ALUMNI MAGAZINESPRING 2021

B L A C K H I L L S S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

Stephanie RisslerStephanie RisslerT e l l i n g S o u t h D a k o ta' s s t o r i e s f o r m o r e t h a n 2 5 y e a r s

Greetings from Black Hills State University,

Spring is in the air throughout the Black Hills! As we return to campus after Spring Break, we look to finish the last half of the spring semester strong to conclude this historic academic year. I congratulate the women’s basketball team who claimed the RMAC Championship. I wish them the best in the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Go Jackets!

We celebrate the many successes of our alumni as their accomplishments are a direct reflection on the quality education provided at BHSU. In this issue we feature Stephanie Rissler who spent 24 years at South Dakota Public Broadcasting, most recently as producer and on-air host, and is now moving into a new career as Communications Manager for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations. In addition, you will also see that we have adopted a new logo for BHSU. After 60 years with our current logo, we felt a fresh look was needed that would better represent the University in the digital world. I hope you like the new look that combines a bold “BH” with a touch of natural beauty that’s so iconic of Spearfish and the Black Hills.

As we look back to a year ago and reflect on the global challenges created by the COVID-19 virus, it's gratifying to know that our campus responded so quickly, thoroughly, and positively to this unexpected event. As a campus we came together and made it possible to resume classes this fall, and we are pleased that classes were held this spring semester while we continue to monitor the situation and follow COVID protocols. I commend our faculty, staff and our students for rising to the challenge and working together to move forward.

We are looking forward to celebrating Commencement in May. Every year, some 500 students earn their degrees from BHSU and successfully become a part of the state and national workforce. We will have three separate ceremonies this year so students and their families can celebrate their important achievement of earning a diploma.

If you are planning a trip to the Hills this summer, please stop by the campus. There are a number of programs set for the summer months including academic and athletic campus for middle school and high school students, conferences and an expanded number of summer classes. Professor Emeritus David Wolff will be teaching a History of the Black Hills class that has garnered much attention from local and regional residents.

We are also looking forward to this fall when a sculpture by Dale Lamphere will be installed in the center of a new roundabout at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Ames Street----close to campus. We are collaborating with the City of Spearfish on this exciting project (see details on page 6). It will mark the entry to campus with a beautiful sculpture titled “The Hive.”

Sincerely,

Dr. Laurie S. Nichols, President Black Hills State University

PresidentPresidentH E L LO F R O M T H E

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BLACK HILLS STATE UNIVERSITY A LU M N I M A G A Z I N E | S P R I N G 2 02 1

The Alumni Magazine is published twice a year by the Black Hills State University Alumni Association for alumni and friends of BHSU. Your comments are welcome. Email us at Alumni@BHSU.edu.

PRESIDENT

» Dr. Laurie S. Nichols

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT

»Lauren Beyersdorf, ’04

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

»Steve Meeker, ’84 »Tom Wheaton, ’87

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

»Corinne Hansen, ’85 »Kristen Kilmer, ’99 »Laurel Simpson

ATHLETICS »Jhett Albers, ’87»Riley Baker

c o n n e c t w i t h b h s u !

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B H S U N E W S

BHSU Alum Jim Stith, ’10, was able to coordinate an exciting experience for his students at Newcastle High School by hosting an ARISS radio contact with the International Space Station (ISS) astronauts. Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) is the group that organizes special amateur radio contacts between students around the globe and ham radio licensed crew members on the ISS.

For Newcastle High School, this was a truly special experience as it was the first contact a Wyoming school has ever had with the ISS. NHS students asked questions to Commander Michael S. Hopkins. Hopkins is currently serving as Commander on the Crew-1 SpaceX Crew Dragon, named Resilience, which launched November 15, 2020. He also serves as Flight Engineer on the International Space Station for Expedition 64.

Jim Stith has been a science teacher at Newcastle HS for over a decade. He graduated from BHSU in 2010 with a degree in History Education and Biology Education, holds a Master’s in Education in Biological Sciences from Western Governors University, and a computer endorsement through Western Wyoming Community College. Stith is also a licensed amateur radio operator, involved with Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES), and is the Amateur Radio Relay League’s (ARRL) Wyoming Section Youth Coordinator.

Through Rick Breininger, the ARRL Wyoming Section Manager, Stith was contacted directly by a member of the ARISS Executive Team, John Kludt, who encouraged Stith to submit

an application to host a contact. The whole process took 18 months of extensive planning and effort.

The original contact scheduled for January 2021 turned out to be unsuccessful due to the U.S. amateur radio equipment being relocated on the outside of the ISS causing the station to be unable to transmit from or receive signals to the students. The rescheduled contact took place March 1, 2021 and was successful.

