November 2, 2022

Photo

Collegian photos by JOCLYN HAVEN and ZOEY SHENTZEL(SHE/HER)

Hunter Dustman prepares

goal at Saturday’s game. Grand Pooba Regen Wiederrich drives the Bummobile at Saturday’s parade.

Administration seeks input for strategy refresh

JACOB BOYKO News Editor (He/Him)

As school officials begin strategic planning for South Dakota State University’s future, community members will play a key role in the process by looking back and thinking forward.

Through input sessions, members of the SDSU community and Brookings community have the opportunity to project demands education will need to address by the late 2020s and share with campus administration what they think the university is doing right and wrong.

“Our leadership style is one where we want input,” Michaela Willis, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, said. “We want collaboration — we know that we may not see everything that’s going on in the world of higher education.”

Willis, along with Dennis Hedge, the provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, led the nearly two-hour session last week at McCrory Gardens.

Participants were asked to break into groups and brainstorm SDSU’s “points of pride” across four goals implemented by the current strategic plan, Imagine 2023, which was developed in 2017.

“I’m always interested in the collaboration between various aspects of Brookings,” Trish Matson Buus, a community member who attended the Oct. 26 session, said. “I’m also a parent of a couple of teenagers in high school, so SDSU is obviously a potential option for my kids.”

Matson Buus said her points of pride for SDSU include the success of One Day For State, the precision agriculture program and the Pride of the Dakotas marching band attending the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Deloris Jensen, a 90-year-old alumni and member of the council of trustees, also attended the session.

“I’m very loyal to this school and stay involved in any development in what has become my major,” the 1954 home economics graduate said.

The next strategy will build off of the framework of Imagine 2023, according to Willis.

“I think we are tackling many of the challenges that face higher education — that face [SDSU] specifically — in Imagine 2023,” Willis said. “It’s been written flexible enough to allow us to pivot and move in different directions … but we’re going to keep pushing ourselves as a university to be responsive to what’s happening in the world and to solve the world’s problems.”

Preparation for the next strategic plan began last summer when SDSU President Barry Dunn named Hedge and Willis as co-chairs for the process. Willis said the planning team’s goal is to have a draft of the strategic plan in late February, a final plan to Dunn in March and then have it approved by the board of regents in May.

The plan will be public by late spring, according to Willis.

SDSU will hold community input sessions Nov. 2 in Sioux Falls and Nov. 17 in Rapid City. Students, faculty and community members are encouraged to attend.

STUDENTS’ ASSOCIATION BRIEF

Counseling center to hire psych CNP, Ears Up beer beats Busch, new vending machines

MARA WHEATON Lifestyles Editor (She/Her)

At the Oct. 31 South Dakota State University Students’ Association meeting, senators received updates on student flex reimbursement and dining and were addressed by Tammy Lunday, director of Student Health and Counseling.

Tammy Lunday

Lunday began her address to the Senate by intro ducing what the student health clinic and counseling center does on campus, and what the future of these centers will look like.

The student health clinic is open to all students, with or without insurance. Lunday assured the Senate that the clinic’s priority is to treat students no matter what their financial situation might look like. The clinic tries its best to work with students who may need to set up payment plans, but the number one priority is to get students the care they need.

“The clinic has a staff consisting of its providers, two full-time registered nurses and one registered nurse that comes in two days per week, as well as a lab supervisor,” Lunday said.

If you need to schedule an appointment, either call health services or set up an appointment through the online portal.

The counseling center currently houses eight counselors, and one system director and is in the process of hiring a psych certified nurse practitioner (CNP).

The College of Nursing has partnered with the counseling center to fund a psych CNP. Seventy per cent of the funding required to hire a CNP will be coming from the College of Nursing and the two enti ties will split the duties of the new CNP.

“They will double as being a Psych CNP at the clinic but also a professor in the College of Nursing,” Lunday said.

The wait time to get an appointment at the coun seling center is about four to five weeks, but if anyone needs immediate help, the center does offer urgent care for someone who may be in a crisis. Along with that, there is an on-call counselor that is available to contact during hours the counseling center is not open.

Lunday said that right now, there is a high demand for counseling, and although individual ses sions may have a longer wait, the center does offer

group therapy.

“We might not have individual therapy right now available, but we do have a group that you can attend,” Lunday said.

Group therapy will start out with four sessions, rotating between the four topics of mindfulness, dis tress tolerance, human relation and interpersonal effectiveness as new students join the group.

President Pulse

SA President Blake Pulse, shared the top-selling beer at the Hobo Day football game and the total sales for the event during his staff report. Fernson Ears Up beer was the top seller at the game with a total of 3,690 cans sold, and overall, there were 9,835 units sold.

Michaela Willis

Michaela Willis, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, updated the Senate on what is in the works regarding the flex dollars that will be getting reimbursed to students. Willis announced that depending on what meal plan each student has, reimbursements will be anywhere between $125 to $175. These funds are expected to be added to student meal plan accounts in the first or second week of November.

The reimbursed flex dollars will work the same as flex that is already on student accounts and will expire at the end of the spring semester in May.

Dining updates include the installation of the Yo-Kai noodle robotic machine in Hanson Hall, which is expected to be operable this week. The Market will also be getting chilled coolers installed on Veterans Day, which will house sandwiches and salads.

HEALTH CLINIC RESOURCES

Jackrabbit Pharmacy: 605-688-5410

Student Health Clinic: 605-688-4157

Counseling Center: 605-688-5423

Student Health Portal: mystate.sdstate.edu

South Dakota Helpline (211): Text “SDSU” to 898211

University Police Department: 605-688-5117

Collegian photo by MARA WHEATON (She/Her)

A chat with Jamie Smith

GRACIE TERRALL Co-Editor-in-Chief (She/Her)

South Dakota voters will go to the polls Nov. 8 to elect the next governor of South Dakota. The race between Republican Gov. Kristi Noem and Democrat Jamie Smith is tight. The Collegian had the chance to sit down with Jamie Smith to discuss his stance on teacher pay, abortion rights, Native American relations and more.

In an effort to remain non-partisan, The Collegian contacted Gov. Kristi Noem and her team multiple times to conduct a similar interview. We did not receive a response.

