USF Vessel September 2023

Writers

Coach Glo’s First USF Season

Literature in the Natural World

Women’s Wrestling

North Hall Makes History

MBA Certificates

In Memory of Amy Morrison

What makes a Library a Library?

Coo Starting to Roll?

Mark Leonard

Guardians of the Campus cover photo provided by USF Alumni Office

Rae Voss

Tessa Haag

Connor Aldrich

Cal Botsford

Aidan DeBoer

Lydia Kline

Carter Krull

Benjamin Mandel

Ryan Otto

Teeba Rauuf

Abigail Whittington

Close your eyes and imagine a classroom with no desks, no computers, no whiteboards, and no walls or windows. Now picture that those everyday “necessities” have been replaced by towering trees, luscious wild plum groves, fields of prairie grasses, and the banks of the Big Sioux River. USF Professor Kevin Cole did just that about 7 years ago when he first began planning his ENG 201 class, Literature of the Natural World.

“In some ways, my dad is responsible for this course, Henry David Thoreau is responsible for it. John Krakauer, who wrote Into the Wild, is responsible for it. Anyone who has ever written about the outdoors in such a way that makes you want to talk about it, think about it, write about it, has been an inspiration.”

Cole would go on talking about his various inspirations for an hour if you let him.

Now on his fourth fall of teaching the class, his crown jewel has finally taken its shape. “On one hand, it is still very much the same class in terms of fundamental philosophies,” Cole says.

“It has changed in terms of the kinds of works we’re reading. I believe the texts I’m using this year with the exception of one are all different.” He touches on the book/movie, Into the Wild, being a cult classic in the late 90s; but in his second year of teaching, no one in the class had ever heard of the book or seen the movie even though it is one of the greatest books about the outdoors in his eyes. So he began incorporating it.

The class meets once a week for two and a half hours at various state parks, sloughs, or recreation areas within 30 minutes of campus. Every week, Cole begins class by asking if any of the students have ever been there before. Hands rarely go up. “That’s why I started to teach the course, so that students would see that you don’t have to go far to experience the outdoors without there being a lot of people and dogs and paths and music. That’s been

Dr. Kevin Cole guides his English 201 class at Gitchie Manitow State Preserve, Just across the South Dakota border in Lyon County, Iowa.

really rewarding,” Cole reflects. He highly recommends students wear pants, as who knows what you may stumble across walking off-path through prairie grasses and thickets of weeds. On a handful of occasions this fall, the class has come across poison ivy, but have no fear, Cole knows just about every plant, animal, or bird they happen upon on their walks and will not hesitate to identify them. He stops frequently during the class, pointing out different kinds of native and invasive plants, birds and their calls, and is even quite knowledgeable when it comes to animal scat. That is, animal poop.

So far within these classes, Cole has seen some pretty amazing things. One year, his class saw a red-tailed hawk flying with a snake within its grasp. “Last year, we were walking around on the banks of the Big Sioux (River) and a student picked up a piece of what he thought was Sioux quartzite but actually, it was pipestone.” Cole regularly talks about the ancient civilizations that lived on these lands long before us. “We know that around this area where we are now, Gitchie Manitou and Blood Run, the people who lived here made routine trips to Pipestone, Minnesota, and that piece of pipestone had long striations. What it was originally for, we don’t know, but we had to, of course, leave it there on the banks.” In class, about an hour after conducting our interview, we were sitting on the bank of the Big Sioux again, this time while students read their reflective memoirs/essays aloud to the class when an

osprey, a locally uncommon bird of prey, flew overhead. Cole looked over and said that may be the newest favorite moment he has encountered throughout the class.

Cole takes into account the word of mouth from his students, asking constantly for feedback on readings or locations in order to maximize student engagement in class as well as ensuring it is a pleasurable experience for students. Much of the course content is focused on getting students to enjoy the outdoors and pay attention to the little things around them that they may not have noticed before. Everyone could learn a lesson from Cole and his inspirations, by taking a little bit of each waking day to bask in the fresh air of these local hidden gems and to get away from the overwhelming reality of society.