Seven students were part of the question-asking group. They were selected based on their interest in amateur radio, STEM, and their involvement in Stith’s Computer Science class when he submitted the proposal 18 months ago.

“I think the most memorable part for my students was when Toby Johnson (junior at Newcastle HS) asked, ‘what is the weirdest solution to a problem that you have tried that actually worked?’” Stith said. “Essentially, Commander Michael Hopkins replied that while on a spacewalk, he just had to hit the item in question with a hammer.”

Stith said that his favorite part of the contact was when Commander Hopkins first answered the call.

“In our January attempt, we called for the station again and again. When the station was five degrees above the horizon, I knew the contact would not happen. Every time we called out with no reply was gut-wrenching.”

Talking to students and teachers around Newcastle HS, Stith noted that talking to the ISS got students interested in space. “I did hope that the contact would be a catalyst for future learning and appreciation of STEM.”

Stith was also recently honored with receiving the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). PAEMST is the highest recognition that K-12 mathematics, science, or computer science teachers can receive in the U.S. Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation.

B H S U A l u m l i n ks s t u d e n t s t o I S S A s t r o n a u t s

BHSU Alum Jim Stith and his students from Newcastle High School were able to host a contact with the International Space Station in March. From left to right: Nate Strickland (Freshman), Jim Stith (Science Teacher), Gunner Ramsey (Senior), Trinity Shroyer (Sophomore), James Cox (Senior), Toby Johnson (Junior), Grayson Ramsey (Senior), and Travis Scribner (Junior). Photo credit: News Letter Journal

Share your BHSU experience with your children and encourage them to apply for the Child of Alum Scholarship.

BHSU OFFERS IN-STATE TUITION FOR CHILDREN OF ALUMNIs ta r t a B H S U t r a d i t i o ns ta r t a B H S U t r a d i t i o n

r e g i s t e r f o r a n i n d i v i d u a l c a m p u s v i s i t at w w w . B H S U . e d u / v i s i tA p p ly at w w w . B H S U . e d u / A p p ly4

R E A D M O R E • B H S U . E D U / N E W S

SD CEO (South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity), the Women’s Business Center at BHSU, was awarded a grant by the U.S. Small Business Administration for a second Women’s Business Center to be located in Sioux Falls.

Since 2009, the SD CEO Women’s Business Center, hosted by BHSU Foundation and located on the BHSU campus, has served thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners with new business launches and expansion by offering training, workshops, conferences, and networking events to help businesses and professional women grow.

The grant includes funding for the historic launch of 20 new Women’s Business Centers (WBC) across America including the center coming to Sioux Falls in early 2021.

Michelle Kane, Executive Director, South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity, said, "Kicking off the new year with a second WBC in South Dakota helps reach more women interested in starting or growing a business.”

Kane added that she looks forward to helping launch the new center to significantly increase woman small business outreach, and if business help is needed immediately, the established SD CEO WBC office in Spearfish is available to assist. “It’s gearing up to be an exciting year for women entrepreneurs in South Dakota," she said.

SD CEO AT BHSU AWARDED GRANT TO HOST SECOND WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER IN SIOUX FALLS

Kane

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NEWLY FORMED STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER AT BHSU PROVIDING STUDENT RESOURCES AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT

The Student Success Center, recently established at BHSU, is a vital resource for helping new college students and providing career development for graduating students.

The Center, under the direction of Kathleen Fitzgerald-Ellis, assists first and second-year students in their transition to BHSU by helping them set goals and connect with the appropriate resources and people on campus. There are professional advisors in Spearfish and Rapid City working with students.

Andrea Bakeberg is overseeing the Career Development aspects including finding jobs and internships for students and coordinating job fairs. See www.BHSU.edu/Careers for details on how to include jobs or internships for BHSU students to consider.

The Student Success Center is currently located in the Student Union and will be relocated to the Library after the renovations are completed in 2022. Fitzgerald-Ellis

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A 20-foot sculpture by Dale Claude Lamphere, a Sturgis resident who attended Black Hills State University before going on to an impressive career as an artist, is planned for Spearfish. This new sculpture would be installed in the new roundabout at the intersection of Jackson Street and Ames Street.

BHSU President Laurie S. Nichols noted that this new sculpture will complement the many impressive public art pieces throughout Spearfish and reinvigorate an already strong arts community. Located on the way to campus, the sculpture in the new roundabout will greet visitors and students to the University.

Lamphere has created a model, titled The Hive, for the stainless steel sculpture.

