on the field and off. This attitude is the primary reason she is bringing in strong freshman classes with little junior college recruiting. Alexa D’Acunto is entering her fourth and final season with the program and the girls are looking to her for leadership and direction.

Volleyball

Coach Joel McCartney is leading his cougar volleyball team into the 2016 season coming off a season that can best be described as a “rebuilding year”. Behind the incredible senior class consisting of Abby Folk, Jordan Calef, and Aubrey Milne, the Cougars are looking to get back on track to compete for an NSIC Championship. Ranked 9th in preseason conference polls, behind 8 teams that were all ranked within the top 25 in the nation at some point during the 2015 season, the squad is hoping to make the conference tournament and win their first NSIC championship since moving into the conference. McCartney has been building a competitive program since taking over as head coach, recruiting strong classes after using a junior college kick start. With the strong freshman class brought onto campus last season, he believes the team is now in a position to make a dominate stand during the regular season and go on a run during the post season.

Football

After a long weekend in the middle of nowhere of Arkansas in their first ever Division II playoff game vs. Henderson State, the football team has put their hand to the plow and is going to work. Offensive coordinator Dusty Hovorka is implanting a new offense to help utilize the strengths of his players while

defensive coordinator Tremaine Jackson is stick to his philosophy of simple, fast, physical and up-tempo.. Although the Cougars dropped a strong senior class on defense, they have not skipped a beat with guys stepping up to fill roles. The team is looking to 4 year starters, Luke Papillion and Evan Gentry to provide leadership and direction. Although the made the playoffs for the first time in their 4 years in division 2, they were left with a bitter taste in their mouth. Coach Stugart is working to build upon the success he has already had while being in division 2. Ranked 23rd in the national preseason polls, and 3rd in the preseason conference polls, the cougars believe they are being overlooked. While we wish all of our teams much success in the 2016-17 season, we would like to take a moment and congratulate former Cougar football player John Tidwell in his success thus far in the NFL. Signing with Denver Broncos just moments after the 2016 NFL draft was closed, Tidwell earned a spot in training camp during rookie mini camp at the beginning of May. Through the third week of the NFL preseason, Tidwell is close to earning his spot on the 53 man travel roster. Congratulations John!! Keep representing all of us here in Sioux Falls. For more information on all of our sports please visit usfcougars.com. You can also find us on social media @USF_ Athletics.

The Next Best Thing at USF:

A New Residence Hall

Story by Theodore Frid | Photos by Miranda Cain

When you’re able to workout, watch movies, do laundry, and live in one building, you must be in the right place. Right? Well if you are wondering where that place is, it’s the University of Sioux Falls. The latest and greatest is coming here to USF - a brand new residence hall for our growing enrollment of students. “This new residence hall will be intergenerational, meaning it could house students of all classifications,” says Corey Ross, Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students at USF. The new halls are definitely a step in the right direction for USF. Ross says there will be better student interaction and opportunities to build relationships. “New students are able to observe and connect regularly with (and maybe even get tutoring help from) older students who are succeeding at USF, and upper-division students are able to mentor and serve younger students.” Ross says. The future of this project holds a spark of new beginnings. Things like a fitness room with cardio and strength training, an exterior patio with a fire pit, and a theatre with a large screen are just a few of the many features of this building. SEPTEMBER 2016 | 5


“As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats,” Ross says. “I think a new residence hall, with intentional spaces for gathering and amenities that students desire, will significantly improve the experience of the students who live there—but it will also enhance the campus experience for ALL students,” Ross adds. It may seem like the new hall is going to be all fun and games, but that is not entirely true. Things like a laundry room, kitchen, and study lounges provide a more adult feel to the hall. With plans to connect the building to the Mears Library, students will have easier access to studying, especially during the winter months. The building is also fully equipped with an HVAC ( heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system that provides a comfortable and appropriate environment. “Realistically, good community can happen anywhere, but I believe that the more comfortable, safe and cared-for students feel in their physical environment, the more willing they are to begin engaging the more important and eternal areas of their lives,” Ross says. “A campus with new and updated facilities is more attractive and generates more positive energy overall, too, and we have no way to quantify that individually, but we expect overall satisfaction scores to improve,” he adds. This new project will provide some exhilarating forward momentum being that it’s the first new dormitory in over a decade. A big reason why this is all possible is because of the Gage Brothers, a construction company in Sioux Falls. With an 11.7 million dollar budget, the Gage Brothers were the perfect fit for this project. They are also the top producer of precast concrete material in the Midwest. With plans to move students next fall (August 2017), the Gage Brothers have a lot of work to do. According to Gage Brothers information, recent collegiate projects include Placer Hall (SDSM&T), Jackrabbit Grove

