College of Arts & Sciences 30 Under 30

30 Under 30

College of Arts & Sciences

Hello! 30 Under 30 is a program created to recognize outstanding young alumni who are making an impact in their professional and personal lives. Alumni are recognized for academic & professional achievements, leadership and/or university engagement. We begin the process by requesting nominations from our alumni community. Once nominations close, we reach out to the nominees and invite them to fill out a short application. From the completed applications, 30 individuals are selected by a panel. This year we are slightly changing the process and would like feedback about applicants from the colleges they graduated from.

Each candidate is listed below. Please take the time to review each individual. At the end, you will be able to rank them based on response strength. Just as a reminder, this program is a chance to provide recognition to Coyotes who are making an impact in their community. Strong candidates will highlight academic & professional achievements, leadership and/or university engagement.

Andrea Kelly

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Economics (B.S.), 2015

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andie-kelly-1ba6b675

Occupation: Assistant Professor of Economics

Company: Grinnell College

Location: Newton, IA

Describe your current professional or educational pursuits. (What does your position entail? What skills do you use in your current role? What are you hoping to accomplish with your education? etc.)

I work as an Assistant Professor of Economics at Grinnell College. I work with exceptional young adults who are interested in bettering the world and I do research on topics related to infant, maternal, and reproductive health care access. My work has been referenced by hospital administrators and legal scholars (and was even referenced in a Supreme Court Amicus Brief). For my work to have an impact on policy or opinion, it needs to withstand rigorous econometric analysis and still be presented in an accessible way to economists and non-economists alike. In addition to research, I teach and advise students at Grinnell College who come from a variety of backgrounds and have a variety of goals. I hope to show them that economics is a great field that can include them and provides tools they can use to better the world around them.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

Without my guidance and mentoring at USD, I would not have gotten to attend Texas A&M for graduate school. The mentoring and advice I received at USD ensured that I had people to reach out to for support in the tough times of grad school and gave me a great network to interact with at academic conferences. I really appreciated the effort that faculty at USD put into teaching and mentoring me, and I aim to help my current and future students in a similar way. USD economics faculty inspired me to find a love for economics, a passion for research, and a heart for teaching.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

I successfully completed my PhD in the scheduled 5 years, and immediately out of graduate school I took a tenure-track position at Grinnell College. Grinnell College is nationally and internationally known for its academic rigor and the economics department at Grinnell is growing in size, diversity, and reputation. While at Grinnell College, I have published one paper in a top economics field journal (a paper that also received non-academic attention and even trended as the #1 topic on Reddit's r/science upon its publication) and have another paper under review at a top economics field journal. I have also successfully completed my third-year review and am on track to go up for tenure in a couple years. I taught successfully through the pandemic and adjusted well to teaching on-campus once we were able to return. I have been selected by students to advise them, write letters of recommendation for them, and to serve on committees and in mentoring positions. My students generally seem to enjoy classes and learn quite a lot from them, and I have enjoyed learning from and collaborating with them as well. I have a paper in the works that started as a senior seminar project for one of my students last fall, which will hopefully be published in the future. My work has also been referenced in policy decisions at the hospital-level and by politicians arguing around access to health care policy issues.

Anissa Martin

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): B.S. Psychology, Minors in Public Health and Addiction Studies, 2018

LinkedIn/Resume: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IdTTPCRmw83pw0m6B6MDQ7czzY4u5uUS/view?usp=drive_link

Occupation: Action Organizer

Company: NDN Collective

Location: Rapid City, SD

As an NDN Action Organizer, I am dedicated to advancing Indigenous rights, fostering sustainable communities, and promoting equitable change. Both my personal and professional pursuits revolve around uplifting Indigenous communities and amplifying voices to effect positive systemic change. I leverage a diverse set of skills to accomplish these goals, including but not limited to: community engagement, advocacy and campaigning, coalition building, communication, and youth empowerment. One of my core strengths lies in community power building, harnessing the collective strength and wisdom of Indigenous communities to drive positive change from within. Together, we work towards a future where Indigenous voices are not only heard but also respected, and where Indigenous rights and traditions are upheld with the utmost dignity and reverence.

My work with the "Rapid City vs. Racism" campaign is dedicated to addressing and dismantling systemic racism within Rapid City, SD. This vital campaign seeks to foster equity, inclusion, and justice in all aspects of community. By raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and engaging in grassroots organizing, we are committed to creating a culture where Indigenous people and every resident, regardless of their background, can live free from discrimination and experience the full benefits of social and economic opportunities. Our work is a collective effort to challenge and transform the structures and attitudes that perpetuate racism, ultimately making Rapid City and communities alike, a more inclusive and equitable place for all.

As a longtime community organizer, my journey also includes the collaborative effort with my sisters of creating the nonprofit organization, Lakota Women of the Plains, which has become a catalyst of positive change and cultural preservation in our community, Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The mission of Lakota Women of the Plains is to empower Indigenous women, youth, and communities by harnessing the strength of Lakota culture and thiíkčeya wóuŋspe (tipi knowledge). Through cultural preservation and community power building, we strive to uplift and amplify the voices of Indigenous women, nurturing their leadership and reclaiming their rightful roles as matriarchs and leaders within our communities.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

Attending USD has influenced my pursuit of making the world a more just and equitable place. Being an Indigenous student has brought both challenges and opportunities that have significantly influenced my journey, but witnessing and experiencing the unwavering dedication of my mentors (Gene Thin Elk, Kathy Van Kley, Carol Voss-Ward) who have fervently created a community for Indigenous students helped tremendously in pushing me forward at USD.

The Native American Cultural Center was my home away from home at USD. It exposed me to the transformative power of community, even in foreign and unfamiliar places.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

One of my most significant contributions has been helping create the nonprofit organization with my sisters, Lakota Women of the Plains. This initiative has become a cornerstone of empowerment for Indigenous women and youth, providing them with resources, mentorship, and cultural knowledge. Through cultural preservation efforts, particularly through tipi knowledge, we are working to ensure that our traditions are not only preserved, but also passed down to future generations. Through this nonprofit, we have provided a platform for Indigenous women and youth to step into their rightful roles as matriarchs and leaders. Amongst many community building efforts, we have created the first ever and annual Lakota Women Tipi Challenge, where women are given the opportunity to showcase their tipi building skills.

In my role as an Action Organizer at NDN Collective, I have showcased leadership by spearheading initiatives that advance Indigenous rights and social justice. My advocacy campaigns, coalition-building efforts, and grassroots organizing have contributed to tangible changes in policy and perceptions.

My impact is not limited to my professional roles alone; as a first-generation student, I've broken barriers and helped pave the way for future generations. By navigating the complexities of higher education, I've shown that determination and community can aid in battling and breaking down systemic barriers.

Anna Andrews (Stork)

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): B.A. Political Science, International Studies, 2019

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annamstork?trk=contact-info

Occupation: International Undergraduate Admissions Counselor

Company: University of South Dakota

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

I am the international undergraduate admissions counselor for the Gallagher International Center at the University of South Dakota. I recruit students to attend USD for their undergraduate degree. My position entails recruitment travel and international transcript evaluation in addition to being a friendly resource for potential USD students to ask questions throughout the admissions process.

My position requires both hard and soft skills. It requires me to keep current on updates to USD’s admission requirements for international applicants, testing dates in countries potential students are applying from, as well as political stability in these areas and how it may impact a student’s ability to sit for their exams or travel for a visa interview.

A large part of my position involves accessing the EducationUSA database (a U.S. Department of State branch in the Office of Global Educational Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs) for information on the education system within each country I receive an application from. I use this information to determine if a student has met the requirements to be considered for admission to a bachelor’s program at USD, and then I calculate the applicant’s GPA from their country to our scale in the United States, and issue an admissions decision.

My favorite part of my position is that it requires a personal touch. Each student has a unique “why” for the reason they chose to apply to USD. Sometimes it is because a friend currently attends USD, or they met a USD representative at a high school visit, or heard about us at a virtual college fair hosted by Education USA. These students are all so different in culture, region of the world, and career aspirations, but they all saw something about the University of South Dakota that made them want to apply. My position is exciting in that I get to work from students from start to finish—I inform them about what educational documents they need to submit, I assist them in visa interview preparation, and help them arrange their arrival to USD—all the way up to the point where I meet them at international student orientation (the best day of the year!)