"After studying the natural form and overlapping structure of a hive, I have distilled it down into a stainless steel creation that represents the home of the Black Hills State University Yellow Jackets," Lamphere said. "My goal is to create a beautiful, lasting and iconic image that represents the University in the years to come."

Lamphere has completed 60 major public sculptures from the Basilica of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C., to the City of Burbank, Calif. Recent works by Lamphere, South Dakota Artist Laureate, include the Dignity of Earth and Sky at Chamberlain and the Arc of Dreams in Sioux Falls.

The E.Y. Berry Library and Learning Center, which was built in 1973, is undergoing a major remodeling and infrastructure update.

The Library building is now closed for the renovations and library services have been moved to the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union.

Construction has already begun and the renovated library is expected to be ready by the start of the Fall 2022 semester. Bids for the project came in lower than expected at $6.7 million. A local company Ainsworth-Benning Construction, A Journey Group Company, was awarded the construction project.

After nearly 50 years, the campus library was in need of functional upgrades to keep up with the demands of today’s educational needs according to BHSU President Laurie Nichols.

"Libraries continue to evolve to meet student needs," Nichols said. "This visionary plan allows our library to enhance their information services by utilizing technology in an even more significant way. As library resources move online, it opens the door to revamp the main floor into a student success center for students with tutoring, math/writing assistance, academic advising and career services, all within feet of each other. In addition, collaborative and group learning spaces will be enhanced." She noted that the design is aesthetically pleasing using natural lighting and provides exceptional views of the surrounding Black Hills.

As a part of the renovation, major infrastructure upgrades, including upgraded HVAC, electrical, lighting, restrooms, and fire sprinkler systems as well as better data and technology, greater accessibility, and electronic doors are planned.

For more details, see: www.BHSU.edu/LibraryRenovation.

This summer, BHSU will offer a Black Hills History course, taught by professor emeritus Dr. David Wolff.

The course will include field trips, lectures, discussions, and readings, to examine the people, places, and events behind the myth and reality that made the Black Hills famous and infamous. Wolff is an award-winning author focusing on Black Hills and South Dakota history.

For registration information, contact Amy Fuqua at Amy.Fuqua@BHSU.edu and for course content questions, contact David Wolff at David.Wolff@BHSU.edu.

BHSU TO OFFER BLACK HILLS HISTORY COURSE THIS SUMMER

LIBRARY RENOVATION UNDERWAY

DALE LAMPHERE SCULPTURE PLANNED FOR SPEARFISH

Sturgis resident Dale Lamphere recently created a model for a sculpture called "The Hive" that will honor the ongoing collaboration between the Spearfish community and BHSU. The sculpture will be installed in the new roundabout at the intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Ames Street.

Artist Dale Lamphere and BHSU President Laurie S. Nichols with the sculpture model titled The Hive.

A rendering of the renovation planned for the E.Y. Berry Library and Learning Center on the BHSU campus. The renovation is expected to be done by the start of the Fall 2022 semester.

B H S U N E W S

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Josh Adkins, who graduated with his BFA in photography from BHSU in December, was accepted into the prestigious Royal College of Arts Printmaking MFA Program in London.

Established in 1837, the Royal College of Art is the world’s oldest art and design university in continuous operation, with a tradition of innovation and excellence in creative education.

In 2019, the RCA was ranked as the number one Art and Design university in the world for the fifth consecutive year by the QS World University Subject Rankings.

Adkins will move to London over the summer to begin his graduate studies in the Fall of 2021.

When asked about his acceptance Adkins stated, “I would not have had the confidence to apply to the Royal College of Art had it not been for the unwavering support of the faculty at Black Hills State University. I was continually challenged both artistically and academically. Truly, with hard work, this is “Where Anything is Possible.”

B H S U G R A D U A T E A C C E P T E D I N T O P R E S T I G I O U S G R A D U A T E P R O G R A M B H S U G R A D U A T E A C C E P T E D I N T O P R E S T I G I O U S G R A D U A T E P R O G R A M

R E A D M O R E • B H S U . E D U / N E W S

Adkins

Corinne Hansen, Director of University and Community Relations at BHSU, will retire in June after working for the university for nearly 31 years.

Hansen, who graduated from BHSU with a mass communication degree, began her employment at her alma mater in 1990 in the News Service Department. In the last three decades she has expanded her area of oversight to include marketing, public relations, media relations, print and digital design, the printing center and community relations as well as the University’s website, social media and online presence.

