UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS STUDENT MEDIA
WRITERS
Guest Writers
of Cara Hetland’s class, MED206 Media Writing
Toby Knutson
Elizabeth Schmidt
Aryana Dokter
Reece Scott
Cooper Garber
Hailey Cisar
Ella Hancock
Camryn Kennedy
Abigael Olson
Samantha Hidalgo
Courtesy
Cover Photo by Emma Edwards Back Photo byMathew Carroll
Who is Campus Pastor Matt Styles?
By: Samantha Hidalgo - Story Courtesy of MED206 - Media Writing
Pastor Matt Styles’ life has been full of Isaiah 6:8 moments. When God asks, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Isaiah responds, “Here am I; send me!”. This verse is often seen as a powerful example of a willing and obedient response to God’s calling and a commitment to serve. Pastor Styles didn’t always know what he wanted to do but over time and God placing the right people in his life, he was able to discern his calling.
Matt Styles was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He grew up attending the United Methodist Church with his family, his mother occasionally leading Sunday school. He grew up in an environment where going to church was a part of the social climate. He also loved playing basketball and spending time with friends.
A pivotal time for Styles in his faith was in High School. “I had a conversation with some people, where questions like” “what does it mean to be a Christian were asked” and someone asked me, “Are you a Christian?” and I was like “Oh yeah, I go to church like all the time” and then someone said “that doesn’t make you a Christian.” So I started to think deeper about my faith and ask the question, “so what does make someone a Christian?” said Styles. He said he began to swear less and read his bible more, although admittedly at the time didn’t know what was going on in Leviticus.
Styles had a friend surrender their life to God and witnessed his friend’s faith grow. This encouraged him to dig in even deeper, leading him to grow in his prayer life and with his community through church, witnessing important growth in himself.
Pastor Matt Styles was once a student here at The University of Sioux Falls. He began his college education at The University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD.
He wasn’t sure what direction to go in higher education, but he liked making funny videos. Styles began with taking only general courses, Majoring in Mass Communications and participating in CREW (or Campus Crusade for Christ). While he was attending USD, he began dating a girl, who would later become his wife; she transferred to USF, and Styles followed. He was already driving up to Sioux Falls every weekend. Considering the Majors at USF and Styles’ love of making silly videos he began Majoring in Media Studies with a Minor in Theology & Philosophy (which is now Theology and Biblical Studies). Once experiencing his first few theology courses Styles was enamored, “It was incredible, the depth of which Christians throughout history have thought about their faith some of the questions and conversations, the depth, I was drawn to it, so then I did a double major Media Studies & Theology/Philosophy.”
Photo taken by Dustin VanHunnik, USF Marketing
Styles then went on to Seminary at the suggestion of Dr. John Hiigel. “I never anticipated seminary as my next move,” he said. After considering a couple of different programs, he chose to attend Seminary at Sioux Falls Seminary, in part to be close to his then girlfriend. After receiving his master’s in divinity, he began to Pastor at Komstad Covenant Church in Beresford, SD where he stayed for 7 1⁄2 years. After a chance encounter with a seminary professor, Styles was encouraged to explore his options. “Then my professor said to me,” “Hey I know you’re at the country church, have you looked into anywhere else?” “I said no, I’m comfortable where I’m at.” “Well, there’s a position opening up at Trinity Baptist Church, I think you should put your name in for it.” said Styles. Styles didn’t consider the position at first, he loved the people in his congregation and was happy.
Later, he encountered his professor again and was told that the hiring committee was keeping an eye out for Styles’ name among the applicants. Styles thought, “What’s the harm in applying?” “And then all the doors started opening up,” he said, and that’s how he landed the position at Trinity Baptist Church where he worked for 7 years.
Styles came into the position of Campus Pastor in much the same way. He met up with Dr.Hiigel at a restaurant. Hiigel told him “Dennis Thum is retiring” and Styles was encouraged to apply. “He is a fan of this school, but he is sensitive, experienced and has an incredible sense of humor. He also has the capability to preach about complex things!” said Dr. Hiigel. Styles said he was excited for the opportunity! “That’d be cool because this was a place that was really transformative for me throughout the years and a place where I really grew a ton,” said Styles. He didn’t have to think for long before turning in his application to become our Campus Pastor and getting to be a part of leading the growth and transformation that he cherished so much as a student at the University of Sioux Falls.