The Collegian: How are you going to encourage college students to stay in the state after graduation, especially in the biomass and agricultural jobs?

Jamie Smith: The first thing we have to do is acknowledge that a lot of people don’t even think ‘brain drain’ is real, and I know it is. I see too many of our best and brightest leaving the state to go find some job that doesn’t exist in South Dakota right now. We need to do a better job at attracting those industries to our state. I’d like to promote more co-ops in the state. I’d like to push more value-added ag. I don’t want our grain leaving the state without turning into something else first. I’m really a big proponent of keeping that local. Another way to do that would be to have an office that would work at making co-ops a reality here in the state of South Dakota and doing things with that grain before it leaves the state.

TC: You’ve mentioned that you want to reconcile with the Native American tribes. What does that plan look like?

JS: The first step is communication and being open, having a policy of open doors, meeting with leaders from all the tribes in the state and not being adversarial in that relationship. You need to stand alongside each other and find out how they can help us and how we can help them. They’re South Dakotans, and

all South Dakotans deserve the opportunity to be successful. And we need to work alongside our Native friends to make sure that happens.

TC: You’ve said that we need to have more respect for teachers in this state. As a former educator yourself, how do you plan to implement policies for that?

JS: It starts all with your attitude towards public education. In the past several years, there have been bills brought to demean education. The social studies standards is just one example of what’s going on. When you try to go outside of the state, to a super-conservative organization in Michigan, to come up with our standards for teaching social studies in the state of South Dakota, that’s not right. That’s not how it’s ever been done before,

and teachers are sick and tired of it. The other thing is, of course, teacher pay. We’re back to about 50th in the country again. It’s not right. They work so dang hard to make sure that our students have the best opportunities, and our teachers are fabulous folks. We need to make sure that they’re compensated.

TC: Where does the money come from to pay teachers more?

JS: We have $115 million extra right now that was not budgeted this last year; a surplus, and we’re done with surplus budgeting. We need to spend the money that we have coming in and not use it for one-time projects every year because it’s leftover. We need to actually use it to pay the people that work for our state, to pay our communities our providers and pay our educators.

TC: You said if you were appointed governor that you’d create a childcare advisory council. What does that look like and why is it important to the state?

JS: We’ve worked with professionals in that industry, along with our major businesses … and we would put a task force together to see what we can do in partnership with one another to make sure that we have safe and affordable childcare for all South Dakota. Right now, there are people left out of the workforce because of the lack of safe and affordable childcare.

TC: If you’re elected governor, how will you change the state’s abortion policies?

JS: The trigger law that has been enacted is one of the strictest in the country and it’s not a compassionate law. We need to change that. We have a bill already that would eliminate rape and incest right away. I would hope that that would pass through the House and Senate and we would sign that into law. If not through the referendum process, South Dakotans will be bringing a bill to make sure that women’s rights are restored in the state of South Dakota, and I will fully support them in their efforts.

TC: We’ve seen recently with the overturning of Roe v. Wade that the power can be handed back to the states for some landmark SCOTUS decisions. If a case like Obergefell vs. Hodges (recognizes same-sex marriage) gets overturned, what action would you take as governor?

JS: First of all, I pray that doesn’t happen. I believe all South Dakotans should have the same rights. We will work to make sure that that exists for all South Dakotans. I’ve been quite open on the record that I will not allow bills that I deem to be targeted or hateful to cross my desk and get signed.

Democratic candiate for governor discusses abortion, teacher pay and how to keep college students in the state.

What’s on the ballot?

A guide to major elections, measures in South Dakota

Collegian photo by SAM SCHOENBAUER (She/Her)

JORDAN RUSCHE Co-Editor-in-Chief (She/Her)

South Dakotans have a chance to decide on several key issues Nov. 8, as well as vote for congressional and gubernatorial positions in our state. In preparation for Election Day, here is a guide breaking down who and what is on the ballot this year.

Amendments and Measures

Voters will be presented with two main ballot questions Nov. 8: Constitutional Amendment D and Initiated Measure 27.

Amendment D would expand Medicaid coverage in the state. This program typically covers children, low-income parents, caregivers and pregnant women, seniors in nursing homes and those with physical or developmental disabilities.

The amendment would increase the eligibility to anyone over 18 and under 65 whose income is at or below 133% of the federal poverty level, according to the amendment’s petition. For a single-person household, that would be anyone making $18,075 or less per year.

The SDSU Poll, a research unit of the university’s political science program, found that 53% of voters supported expanding Medicaid eligibility. Twentyseven percent were still undecided. Women were also more likely to support Amendment D than men.

IM 27 would legalize the possession, use and distribution of recreational marijuana in the state for those 21 or older. The petition reads that “individuals may possess one ounce or less of marijuana. They may also distribute one ounce or less of marijuana without payment or other consideration.”

South Dakotans would also be able to grow their own marijuana plants in counties or cities where there are no licensed dispensaries or where allowed by county and city ordinances.

The SDSU Poll found that 45% of

voters were in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana. Forty-seven percent were against the initiated measure and 8% were unsure.

“I was a little surprised about the softness of support for Initiated Measure 27,” said David Wiltse, political science professor at SDSU and director of the SDSU Poll. “We just passed something very similar in 2020 by a decent margin … and that dropped by quite a lot [in 2022].”

More registered Democrats are in favor of legalizing marijuana than registered Republicans.

Wiltse said that no matter voters’ opinions on these individual issues, it would have little effect on their voting of congressional and gubernatorial candidates.

“That really is the thing about politics and what political scientists have repeatedly found with voting behavior for the most part,” he said, “and you can find exceptions to this every once in a while, but for the most part our attitudes on policy are not driving our partisan choice.”

Congressional Elections

Sen. John Thune (R) and Brian Bengs (D) are the main candidates for the senatorial race.

For common topics of debate and issues of concern during this year’s election period, Thune, who has held the Senate seat since 2005, has taken the following stances during his campaign and according to his website:

• Does not support expanding Medicaid, but does support making health care more affordable

• Supports a ban on abortion

• Does not support legalizing recreational marijuana

• Does not support student loan forgiveness and said it will not fix tuition costs

Bengs, who has not held an elected office but served in the U.S. Army and Navy, has taken the following stances

according to his website and during his campaign:

• Supports expanding Medicaid and allowing a choice between Medicaid and Medicare

• Does not support a ban on abortion

• Supports legalizing recreational marijuana

• Supports student loan forgiveness in a “lukewarm manner,” according to an interview with Hub City Radio, and said loan forgiveness will not solve the larger problem of student loan debt itself

The SDSU Poll showed 53% of voters preferred Thune over Bengs. Undecided voters made up 20% of the results.