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

My first semester at USD, I had a general idea of what I wanted to study, but no passion behind it to propel me into a career. The fields of political science and international studies felt too broad and made it seem daunting to try and find what I wanted to use my degree for. During my first two years of study, my professors and mentors at encouraged me to apply to opportunities that were usually outside of my comfort zone. As I grew more confident as a student and young adult, I began to seek out these opportunities on my own. I presented at research conferences and was a finalist in a competitive fellowship with the Department of State. Even though I was not a recipient, being a finalist for this fellowship opened connections with some of the top international relations programs in the United States. Through these connections, I met the Director of Admissions from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, where I am delighted to have earned my M.A. in International Relations.

Aside from one other student, I was the youngest person in my program at the Maxwell School. It was extremely intimidating. I was twenty two and had just graduated with my bachelor’s degree, whereas most of my cohort were in their mid-to-late twenties and already had work experience. One of the things I am most grateful for is that the curriculum at USD adequately prepared me for my graduate program. The study and research habits that I used at USD transferred well into graduate school.

There may not always be a seat for you at the table—so you create a seat, seek out a new table, and eventually, build your own table. Your network is only as strong as the connections you make. Make sure you have those connections in your network to fill the seats at your table, whenever it is you choose to build it. My time at USD helped me develop these skills and to not shy away from these challenges.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

One of my greatest personal successes has been having a semester-long research project as part of my internship for the Pompidou Group in the Council of Europe published internally while writing my master thesis. It took hard work, perseverance, and patience.

Additionally, in 2022, I was a participant in the flagship program “Camp 2030,” hosted by the Unite 2030 organization.This conference brought over 100 young people, ages 18-35) from over 40 countries to one location in New York to discuss and create solutions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Participants were broken into various groups to create and idea and pitch it at the Solutions Hub in New York City. Being selected as a participant of this program was an incredible experience, and I am excited to go back next year to be a part of the mentor team to work with the next cohort of participants working to create actionable change. I am currently in the process of using my experience from this program and my passion for the Sustainable Development Goals to integrate some programming onto the USD campus.

Since this experience, I have joined the Vermillion Rotary Club and am the volunteer for our Youth Exchange Program. We are currently hosting a high school student from Brazil, and it has been a pleasure working with her. I excited to continue to serve the Vermillion community through Rotary.

As for professional successes, USD’s international student numbers are at a record high for the third year in a row. While I can’t take all of the credit for this because I have amazing colleagues who helped make it possible, I do feel proud that I was able to meet my personal goals for how many students enrolled at USD. We had a record breaking number of applications while maintaining the same staffing numbers, and I consider it a success that I was able to manage the workload efficiently. Applications do not always equal enrollment, and I am thankful that I was able to continue the upward trend in undergraduate international student enrollment by maintaining that personal touch with applicants to help them decide to make USD their home away from home.

Austin Bormann

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Bachelor of Science, 2020

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinbormann011797/

Occupation: Account Executive

Company: Convergint

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

A true protagonist personality, wanting to serve others and create a better tomorrow. My mission is to create the safest possible facilities in the industries we work with at the lowest total cost of ownership to the owner, taxpayers, or shareholders. I help to decrease operational costs and improve workflow efficiencies in managing enterprise-level security. I help to educate enterprises on possible pain points and gaps in their risk mitigation planning process to help decrease incidents. I help to create a more streamlined and effective process for security management. I work as an internal advocate within Convergint and a value-added external partner in delivering more comprehensive and effective risk mitigation plans that meet specific vertical compliance standards and fiscal year budgetary requirements. I have contracted over $2,400,000 in agreements serving the Midwest region in security technology support services.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

I believe true success and happiness can only be earned through true grit in life, whether it be in your personal or professional life. Far too many people try to say that those who are successful "got lucky." In my opinion, there is no way to obtain the greatest treasures in life through luck; it is simply a losing mentality to believe so. Those who hold strong and true wholesome values along with a continuous growth mindset will obtain everything they have ever asked for in this life. I believe an individual's greatest education is learning one's self and how to unlock your own true potential within. That I will have to say this university allowed me to accomplish, but not just through the classroom.

My road down the path of continuous growth has been a long journey with many ups, downs, and continuous amazement. I believe a university is the best place to find yourself and to get the inspiration you need to become a better you, but I believe if someone wishes to truly be a master of their craft in whatever career they pursue a continuous desire to learn and self-educate is required in order to take the initiative one needs to be the best. Read, learn, shadow, and study those in places in which you aspire to be while still keeping your God-given creative edge is what the true success stories are always saying, and I could not agree more.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

I believe that the success and influence of an individual are best described through the lens of another and not one's self. If this is wished to be known, please investigate the recommendations I have published on my LinkedIn page and all other professional and communal accolades.

Casey Matthiesen

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): BA Political Science & Criminal Justice, 2017

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseylynmatthiesen/

Occupation: Attorney

Company: Robins Kaplan LLP

Location: Minneapolis, MN

I currently practice as an attorney based in Minneapolis with the Robins Kaplan firm. My practice focus is on representing plaintiffs in personal injury and medical malpractice actions, as well as complex business litigation and Native American law and policy issues. Leveraging my diverse skill set is crucial to survival in high stakes litigation. Through my role, I exercise my commitment to advocating for principles of justice, equality, and the protection of Indigenous rights. My hope is to develop a robust legal expertise, and specifically navigate unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities - achieving favorable outcomes that have a positive and long-standing impact. While I am content in my current role, my hopes for the future and next steps in my career include a special interest in becoming an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA).

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

You grow through the people that you meet and the places that you see. The professors at USD had the biggest impact on my personal and professional life, that has continued to shape me to this day. During my time in the criminal justice program, I learned the importance of the "art of making connections and feeling connected." When I moved to Vermillion in Fall 2013, I was unsure of myself and was not sure if my childhood dream of becoming a lawyer was an attainable path for me. The professors, mentors, and culture of USD shaped me into the woman I am today - not only as a young professional, but as a friend, co-worker, and advocate. USD has (and continues to) influence me in several ways:

1. Education & Skills: The knowledge and skillset that I developed during my time as a student laid the foundation for my legal career. This includes critical thinking, research, writing, and communication skills that I exercise on a daily basis.

2. Networking: I built valuable connections with professors, fellow students, and alumni during my time at the university - and more importantly, in a way that allowed me to stay true to myself and maintain lasting relationships. These connections continue to open up new doors of opportunities, mentorship, and collaborations in my professional career.

3. Legal Community & Alumni Network: USD was a gateway to opportunities to engage with the local legal community and gave me exposure to develop a more cohesive understanding of the legal profession that fueled my pursuit to become an attorney after graduation. Additionally, the alumni network continues to be a powerful resource for guidance, inspiration, and maintaining a connection to our USD family.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

I am active within numerous professional associations, non-profits, and advocacy groups. Through leadership roles, I continuously seek to demonstrate my commitment to my community. In a few short weeks, I will complete my second term as president of the Minnesota American Indian Bar Association. When I assumed the position almost two years ago, I made it my mission to bring new energy into the organization, grow our membership, and raise a record amount of funding for Native law scholarships at Minnesota's three law schools. I achieved my goal, raising more than $65,000 in scholarship monies over the course of my time in leadership. As a past scholarship recipient myself, I felt that it was my duty to pay it forward to support the next generation of Native students. Another example of how I believe I have shown influence is through leading a collaboration initiative between MAIBA and the Minnesota U.S. Federal District Courts to curate a Native American Boarding School Awareness Project. We established a committee to develop a banner exhibition that is intended to educate audiences through their public display - traveling to various places around Minnesota. I look forward to whatever the future may hold for community outreach and am constantly seeking new opportunities to work with different community groups and advocates.

Collette Bowman

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Psychology, 2017

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collettejbowman/

Occupation: Graduate Clinical Assistant

Company: University of South Dakota

Location: Vermillion, SD

Currently, I am pursing my doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I am working as a graduate clinical assistant at Rosecrance Jackson Recovery Center- adolescent unit and providing neuropsychological testing to patients under the supervision of a licensed Clinical Psychologist. My undergraduate education at USD provided me a wonderful foundation to pursue this professional degree. Being focused on psychological assessment, I put a lot of time into rapport building with the patients and relating to them in the best way I can. With assessment, you do not have a lot of face-to-face time with patients, often doing an assessment with them for only a few hours and sending them on their way. In my time within the program, I’m taking advantage of opportunities to be a well-rounded clinical. My aspirations include return to South Dakota and my home of Rapid City or Pine Ridge to provide psychological services and consultation.