As a member of the Administrative Team, Hansen has provided leadership and direction for the University’s communications, marketing, and strategic planning. Hansen was instrumental in guiding BHSU to proactively adopt new strategies to meet communication challenges that come with changing technologies. Hansen’s department has earned the University Outstanding Area Award and several University Economic Savings Awards as well as regional CASE and Addy awards for communications and marketing materials.

“One of the best decisions I ever made was enrolling at Black Hills State,” Hansen said. “As I earned my degree, which inspired a desire for lifelong learning and prepared me for my career, I also gained a great appreciation for the Black Hills area and especially the people in this community. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a significant portion of my career at my alma mater. The BHSU and the Spearfish communities mean so much to me and have provided many opportunities for me and my family.”

Works from eight Black Hills State University faculty members have been selected for the South Dakota Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition.

The BHSU professors whose works were selected include:

• Steve Babbitt, professor of photography• Michael Baum, assistant professor of art• Skott Chandler, assistant professor of mass

communication• Gina Gibson, professor of digital

communication• Quintin Owens, assistant professor of art• Paul Peterson, adjunct professor• Jerry Rawlings, associate professor of mass

communication• Desy Schoenewies, assistant professor of art

A limited number of artworks are selected for this exhibition through a competitive process, juried by representatives of the exhibiting and collecting institutions in South Dakota.

The traveling exhibit will be featured at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City Dec. 3, 2021 through March 5, 2022. Other exhibit locations are: South Dakota Art Museum in Brookings March 19 through June 13; The Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls June 26 through Sept. 19; and the John Day Gallery in Vermillion Oct. 16 through Nov. 13.

Black Hills State University was named to the Military Friendly® Gold list recently that designates universities for their commitment and dedication to military students. The list is compiled by evaluating colleges and universities using public data and responses from a proprietary survey by VIQTORY.

BHSU has a legacy of providing educational opportunities for military students. This year, nearly 180 veterans and veteran dependents are enrolled at BHSU. Greg Krajewski, veteran resource coordinator and veteran of the U.S. Air Force, says BHSU offers exceptional services and significant financial aid to veteran.

“We provide reduced tuition of $250 to our active duty veterans. With the federal aid they receive, the BHSU reduced rate for veterans covers their tuition cost. This is especially helpful cost-wise for airmen who are pursuing their Associate’s degree through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). They can take general education classes at BHSU through the General Education Mobile (GEM) program and get them paid for,” Krajewski noted.

BHSU has a Veterans Club which works to support veteran students and their families while also engaging with military celebrations and issues in the community. Krajewski meets with student veterans at both BHSU locations in Spearfish and in Rapid City. Each of the BHSU locations has a dedicated Veterans Center with computer and printing access, as well as the comradery of connecting with fellow veterans.

HANSEN TO RETIRE IN JUNE BHSU FACULTY MEMBERS SELECTED FOR THE SOUTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR'S BIENNIAL ART EXHIBITION

BHSU EARNS MILITARY FRIENDLY GOLD DESIGNATION

Hansen

"Ghosts and He Realized He Would Be The Last Thing To Exist" by Desy Shoenewies and works from seven other BHSU faculty members have been selected for the South Dakota Governor’s Biennial Art Exhibition.

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Stephanie Rissler’s love of South Dakota runs deep. “I always tell people I wasn’t born here, but I got here as fast as I could.”

Stephanie, a self-professed Wyoming cowgirl, moved to South Dakota in the early 1990s when she enrolled in the mass communication program at Black Hills State University. With dreams of being “the next Katie Couric” and moving to Manhattan, it was not her intention to stay in the state that she has now called home for nearly 30 years. But, as many do, Stephanie met her significant other in college and started to build a life here. And she’s so glad they did.

“I fell in love with this state. As I did my work, I absolutely fell in love with rural America and blue-collar workers that really make our communities great.”

Not only did Stephanie stay in South Dakota, she also spent 24 years telling the stories of South Dakotans as a five-time Emmy nominated producer and on-air host for South Dakota Public Broadcasting and is now embarking on a new career with the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO), a new role with a familiar purpose - telling South Dakota stories.

TELLING STORIES

Stephanie was a sophomore in Casper, Wyo., when a chance opportunity to anchor a high school television program sparked her interest in the communications field.

“I was with friends on the way to a football game who stopped by this class. Their news anchor had gotten sick and couldn’t do the news. For some reason they asked me if I would do it, and I did and thought it was pretty cool.”

She fell in love with the art of storytelling through visual and audio means in college as well.

When Stephanie graduated from BHSU in 1995, she began her career in Rapid City before getting offered a job at South Dakota Public Broadcasting, where she started as a videographer and editor before being promoted to producer and on-air host.

