09.09.20

The Volante

THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887

W E D N E S D AY, S E P T E M B E R 9 , 2 0 2 0

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VERVE (B1, B2)

SPORTS

‘NOW IS THE TIME TO EDUCATE’ How a zoom meeting turned into a campus wide march to create community awareness

Musical theater set to take stage virtually this season Like all departments on campus, USD’s musical theater department made adjustments this semester to provide a safe environment for their faculty and students. Read more about their upcoming performances on page B2.

NEWS (A1-A3, A6)

CWC HOSTS BLM MARCH Chloe Fullenkamp and Miles Amende Volante@coyotes.usd.edu

Miles Amende | The Volante Isaiah McDaniels (center) was one of the students who led the Justice for Black Lives March on Wednesday, Sept. 2. The march was hosted by the Cultural Wellness Coalition.

Madilyn Sindelar

Madilyn.Sindelar@coyotes.usd.edu

Miles Amende | The Volante

Participants in the march started at the DakotaDome and ended outside of Old Main.

After discussing the idea of an awareness march on Aug. 27 the newly formed Cultural Wellness Coalition hosted the Justice for Black Lives March on Sept. 2.

The March began outside the DakotaDome and ended behind Old Main, where several group leaders spoke about racial issues.

The CWC formed immediately following the murder of George Floyd in May growing from conversations among the football team. The team and coaching staff met over Zoom to begin having conversations between Black athletes, coaches and those who felt strongly about being an ally.

“There was frustration, anger and sadness, but there was also a motivation to start a bigger conversation and a desire to create change here in Vermillion,” Dante Warren, assistant football coach said.

Dante Warren and his wife Hailie Warren, Director of Public Relations and Brand Engagement at USD, created a Zoom call which began as a space for people to talk and share ideas. However, it quickly became a weekly call.

“The group quickly started to realize we have very legitimate ideas and plans that have the potential to make a lasting impact here,” Dante Warren said.

The goal of the CWC is to further unite Vermillion and the USD campus through education, communication and action Dante Warren said. This goal is also paired with a proactive stance against the injustice that may occur in the community and standing up for what’s right every day.

“In a town, so naturally racially homogenous we feel it is essential to the values of both this university and its athletic program to represent and support all members of its community,” Dakota Smith CWC Vice President said. “We feel that to truly function at its full potential, we as a university have to strive to be the standard for how racial inequality is opposed and how inclusivity and equality can be attained.”

The Justice for Black Lives March was just the beginning for the CWC, Smith said. The new student organization plans on being the voice for the Black community.

The Cultural Wellness Coalition hosted the Justice for Black Lives March on Wednesday, Sept.

2. Participants marched from the DakotaDome down University street and up to Slagle Hall, where CWC members spoke about the importance of the demonstration.

Marcus Destin, CWC co-president, said the rally was held to let the next generation know police violence will not be tolerated.

“This is for long after we are done in South Dakota,” Destin said in his speech outside the DakotaDome. “Nothing has happened in Vermillion — not yet. But we must be a model community.”

Ashley Charlie, Junior physical therapy major, led the chants during the march. Charlie said the number of people at the protest exceeded the expected amount.

“It felt more comfortable to communicate with the community. We are hoping for a better community moving forward,” Charlie said after the march.

Leading the chants, Charlie said, initially made her nervous.

“In a way I was leading the whole pack, but seeing the reaction and the chants put more motivation in me,” Charlie said. “It felt great to have the whole community behind me.”

One of the marchers, Alice Lunardelli, carried a sign which stated “All Lives Can’t Matter until Black Lives Matter.” She said participating in a BLM march meant showing support to the USD community.

“It means that we love diversity here at USD and are not afraid to stand up for each other,” Lunardelli said. “Carrying a sign (means) not being afraid of taking a stand. I want to support my community by showing that I have both courage and vulnerability.”

Isaiah McDaniels, senior criminal justice major, said the organization has a great sense of unity, and that their next goals are to get more people involved.

“The perception of the issues we deal with are at the forefront. We have taken a huge step forward not only for USD or Vermillion, but for the United States,” McDaniels said. “The next step is to have more people involved. We want to have more events for people to get involved with so we can grow as a community.”

Destin said the protest could spark change in the community.

“We’ve got more work to do … but I love this,” Destin said. “This was amazing, this was a moment.

It can change. If people take it into their own hands, it changes everything, it changes everything about the campus and the surrounding city.”

See MARCH, Page A3

Students’ COVID-19 tests covered by CARES Act Dre Hill

Deandre.Hill@coyotes.usd.edu

For students in need of COVID-19 testing in Vermillion, USD Student Health Services is offering tests paid for by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Kevin O’Kelley, the head of USD’s emergency planning group, said if students need or think they need to be tested for COVID-19 they should reach out to Student Health.

COVID-19 tests are paid for by the CARES Act, O’Kelley said. If a student goes through Student Health, their insurance may be charged, O’Kelley said, though it will be reimbursed.

As of right now, O’Kelley said there is no exact numerical threshold of cases that might cause students and staff to go home.

“President Gestring suggested we consider if our healthcare system becomes unable to manage the number of cases or if we’re unable to deliver quality education in a safe manner,” O’Kelley said. “If any on those two things became threatened then-President Gestring would have prepared to make very unpleasant decisions.”

The University of South Dakota has 92 self-reported active cases among staff and students. There are at least 368 people who are overall in quarantine or isolation including

USD Numbers Active Cases: 5 Employees 87 Students In Quarantine: 368 Total 47 On-campus (as of Tuesday, Sept. 8) being at home as of Sept. 8.

Since Sept. 2, there has been a decrease of 156 self-reported active cases among staff and students and a decrease of 298 people quarantined or isolated at home, according to the USD COVID-19 Dashboard.

“We’ve flattened the curve significantly because of our compliance with what we’ve asked students and staff to do,” O’Kelley said. “Social distancing, the wearing of masks, frequent hand washing, the sanitizing of surfaces and limited dining in the MUC — all of those things served to flattened the curve.”

Lexi Kerzman | The Volante

If students are in need of COVID-19 testing in Vermillion, USD Health Services is offering tests paid for by the CARES Act.

News

A2 Wednesday, September 9, 2020

The Volante I volanteonline.com

MUC MIGRATION

Peyton Beyers I The Volante

After being closed for dine-in options last week, the Muenster University Center is now open and operating at its normal hours.

CITY OF VERMILLION POLICE >> Aug. 30 - Sept. 5

3

domestic disputes

Aug. 30 Officers assisted the Clay County Sheriff’s Office with an investigation outside city limits.

Aug. 30 Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence.

Multiple parties were interviewed and no arrests were made.

Aug. 30 Officers responded to residence for a known medical condition.

Aug. 30 Officers stopped a car for not having its headlights on and found the driver did not have a

valid license. The driver was cited.

Aug. 31 Officers responded to a noise complaint at a residence. The officer was unable to hear the noise. No further action.

Aug. 31 Officers investigated a report of a domestic disturbance at a residence. Officers interviewed both adults involved and no arrests were made.

Aug. 31 Officers received a driving complaint about a car following another and acting strangely.

The car was stopped

1

1

DUI

and the investigation showed the driver was intoxicated. The driver was arrested for DUI. Sept. 1 Officers took a report about possible child abuse.

Investigation continues.

Sept. 1 Officers took a report of a domestic fight. A male was arrested for aggravated assault.

Sept. 1 Officers responded to a non-injury accident.

One driver was cited for over-driving road conditions.

Sept. 1

SGA discusses diversity, introduces election transperency bill Jacob Forster

Jacob.R.Forster@coyotes.usd.edu

The Student Government Association hosted Laura Chandler, director of the Center for Diversity and Community, at Tuesday’s meeting. SGA also passed two resolutions and Senate Bill 55. The organization also furthered debate on five more senate bills and introduced a new resolution.

Chandler spoke to SGA about issues of diversity and systemic racism, including these issues relation to the ongoing pandemic.

“At one point, 70% of the people who had contracted COVID in South Dakota were people of color,” Chandler said.

“And it wasn’t because of comorbidities or because of pre-existing conditions, but it was because people of color work in the industries that are considered essential that were forced to remain open.”

Chandler also spoke about an incident from spring semester of a USD student using racist language.

SGA President Abuk Jiel said SGA Peyton Beyers I The Volante is only starting to open up conversaLaura Chandler spoke at Tuesday's SGA tions about diversity and discrimination meeting. on campus.