Photo by Mathew Carroll
Freshman Chloe Wilson joined the University of Sioux Falls women’s soccer team in the fall, 2025 season along with two other freshmen. While dominating in preseason training, it didn’t take long for everyone to realize this season would be different.
From the first whistle in August, Wilson’s presence was impossible to ignore. A technical and quick midfielder, she brought an explosive attacking style that immediately energized the offense. Defensively Wilson was a power house. Nobody could get by her, and if they did, she vigorously chased them down.
Wilson powerfully dribbling by a Minnesota State University player.
Soccer Spotlight
By: Camryn Kennedy
This first fall season for Wilson opened with a tense non-conference match against Dordt University. Nerves were high, especially for the freshman. “In my first college game I was definitely very anxious and nervous, I thought I was ready and I was but I still froze,” Wilson said. As the game went on it was apparent to everyone that the freshman belonged here. “I got way more comfortable,” said Wilson.
Throughout the fall season, Wilson started and played in all 18 games. She ended the season with a total of 1552 minutes played with 1 assist and 26 shots on goal. Wilson was noticed for her outstanding freshman season by becoming Queen of the Game during the October 5th game against Minnesota State, as well as Newcomer of the year for her overall season performance. Wilson quickly became one of the only midfielders to stay on the field for all 90 minutes game after game. She was a staple player while attacking and defending.
Not only during games but also practices, Wilson competed, had fun, and showed off. Now, improving during the off season, she is ready to get back for her second fall season as a Cougar.
Chloe Wilson posing for her first media day with USF Soccer.
Photos by Travis Gallipo photography
Life in the IT Office
The University of Sioux Falls IT Office is where all the technology magic happens. From helping with student needs on a daily basis to keeping technology up to date, the IT Office handles so many different things.
Bill Bartell, who is the Vice President of Information Technology, gave some great insight into what the IT Office is involved in. When planning for technology changes, he comes up with a technology plan for improvements. He said, “The operational plan is based on maintenance for existing systems, including repairs for existing hardware, and planning for future needs of various software and cloud-based products. When possible, I purchase 3 or even 5-year maintenance contracts, which normally locks in the price during that time.” In addition to coming up with a plan, he must consider how long computers need to work and plan for repairs. He mentioned that computers typically need to work for five to seven years before there are security concerns.
For 2026, the IT Office purchased 165 desktop PCs, which covers about one third of the total desktops on campus. There are also plans to replace the higher-end PCs in the Pierce Media Studies Lab and more Macintosh systems for the Art and Media Labs later in the year. On top of all that, with the launch of the ESPORTS Program, there are new gaming systems being purchased
By: Aryana Dokter
in preparation for the launch in Fall of 2026. Bartell said, “We’ll have invested over $330,000 in new PC equipment.”
When keeping up with all the changes, Bartell mentioned it can be quite challenging. “For instance, when picking the gaming systems for our ESPORTS program, I leaned heavily on everyone in the department and the new ESPORTS coach for recommendations in hardware configurations as well as what the high school students in the area expect. Though I play a lot of XBOX with my grandkids, in the gaming world, I spend most of my time in games like “Myst” and all the “LEGO” titles, so I needed my staff’s experience picking systems that are appropriate for high-end competition.” He knows that leaning on the staff and staying up to date takes a conscious effort to make sure the campus has the proper technology needed.
When it is all said and done, the IT Office plays a crucial role in the life of the campus and making sure that students have the resources needed to further their education. To not raise tuition costs for students, Bartell and the rest of the IT Office work hard to make insightful decisions. “The best I can do is provide technology vision for my staff and the campus, allow them to do their best work, make myself available where needed, and keep us as informed as we can as to how technology is evolving.”
Bill Bartell, Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer working in his IT office.
College Environment Blooms Friendships: Insight on USF’s Activities Board
Written by Hailey Cisar - Story Courtesy of MED206 - Media Writing
At the University of Sioux Falls campus, you can find most students out on the grassy quad located in the middle of campus, in the gym, also known as the Stewart Center or the McDonalds Center where the cafeteria and cafe are, enjoying all different kinds of events. Popular events are cookouts, hosted by clubs where students can stop for a meal or hang out and play games for a while, a DJ which is often booked for times like welcome week, intramural sports, held throughout the year for all students, dorm Olympic games, bonfires, and many other events, all thanks to the Cougar Activities Board. It is beneficial, while students are at college, for them to be able to find a home away from home. Attending events on campus builds a community and is a good way to get involved and meet people beyond the classrooms.
The Cougar Activities Board, also known as CAB, is a group of faculty and students that meet to brainstorm events to put on for everyone on campus to enjoy.
