USF Vessel Magazine - December 2020

volume 8 issue 3

december 2020

university of sioux falls student media

Nicole Weber Everett Moran

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Mercede Odegaard

WRITERS WRITERS WRITERS WRITERS

Erin Cheney

Olivia Valdez

Adam Sheffield

Parker Brown

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editors 4

Mataya Lines Greta Smith

contents 2-3 writers 4 editors 5 contents 6-7 art department 8-11 student athlete profile 12-13 student quotes 14 new computer lab 15 winter activities in sf

Cover photo taken by Ethan Roggow

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art department honors During the 2020 spring semester, the University of Sioux Falls had to close its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of this early closure, many senior Art majors were unable to have their traditional final art show, which normally allows them to display their best work over the four years.

When students and faculty returned to campus in the fall, Gallery director Joe Schaeffer and the other art professors tried to find a way to honor the now graduated art students, as well as display their artwork from the years past and the new pieces that were made during the pandemic away from campus. Two shows, “Made in Isolation” and “Lumiere Illuminar Limye” show piece by Brooke Brings Three White Horses were created out of that need.

“Made in Isolation” contains the work of three graduated USF artists: Evelyn Groeger, Brooke Brings Three White Horses, and Jayde Halverson. “Lumiere Illuminar Limye” featured the work of Allison Kneisl. The mediums included acrylic, print, and watercolor. Artist Evelyn Groeger said, “I’m just really glad to have a chance to show off my work from my last few years here at USF.” Those who had the chance to see the pieces say the hard work and energy put in by these artists was evident with every creation. show pieces by Jayde Halverson

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graduates

story by Erin Cheney

graduate Allison Kneisel & Dr. Joy Lind at Lumiere Illuminar Limye

show pieces by Evelyn Groeger

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We felt it was important to have shows representing USF’s Spring 2020 graduates who, due to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, were unable to have senior shows. It created an opportunity for them to showcase work created throughout their time at USF and perhaps provide some sense of closure to an undoubtedly unconventional end to their senior year.

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Joe Schaeffer, USF Professor & Gallery Director

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student athlete

Senior University of Sioux Falls Track and Field standout Mercy Oyadare hopes to leave a lasting impact in Sioux Falls, whether in athletic competition, her studies, through service to the community or with her voice.

Focused and upbeat, Oyadare is leaving an impression at USF where she continues to exhibit special leadership skills, both in competition and in the campus community. On the track, the senior from Sioux City, Iowa, was part of USF’s record-breaking (47.07) 4x100 meter relay squad (Sarah Troescher, KaNya Henderson, Oyadare, Chloe Peterson) that placed third at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays in 2019.

That performance is one of three indoor/outdoor program top-10 times that Oyadare has been a part of at USF. In the 2020 indoor season, she clocked 59.73 in the 400-meters which places her ninth all-time at the school.

In that same indoors she was part of a distance medley relay squad that clocked a 12:35.24 (sixth, NSIC Indoor Championships) for the fifth-best all-time clocking indoors at USF. Her work ethic and determination have certainly contributed to her athletic success over the last few seasons.

Oyadare has continually pushed herself to be better, which includes constantly running personal bests and then beating them again. At USF, she has recorded 31 top-8 finishes with an individual title, 12 top-3 finishes and three all-time top-10 program marks.

From the day she arrived at USF, Oyadare found success on the track. In the 2017-2018 Indoor season, Oyadare ran a personal best time in the 55 (7.53, sixth place) at the Dordt College Indoor Invitational, ran another personal best in the 200 (1:02.41) at the SDSU DII Invitational, placed second in the 200 (26.73) at the SDSU Last Chance Meet, and ran a leg of the 4x400 at the NSIC Indoor Track and Field Conference Championships.

During the 2017-2018 Outdoor Track Season, Oyadare placed 21st in the 100 (12.99) at the NSIC Outdoor Track and Field Conference Championships, and ran a leg of the 4x400 that finished 12th at the conference meet.

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Seeing my own progress is what drives me to compete.

I’m always curious just how far I can go and push my body.

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profile

story by Mercede Odegaard

The following year in 2018-19, Oyadare, who is a four-time Academic All-NSIC performer, continued to push herself and worked even harder. Oyadare placed third in the 200 (26.85) at the CSB-SJU Indoor Invite and set a personal best time in the 60 (7.99) at the NSIC Indoor Track and Field Conference Championships.

In the 2018-2019 Outdoor Track and Field season, Oyadare set the bar even higher, placing second in the 100 (12.65) and third in the 200 (26.27, a personal best) at the USD Twilight Meet. She also competed in three events at the NSIC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, running a leg on both the 4x100 (sixth place) and the 4x400 (11thplace), and ran a personal best in the 100 (12.56).