The U.S. Representative seat is also up for grabs. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R) has held the seat since 2019. He has taken the following stances on his website and during his campaign:

• Supports ban on abortion

• Did not initially support recreational marijuana on the 2020 ballot. No information about his stance on IM 27 in 2022 could be found

• Does not support student loan forgiveness and co-led a bill to block President Joe Biden from canceling federal student loan payments “due to national emergency”

• No reliable information on Johnson’s stance on Medicaid could be found

Collin Duprel (L) is also in the running for the U.S. Representative seat. He has not held an elected position before. He has taken the following stances according to his website and campaigning:

• Does not support a ban on abortion

• Supports decriminalizing marijuana

• No reliable information on Duprel’s stance on Medicaid and

student loan forgiveness could be found

The SDSU Poll did not include data on voter preference between Johnson and Duprel for the representative race.

Gubernatorial Election

Gov. Kristi Noem (R) and Rep. Jamie Smith (D) are the main candidates for the gubernatorial race.

Noem is running for her second term as governor after winning the 2018 election against Billie Sutton (D). Smith has served as a state representative since 2017.

Noem has taken the following stances according to her website and during her campaign:

• Does not support expanding Medicaid but said it will be supported if South Dakotans vote in favor of expanding its services

• Supports ban on abortion

• Does not support legalizing recreational marijuana but has said it will be supported if South Dakotans vote in favor of IM 27

• Does not support student loan forgiveness and said it will put more strain on taxpayers

The SDSU Poll showed 45% of voters were in favor of Noem for the gubernatorial race. Forty-one percent were in favor of Smith and 14% were unsure.

Women were more in favor of Smith, with 48% choosing him over Noem; meanwhile 52% of men supported the current governor.

Wiltse said that though the numbers predicted a close race, Noem is still favored to win the election because the undecided voters are more likely to break toward their own parties.

“When we broke it down between Democrats and Republicans, there are twice as many Republicans who are undecided as there are Democrats,” he said.

The polls are open Nov. 8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voting centers in Brookings inculde Holy Life Tabernacle, the Activity Center and the Bethel Baptist Church.

District 7 elections for sheriff and county commissioner

ZACHARY SIMON | Reporter

Brookings County has two main elections on the ballot Nov. 8: the race for Brookings County sheriff and Brookings County commissioner. Two candidates are running for the sheriff position, while five candidates are on the ballot for commissioner. Here is a little information about each candidate and their plans if they are elected.

COUNTY SHERIFF CANDIDATES COUNTY COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES

Martin “Marty” Stanwick (I):

Incumbent Martin Stanwick was born in Minnesota and moved to Brookings County at the age of four. He graduated from Brookings High School in 1971, and attended a two-year college in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for law enforcement.

After completing school, Stanwick worked as a security manager for the Kmart Corporation, and in 1977 was hired as a South Dakota State University patrol officer. One year later he left the department with the rank of patrol lieutenant and joined the Brookings Police Department. In 1998, he was elected as the Brookings sheriff.

If re-elected, Stanwick wants to prioritize mental health training for deputies and correctional officers. This would help them recognize individuals having a mental crisis and get them help if needed.

He also intends to create a re-entry program for the detention center to “offer inmate education on personal finances, resume writing and help with applying and interviewing for job placement.”

He added he wanted to help inmates become “productive citizens” after they are released.

“I love my job serving all the residents of Brookings County,” Stanwick said. “In these ever-changing times, I feel it is important to keep experience in the Sheriff’s Office. I will continue to bring leadership, dedication and fiscal responsibility. I am humbled and grateful for your support for the past 23 years.”

Jeff Kollars (R):

Jeff Kollars was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and moved to Brookings in 2003 to attend SDSU. He majored in microbiology before transferring to the University of South Dakota and graduating with a degree in criminal justice.

“I only claim SDSU,” Kollars said. “I am a Jack through and through.”

During school, Kollars worked as a Brookings correctional officer and in 2005 joined the South Dakota Highway Patrol as a trooper. In this position, he focused primarily on being a traffic crash reconstructionist. In 2013, he settled into his current position as a special agent with the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, where he is assigned as a special crimes investigator.

If elected, Kollars intends on creating a more proactive approach in deterring methamphetamines from Brookings. He also wants to improve relations with the public and other professionals, implement technology to prevent and solve crimes, and improve recruitment and retention of employees.

“My competitor has done a good job in the past and built a good base,” Kollars said. “I want to build off that base for our future success … What I offer is a fresh set of experienced eyes for the same problems we have been facing and a new level of energy to face tomorrow’s problems.”

WHERE DO I VOTE?

Timothy Bauer (I):

Bauer was born in the Elkton area, about 14 miles east of Brookings, and has lived in the region his entire life.

He has served on the Elkton School Board for 18 years and on the Brookings County Weed and Pest Board for the past 12 years.

If elected, Bauer intends to prioritize keeping the county safe and operating efficiently.

“I think with my experience, I can help the county run smoothly,” he said. “I want the county to be represented by people that live throughout the county.”

Jarry Jensen (I):

Incumbent Larry Jensen is seeking re-election for his third term. Jensen has served as a Brookings County Highway Superintendent, a member of the White City Council and as a volunteer firefighter. Jensen also manages a family farm in Brookings County.

If elected, Jensen will prioritize leading Brookings with fiscal responsibility and common sense.

WHEN ARE ELECTIONS?

The 2022 General Elections take place November 8, 2022.

The voter registration deadline was October 24, 2022.

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time election day.

Shawn Hostler (R):

Hostler was born in Blunt, South Dakota, and graduated from Western Dakota Technical Institute with a degree in law enforcement.

In 2000 he moved to Brookings to attend SDSU and worked with the Brookings Police Department. He is currently self-employed in the insurance industry working with small businesses.

