Students of State

In this issue of STATE, we turn our attention to what campus looks and feels like to current students. This summer, we invited a number of faculty, staff and administrators to suggest students who could help represent the current student body makeup. We do not present this as a 40 under 40, but tried to give an idea of what you might see or meet if you walked the sidewalks of SDSU today.

After receiving hundreds of submissions, we had the difficult task of narrowing that down to what would fit on the pages of STATE. We created several dozen questions and sent them each five to answer.

Choosing a couple dozen students from the hundreds who were submitted was not a perfect science. We tried to represent all of the academic colleges, new students through doctoral students, student-athletes and actors, musicians and mathematicians, students from around the corner and the globe.

The role of a university is preparing the next generation of growers, builders, artists, leaders, caretakers and educators. These are some of the faces of the people who will solve problems and continue to strengthen our communities, states and the world for decades to come.

Their answers were insightful and inspiring. Like most of us, they have a great affinity for this place, but have recommendations for what they would change and what they hope future students experience or learn from them. We hope you enjoy “meeting” these students as much as we did!



• What are you most proud of so far in your college career? I spent the spring semester of my sophomore year studying abroad and that is definitely what I am most proud of so far in my college experience. Prior to my experience abroad, I had never left my family/South Dakota for an extended period of time, and I had never left the country. I did not know anybody who would be studying abroad through the same program as me, and I also did not speak a foreign language. I studied in Paris for six weeks, London for six weeks and Rome for six weeks. This was a very transformational part of my life as I gained not only a deeper understanding of culture and the importance of international relations, but I also gained confidence and a strong belief in my abilities to succeed in whatever I set my mind to. I was able to explore Europe, visit 33 cities and 11 countries, take 18 credits, and make countless friendships and memories that will last me a lifetime. Taryn Northrup, Senior, Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations, Sioux Falls

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/tarynhobo3.jpg

• How do you plan to stay engaged with SDSU after you graduate? No matter where I am in the world or what my career is, I will do absolutely whatever I can to be in Brookings each fall for Hobo Day! I hope I can attend the annual parade and football game to reconnect with my fellow Hobo Day Committee alumni. I can’t wait to someday bring my children to SDSU and show them the place I called home for four years. I also will continue to support State A Thon by donating to this incredible student organization and Children’s Miracle Network. Kylee Donnelly, Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies, Elk Point

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kylee_Donnelly.jpg

• How do you want to be remembered from your time at SDSU? I want to be remembered for my time at SDSU as someone who encouraged inclusion and involvement at SDSU. Coming to college allows you to meet new people, create amazing memories and be who you want to be. Since my first time stepping on campus, I have always tried to be a friend to all and encourage others to find their place here on campus wherever that my be. Kayla Gullickson, Graduate Student, Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations, Brookings

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/kayla_gullickson.jpg

• What are you most proud of so far in your college career? I believe my greatest accomplishment in college so far is social skills. I came from a graduating class of 14, and moving to a campus with over 12,000 students was intimidating. As time went on however, I began to feel more comfortable talking to people I had not met before. Standing at the front of Rotunda D was something I did not think I could ever do, but now I feel comfortable speaking in front of 350 students. The ability to communicate is one of the greatest tools, and SDSU has equipped me far better than I could have imaged. Eric Sundall, Senior, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Ruthven, Iowa

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Eric-Sundall.jpg

• What person on campus has been your biggest supporter? One is my adviser Dr. Douglas Raynie. He is one of the best people I have met in my life. He is always supporting, helping, guiding and motivating in every moment. Because of him, I never felt like I am alone here away from home. Another person is Dr. Hirko, who passed away. He was my lab coordinator. I learned many teaching skills through his guidance. Balawanthrao Jadhav, Ph.D. Student, Chemistry, Antharni village, Nirmal City and Telangana State, India

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Balawanthrao_Jadhav.jpg

• Why did you choose SDSU? I chose SDSU because the people I have met through SDSU are some of the kindest people I know. Once I came on my visit and saw the campus, I immediately  knew that I was where I needed to be. Jay-Shawn Milton, Senior, Entrepreneurial Studies, Lakewood, New Jersey