In the 2019-201 Indoor, Oyadare continued to excel. She finished with eight top-8 finishes, including twice earning runner-up finishes. Among her top performances was the 300-meters, when she clocked a personal-best of 43.00. She also ran on the 10th place 4x400 meter relay (4:05.74) at the NSIC Championships on 2-28-2020. Additionally, she had a PR in the 60-meter of 7.97 (finished 11th) at the Maverick Invitational in Mankato, MN, on Feb. 21, 2020.

An unyielding competitive edge and incredible work ethic has been a part of Oyadare since childhood.

Doug Peterson, Director of

“I just had the desire to join any and every sport and Cross Country and Track club I could from middle school throughout high school,” said Oyadare. “I enjoyed the social aspect but also the challenging aspects.”

An ability to relate to others is a gift that Oyadare credits to the value structure passed to her by her parents. Developing bonds of friendship is a social benefit of sports that she finds especially enticing as well. Her teammates mean the world to her.

“My teammates honestly make the sport (track and field) so worthwhile,” said Oyadare. “They push me, encourage me, and laugh with me, even during the not-so-fun workout days. Track would absolutely not be the same without them, I’m very much a social person and I need my teammates to make the experience a great one,” she said.

Beyond that energy created from teammates, she also attributes her success to an outstanding coaching staff, who care.

“I can tell that they care when I reflect on the hours and effort they put into us,” said Oyadare.

“They have so much patience (like, a lot) with us and they’re knowledgeable; when I ask why we’re doing something, I can expect an educated response.”

Doug Petersen, the Director of Cross Country and Track and Field at the University of Sioux Falls, recognized Oyadare’s strong leadership skills right away. “Mercy has been a strong team leader here at USF,” said Petersen. “She is a Coo Leader on the team and is passionate about the team community and growth. She is just as dedicated to her training and strives to be successful.”

Petersen recognizes Oyadare’s determination and work ethic and appreciates her drive to compete.

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Mercy is a very competitive athlete and works hard each day at practice. She always represents USF and our team in a very positive way.

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A hard worker with an even bigger heart, Oyadare steps up through service. It is another aspect of her social persona that makes the senior stand out.

“We need to help those who are in need of help, as opposed to shying away from the opportunity,” said Oyadare. “Through Service Day, classes I’ve taken, and fundraisers the team has done, I’ve been able to give back physically and financially to the Sioux Falls Community.”

Giving back and standing up for what she believes in are two things Oyadare has learned from her role model, U.S. Olympian and three-time world champ Allyson Felix.

“I don’t know her personally, but Allyson Felix is someone in the track world who has always set an amazing example for me,” said Oyadare. “She’s poised, hardworking, dedicated, and stands up when something’s not right, whether it’s Black Lives Matter or maternity issues within her own sport. She’s definitely someone I look up to.”

Her time at USF seems to have flown by, said Oyadare, who is pleased she made the sprint from Sioux City North to USF four years ago.

“I enjoyed the community feel of USF when I visited,” said Oyadare. “I knew I could run here, get my degree, and enjoy my colMercy Oyadare lege experience.”

After blinking once it seems, Oyadare is now in her final year at USF, and has learned something new every day.

“My eyes have been opened and I’m learning more about the world around me, especially with the events that have taken place during the year of 2020,” said Oyadare, who is a member of the Task Force on Diversity, Inclusion, Social Justice, Civic Engagement and Advocacy at USF. “I’ve been having meaningful conversations that allow for me to learn and grow and I’m thankful for the opportunity to also share and teach others.”

Oyadare is focused on completing her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Science, and Media Studies with an emphasis in social media. She is contemplating graduate school in political science, public administration or public relations (social media).

Oyadare believes she has work to do to grow even more. “I’m not a patient person, but in order to effectively love others as Christ loves us, I need to meet people where they’re at,” said Oyadare, who has been civic-minded Mercy Oyadare dating to high school when she was on the North Student Council and served on the Mayor Youth Commission in Sioux City. “My mom is still working on instilling patience in me.”

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I just want to be in a position to positively impact the people in this nation.

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The daughter of Billy and Sarah Oyadare, she has learned many life lessons from her parents that have shaped her into the person she is today. “My mom is so unbelievably patient and I hope to be like her one day,” said Oyadare. “My dad taught me how important financial responsibility is.

I’m not quite there yet, but hopefully once I’m a true adult I’ll be able to handle money like a real adult,” said Oyadare.

Speaking of ‘adulting’, Oyadare has found that it’s easier to handle big, ‘adult’ problems by simply talking it out.

“I’m constantly calling my friends to talk through thoughts that run through my head and experiences I’m dealing with,” said Oyadare. “Talking through issues helps me process them.”

One of the issues in competition is learning to take care of yourself, said Oyadare, who believes that the body deserves a break every once in a while.

