September 1, 2021
Brown at the Bash Zac Brown Band headlines Jacks Bash Page A10-11
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September 1, 2021
NEWS
In fifth year, One Day for STATE sets sights on 5,000 donors
Mara Wheaton Assistant News Editor (She/Her)
One Day for STATE, a 24-hour donation campaign, is taking place Thursday, Sept. 2. The SDSU Foundation is hosting its fifth annual campaign to celebrate South Dakota State University and give an opportunity for all Jackrabbits to see the impact of philanthropic giving. Last year, $1,617,648 was raised by 4,888 donors for various academic colleges and campus programs. Of those donors, 484 were students at SDSU. This year, donors have the opportunity to help unlock more than $165,000 worth of challenge gifts, plus an additional $10,000 when 100 firsttime donors are reached. Erin Glidden, director of loyalty giving at the SDSU Foundation, said their goal this year is 5,000 donors for the five years of One Day for STATE. “No matter the gift size, you can make a difference. A $5 or
Your gift
helps unlock:
$150,000 overall challenge
$5,000
with 100 student donors
$10,000
with 100 first-time donors $20 gift matters just as much as a larger gift of $10,000,” she said. “We could have a $10,000 challenge to ABC college, and when we get 25 donors, that $10,000 is kicked into the overall total. It’s all about working together to all rally around a college or specific affinity group that makes a dif-
ference on the day.” Matilyn Kerr is a young alumni from SDSU. She d o n ate s b e c au s e S D S U has given her many opportunities, and she wouldn’t be the person she is today without those experiences. “Giving back is a way that I can try and repay SDSU for all the good it has given me,” she said. Nick Lorang, a former SDSU student, said that One Day for STATE is a great opportunity for current students and young alumni to have a direct impact on the university. “The beauty of One Day for STATE is that every gift has the opportunity to go further,” he said. “That is a really cool way for young donors to get involved and to see the impact on those programs.” A social presence is also an important part of One Day for STATE. This day is more than just donating; it is also about sharing SDSU pride and rallying together as a community. “Yes, we hope people make gifts,” Glidden said. “But even
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just sharing your SDSU story is such an impactful part of the day.” There will be events going on all day to celebrate. Starting at 11 a.m. there will be an on-campus patio party hosted outside of the Student Union for SDSU students. Later that night, the Yellow and Blue Block Party is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the Alumni Green. There will be food
trucks, free SDSU ice cream, a performance from the SDSU Pride and plenty more activities. Glidden said she was excited for the Yellow and Blue Block Party, especially since they weren’t able to host it last year. “Being able to have that feel of campus and having that rallying point, we missed it last year, so just having that feel is pretty cool,” she said.
Student Association kicks off the new school year Jacob Boyko News Editor (He/Him)
The Student Association kicked off the year with their first meeting Monday night. The meeting began with Steven Erpenbach and Erin Glidden from the SDSU Foundation addressing the Senate about One Day for STATE. “No matter the gift size, you can make a difference,” Glidden said. “On this day, a $5 gift and a $10,000 gift mean the same thing.” The SDSU Foundation will announce a new fundraising campaign during the week of Hobo Day Oct. 21.
This campaign will last around 2.5 years. “One Day for STATE will give us that kind of momentum moving towards Oct. 21,” Erpenbach said. According to Glidden, if 100 current SDSU students donate for the first time– no matter the amount—a donor will donate $10,000. According to SA President Andrew Rasmussen, there are three at-large senate positions. Students interested can contact SA Vice President Rachel Schoon for information on getting a petition. Students will need to receive 50 valid signatures to be eligible for an interview for the at-large process. The 50 signatures can be from any students—not just the
ones from your specific college. Michaela Willis addressed the Senate about the state of the Student Union renovation project. “We’re starting to plan Phase III. That will be kicking off next summer with the renovation of [Volstorff Ballroom],” Willis said. “When we get started with VBR, we will start planning for Phase IV.” Phase IV is expected to be focused on renovating the lower level of the Union. Students can have a voice in the upcoming renovation of Larson Commons through a survey sent to their emails from the SDSU Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. Respondents will be entered to receive
gift cards to the bookstore. Willis addressed the Senate about the Sept. 9 vaccine clinic. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be offered. The school will be dispersing relief dollars from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund after the dropand-add date for classes Sept. 2. “All students who are degree-seeking and enrolled will receive HEERF III dollars,” Willis said. The Senate also discussed Amendment 21-1-A, which would allow senators to vote remotely.