The USF Olympics, a tradition since the late 2000s, has been a way for all the residence halls to meet each other and compete in friendly competition. Occurring during the second week of the new school year, each residence hall competes as a different country throughout the week to try and win points for their team in hopes of winning the Olympics. This year the events included speed walking, volleyball, rock paper scissors, jeopardy, cornhole, and a relay race. Devin Wolthuizen, the coordinator of resident activities who leads the Olympics wanted to choose events that are inclusive for athletes and non-athletes. “Speed walking has been a tradition since the Olympics started and cornhole is a no brainer for the Midwest,” said Wohlthuizen. There were many participants each night competing in these events, and they had a lot of fun trying to win the trophy.

It takes a lot of commitment to participate each night, but students showed up to support their team, in particular, North Residence Hall. It was established six years ago and has never won the Olympics.

This year proved to be a different story as residents from North Hall didn’t fail to show up and compete each night. Toby Knutson got to be a part of making history and helping his team win. “My favorite event has to be the relay races. It was so much fun seeing everyone trip and fall but then getting back up again. Truly embracing the Cougar spirit. It’s also my favorite because me and

Photos provided by Macy Gaspar

three others won that event for North. It just felt so thrilling to have accomplished that for our team,” said Knutson.

The Resident Director of North Hall, Kristin Kotas, was especially proud of her team for putting in the work each night. Kotas said, “I couldn’t believe it when we won. Holding the trophy all together as a team was a big highlight.” Her favorite event this year was volleyball because of the excitement over it and all the students that came and competed. She also really loves jeopardy because the teams get to all work together.

This year, the USF Olympics saw a win that many people didn’t see coming. North Residence Hall made history with their first win and will no doubt try and hold the title next year.

photos provided by USF Alumni office

The University of Sioux Falls community was greatly saddened by the loss of longtime Adjunct Professor of Vocal Music, Amy Morrison. Morrison passed away from a 10-year battle with cancer on August 5, 2023. She was a beloved part of the USF Music Department and a fixture on campus since 2006. Morrison was very involved in music and arts education in Marion, Sioux Falls, and Mitchell and was the founder and CEO of the Effervescent Voice Academy in Sioux Falls. Dr. David DeHooghKliewer, USF Professor of Music talked about Morrison and her work at USF.

Why did students love Amy Morrison as a vocal instructor? “Amy’s charisma and optimism were contagious. With her flamboyant attire, students were intrigued. When assessing a student’s musical talent and gifts, she wasn’t judgmental. She took a student “where they were at” and encouraged progress in a clear, sequential way – baby steps – which resulted, in numerous cases, in exponential musical growth and joy.”

What will you miss most about not seeing Amy on campus? “Amy taught from a unique perspective. She was equally comfortable

Simon Floss and Amy Morrisoin

in classical genre (addressing university-level requirements) as well as contemporary pop and worship music. Students received a sound foundation (no pun intended), growing as artists on both ends of the musical spectrum.

I miss knowing that our students could study multiple styles under her capable direction, both in private voice lessons and during theatre productions.”

What would you like future students to know about Amy’s legacy at USF? “Amy engendered “growth” – always getting better at one’s artistic craft. This perspective aligns well with our overall performing arts programs: grow as a classically trained artist as well as areas that “give you life and feed your soul.”

We don’t force students to choose but allow them to pursue multiple areas.”

A number of Morrison’s co-workers and students shared their memories of Morrison.

Simon Floss ‘15 - “Amy Morrison was an indispensable part of my time during, and after, USF. Completely setting aside her unrivaled ability as a vocal instructor, she was the epitome of what a great friend looks like. I always knew that I was safe to be myself, and was deeply loved and cared for, anytime I knew I was going to see her. She’s helped me through the highest of highs and lowest of lows, and I know there are countless others who can say the same about her. USF was incredibly lucky to have her for so long, and even though our time was cut short, so was I.”

Tori Frahm, ‘21, Adjunct Professor of Communication Studies & Theatre - “When I first met and sang for Amy Morrison, she said something to me that I will never forget.