(SDSU) and the award-winning 17th Avenue Residence Hall (University of Minnesota). Both the city of Sioux Falls and the University will benefit from this project. In addition to bringing more students to USF, it will also brighten up the look of the campus. USF wanted to make sure the building fit the needs of all students on campus and wanted to personalize it to their needs. “USF took a unique approach to the building’s design. In order to best suit the needs of modern university life, they conducted conversations with both current and prospective students.” (Gage Brothers Bulletin). Students were surveyed, and university officials are willing to be flexible in order to meet the needs of students and create the best possible outcome for this project. The designers of the project are a Sioux Falls based group called Koch Hazard Architects. They have collaborated with the Gage Brothers for over 40 years in designing and building more than 100 projects. They have won awards for their work, including a building for Vance Thompson Vision that granted them a 2014 AIA South Dakota Design Honor from the state. The Gage Brothers have a strong connection with USF. In 1964, they constructed the Mears Library and have also taken part in buildings such as Jeschke Fine Arts Center, Glidden Hall, McDonald Center, and the Salisbury Science Center. “We’re excited to help make this corner of campus a showcase for the whole university and make it someplace special,” Tom Kelley, President of Gage Brothers, says. Right around the time USF presumably will have a new President, the hall will be finished - a great opportunity for new beginnings. “I think most of us see this project as a catalyst for all sorts of growth and exciting changes on campus—after all, a new hall is needed because our enrollment is growing,” Ross says, with hopes that USF eventually will no longer be known as a small private school. There are also plans to improve the campus in other ways.

6 | COLLEGE MONTHLY

“Our goal after this residence halls is complete, if funds can be raised, is to renovate Burgess, Kroske, and Grand Island Halls,” Ross says. But for now, along with enrollment at USF, the anticipation for the current building project is growing.


Tuesday, August 30 – Wednesday, August 31 Bowling | Eastway Bowl |10 PM - 12 PM

Thursday, September 1

Opening Football Game Watch Party | Z-Hall | 5:30 PM – 8 PM West Mall 7 Movie Night | 9 PM– 11:30PM

Friday, September 2 – Sunday, September 4 Lifelight Music Festival | Worthing, SD For more information go to www.lifelight.org

Thursday, September 8

Worship Under the Stars | USF Quad | 9 PM– PM

Saturday, September 10 [Tentative]

Slide the Campus | USF Quad | 3 PM – 5 PM

Sunday, September 11 – Friday, September 16

USF Summer Olympics | Check your USF email for details

Tuesday, September 20

iPod Dance Party |Cougar Statue | 6 PM – 7 PM

Saturday, September 24 [Tentative]

Guitar Hero Night | McDonald Conference Room | 8 PM – 10 PM

Monday, September 26

Tug of War | Campus Park | 4 PM – 5 PM

Friday, September 30

Capture the Flag | Campus Grounds | 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM

October 3 – 8

Homecoming Week | Check your USF email for details Photos Courtesy of USF Admissions

USF Home Athletics Saturday, Sept.17 VB vs. Augustana | 5:30 PM

Friday, Sept. 9 VB vs. Bemidji State | 2PM Soccer vs. SMSU | 6 PM VB vs. William Jewell | 7 PM Saturday, Sept. 10 FB vs. MSU Moorhead | 3 PM VB vs. SD School of Mines | 7 PM Thursday, Sept.15 VB vs. Wayne State | 7 PM

Friday, Sept. 23 Soccer vs. Minnesota State | 6 PM

Saturday, Oct. 1 FB vs. Augustana | 1 PM VB vs. Northern State | 4 PM

Saturday, Sept. 24 FB vs. Bemidji State | 6 PM Friday, Sept. 30 VB vs. MSU-Moorhead | 7 PM

For more athletic information visit www.usfcougars.com SEPTEMBER 2016 | 7


USF SURVIVAL GUIDE

College can be tough, so here’s some advice. “College can be some of the most stressful years of your life. If you keep your eyes on Jesus each moment of every day, you can do immeasurably more than you ever thought possible.

“Be open to experiences outside of your comfort zone, seek out new friends, embrace change, cultivate a love of learning, show up on time. Oh, and wear shower shoes…”

Marianna Brawand (Junior, Nursing Major)

-Dr. Stephen Jackson (Assistant Professor of History)

“Cancel your Netflix subscription; you are supposed to be studying!”

-Steve Horan (Assistant Professor of Business Administration)

“If you try to skip class, your professor will notice. She might call you and tell you to get to class ASAP and to pick her up a cup of coffee on your way. No, this isn’t from my own experience…okay it is. Just go to class!” -Kari Lena (Admissions Counselor)

“If something your roommate does is driving you crazy, don’t wait until you talk to your parents, friends, RAs, professors, advisor, and your dog to talk to your roommate about it. Be mature and talk to them about it, and talk to them FIRST. Chances are you can work it out and you’ll be better off because of it!”

-Lauren Nelson (Graduate Assistant in Human Resources)


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
USF College Monthly | September 2016 by The Vessel - Issuu