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NEWS
September 1, 2021
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Collegian photos by SAMANTHA SCHOENBAUER (She/Her)
BRINA STURM Assistant Lifestyles Editor (She/They) If you’ve been through the Union this semester, you may have noticed some major changes and renovations. Over the past nine months, the South Dakota State University Student Union has entered Phase II of its most recent renovation plan. Phase I, which wrapped up in fall of 2019, primarily focused on the redesign and relocation of the Multicultural Center to the upper level of the Union, whereas the focus of Phase II has been on the main level of the Union. “We split Phase II into two different sub-phases — Phase IIA and Phase IIB,” Jennifer Novotny, senior director of the Union, said. “Phase IIA involved updating the audio visual equipment in our upstairs meeting rooms to get us ready to potentially have students here for classroom space during the pandemic. … A lot of what we had in those rooms were standard pulldown screens and whiteboards. In some cases, there would have been a data projector in the ceiling. You’ll see a lot of those things re-envisioned in a modern digital format.” Portions of Phase IIA were completed in spring of 2021. Frequent users of the upstairs lounge areas are sure to remember the plastic wrap and carts full of new technology being pushed from room to room. Staff was determined to keep spaces accessible to students. “It was a pretty monumental undertaking to do the AV upgrades, so having a really minimally used building during COVID-19 was great,” Novotny said.
STUDENT UNION RENOVATIONS What’s been done and what’s to come
“We love SDSU. We want it to feel like SDSU when you walk into this building, not just another great building to hang out in.” — Jennifer Novotny “Back in 2004, when we renovated initially, we had to shut down this facility for a year. I lived through that, and I know that was really tricky. Our goal this time around was to keep students’ use of this facility high, even amidst these construction projects.” Phase IIB incorporated a new look and feel to the main level of the Union with new wraps, paints, furniture and lighting. “Phase IIB included finishing the renovations of the upstairs lounge spaces and beginning renovations on the market area seating and aesthetics,” Novotony said. “We worked diligently through the summer on a very aggressive timeline for construction. We had the intent that we would open up in the fall and be ready for students to return. There are a couple of items that are not yet completed, but they’re very, very near completion, and that would be our two restrooms on the second floor.” One of the most recognizable changes to the Union would be that Main Street and The Market are now sporting the Jackrabbit colors of yellow and blue. “We love SDSU. We want it to feel
like SDSU when you walk into this building, not just another great building to hang out in,” Novotny said. “The Union looks great,’’ Shelbi Patterson, a new-to-SDSU graduate student said. “It feels open but has plenty of space to hangout and sit. It’s welcoming, bright and open.” Even with all of the new modern twists the Union has taken, some of the classic building structures have stuck around. “We have students that have a real affinity to the history of this facility and the red brick, so there were a lot of really great conversations around how do we how do we still keep some of these old finishes that we really do treasure and love, and that the students in 1969 and 1970 started to build for us,” Novotny said. “We have worked really collaboratively with select groups and with the Student Association to meet the needs of all students. They suggested many of the updates and tested a majority of the new furniture.” “I like the feel of The Market a lot more,” said Quincey Piper, a second-year student. “I don’t know how to explain it, but it feels more like a college — more
like SDSU. Now it’s a comfortable place where I can socialize and meet new people.” The future of the Union looks bright with both a planned Phase III and possible Phase IV occurring within the upcoming years. “We are very much aware of the Volstorff Ballroom and Jackrabbit Room being a very high-profile setting for events,” Novotny said. “From (hosting) student events to off-campus and affiliated events, the space offers a really great size and capacity. There’s just so much that we can do in that space and that we have been doing in that space for the last 16 years. What we’ll see in the next phase is all of that being freshened up. “I would also say there’s going to be a Phase IV which will address student engagement, student activities and student life. It’s still very much ambiguous, but what we do know is that students’ needs may not be completely met in the lower level.” No matter what the future holds for the Student Union, it will continue to be a paramount location in the minds of SDSU students and faculty. “We are always a work in progress here,” Novotny said.