“I really do think that for SGA specifically, the true work starts once we’ve Senator Addison Miller introduced been in our workshop and we’ve got Senate Bill 60 to allow transparency in those conversations started, that way we elections. This bill would require a full can implement change,” Jiel said. report of results for SGA senate and The Cultural Wellness Coalition, who executive elections, including vote tallies organized last Wednesday’s Justice for and percentages.

Black Lives march, approached SGA Miller also introduced a resolution to seeking to become a student organi- commemorate Marcus Destin for being a zation officially. They were directed to student voice for change and a resolution special appropriations. to commemorate the Cultural Wellness SGA passed Senate Bill 55, which Coalition. restricts use of SGA funds by third party SGA moved on to discuss planning for organizations for philanthropic purpos- the spring semester. Preliminary plans es. made by the university exclude a spring Resolution 1 to support university break and end a week early. which may efforts to combat COVID-19 was passed. be unfair to students who have already The resolution supports the continuation made plans, but would increase student of face covering requirements, along with safety by limiting travel. stricter enforcement protocols.

Officers responded to an injury accident. One of the drivers involved was cited for failing to yield to on-coming traffic.

Sept. 2 Officers were called to a car/pedestrian accident. The driver was found to have been drinking and was arrested for DUI. Sept. 2 Officers responded to a report of a home burglary. Investigation continues.

Sept. 2 Officers were called to the scene of a domestic fight. A male was arrest-

home burglary

ed for simple assault.

Sept. 3 Officers responded to a report of suspicious activity. Officers located the subjects and found no criminal activity.

Sept. 3 Officers responded to a reported dispute between persons.

Officers’ investigation discovered no criminal activity occurred.

Sept. 4 Vermillion Officers received information of a possible domestic incident from another law enforcement agency.

Case is under investigation.

LIVE AT 5 P.M.

Sept. 5 Officers responded to a report of a large group of persons fighting in front of a residence.

Officers arrived on scene and found no fight occurring but did observe multiple indicators of a house party.

Charges are pending for the renters who hosted a house party.

Sept. 5 Officers assisted Clay County Deputies with a domestic assault investigation. Investigation discovered an assault occurred and illegal drugs were seized.

Charges are pending.

TUNE IN THIS MONTH

Watch Channel 21 live at 5 for the first news broadcast of the semester.

Check out the KAOR website for student podcasts.

COYOTEHistory 2010 Coyote Village opens on campus.

2003 USD named the tenth "most connected" university.

The Volante Volume 145, N0. 20 September 9, 2020 www.volanteonline.com Al Neuharth Media Center 555 Dakota St. University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069

Lexi Kerzman editor-in-chief Bailey Zubke managing editor Miles Amende news editor Jacob Forster news assistant Sara Cappiello news designer

Adviser Kyle Miller

Chloe Fullenkamp

Mission statement The Volante covers issues relevant and interesting to USD students. Faculty, staff and community members are welcome readers, but the newspaper is written and presented for a diverse community of students from the students’ point of view. The paper should provide a variety of information, entertainment and educational opportunities for the readers. The Volante encourages everyone to write letters to the editor.

The Volante wishes to be viewed by students as respectable, objective, accurate, fair and trustworthy. If you have comments, concerns or questions, please contact The Volante at 677-5494.

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Madilyn Sindelar

verve editor sports editor Peyton Beyers photo editor Leah Dusterhoft executive designer Heidi Schneider social media director DeAndre Hill social media assistant Cecilia Gillen advertising manager

A3 Wednesday, September 9, 2020

MARCH From Page A1

“Community events in town that would educate and bring different parts of this community together to further bridge the gap we feel exists even in a small town like ours,” Smith, the sophomore linebacker said.

One of these plans includes a barbershop on campus to give students of color a place to feel comfortable, Smith said.

“This space will be an inclusive space welcome to all that will also include learning opportunities for those interested in hair styling,” Smith said. “This project is in response to the direct lack of resources for these services in our community and would make strides to retain our students of color while also improving quality of life.”

Another plan involves working with the Vermillion Police Department and UPD to improve relationships between students and officers and create a better sense of community policing, Canaan Brooks, CWC Director of Communications said.

Brooks said he hopes to create a sense of unity and togetherness between his fellow student-athletes.

“This was a great opportunity for teams to come together and embody the unity that we want and absolutely need in America,” Brooks, a junior running back, said.

The football team has attempted to recognize these issues and support the CWC, Smith said.

“By involving in open dialogue amongst players as well as joining our student group and supporting in our planning and organization.

The team also largely participated and spoke out during our most recent march and will continue to be proactive on these issues,” Smith said.

However, the most

important goal is to bring an end to racism and microaggressions, Brooks said. While he hasn’t experienced direct racism daily microaggressions aren’t uncommon.

“People locking their car doors as I walk past, or women clutching their purse as I walk past as if I am a threat or the looks of discomfort I get when I walk into a room as a Black man with tattoos and locs. Everybody deserves to feel accepted and that’s what this organization is about,” Brooks said.

When there are resources and efforts being made to make space inclusive as possible it speaks volumes to underrepresented communities, Dante Warren said.

“The CWC is something current and prospective students and community members of color can trust is making their comfortability a priority,” Dante Warren said.

The Black community at USD was in need of a voice to further unite them in their efforts to come together with existing groups to incite change, Smith said.

“We came to realize that while USD may feel like it exists in a bubble not affected by the events that go on in the outside world,” Smith said.

“We have to acknowledge that these things happen on a daily basis and while they are not always televised or broadcasted injustices are prevalent everywhere and the only way to truly combat them is to be proactive in your community and speak for what is right.”

The CWC meets every Thursday at 8:30 p.m. on Zoom and Smith said, all are welcome to join.

“We suggest reaching out to anyone already affiliated with the group like myself or messaging our social media pages directly,” Smith said.

Newman, Luther centers continue to provide worship resources Miles Amende

Miles.Amende@coyotes.usd.edu

Two religious organizations on campus — the St. Thomas More Newman Center and the Luther Center — have changed their practices to continue serving USD and Vermillion.

The Newman Center elected to stay open during the pandemic, whereas the Luther Center closed its physical doors and is conducting worship activities remotely.

Bob Jones, a priest at the Newman Center, said the center is following guidelines from Bishop of the Diocese of Sioux Falls Donald DeGrood, which encourage the facility to stay open for Mass.

“We’re using our own discretion,” Jones said. “We encourage people to social distance, and so … there’s plenty of room to spread out. We have an overflow area that’s open so people can social distance while (celebrating Mass).”

Masks are optional at the Newman Center, Jones said, though the facility provides them at the door, along with hand sanitizer.

Jones said part of the reason the Newman center is staying open is to provide students opportunities to socialize while educating them about the virtue of prudence.

“We want people to be personally responsible for their actions and still have the ability to meet new friends,” Jones said.

The Luther Center, on the other hand, decided to close during the pandemic.

Kristin Eisele, a pastor at the Luther Center, said the facility was sporadically used, and so it would be difficult to implement safety policies and insure spaces were cleaned between uses.

Ben Eisele, another pastor, said even before the pandemic started, the Luther Center shifted away from regular services and started posting prayers and devotionals on Snapchat to stay connected with students.

“We took a step back, and said if students aren’t in the building, then we will be where they are, which is quite often on their phones,” Ben Eisele said. ”We started a Snapchat Devotional, a weekly centering, and that’s been a good point of contact for students.”

The Luther Center will stay closed for the time being, Eisele said. Its closure, she said, has caused faith groups of all kinds to find new ways to connect with their members.

“For all the challenges the pandemic has posed … one of the gifts has been a forced creativity,” Kristin Eisele said. “(We’re) finding new ways to be together while we’re apart, finding new ways to engage our faith, finding new ways to practice what we believe.”

While the Newman and Luther centers are handling safety guidelines differently, both are adjusting as they see fit to provide worship services and resources amid the pandemic.

Newman Center Mass Times: Sunday: 11 a.m. & 8:15 p.m.

Monday - Thursday: 8:15 p.m.

Friday: No Mass Saturday: 8:15 p.m. (Latin mass)

Luther Center Snapchat: @LutherCenter

News The Volante | volanteonline.com Grocery delivery service programs delivers a sense of Coyote community off-campus Lexi Kerzman

Lexi.Kerzman@coyotes.usd.edu

For students quarantined on campus, Aramark delivers three meals daily. For students off-campus, there is now a grocery delivery program available for use while they are not allowed out of their house.

The program is partnered with Hyvee. Students in need of the delivery service order their groceries online at Hyvee Aisles and then email the Dean of Students so the delivery can be coordinated.

Dean of Students Kim Grieve said since starting the program, they have already delivered groceries to multiple students. Delivery is only available Monday

through Friday from 1-3 p.m.