“What I want to focus on is making sure that the residents of Brookings County know who their elected officials are and know that they can reach out and voice their concerns and actually be heard,” he said.

Gretchen Weible (R):

Weible was born in Minnesota and served as a reservist for her local police department, as well as on her city’s planning commission board.

She moved to Brookings in 2018 as her son was attending SDSU, and settled in Elkton in 2020.

If elected, Weible intends to protect property rights, and also be more present in the community and increase accountability for the county commissioners.

I will bring a fresh perspective to the commission board...” she said. “I want to be the residents’ ears and eyes on the board; to be your voice.”

Kelly VanderWal (R):

VanderWal graduated from Lake Area Technical Institute with a degree in agricultural production.

AM I REGISTERED?

Visit vip.sdsos.gov/viplogin.aspx to check your voter registration.

Visit vip.sdsos.gov/viplogin.aspx to see your polling location for the Primary and General Election.

All voters who appear at a polling place must show proof of identification.

He has served on the Volga City Council, was a Deacon/Elder for the First Reformed Church in Volga and a volunteer firefighter with the Volga Fire Department. He has also worked as the general manager for Volga Ag. Center Inc.

Women in STEM club looks to address representation in field

ANDREA HUETE Copy Editor (She/Her)

Fields related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) are largely male-dominated.

But one student organization is en couraging women to apply for a STEM major as members familiarize them selves with classmates, help empower and encourage each other, and let the world know there are needs for women in all STEM fields.

Women in STEM is looking for new members to join the organization. Members of this year’s executive board include Kyra Fennel, Abby Rost, Janessa Lo and Jordan Saunders.

“As a woman in one of these fields, I can say first hand that in the major-spe cific classes at SDSU, I am usually one of – or the only – girls in the class,” Abbigail Hanson, mathematics ambas sador and treasurer, said. “We use this

club as a resource for other women to make connections with potential class mates.”

Even though the organization aims to encourage and support women within STEM majors, Hanson wanted to add that they “accept both women and men in the club.”

“There have been moments where I have felt inferior working with men, especially when they talk over me or disregard my opinion,” Fennel said.

“However, over the years I have learned to be more assertive, and I hope other women in the field will learn the same.”

One of the goals of the club is to help other women in STEM find this same assertion and confidence in their male-dominated fields.

“I have never felt inferior working with men,” Hanson said. “However, I have noticed that I am in one of the minority demographics as a woman in the workplace. I remind myself that I am just as, or more, educated as/than

any of my co-workers or classmates, so I deserve to be in the position I made for myself. It is all you can do to remind yourself you belong.”

The organization started over three years ago in spring of 2019. It’s currently being co-advised by Julie Leibold and Nicole Grove. Both are Lecturers in the Chemistry and Biochemistry Depart ment.

“Advisers help facilitate the things clubs want to do and help with keep ing finances compliant with university policies,” Leibold said. “So I can offer advice on events/logistics, help connect the club with people and facilities, and other administrative type things.”

During the Student’s Engagement Expo, the organization had many young women interested and was viewed posi tively by the student body. However, not many know about the club, so promot ing it has been a challenge.

“People are encouraged to join to have a supportive group to talk with

and have access to professional devel opment (professional panel discussions, connections with employers and post graduate students/faculty) within the STEM disciplines,” Leibold said. “We also do several community building/fun activities a year.”

The club has about 15 students inter ested in attending meetings regularly. Members promote the organization by hanging posters around campus, send ing out emails and posting on social media.

As the president of the organization, Fennel said that with her current posi tion, she is in charge of putting together the meeting ideas, reserving rooms, scheduling times to meet, sending out emails, posting on social media and recruiting members.

“During our executive meetings, ev eryone is involved in further developing the meeting ideas and brainstorming other ideas” Fennel said.

HOBO DAY MEMORIES

The 110th Hobo Day was one to remember. The football game saw 19,041 people in the Dana J. Dykhouse stadium and the debut for Sioux Falls brewing company Fernson’s “Ear Up” SDSU beer. Here’s a look at some snapshots from last week’s events.

(Above) The South Dakota State University cheer team dances to the tunes of the Bum Band at Rally at the Rails Thursday, Oct. 27. (Below) Several hundred people attended Tuesday’s Bum-A-Meal.

Photos by

Zoey Schentzel • Sam Schoenbauer • Joclyn Haven

Hobo Day Crime Comparison

(Left) Nathan Linke, the transportation coordinator for the Hobo Day Committee arm wrestles against Grand Pooba Regen Wiederrich.

Will Kessler sports a glittery, bearded look to show off his SDSU pride.

(Below) Students construct a cardboard box rocket at the annual Bum-Over event Wed. Oct. 26.

(Above) Football coach John Stiegelmeier gives an inspirational speech at Tuesday night’s BumFire.

Tight end Tucker Kraft prepares to catch a pass with thousands of on-lookers in the crowd.

Collegian graphic by MARA WHEATON (She/Her) Stats taken from Brookings Sherrif’s office news report for 10/27 to 10/30.

“Icon” 1954 alum still active with university

JACOB BOYKO News Editor (He/Him)

When it comes to love, no distance is too far and no time apart is too long for 90-year-old South Dakota State Univer sity alum Deloris Jensen.

It’s a sentiment that holds true for Jensen as she travels over four hours to support her alma mater nearly 70 years after graduating in 1954.

Jensen spent Hobo Day week in Brookings, marking her first trip to SDSU since the COVID-19 outbreak. Though she remained cautious around crowds and wore a mask to university events and Hobo Day celebrations, Jen sen said she’s thrilled to return to her roots once again.

Jensen, then known as Deloris Man gels, arrived from her home in Clear Lake, South Dakota, to SDSU in the fall of 1950 for her freshman year of college.

“It was very small compared to now,” Jensen said about the campus. “One thing is very different: almost no stu dents had a car except for the G.I.s.”

Jensen lived in Wecota Hall (one of SDSU’s all-female dormitories) her freshman, sophomore and junior years. As the school continued to grow, she and five friends moved off campus into a professor’s house where they had the two-bedroom upstairs and the attic. The arrangement was cramped — two girls in each bedroom while the other two (Jensen included) set up their room in the attic.