Before graduate school, I worked at Avera Research Institute’s satellite office in Rapid City, working on various maternal and child health research. I was on team that worked with the Oglala Lakota tribe to develop a sleep curriculum to reduce the rate of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) on Pine Ridge. In a previous study conducted by the research team, it was shown that Pine Ridge had the highest rates of SIDS when compared to other study cohorts in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and South Africa. The team presented this finding to the tribe, and the tribe consulted with the team to develop this sleep curriculum. The curriculum combined traditional Lakota sleep practices and American Pediatrics Association’s recommendations for sleep. Being a part of this study & working with Dr. Amy Elliot, it motivated to come back to school for my doctorate.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

This is a great question, because I know whole-heartly I wouldn’t be where I am without USD. During my undergraduate degree, I was actively involved in Native Student Services, and I was also the president of Tiospaye Student Council, previously I was the treasurer and secretary. These opportunities allowed me to connect with individuals who became my mentors. I was under the advising of Dr. Beth Boyd, who is one of the very few licensed Clinical Psychologist in the nation. She provided me with so much guidance of how to combine my Native American identity and college student identity. Through USD, I also found my first internship through Sanford Research through the Sanford Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). I met my future employer Dr. Amy Elliott through SURE. During that summer, Dr. Elliott and I discussed the lack of research done in partnership with local tribes.

Without USD, I wouldn’t have the strong support I currently have as a graduate student. Many of the reasons why I chose USD for another 5 years was because I know the faculty and staff care deeply about the students. Through the lens of academia, students can often be disregarded, and they are simple enrollment numbers and grades – not at USD. The faculty and staff here are so student centered, that this quality has influenced my pursuits as a clinical psychology trainee.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

Being a graduate student, I feel as if I am still trying to succeed… as in I’m not where I want to be just yet. However, being a Native American clinical psychology trainee, I know that in of itself is successful. Fun fact – in 2016 there were less than 250 licensed Native American Clinical Psychologists and in South Dakota that number is drastically less despite having one of the nation’s largest Native American populations. I have made many of my career and education decisions based on future generations, such as my two nephews who are 13 and 9 this year. By this statement, I mean I aim to make spaces better for those coming after me. I’m a first-generation college graduate and I’ll be the first to have an advance professional degree once I’m done. My only hope is that one Native child sees me, they hear my journey, and they believe they can do the same thing. If I ever hear their story, then I will know I succeeded.

While being a graduate student at USD, I am trying to do the same thing. In the last year, me and some of my graduate colleagues have hosted talking circles. These talking circles are not group therapy, and they are presented as a cultural way of healing to students. We have welcomed any student who feels the need to come and share their journey with their peers in a comfortable space, or not talk at all. I have also organized the Building Bridges Conference and I was the lead organizer for the event. The event seeks to educate Native American high school and middle school students on mental health, while also visiting USD’s campus. This year we saw the largest turnout with over 200 Native students in attendance. After the conference, we had a few high school seniors either commit to USD or apply to USD. And I am so thankful USD helps us provides these opportunities to these students. It’s why I came here the first time and why I came back.

Elijah Bonde

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Communication Studies, 2015

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elijahjbonde/

Occupation: Manager, Community Giving

Company: Avera Health

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Before coming to USD as a transfer student in 2013, I truly had no direction or path toward a substantial career. At that time, I still believed “professional actor” or “musician” was on the table. It was my time at USD that gave me a glimpse into what my life could, and ultimately would, become. In every phase of my career, thus far, I’ve been able to call myself a Community Developer and working and strengthening our incredible community has left me beyond fulfilled and with a beautiful life…and USD is to thank for a large portion of that.

After my time at USD, I was lucky enough to travel the state of South Dakota with the incredible people at the South Dakota Department of Tourism as a contract employee on their Domestic Trade Sales team. Following that journey, Vermillion called me back where I spent the next two and a half years growing alongside the community of Vermillion. I served as Vermillion’s Economic Development Assistant and, later, as Tourism and Marketing Coordinator. Along with our team at the VCDC, I was proud to have developed the #LOVermillion ad campaign, cultivate the Vermillion NEXT Young Professional Network and welcome dozens of new and thriving organizations to our community.

It was not until 2017 that I found myself home in Sioux Falls again, working alongside the most remarkable colleagues at Avera Health. In my roles at the Avera Foundation, I have been able to connect with thousands of incredible donors and help our organization raise millions of dollars each year to benefit and support the patients and families that enter our doors. Directing efforts like the annual Avera Race Against Cancer, which has raised nearly $3 million since 2018, has brought me immense joy and reminded me how important the work we do is, every day. This fundraising work led me to being named the 2023 South Dakota Chamberlain Scholar, an award that is given to one young, fundraiser in each state, each year. USD helped me develop all the skills I need to succeed and I am forever grateful.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

There is a true sense of family on the campus of the University of South Dakota, a belief that every classmate of yours, every professor and everyone you come in contact with all have the same goal; to commit to making every day better than the day before. I wasn’t a part of Greek life, nor was on any team or a regular member of any club but I still felt seen and heard at USD. If I was struggling in a class, the professors were always ready to help or if I felt misdirected or lost with where to go next on my professional journey, there was always someone (or multiple someone’s) to help guide you in the right direction. And it’s that sense of togetherness that has influenced me most in my professional and personal journey.

USD instilled in all of us that you don’t need to go it alone and that we’re better as a team. In Shane Semmler’s Mass Comm classes, he encouraged us to always work together on a project and to communicate our issues or concerns with him or our classmates. In Marshall Damgaard’s South Dakota History Class, we were taught how this state was built on the backs of remarkable women and men from all backgrounds and all cultures and that we needed to always embrace that belief if we wanted to succeed. The lessons of togetherness and community from these professors isn’t something you can find in a textbook or on a power point slide, it is only something you can learn and take away from an organization like USD.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

In the world of philanthropy and fundraising, there is no definite measure of success or influence. We can always look at how much our organization raised in a single year, or how much we as fundraisers were able to raise or contribute to our organization, individually but those figures can fluctuate year to year. Maybe you had a capital campaign one year that influenced giving and not another, or maybe one large gift is given, without notice and your numbers are again skewed. Or, as was the case for every one of us, maybe a worldwide crisis can make an impact on how and when people want to give.

When COVID-19 first began taking shape in 2020, every non-profit organization feared the worst…that people would stop giving or pull their pledges due to worldwide, financial uncertainty. Every fundraiser around the world was tasked with the same, seemingly impossible venture, to keep our organizations afloat. And in my line of fundraising, annual/community giving fundraising, our job was not just to raise vital dollars for our health system but also to bring people together and showcase (ideally in person) the work we are doing and how our community members can help. Seeing as that wasn’t an option, we had to be creative and continuously pivot from one idea to the next.

From April 2020 until September of 2022, our team at the Avera Foundation held more than 20 “COVID-friendly” events. We held fundraising gala’s via Zoom, we delivered events-in-a-box to donors across our region, we put on socials in corn fields to keep everyone separated and even held TWO 3,000+ person virtual run/walk events. After all was said and done and after all of our creativity had been run dry, we were still able to raise more than $1.75 million, just through “COVID-friendly’ events and that is what I consider as great a success of any. Even when all the cards were stacked against us, we knew we had a job to do and vulnerable populations to care for and we were never going to let a pandemic prevent us from doing so.

Elizabeth (Landy) Rasmussen

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Strategic Communications, 2016

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-rasmussen-2b459b88/

Occupation: Public Relations

Company: WUCF

Location: Oviedo, FL

From event planning, to graphic design, to social media content creation, no day is the same in public relations. As the Communications Manager at WUCF, Central Florida’s PBS and NPR station, I’m responsible for overseeing the station’s communications department. A large part of my job at WUCF is connecting with our four million viewers spanning across nine counties in the Orlando Metro area. One of my favorite aspects of my role is the direct communication I’m able to have with our community through social media, as well as at our free community events.