The team that makes the deliveries are all-volunteer, Grieve said, which is why hours are limited. “(During the week) we send somebody over (to Hyvee), pick it up and drop it off on their front porch. We’ve got a team of volunteers and student services that’ll go ahead and drop it off for them when they need it,” Grieve said. “We just don’t have the staff (available) on the weekend.”

Students pay for their groceries, but there is no additional fee for delivery through this program.

Grieve said another program she hopes students are aware of is the CARES Act. This fund is a relief program

students can apply for up to $400 in relief.

The application for the CARES Act is found under the COVID relief tab on the USD website. If students are approved for funding, the money will be applied to their bill, Grieve said, and received at a later date.

Having programs like the CARES Act, Aramark meal delivery and the grocery delivery program, Grieve said, shows students they are not alone while being in isolation.

“We just want to make sure that they are having proper nutrition and feel like the university cares about them, which we really do,” Grieve said. “It’s hard to be alone and be quarantined —

Students facing food insecurity can fill out a form for grocery delivery services by scanning this QR code.

especially if you’re sick, it’s really hard to be alone. We want to make it you know, as easy for them as possible.”

UNASD pursues sustainability goals, plans community service projects Maddi Kallsen

Maddilyn.Kallsen@coyotes.usd.edu

A new organization, United Nations Association for Sustainable Development (UNASD), is working towards eco-friendly goals at local and national levels.

Breana Spinler, president of USD’s UNASD chapter, said she looks to educate students about sustainable development goals and why they’re important.

The United Nations has a list of seventeen sustainable development goals. University chapters and organizations are able to pick and choose what goals they work towards.

Morgan Roberts, executive board member of UNASD, said the organization’s sustainability

goals focus on improving the quality of life for people around the world.

“Right now, we are working on sustainable development goal number six, which is clean water and sanitation,” Spinler said.

“We want to do community service projects representing what we’re facing in South Dakota while promoting sustainability on our campus, in our town and in our state.”

National change is

being worked towards on a local level by following the seventeen given goals from the UN, Spinler said.

The UNASD had their first meeting last week. The organization is planning a beach clean up at Burbank beach in support of clean water and sanitation, Spinler said.

USD is taking steps to become more sustainable through this organization through the set UNASD

Submitted graphic | The Volante goals, Spinler said, and the organization moves forward with the idea that humanity could be living in the most sustainable world possible.

Roberts said the organization has the ability to play an integral role in making campus better.

“I hope that we, as an organization, can get current students to think about sustainability and the world they want to create,” Roberts said.

Local businesses deal with financial pressure as pandemic continues

Sydney Johnson | The Volante

Cafe Brule took a 70% cut in revenue during its six-week closure. The pandemic has forced the restaurant to make several changes to their day-to-day operations.

Sydney Johnson

Sydney.G.Johnson@coyotes.usd.edu

One downtown restaurant is on the cusp of closing its doors due to the slowdown of business caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, while another two are finding new ways to combat the financial difficulties.

Café Brulé, a Main Street restaurant, is struggling financially during the age of COVID-19. After celebrating being open for a little over a decade, co-owner Monica Iverson said she is wary of what the future might hold for the business.

“I hope that we will be here forever,” Iverson said.

“We just celebrated 11 years, and we hope to keep that going, but honestly, it’s just going to depend on what happens. If business stays like it has this weekend (Aug. 29-30), it’ll be tough to make it.”

The pandemic has forced the restaurant to make changes in their day-to-day operations — including closing the restaurant for a while. Iverson said the

restaurant was closed for at least six weeks and took over a 70% cut in revenue during that time.

“Business definitely took a big dive,” Iverson said.

“We were doing deliveries, takeout and curbside pickup, which was something we’d never done before. We made some money, but we still only made about 30% of what we made before.”

The Tigert Art Gallery on Main Street, managed by Rob Tigert, is also finding it difficult to make a profit during the pandemic.

“Let’s just say I’m not making any money,” Tigert said. “I sell nothing you need.

I’m not Amazon, or Walmart or the big box stores where they’re making record profits.

Instead, small businesses are hurting.”

Another local business The Bean, owned by Martin Prendergast and Leslie Gerrish, had to be flexible and make changes to keep their staff, customers and community safe during the pandemic, which in turn affected them financially.

“It’s definitely been a

change, it’s been a drop-in business,” Prendergast said.

“We have certainly been seeing numbers lower, a lot lower than last year, and obviously the time when we were closed, we weren’t making any money.”

When students returned to campus, businesses in downtown Vermillion, like Café Brulé and The Bean, saw a rise in customers. However, Iverson said an email sent to all students by the university negatively impacted many restaurants on Main Street.

The email was sent by the president’s office asking students to avoid frequenting any downtown establishment that has not made changes to follow the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines.

“I think they were trying to prevent students from coming to the downtown bars, but I think what happened was that (students) also just quit coming downtown in general,” Iverson said.

If the COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Iverson said she is afraid students will be sent home and her

restaurant will continue to struggle financially.

“I think that this is a very difficult situation,” Iverson said. “There are some businesses that did close their doors — Red Steakhouse was one that we lost. We are trying to come out of it, but if the students leave now, it will hurt us a lot.”

While the financial security of many downtown businesses has been on a decline since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prendergast said, many shops and restaurants like The Bean have priorities beyond trying to keep their businesses open.

“Until we have a vaccine or a course of treatment for this disease, we will not be opening up and we will stay closed (indoors),” Prendergast said. “Our only goal is to keep our staff safe, ourselves safe, and our community safe, and if that means closing our doors, we will do that.”

Opinion

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

The importance of internships

THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM/OPINION

EDITORIAL

JAMIE JOHNSON is a senior majoring in strategic communication

IT’S A NUMBERS GAME

93

Nobody ever thinks an internships can lead you anywhere but from my perspective they can be the start of a career.

Internships can help create skills that were never a part of the learning process in college classes.

Not only are skills obtained during internships, but the networking of people inside that business can be useful for the future.

Creating new contacts within a business can help you go from being an intern to a manager for that business someday. It is all about connections within to help get a career started one day.

Whether an internship is paid or unpaid, the experience is what matters the most. Depending on the internship, it can make your resume look more professional when getting ready to interview for a ‘big’ job.

Although there are unpaid internships, they can be very rewarding by showing the loyalty and motivation you have for the company. Unpaid internships can eventually lead to paid hourly or salary jobs in the future.

Nowadays most internships are paid which is a plus in income and being apart of an opportunity not everyone can get their hands on. Not only will it look good on a resume, but it can help with interviews and displaying the tasks/projects can help the employer get a better idea of what certain experience was obtained at this internship.

Overall, internships can be the start of your career and can lead to big opportunities one day.

The percentage of Black Lives Matter protests that have been peaceful.

50 Miles Amende I The Volante USD students, staff, and community members marched from the Dome to Old Main to support the Cultural Wellness Coalition’s Justice for Black Lives March.

The number of states where a Black Lives Matter protest was held.

7,750

Editorial: Black Lives Matter is relevant to Vermillion People all over the country have been gathering to march for the same cause in the last few months, years and even decades.

Marching for freedom.

Marching for equality.

Marching for those who can’t march for themselves.

The Cultural Wellness Coalition hosted a Justice for Black Lives March on the USD campus last Wednesday, where students and community m e m b e r s m a r c h e d from the DakotaDome to Slagle Hall to show their support.

In a small rural community like Vermillion, one might w o n d e r why this is important. Not much has happened here yet, so it’s not an issue, right?

Wrong.

Marching for Black Lives Matter isn’t just relevant to Vermillion, or South Dakota — it’s relevant to the United States as a whole. But this support starts at the local level and that starts with us here in Vermillion.

Now is the time to speak out.

“

Now is the time to teach and to learn. Attending marches and demanding justice for those who need and deserve it allows Vermillion to work towards a better, more unified community.

According to the New York Times, there have been over 4,700 demonstrations since the first protests began at the end of May after the death of George Floyd. The article also states Black Lives Matter may

The number of protests linked to Black Lives Matter from May 26 to Aug. 22.

support through our actions, then how can we expect anything to change?

For those of you who have taken action, keep it up.

Get your friends and family involved.

With this one march, a big step was taken not only for USD and Vermillion, but the whole country. Now it’s time to increase involvement. If you’re not sure how to get involved, ask questions. If you have something to say, speak up.

Sitting and waiting for this movement to be “over” is not the way to m a k e change, because it’s not over. It’s just beginning.

Whether we realize it or not, this movement applies to all of us and we can’t look past it.