At SDPB, Stephanie covered numerous important moments like the Vietnam

memorial dedication in Pierre, which happened just days after 9/11. Stephanie also produced a documentary on World War II, where she sat down with veterans to record their stories, some of which they’d never even told to their spouses or their children.

“My favorite interviews were far from celebrities. They were the average South Dakotan.”

One that really made an impact was Dallas Dietrich, who channeled the tragic loss of his children and his own mobility into helping others through the founding of Black Hills Ski for Light and Meeting the Need, two organizations that focus on helping those with disabilities.

“It’s crazy to look back at all of the things that I've gotten to see and touch. And even though from a global perspective, it's pretty small because it is just the South Dakota, it really isn't. It's pretty huge. And there were some stories that I covered that absolutely changed my life; people that I interviewed that changed my life. Dallas was one that changed my life.”

“My favorite interviews were far from celebrities. They were the average South Dakotan.”

25 years of South Dakota Storytelling25 years of South Dakota Storytelling

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After her interview with Dallas, Stephanie decided there were a handful of topics that were important to talk about every single year, and one of those topics was taking care of our aging community.

THE TOPICS WE CAN NEVER STOP TALKING ABOUT

An opportunity to take on a new role as Communications Manager for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO), a non-profit entity started in 1926 that focuses on advocacy, education, engagement and partnerships in the healthcare community, excited Stephanie. In this new role, she learned she’d have a chance to shine the light on what we need to take care of our aging community and how we can celebrate and support healthcare workers. One of her first projects when she started at SDAHO in January was expanding a campaign called Healthcare Heroes.

“We hear about these nurses and doctors and first responders, and they’re in crisis mode right now because of COVID. It’s an honor to be able to highlight them."

Stephanie will also be shining a light on other opportunities SDAHO provides for its members, like the continuing education credits for healthcare workers and the conventions they host, which bring in speakers for professional growth and to help navigate complex healthcare problems that arise like COVID-19.

With the Healthcare Heroes Campaign, Stephanie is relying on her storytelling strengths to tell those stories of healthcare workers who have been working so hard during the COVID crisis. “We’re going to tap into South Dakotans.

They want you to know how great their neighbor is. They don’t want to tell you how great they are. It's all about being a good neighbor, being a good citizen. I’ve really enjoyed sharing their stories for the

last 24 years. And now I'm going to be able to do it, just in a in a different way at SDAHO.”

LEAVING A LEGACY

In addition to the stories she’ll leave behind, Stephanie, who was a member of the Gold Rush Dance Team at BHSU, also helped establish the Vermillion Area Dance Organization (VADO). She worked to establish and grow the organization from 15 students to more than 350 students.

She’s also proud to have a family that values and promotes South Dakota’s outdoor heritage and getting outside.

It’s her family, husband Wade, sons Hunter and Hayden, and daughter Hannah, Stephanie credits for being her rock and being her biggest cheerleaders through the years.

“We’re all very athletic. All of my kids play sports. My husband or I have coached almost everything our kids have done. So if we’re not at a sporting event, you’re probably going to find us on the river or hiking, fishing or hunting.”

Stephanie has left a legacy in the minds of students at BHSU at other college campuses across the state, with three main pieces of advice.

Stephanie's Advice F O R T H E F U T U R E

“BHSU made me feel like family and they like family and they still do today.” still do today.”

The other thing that Stephanie tells college students is that if they are considering going to BHSU, give her a call so she can connect them with her friends and colleagues at the university.

“Black Hills State was a great place to go. They did everything that they could to help me be successful. I always appreciated that. BHSU made me feel like family and they still do today.”

1There is no such thing as perfection. As long as you are progressing, stop worrying about being perfect because perfection doesn’t exist.

2Ask Questions. I can’t tell you all the years where I tried to pretend I knew what something was or how to do something because my colleagues had been in the industry so much longer than I, and I didn’t want to look stupid so I pretended my way through. If I would have just asked the questions, I would have saved myself anxiety and all of us so many hours.

3Don't ever let fear stop you. I look back at so many times I was scared to go on a live shot, to interview the governor, to moderate a debate, and I did it anyway. I had to do it, and I’m so glad that I did. When you are scared to do something, or it’s the most scared you’ve ever been, that’s the time you have to do it and you will thank yourself in the end.

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Y E L L O W J A C K E T S N E W S

T r i at h l o n N a m e d 2 0 2 0 T e a m S c h o l a r A l l-A m e r i c a n

Black Hills State women's triathlon has received the 2020 Team Scholar All-American award from the Collegiate Triathlon Coaches Association and USA Triathlon.