In a state where tropical storms and hurricanes are an unfortunate reality, I also appreciate the opportunity to connect the community with critical information and resources during natural disaster responses. I serve as the main point of contact for our natural disaster response team, which is responsible for preparing the community for hurricanes and other major weather events. My role specifically ensures the community is given the most accurate and informative news, with a focus on staying calm and prepared. Most recently, we delivered round-the-clock coverage on Hurricane Idalia through our website, social media, and on-air.

One of the larger areas of focus at WUCF is PBS Kids, which is especially meaningful to me as a new mom. We provide educational resources to children in the community through free events, online learning tools, and special projects like the Super Readers Book Drive, which aims to collect 10,000 books to benefit Head Start programs across the region. For this particular project, I created a wide range of press materials, coordinated media attendance, and managed the kickoff event.

I fondly recall watching shows like Arthur, Curious George, and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood as a child. Now, working for the brand entity behind these shows, and getting to share PBS Kids content with my own one-year-old daughter, is truly a full circle moment in my life and career. Now, when I turn on Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, it reaffirms for me the lifelong impact public broadcasting can have, while highlighting the role I play in bringing it to viewers today.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

USD taught me that in order to make a positive impact on your community, you need to take time to make meaningful connections. As a Floridian, I recognized the need to establish a supportive network in my new home. One of my earliest memories at USD was joining the marching band during freshman year and making friendships that would continue long after graduation. Participation in organizations like Dakotathon, National Society of Leadership & Success and the Best Buddies program provided me with opportunities to meet people from many different walks of life and to find common ground in our shared goals. USD encouraged me to be generous with my time and give back to the community. I’m reminded of these experiences at every community event I participate in on behalf of WUCF.

My college highlight reel wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention my time as President of Alpha Xi Delta. Serving as both President of the house and Vice President of Public Relations provided me a foundation for strong leadership and prepared me for a career in PR. During my time at USD, I traveled across the country several times to represent the university and Alpha Xi Delta, a unique experience that I look back on very fondly. These experiences have not only left me with cherished memories but also proved invaluable in my job interviews, both past and present. The depth of leadership experience and “people skills” gained during my presidency has garnered recognition and continues to open doors in my professional journey thanks to the strong connections forged during those four years.

I quickly discovered public relations as an exciting career path that complimented my personality and developing skill set. The Al Neuharth building became my second home, and the classes offered me real life connections in the media relations world. One of my PR professors, Teddy Joyce, whom I still speak with today, suggested I host a weekly radio show on USD’s station, KAOR. That radio experience and the skills I developed while working on air, helped me land my dream role - working with NPR for WUCF.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

Throughout my PR career, I've had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse list of clients and renowned brands including eSight, Owlet Baby Care, Highlights Magazine, Thalmic Labs and athenahealth to name a few. Notably, my achievements on behalf of clients, built off the knowledge I acquired while at USD, have been acknowledged through prestigious accolades, including the Bulldog PR Awards, FPRA Image Awards, and most recently, NETA Public Media Awards. Perhaps the most meaningful recognition I've received while in the workforce, however, was being nominated for USD's 30 under 30 by my peers.

In addition to professional affiliations with esteemed industry organizations like the Public Relations Society of America and the Florida Public Relations Association, I've remained dedicated to giving back to my community. A pivotal aspect of this commitment involves my active role as a member of the USD Alpha Xi Delta Corporation Board, where I currently serve as the Alumni Relations chair for a three-year term. In this capacity, I facilitate connections between alumni and current chapter members, curate informative newsletters, and contribute to fundraising efforts on behalf of the chapter.

Furthermore, as a dedicated communicator by trade, my passion for writing has led me to engage with the community in a particularly meaningful way. I've found fulfillment in supporting an organization called Girls Love Mail, which extends heartfelt, handcrafted cards to women recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Crafting these messages of hope and encouragement is a deeply gratifying way for me to make a positive impact beyond my professional endeavors.

Ellen Nelson

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): B.S. in Psychology and Political Science, 2016

LinkedIn/Resume: www.linkedin.com/in/ellenvnelson

Occupation: Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

Company: Rising Hope Counseling

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

Upon graduation from USD, I went on to obtain my master's degree in counseling psychology at the University of St. Thomas. I am now a licensed clinical professional counselor in private practice. I work primarily with adults and with a wide variety of concerns. Recently, I have found a passion in working with trauma, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. I offer a range of services, including Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and traditional talk therapy, and perpetually engage in continued training and education. I absolutely love my career and knowing that I am able to be an advocate for mental health and my community.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

I strongly believe the University of South Dakota set me up for success for graduate school and beyond. Professors and classes inspired and prepared me to embrace being a life long learner. I learned to network and was exposed to a variety of perspectives and ideas that pushed me to grow. USD taught me to embrace challenges and critical thinking. And I met some of my absolute best friends at USD and in my sorority. I often refer back to my time at USD and am beyond grateful for the experiences I have had as a coyote.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

Success is an interesting concept and can be interpreted in a number of ways. My degrees and licensure is one standard of measurement that I am incredibly proud of accomplishing. On an average week, I see 20-25 clients and I walk with them in their anxiety, depression, trauma, obsessions, change, or whatever it is that brings them in. I see success in my clients and the impact therapy can have in their lives. I love being able to be an advocate for mental health and to be able to be a source of psycho-education as needed and appropriate.

In addition to my career, I have been a volunteer member of Alpha Phi's House Corporation Board since 2019. Our HCB worked diligently throughout the pandemic to ensure appropriate safety standards. We have also seen the house through various construction projects to continue improving the house and the experiences of the women living in the house. And we most recently updated the landscaping around the Alpha Phi house which included a memorial garden to honor our alumni. I was also involved in organizing Alpha Phi's Centennial Celebration to celebrate 100 years of sisterhood at the University of South Dakota.

Emily Chrestiansen

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): B.A. Political Science, 2016

LinkedIn/Resume: www.linkedin.com/in/emily-chrestiansen-b19b88a2

Occupation: Commercial Senior Vehicle Valuator

Company: CCC Intelligent Solutions

Location: Estherville, IA

My job as a Commercial Senior Vehicle Valuator requires me to research the market value for vehicles, campers, equipment, trailers, etc. I have to be thorough in the process of researching and determining a market value so that insurance companies can help settle claims with their customers effected by natural disasters or just everyday accidents.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

USD provided me opportunities to try out different activities, from being involved in Greek Life to serving other communities on an AWOL trip, and learn from wonderful professors prior to stepping out in the real world. It gave me a community to discover who I am and meet my life long friends.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

Covid changed my mind about things, like I'm sure it did for others, and made me realize I wanted to move out of a bigger city and back to my hometown so that I could be more involved in activities and feel like I'm actually part of a community. I have helped with church activities and am involved in a community hand bell choir. I also stay involved with part of the USD community by serving on the Corporation Board for Alpha Xi Delta with other alumni who want to help the next generation of members experience just a small part of what USD and Vermillion have to offer.

Emma Thompson

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Criminal Justice B.S. (USD), 2021

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmasalzwedel/

Occupation: Director of Student Rights & Responsibilities

Company: University of South Dakota

Location: Vermillion, SD

Next spring, I plan to pursue my Ed.D. in Adult and Higher Education at the University of South Dakota in order to advance my knowledge of administrative leadership within my current role as Director of USD's student conduct office, Student Rights & Responsibilities. In this role, I am charged with upholding the community guidelines determined by the Board of Regents and by USD. My knowledge of policy and prevention, which I acquired during my own time as a USD student, has helped me lower the recidivism rates within student conduct and educate students on their role(s) as a member of the Coyote Community.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

I worked at the University Police Department as a dispatcher immediately after completing my Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, which encouraged my passion for both the justice system and the University. My husband and I briefly moved away, with him still working remotely for the university, but we both knew that we had left our home of Vermillion behind, so we quickly moved back. Because of the networking opportunities that I had during my time at USD, I had several acquaintances recommend me for the vacant SRR director position, which I wasn't confident that I was qualified for due to my age. I was able to demonstrate my experience with leadership, knowledge, and experience in working with students, all of which I contribute to USD, which helped me get my dream job. Since returning to USD, I have had some of the most fulfilling experiences

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

My role at USD is to help students to understand their individual rights and responsibilities during their time at USD, so I spend every day educating students on the importance of policies and how their actions can affect those around them. For me, success means that a student has come to my office due to a conduct violation and they leave understanding why their actions were harmful (to themselves, their community, or the university). They will leave feeling knowing that they were able to share their side, that they got to discuss the incident rather than be lectured at, and that they will have to make some form of amends through educational sanctioning to prevent future misconduct. I'm proud to say that this educational, not punitive, approach has nearly eliminated repeated offenses since I began my role and has resulted in 100% positive feedback on the anonymous survey responses received from students following a conduct violation regarding their experience.

