Yote Notes

Obituary

Rod Fisher

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

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

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

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Professional Achievement

Judy Dawson Benitez

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

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Professional Achievement

Bruce Blumer

Bruce Blumer '80, '85, '92 has published two new books. "Attracted to Hope" and "Parable of the Bridges." Profits from these books, and previous books, are donated to Haiti Alive, a non-profit he co-founded with Sharon Blumer, a ministry on the island of LaGonave, Haiti.

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Professional Achievement

Paul Wurth

Paul Wurth '18 recently accepted a publication contract for his debut YA Fantasy novel The Last Conduit. Scheduled to be published July 1, 2026.

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Professional Achievement

Kim Lee

Kim Lee '14 recently published a book as the only editor about the Minnesota River Bend Area Immigrant story.

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Professional Achievement

David Colwell

The University of South Dakota orchestra will premiere David Colwell's '75 new work entitled "Vermillion Air: Plain Talk on the Prairie" on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025.

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Professional Achievement

Todd Pokrywa

Todd Pokrywa '13 captained Team Viera in the first ever Florida Space Coast NHL Pro/Am for charity in February 2025.

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Professional Achievement

Travis Scott

Travis Scott, husband to Kyla Scott '05, '08, will be riding his bicycle from their home in WA to his home state, Indiana, for their non profit Cycling On Purpose which works to support today's youth in fostering purposeful lives by advocating for improved mental health policies and services, encouraging responsible device using and connecting communities in real life. This 2,800 mile ride will be an incredible feat that he will be finishing up as he turns 50 years old.

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Recognition

Olivia Siglin

The South Dakota Narcotics Officers Association honored Olivia Siglin '19 as their Prosecutor of the Year at the annual conference in Deadwood on April 30, 2025. Olivia was recognized for her skills in the courtroom and handling of narcotics distribution cases in South Dakota. Olivia is a Senior Deputy State's Attorney at the Pennington County State's Attorney's Office in Rapid City.

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Professional Achievement

Olivia Siglin

Olivia Siglin '19 was elected Board President at C.O.R.E., which facilitates the Freshman Impact program throughout South Dakota.

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Professional Achievement

Elizabeth Ruen

Elizabeth Ruen '20 (Master of Public Health) and '11 (Master of Science in Administration) recently earned a Doctor of Education in Public Health Policy from Nebraska Methodist College. Dr. Ruen is a program officer at The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

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Professional Achievement

Annie McClure

Annie McClure '17 completed her master's in Special Education as an Intervention Specialist with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis in May 2021 from the University of Northern Colorado. She currently serves as the Director of Transition at The Joshua School - a Colorado facility school with a mission to serve students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities attain the highest quality of life valuing each unique mind, body and spirit.

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