The Team Scholar All-American award recognizes teams who excel in the classroom by achieving a cumulative semester GPA of 3.2 or higher in each of the three NCAA divisions. The Fall 2020 award was calculated by taking the average GPA for all student athletes on a team's roster, regardless of competitions completed during that semester.

The NCAA named triathlon an Emerging Sport for Women in 2014, a designation that gives the sport a 10-year window to demonstrate sustainability at the NCAA level. Thirty-six colleges and universities across the country currently sponsor the sport at the varsity level.

Kennedy Teeslinkjunior from Rapid City

Alum Tim Bishop to be inducted in the 2020 NAIA Hall of FameThe National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

(NAIA) announced in September that Tim Bishop, former BHSU student-athlete, was selected to the 2020 NAIA Hall of Fame class.

Bishop ran for the Yellow Jackets on the cross country and track and field teams from 2000-2003 during the program's NAIA era, and was a four-time National Champion and a nine-time NAIA All-American. He was also named NAIA Scholar Athlete five times.

In the Dakota Athletic Conference (DAC), Bishop won six conference titles, winning the 800 meters four times as well as the mile and 1500 meters. He was named the DAC-10 Most Valuable Senior in cross country in 2002, and in track and field in 2003 at the Outdoor Championships where he also earned Most Valuable Performer of the Championships.

In 2012, he was inducted into the BHSU Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 2000 National Runner-Up cross country team, and then was inducted again as an individual in 2014.

At the time of his graduation in 2003, Bishop held 11 school records in track and field, seven indoor records and four outdoor.

Following his athletic career, Bishop remained at BHSU after receiving his degree, serving as an assistant coach for two years before beginning his teaching career. In the fall of 2005 he became the PE/Health teacher at Spearfish Middle School in Spearfish, S.D., where he taught from 2005-2012.

Bishop also served as assistant coach on the Spearfish High School track team, guiding numerous athletes to the state podium and a few to state championships.

In 2008, Bishop earned the New Professional of the Year Award at the South Dakota Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (SDAHPERD) annual conference.

Due to the pandemic, the 2020 NAIA Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be postponed until next year.

Bishop

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R E A D M O R E • B H S U A T H L E T I C S . C O M

ALBERS, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, WILL RETIRE IN JUNEJhett Albers, who has served as the

Director of Athletics for Yellow Jacket Athletics since 2006, will retire in June. A BHSU graduate, he joined the coaching staff at BHSU in 1999 as volleyball coach.

As Athletic Director, Albers held responsibility for the direct oversight and day-to-day operations of the BHSU Athletic Department and Donald E. Young Sports & Fitness Center. Albers also serves as a member of the BHSU President’s Administrative Team.

Albers, a Spearfish High School and BHSU graduate, has lived in the community of Spearfish for 45 years. As AD, Albers was selected NAIA-ADA

DAC Athletic Director of the year in 2008-09. BHSU was awarded the DAC Commissioner’s Cup in 2007-08, and runner up in 2008-09 & 2009-10. In 2009-2010 Albers stepped down from his head coaching and part-time AD position to become the full-time Director of Athletics to successfully lead BHSU and Yellow Jacket Athletics through the transition from NAIA to NCAA DII. Albers was also instrumental in securing BHSU’s membership to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in 2012-2013. During Albers tenure, BHSU Athletics and the Yellow Jacket Foundation have increased athletic scholarship awards from $450,000 to over $1,000,000 annually. Albers

Craig Marsh Hired as New Women’s Golf Head CoachBlack Hills State Athletics announced the hire

of Craig Marsh as the new women’s golf head coach in December.

Marsh, from Hastings College in Nebraska, took over head coaching duties after Kelly Welker stepped down in October.

In three years at Hastings, Marsh had success recruiting student-athletes and fundraising to improve the school’s golf program. That success allowed the program to add substantial indoor practice improvements, including an indoor flight monitor.

The PGA Professional previously coached at Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, Wyo. There, he led each the boys (2012, 2017, 2018) and girls (2016, 2017, 2018) to three state championships. Marsh was also named Boys Coach of the Year three times (2012, 2017, 2018) and Girls Coach of the Year five times (2006, 2007, 2016, 2017, 2018).

Marsh was a member of the Methodist University golf team and earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Professional Golf Management in 2000.

Marsh

Yellow Jackets Team Up with LuedersYellow Jackets Team Up with LuedersBHSU Athletics announced Lueders

Food Centers has joined BHSU as a new corporate sponsor in becoming the Official Grocery Store of Yellow Jacket Athletics in December 2020.