Isaiah Wonnenberg

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): BA in Political Science, 2015

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah-wonnenberg/

Occupation: Director, Regulatory Affairs

Company: Commercial Spaceflight Federation

Location: Arlington, VA

As the Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Commercial Spaceflight Federation, I work with companies and government officials to advocate for federal regulations that will enhance safety, innovation, and increased access to space. I previously served as a professional staff member in the U.S. Senate and received a Master in Public Affairs degree from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs.

The commercial space industry is constantly growing and innovating, which can create policy challenges for the federal government. As the leading trade association for the commercial space industry, CSF has a broad membership of commercial space companies, and my role is to generate consensus positions among our members on regulatory and policy issues and share those positions with the government. To develop those consensus positions, I meet with both member companies and government officials to relay information and stay updated on what is happening in the policy environment. Our advocacy efforts also include drafting policy documents, op-eds, letters to government officials, and press releases, so I spend much of my time researching and writing in addition to presenting.

My hope is to play a small role in the crafting of federal policies that ensure a thriving commercial space industry today and into the future.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

Every facet of the USD community has positively influenced my career. Faculty members like Mary Pat Bierle, Dr. William Richardson, and Dr. Eric Jepsen (and many others) not only taught analytical and technical skills that I still use to this day but were also always supportive and available to provide guidance. Through USD and often supported by the Farber Fund, I served as a Taiwan-US Alliance Ambassador, a Public Policy and International Affairs Junior Summer Institute Fellow, and an intern in the U.S. Senate. Everywhere I went, I was able to connect with inspiring and friendly members of the USD community.

I grew up in the small town of Dallas, SD, and came to USD uncertain of which major I wanted to pursue or even what opportunities were available to me as a USD student. Professors and advisors at USD encouraged me to study political science, though I was initially pursuing a different major, and that led me down a completely different career path than I initially imagined for myself. A class trip to Washington, D.C., not only furthered my desire to pursue policymaking as a career, but also introduced me to the network of amazing USD alumni who are active in the D.C. area. On that trip, I met an alum who had graduated from USD and subsequently received a master’s degree from an Ivy League university. At the time, I found it unbelievable that someone from rural South Dakota could achieve something like that. I was so inspired by her that I made a goal to follow in her footsteps and complete a similar program, a goal which I was able to accomplish after graduating from Princeton with my Master in Public Affairs a decade later. It was through my internship in the U.S. Senate that I found my first job after USD, and that opportunity has afforded me the career that I have thus far. Finally, but most importantly, I met my amazing wife at USD, so I could not be more grateful for my alma mater.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

Through my position at CSF, I am afforded many opportunities to take leadership roles in the commercial space industry. I am currently a member of multiple federal advisory groups focused on commercial space issues, including a committee focused on developing the future framework for commercial human spaceflight operations, a group focused on efficiently integrating commercial launch and reentry operations into the National Airspace System, and another group studying cybersecurity for space systems. Each of those groups is critical for establishing the policies and regulations that will govern the industry into the future. I have also presented to the National Space Council and federal agencies, as well as numerous conferences and even to university classes.

In the Senate, I was fortunate enough to be a part of a team which developed, drafted, and managed numerous bills eventually enacted into law, including the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, the TSA Modernization Act, and the National Quantum Initiative Act. We also organized and managed dozens of hearings on topics ranging from the tragic Boeing 737 Max accidents to recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Josh Sorbe

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Economics, Political Science, 2020

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshsorbe/

Occupation: Press Secretary

Company: United States Senate

Location: Washington, DC

As the Press Secretary for the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which is commonly cited as one of the most influential committees in Congress, I lead press correspondence, social media, and outreach for the committee's chair U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (Democrat from Illinois and the second-highest ranking U.S. Senator, serving as Majority Whip). Top level: I work to ensure legislative priorities and accomplishments are reflected in the news and online. Day to day: That mission materializes by writing press releases, serving as a spokesperson for the committee, talking with reporters, drafting social media content, and monitoring news in and out of politics for opportunities for the Senator to engage.

Prior to this role, I worked in communications for U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (Democrat from New Hampshire) through her successful re-election in November 2022, as well as for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation after being named a Truman Scholar in 2019 during my time at USD. I'm hoping to continue leading communications work for elected officials through the 2024 campaign cycle, then potentially considering furthering my education in a master's program or working in the Biden-Harris Administration pending the outcome of the election.

Overall, my North Star is working to amplify policies and people that protect all Americans' freedoms, rights and liberties, and meeting folks where they are with information.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

I owe much of my foundation to the education, opportunities, and experiences that only USD could have afforded me. I had the opportunity to intern twice in Washington, DC during undergrad with minimal cost thanks to the Department of Political Science, and those two internships grew my network of colleagues and helped me secure a career on Capitol Hill. Student government, Coyote athletics, the honors program, and the economics and political science departments all contributed to a true liberal arts education that empowered me to think critically and seek to address macro-level challenges, a drive that led me to become a Truman Scholar in 2019 and land my first job in DC.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

Recently, I was elected to the board of directors for the Senate Press Secretaries Association, a bipartisan working group of all Capitol Hill communicators. It was founded more than 50 years ago and is now the largest and most active of Capitol Hill’s professional organizations comprised of current and former Senate communicators. Serving on this board is a testament to a South Dakota kid making his way in DC by forging meaningful relationships, looking out for colleagues, and developing community in an environment that may not be conducive to do so -- because South Dakotans always look out for one another.

Josh Arens

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): BSc, Chemistry, 2017

LinkedIn/Resume: www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaarens

Occupation: Graduate Student

Company: Stanford University

Location: Stanford, CS

I'm pursuing a PhD in chemistry because I believe the subject offers a unique set of tools to solve a wide range of problems—from the climate crisis to cancer. As a graduate student, I spend most of my time in lab, where I am designing and synthesizing polymers for gene delivery. I'm working with another lab at Stanford to develop one of these polymers into a drug to treat breast cancer. I've also taught lab sections for general chemistry and organic chemistry as a teaching assistant. I'm also quite involved on campus as a Teaching Assistant Trainer and the Financial Officer for Out in STEM, a group for queer scientists.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

USD had a major impact on my personal and professional trajectory. Throughout my time at USD, I had many wonderful mentors who were generous with their time and knowledge. Specifically, the Honors Program encouraged and helped me apply for many nationally competitive scholarships, and the Chemistry Department provided me an opportunity to do cutting-edge research as an undergraduate student.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

As a student, I've received several national scholarships, which allowed me to study abroad for several years. As a researcher, I've contributed to several peer-reviewed publications and attended many conferences to discuss my research. Because I recognize how important mentorship was to my trajectory, I've taken on an undergraduate student to investigate other polymer structures for gene delivery. I've also gotten involved in the First Generation-Low Income (FLI) Office at Stanford to encourage other FLI students to pursue careers in STEM.

Kara Brodsky

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): BA in Communication Studies, 2018

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kara-brodsky-85637021a/

Occupation: Brand & Marketing Manager

Company: South Dakota Public Broadcasting

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

I am the Brand & Marketing Manager at South Dakota Public Broadcasting (SDPB) – the public media station and PBS/NPR affiliate station for the entire state of South Dakota. I manage the internal marketing team at SDPB, including our creative design manager and public relations manager. We create graphics and promote national and local programming on TV, radio, digital, and print. Our largest monthly project is the SDPB Magazine, which my team has developed from a television programming guide to a magazine featuring local content and stories. The magazine redesign is one of my favorite projects to date.