Jensen described an almost entirely different campus than what Jackrabbits know today, but one thing that remains consistent is the Student Union’s status as a premier hang-out spot.

“When you’d come in, you’d go down a few steps and that was called The Jun gle and that’s where we would hang out,” Jensen said. “On the main floor, there were some rooms that had ping pong ta bles, and on the main floor there was a lounge area with a lot of Harvey Dunn paintings.”

While smoking isn’t allowed in the Student Union in 2022, that wasn’t the case in the 1950s.

“That was at a time when smoking was permitted,” Jensen said about the lounge in the Student Union. “The G.I.s — if they didn’t smoke before, they were then because they would always hand out free packs of cigarettes to the soldiers and sailors.”

Jensen wasn’t involved in any clubs or athletics, but dancing in the Student Union ballroom was a school activity she was always (maybe too much, she admit ted with a smile) delighted to attend.

Now called the Volstorff Ballroom to honor Dean of Women Vivian Volstorff (whom Jensen recounted was known for her collection of fancy hats), the space was used for various balls throughout the year. The formal events included the military ball, ag ball and engineering ball, which were all boy-ask-girl while the co-ed ball was girl-ask-boy.

There wasn’t food or drink or any thing incredibly fancy, Jensen said — just people enjoying the live music and having a good time.

“The ratio of gals to guys was one to four in my favor,” Jensen said as she chuckled. “You could date as many guys as you wanted. And it was fun! I had been told by my mother … ‘every guy is a beautiful son of some mother. You may think he’s a geek or whatever’… but I did not turn down dancing unless there was a reason.”

Jensen was set on going to college since the second grade, she said, when she read a book about a girl who went to college and had a great time.

“She had so much fun dancing and so forth … and that’s why I went to college,” Jensen said. “From the second grade on I knew I was going to — hoped to go — to college.”

She met her husband, a Lake Norden, South Dakota, native and mechanical engineering student named Roland, at the Mount Calvary Church in Brookings. A mutual friend introduced them, but unbeknownst to Deloris, she and Roland

had already crossed paths.

“He asked me, ‘have you met Roland yet?’” Jensen said as she chuckled. “And I said ‘no’ at the same time Roland said ‘yes.’”

The two were married 47 years and had two children, Georgiann Jensen Bohn and R.C. Jensen, before Roland passed away in 2006.

Jensen majored in home econom ics, which has since become family and consumer sciences. She double minored in physical education and science and moved on to teach home economics for two years at the high school in Britton, South Dakota, before returning to SDSU to complete her master’s degree in home economics, which she completed in 1958.

Through her career, she has taught home economics courses at adult, col lege and high school levels in South Dakota and Minnesota. Jensen also ded icated much of her adult life to volunteer work.

One of Jensen’s points of pride is her grandson (evident by her “SDSU grand ma” hoodie), Aric Jensen, who graduated last year with a degree in civil engineering.

Jensen serves on the council of trust

ees, where she receives campus brief ings, tours new buildings and discusses new university policy and strategy.

Lucy Forman, donor relations special ist at the SDSU Foundation, described Jensen as an “alumni icon,” adding that Jensen is proactive in her support and leads by example.

“Deloris and her late husband Roland have been avid supporters of student scholarships both annually and through endowments,” Forman said. “Their sup port has spanned across the university’s campaigns, including the Foundation’s first campaign, Visions for the Future, where Roland and Deloris hosted events to encourage alums and friends to sup port SDSU, to the present where Deloris is participating in the current Bold and Blue campaign.”

Jensen is proud of what her university has accomplished since her graduation and sees only success on the horizon.

“I think SDSU is going to grow in numbers, but I hope not too much,” Jen sen said. “There is a certain Midwest per sonality. … I’m going to continue to stay involved until I can’t.”

Collegian photo by Sam Schoenbauer (She/Her) Deloris Jensen attends an event at the SDSU Foundation the week of Hobo Day.

EDITORIAL

In the Oct. 19 issue of The Volante, the University of South Dakota’s news paper, they wrote an editorial titled “D-Days is Better than Hobo Days.” We’d like to respond and explain why they are wrong. First of all, Volante ed itors, you should know it’s Hobo Day, sometimes Hobo Week, but NEVER Hobo Days.

They started their piece by giving some valid criticism about our home coming symbol: Hobos. They asked why we created a new mascot for one week when we’re the Jackrabbits, and also criticized its classist mockery of homelessness. You know what, we agree. The glamorization this town has of homeless people is pretty tone-deaf and could probably be done away with in 2022. We’ll give you that one, USD.

Nevertheless, our homecoming has a clear theme and strong traditions that bring many from all over to cele brate SDSU. And when we say many, we mean many. Hobo Day is the largest one-day event in the entire state and Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium saw 19,041 people for Saturday’s game; A Hobo

Day record, might we add. It’s clear that we actually have a parade and football game worth going to.

The Volante claims that USD’s D-Day events are better for students and the community than our Hobo Day. Their editorial said “USD boasts a street dance, talent show, fireworks and other events run by the school.” Uh… so do we. We have a talent show, the BumFire, which we argue is way cooler than fireworks, a stew cook-off, the annual sleepover in the Union and a downtown music concert.

Those people down south took a stab at One Month Club, saying, “The first thing on SDSU’s Hobo Days web site is telling students not to shave for a month. … Why is this an actual tradition at SDSU?” Well, what bet ter way to strengthen community and build anticipation prior to the actual event? We’ve got lads and ladies sport ing the gnarliest beards and hairiest legs, spreading SDSU spirit a month before our homecoming even begins.

They also dissed Bum-A-Meal be cause we eat with a “random family,”

>but members of the Brookings commu nity volunteer to make a nice, homecooked meal for students– something they might not have gotten in the two months we’ve been on campus. Stu dents and the community are able to come together, to network, to find a loving, supportive surrogate family if theirs is far away at Bum-A-Meal.

Some people might feel uncomfort able with SDSU’s hobo fascination, but if you can set that aside, the connec

tion, school spirit and love SDSU fans have for our school is unmatched. With that, please join us for next year’s 111th Hobo Day on Oct. 14, 2023!

The Editorial Board meets weekly and agrees on the issue of the editorial. The ed itorial represents the opinion of The Colle gian.