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Jay-Shawn-Milton-20180822_sdsu_407_CMYK.jpg

• Why did you choose SDSU? I chose SDSU because it felt like home when I came here for my first visit as a senior in high school. Everyone on my tour and at my academic appointments were so friendly and were really trying to help in anyway they possibly could. On the car ride home from my visit, I realized I could see myself thriving at South Dakota State University. Paige Cain, Junior, History Education, American Indian Studies, Flandreau

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00214-1_CMYK.jpg

• f you could change one thing about SDSU, what would it be? I would love to have more people from my country here. The school has a lot of potential, and I am very satisfied with my decision of choosing SDSU as my school. Other than that, I love it here! Vicky Murillo, Senior, Interior Design, San Pedro Sula, Honduras

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00346-2_CMYK.jpg

• f you could change one thing about SDSU, what would it be? If I could improve one thing at SDSU it would probably be the diversity education for everyone at the school. We have taken steps as an athletic department, but I would love to see this integrated to the whole school as well. Matt Mims, Junior, Consumer Affairs, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/20190903-1299_cutout.jpg

• Describe your typical day on campus. A typical day on the SDSU campus for me includes waking up and walking to the union. There, I sit in my office for the University Program Council, my campus job, to answer emails, make some phone calls and knock out some homework. I also attend my hybrid courses throughout the afternoon and in my free time, I like to meet up with friends for lunch or coffee. At night, I typically attend meetings for the multiple clubs I’m involved in on campus before I walk home to my 17 roommates in the Alpha Xi Delta house! It’s never a dull moment living with all my sisters. Carlyle Rieff, Senior, Nursing, Omaha, Nebraska

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00739-1_CMYK.jpg

• Describe your typical day on campus. My typical day on campus involves waking up at 5 a.m. to workout at the Miller Wellness Center. After working out, I get ready and then head to a coffee shop on campus where I complete homework and respond to emails until 9 a.m. After having my morning coffee, I attend my classes, which usually go until noon After class, I grab food from the student union and usually meet up with a friend or classmate. Between 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. I am working on extracurricular activities such as scheduling events for Sigma Phi Epsilon, which is an organization I am the president of on campus. Between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is usually my time to unwind, which usually involves a Netflix documentary or reading a book. Finally, I head to bed around 10 p.m. Devan Schaefer, Junior, Business Economics, Mankato, Minnesota

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00629-1_CMYK.jpg

• How do you plan to stay engaged with SDSU after you graduate? South Dakota State University will always be a home to me. Upon graduation, I plan to continue my engagement with SDSU by supporting the School of American and Global Studies because the school houses all three of my majors. I also intend to engage with the student organizations that were vital to my campus experience, like the Students’ Association and the Global Studies Club. Finally, in my future, I will continue to deepen my relationships with the friends, faculty, staff and community leaders who I interacted with as an SDSU student. Hattie Seten, Senior, Political Science, Spanish, Global Studies, Sioux Falls

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Hattie-Seten-20200828_sdsu_177_CMYK.jpg

• How do you plan to stay engaged with SDSU after you graduate? One of my favorite activities on campus is supporting our athletic teams. I look forward to coming back as an alumnus to cheer on future Jackrabbits at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium or in Frost Arena. Along with continuing to be an energetic spectator, I will stay up to date with future SDSU initiatives and achievements that are bound to come. I also aspire to give back to this school in any form that I can! Once a Jackrabbit, always a Jackrabbit! Avori Bastemeyer, Senior, Biochemistry, Chesapeake, Virginia

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00771-1.jpg

• How do you plan to stay engaged with SDSU after you graduate? I plan to stay engaged through many of the amazing traditions and events offered at SDSU. I am an avid fan of the Jackrabbits, and I will return to Brookings to proudly sport my yellow and blue at future SDSU athletic events. I will celebrate with the campus community as Hobo Day traditions continue in the future. I will proudly engage as an alum with the many organizations I am currently a part of at SDSU. I would also love to return to Brookings one day to teach at SDSU. Danika Tindall, Senior, Exercise Science, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Akron, Iowa