Lueders is also sponsoring a new fueling station located in the Donald E. Young Sports & Fitness Center to help student-athletes better fuel themselves in preparation for competition.

“The fueling station is an integral part to the success of BHSU Athletics,” said Athletic Performance Assistant Director Derek Van Blarcom. “Nutrition is the driver of performance, and the

fueling station will better help us serve the needs of our student-athletes.”

This station will be stocked by Lueders to provide healthy options to our student-athletes every day.

“The fueling station will be a great addition for post work out nutrition and allows us an opportunity to offer a state-of-the-art fueling station at the Division II level,” Blarcom added.

BHSU understands the importance of nutrition as well as shopping locally and hopes this partnership can help shine a light on that within our community.

BHSU Prioritizes Mental Health for Student-AthletesBHSU Athletics has partnered with Champion’s Mind in order to

improve the mental health of all student-athletes at BHSU.

The hefty workload student-athletes typically balance has been made even more difficult with the stresses and uncertainties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

BHSU is working with world-class sports psychologist Dr. Jim Afremow through the Champion’s Mind mental health app he created alongside CEO Dave Kearney to provide this new resource to student-athletes and coaches across all sports.

Afremow has worked with high school, college and professional athletes at all levels for over 20 years, including time with Michigan

State, Arizona State and the San Francisco Giants.The app itself consists of a 12-module course that can be listened

to on the go for each student-athlete at their own pace. The course also provides motivational assistance and affirmations throughout the day to help improve the user’s mental state.

This partnership is the first of its kind in which Champion’s Mind is being implemented within an entire institution’s athletic department.

BHSU Athletics has been providing access to the Champion’s Mind app to all student-athletes and coaches since October 2020 as it continues to commit to the well-being and success of its student-athletes and coaches.

11

1883 1889 1941DAKOTA TERRITORIAL

NORMAL SCHOOLSPEARFISH

NORMAL SCHOOLBLACK HILLS

TEACHERS COLLEGE

1883 1889 1941

N E W B H S U L O G O

Black Hills State University has a new logo. The design, which clearly uses the initials B and H while also incorporating the outline of a pine tree, builds on the excellence, momentum, energy and sense of place at BHSU.

BHSU President Laurie S. Nichols noted that a logo is an important symbol that celebrates our history and looks forward to our future.

Corinne Hansen, director of University and Community Relations at BHSU, is excied to begin using the new logo as part of a strategic marketing and recruiting move.

“As communication methods have changed through the years, our prospective students first see BHSU in the digital space – whether it’s from viewing our webpage, reading emails or seeing our social media. Simplicity is key for logos especially in the digital world. The new logo will make a positive first impression and strengthen our presence throughout the region.”

The logo earned high marks in a survey with students as well as alumni. In addition to the survey, students in Tennille Paden’s graphic design classes worked with the agency, Fresh Produce, to provide firsthand perspective about the University. A group of faculty, staff, and students reviewed many designs before

moving forward and making final modifications.

One student expressed their understanding and appreciation of the logo with this comment. “The BH clearly reads as Black Hills State University and the style implies a collegiate place. I also like how in the BH logo, the letterforms by hierarchy of scale become like a tunnel leading your gaze deeper into the tree detail, which to me gives the read of an institution situated within and with an appreciation for nature, rather than one using the surrounding nature as its main selling point.”

See a variety of merchandise with the new logo available at the BHSU Bookstore. To see details about the logo visit BHSU.edu/Logo2021.

L a u n c h e s n e w l o g oB L A C K H I L L S S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

SPEARFISH NORMAL SCHOOL

BLACK HILLS TEACHERS COLLEGE

12

1964 1989 2021BLACK HILLS

STATE COLLEGEBLACK HILLS

STATE UNIVERSITYBLACK HILLS

STATE UNIVERSITY

1964 1989 2021

A M O M E N T I N B H S U H I S T O R Y

According to the late Dr. Paul Haivala’s First 100 Years of Black Hills State College book released in 1983, the Yellow Jacket name was created during a football game in 1927.

The late Mark Richmond, Spearfish Normal band director from 1924 to 1934, claimed he was the eye witness to the genesis of the Yellow Jacket emblem associated with BHSU’s athletic teams. Richmond recalled the Spearfish Normal football team had no special name and was known only as the Normal team. They played the Tech Hardrockers that afternoon and the crowd was enthusiastic. When Spearfish Normal made two spectacular gains, student Bessie Kennedy jumped to her feet and yelled “Go, you yellow jackets, go!” taking the name from the yellow-colored jackets the team wore over its uniforms. The Normal crowd took up the cry again and again throughout the game and our team responded. The name stuck and the following year Spearfish Normal held its first Swarm Day.