Main line: 605.688.6164 Newsroom: 605.688.6166

605.688.6178

Jordan Rusche Co-Editor-in-Chief

Sturm

Gracie Terrall Co-Editor-in-Chief Jacob Boyko News Editor Lesly Abarca Ad Sales Manager

Sara Erazo

Patzwald Co-Sports

Samantha Schoenbauer Photo Chief Andrea Huete

Lucia

Mara Wheaton Lifestyles Editor

Skyler Jackson Co-Sports Editor

Allen Solomon

Sales Representative Kennedy Tesch Ad Sales Representative Greta Goede Asst.

Editor

Serena Davis Asst. Lifestyles Editor

Issue: Hobo Day is better than D-Days.

PUSH TO THE TOURNAMENT

Collegian photo by JOCLYN HAVEN (She/Her)

With the postseason approaching, the Jackrabbit volleyball team is trying to turn their season around

CHLOE RISSE Sports Reporter

The Jackrabbits volleyball team will be returning to Frost Arena this weekend after a tough stretch of games the past couple weeks.

The Jackrabbits (10-13, 4-7 Summit League) will be hosting St. Thomas and Western Illinois in hopes of turning the season around. The Jackrabbits traveled to Western Illinois and St. Thomas earlier in the season with victories in both locations.

“We are excited to be back on our home court this weekend, and we will welcome Western Illinois and St. Thomas to Brookings then,” coach Dan Georgalas said.

The Jackrabbits will first host St. Thomas Thursday. The last time these two teams met was in St. Paul Oct. 8, a game the Jacks won in three sets.

The Tommies are currently 1-12 in the conference and 3-22 overall on the season. They are on a four game losing streak with their last win being against Western Illinois Oct. 15. They have multiple underclassmen who have been playing well all season.

Sophomore Lauren Galvin and freshman Emma Goerger are the big offensive players for the Tommies. Galvin has 281 kills on the season followed by Goerger with 162. Goerger has also contributed by leading the team

in blocks and aces. She has 84 blocks and 20 aces so far.

As a team, the Tommies have fallen behind their opponents in many categories, including kills, aces and digs. The Tommies average 10.5 kills per set compared to their opponents 14.3. One aspect in which St. Thomas excels is blocking. They average 1.8 blocks per set which is more than their opponents are averaging.

After SDSU’s matchup with St. Thomas Thursday, they will then host Western Illinois Saturday. The two teams last met Oct. 6 in Macomb and the Jackrabbits walked away with a win in three sets.

Western Illinois is 0-13 in the conference and 4-21 overall on the season. Their last win was Sep. 9 against Southern University.

As a team, the bulldogs average 10.5 kills per set compared to their opponents average of 14.2.

The Jackrabbits are searching for a win against these two teams to potentially secure a place in the Summit League tournament at the end of November.

The Jackrabbits will host St. Thomas Nov. 3 and 7 p.m. and Western Illinois Nov. 5 at 1 p.m.

full story online at

High expectations this season for women’s basketball

BRAYDEN BYERS Sports Reporter

There hasn’t been hype surrounding a Summit League basketball team quite like this for some time.

South Dakota State’s women’s team is predicted to be a dominant force. They return four of their five starters and six of their seven top scorers and were picked first in the preseason Summit League polls.

There is a lot to look forward to with this team from inside and out. Head coach Aaron Johnston echoes those sentiments.

“There’s a lot of excitement and anticipation. I think everybody comes back with the sense that really neat things could happen this year,” Johnston said.

Johnston, returning for his 23rd season at the helm of the program, also knows there is an understanding that things won’t go the exact same way.

“I think they’re also very realistic and understand this is a different team and it’s gonna take a different plan and have to be ready for anything that comes up along the way,” he said.

The schedule is long, beginning in early November and culminating in March with tournament season, but there are going to be some added hard ships this year.

South Dakota State will face off against four power-five conference schools, two of them from the Pac-12 and two from the SEC, as well as two pro grams ranked in the preseason Top-25.

“Every year I think we’ve always done a great job of playing other likeminded teams,” Johnston said. “We look at our program as an elite program, and so we try to schedule other teams that would say the same.”

The Jackrabbits themselves are ranked in the preseason AP Top-25 for the first time in program history, ranked at No. 23. The team is excited, but know they need to keep their head forward.

“It’s fun to be a part of something that hasn’t happened here yet,” 2022 WNIT tournament MVP Myah Selland said. “It’s something to be proud of, but I think it’s something we don’t let weigh on us too much.”

SDSU had a rough start to the year last year, losing three of its first 10 games in its nonconference schedule. Selland knows that the team knows they must perform in those big games to be successful.

As a team, the Jacks were second in the nation in field goal percentage, while leading the country in three point per centage last year. They return the fire power to do it again.

Selland, Haleigh Timmer, Tori Nelson and Paiton Burckhard all return from the starting lineup last year. Paige Meyer, returning from an injury she suffered last season, and Kallie Theisen are back as part of the top seven scorers from last year.

The roster also has five newcomers, four freshmen and one grad transfer. The one grad transfer is Dru Gylten, a native of Rapid City. She comes from the University of Utah and is looking to help the team continue to get better.

“Just being able to relay everything

I have learned in my college basketball career to the younger girls and being a leader on and off the court and leaving a mark is a big focus for me,” Gylten said.

A big hole they will have to fill is that of Tylee Irwin. Irwin averaged 8.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and shot 42% from the field in her five-year career.

“When you lose someone like that, you lose a lot more than you realize,” Johnston said. “That leadership from last year’s senior class and certainly what Tylee did on the floor are tough things to replace.”

On the inside, the Jacks are a very deep team. The likes of Selland, Nelson, Burckhard and Theisen are a very good returning group of forwards.

They also add forwards Brooklyn Meyer and Natalie Nielsen, both from Iowa, to bolster the inside a bit more.

The injured guard group on the out side will have some experience added on when Paige Meyer returns. Timmer and Regan Nesheim are also returning.

The addition of Gylten as well as freshmen Madison Mathiowetz and Ellie Colbeck will bring some fresh faces to the perimeter.

The team has a lot of offense, but Johnston expects the defense to be an area the team works on.

