Dear Alumni and Friends,
It continues to be my honor and privilege to serve as the president of South Dakota State University. During my past two-plus years, we have launched a new strategic plan, new academic programs and continue to alter the campus landscape with projects like the Performing Arts Center, Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory and doubled the size of the Wellness Center. 
We have opened wider than ever before the doors to campus and are thrilled to host literally hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
Two of the things I love most about my job are building personal relationships with students and engaging with alumni.
It was last year during a Jackrabbits’ home football game that I was introduced to 1975 graduates Karen and Richard McComish, whose story is told in this edition. The couple lives in Billings, Montana, where Richard is president and managing principal of Electrical Consultants Inc., one of the nation’s leading energy-development consulting companies. Their story of success, while in some ways unique, is a wonderful example of what SDSU has done and continues to do in educating and preparing students for exciting and rewarding lives.
One of my highlights each week is to go to the University Student Union to eat, visit with students and listen to their dreams and aspirations. Peder Solberg, Amanda Muller and Ella Lee were among the 144 selected to work in the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Science program this summer. They were selected from more than 1,300 applicants and their story that start on page 20 showcases the opportunities and promise an SDSU education provides, as well as the importance of connecting with alumni like Kenton Kaufman, who directs the lab. What a wonderful example of an alum helping the next generation of Jackrabbits!Â
Enrollment remains a challenge as the region’s demographics continue to dramatically change. I want you to have confidence that we are working to address enrollment through a new strategic enrollment management plan that has many exciting initiatives.
It was recently announced that SDState is the 14th-most affordable, and one of the safest universities in the nation. These points, along with strong academic offerings, certainly provide us with a strong foundation for our future. Help us spread the word with potential Jackrabbits!Â
Thank you for your support of our university. It is your involvement, interest and commitment makes being a Jackrabbit special.
Go Jacks!