She said, “Girl, we are going to turn you into a powerhouse!” That was something that a younger and more insecure version of myself really needed to hear. And it wasn’t just flattery, it was a promise. Amy was so incredibly and unapologetically herself and she encouraged everyone around her to be the same. She wholeheartedly invested in people, believed in them, and worked tirelessly to help them develop their gifts and talents. Her influence on my life and the lives of so many others can be seen (and heard) in so many dynamic ways. It is difficult to put into words the enormity of her legacy, but if I had to sum it up, I would say, “To have known Amy Morrison is to have been blessed, loved, and challenged to be all you could be, by the most exuberant and joyously warmhearted person.” She is deeply missed by myself and so many others who had the absolute pleasure of knowing her.”

Toby Knutson ‘26 - “Whenever I had a rough week, I always looked forward to voice lessons with Amy to brighten up my week. She was an extremely talented individual and you could tell she loved doing what she did. Whenever a new thing happened with Effervescent (i.e.

New logo, location, etc.), she always proudly shared it. Before every lesson, she would always ask me how I was doing, both vocally and emotionally. You knew she cared, and that’s one of many things I will miss about her.

The Sioux Falls theater community has lost a great woman in the form of the bright, bubbly, and care-free Amy Morrison.”

Mo Plastow ‘23 - “Amy was the most dynamic person I have ever met. She was always encouraging and supportive during lessons and outside of lessons. Amy created a safe and loving space for everyone. She would light up any room she walked into with her dazzling smile and contagious laugh. I left every lesson inspired.”

The University of Sioux Falls Cougar football two great leaders, Camden Dean and Adam team garnered a win in the first month of the Mullen, who can both go out there and give semester against Minot State with a score of the team a shot at winning any game.

7 - 0, getting the season rolling with a relatively new group of players. The team this year is very Jackson said there are a few key components young, with only four seniors but has a very for the Cougars to get on a winning streak. “We high-powered offense. The offense is led by need to be as healthy as possible, be the most sophomore quarterback Camden Dean and a physical team, and focus on the small things,” very physical O-line. Starting right guard Jarome Jackson said. If the Cougars are able to do Jackson had this to say about the team, “I think these three things Jackson believes the sky’s the team is in a great spot right now, our first the limit. The last home game of the season is week against Mankato had 15 new guys starting against Nebraska’s Wayne State on November and now we are starting to find a rhythm and 4, so come out and support the Coo at Bob flow,” Jackson mentioned the offense is led by Young Field.

One of the most important jobs at the University of Sioux Falls is to keep their students and faculty members safe. This is where Campus Security comes into place. At the University of Sioux Falls, campus security doesn’t just stop at protecting the campus and everyone in it, but also helping out its people. Campus Security is here 24/7, whether someone needs help getting into a building, jump starting their car, getting help when locked out of their room, etc. On campus there are always security officers who are ready to help with a smile on their face.

Ralph Lott is a security officer at the University of Sioux Falls. Lott has been working at the campus for around 13 years. Lott said, “I feel the Good Lord led me here to USF, I was in a dark place and kinda spiraling out of control. I was in between jobs and a temp service called out of the blue and had a job as a janitor. The pay was considerably less than what I was making in construction, but I researched and found out it was a Christian University and the rest is history.” The University of Sioux Falls is home to many students and faculty, but what makes it home is the community that everyone has created for each other.

When Lott is on campus, he is ready to greet everyone and make them feel important.

“My favorite thing here is the students and the community feel,” says Lott. Being a campus officer also comes with its challenges, because University of Sioux Falls is a small community, it is easy to recreate amazing friendships,

but unfortunately some rules get broken. “Most challenging thing I’ve done and is always a challenge is when we conduct dorm searches. I tend to get to know the students and it breaks my heart when they get in trouble.” Lott said.

The officers at the University of Sioux Falls don’t only do their job, but so much more. They take their time to get to know the students and faculty, with compassion and trust. Many students have expressed how they respect our campus officers, because of the relationships they build with everyone. Campus Security is always lending a helping hand. If needed, do not hesitate to reach out and ask for help. Get to know our guardians, who make sure our campus is safe. Every. Single.