Either we’re all in, or we’re not in at all. And stepping up and speaking out is this the first step in being all in. It’s up to us to stand up for our community and stand up to bring justice to others.

42 The percentage increase in protests during July 2020 from July 2019.

38

Shouldn’t we try to make a difference? Cities all over the country are standing up and marching, so Vermillion should do the same thing.” be the largest movement in U.S. History.

Doesn’t that mean we all have a part to play? Shouldn’t we try to make a difference?

Cities all over the country are standing up and marching, so Vermillion should do the same thing.

It goes beyond sharing posts on Instagram, or signing a petition. If we can’t show our

The number of incidents where protesters damaged or tore down racist monuments.

42 The percentage of respondents to a poll that believed most Black Lives Matter protests were violent.

From alceddata.com

The Volante

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THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887

EDITORIAL BOARD Lexi Kerzman, editor-in-chief

Madilyn Sindelar, sports editor

Bailey Zubke, managing editor

Chloe Fullenkamp, verve editor

CONTACT US The Volante welcomes letters to the editor in regards to campus, local, state and national issues. Letters will be edited for clarity and length and will be printed as space allows.

Please limit letters to 300 words or fewer. The Volante reserves the right to hold letters for publication in a later issue.

Submissions must include the author’s name, address, telephone number, year in school and major or job title. Letters must be exclusively for The Volante.

We will not publish anonymous letters.

Send letters to: Al Neuharth Media Center 555 Dakota St. Vermillion, S.D. 57069 Fax to: 605.677.5105 Email to: volante@coyotes.usd.edu Via our website: volanteonline.com The deadline for letters is 5 p.m. the Friday prior to publication.

Letters must be typed and fewer than 300 words.

Opinion

The Volante I volanteonline.com

Where is your money going?

MATTIE JONES is a sophomore majoring in psychology and criminal justice

I do not need to tell you how different things are compared to a year ago. You all exist in the same world I do, and while we may not have the same experiences, it’s undeniable that our world and definition of “normal” has changed.

The changes to our new normal extend beyond wearing a mask on campus and awkward ice breakers over Zoom — they are also affecting how we’re experiencing college. This fact has been solidified over the past several months, not only by the news but also by the number of pets

participating in online classes.

I’m not going to dwell on the fact that, currently, we’re missing out on Yote Floats, student tailgates and eating lunch in the MUC with our friends because I know we all want and miss those things.

Since we are missing those things, however, our college experience just became fundamentally different from that of those who graduated before us. Even though college life is different now, some important things remain unchanged.

As I’m sure many of you have noticed, you’ve gotten a bill for tuition.

If you haven’t noticed, I’m sorry I was the one to break the news.

Regardless, the bill exists and an itemized version

of it is available to you.

One of the first things I noticed looking at my bill was five charges for $163.50, which totals $817.50, classified under General Activity Fee. I was frustrated.

With no football, no volleyball, limited student events, and the stress of a pandemic, I didn’t understand why the dollar amount remained unchanged from last year. My first instinct was to write out a tweet and demand answers, but I wanted a real answer, so I reached out to the university’s business office.

I received an email detailing how these fees are mandatory Board of Regents fees and cover everything from sports to counseling services to student health. While

they may look different from other years, student-led events and certain campus activities and programs are still accessible to us.

The short answer to my question: just because fall sports are postponed doesn’t mean the money isn’t being used to help improve student health’s response to COVID19 testing or to provide student activities on a different medium.

Yes, we are paying quite a bit of money, and yes, it’s difficult to correlate that with direct benefits for us, but the overall appearance seems to be that the money is used with our interests in mind. Maybe I was wrong to feel frustrated by the invoice, or maybe I should still be upset by the charge.

This town isn’t your playground SARAH BECHEN is a senior majoring in media & journalism We, the students of USD, are a parasite to this town.

That’s a bit dramatic, but it definitely gets the point across.

University students everywhere are wondering how many days they have left on their campus before getting sent to their parent’s basement or cooped up in their apartment yet again.

Amidst this wondering, there can be found quite a few college students

who prefer to pack the bars to the brim and throw CDC guidelines out the window for a night of drunken fun.

Most years locals of Vermillion cannot wait for the town to be filled with students again because that means football games, specifically Dakota Days, are coming.

However, this year poses a different perspective. COVID cases are now dropping in Clay County and within USD’s campus, but before this week the numbers weren’t looking promising.

Conversations started trending on Twitter about college students’ disregard for the towns

they inhabit for 9 months of the year and how harmful their effects are on the townspeople.

Vermillion is home to much more than just USD and many years, students seem to forget that.

COVID is very evident in the lives of college kids today as over 500 students and staff were in isolation/ quarantine just last week.

Many chose to look at it from the perspective of their health and the health of those who also attend university.

The majority of students attending USD are between the ages of 18 and 25, the odd for a person of that age range to get sick and die of COVID

isn’t high.

However, according to the United States Census, over 12% of Vermillion’s population is over 65 years of age. That includes business owners, the old people grabbing coffee at HyVee and USD staff members.

It is disrespectful and incompetent to believe that your actions as a college student don’t have an effect on the greater community of the towns we live in while in school.

“College towns,” as they are many times called, aren’t our playgrounds and we need to stop treating it as such.

Wednesday, September 9, 2020 A5

Finding creativity outside your degree KATIE BRUST is a junior majoring in biology and graphic design

It’s fast approaching the time of year when exam weeks have begun, students are settling into class routines and the everpresent question “what are you going to be when you grow up?” is looming.

It’s easy to focus on the red markered dates on the calendar, getting through the week, and absorbing as much content as possible.

It’s easy to focus solely on the future, and worry that a career is far off or too daunting. However, there are other things in college life that are important to remember, too.

Your creativity doesn’t have to end where your studies lead you. In our generation, we have seen the rise of amazing content creators, social media platform giants, and a world of information at our fingertips.

There are a million different blogs, vlogs, forums, videos, with directions on how to become adept at any skill.

People are successful with Ph.D.’s, people are successful with High School Diplomas.

There is no finite way to become successful, no clear path to the top - and often it seems, the people who do find themselves rising are the ones who made a little time for a side project, a hobby, or a talent that grew into something

more.

Too often, college students feel confined to their specific degrees or areas, and while it is great to be good at what you do, it is also important to find time for the smaller skills.

Maybe it’s origami, maybe it’s painting. Maybe it’s a small interest in a niche area, that may one day develop into a full campus organization. We are blessed to live in a world where the internet can answer just about any question, and share ideas on a global scale. There are always amazing things to be trying, which is also tough to remember in a small midwest college town.

The investment you can make for yourself is continuing to learn, taking a deep breath, and recognizing that even though you may not know what you will be doing in five years, 10 years, 50 years; you are not bound to one indefinite path. Take time for the small things this semester, we all need some time for ourselves.

Read this week’s roast and more student opinions on our website. volanteonline. com

The future of the paperback TAYLOR HAGEN is a junior majoring in English

Growing up with a passion for reading, I learned many vital lessons — don’t write in library books, never “dog-ear” pages and the paperback came before the e-book. Granted, the surge of popularity of the electronic book had many questioning what the future of the oldfashioned paperback would be.

According to the Association of American Publishers, of the 1.8 billion books sold by U.S. publishers in 2018, ebooks made up only 13% of the sales. In comparison to paperback sales and hardcover sales, which combined for a total of

59.2% of sales in the U.S, ebooks fall short of their counterpart by 46.2%.

Both are valid and easy ways to get a hold of various texts, ranging from fiction to textbooks.

As with any medium, there are pros and cons to each.

Ebooks allow for saved paragraphs that can easily and quickly be referred back to, storage that allows for multiple books on one device, reduced cost and material of the text and functionality in a fast-paced, technologydriven environment. Not only do devices such as a Kindle or NOOK support ebooks, but most devices also have internet access which allows for quick Google searches.

In comparison, paperback books allow readers to have a physical copy of the text, one that can be annotated, drawn in or displayed proudly on a shelf. Many readers,

such as myself, prefer physical copies for the experience of reading them.

As a reader, we crave to experience — the way the binding cracks the first time being opened, the smell of the inked letters on the pages, the worn corners of a library book that has been checked out fifty times before you.

The best part of a physical book — there’s no dead battery in the middle of chapter twelve.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, paperback books seem to be aged to the modern ebook, but the aesthetic of “old school” is coming back into style; records are being sold by modern artists such as Harry Styles, thrifting at Goodwill is a popular pastime and Polaroid photos are taken at every social event. In a world that is becoming more and more digitized, “old school” trends are

OVERHEARDS

Here you’ll find the weirdest, funniest and stupidest things we’ve heard during the week. Context is for suckers.