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00495-2_CMYK.jpg

• How has SDSU prepared you for the future? SDSU has prepared me for the future in many ways. It has taught me what teamwork, communication and humility are. My time at SDSU has taught me values for life that I will apply and teach to younger generations. That is very important to me. Teresa Toscano, Senior, Sport and Recreation Management, Huelva, Spain

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Toscano_Teresa_cutout_CMYK.jpg

• How has SDSU prepared you for the future? SDSU has prepared me for the future by allowing me to experience college. Furthermore, South Dakota State University has challenged me academically in the classroom, let me utilize resources to prepare me for the future, such as the Career Development Center and TRIO Support Services, and allowed me to get involved in internships and programs that helped me gain new skills to take with me into the industry. Shed Flournoy, Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies, Lakeland, Florida

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Shedrick-Flournoy-20200828_sdsu_165a_CMYK.jpg

• How has SDSU prepared you for the future? Man, this question is awesome because it makes me look back on so many experiences I had throughout college. Other than time management and self-discipline, I think the most important thing I’ve done to prepare for the future is network. Here at State, I have met so many amazing people who are or are no doubt going to do amazing things. I’ve had so many great mentors and amazing professors who work so hard to propel us forward. Advice for incoming students: Come into college with an open mind and pursue everything you decide to pursue with a full heart. Get involved! Keanu Phumipraphat, Senior, Advertising, Sioux Falls

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00541-1_CMYK.jpg

• What has been the most surprising part of SDSU? The most surprising part of SDSU is the constant improvement to campus. SDSU hasn’t settled on the facilities that are offered to students and is always wanting to improve the learning environment for students. Grady Gullickson, Junior, Animal Science, Flandreau

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Grady_Gullickson_2020_fall_state_mag_CMYK.jpg

• What has been the most surprising part of SDSU? SDSU is my first experience in the U.S. so everything was surprising to me when I came to the U.S. two years ago. But, the most surprising thing is winter in Brookings. I didn’t know how cold it is during the winter. Snow storms were the hardest thing during the semester. Now, checking the weather before choosing clothes is my daily routine for living in Brookings. Hyunji Oh, Junior, Pharmacy, Gyeryong, South Korea

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00444-3_CMYK.jpg

• What has been the most surprising part of SDSU? The most surprising part of SDSU so far has been just the atmosphere of people. It doesn’t matter when I leave my dorm, there are always multiple activities going on at the same time on the campus lawns. People are always inviting you to join games or activities, whether they know you or not. Overall, it’s a great time, and I’ve experienced a couple of new things that I never thought I’d be into! Keegan Walton, Freshman, Entrepreneurial Studies, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00409-1_CMYK.jpg

• What has been the most surprising part of SDSU? For me, the most surprising part of SDSU were the connections that arose on campus. I didn’t know the amount of support that one could receive from the various places here. The biggest support groups that I’ve found is the theater department and American Indian Student Center. I have loved getting to know more people and support them in a variety of ways within their different majors. Anna Kitto, Senior, Theater, Flandreau

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/AnnaKitto_20190828_sdsu_424_CMYK.jpg

• What has been the most surprising part of SDSU? I wasn’t expecting so many people during my freshman year. I was surprised at how diverse things are here. I was able to join organizations. One of which was in the Multicultural Center, and it makes me feel at home even when I am far from home. Andrea Huete, Junior, Early Childhood Education, Sioux Falls

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020_StudentLife_076_CMYK.jpg

• What has been the most rewarding aspect about living on campus/being at SDSU? The most rewarding aspect about being at SDSU is being surrounded by a strong community of individuals who are interested in student success. Every single professor I have had at SDSU has been extremely knowledgeable and supportive in their teaching methods. I believe that professors have the ability to make or break a class for students, and from my experiences here at SDSU, every professor has made class enjoyable. Amanda Lambert, Senior, Animal Science, Pittstown, New Jersey