Day.

The University of Sioux Falls football team took the field August 31, for their home opener against Minnesota State - Mankato. At the helm for USF was newly appointed head coach Jim Glogowski. Glogowski has coached the past seven years at Mankato, and even brought them to the 2019 NCAA Football Championship game in Texas. Unfortunately, they fell short to The University of Western Florida, 48-40. Coach Glogowski was asked how it felt to really go against his old players and he replied, “[Playing against] those guys was surreal, awkward, and a little weird.” He also chuckled and said, “Every time I screamed at the offense, the guys

I recruited to the Mankato defense would look at me too.” The ending result wasn’t what the Cougars were expecting, with a tough loss of 54-26.

Looking forward to the near future, the optimism Coach Glogowski portrayed was evident, “I am kind of glad it’s over though because of all of the hype that led up to the game. To me, it was just another game that happened to be against Mankato. I’m ready for the next ten, eleven, twelve games we have to play.” Coach Glogowski aims to keep improving week to week no matter how difficult it can be for the

team. The greater the challenge, the more the team can come together and build trust and chemistry within each other. “That is something I like to tell my team. Preaching the importance of the little things, we have to get those right, so that we know how to handle the bigger things when the time comes,” Glogowski said. The Cougars are determined to best whichever opponent they play week-to-week. Now with more urgency throughout the team, the Cougars are prepared to take on the rest of the 2023 season.

With the mindset of the team’s catchphrase: #BuiltDifferent.

Photo provided by USF Athletics

Coach Toby Bryant, left -USF Women’s Wrestling Team- Asst. Coach Griffin Osing, right

On August 8, 2022 former Athletic Director Pam Gohl announced the addition of men’s and women’s wrestling programs to the University of Sioux Falls athletic department. Toby Bryant was hired just a few weeks later as the first head coach of the program. One year later, in August of 2023, the inaugural class of women’s wrestlers stepped foot on campus.

Bryant said that the girls have “been nothing but great” so far. The team is composed of 12 freshmen and one junior transfer, who has “helped this young team transition into college life.” Bryant described the young team as “so fresh, so genuine, so pure” and explained that they are “setting the climate and culture” of this new program. The team is currently in eight hour care weeks, which consist of three lifts, three wrestling practices, one classroom session and one team building activity.

The USF women’s wrestling program is not affiliated with any conference. All other USF sports programs are members of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC). Within the NSIC only two schools have women’s wrestling

programs; Minot State University (MSU) and USF. MSU and USF are both registered independents, meaning their women’s wrestling programs compete at the NCAA Division II level, but do not belong to an established athletic conference.

The team will compete in 7-8 open tournaments throughout the year. They also have set up various matches with other institutions, the most notable being the University of Iowa. The Hawkeyes added women’s wrestling in the fall of 2021, becoming the first NCAA DI Power Five school to do so. On January 31st the Hawkeyes will travel to Sioux Falls to compete against the Cougars in the new wrestling room, located in the Stewart Center. Bryant shared that USF and UI have a two year contract, and they will travel to Iowa City in 2024.

Head Coach Toby Bryant is excited to be leading the program into its inaugural season.

“The USF story just started,” he said, “The efforts and work effort of this first class of 23 sends a message that wrestling for our women is alive and well in our state and country.”

What makes you stand out to an employer? Is it a high GPA? Maybe it’s being an incredible student athlete. Or, maybe it’s having a masters degree. The University of Sioux Falls offers an exceptional masters program. They even have programs that allow you to graduate in your normal 4 year term and walk away with an undergrad and your masters. So, what is a masters degree? Steve Horan, Assistant Professor of Business Administration and MBA Director explained that an MBA is for people who are looking to become more critical thinkers. It’s a way for people to stand out in the job market and be more prepared to step into higher job position roles.

To qualify for an MBA, you must go through a series of prerequisite classes to be eligible for enrollment into the MBA program. But, what

about students who may have a harder time with the prerequisite courses or are unsure if an MBA is right for them? MBA certificates may be right for those students. An MBA certificate consists of 12 credits total. USF offers four target areas for MBA certificates: Business Innovation and Marketing, Healthcare Management, Management, and Organizational Leadership.