“Sorry I blasted hype music during your Zoom class.”

— Yale Street

“Can’t Hold Us is my favorite Fall Out Boy song.”

— Band field

“So apparently to get him to want to come see me I need to just send pics in my sports bra.”

— Duke Street

“Goal of the week: Less COVID.” — Newsroom

making their way back into the scene.

The ability to physically hold items and share with friends has become more desired, it is more satisfying to hand your friend your favorite book or photo than to send over email or text.

It feels real, familiar, and more personal. You can see the excitement and appreciation in their eyes, the way their hands hold the item with care.

Maybe ebooks will never take the place of physical books, but I think that is okay. In today’s modern world, where everything is at a distance, through the phone or online, it is okay to have a few things to share and keep us connected. Physical books like paperbacks have a cherished nature to them, something to be held close to the heart and shared with others.

Taylor Hagen I The Volante Paperback books allow readers to have a physical copy of the text, one that can be annotated, drawn in or displayed proudly on a shelf.

Want to make your voice heard?

If you are interested in writing Opinion for The Volante, email The Volante at volante@ coyotes.usd.edu.

News

A6 Wednesday, September 9, 2020

The Volante | volanteonline.com

USD alters programs to fulfill MUC capacity guidelines Miles Amende

Miles.Amende@coyotes.usd.edu

With social distancing guidelines — mask requirements and limited capacity in spaces across campus — event programming at USD is looking different this year.

The university will continue to host events both large and small, but the styles of programs are changing in order to conform to safety guidelines.

Doug Wagner, director of the Muenster University Center, said most activities in the MUC have either become grab-and-go style — such as Mocktails and Canvas — or adjusted to take place within a limited time frame.

“In the past, (Mocktails and Canvas) has been a sitdown style program, and now we parcel out individual paint cups, individual paint brushes, canvasses and instructions,” Wagner said.

The MUC ballroom can currently host 107 people, so it is still available for events that can conform to safety guidelines — however, Wagner said he thinks many student organizations are deciding not to use the space in order to mitigate the spread of the pandemic.

Dean of Students Kim Grieve said the university will continue to have a robust schedule of activities that fulfill safety guidelines.

The university is currently hosting fewer outside speakers and lecturers because, Grieve said, it’s difficult to get speakers to travel at the present time.

Grieve said if the

Board of Regents risk level increases from three to four, the university will have to rethink some of its events.

While some activities may be cancelled, Greive said USD is trying to host as many events as previous years.

“Right now we’re really hoping that we can continue to stay at the level we are now, or that we can even go to a level two at some point in time because we know how important it is to students to have the campus experience,” Grieve said.

The Center for Diversity and Community, which oversees several large events — including the Ruby Ball, Diwali and Asian Lunar New Year — is also making changes to its programs this year.

Laura Chandler, CDC director, said the CDC limited capacity for its open house event to 15 people at a time.

The organization has also moved its Mosaic Leaders Mixers online.

Large events which require the use of the MUC ballroom, Chandler said, will be changed so as to cycle participants in and out.

Events like Diwali and Asian Lunar New Year will become “bazaar” style events, Chandler said. Students will be able to go to the event and visit different stations rather than sit in the ballroom for a prolonged period of time.

Chandler said there are still opportunities for students to meet other students and participate in campus life — they just look different this year.

“We’re all just adjusting to this new reality, but I find our students are very resilient,”

File photo | The Volante

The Center for Diversity and Community (CDC), which hosts events such as Ruby Ball, Diwali and Asian Lunar New Year, is adjusting programs for the fall semester.

Chandler said. “They care about their health and they care about the health of other community members, and so I think our students are adjusting well.”

While on-campus events need to follow safety guidelines, Grieve said the university wants to continue to provide as many activities as possible so students can continue to be involved on campus.

“We’re hoping … students will continue to participate in all the activities that we’re offering,” Grieve said.

“We’re doing our very best to continue all of those events so everybody has a great experience.”

File photo | The Volante

Events like Diwali and Asian Lunar New Year will become “bazaar” style events, where students will be able to go to the event and visit different stations.

Gallagher Center cancels Study Abroad program for fall semester

Peyton Beyers | The Volante

Scooter’s, a regional coffee chain, will be opening this October. Construction began in July.

Scooter’s Coffee set to open in Vermillion this October Lexi Kerzman

Lexi.Kerzman@coyotes.usd.edu

Submitted photo | The Volante

USD’s study abroad programs have been cancelled for the fall semester, but there are several events coming up for students and faculty.

Rachel Pechous

Rachel.Pechous@coyotes.usd.edu

USD’s Study Away program hasn’t taken a break from their travels — despite the current pandemic.

The program continues to welcome USD students interested in traveling and studying at universities across the country.

Study Away is one of several programs housed by the Gallagher Center for Experiential Learning and Education Abroad. Program Coordinator Holger Oswald said study away differs from the study abroad program because it focuses more on traveling within the nation.

Oswald said these programs encourage students to travel, but on terms they are comfortable with. He said students may be hesitant to join the program, but the

Gallagher Center wants them to know they have options.

“If a student is uncomfortable leaving the country right now, we still have plenty of places in the nation that they can visit through study away,” Oswald said.

Jessica Winterringer, Study Abroad and National Student Exchange advisor, said students pay the same tuition they would pay to attend USD while attending school somewhere else.

Students can also, Winterringer said, join faculty-led programs for opportunities that can be useful for classes, practicum hours and building resumes.

Study Abroad has cancelled international traveling for the fall semester.

However, they do have several events coming up for USD students and faculty.

On Wednesday, Sept. 9

study abroad will be hosting a virtual fair. The fair will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. via Zoom.

Students can access the link and more information while signing up on their Facebook page, USD Virtual Study Away Fair.

“We are jam packed all day with a Q&A panel, showcasing scholarship programs, words from alumni and much more,” Winterringer said. “We will be posting the recordings for students to rewatch. We really want them to be as welcomed as possible despite these changes.”

The Gallagher Center will be hosting more upcoming events including “Shock the Walk,” as well as International Education Week. Students can find information on more events like these on the Gallagher Center’s Facebook page, USD Gallagher Center for Experiential Learning and Education Abroad.

The regional coffee chain Scooter’s Coffee opened its first shop in Bellevue, Nebraska in 1998. Now the chain is making its way to Vermillion.

Construction on the drive-thru coffee shop began in July this year and is set to conclude in October.

Diedra Mettler, the soon-tobe-manager of Vermillion’s Scooters, said there isn’t an official opening date for Scooter’s but their goal is early in October.

Mettler has worked with the Scooter’s franchise for the

last six years. She said she is excited to be in Vermillion and is looking forward to meeting community members.

“Scooter’s is more community-oriented. We get to know our customers really well,” Mettler said. “It is nice to have regulars that you get to know on a daily basis.”

The Vermillion Scooter’s will be mainly a drive-thru coffee shop, but there will also be a walk up window and an outdoor patio seating.

Mettler said she hopes Scooter’s will make getting coffee more convenient for Vermillion residents, but said she doesn’t think it will take away business from any

other coffee shop in town.

“People still have other places in town — like Café Brulé— where they go and sit down and chill. And then if they’re in a hurry, or on our way out of town, they can come to us,” Mettler said.

Right now, Mettler said she is working on hiring her staff and getting them trained to be prepared for the grand opening.

Scooter’s will be located southwest of Walmart on Princeton Avenue. Follow The Volante on Twitter @ thevolante for updates on Scooter’s Coffee opening day.

Verve

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 THE VOLANTE

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FLOATING WORLD IN FINE ARTS GALLERY Maddi Kallsen

Maddilyn.Kallsen@coyotes.usd.edu

Throughout the summer, six artists came together and created a world from scratch. The Floating World is featured in the John A. Day Gallery now until Oct. 9.

Amy Fill, Director of the University Art Galleries and one of the six artists, said much of the inspiration for this gallery comes from Japanese art prints called Ukiyo-e — meaning floating world.

Artist Dillon Bryant is currently curating an art show in gallery 110 within the Fine Arts building consisting of Ukiyo-e prints and

helped derive some of the inspiration for The Floating World Project.

“The prints depict everyday, marginal life,” Bryant said.

Themes found in the Ukiyo-e prints directly relate, Fill said, to themes within the space created.

“We wanted to create a place to be still, to reflect and a place to grow and develop empathy,” Fill said. “It’s a place to escape the chaos of the world we’re in now.”

Artist Courtney LaVallie said the inspiration came from the elements within the prints but it also came from the local environment.

“Spirit Mound, the prairie, the birds we see in the midwest are all

sources of inspiration,” LaVallie said.

