Yote Notes

Eric LaPointe

Eric (Rick) J. LaPointe passed peacefully on Oct. 5, 2026. He earned his PhD, Doctorate of Education, from USD in 1977. He was Director of the Native American Graduate program at USD and President of NIEA/Native Indian Education Association, among serving on numerous other boards and organizations.

Andy Bruels

Andy Bruels '11 of Pierre, S.D., was honored with a Distinguished Service Award from the Upper Missouri Water Association (UMWA) at the UMWA annual conference Sept. 21 in Pierre, S.D. 

The UMWA is a nonprofit regional water organization representing members from Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The mission of the UMWA is to protect, develop and manage Upper Missouri water. The Distinguished Service Award is presented at the UMWA annual conference to an individual from each member state. 

Andy Bruels is a Division Director for the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and has been in that role since 2020. The Division of Financial and Technical Assistance, which Bruels oversees, includes the State’s Geological Survey and Environmental Funding Program. The Environmental Funding Program administers state grant and loan programs along with the Clean Water and Drinking Water state revolving fund programs. These programs provide funding for water, wastewater, landfills and recycling systems. Bruels has worked with these programs since 2009. He serves as the department’s primary contact for regional rural water systems and has been involved in encouraging and seeking out regionalization opportunities for both water and wastewater.  Bruels received his bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Minnesota State University Mankato, has an Executive Master of Public Administration degree from the University of South Dakota, and is a registered Professional Engineer in South Dakota.

John Milne

John A. Milne '60 passed away on Sept. 10, 2026. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi (Gamma Alpha) while at the university.

Maurine Fry

Maurine Fry '63, '57 is being inducted into the School of Education Hall of Fame at Wichita State University where she served as the dean from 1988-1993. 

Josh Sorbe

Josh Sorbe '20 recently began a new role as Sen. Chris Murphy's communications director. 

April Hamilton

April Hamilton '08, '05 recently joined Rogers Corporation as Assistant General Counsel responsible for the company's compliance program, trade compliance and sustainability.

Ayisha Mahama

Ayisha Mahama '26 started her career in Medical Affairs on July 27, 2026. She's currently a medical writer at Real Chemistry and she's excited to develop her craft and understand the biopharma industry, so that she can contribute to getting much-needed drugs to patients.

Carly Dearborn

In 2026, Carly Dearborn '10 was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure at The Ohio State University, recognizing her contributions to teaching, research, and service in the field of archival science.

Nancy McCahren

Nancy McCahren '57 passed away on June 18, 2026 in Vermillion, SD.

Celia Williams

Celia Williams '94 recently launched CK Business Consulting Group LLC, a scientific and business consulting firm. Leveraging her experience in chemistry, research and development, and project management, she provides consulting services in project management, process improvement, technology transfer, commercialization, and strategic planning.

Rod Fisher

Rod Fisher, 94 died on June 5, 2026 at the Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion. 

Rodney Eugene Fisher was born on May 30, 1932 to Loyal and Goldie (Donat) Fisher. He graduated from Webster High School in 1950 where he was an outstanding athlete. He obtained a Master of Arts degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion in 1976. Rod served 3 years in the United States Coast Guard, was a teacher, a DCI agent, a past mayor of Parker, and worked security for Augustana College during his retirement.

Rod is survived by his son Scott (Gayle) Fisher of San Diego, CA and their 3 children and 6 grandchildren; stepsons, Gary (Denise) Hanten and Bruce Hanten, all of Parker, SD, a stepdaughter Teresa (Todd) Schwartz, Polk City, IA and all their children and grandchildren. Rod was preceded in death by his parents and wife Sjyrlie. 

Judy Dawson Benitez

Judy Dawson Benitez '83, '85 recently published her memoir "Eleven Years of Grace: Our Journey Through Sepsis and Life Thereafter."