These certificates offer four core classes within the overall MBA program. A MBA certificate is a great way for someone to obtain a form of higher level education without having to take the prerequisite classes that may not be exactly the right fit for them. With an MBA certificate, you are still able to put it on a resume and LinkedIn profile. Horan says for most people it’s a great way to get started on your journey in the MBA program before committing to the full degree.

What makes a library a library? Sure there are things like books and movies that make up most libraries but as Annie Sternburg, the Director of Library Services, likes to say, “Mears Library is not a normal library.” For people who may not be aware, Mears Library has been a part of The University of Sioux Falls since 1965, and while some things within the library haven’t changed much over the years, there are some things that the library has added that make it that much more unique.

When asked what the library currently has Sternburg says, “Mears Library has a plethora of things that students are not aware of. A wide variety of board games, video games for the Xbox One, an Xbox One and Wii U, bikes through Student Life, South Dakota State Park passes from the state library, professors putting materials on reserve instead of requiring students buying extra books, the One Button Studio where students can make quick videos for a class, photo and video editing software that can be used at the editing computers, and a make and create space to make crafts where students can unwind and destress.” Sternburg also says the library isn’t just a place to borrow books, it serves a variety of needs for a college student. “The Cougar Cupboard is through Student Life, a book nook for fun reading, and multiple study rooms. For resources we have hundreds of databases for academic research, Films on Demand that contains educational content that is free to use for students, a large number of ebooks, tutoring that is through the Academic Success Center, events that take

place withinMears Library, vending machines, the art department also has art shows that will occur throughout the semester, Interlibrary loans to find things that we do not have on hand (except for textbooks), free printing, an education classroom with the potential for two additional classrooms, rooms for meetings, campus security which is located within Mears Library, projectors and screens, the computer lab, as well as books.” said Sternburg.

There are more things located within the Library than it would appear at first glance. Many students do not utilize all of the different services that Mears Library has to offer compared to a “more traditional library”, but Sternburg says there are always more things that could be added to the library. She would like to add a cafe/ coffee shop, a 3D printer, and more comfortable furniture.

While everyone may not know everything there is to know about the library, there are two fulltime librarians that are able to assist with any sort of library questions students may have, as well as being able to help with any assistance that students may need for their research papers.

Ph

Sophomore and Junior year were the years of development and growing. After learning the schedule for football and class, college started to become more of a routine. “After being a year into the system, college started to become more fun,” says Leonard.

He also explained his welcome to college football moment. “It was the first play of the first game and I went out to block an all-American linebacker, and he put me right on my back. That’s when I realized I needed to figure it out.” Since then, Mark has put this phrase into practice and is constantly working on “figuring it out.”

Mark Leonard is an Accounting and Computational Economics major at the University of Sioux Falls. In his free time, he’s a tight end for the USF Football team.

He has been in the program for 4 years now. He has one more year following the completion of this season. Football has looked a little different for Leonard throughout his years playing football for the coo with different coaching staffs bringing in different schemes, new competition, and fighting injury.

Freshman year was the year of adjustments. From meeting new friends to dealing with COVID-19 regulations, Leonard learned how to manage his schedule and an importance of time management.

“COVID-19 didn’t make anything easier, but I wouldn’t trade those times for anything. It made it easier that all my teammates were dealing with the same challenges,” Leonard explains.

Leonard has found much success through his years playing football for the coo. “It’s great having teammates that have been working towards the same goals alongside of me. Constantly being there as a support system for each other. The bonds built through football are like no other, I think that’s the best part of this sport.”

Leonard says.

“IT’S GREAT HAVING TEAMMATES THAT HAVE BEEN WORKING TOWARDS THE SAME GOALS ALONGSIDE OF ME. CONSTANTLY BEING THERE AS A SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR EACH OTHER. THE BONDS BUILT THROUGH FOOTBALL ARE LIKE NO OTHER, I THINK THAT’S THE BEST PART OF THIS SPORT.” - MARK LEONARD