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00659-3_CMYK.jpg

• What has been the most challenging part of attending SDSU? The largest challenge I faced at SDSU was during the second week of my sophomore year. My father was in the Avera Hospital in Sioux Falls for a light case of pneumonia. Two weeks later, that pneumonia turned into an infection on his heart that required he be airlifted to Minneapolis and operated on as soon as possible. Over the following weeks, he had multiple surgeries and remained incapacitated with me as his POA. During all of this, I was reading, studying and trying my best to keep up on assignments in the hospital; I also was returning home to Lake Norden to check in on my younger brother. My professors worked with me and made sure that I kept up on my work and responsibilities. At the end of the semester, my dad was home, I received a 4.0 GPA for the semester, and I was offered two internships in Pierre. This challenge allowed me to grow as a student and person. Brock Brown, Junior, History Education, American Indian Studies, Lake Norden

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Brock-Brown-20200828_sdsu_84_CMYK.jpg

• What does being a Jackrabbit mean to you? Jackrabbit is the best affiliation I have ever had in my life. To express my feeling toward being a Jackrabbit, I can proudly say it is as important as my last name for me. At every conference or presentation that I have received any awards, I was so thrilled to attend as a Jackrabbit. For most of my accomplishments during Ph.D. studies, I could feel how being a Jackrabbit made me so ambitious for more victories. Maryam Enteshari, Ph.D. Student, Biological Sciences, Dairy Science Manufacturing, Tehran, Iran

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_7657_CMYK.jpg

• What does being a Jackrabbit mean to you? To me, being a Jackrabbit means you are a hard worker and dedicated and driven to achieve any goal you set for yourself. Michael Griffin II, Senior, Business Economics, St. Paul, Minnesota

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Griffin_Michael_2019_cutout_2_CMYK.jpg

• Which student groups/student organizations have impacted you the most? The Honors College Student Organization has impacted me the most as it allowed me to push myself to work harder and to be determined to achieve my goals. HCSO provided a boost to my social life; I got to know a lot of other students on campus. The Brookings community has played a big part in my college experience, and through HCSO I also got the opportunity to give back to the community by organizing different service events. I am also a part of the SDSU Robotics Club, which helps me to implement my engineering knowledge to solve real-world problems using cool robots. Hamza Tasneem, Junior, Electrical Engineering, Abha, Saudi Arabia

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Hamza_Tasneem_2020_Fall_State_Mag_CMYK.jpg

• Which student groups/student organizations have impacted you the most? The Black Student Alliance and the Medical Laboratory Science Club have definitely impacted me the most. BSA feels like a family to me now. I always look forward to the various events we host, especially the fashion show, the step show and movie nights. The MLS Club has been a fantastic experience as well. It’s nice to connect with other people in the major and to learn from the students in the program. I particularly enjoy running concessions with the club and making ornaments for our holiday tree in the student union. Dakotawinter Barnes, Sophomore, Medical Laboratory Science, Yankton

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00270-1-1_CMYK.jpg

• What would you like future students to experience at SDSU? Everyone who becomes a Jackrabbit should experience three things! Go to a sporting event that you’ve never watched! I went to a wrestling match one time for fun, and I had the time of my life! Join a student organization that brings you joy! I have been a member of BSA (The Black Student Association), and it has fundamentally changed who I am as a human! Take a class outside of your major! You never know what could come from doing that! You could learn that you have a love for sociology and not know it because you are a music major! Morea Nichols, Senior, Theater, Sioux Falls

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Morea_Nichols_2020_State_Mag_CMYK.jpg

• What is the first thing you tell people about SDSU? The first thing I tell people about SDSU is that it offers many volunteer, leadership and career-building opportunities that will benefit you personally and professionally in the future. Luc Gervais, Freshman, Mechanical Engineering, Currie, Minnesota

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00864-1_CMYK.jpg

• What is the first thing you tell people about SDSU? SDSU is a close and friendly place and big into school spirit. Anna Medicine Horn, Freshman, Pre-Veterinary, Lake Andes

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00811-1_CMYK.jpg

• What is your favorite place on campus and why? My favorite place on campus would be a hard choice between the new American Indian Student Center and the SDSU horse unit. Both places have a welcoming environment with students and faculty who are kind and supportive. I can go to either place and come out with a happy heart and a smile on my face. Traelene Fallis, Sophomore, Animal Science, Fort Thompson