“When I feel like I need a break, I take a little break,” said Oyadare, who draws from her creative side in self-care like choosing face masks, painting nails, and enjoying treats.

Her self-care also includes bettering herself in ways not related to her studies, but that will prove important as she steps into the working world.

“I’ve been learning German for a little over a year now,” said Oyadare. “My baby cousins who live in Germany prefer to speak German, so I thought it’d be fun to pick up another language.”

And, Oyadare tries to better herself by reading but doing so with a bit of a caveat that she aims to change.

“I have a bad habit of starting books and not finishing them,” said Oyadare.

“But the last book I started, ‘Becoming’ by (former U.S. First Lady) Michelle Obama, is insightful and inspiring and so interesting. I just need to finish it.”

Yet, finishing is something this senior has shown the ability to do as she takes on a promising future with an open mind and a big heart.

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“

student quotes:

story by Mataya Lines & Everett Moran

In the great year of 2020 everyone has had their own ‘unique’ experiences. Here at USF we all had our fair share. Knowing that this semester has been one of a kind we thought it would be suitable to share some of our very own student stories recapping what this fall semester entailed:

Nikki Lamb, Junior “This semster was one that I never imagined. It was hard, I’m not going to lie. I missed out on the experience of bulding a relationship with my professors and that stunk! However, I survived. I wouldn’t have without the support of my roommate, friends, and professors virtually or from a distance. I definitely never want to experience a semester like this again, but if I do, God will still be in control.”

Hannah DeHoogh-Kliewer, Senior “I knew having a positive attitude and a sense of flexibility would be important as we entered what would surely be a unique semester. However, I didn’t expect my resilience to be tested in such a variety of ways. While the shift in my daily habits did feel tiresome and draining at times, I found comfort in the fact that everyone was giving their best during this particularly trying time. I was inspired by the creativity, kindness, and grace shown by my residents in Sullivan hall, fellow RAs, friends, professors, and staff at USF. Being raised by a counselor has taught me that I only have a small glimpse into another person’s life through our interactions. The pandemic has presented so many challenges beyond what a person normally experiences. While I certainly gained knowledge from my lectures and textbooks this semester, the greatest lesson I learned in 2020 was the importace of having compassion and empathy for my neighbor.”

Troy Soat, Senior “If I had to describe the semester in one word, I’d say it was hectic! Though the school is doing what is necessary to keep us safe, and doing it well, adapting to the changes to how campus operates, navigating the condensed semester, and trying to figure out my future plans has left me ready for this long holiday break and a slower pace!”

Frida Ramirez, Freshman “Honestly I did not imagine my first semester of college being like this, but I don’t regret it either. This year taught me discipline and how much strength I truly have. I also felt the safety and love from my campus I know not every university provides which makes me excited to see what the future holds for me here at USF!” Bo Gjerness, Junior “Fall semester was emotionally draining. I got quarantined twice and I missed so much because of it. I’m glad it’s over, truly. Mental health is a priority above school, and I am so thankful that my professors this semester were gracious. I am blown away by the kindness that my professors gave me when stress levels got high.”

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a reflection on fall semester Austin Ludens, Junior “Honestly. I was pretty nervous for this semester. I was 100% sure that we were going to be sent home in October, if not before, but as we got rolling I saw the system USF had in place and I was more hopeful we’d make it. It was something to get used to, but change is always hard. The hardest part for me was not having fall break. After that point I could just feel myself burning out at a faster rate. I pushed through by being more intentional about finding ways to take breaks on the weekends and just chill, but it felt like a crawl to the finish line without that break. It doesn’t seem like very many days, but it really makes all the difference in preventing burnout. But, we got through it, learned some things along the way, and thats all that matters.

Jalynn Olson, Freshman “I felt very welcomed starting as a freshman. I didn’t know any other incoming freshman and I didn’t know how hard it was going to be to meet new people. I have made so many new friends and I can’t wait to be back on campus making memories with them again!

Emma Deneui, Senior “Before the semster began, I was absolutely ecstatic to be back on campus. Anything was surely better than nothing. In my RA training and in the first days of my classes though, I quickly learned that this semester was going to be far from normal. I was met with frustrations centered around not being able to visit my friends in other dorms and having to wear a mask in my “home”. The semester was shortened with no breaks and still it contained a similar work load to that of a normal one. I was often left feeling exhausted and burnt out. Regardless of all this, in reflection, this semster taught me to not take the little things for granted. It reminded me to lean into those sweet moments that make you forget about the inconsistency of this world.”

Kylin McKean, Senior “This Semester was possibly my hardest yet. It was very emotionally, intellectually, and physically draining. I think it was a mixture of both COVID and trying to balance too many things in my last year of school, but I was burnt out halfway though the semester. It was also really hard to not have any breaks, but getting to go home earlier than normal was really neat. Although it was a really hard semester with a lot of adjustments, there was also a lot of growth which I am so thankful for.”

