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Three women in wide-ranging leadership positions and three men with extensive legal careers comprise the six graduates who have risen to the top of their fields and have been selected for the 2025 Class of Distinguished Alumni by the South ������Ƶ State University Alumni Association. They are: • Sheryl Doering Meshke, Class of ’88, Garden City, Minnesota • Charles Gullickson, Class of ’77, Sioux Falls • Rich Helsper, Class of ’74, Sioux Falls • Jill Janecke, M.S. ’05, Pierre • Hon. Alan G. Lance, Sr., Class of ’71, Calwell, Idaho • Dawn Tobacco-Frank, Ph.D. ’10, Kyle

Maura Valburg knew SDSU was the right fit for her. "I wanted to stay in South ������Ƶ, the campus was beautiful, and everyone was super welcoming," she said. But like many students, she didn't know exactly what transitioning to college involved.

The South ������Ƶ Art Museum is celebrating the people and collections that made the museum possible with a summerlong exhibit and a reception planned for early August.

South ������Ƶ State University’s Army ROTC program recently received new physical fitness equipment thanks to a group of dedicated alumni honoring two of the program’s earliest Ranger School graduates.

The Child and Family Resource Network at South ������Ƶ State University will hold four parenting classes throughout July to focus on helping parents discover what their children’s behaviors could mean.

The Child and Family Resource Network at South ������Ƶ State University is hosting its next “Common-Sense Parenting” class series starting July 1.

Last month, for the first time in more than 20 years, the South ������Ƶ State University Horse Unit held a public sale of horses from its herd. The unit, located within the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences on the university’s Brookings campus, has been recognized by the American Quarter Horse Association as a reputable breeder for 70 years and welcomes 10-13 foals each spring.

Prairie Repertory Theatre announces its 54th season, featuring a vibrant and entertaining lineup of musical classics, timeless drama and side-splitting comedy.

May 10, 2025, marks the 139th commencement at South ������Ƶ State University. More than 1,700 graduates will walk across the stage, ready to take the next step in their careers. This year, the ceremonies return to campus — inside the newly renovated First Bank & Trust Arena. After rotating through five different locations over the past seven years, commencement is back on campus to stay. But pulling off an event of this size takes more than just a great venue — it takes months of planning, a campuswide committee and one person leading the charge.

South ������Ƶ State University held its annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Day April 15 in the University Student Union’s Volstorff Ballroom.