“We have a lot of players that can score and make plays, but so far in our early season, we just haven’t had the focus it takes defensively,” Johnston said. “So that will be a big emphasis heading into our first couple of games.”

Those first couple of games will be a challenge as the Jacks match up with No. 21 Creighton in the home opener.

They will also face off against Lehigh and Mississippi State before heading to the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament.

In that tournament, they will face off against UCLA, a WNIT participant, and could play four other nationally rec ognized teams.

“There is a really great group of teams down there.” Selland said, “We get to play UCLA, who we are familiar with, the rest of the group down there are some really top tier teams.”

Gylten, having been a part of those trips before, echoes Selland saying the quality of competition will be a good test.

“Being in that environment kind of just brings the joy into college ath letics,” Gylten said. “Just the amazing experiences you get. This is just another example of the cool opportunities you are able to get in college athletics.”

Later in the season, they will finish out their nonconference slate in South Dakota hosting UT Martin in Frost Arena and playing top-ranked South Carolina in Sioux Falls.

The Summit League Championship will be in Sioux Falls again this year at the Denny Sanford Premier Center March 3 through March 7.

The Jackrabbits begin their season Wednesday as they take on Southwest Minnesota State at 6 p.m. in an exhi bition match as part of the Jackrabbit Tipoff double header with men’s basketball.

Their first regular season game will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 in Frost Arena against No. 21 Creighton.

Collegian file photo by JOCLYN HAVEN (She/Her)

SDSU’s Myah Selland drives the ball in a WNIT game against Drake March 24 at Frost Arena. Selland was selected as the preseason Summit League Player of the Year for the second-straight season.

Parents along for the ride for NFL ups and downs

Regents boss, wife play supportive role for son, who kicks for Cowboys

Story by Abbygail Theisen

Brian Maher thinks watching his son work might just be hazardous to his health. But then again, his son Brett doesn’t have an ordinary job.

“Whenever your kids experience success, the feeling is priceless, but the anticipation and the worry, that’s the unhealthy part,” Brain Maher, executive director for the South Dakota Board of Regents, whose son, Brett, is the placekicker for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, said.

Sunday went without too much turmoil as Brett went 7 for 7 on extra points and didn’t attempt any field goals in the Cowboys’ 49-29 win over the Bears. That being said, the life of an NFL kicker comes with its ups and downs. Brian and his wife, Peggy, who live in Pierre, ride those ups and downs right then and there with their son.

While watching Brett play in the NFL, Peggy men tions that she gets tense every single time the ball gets in field goal range.

“I lose my breath and I get a knot in my stomach,” Peggy said. “I want him to succeed, so my heart is pounding waiting for that kick to go through the goal

post.”

For Brian, as soon as the Cowboys take possession, he starts counting down the yards in his head. Even after a great play it never gets any easier.

The stress they endure during the game isn’t even the hardest part of having a son who plays football for the NFL. Brett has been cut multiple times in his nine-year professional football career. He was let go in 2019 from the Cowboys right before Christmas.

Here’s a look at the teams Brett has been a part of. Many of these teams, he was only on the practice squad.

•New York Jets (2013)

•Dallas Cowboys (2013)

•Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2014)

•Ottawa Redblacks (2014-2015)

•Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2016)

•Cleveland Browns (2017)

•Ottawa Redblacks (2017)

•Dallas Cowboys (2018-2019)

•New York Jets (2020)

•Washington Commanders (2020)

•Houston Texans (2020)

•Arizona Cardinals (2020-2021)

•New Orleans Saints (2021)

•Dallas Cowboys (2022-present)

“When they don’t have success, it is brutal,” Brian said. “And when you don’t have success for the Cowboys everybody knows it.”

As a testament to how high-profile the Cowboys are compared to other teams, the Mahers point to 2021.

Brett played for the New Orleans Saints last year and over half of Brian and Peggy’s friends didn’t even know. However, this year he’s with the Cowboys, and every body knows it, Brian said. That’s how it goes with a fran chise that calls itself “America’s team.”

“When it’s going well, it’s really cool, but when it doesn’t go well, we’ve been there. It beats you down pretty good,” Brian said.

For Brett, getting let go from his job is never fun, but it is the harsh reality of the NFL. Brett says that being cut from the Cowboys in 2019 wasn’t the first time it had happened to him and he knows that at some point it

Photo courtesy of BRIAN MAHER

Regents executive director and his wife Peggy take a break from the action on the field during a Dallas Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium. The Mahers’ son Brett is the kicker for the Cowboys.

will happen again, whether he chooses that for himself or someone else does.

“There are lessons in the good and the bad,” Brett said. “To be able to take those and be better than I was then, and hopefully be better next year moving for ward than I am now is the approach that I take.”

Luckily for Brett, he has his own team of supporters that is there for him through out his good and bad times. While Brett is away, Brian and Peggy do what they can to show their support by helping with some of the obligations which Brett is unable to do during his season.

Those obligations include watching their grandchildren, helping with the girls during games, or staying behind so Brett’s wife can go to the game.

“Brett is a tremendous dad and family person,” Brian said. “He does a great job at balancing being the provider for the family while also being emotionally there.”

Brian and Peggy have traveled exten sively because of Brett’s success. So far, they have not missed a single game this

year.

Brian and Peggy say the Cowboys franchise is phenomenal. As a kicker, Brett could play for a long time, and they have no idea where his career will take him, but they know one thing for sure, “There will never be a place better than the Cowboys,” Brian said.

From getting to see their practice facility to the atmosphere of the fran chise, Brian says he cannot imagine a better team.

The coaching staff and a lot of the players are different from when Brett was there in 2019, so he has enjoyed getting to know his teammates working alongside them this season.

“This place is different than a lot of other places around the league because of the brand that is the Cowboys, and that makes it a lot of fun to be a part of,” Brett said. “Hopefully we can continue to build something special this year and make a little run down the stretch.”

Brett’s athletic ability was apparent to his parents fairly early. He had a lot of success at punt, pass and kick. Brian remembers Brett’s first statewide com

petition at 8 years old, where they found out Brett could kick the ball better than most.

“I remember when he was in junior high,” Brian said. “You know, I think he’s got the ability to kick in college.”