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Through all the uncertainty it has been reassuring to see our campus community pull together like never before. We are Cougars, a family stronger than any other. This semester has not been the easiest, but it made our campus stronger during a time of restlessness. Our 2020 Fall semester is now over and we cannot wait to see you in the spring!

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Media & Visual Arts

Computer Lab Helps Students Prepare For New Digital Jobs story by Mataya Lines & Nicole Weber

In 2019, prompted by a revolution in social media and digital art technology, the University of Sioux Falls Media Studies and Art departments combined to create Media and Visual Arts. That new department needed another state of the art computer lab to serve the rapidly increasing number of students interested in multimedia, interactive art, and graphic design. USF turned that need into reality, funding the new Pierce Media Computer Lab. Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Joy Lind said the need was evident. “We recognize how important it is for our students to become skilled with the technology in their field. Media Studies is a dynamic area that utilizes such a diverse array of software appliAs with all facilities on campus, USF has instituted safe social distancing in the lab so students are required to sit six feet apart cations; we knew that state of the art technology would help equip our students for successful careers in this field.“ The Pierce Media Computer Lab was in the planning stages for about a year which included finding the appropriate computers to handle motion graphics editing, a campus location convenient to media and art courses, deciding on industry relevant software, and what classes would be offered in the new space.

The new lab, accessed by riding down to the last stop on the McDonald elevator, hosts classes in 2D/3D Motion Graphics, Advanced Media and Visual Arts, Media Writing, Media Graphics, Photography, and the combined television production classes. Those types of classes require computers equipped with processors and video cards capable of working with the Adobe Suite of digital software products. Bill Bartell, USF’s Vice President for Information Technology said, “Each PC had to have both a powerful CPU and a high end graphics processor capable of running any Adobe Creative Cloud application, including rendering of high end video and 3D objects.” That can also mean a potentially expensive computer tower but Bartell said the PC manufacturer offered a lower price than they budgeted, allowing IT to also purchase webcams, headsets, a printer, and other technology the students need.

The PC computers arrived in the Fall, 2019 and the IT department loaded them with the media software. The former Champions Room was then remodeled into a computer lab. Doing this required electrical changes, wiring to hook up all the computers, new carpet, and computer desks and chairs. After renovating the space throughout the fall, the lab was in full use by January 30, 2020, the first day of the spring semester.

Dr. Nick Poppens, Assistant Professor of Media Studies, says a big reason the students need a professional lab is because it is important for students to use industry-standard hardware and software as they prepare to enter their chosen careers. Media trains students for careers in digital marketing, social media management, journalism, photography, video production, graphic design and many other fields that use multimedia. “That is the benefit of a Media Studies degree--you really can go into any type of industry with these skills,” said Dr. Poppens.

Nancy Sutton, Assistant Professor of Media Studies says students need computers and an environment that will look like what they are about to work with in the real world. Dr. Poppens also said students are able to use the space outside of class time to work on their projects and use the state of the art software and computers. If students are interested in taking any of the Media and Visual Arts coursework go to the Media Studies page on the USF website or contact Professor Poppens and Sutton to learn more about taking classes in the Pierce Media Computer Lab.

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5 ACTIVITIES IN

Sioux Falls story by Nicole Weber

As winter is upon us and we are about to head into hibernation, here are a few places to check out if you’re looking for something to do! Sioux Falls offers many attractions that you may not know about.

One of the best places to see during the winter in Sioux Falls is Falls Park, which is located at 131 E Falls Park Dr, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. They decorate every tree in the park with Christmas lights, along with many other decorations. It’s a super neat experience and encourage everyone to go see the falls at least once if you never have!

Great Bear Ski Valley offers skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, cross country skiing and much more. They host “College ID Night” on Saturday evenings and are located at 5901 E Rice Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57110.

Skate City has been bringing fun and entertainment to Sioux Falls since 2015. They have the largest skating floor in South Dakota and are always having deals on skating. There is free admission for the ladies every first Saturday of the month! Skate city is located at 2901 W 3rd Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.

If you’re looking to go ice skating outdoors, there are many Outdoor Ice Rinks in Sioux Falls. Admission is $3 and Friday nights it’s just $1! Rinks are scheduled to open December 18th (weather permitting). If you are interested in a warmer option Scheels Ice Plex is also a great place to go.

Color Me Mine is a paint your own pottery studio. They have 60 colors to choose from with a variety of tools and techniques they can teach you to bring your vision to life. They have Happy Hour (10 % off) on Thursdays from 5-7 or Ladies Night (10% off) on Tuesdays from 5-7 as well.

They are located at 3709 W 41st Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57106.

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ILLUSTRATION BY MATAYA LINES