The project is made with various materials. Paper mache trees, a fabric waterfall and sun, cellophane water, clouds of packing material and a painted wall — all these items come together to create the floating world within the gallery.

“It’s important to note that we all had something to bring to the project, but we also learned a lot from each other throughout the project,” LaVallie said.

Lindsay Seier made the water, Lacey McLouth made the clouds, LaVallie made the sun, and Levi Sternburg, Fill and Bryant, made the paper mache trees. Together, they

created the world together.

Bryant said a photographic process called cyanotype was used to create the blues seen throughout the gallery.

“It’s a light sensor process,” Bryant said. “Exposure to sunlight forms images and deep, rich blue colors.”

The entire floating world is made from two dimensional objects, made into a three dimensional world.

“We created a form with all of those two-dimensional objects bringing it into the three dimensional and this directly ties in with the prints,” Fill said.

Collaboration brings forth a

different art process for artists, Fill said.

“We definitely had to be adaptable, to be able to bounce ideas off of each other, to listen and to work together,” Seier said.

In circumstances previous to COVID, this project would not have come to be, Fill said.

“What was really interesting was we collaborated because of COVID. We wouldn’t have experienced this,” Fill said.“Because everything was canceled we had the opportunity to do this and be creative, together.”

The Floating World in the John A. Day Gallery is showcased now until Oct. 9. The gallery is a collaboration of six artist and features a variety of mediums.

Maddi Kallsen | The Volante

Students reflect on their personal experiences with COVID-19 Bennett Clary

Bennett.Clary@coyotes.usd.edu

The effects of COVID have rippled throughout campus, but it has looked different for every student. For some students, the virus has been a looming threat with little meaning in their lives, but for others, it has changed their life.

Freshman Brooke Loutsch’s uncle contracted COVID from his job at the Tyson Foods plant.

He then passed it onto Loutsch’s aunt. Loutsch said the two selfquarantined for a little over two weeks to be on the safe side.

Since the couple is within the age range of people who may suffer harsher consequences from the virus, Loutsch said she was concerned for their safety.

“It really scared me knowing somebody who had it because at that point I didn’t know someone who had it,” Loutsch said. “It was a distant thing that didn’t affect me.”

Freshman Olivia Perli’s mother, Holly Perli, works at Regional Hospital in Rapid City as a nurse educator. However, once COVID started infecting more people, Holly Perli was required to work more as a

nurse than as an educator.

“As the virus happened and school started again, it’s been hard for them to keep pushing and working,” Olivia Perli said. “Now people in the hospitals are getting it and they’re understaffed. The public just isn’t treating it as importantly as they should.”

Loutsch also said she is concerned not enough people have taken the pandemic seriously, causing frustration amongst essential workers. The Fareway Loutsch works at posted signs requiring customers wear a mask for entry to follow CDC guidelines.

“There were a lot of people who didn’t listen to (the signs) and felt the need to express their opinions about it towards me,” Loutsch said.

“There’s health workers, especially now, wearing a mask for so much longer. What you have to do to buy your bread and eggs at the grocery store isn’t going to hurt you.”

Loutsch said health officials know what’s best for students and she respects their decisions but didn’t want to return to school.

Olivia Perli said she hopes the school has procedures in place to See COVID, Page B2

Submitted Photo | The Volante

Submitted Photo | The Volante

Hospital in Rapid City said she see the effects of COVID-19 in the medical field first hand.

hit home when her uncle contracted the virus while working at the Tyson Foods plant.

Olivia Perli’s, a freshman, mother works at Regional Brooke Loutsch, a freshman, said that the pandemic

Verve

B2 Wednesday, September 9, 2020

The Volante | volanteonline.com

Submitted Photo | The Volante

Susan Heggestad sketches and designs the new mural in the Vermillion Community Connection Center which will be completed by late October.

Local artist to showcase Vermillion community in new mural Chloe Fullenkamp

Chloe.Fullenkamp@coyotes.usd.edu

Vermillion’s Community Connection Center (CCC) is working with a local artist and community members to liven up their community space.

The CCC is a community space where organizations like United Way of Vermillion, Vermillion Food Pantry, The Welcome Table and Salvation Army are located.

According to the CCC website, the CCC is “a place where those in need can receive assistance, moving from crisis to stability, and ultimately, selfsufficiency.”

Susan Heggestad, a professional artist and Vermillion native, is creating a mural for the CCC to showcase what Vermilion represents.

Beginning in late 2019, Heggestad worked with the executive director of United Way and the CCC, Kelsey Collier-Wise, to develop how they wanted to bring artwork into the CCC space.

“We discussed some themes and approaches at various points throughout the winter, with the hopes of getting underway in the spring of 2020,” Heggestad said, “We pushed the official start of the mural project off until this past summer due to the pandemic, but also the hopes of incorporating the creative input of the (local) kids.”

Heggestad said they had to adjust their approach to the mural due to the pandemic, but they still wanted to include as much community input as possible.

To get the word out in the

community, Heggestad and the CCC took to Facebook and local businesses.

“I created a prompt sheet to get folks’ creative juices flowing,” Heggestad said.

Sheets were distributed through the food pantry and other places downtown. The prompts on the sheet included questions to spur ideas about joy, safety, inclusivity and community.

They had lots of input from Facebook, Heggestad said, as community members and friends shared their ideas.

The overall input from the community has been helpful in creating ideas, Heggestad said.

“It’s been exciting to see what community members come up with as their answers for some of the

creative prompts,” Heggestad said.

For Heggestad, imagery is the name of the game. She said they want to make sure the mural not only represents Vermillion, but how the CCC affects the entire community.

“There’s space for a great deal of imagery, so the challenge will be to incorporate enough of the input to be truly representative, but still be coherent and not overly complex,” Heggestad said.

To ensure the safety of others, Heggestad is the primary artist on the mural, but may be assisted by volunteers if it is deemed safe.

Collier-Wise said the mural will represent more than just the Vermillion community.

“We envision art that speaks to our mission: to create connection in the community and make sure

that every citizen has everything they need for stability and security,” Collier-Wise said.

At the moment, the mural is still in the beginning stages. Heggestad said she hopes to complete the mural by mid-to-late October.

“There’s quite a bit of tentativeness there, as I’m primarily attempting to do this by myself,” Heggestad said, “The goal is to have the mural ready once the CCC is ready to be open for visitors again.”

As the CCC brings many community organizations together, Heggestad said she looks to create a mural with purpose.

“The hope for the mural is primarily to enliven this space within the [CCC] so that it feels welcoming and vibrant,” Heggestad said.

FA Series: Musical Theater set to take stage virtually this season Kenley Cotter

Kenley.Cotter@coyotes.usd.edu

The musical theater department, like all departments on campus, made accommodations this semester to provide a safer environment for their faculty and students. By taking all the necessary precautions, they have made coming back to school for students and faculty as comfortable as they can.

Camille Cook, a junior musical theater major, said she is appreciative of all the precautions put in place by the Fine Arts Department.

“Coming back to school this year, I was nervous. Now that classes have started I can say I feel the safest in my musical theater classes than anywhere on campus,” Cook said.

Musical theater has maintained small class sizes to ensure social distancing is put in place and will maintain a clean environment by sanitizing their workspace when they leave for the safety of the next class.

In dance classes, students are given a six-foot by six-foot square to maintain social distancing. During voice lessons or anytime students are in a vocal class, a clear mask and face shield are required to keep the environment as clean as possible.

“We are a very interactive department and so used to being hands-on, so that has been the biggest adjustment for us,” Cook said. “All of my professors have been so considerate of my health,

it has really made me appreciate all their work.”

Cook said her professors are checking in with them for their health, class updates and even their mental health. She said she is thankful her professors have gone above and beyond to check in with their students.

The Fine Arts Department has two performance spaces, the Knutson Theatre and the Arena Theatre. The next two performances will be shown in the Knutson Theatre because it is a larger space to be able to ensure social distancing.

The next performance by the musical theater department is Julius Ceasar. Faculty members are still being deciding whether the public will be able to view the performance in person or not.

“The performances will be able to be viewed via live stream for the public whether we can have an audience or not,” Cook said.

With all the changes that are coming with this semester, the Fine Arts Department has made accommodations to provide a clean environment for its students, faculty and the public attending their performances.

“The Fine Arts Department is doing an amazing job handling all of the chaos this year and it makes me feel good knowing I’m still getting a great education no matter what changes are put in place,” Cook stated.

The musical theater produced Men on Boats last year in February.