Brett went on to kick and punt for The University of Nebraska, but it wasn’t until his junior or senior year that Brian real ized his son could have the potential to play in the NFL.

“There are great players that never make it. I could rattle off 25 kickers that are not in the NFL that were at one point as good as Brett,” Brian said. “Brett had the mental makeup, he had the oppor tunities, he had the resilience, and what ever it was that set him apart that he’s still there.”

Football and athletics in general were a big part of Brett’s childhood. Brett and his sisters grew up as “little gym rats.” Brett had a ball in his hand constantly whether that was a football, basketball or soccer ball, his parents said.

“We could see the competitiveness come out in him when he was really young, after his little sister was born,’’

Peggy said. “They were always trying to beat each other, whether it’d be a card game, sports game or just playing around. They wanted to be the best.”

Brett’s two sisters, Lindsey and Maggie, also went on to be collegiate athletes at The University of Nebraska for track and field. As they got older, his sisters were Brett’s biggest supporters, but they were also his biggest humbler.

“When he started getting pretty good, they made sure he didn’t get too big for his pants,” Brian said with a laugh.

Brett’s love for football stems from growing up in Kearney, Nebraska, and watching the Cornhuskers have the suc cess that they had when he was a kid in the 1990’s. That and the guidance from his parents.

“My mom and my dad instilled the values of hard work and resilience in me to be able to continue on this journey,” Brett said. “No matter how stuff plays out during the year, during a game, or during a season, to have that group of people that you know is going to be unwavering in their love and support for you has been awesome.”

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brett Maher attempting a kickoff in a game against the Washington Commanders Oct. 2.

Photo courtesy of JAMES D. SMITH/DALLAS COWBOYS

SKYLER JACKSON Co-Sports Editor (He/Him)

The South Dakota State football team is back on the road Saturday, as the Jackrabbits head to Cedar Falls to take on Northern Iowa.

The top-ranked Jackrabbits (8-1, 6-0 Missouri Valley Football Conference) rolled past Indiana State in their 49-7 win on Hobo Day, while UNI (5-4, 4-2) earned a dramatic 37-36 victory at No. 24 Southern Illinois.

With only two games left in the regular season, SDSU appears to be in top form after its most dominating performance, while the Panthers have won three-straight games and are fighting for an at-large playoff bid.

Saturday’s game will mark the 59th all-time matchup between the two schools, with UNI leading the series 3323-2. It will also be the 19th matchup between veteran coaches John Stiegelmeier of SDSU and UNI’s Mark Farley, in his 22nd season with the Panthers. Farley leads that matchup 11-7.

The last time these two teams met was on Hobo Day last year when UNI walked away with a 26-17 win. The Panthers have won two of the last three matchups with SDSU, including a 13-10 win in the FCS playoffs in 2019.

Here’s what to look for on each team heading into Saturday’s matchup.

About South Dakota State

The Jackrabbits have won eight games in a row since their week one loss to Iowa. That streak is tied for the longest in the country, along with Holy Cross, Jackson State and Sacramento State.

After two come-from-behind road victories against North Dakota State and North Dakota, the Jackrabbits returned to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium for their Hobo Day matchup with Indiana State. In that 49-7 win, SDSU scored touchdowns on each of its first seven possessions.

The Jackrabbits are averaging 31.4 points per game offensively this season, and they scored 49 points in each of their last two games.

Quarterback Mark Gronowski is

EIGHT STRAIGHT

completing 64.3% of his passes this season, along with 1,701 yards and 16 touchdowns with only three interceptions.

Gronowski is also the team’s third-leading rusher with 224 yards to go with his seven rushing touchdowns this season.

SDSU’s running attack consists of the one-two punch of Isaiah Davis and Amar Johnson. Davis has 793 yards and eight touchdowns on 137 carries. Johnson has 429 yards and three touchdowns on 78 carries as he’s become a more vital part of the offense.

The Janke twins have been SDSU’s leading receivers. Jaxon Janke leads the team with 476 yards and five touchdowns, while Jadon has 447 yards and four touchdowns.

Despite dealing with injuries this season, including all-American linebacker Adam Bock, the defense has stepped up. They rank fourth in the FCS in scoring defense, allowing only 15.1 points per game.

The defense also has 18 total turnovers this season, and they have intercepted a pass in all nine games. Colby Huerter, Dalys Beanum, Cale Reeder and DyShawn Gales each lead the team with two interceptions.

“Their maturity continues to impress me in terms of how they handle things,” Stiegelmeier said. “From being number one to being on the road, all those things. So we look forward to trying to play our best football at UNI.”

About Northern Iowa

It’s been a bit of an up-and-down season for the Panthers. They began the season with three straight losses. UNI

has since turned things around, winning three games in a row and five of its last six to put themselves back in playoff contention.

Last Saturday against Southern Illinois, the Panthers walked away with their most dramatic win of the season. In that game, an attempted SIU Hail Mary pass fell one yard short of the end zone, and the Panthers narrowly escaped with the 37-36 win.

“It was pretty dramatic,” Farley said. “But the fun part about the whole thing was when it’s over, you look back on how we persevered, and how we went into that football game. Very pleased with our football team on how they held their composure.”

Offensively, the Panthers are averaging 30.8 points per game, good for third in the MVFC behind only NDSU and SDSU.

Quarterback Theo Day is completing 65.8% of his throws this season, along with 2,471 yards and 19 touchdowns to four interceptions. Dom Williams is UNI’s leading rusher with 632 yards and nine touchdowns. Vance McShane has 579 yards on the ground and one touchdown.

Sam Schnee leads the team in receiving yards with 630, and Deion McShane is second with 467. Sergio Morancy leads the Panthers in receiving touchdowns with five this season.

On defense, the Panthers are fourth in the conference in scoring defense, allowing 26.4 points a game. Their leading tackler is Spencer Cuvelier with 77, while Korby Sander is second with 61.

The defense has intercepted eight passes this season.

The Jacks’ win streak is their longest since transitioning to D-I in 2004, heading into their game with Northern Iowa

Collegian photo by JOCLYN HAVEN (She/Her)

Cornerback DyShawn Gales in the Jacks’ 49-7 Hobo Day win over Indiana State State in front of 19,041 fans at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. The turnout was the third-most since the stadium opened in 2016.