SDPB is working with Fresh Produce on our first brand refresh in over 20 years. I am a representative on the Rebrand Advisory Committee, which consists of board members and senior leadership at SDPB. I also serve as the Chair of the Rebrand Working Group, which consists of staff members from every department at SDPB. As brand manager at SDPB, my main goal for our rebrand project is to bring SDPB into the modern world of media.

My education at USD has helped me move into a leadership position quickly. The skills I retained from courses in the Communication Studies Department allow me to be a compassionate and effective leader. I am one of the youngest staff members in a management position at SDPB. However, my interpersonal and organizational communication skills allow me to lead a team to regional and national success.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

USD had a significant impact on both my personal and professional experiences following graduation. The education and experiences I gained at USD equipped me with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed professionally. On a personal level, USD fostered an environment that encouraged personal growth and self-discovery. The diverse community and inclusive campus culture allowed me to interact with individuals from various backgrounds and perspectives, broadening my horizons and challenging my beliefs and values. This experience helped shape me into a more open-minded and culturally aware individual.

During my time at USD, I had the opportunity to work as a marketing intern at SDPB for over three years. The accessibility of SDPB in the Al Neuharth Media Center allowed me to make professional connections that grew even after graduation. Following graduation, I have cultivated experiences with fellow alums, including within the Young Professionals Network with the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and at the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation. Across majors and departments, USD graduates always find each other and connect within their professional experiences. The university's network of alums and career services supported me in securing internships and connecting with professionals in my chosen field. This exposure allowed me to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom and helped me build a professional network that continues to benefit me to this day.

USD's influence on my personal and professional experiences following graduation cannot be overstated. The university's commitment to academic excellence, community learning, and personal growth has shaped me into a well-rounded, confident, and successful professional. I am forever grateful for the opportunities USD provided me and the lasting impact it continues to have on my life.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

Working for public media allows me to positively influence a statewide community. Providing free, quality content for all South Dakotans is a passion, and I feel proud to be part of an organization that serves as an invaluable educational resource. From providing educational content for teachers and caregivers to telling inspiring stories from towns in every corner of the state, SDPB continues to be a leader in regional and national public media.

Growing up in South Dakota, my family relied on SDPB and public media for reliable information and quality educational content. Now, being able to work for the same media organization that helped raise me, I am excited for our future impact on the people of South Dakota. Throughout the state, I can connect with a various audiences in South Dakota by telling their stories and giving them a spotlight to shine in our community.

Around the nation, public media stations are growing in popularity as the need for a reliable news source becomes essential. I have worked with other professionals from several PBS and NPR stations, big and small, to develop content and engagement strategies. This year, I was part of a grantee cohort that worked with Ken Burns and WETA to plan community engagement with local reservations surrounding a new documentary, The American Buffalo. The documentary will premiere on SDPB in October, and a large community festival will take place in Pine Ridge at the end of September. SDPB’s partnership with Maȟpíya Lúta (Red Cloud Indian School) for this event was a major goal of mine this year and I am excited to continue a relationship with their community.

Kelsey Kennedy

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): 1. Psychology 2. Addiction Studies, 2017

LinkedIn/Resume: www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-kennedy-ma-lpc-lac-02086b115

Occupation: Mental Health Therapist

Company: Balanced Sol Counseling

Location: Windsor, CO

I currently own a private practice where I work with adults with mental health and substance use disorders. I work with individuals to provide skills to assist anxiety, depression and trauma. The skills I use in my role are compassion, reflective listening, communication and critical thinking. With the education I have received I hope to continue to accomplish helping clients make the changes they want in their life, and increase my experience and knowledge with the continual changes in my profession.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

Once I graduated from USD I felt confident that I had the skills and education needed for graduate school and was able to get into a program a few months after graduating from USD. The people I met and conferences I attended while at USD only strengthened my desire to help others and learn more about the Mental Health and Substance field.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

I have demonstrated success through opening my own private practice and being able to run my own business in a way that serves my clients best. My success is reflected within my work with clients and their ability to heal and feel confident. My influence within the community is in helping to provide services to a large population of our town, which is the students at Colorado State University.

Mary Merxbauer

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): English, 2020; J.D. 2024 (anticipated)

LinkedIn/Resume: www.linkedin.com/in/mary-merxbauer-fiegen

Occupation: Law Student

Company: Knudson School of Law

Location: Vermillion, SD

I started law school while nursing my two-month-old daughter and my husband was in his second year of medical school at USD. Law school has been challenging with a busy family life but fulfilling in many ways. I have worked hard in my classes and hold many leadership positions including the Notes and Comments Editor of Law Review, Research Assistant for Career Services, and Pro Bono Officer for Healthcare Law. Last summer, I worked at Bangs McCullen Law Firm in Rapid City. I spent time researching healthcare law, civil procedure, tortious acts, and more. I drafted memorandums and attended depositions, meetings, and trials. After law school, I hope to impact South Dakota's legal system. I have always had a passion for the state legislature and hope to impact it in some way. I was a page in high school and an intern during my undergraduate. Otherwise, I hope to work within the public sector and represent working mothers, female attorneys, and South Dakota as a whole in my future career.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

I was inspired to attend USD for law school, because I knew the school would support my endeavors while having a family. I had already witnessed the school's support through the USD medical school which my husband attends. Furthermore, I received my undergraduate degree from USD and spoke with my professors about law school. I learned about our state's small bar and the amazing benefits of attending law school here. I also felt more comfortable attending school knowing USD had an amazing daycare facility which my daughter attends.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

I hope to inspire other parents by showing them that they can succeed in obtaining a degree while having a family. USD makes this possible. USD's law school listened to students' needs and provided an amazing mother's room last year. When my daughter was sick, the school accommodated. I am able to balance my family life as well as thrive in my education and participate in many activities on top of that. I believe my success in law school while being a mother will encourage others like me to get the degree they want. Furthermore, the legal profession is losing women; I hope my future steps in the work force will help carve the way for mothers to have a better work life balance in the legal profession. USD has provided me this opportunity to impact the legal profession by supporting mothers like me on campus and giving us the space to thrive.

McKenzie Huska

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology, 2015; Masters of Public Administration, 2017

LinkedIn/Resume: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zxsY8SPeh2BRJ1uBtMBiSMyvvxcwQ_Aq/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=115886842387155765009&rtpof=true&sd=true

Occupation: Director of Marissa's House

Company: Call to Freedom

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

I currently hold the role of the Director of Marissa's House at Call to Freedom in Sioux Falls, SD. Call to Freedom is a trauma-informed nonprofit that provides comprehensive, ongoing, and coordinated support services for all individuals impacted by human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Prior to my position at Call to Freedom, I was a Senior Parole Agent/Field Training Officer for the State of South Dakota, Department of Corrections from 2014-2021. That entailed supervising individuals in the community that had been released from prison and simultaneously supervising, training, and developing other parole agents in the field with other senior agents. My partner in parole transitioned to Call to Freedom and helped develop Marissa's Housing Project's program. Most of my caseload from parole included high risk/high need females/single-mothers so I was used to working with this population and really enjoyed the work. In 2021, she sent me a job opening at Marissa's House which included working directly with this population and I took a leap of faith knowing I wanted to make more of an impact; especially with mother's wanting to reunite with their children. I use a variety of skills in my current role which include case management, knowledge of the justice system, leadership, development, policy review, trauma-informed approaches, implementing current evidence-based practices etc. I am hoping to continuously develop Marissa's House ongoing with the ever-changing needs of survivors and meeting each survivor where they are at in their journey. I also enjoy supervising other case managers at the house and assisting them in developing their case management and leadership skills in the field. I am hoping one day we have more Marissa's Houses in the tri-state area that serve not only women and their children, but other populations including men, youth, foreign-nationals, LBGTQ+ in spaces that are safe, make sense, continuously evolve with the needs and desires of survivors and their healing journey. I also want to continue the awareness piece of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in South Dakota and surrounding states in the midwest; we still have people in our state that simply do not believe this type of crime could happen in our state and that's unfortunately not our reality.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