Renovation Phases: Phase I: Multicultural Center Phase II: A: Audio Visual, Classroom Space B: Commons Updates Phase III: Volstorff Ballroom Phase IV: Student Leadership developments, lower level
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NEWS
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September 1, 2021
New dean wants college to be model
Barnes targets improvements in education, research and services to build national reputation
it starts to create a national reputation,” Barnes said. In his new role, Barnes will be responsible for the faculty members and Paul Barnes has been named the new undergraduate students enrolled for the dean of the College of Education and 2021-2022 academic year. The college has Human Sciences at South Dakota State 16 major options, 19 minor options and 13 graduate degree options. University. “The students, faculty and staff that Barnes comes to SDSU from the University of Nebraska Omaha where comprise (EHS) are our strength,” he he served for 20 years. At UNO, Barnes said. “Consistently, they have the heart was a member of the counseling fac- to serve others and build their communiulty, the counseling department chair- ties. … I want students to know they truly person, assistant vice chancellor for matter at SDSU and in the EHS.” During his two decades of service Academic and Student Affairs and, as of six years ago, the associate dean for to the field of counseling and educaUNO’s College of Education, Health and tion, Barnes has been awarded accolades like the UNO Human Sciences. Alumni Association “There are a lot of “I think Dr. Barnes Outstanding things that come up in will be a great new Teacher Award the administrative office dean. He has a really in 2005 and the that you just have to take strong background in care of to keep the college education and he cares Julie Hefflinger going, and the goal for me a lot about people and Professorship in is to keep that stuff off the building relationships.” Counseling in 2019. “He [Barnes] faculty’s desks,” Barnes is just somebody said about his administrathat engages well tive roles. “This really is a JILL THORNGREN with all the facservant role. You’re serving FORMER EHS DEAN ulty and students the college and serving the and community,” faculty and students and just trying to make things run smoothly.” said Kristine Swain, associate dean of As a first-generation college student, UNO’s College of Education, Health and Barnes said he gained a unique perspec- Human Sciences and Barnes’ former coltive on secondary education that helped league. “We miss having him here. South prepare him for the role of dean. When Dakota State really got a great person Barnes was heading to college in 1984, that will be a good leader for many years he did not know what FAFSA or a credit there.” Barnes took over for the founding hour was, and he tries to not assume that dean of the college, Jill Thorngren, after students do either. “I didn’t know those things, so I she announced her departure from try to be absolutely helpful,” he said. SDSU last fall. Thorngren said she plans “Universities can be a pretty tough place to move back to Bozeman, Montana, to sometimes if they just say, ‘go there’ restart her counseling practice. “I think Dr. Barnes will be a great new or ‘call this place.’ I think a little more guiding them and following up would dean,” Thorngren said. “He has a really strong background in education and he be important.” One of Barnes’ goals is for the EHS cares a lot about people and building programs to become a model in edu- relationships.” Barnes said athletics played a large cation, research and services for other role in his awareness of SDSU. During institutions to follow, he said. “If we can offer high-quality pro- the Summit League basketball tourgrams that are recognized nationally, our nament three years ago in Sioux Falls, students find employment and do well Barnes attended because UNO was and produce articles and research grants, playing. GRACIE TERRALL Managing Editor (She/Her)
Collegian photo by GRACIE TERRALL (She/Her) Paul Barnes moves from the University of Nebraska Omaha to SDSU to take over as the new EHS dean.
“It’s somewhat of a proximity thing, but when South Dakota State played, the place just filled with blue,” he said. “I was really impressed that people were really behind their team. … I love the size of the community and the closeness of the community.”
As an Omaha native, Barnes attended Benson High School–their mascot is the Benson Bunnies. “It seems funny to think that I was born a bunny and have grown into a proud Jackrabbit,” he said.
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‘A GREAT LEAP FORWARD’
$46 million Raven Precision Ag Center opens to students JORDAN RUSCHE Editor-in-Chief (She/Her)
With almost two weeks of classes underway for the fall semester, students have probably noticed the newest addition to South Dakota State University is open and already hosting classes. “Other than students getting lost … everything has gone extremely well for the first week of class,” David Wright, head of the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, said. Wright’s department, along with the agricultural and biosystems department, will now be housed in the Raven Precision Agriculture Center. These departments used to be in Berg Agricultural Hall and the Agricultural Engineering Building, respectively. Some classes being held there this semester include crop and soils teaching labs, a freshman seminar, precision ag data mapping class and all ag engineering classes. The facility covers roughly 130,000 square feet with 450 classroom seats. Several lab spaces are reserved for soil studies, mechanics and more, and most have windows for students walking by to peer in and observe the classes. Both departments’ faculty will share common spaces, allowing for more interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can relax in special study areas along the main walkway, complete with whiteboards, LED monitors that can be hooked up to laptops and plenty of table space for shared learning. “When we were in the process of designing this building, we really wanted it to be a very student-centered design,” Wright said. “We have areas throughout the building that are unique to this building and designed to enhance student learning and student creativity.” Some of the most unique features of the building are the mid and high
The Precision Ag Center features unique additions like machinery bays large enough to fit full-size tractors. Collegian photo by GRACIE TERRALL (She/Her)
Related majors and minors
Majors Agronomy Agricultural Systems Technology Minors Agricultural Business Agronomy Data Science Mechatronics Technology Sustainability
bays, designed with raised ceilings and large garage-style doors so largescale machinery can be brought in for hands-on demonstrations. Other rooms include graduate student areas, conference
rooms and administration offices. Most importantly, the Precision Ag Center isn’t only for precision ag students: with one classroom in the building scheduled by the university, students of any major could potentially have classes held in the new building. SDSU’s newest addition has been in the works since 2018, when plans were first drawn up for the facility. Construction began shortly after during the spring of 2019. The whole structure cost about $46 million, with donations coming in from state legislation, precision ag and bioprocessing corporations and private donors. “We couldn’t have done this without the support of the state legislature,” Wright said. “They contributed $22 million toward this building, and we had a very long list of donors that contributed to the building, all the way from farmer-led organizations to corporate businesses.”