Every event is thought through very well and with the best interest of students to make the environment welcoming and exciting. Throughout the summer, the CAB team meets to get to know each other, Building relationships and setting goals to make the school year events go smoothly.
To get on the board you go through an application and interview process, ensuring that each member is the perfect fit for their role. Kylee Miller is one of the faces behind CAB. Last year, Kylee was chosen to be president at the last minute, two days before school started but that did not stop her from jumping into action and picking up where the last president left off. “I’m a senior this year and so I’ve been doing it since freshman year, and what we do is we get together, biweekly and plan events on campus for people to come out and enjoy. There’s a bunch of different events but we do everything to try and get people included. So, if there’s sports people, we have intramurals, and there’s people who like artsy stuff we have paint night and things like that. So, we kind of do all the events to get everyone on campus involved,” Miller said.
Miller said, there is a transition of new people stepping up. Lindsay Daschner and Brooke Klingensmith will serve as co-presidents beginning in the Fall. Because Miller graduated in December, the current CAB President is Courtney Holsteen. Daschner is a sophomore and joined CAB to be able to get some extra scholarship money and to get involved at school,
further than sports. “I feel like I am very organized and like planning and wanting to be in charge,” Daschner said. The goals for CAB are always increasing and each member works hard to move towards them.
This year, they started implementing fundraising in different ways like selling t-shirts for the key to the city football game. Fundraising is beneficial to be able to create larger events and provide for more students. “Welcome week we did a DJ and that was super fun, and we had a great turn out, we got pizza and drinks but, it’s expensive and we only have so much of a budget,” Miller said. Other ways the board is wanting to improve is getting new people on the board. The last couple years there was only one male on the board and the rest of the student members were females, and then for a while it was just females but now this year there is a male on the board again which makes a big impact. “It’s grown to get more boys involved. It’s usually hard to get them in there but then they have different perspectives. Even prize wise, you’d never think of a prize being an oil change until a guy is like that’s a genius prize.” Miller said. Miller said you don’t have to be on the board to get involved. Ideas for future events can be sent through emails or shared through word of mouth to any of the CAB members, they are always open for new ideas and the creative effort can spark from any USF student or staff.
Author Hailey Cisar’s intramural volleyball team, 2024. They played every Sunday night in a bracket type system.
FCA Meetings
By: Elizabeth Schmidt
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a nonprofit sports ministry that seeks to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through coaches and athletes. FCA takes place at 7:00 PM in the lower level of the Mears Library most Monday nights. Student athletes gather to play games, hear a message, and participate in small groups. FCA is a way for student-athletes to connect by participating in weekly fellowship, asking questions about their faith, seeking to glorify God in all they do, and talking about their identity in Christ.
A typical FCA meeting is one hour long. Students arrive and grab snacks, socialize, and then gather together to play a large group game. After the game, there is a 30–40-minute message led by a few student-athletes about Jesus and the Bible. To end the night, students meet in small groups and talk about how they can further apply the message to their own lives and reflect on what they learned. Every year, FCA picks an overall theme to focus on with a word or phrase; this year’s theme is “Proven”. This theme challenges athletes to stop proving their worth through performance and instead live as already proven, accepted, and loved by God.
Student-athletes connecting with one another before the group message.
Paige Padilla is a sophomore FCA leader at USF and never experienced an FCA huddle before attending college. “Growing up, I didn’t have an FCA group or club around me, and being in college and having the opportunity to attend FCA has made a huge impact in my life.” She became a leader in the fall of 2025, when one of her senior soccer teammates graduated, and a spot had opened on the leadership team. She explained she has developed friendships with people from many different sports teams. “I have people around me to not only push me in my faith, but also in my everyday life.”
FCA is a unique opportunity for student-athletes to grow their relationship with Christ. “FCA provides more realistic ways for college students to live out their faith. It challenges me to live the life I say I want to live, by glorifying God in all that I do,” Padilla said. For any students looking to get involved in FCA, they should follow the Instagram @usfcougarfca to stay up to date on future events.
Student-athletes participating in a large group game.
Pierre Social Work Trip
By: Ella Hancock
Road trip! Ten USF students taking the Social Policy class had the opportunity to take a trip down to Pierre for the Social Work Day at the Capitol, accompanied by Social Work professors, Heather Mileham and Kayla Hinrichs. Their day was jam packed with valuable learning experiences such as, sitting in on numerous committee sessions, both house and senate, witness committee discussions, listening to bills regarding proponent and opponent testimony, and viewing the voting process on whether to send the bill to the house or senate floor. Additionally, the students even had the chance to connect with other fellow social work students from Augustana and USD, followed by a Q&A session with former NASW-SD board members as well as a social work lobbyist.