USD's faculty is amongst the best in the nation. I had such a good experience with my professors and they helped me shape my career. I entered college wanting to be a psychologist and that changed as soon as I stepped foot in Criminal Justice 101 with Dr. Roche. I continued my major in Psychology, knowing there was a clear crossover with criminal justice and also enjoyed my psychology classes and professors. Without the guidance and mentorship along the way, I am not quite sure where I would have ended up. Towards the end of college, I was convinced I wanted to be an attorney. I went as far as getting accepted into law school but found myself questioning my passion with working as an Intern for the Department of Corrections and desiring to work in the parole field. Again, I leaned on my professors that I trusted and considered mentors. Some of the advice I was given included how much my experience with the Department of Corrections would be valued in law school and in the end, would make me a better attorney. I decided to take that advice, not to go to law school (yet), and pursued my career with the Department of Corrections with the plan of one day attending law school. I can confidently say that I am exactly where I need to be, even though I have since transitioned with the Department of Corrections and decided not to go to law school. My professors were exactly right and because of the field experience I gained, I ended up going in a completely different direction in the social work field and I couldn't be more grateful for my professional journey. It's so important for students to find a professor/mentor/advisor they trust during their time as a student to help shape those tough decisions towards the graduation mark and beyond. I was lucky enough to be able to still contact my trusted professors after graduation to assist with decisions regarding my education/career goals and I will always be grateful for that.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

After deciding to not pursue law school, I knew I still wanted to continue my education with something in the social work field. My heart was/is in social services and I simply just wanted to know more. While working full-time for the Department of Corrections, I pursued my master's degree through USD. I have always desired to lead and help develop others to be the best they can be so I knew Public Administration would be the best fit for me and my career goals. I believe in each of my positions held between the Department of Corrections and Call to Freedom my goal has always been to serve others no matter what that meant. As a parole agent, sometimes that meant community safety, but it also meant assisting with community resources such as safe housing, chemical dependency treatment, mental health services, or access to basic needs. In my current role, it's all of those things but also walking alongside those that have been victimized in ways we could never imagine. I have seen and experienced some of the worst parts of our community and how dark life can be for some. But I have also seen and experienced people's lives change from the absolute bottom of the barrel to successfully reintegrating into the community and/or reunification with their children and families. I think one of my favorite examples of this was helping one of my clients pursue her educational goals after her release from prison and lived experience with trauma/victimization. Though she completely doubted herself, she is pursuing her Bachelor's degree through USD and aspires to impact the social services field! My most favorite and valued position of all is being a mother. My kids are part of who I am as a professional and I firmly believe the most important influence you can have is starting in our own homes with our own children. It is an absolute honor being able to journey life with survivors that desire to be the best parent they can be and I am grateful to be learning and growing with them along the way.

Michael Abbott

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Sport Marketing and Media, 2018; Counseling and Sport Management, 2022

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micci-abbott/

Occupation: Training Specialist

Company: Goodwill Industries, Inc

Location: Omaha, NE

Currently, I work as a training specialist for Goodwill Industries, Inc.’s mission programs. I teach youth development principles to individuals who face barriers to employment, and then help them transition into the childcare workforce. I build curriculum and provide career coaching, while utilizing my media and marketing skills to create presentations and conduct training sessions. Additionally, I utilize my counseling skills to motivate and support my students. My interdisciplinary degrees are crucial to my success in this role, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to use my education to make a positive impact on others every day.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

Since graduation, I have made it a point to stay connected with the USD community and the incredible friends I made there. My inner circle consists mostly of USD alumni, who are some of the most fun, inspiring, and loving people I've ever met. I remain an active part of the USD community by supporting diverse students across campus and attending events such as the annual Wacipi and Ruby Ball.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

My success is best demonstrated in the lives of the people I support. I understand the complex challenges people face and the importance of having a strong support system, and I am frequently called upon to offer my knowledge and guidance to help others achieve their goals. I am profoundly dedicated to my community, something I make clear through continued involvement in Vermillion and on campus.

Morgan Matzen

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): B.A. in Media & Journalism, December 2019

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-matzen-9739a015b/

Occupation: Education Reporter

Company: Argus Leader

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

I'm the education reporter at the Argus Leader, where I cover the state's K-12 school districts, higher education, education policy and politics. Since I'm from Sioux Falls and a USD alumna, this means I get to cover USD extensively, as well as the schools I grew up in. I use many of the research, reporting, journalism, interviewing and editing skills that I learned at USD and The Volante.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

Attending USD was the best decision I've made in my life. College gave me a wealth of friends whom I still cherish deeply, tons of connections for my future reporting needs, and lots of experience in student media through my years at The Volante, Coyote Radio and Coyote News. USD was the perfect place to learn more about journalism and reporting, and reporting in South Dakota, in particular. Having a network of USD grads, undergrads and faculty/staff that I could reach helped me with a lot of stories and story ideas. Knowing fellow Coyotes helped me report on COVID-19, campus developments and stories I couldn't get without knowing so much about USD and the campus connections there. Campus life at USD also made me a more outgoing, well-rounded and happy person. USD was also the place where I discovered I could do anything, whether it was making a documentary about South Dakota's music scene, organizing 1BlueString or working with student groups to host a huge concert with local bands at the Vermillion Theater.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

I was a finalist for an Education Writers Association award for my investigative work on the South Dakota social studies standards process in 2021. In 2021, I also won a first place award for government reporting from the South Dakota Newspaper Association for an investigation on South Dakota's privacy laws, and a second place award from SDNA in the news series category for my reporting on the social studies standards.

Other high points to my career include contributing to national coverage on July 3, 2020 at Mount Rushmore when I was working at the Rapid City Journal; being among the first to report on COVID-19 in South Dakota; helping diversify coverage and conversations at both the Rapid City Journal and Argus Leader; elevating voices that aren't often heard, and much more.

Nicholas Kramer

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Medical Biology, 2020

LinkedIn/Resume: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xzrj8NyAiOckg7tIbbhz1j_R1l-rXo0y/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=115886842387155765009&rtpof=true&sd=true

Occupation: Medical Student

Company: Touro University Nevada

Location: Las Vegas, NV

I am currently a third-year medical student pursuing Otolaryngology with a focus in Pediatric Neurotology. My day-to-day this year consists of medical rotations around the Las Vegas valley in various specialties of medicine. This year, I aim to continue to strengthen my skills in patient interactions and expand my knowledge base to provide future patients excellent health care. In my free time, I am involved in research, peer mentoring, and coaching JV football at a local high school.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

My time at USD was highlighted by my experience playing football and learning under outstanding basic sciences faculty. USD football instilled a work ethic that has helped me excel in medical school thus far. I was blessed with great teammates and a coaching staff that pushed me to excel on and off the field. In the classroom, I was privileged to connect with phenomenal faculty, namely Dr. Anderson, Dr. Liebl, and Beate Wone. These faculty members helped me gain confidence in the classroom after a slow start my first year of undergraduate. Without the work ethic instilled through athletics at USD and the classroom confidence gained by the basic sciences faculty, I would not be where I am today.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

Thanks to the skills I developed at USD, in the first half (classroom portion) of medical school, I finished in the top 10% of my class. More importantly, I have taken on various leadership positions at my school, including class president for the first and second year, co-founder of the Otolaryngology Ophthalmology club, and liaison for The Nevada Blind Children's Foundation. Additionally, I have had the privilege to "pay it forward" as a coach and mentor for high school football players in the area. As stated previously, athletics helped me develop the tools to chase my career dreams. My goal for the high school football players is to help build those same tools and open their minds to dream big about their futures.