Students like Parker Aase, a senior precision ag major, are excited for the opportunities the new building will provide. “The new Raven Precision Ag building is a great leap forward for SDSU,” he said. “We are already a class above others in our field, but this will make us even higher of a caliber.” Hadley Stiefvater, an animal science and ag leadership major who has classes in the new building, was impressed by the scope of the facility, as well. “I think it’s pretty phenomenal how well built this building is and how there’s so many unique opportunities for students in here,” she said. “Like miniature classroom study rooms, being able to do homework in various locations around the building, but also some pretty awesome lab equipment and unique opportunities that many students wouldn’t get.” As one of the leading schools in the
September 1, 2021 country when it comes to precision agriculture studies, SDSU gains several benefits with the ag center’s construction. Wright says the addition of this building will open new pathways in research related to precision ag. Pest management studies have been looking into using new technology for research in crop health. “Right now, we’re looking at the use of drones to apply synthetic chemicals, so fungicide,” Wright said. “It would identify diseases of importance; it could identify insects that are predatory.” Not only that, but it will help keep students and faculty one step ahead of the ever-changing nature of the major. The technological and learning opportunities provided with the new space will allow for new minors and specializations, as well as adapted coursework, to be added as necessary. “We’re continually modernizing the courses, because agriculture itself is changing very, very quickly, so we can no longer teach the courses that we taught 20 years ago, certainly not even 10 years ago,” Wright said. “So, we are going through an effort to make sure all of our courses that students take reflect the technology and modern thinking processes of modern agriculture today.” And when it comes to entering the job force after college, SDSU students are now at an even greater advantage with the facility. Biochemists and biophysicists are expected to
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The building was completed this summer after over two years of construction. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held Sept. 11. Collegian photo by GRACIE TERRALL (She/Her)
be in higher demand in future years to “do basic research that increases scientific knowledge and to research and develop biological products and processes that improve people’s lives,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Companies like POET, a leader in the bioproducts industry with locations nationwide, including Sioux Falls, will also be looking to hire students like precision ag majors in the coming years.
“There is a need for new techniques, tools and applications in agriculture, which will result in new careers and specialties that this program [precision ag] seeks to fill,” Jessica Sexe, director of public relations for POET, said. “We are excited to help fill that need right here in South Dakota through the Precision Agriculture Center.” SDSU has already cemented global recognition in precision agriculture because of
the uniqueness of the program. “Larger universities aren’t able to offer a program like this because they’re not nimble enough, where SDSU, one of the reasons our graduates are so sought after, is we are nimble enough to identify the evolving needs of the ag industry and respond to it in our course curriculums,” he said. That’s good news for companies like POET, who work hand in hand
with the newest agricultural developments. “At 20% of the state’s economic activity and $20.9 billion annual impact, agriculture is South Dakota’s largest industry,” Sexe said. “When agriculture prospers, the biofuels industry grows, resulting in a mutually beneficial cycle that in turn supports the larger economy.” To celebrate the completion of the Precision Ag Center, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held
Sept. 11. A research day is also being planned. Overall, Wright says he has most enjoyed seeing the impact this building has had on both current and future students. “The most fun we’ve had is parents and prospective students come through,” Wright said. “Just to see the smiles on their faces, the amazement, that’s been fun to watch.”
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Meet the new C
GRACIE TERRALL Managing Editor
JORDAN RUSCHE Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor Gracie Terrall is a third-year English and journalism major from Madison. When she isn’t wandering the Shopko in her hometown, Gracie enjoys watching anime with her roommate Taylor and cat Willow, reading sapphic literature and listening to her top Spotify artists: Bo Burnham, Ali & AJ and CLAY.
Jordan is from De Smet, South Dakota, and is a double majoring in English with an emphasis in writing and journalism. She’s the Editor-inChief and is in charge of ensuring things run smoothly. She likes meeting and helping new people with their paper by marking it up and then handing it back, this way writers learn from their mistakes.
JACOB BOYKO News Editor
MARA WHEATON Assistant News Editor
SKYLER Sports Editor
Jacob Boyko is the News Editor and a junior journalism major with a double minor in political science and social media. Jacob is a huge animal person and loves spending time with his dog and seven cats. In his free time, he collects TVs and old radios and occasionally dumpster dives.
Mara Wheaton is from Mankato, Minnesota and is the Assistant News Editor. She is a junior majoring in public relations with a double minor in retail merchandising and design studies. Mara considers herself a pretty laid-back person who listens to folk-pop and has always been interested in fashion.
Skyler Jackson is the Sports Editor and a junior journalism major from Sioux City, Iowa. He has a double minor in social media and communication studies, and he’s always been interested in sports reporting. In his free time, he loves spending time with family and friends and listening to rock.