Danielle Minsaas, who is a junior majoring in criminal justice and political science/history major, recently added social work to her lineup of majors and has the end goal of being a part of legislation and be active in the government lens. Danielle, who jumped at the chance to go to Pierre with her classmates, shared that “Being able to sit in on the bills that were being discussed was very insightful, listening to the amount of preparation that is needed in order to correctly inform the committee members was noteworthy.”
Heather Mileham, who has a background of almost 20 years in social work and is in her first year of teaching for USF, shares “They were excited to be able to take what we were learning in the classroom and see it happen in real life. That experimental learning piece can make it less intimidating and more realistic that they could actually do that kind of work.”
Left to Right
Camdyn Ernster, Danielle Minsass, Chloe Aanenson, Katherine Johns, Julianna Andrade, Vivian Jacobs, Haley Dewit, Morgan Preuss, Abbie Dubro, Taya Weber
Danielle defends this statement by stating her perspective, as a student, on the importance and benefit that time “in the field” can have on a prospective social worker; “It is hard to fully understand some of the materials that we are taught but being able to sit in on what truly goes on day to day is very beneficial. Some of the things that can be learned on a trip, like going to the capital, can’t be taught in a classroom.”
As this trip received roaring feedback, amongst both professors and students, it seems to hint for the growth in these outings for students in all varieties of majors and hopeful career paths!
Bottom Left to Right
Professor Heather Mileham; Students: Vivian Jacobs, Haley Dewit, Chloe Aanenson, Katherine Johns, Danielle Minsaas
Top Left to Right
Professor Kayla Hinrichs; Students: Abbie Dubro, Julianna Andrade, Taya Weber, Morgan Preuss, Camdyn Ernster
SPRING BALL HAS BEGUN
By: Cooper Garber
University of Sious Falls Football has officially started spring ball. After a successful winter segment of the year, the USF Football team is excited and ready for the next step.
During the winter, getting faster, stronger, and in shape is the goal which the team feels was accomplished. Now, the team is excited to get out on the field and start practice. Big goals are in store for the team and it starts with spring ball.
Spring ball gives players a chance to prove themselves and grow their talents. For a student athlete its an exciting step towards progress.
The first few practices involved a lot of newcomers learning and adapting but with the help of a lot of experience on the team everything went smoothly. Offence, defence and special teams have been focused and
prepared for what is to come.
The coaching staff has put a lot of importance on spring of 2026 and it is evident why. the outcome in the fall comes back to the preparation the team does in spring.
With only a couple practices down and many to go there is a lot that can happen but if things go the way the coaches have layed out of the team then big things are to come in the fall.
Its an exciting time for USF athletics and the football team is ready to take the next step in the NSIC starting with a successful spring ball.
Tight Ends Coach Ryan Howe said, “Overall spring ball went well and we are developing an identity offensively. It is good to see the offense come together and show what we are capable of.”
Photo by: Jurgens Photography
SENIOR SEMINAR
By: Reece Scott
For many students in USF’s math and computer science programs, Senior Seminar is more than just another class. It is the final step before graduation and in many ways, the first step into the professional world.
Senior Seminar has been part of the curriculum since the 2003–2004 academic year. The course was originally developed by Dr. Jason Douma and Dennis Roark, along with other faculty members at the time. Dr. Douma has been teaching college level courses since 1993 and has been at USF since 1998. Now in its 22nd year, Senior Seminar has gone through updates and changes, but its main goal has stayed the same.
Senior Seminar is a yearlong capstone course where students complete an independent research project. Unlike most classes, there is no step by step set of instructions telling students exactly what to do and when to do it. Instead, students choose a major project and work through it over the course of the year.
Dr. Douma explains that the real purpose of Senior Seminar is to help students shift from what he calls “student mode” to “professional mode.” In most classes, instructors guide every assignment. In Senior Seminar, students must take ownership. They set goals, manage their time, solve problems, and adjust when things do not go as planned.
This semester, students are exploring a wide variety of real world topics. A few examples of projects include locating the most optimized E-Bike hubs, detecting phishing URLs using machine learning techniques like J48 and Naive Bayes, studying activation functions for stable gradient flow in neural networks, predicting restaurant sales through sale records, and forecasting stock price movements using multiple linear regression to name a few. These projects give students handson experience with tools, data, and problems similar to what professionals encounter on the job.