Nick Robinson

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Media and Journalism, Bachelor of Arts (Emphasis in Strategic Communication), 2020

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickrobinson605/

Occupation: Director of Basketball Operations and Sports Media Relations

Company: Sioux Falls Skyforce

Location: Sioux Falls, SD

I oversee the day-to-day operations of basketball for the Sioux Falls Skyforce, NBA G League affiliate of the Miami HEAT; in charge of travel, equipment, scheduling and all off-court player development (mental health, finance, relationships, etc.). I also run our PR department, which includes Sports Media and Community Relations (press releases, content, community activation, donations, etc.). Communication is a big facet in my job, as I am working with people from all across the globe that have different world experiences. So, being able to relate and understand how people operate is something needed to gain their trust and be able to function at a high level that is expected in the NBA or NBA G League. Time management is another skill that is needed, especially being in charge of different departments. My job is extremely fast paced, so I have to stay on top of all duties. Another skill I use on a daily basis is the ability to lead. Between working with the HEAT, our players/staff, media outlets and people in the community, there are a ton of moving parts constantly. I pride myself in being someone that the HEAT can trust while being halfway across the country.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

USD gave me real-life experiences that helped the transition from college to full-time work in an easy manner. We were treated like students in classes and groups, not just a number. That gave me a vision of how to interact and get the most out of not only myself, but my peers and coworkers. When you feel valued, you tend to go the extra mile. Being on a diverse and inclusive campus also has played a big role in my personal and professional life, as it has helped me want to understand people different from me, but it also gave me a jumpstart on building relationships, which has eventually turned into more responsibilities with the Skyforce and HEAT. Lastly, I was given great opportunities to build my portfolio from projects, internships and groups that businesses and companies were actually using in their day-to-day work. The in-depth work in classes and groups translated to work I did with my internships, thus helping me land a job in a field I've wanted to work in since I was a young child (I found my love of basketball attending Coyotes games with my grandfather growing up). You got out of your schoolwork what you put into it and by my professors holding me to a high standard, it helped me realize and start the continuous pursuit of always trying to become the best version of myself. Essentially, USD gave me the confidence to put myself out there and be prepared for anything.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

From starting as just a gameday intern with the Skyforce, to now running two departments and four roles in under two years, success has been demonstrated through hard work, ambition and relationship building. In the world of professional sports, doing your job at a high level is the standard, especially in the Miami HEAT organization. They reward success with more responsibilities. I think my story is a great example to show kids that you can work a job that you love and have desired to work in being from South Dakota and attending USD, especially professional sports. It's an extremely tough industry to get into, but by taking advantage of the opportunities USD provided me, it set me up to have success.

Seth Gerberding

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Mathematics, Philosophy, 2020

LinkedIn/Resume: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-gerberding-b619501ab/

Occupation: PhD Student

Company: Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, TX

I am a fourth-year mathematics Ph.D. student at Texas A&M University studying numerical analysis of partial differential equations. My current research entails developing robust and accurate numerical algorithms to solve complex problems. To demonstrate the mathematical results, I also code the algorithms using high-performance programs. Broadly speaking, however, my interests are solving real-world problems using mathematical tools. My education thus far, beginning at USD and continuing through graduate school, has given me the intellectual toolbox to both think carefully and precisely but also to understand the big picture. It is my sincerest belief that many of the world’s problems can be better understood if we apply mathematical thinking to them, and it is my aspiration to do so.

As a student, I’ve been able to apply my skills in national laboratories. I developed a method to approximate shallow water waves for the United States Army Corps of Engineers at their Engineering and Development Research Center (ERDC). Currently, I am working with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to develop new methods for testing and verifying high-performance computational codes. These projects require a host of skills. For example, I have used my mathematical analysis skills to derive the solution to a complex hydrodynamic problem and then used my computer programming skills to create a solution library for that problem.

After graduating, I intend to work at a national laboratory such as LANL. In this capacity, I hope to further advance scientific knowledge by using my mathematical and computer science skills. The problems of the future require nuanced and careful thinking, and I believe that the skills I’ve developed at USD and graduate school will help me solve hard problems. In particular, I hope to work on what is known as ‘verification and validation’: that is, to ensure that computer simulations are correct. This problem is challenging: it requires knowledge of mathematics, physics, computer science, and a host of other subjects. But it is an essential part of the lab’s mission: indeed, it is how the lab certifies the safety, security, and reliability of the nation’s nuclear stockpile.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

Professionally, USD set me up for an exciting career in scholarship and research. Undergraduate research is essential for the success of any institution of higher learning, and USD does a tremendous job of providing those opportunities. For me, the UDiscover summer research program was my first experience with research, and it was because of this experience that I realized that research was the career I wanted. The Honors Program provided me with the intellectual space to be bold, take risks, try new ideas, and explore the world. It was thanks to the Honors Program that I was able to write two theses: one in mathematics and one in philosophy. Not only did those projects provide me with technical knowledge and skills, they provided me with a perspective regarding science and society that I draw on to this day. The problems and projects I work on impact the lives of everyday people, whether it be how a dam breakage will flood downriver or the science of nuclear weapons. There was a quote from my Honors advisor: “Science will tell you how to clone a dinosaur; the humanities will tell you that might be a bad idea.” It is exactly that duality that USD provided me, and it will serve me until the end.

Personally, the relationships I built while at USD are some of the most important to me, not just among my classmates but among the faculty. But what all of these relationships have taught me is that, no matter how technically advanced you may be, the way you treat others will always be paramount. I have been through some difficult times: it was the kindness and compassion of my fellow Coyotes that got me through it. Life is hard; you cannot do it alone. But I would have none other than a Coyote by my side. It is that same spirit that I have kept in my personal life: be kind, be honest, and always try to bring out the best in others. It’s astonishing how much there is if you only look for it.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

I believe my success is best measured by my scholarship and academic achievements. As an undergraduate, I published an article in mathematical biology in a professional journal that is now the basis for new research and discoveries. While in graduate school, I have presented numerous posters and talks at conferences and workshops, including events at Los Alamos and for the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM). I have authored technical reports at labs like LANL and ERDC. The report at LANL serves as the foundation for new research regarding code development. My PhD research involves the groundwork for solving much larger, and more complicated problems in a novel way. My advisor and I will have a paper submitted regarding these results soon.

I have also dedicated myself to fostering the next generation of researchers. While at Texas A&M, I have been a mentor for both undergraduate and graduate students. Specifically, I have been and am currently serving as a graduate mentor in the directed reading program (DRP). The DRP program gives undergraduates the chance to read a mathematical text one-on-one with a graduate student. But that mentorship extends beyond the text: very often, those students return to their graduate mentors for advice and help on a whole host of topics. Just last week, a former student of mine reached out to me for guidance regarding graduate school.

On the graduate level, I have served three years on our department chapter of SIAM, including as secretary, president, and now liaison. In these roles, I have organized seminars to help bring scholars to our school to meet with students, facilitated social events to foster a sense of community in the department, and helped fund travel for conferences. I have also volunteered to mentor new graduate students to help them adjust to life in graduate school. Beyond the mathematics department, I am currently serving as a senator on the graduate student government. In that role, I represent and advocate for all graduate students by working with the administration to ensure that all of the graduate students’ needs are met.

Tyler Reck

Degree(s), Graduation Year(s): Criminal Justice, 2017

LinkedIn/Resume: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14qGk_NKouZS68t77QszfCcrJQg-u3ofu/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=115886842387155765009&rtpof=true&sd=true

Occupation: Probation/Parole Officer

Company: State of Iowa Department of Corrections

Location: Spirit Lake, IA

I am currently a Probation/Parole Officer for the Iowa Department of Corrections. I supervise clients that are placed on probation in Dickinson County and Emmet County, I supervise clients that are released from Prison on Parole, I testify in Court for probation violations, I teach Acceptance Commitment Therapy classes, I am a Security Threat Group Intelligence Officer, and I am currently on the safety committee. In my current role, I use leadership skills and also help clients get back on the right track in life. I enjoy helping clients find services that will best support a positive future, while also gaining employment and moving up within that employment. I am hoping to continue being a Probation/Parole Officer for a long time, while potentially moving up within the Department also.

How did USD influence your personal and professional experiences following graduation?

The University of South Dakota influenced my personal life because it taught me how to be more social and open minded. Professor Michael Roche was the professor that impacted me the most because he not only made you strive to your highest potential, but he also cared about you inside and outside of his classroom. I remember when he would say, "you roll the dice, you pay the price" and how that associates every day with life and how you approach it. USD also influenced my professional life by teaching me all the tools to be successful in my career. USD has professors and faculty that care about you and want to see you succeed and that is what I strive to do every day, is to help not only my clients, but also my coworkers and my family strive in life and succeed in everything they do.

How have you demonstrated success and influence in your profession and community?

I have demonstrated success and influence in my profession and community by being involved in teaching Acceptance Commitment Therapy classes within the Department of Corrections, being a Security Threat Group Intelligence Officer, and being part of the safety committee. I am a member of the Iowa Corrections Association. I am also a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake and I am a Wrestling Official for the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union. When I am home, I love spending time with my wife, McKenzie, and my two children, Bexley and Ryder.

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