EVAN PATZWALD Assistant Sports E Assistant Sports Ed Patzwald is a sopho major from Sioux F double minor in gr and social media. E the outdoors, musi out. Though he’s cu the show “Outer Ba never go wrong wit “Spongebob.”
September 1, 2021
Collegian staff
D Editor ditor Evan omore journalism Falls. He has a raphic design Evan loves pizza, ic and working urrently into anks,” he can th the classic:
ANDREA HUETE Copy Editor Andrea Huete is one of The Collegian’s copy editors this semester. An early childhood education major in her fourth year, she is also involved in LASA and the Spanish Club. Her favorite thing about SDSU is helping introduce others to Hispanic heritage through the Multicultural Center.
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Symmone Gauer Lifestyles Editor
BRINA STURM Assistant Lifestyles Editor
Symmone Gauer is the Lifestyles Editor and a senior journalism major with minors in French and social media. She started out as an architecture major but had a passion for writing and photography. Symmone is from Aberdeen and enjoys reading, suspenseful TV shows and writing songs.
Brina Sturm is the assistant lifestyles editor at The Collegian and a sophomore English education major. Brina loves dinosaurs (the Parasaurolophus is her favorite) and hates stringy ham. When she’s not at school, Brina enjoys listening to Panic! At The Disco and watching TikTok. This summer, they learned how to swim.
BAYLEE PETERSON Copy Editor
ADRIANA AGUILAR Page Designer
Baylee is one of The Collegian’s Adriana is the page designer at the copy editors. She is a senior comCollegian and a third year graphic munications, political science and design major with a minor in studio marketing major from Lake Lillian, arts. She also does freelance Minnesota. The travel fanatic also photography and illustrations. loves running, yoga and listening to Her favorite movie genre is horror. indie-folk music like The Lumineers and Lord Huron. Collegian photos by SAMANTHA SHOENBAUER (She/Her)
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COURTESY PHOTO Fall Out Boy, a pop punk band from Chicago, will open for Zac Brown Band, along with Gabby Barrett, a country music singer (pictured right).
The Bash is Back!
Athletics department to host second in concert series with Zac Brown Band to headline Symmone Gauer / Lifestyles Editor/ (She/Her)
There’s no better time to celebrate being a Jackrabbit than now, especially with campus being back to pre-COVID-19 capacities. Exactly five years after the first Jacks Bash opened at the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in 2016, Jacks Bash will return to campus Wednesday, Sept. 8, making it a huge celebratory event you won’t want to miss. Zac Brown Band is headlining the concert with Fall Out Boy
and country singer Gabby Barrett also performing, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Full concessions, including beer, will be available for purchase at Jacks Bash 2. A New Castle company called Pyrotecnico, whose demonstrations have been seen at the Superbowl, will also put on an elaborate pyrotechnic display, and there’s still more to come.
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If you’re going What: Jacks Bash 2, Zac Brown Band with Fall Out Boy and Gabby Barrett When: 6:30 p.m., Sept. 8, 2021 Where: The Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium Tickets: $25 for students, $50 for faculty, $100 for the general public The Collegian will be giving away four tickets to Jacks Bash for two lucky winners! Keep an eye on our social media pages for a post with more details! Right: Gabby Barrett, courtesy photo
“We have some more exciting surprises,” Christi Williams, the associate in ad operations, teased. The SDSU athletic department is involved with organizing, setting up for and finding volunteers. Over 300 volunteers help make it all possible, as does the donation from Dana Dykhouse himself and First PREMIER Bank, who will be sponsoring the event. The stage will be set up on the north end of the football field. SDSU is expecting around 20,000 people to attend, and nearly 10,000 tickets have been reserved for students to purchase at a lower cost, but anyone in the community is welcome to attend. “It is so unique to have this size of an act in a 23,000-person town,” Athletic Director Justin Sell said. “You just don’t see that really anywhere.” Strategic in picking the artists, Dana Dykhouse and a group of advisors connected with promoters and agents to decide who to bring to the stage. There’s the challenge of figuring out who would get the community interested, who is available and willing to do a private show in Brookings, etc. “Dana’s a very proud alum,” Sell said. “He loves SDSU. His generosity and giving-back is something that we should all take as an example … If we can bring these kinds of shows to Brookings, South
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Dakota, and on campus, what else can we do? We can do some amazing things in this place.” The first Jacks Bash showcased performers Luke Bryan, Little Big Town and Lee Brice. Because this is the second time around with an event like this, Sell says the issues of parking and security were easy to figure out. Concertgoers will have all the parking information sent to them, but people should expect the possibility of walking a distance to get to the concert and may want to consider the fact when deciding on which shoes to wear. Sell explained that planning for Jacks Bash amidst COVID-19 concerns meant having multiple backup plans in place but always hoping for the best. “You know you have to be prepared and have the ability to shift … and we certainly do, but I feel pretty good about where we’re at today,” he said. Sell added that having an outdoor venue is also extremely helpful. Security is another top priority for an event of this size. “A great deal of time and effort has gone into the development of our event security plan for the upcoming concert,” Michael Kilber with the SDSU Police Department said. Metal detection and limiting bags, etc., are all ways to help