Reactions with Rachel:

‘Trinkets’ steals the show on Netflix Rachel Thompson

Rachel.Thompson@coyotes.usd.edu

Netflix Studios | The Volante

Starting a new TV show that has six seasons already out is very daunting.

So when I find a new show with shorter episodes, up-and-coming actors, and a story I haven’t seen before — it sounds great to me.

“Trinkets” is about three girls who wouldn’t have become friends, but did after they all ended up in a shoplifter’s anonymous group.

This show didn’t fit in a box — each of the main characters had actual personalities, actual stories to tell. To go with that, the actors did a great job showcasing these amazing characters.

The bond between the characters Elodie, Tabitha and Moe were real on and off-screen.

One of the main topics “Trinkets” tackles is toxic and abusive relationships.

To the people around her, Tabitha’s life is perfect. Even her family and friends can’t see the tension she holds when she is around her abusive boyfriend.

Teenagers don’t necessarily like telling their parents or an adult what’s happening in their lives. Tabitha would repeatedly give her mother signs of the toxic relationship she was in. She would say she didn’t like Brady, that Brady wasn’t the one for her — and her mother ignored them thinking teenage lives aren’t complex.

Luckily with her new friends, she finds the courage to break up with her abuser and find herself. The aftermath of their break up shows how toxic Brady is as he continually tries to manipulate his way back into her life.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of all the complex ideas present in the show.

Probably the best part, however, is that you could binge-watch this in two days.

Miles Amende | The Volante

COVID From Page B1

keep families safe if students are sent back home.

“I’m glad that I had at least a few of the experiences that are normal,” Olivia Perli said. “But even teachers are joking about when we’re going to be sent home so it seems inevitable that this will not be a normal year, maybe not even a normal four years.”

Loutsch said her main concerns are people not wearing their masks properly, unnecessary gatherings and people not being cognizant of other’s lives.

“You have to assume your hands are dirty,” Loutsch said. “Wash them. You have to assume someone here is infected. Wear your mask.”

Throughout everything, both students said they are scared for the future and all the unknown factors of COVID-19. They are taking on school one day at a time.

Sports

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2020 THE VOLANTE

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HULT PRIZE WINNERS WORK FOR DECEMBER COMPETITION

Submitted Photo | The Volante

Last year, Fomeno tabled in the MUC to raise awareness about their mission and make connections with students. They also had a survey students were able to take while passing by.

Jake Lindenberg

Jake.Lindenberg@coyotes.usd.edu

Madisen Martinez | The Volante

(Left to right) Fomeno founders and USD juniors Ashlyn Faye, Brigit Blote and Payton Ryz sought out to create a sustainable business by making secondhand shopping easier for the consumer.

In March, a trio of USD students known as “Threads of Green” won first place at the regional Summit of the Hult Prize competition. Since then, the trio has been working to improve their business idea for the final global accelerator round set for December in London.

The Hult Prize is an annual competition where students across the globe crowdsource business ideas meant to solve specific social issues.

Juniors Brigit Blote, Payton Ryz and Ashlyn Faye were tasked with creating a sustainable business that impacts the Earth in a positive way. To do this, they got thrifty.

The business, called Forget Me Not or Fomeno, is a mobile app that compiles and pulls data from online thrift stores. The idea is to help make second-hand shopping easier for consumers.

“Our vision for Fomeno is for the app to offer the simplest thrifting experience,” Blote said. “You type in the clothing item you’re looking for and Fomeno will find it instantly through our technology and our partnerships with online thrift stores.”

Due to COVID complications, the March regional was held virtually. Since the team’s victory, they have been focused on sculpting their image, gathering more partnerships with online thrift stores and working to finalize their app prototype. The team now has a CoyoteFunder campaign set up that has raised over $3,100 and a GoFundMe page that has raised $860.

Currently, the trio is taking steps to finalize their app and turn their business idea into a reality.

“We are now in the Accelerator, which is a 12-week program where we have interactive learning Zoom sessions every day to give us further tools for building

our team, business validation, making our first sale, and topics like that,” Ryz said. “We want our business brand and mission to be inclusive to everyone.”

Blote expressed that the biggest issue facing the team and their preparation for London right now is committing time to the project.

“We are all student-athletes, so figuring out how to juggle sports, studies and all things Hult Prize has been a unique task. But each week we are learning from last and are doing the best we can,” said Blote.

Aside from time constraints, last semester’s COVID break made it hard for the team to make connections and spread the word about their business.

“Here on campus we really want to spread the word on who we are and what we are up to,” Ryz said. “Around the time that we won the regional event we were all sent home because of COVID so we really want to get the school involved and hyped about what we are up to. It’s feedback from our peers that really helps validate our business.”

Since returning, the trio has been able to lean on members of the university and the Vermillion community in order to help put the best foot forward for the finals.

Blote credited USD sports photographer Madisen Martinez for creating marketing and media content for the team, professors Meghann Jarchow and Gregort Bertsch for mentorship and help finding network connections, fellow junior Katie Brust for designing a logo and the USD foundation for help with crowdsourcing funds.

For more information on Fomeno and Threads of Green, you can visit their Instagram page (@threads_of _green) or their website at www.thriftfomeno.com.

Expectations remain high for USD volleyball despite season delay Bailey Zubke

Bailey.Zubke@coyotes.usd.edu

The Coyote volleyball team is coming off their most successful season at the Division I level on paper, but head coach Leanne Williamson said this success has been building for years.

“The people coming back know what that is and the people that have been recruited here and are starting their freshman year got recruited to that type of a program,” Williamson said. “They know what to expect, they know that those expectations are high, that our standards are high every single day. And in the end, you do what you’re supposed to do and success will follow.”

The expectations and anticipation for this season are continuing to build as fall sports were put on hold by the Summit League. The team is currently not able to practice under the direction of Williamson and her staff.

The team is still able to work out and train with each other, but Williamson and her staff don’t have any knowledge of, direction or influence on the team’s practice and training.

“They want to be competitive. They want to play the sport that they’ve missed out on for the last few months but us as coaches have nothing to do with it,” Williamson said. “But they can still lift, they can still condition, they can still play as much as they want on their own. But as coaches, we don’t have any knowledge of it, or we can’t be a part of it.”

Williamson and associate head coach Michael Runde have had to adjust their recruiting tactics as well.

Williamson said all recruiting this offseason has been virtual, with Facetime calls and Zoom meetings being a regular way to talk with recruits.

See VB, Page B4

Submitted Photo | The Volante

Junior Joana and freshman Janaina Zanin embrace during one of

their high school soccer games. The sisters reunite this year as freshman Janaina Zanin joins the team this season.

Soccer sisters stick together in college Rachel Thompson

Rachel.Thompson@coyotes.usd.edu

File Photo | The Volante

The 2019 season was a historic one, with the team finishing with a 31-3 record, an undefeated Summit League title and a new home attendance record.

Being on the same team as a sibling is something many never experience. For Joana and Janaina Zanin, they were on the same soccer team in high school and now college.

Their dad was a professional soccer player in Brazil and, they said, had them kicking the ball as soon as possible.

Joana Zanin said she decided to come to USD, so she could be close to home, however, she also enjoyed the culture of USD. Having her sister at USD made the choice to play for the Coyotes easier, Janaina Zanin said.

“No matter what, it’s going to be that sister bond,” Janaina Zanin said.

Seeing her sister wear Coyote

red at games and going to camps, Janaina Zanin said, helped make USD feel more like home.

They spent around 4 months at home together, Joana Zanin said, looking forward to making their way back to Vermillion.

“When COVID started it was kind of a setback, last year our soccer team, and for me personally, was doing really well and we were excited to come back and kick some butt,” Joana Zanin said. “I was ready to come back and get back to reality.”

The soccer team, like a lot of the other sports, has to wait until the spring for their season due to COVID-19 postponements of fall sports.

Now the soccer team is treating See SISTERS, Page B4

Sports

B4 Wednesday, September 9, 2020

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Changing course schedules to create academic success Madilyn Sindelar

Madilyn.Sindelar@coyotes.usd.edu

While the COVID-19 pandemic swiftly affected the fall competition season for hundreds of South Dakota student-athletes, it also brought an abrupt change to their academic course schedule for this fall.

Within the add/drop period, student athlete academic advisors — like Colleen Evans — worked with over 100 student athletes to change their school schedules due to the fall season postponements.

Typically student athletes will take a lighter load during their off season to manage their 20 hours a week of training and competition hours, Evan said.

“It’s a balance between athletics and academics,” Evans said.

“It’s not uncommon for student athletes to take 1-2 summer classes to stay on track with their four-year plan. So, this also allows them to lighten their load during their season and stay on track.”