Students develop important skills in the process. Time management and personal responsibility are big ones. They also learn how to research information on their own, take on large problems that cannot be solved in just a few days, and clearly explain complex ideas in both writing and presentations.
The open ended nature of the course can be one of its biggest challenges. Sometimes students get weeks into a project only to realize it is harder than expected. Other times, the results they thought they would find simply are not there. In those moments, they have to rethink their approach and possibly change direction. That flexibility can be frustrating, but it reflects what happens in real professional work.
The impact of Senior Seminar often goes beyond graduation. Many students have said their projects helped strengthen job or graduate school applications. One former student even built an inventory management system during Senior Seminar and later used it in his own start up business.
Courses like Senior Seminar are often called “capstone” experiences because they bring together everything students have learned. According to Dr. Douma, this kind of experience helps students build confidence doing independent work in their field.
For students preparing to take Senior Seminar, Dr. Douma offers simple advice “Own it.” More than any other class at USF, the course is what students make of it. Take initiative. Manage your time well. Choose a project that matters to you. Make it more than just a requirement for graduation.
Senior Seminar may be challenging, but it aims to give students something valuable, confidence in their ability to work independently and step into the next chapter of life.
Catch Me If You Can Takes Off at USF
By: Toby Knutson
“Unlike a fairy tale, the parable provides no happy ending. Instead, it leaves us face to face with one of life’s hardest spiritual choices: to trust or not to trust in God’s all-forgiving love.”
~Henri J.M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming
The story of Frank Abagnale Jr. is one of constantly running away from life’s struggles and the endless search to find something fulfilling, focusing his identity (or multiple identities) on himself or things that are not stable. This struggle to find identity and running away from life’s tribulations is something that most, if not all, people can relate to one way or another.
Catch Me If You Can roared onto the Meredith stage March 25, 26, 27, and 28. Inspired by the true-story of teenager Frank Abagnale Jr., who runs away from home and successfully impersonates several professionals - including a pilot, doctor, and lawyer - while cashing millions of dollars in forged checks. As Frank enjoys the thrill of deception and fame, determined FBI agent Carl Hanratty relentlessly tracks him across the country. Beneath the flashy cons and high-energy musical numbers, the story explores Frank’s longing for family and stability after his parents’ divorce.
Alecia Juelfs, the Assistant Professor of Theater, and the theater program director here at USF, said she hopes people who come see the show don’t miss the good news of the mercy that is shown in the story. “I’ve been praying that people who may be struggling with some kind of sin, that it becomes known to them,” Juelfs said. While Frank lives out his life in sin, he does eventually face consequences. Just like with the Prodigal Son, we see Frank’s obedience in turning away from the earthly pressures and owning up to his sin. Carl Hanratty shows him grace by getting him out of jail early to come work at the F.B.I.. Frank is saved from the cycle of detriment that he is in and given the opportunity to do good with it. “You can be at your lowest point and still be met with this new thing that gives you hope that you didn’t know was possible,” said Juelfs.
The humanity we see in Frank Jr. is something that people can see reflected in themselves. Nathan Elias, a senior Music Performance major, plays the role of Frank Abagnale Jr. in the musical. “He’s just flying by the seat of his pants and wanting everything to just work out and doing everything in his abilities to make it work the way he wants,” says Elias. “I feel that’s a very human emotion of wanting things to be okay. I think that’s the part I relate to the most.”
Alecia Juelfs (left) directing Nathan Elias (right).
Picture creds: Layla Round
Some of the cast of Catch Me If You Can during rehearsal.
While the show carries meaningful themes of grace, identity, and redemption, Juelfs also describes the production as a large theatrical spectacle that brings Frank’s wild journey to life. From more lights, to a bigger set, to the orchestra being onstage, the production embraces the full spectacle of musical theatre, creating an energetic and visually exciting experience for the audience. “The story lends to it because it breaks the fourth wall a lot,” Juelfs said. “Allowing people a peek behind the curtain is fun, which we haven’t always done in a musical.”
For Elias, the production also carries special significance as it marks the final performance of his college theatre career. “I’m excited to really go out with a bang,” says Elias. “This show is absolutely going to be a spectacle, and I’m very much looking forward to being a part of that.
Alecia Juelfs directing the cast during rehearsal. Picture creds: Toby Knutson