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2019_Fallis-Traelene_003-1-CMYK.jpg

• What is your favorite SDSU moment? My favorite SDSU moment was reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA basketball tournament my sophomore year. I’m very proud of what we accomplished, and it was an unforgettable season. That being said, what sticks with me the most is the love and support we received throughout that season and postseason run from Brookings and the Jackrabbits community, along with the memories I made with my teammates. SDSU is such a special place, and that experience really reminds me of how lucky I am to be a Jackrabbit. Myah Selland, Junior, Exercise Science, Community and Public Health, Letcher

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Selland_Myah_cutout.jpg

• What has been your favorite assignment and why? This question is easy! I took an Honors Colloquium course called Honors Creativity and we were assigned a creativity project for our final. Earth Day was coming up and was also the day our presentation fell on. I chose to recruit two of my friends to be my models and I made three dresses from recycled materials to highlight the detrimental effect of trash pollution. It was great! Danielle Arpan, Senior, Nursing, Rapid City

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Danielle_Arpan_2020_fall_State_Mag_CMYK.jpg

• What has been your favorite assignment and why? One of my favorite assignments of my college career was the Hovercraft Project. I was on a team with three of my peers where we were tasked with designing and 3D printing a functional hovercraft for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Intercollegiate Additive Manufacturing Competitions and Workshops (ASME IAM3D) Hovercraft Competition. While we didn’t clear the in-class course fast enough to qualify, we had a lot of fun building and learning how to build with 3D printing technology. Daniel Sharp, Senior, Mechanical Engineering, Dairy Manufacturing, Bath

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Dan_Sharp_2020_Fall_State_Mag-1_CMYK.jpg

• What has been your favorite assignment and why? My favorite assignment was when I had to create a lesson plan and teach it to my kindergarten students. I loved seeing their enthusiasm for music! Brooke Bigge, Senior, Music Education, Parkston

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Brooke_Bigge_2020_Fall_State_Mag-1_CMYK.jpg

• What has been the most challenging assignment and how did you overcome those challenges? The most challenging assignment I’ve had while at SDSU would be my meat science final. I loved taking that class, and I was bound and determined to finish with an ‘A’. As the end of the semester rolled around and I started totaling points, I found myself a bit closer to the line than I wanted to be. To meet my goal, I was going to need to pull off my best performance of the semester. Luckily, the professor and teaching assistants for that course were fantastic. They all did an outstanding job of helping me review what I’d learned and prepare for that final. After a few days of intense studying (and only a little stressing), I walked into the classroom, gave it my all and managed to score high enough to make the grade. TJ Bigge, Junior, Agriculture Education, Parkston

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/TJ_bigge_2020_Fall_State_Mag_4_CMYK.jpg

• What would you like people back home to know about SDSU? I want people back home to know that SDSU is a place to grow while still feeling at home. Here you can still have new, different experiences, but the friendly, community feeling is there as well.  Jess Begeman, Sophomore, Pre-Pharmacy, Martin

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Jessica_Begeman_2020_Fall_State_Mag_CMYK.jpg

•  

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020_auction_photos2.jpg

• Who has been one of your favorite professors and why? Val Albert is one of my favorite professors because she creates a classroom environment that is so welcoming. Val was my professor for my first-year seminar class and Honors Lifespan Development. In both of those classes, she made a personal connection with each of us and based the class around discussions that we had with our fellow classmates. Val made me feel valued and appreciated, which gave me confidence in the work that I was doing. Kaylee Becker, Junior, Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy, Pierre

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Kaylee-Becker-20200828_sdsu_203_CMYK.jpg

• Who has been one of your favorite professors and why? My anatomy professor, Dr. Pedersen, has been one of my favorite professors on campus. With my experience in Honors Anatomy and as a lab intern, I was able to get to know him better. Not only is he extremely passionate about what he teaches, he isn’t one to stray away from the hard questions (both anatomy and nonanatomy related) and I think that is what makes him such a great professor.  Laura Contreras Dalal, Junior, Nursing, Chanhassen, Minnesota

   

  https://state.sdstateconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSC00307-1_CMYK.jpg