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ensure the safety of those attending Jacks Bash. University Police Department will also receive support from the Brookings, University of South Dakota and Sioux Falls police departments as well as the Swiftel Center, Brookings County Sheriff ’s Office and South Dakota Highway Patrol. “I’m super excited to see two very different bands I love one night—it’s the best of both worlds!” Gina Goblirsch, a senior advertising and English major, said in reference to Zac Brown Band and Fall Out Boy performing. When asked about Gabby Barrett and her music, Goblirsch said, “Yeah, she’s great! I didn’t know she was performing
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until a couple days ago, but I’m excited to see her, too.” Sell said it doesn’t matter if you know the bands or not—it’s an event no one will want to miss. “It starts the semester in a great way … and opens the door for really good things to happen,” he said. “I would definitely ask people to get out there and be part of it.” Students can still purchase tickets for $25 online at jackrabbittickets.com. SDSU faculty can purchase tickets for $50, and tickets for the general public are $100. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
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NEWS
Student Union offers healthy alternative
Collegian photo by JACOB BOYKO (He/Him)
JACOB BOYKO News Editor (He/Him)
South Dakota State University’s latest addition to campus dining, Clean Plate, offers students and
faculty a way to eat healthy while avoiding common allergens. According to Vice President of Student Affairs Doug Wermedal, the move to provide inclusive dining options directly responds to the needs students have expressed.
“More and more students are looking to be sure of the ingredients in their food. They like to be aware of the nutritional values,” Wermedal said. “There’s no cross-contamination between utensils as it’s being served and handled.” Myranda Dunmire, an Aramark employee and registered dietician with Campus Dining, sees the new restaurant as a win for anyone with dietary restrictions. “Millions of Americans have food allergies, and it’s an aspect of their daily life they can’t avoid because there is no cure,” Dunmire said. “Menu items do not include the top eight major food allergens, including milk, soy, wheat (gluten), fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts and eggs.” Clean Plate takes the space where True Balance, a similar health-focused chain, operated until this school year. Aramark General Manager Heidi Haro said the motive behind the transition was to bring a “retail” style health food option into the Union instead of the “residential” style that True Balance had there prior. According to Haro, the residential-style restaurants have some key menu differences. Residential options, like True Balance, now located in Larson Commons, usually provide a home-cooked style meal and are served in an all-you-careto-eat fashion. Retail options, such as Clean Plate, have a faster-paced, buy-one-and-go focus. Clean Plate, located in the Student Union, is one of the first restaurants that Aramark opened. The company operates all dining at SDSU and owns several in-house brands, including Grille Works, These & Those Noodles, and True
Balance. Aramark also runs several more extensive franchises on campus, including Chick-fil-A and Panda Express, and currently employs 260 workers at SDSU – down from the usual 400. “Based on traffic, there is a good share of people who want healthy options and use them quite regularly,” Haro said. “A majority of sales are still from Chick-fil-A and Panda Express, [but alternative options are] definitely needed, and we love offering healthy options.” So far, Clean Plate’s reception has been very positive. According to Chris Knutson, an Aramark chef who works at Clean Plate during lunch on Mondays, the most popular bowls are the Asian bowl, the harvest bowl and the tropical smoothie bowls. “People are eager to try out all of the bowls, and we’ve had quite a few people with allergies come up who are very happy with [the options],” Knutson said. ROTC student Karsyn Dorris also found the new restaurant options satisfactory. “The chicken, banana peppers, quinoa and chicken were all good, and the produce was fresh and not squishy,” Dorris said of the Mediterranean bowl she tried. “I’m disappointed that the containers aren’t biodegradable.” Despite the name, Clean Plate does not serve food on real plates. Instead, the food comes in plastic containers – a leftover pandemic precaution from last year that could soon be overturned. Read full story online at sdsucollegian.com
sdsucollegian.com September 1, 2021
OPINION
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EDITORIAL
Issue: Student media has a fresh new look This summer, a lot of changes were made to student media on campus, including The Collegian and KSDJ. Our paper has officially collaborated with the School of Communication and Journalism, and with that a few announcements must be made. Don’t worry, the content of the paper won’t be changing, and neither will our policy of student independence. Our staff will still be in full control of what is published and the overall look of the paper. Instead, COJO will mostly be
Volume 137 • Issue 2
helping with equipment and providing stories and reporters through classwork in courses like Basic News Writing and Feature Writing. The biggest change to come with this partnership is a new name for student media as a whole. The Collegian and KSDJ together will now form the Jacks Media Den to combine marketing and reporting opportunities in the future. With this new name also comes a lot of exciting opportunities for the student body to get involved with the universi-
The Collegian is the independent student newspaper at South Dakota State University in Brookings, S.D. The Collegian is published by and for South Dakota State University students under the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and a free press. Opinions expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of the student body, faculty, staff or administration. The Collegian is published weekly on Wednesday during the academic year of SDSU.