All athletes are required to utilize the Student Athlete Success Center (SASC) when attempting to change their schedules because of the

student-athlete holds placed on their accounts. A studentathlete wanting to add or drop a course has to notify their academic advisor who notifies the registrar’s office for them to complete the change.

“The reason for this is so they do not inadvertently become NCAA ineligible,” Evans said. “The NCAA expects us to have processes in place to prevent inadvertent schedule changes that lead to ineligibility, so this is the way we control that.”

It’s a bit more complicated for student-athletes to change their schedule and the SASC advisors are fairly busy during the add/drop period, Evans said.

Due to COVID-19 precautions meetings with advisors occur over Zoom or via email rather than inside the office, Evans said.

“We did have some scheduled appointments and come to our office,” Evans said. “We have Plexiglas shields on our desks and use masks, so it was in line with all COVID protocols, but it was definitely different than just popping by their advisor’s office.”

With the sports seasons

Madilyn Sindelar | The Volante

Due to COVID-19, student-athlete schedules have changed with years of eligibility being added. Academic advisors are

working diligently to ensure all student-athletes are able to fulfill NCAA academic regulations and graduate at their desired time. being postponed and fall sports moving into off-season training fall and winter sports athletes were mostly affected, Evans said.

“Mentally, it will be a new and different experience for some of our fall sport student athletes to think about their championship season in the spring,” Evans said.

VB

From Page B3

File Photo | The Volante

Sophomore outside hitter Elizabeth Juhnke spikes the ball during a 2019 game. Juhnke recieved USD’s Female Rookie of the year for the 2019-2020 school year.

SISTERS From Page B3

this semester like the spring, Joana Zanin said, by building up their strength in themselves and as a team. The team, Joana Zanin said, is also using this extra time to learn how freshmen play and add to their team, While the girls get along on and off the field, Joana Zanin said their relationship is more than just what people see.

“There’s competition there, but we know we both push each other. We know we both try to make each other better so it kind of evens out,” Joana Zanin said.

On the field and off the sisters are continually trying to make themselves better.

With many high schools in the midwest returning to class and sports, Williamson said they are receiving game highlight and camp skills videos to assess potential recruits while they are not able to attend games.

“I do think it has definitely been beneficial for high school games to start up, to be able to watch some live streams, for them to be able to send film and there’s a lot more done online right now,” Williamson said. “Even if it is just a short highlight film or, a short video that showcases a skill session that they participated in. So it’s not necessarily always gameplay either and that’s okay.”

As for the 2020-21 Coyotes, there are high expectations following the NIVC Championship game appearance last season. Those

“If we aren’t meeting that standard, we hold each other accountable on and off the field,” Joana Zanin said.

Whatever comes their way, whether it be COVID or a bad game they can get through it together, Janaina Zanin said.

“Whether on or off the field our bond is the same. We like to be goofy and push each other for greatness,” Joana Zanin said. “Honestly, I love it, just having my sister on my team. Not many people get to say they got to play at a high division program with their sibling.”

Joana and Janaina Zanin both said they will always be there for the other sister, no matter what.

“I never felt like my sister was a threat to me, I’ve always been the person that helps her out,” Janaina Zanin said. “We always have each other’s backs, no matter what.”

Tyler Boyle

Football:

Following the Tanagers’ dominant season opener win against the Belle Fourche Broncos, they faced the Tea Titans in an away game Friday, Sept. 4.

However, the Tanagers’ were unable to match the previous week’s performance and fell 54-0 to the Titans. The Tanagers allowed the Titans a total of 471 yards of total offense.

Vermillion’s top performances were highlighted by quarterback Charlie Ward who threw for 83 yards and Connor Saunders who caught 56 of those yards.

Vermillion’s next game is set for Friday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m. against TriValley (0-1).

Boy’s Soccer:

The Tanagers won the first three matches of their season in dominant fashion against James Valley Christian (7-1), Harrisburg (4-1) and Groton Area (6-1).

Girl’s Soccer:

The Tanagers girls soccer team tied the West Central Titans (0-0-1) on Thursday, Sept. 3. This makes Vermillion’s record to 2-2-2.

The Tanagers next game is in Sioux Falls against Sioux Falls Christian Sept. 10.

study hours to complete each week, Evans said.

“It begins with advising and scheduling their classes around practice and travel,” Evans said. “For some studentathletes, we meet weekly and help them organize their week and ensure they understand what assignments they may have due each week.”

Not only is it important student-athletes remain on track for graduation and remain NCAA illegible, but to feel confident in the process.

“Helping our students understand how to access and use all of the academic tools USD offers is important for their overall success,” Evans said.

expectations are nothing new for Williamson’s team. She said her team always has the expectation to perform at a high level.

“We’ve always had those expectations for ourselves,” Williamson said. “We have always talked about you know being one of the best teams, and not only being great within the league but being great within the country and I think last year was, I don’t want to say the first year, but I think it’s the one that most people are going to remember for a while here.”

The Coyotes lost four seniors to graduation last season — Anne Rasmussen, Elizabeth Loschen, Mehana Fonseca and Pamela Zuluaga.

Williamson said one of the things the team has done well is finding a way to replace a strong senior class every year.

“I think what we’ve heard so much from fans is just we’re excited to see how we put in our team together,”

Williamson said. “Because every year we’ve had some pretty major people graduate, and yet we’ve always been able to find somebody that can step up and fill that position and make it their own.”

This year’s Coyote team has one senior, outside hitter Sami Slaughter. Slaughter transferred to USD after her sophomore year at Nebraska.

Slaughter amassed 417 kills on an average of 3.39 kills per set. On the opposite side of the attack for the Coyotes is sophomore Elizabeth Juhnke.

Juhnke was the Summit League Freshman of the Year last season and led the conference with 520 kills. She contributed 356 digs and 87 blocks defensively.

Setting up the offense for the Coyotes is junior Madison Jurgens.

Jurgens tallied 1,442 assists last season, the third-most in school history.

Jurgens was first-team allSummit and the conference Setter of the Year.

This season, The Summit League tournament will be played in Vermillion. The winner of the previous year’s regular season championship hosts the tournament the following season. With a 16-0 conference season, the Coyotes won the regular season title last year, moving the championship from Denver to Vermillion.

Williamson said the possibility of playing in front of a home crowd in the Summit League tournament is big for her team.

“That does make a difference, and that’s something that when we get to that point, we’re going to be very excited to play in front of our home fans,” Williamson said. “I mean everyone has seen us play here, they know we played well at the SCSC in front of our home fans that absolutely help us win matches.”

Junior forward Joana Zanin defends the ball in last year’s game against SDSU.

Busy upcoming week for Vermillion Tanager high school athletics Tyler.Boyle@coyotes.usd.edu

This fall the goal remains the same for the SASC, to support student-athletes with staying on top of their studies.

Advisers work on scheduling student-athletes classes around practices and travel schedules. As well as, making sure all freshmen and some upperclassmen studentathletes have mandatory

File Photo | The Volante

UP NEXT FOR THE TANAGERS

Volleyball:

The Tanagers volleyball team failed to improve their 1-1 record and fell to the Lennox Orioles on Sept. 5, in a close five-set match. In a back and forth game, Vermillion won the first set (25-22), lost the second set (26-24), won the third set (25-22) and lost the final two sets (25-22) (15-13).

Cross Country:

Following the men’s team’s 3rd place finish and the women’s team’s 8th place finishes at the Beresford XC Invitational on Aug. 28 the teams now head to the Canton Cross Country Invite at the Hiawatha Golf Course on Sept. 8.

The boy’s varsity race is set for 4:15 p.m. and the girl’s varsity race is set for 4:40 p.m.

Next up for the Tanagers is the SF Christian Charger Invite at the Kuehn Park in Sioux Falls on Sept. 15.

Ve r m i l l i o n’s volleyball and boys CHECK soccer teams were in OUT LAST action Tuesday night.

NIGHT’S No information was RESULTS: available at the time of print. Check The Volante’s website Wednesday for updates on all of the action.

FOOTBALL: Vermillion vs. Tri-Valley Sept. 11 @ 7 p.m. (at Tri-Valley) CROSS COUNTRY: Sioux Falls Christian Charger Invite Sept. 15 BOY’S SOCCER: Vermillion vs. James Valley Chrisitian Sept. 12 @ 1 p.m. (Vermillion) GIRL’S SOCCER: Vermillion vs. Sioux Falls Christian Sept. 10 @ 6 p.m. (Sioux Falls Chrisitian) VOLLEYBALL: Vermillion vs. Tri-Valley Sept. 10 @ 7:15 p.m.

(Vermillion)