Best Moments in Verve

Here are what the editors thought were the biggest moments in entertainment this year. It started with Spectrum gathering students for a march for reproductive rights. Then spaces to explore art were made and new clubs began on USD’s campus. Photos by The Volante photographers: Thomas Pemrick, Keeley Thomas, Sara Moir, Allison Horkey and Sydney Johnson

Sept. 08

Students March for Reproductive Rights

Oct. 02

Third Annual Music is Alive Festival

Students for Reproductive Rights and Spectrum held a protest Sept. 8 against the overturning of Roe versus Wade. The march went from the DakotaDome through campus to Aalf Auditorium in Slagle Hall. Protestors carried signs, chanted and signed petitions.

Oct. 04

Intramurals

The annual Big Pink Volleyball Fundraiser returned for its eighth year at the Wellness Center. The event was organized by Connor Singhisen, assistant director of intramurals and clubs, and the money raised was donated to the Vucurevich’s Children’s Center on campus. In previous years, they raised money for a young girl battling Leukemia, paid off student lunch debt at both elementary schools and covered the costs of two adult tricycles for Sesdac clients.

Nov. 04

USD’s Music Department hosted its third annual Music is Alive Festival and partnered with Vermillion High School. The eight ensembles played a variety of music that included selections from Star Wars. Parts of the event were conducted by a graduate student.

On Nov. 4, several artists were brought together to create two related exhibitions, “Sitting Down Together” and “Amanda Boeger: Matresence.” These exhibitions highlighted concepts like domesticity and the changes of motherhood and family.

The Indian Student Association was started this school year with the hopes of connecting Indian students across campus and bringing more Indian culture to USD. The group hopes to be a resource for incoming students who may have challenges finding an apartment or adjusting to the weather. Prior to the club existing, many Indian students formed informal communities but now the club hopes to reach more members by creating an official organization.

Former USD art students Tyson Schultz and Levi Sternburg created a platform called Untitled.10 for upcoming artists to share their work. They said the goal of the social media platform is to create an opportunity for young artists to show their work in art shows. Schultz and Sternburg run pop-up shows through the fall, winter and spring mostly in Sioux Falls. On Nov. 26, the group showcased their artwork at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls.

Nov. 26

Alumni Create Space for New Artists

Dec. 02

New Club

Celebrating Indian Culture

The Union of African American Students hosted their fifth annual Ruby Ball in February to end the celebration of Black History Month. Over 100 people attended the event. A live performance by Kobe Jordan started the night of music, food and dancing.

Feb. 25

Ruby Ball Closes Out Black History Month

Activists for Equality is a new student organization that hosted their first event during Women’s History Month. The organization hosted a trivia night to inform people about the impact women have had on history. The organization focuses on different issues such as advocating for healthy relationships and reproductive justice.

March 06

Women’s History Month Triva Held by New Group

Spectrum hosted the Lavender Graduation event for graduating students who are members of the LGBTQ+ community and their guests. The Lavender Graduation celebrated the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and honored graduates with a rainbow stole at USD’s graduation.

April 29

Spectrum Hosts Lavender Graduation