Jordan Rusche Editor-in-Chief
ty’s student media directly. Plans are in the works to host a logo design contest open to any interested students. The winner will have their submission chosen as the official logo for Jacks Media Den, so be on the lookout for more details coming soon. We look forward to this new chapter in our history, and hope you all will continue to follow along with us in our journey to redesign and renew student media at our university.
Gracie Terrall Managing Editor
Josie Nelson
Photo Chief
News Editor
Andrea Huete
Skyler Jackson
Lesly Abarca
Emily Urban
Adriana Garcia
Ad Sales Representative & Designer
Samantha Shoenbauer
Brina Sturm
Jacob Boyko
Graphic Designer
Asst. News Editor
Asst. Lifestyles Editor
Symmone Gauer Lifestyles Editor
Mara Wheaton
Sports Editor
Elise Heesch Ad Manager
Ad Sales Representative
Hemishka Lobin
Social Media Representative
Evan Patzwald Asst. Sports Editor
The Collegian Editorial Board meets weekly and agrees on the issue of the editorial. The editorial represents the opinion of The Collegian.
Copy Editor
Ad Sales Representative
Lucia Frias
Social Media Representative
Letters to the Editor Send letters to letters@ sdsucollegian.com or to USU 069 Box 2815, Brookings, S.D. 57006. You can also post comments online at www.sdsucollegian.com. Please keep to less than 250 words.
Main line: 605.688.6164 Newsroom: 605.688.6166 Editor-in-Chief: 605.688.6178
A14 September 1, 2021
sdsucollegian.com
SPORTS
FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF GOJACKS.COM
South Dakota State’s Annalee Ventling-Brown spikes the ball in action earlier this season. Ventling-Brown helped the Jacks to a 2-1 record this past weekend in the North Texas Invitational.
Volleyball goes 2-1 in Texas
EVAN PATZWALD Assistant Sports Editor (He/Him)
The South Dakota State women’s volleyball team kicked off the 2021 season at the North Texas Invitational last weekend, winning two of its three matches. The Jacks swept Grambling State on Friday morning before falling to host North Texas in four sets later that night. They wrapped up the tournament Saturday morning, sweeping McNeese State 3-0. Game one of the tournament was one-sided as SDSU finished off Grambling State in an hour and three minutes, winning each set by scores of 25-12, 25-9, and 25-15. The first set saw the
SDSU Invitational Schedule- Sept. 10-11 Game #1: SDSU vs. Montana - Fri. @ 11 a.m. Game #2: California Baptist vs. Wichita State - Fri. @ 1 p.m. Game #3: Montana vs. Wichita State - Fri. @ 5 p.m. Game #4: SDSU vs. California Baptist - Fri. @ 7 p.m. Game #5: Montana Vs. California Baptist - Sat. @ 11 a.m. Game #6: SDSU vs. Wichita State - Sat. @ 1 p.m.
Jackrabbits jump out to a commanding 16-4 lead, but the Tigers fought their way back, cutting the deficit to eight. SDSU closed out the set on a 7-2 run to take it 25-12. After trailing early to start the second set, SDSU would answer on an 11-0 run and not look back for the rest of the match, holding the Tigers to nine points in the second set
before finishing them off in the third set 25-15. Crystal Burk led the Jacks with a match-high 10 kills and added three digs. Tatum Pickar notched 13 digs and two assists while Carly Wedel led the team in assists at 24. Later that night, the Jacks went up against the Mean Green of North Texas. The teams split the first two sets before North
Texas eventually closed out the match in four sets. Against the Mean Green, Burk again led the team in kills with 15. Freshman Ella Thompson added 12 and graduate transfer Chloe Stitt notched 11. Pickar added 32 assists and 14 digs. SDSU wrapped up their weekend against McNeese State on Saturday morning. The Jacks won the first two sets 25-20 and 25-15. In the third set, the Jacks trailed 18-21 before closing the set on an 8-1 run, sweeping the Cowgirls in three sets. McNeese State finished the match with 35 kills but had 29 errors leading to a .060 hitting percentage. Meanwhile, the Jacks had 30 kills with only 11 errors. Burk saw her streak of 13 consecutive matches with 10
or more kills come to an end, as she finished the match with eight kills, three aces and three blocks. SDSU had strong showings from newcomers Thompson and Annalee Ventling-Brown as they each had six kills and eight combined blocks against McNeese State. The Jackrabbits return to Brookings next weekend for their first home matches of the season as they host the SDSU Invitational. It will be the first of two tournaments the Jacks will be hosting this season. They are hosting two tournaments in one season for the first time since 2014. SDSU’s other host tournament will be the Jackrabbit Classic Sept. 17-18.
September 1, 2021
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sdsucollegian.com
September 1, 2021
Friday’s game
When: Friday, Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. Who: South Dakota State at Colorado State Where: Canvas Stadium, Fort Collins, CO TV: FS1 / Radio: Jackrabbit Sports Network
Last 10 FBS results
Photo by DAVE EGGEN/GOJACKS.COM
SDSU’s Jackrabbit football team advanced all the way to the FCS national title game in Texas last year before falling to Sam Houston. The Jacks open this season on Friday against the Rams of Colorado State. Game time is 8 p.m. CST. They will be led by grad transfer Chris Oladokun as Mark Gronwoski is sidelined due to injury.
Jacks open season in Colorado
SKYLER JACKSON Sports Editor (He/Him)
Coming off its first-ever national title game appearance, expectations are high for the South Dakota State Jackrabbits as they prepare for their Friday, Sep. 3 season debut against Colorado State. Since they played a conference only schedule last spring, this will mark the Jackrabbits’ first game against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent since they lost to Minnesota in 2019. Senior linebacker and captain Logan Backhaus said that the players always look forward to FBS matchups because it gives them the chance to show how good they are. “It gives us this level of opportunity to show everyone in the nation how good FCS football is and put a little respect on our name, hopefully,” Backhaus said. With many of last season’s offensive production coming from under-
classmen, the Jackrabbits, ranked No. 3 in the FCS STATS preseason poll, return most of their key starters on offense, including sophomore running back Isaiah Davis. He hopes to form a great one-two punch with all-American Pierre Strong Jr. “Whatever role I get this year, me and [Pierre] will be great,” Davis said. “But whatever the role, I’m just going to try and do my best to pursue that role, be a starter, and hopefully we can be a one-two punch.” But one big difference to this year’s roster is the addition of transfer quarterback Chris Oladokun, a sixth-year senior from Tampa, Florida. Before arriving at SDSU earlier this summer, Oladokun began his college career at South Florida before transferring to Samford, where he started nine games in two seasons. With last year’s starter Mark Gronowski done for the season due to a leg injury, Oladokun will be coach John Stiegelmeier’s QB1 against Colorado State. Keaton
Heide will be the backup. “Chris has done a really good job,” Stiegelmeier said. “First of all, fitting in, which was important, learning the offense, which is important, and then executing the offense. Guys respect him, they believe in him, and he’s doing a good job.” Other contributing starters returning for the Jacks offense are junior wide receivers Jaxon and Jadon Janke, junior tight end Zach Heins and senior offensive lineman Wes Genant. On defense, 10 of 11 starters are returning to SDSU this fall. “I think it’s gonna help us play a lot faster this year,” Backhaus said. “Kind of like what we did last year, we’re not the biggest defense. The linebackers aren’t the biggest guys, but we’re fast at every position.” Meanwhile, Colorado State hopes to rebound from a rocky 2020 season, starting 1-3 before the Mountain West Conference suspended the rest of its football season due to COVID-19.
Stiegelmeier knows that winning against FBS teams isn’t easy, and the Rams will be tough to beat. “Their quarterback is more of a drop-back guy, and they’ve got good running backs,” Stiegelmeier said. “I would say their skill on offense would be something we’d be concerned about.” “(Defensively) we have to be ready to block a lot of different fronts. We have to be able to beat them in man-to-man defense; they like man-to-man defense. And in certain situations, they like to blitz, and so we’ve got to be able to pick them up.” Kickoff is at 8 p.m. at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado. Live television coverage will be available on Fox Sports 1.
Aug. 29, 2019: Minnesota 28, SD State 21 Sept. 3, 2016: TCU 59, SD State 41 Sept. 5, 2015: SD State 41, Kansas 38 Aug. 30, 2014: Missouri 38, SD State 18 Sept. 21, 2013: Nebraska 59, SD State 20 Sept. 1, 2012: Kansas 31, SD State 17 Sept. 10, 2011: Illinois 56, SD State 3 Sept. 25, 2010: Nebraska 17, SD State 3 Nov. 14, 2009: Minnesota 16, SD State 13 Aug. 28, 2008: Iowa State 44, SD State 17
Season schedule
Sept. 3 at 8 p.m.: SD State at Colorado State Sept. 11 at 6 p.m.: Lindenwood at SD State Sept. 25 at noon: SD State at Indiana State Oct. 2 at 6 p.m.: Dixie State at SD State Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.: Southern IL at SD State Oct. 16 at noon: SD State at Western IL Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.: Northern Iowa at SD State Oct. 30 at 1 p.m.: SD State at Youngstown State Nov. 6 at 2 p.m.: ND State at SD State Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.: SD State at South Dakota Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.: North Dakota at SD State