Although there were attempts at Yellow Jacket costumes over the years like the one pictured from 1969, it was not until 1978 that the official mascot was born. BHSC student Mike Lewis went to his first BH football game and it seemed like something was missing and he wanted to add excitement for the crowd. So he designed a Yellow Jacket costume and asked his wife, Jo, to make the costume and he was the first official mascot in school’s history from 1978 to 1980. Mike entertained the crowds whether it be at a sporting event or at the Swarm Day parade. His hope was that the mascot would become a tradition at Black Hills State. In 2016, BHSU recognized Mike for his creativity by inducting him into the Yellow Jacket Hall of Fame as a contributor.

Many have worn the mascot costume over the years, but some of the early ones like Lewis, Randy Bertram, Greg Wattenhofer, Rusty Luebchow, Chris Miller and more were the only ones wearing the costume at one given time.

Today, it’s not unusual for several students to wear the costume throughout the year. It was Bertram, however, that took the mascot to an entirely different level catapulting from the top of the light towers at Lyle Hare Stadium on to the pole vault mats below thrilling football fans.

Black Hills State University officially named the Yellow Jacket mascot in the spring of 2008. The official naming was announced at halftime of a men’s basketball game with former president Kay Schallenkamp presenting BHSU’s mascot an official declaration naming the pesky bug Sting (not to be confused with The Sting dance group in the 70s and 80s).

Today, Sting performs at sporting events and makes appearances for the university at recruiting events.

Yellow Jacket costume 1969

Mike Lewis at the Swarm Day parade having fun with a high school band student from Valentine, Neb.

Yellow Jackets Yellow Jackets && Sting StingH I S T O RY O F T H E

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C R E A T I N G A L E G A C Y

LegacyLegacyL E AV E Y O U R

John Griffin is an estate planner and major gifts consultant through Stewardship Counseling, LLC. Raised in the Netherlands and Sioux City, Iowa, John graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1987. After practicing law in South Dakota, John joined Stewardship Counseling, LLC in 1991. He is a member of the Kansas Bar, the South Dakota Bar, the Central Kansas Planned Giving Roundtable, and the National Committee on Planned Giving. John is a frequent speaker on the tools and techniques of estate planning.

ABOUT JOHN GRIFFIN

DID YOU KNOW that the Black Hills State University Advancement Office offers a complimentary estate planning service to help you take care of your family and leave a legacy at BHSU? This service is offered through John Griffin with Stewardship Counseling, LLC.

John Griffin provides a unique concept of offering estate planning services, through not-for-profit organizations such as Black Hills State University. The service provides comprehensive guidance in establishing an estate plan that minimizes income, gift, estate and inheritances taxes and facilitates smooth business, farm and asset transition.

The planning process is free of charge to you. No products such as life insurance or securities are sold through Stewardship Counseling, LLC. Nor does the company share in the commission on the sale of these products.

"We are very grateful that BHSU provided us the opportunity to utilize John’s services and expertise at no charge. Honestly, it was something that Chris and I knew we needed to get done but the difficult decisions and the process seemed overwhelming. Even knowing how important a legal estate plan is, we had put it on the backburner for longer than we should have. Realizing that our family would not be protected without these documents was something that never crossed our minds before we met with John. He presented us with a lot of 'what if' scenarios for taking care of our family that we had never considered. Thankfully, John made everything we needed to complete simple and stress free. He was very personable and explained the importance of our plan, and multiple options, in 'non lawyer' terms so everything made sense." - Susan Dolney

FOR MORE INFORMATIONPlease call or email the University Advancement Office if you are interested in setting up an appointment or have any questions.

605.642.6385 | Shauna.Junek@BHSU.edu

UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENTBlack Hills State University1200 University Street Unit #9506Spearfish, SD 57799-9506

14

C R E A T E Y O U R O W N L E G A C Y • B H S U . E D U / D O N A T E

ALUM contributes $200,000 to education scholarshipsBernice Thorstenson, Class of '62, recently contributed $200,000 to establish a scholarship at Black Hills State University for

students pursuing an education degree.

An adventurous traveler who has visited 34 countries, Bernice incorporated her travel adventures into her teaching curriculum so that the students could learn through her experiences. Bernice’s goal is that this scholarship provides the encouragement for teachers to save money and travel so they too can incorporate their experiences in the classroom like she did for many years.

Each school year Bernice saved her money carefully so that she could travel internationally in the summer. She was an adventurous international traveler. Bernice and her husband, Manfred Krause, went on many road trips throughout the United States as well, which usually included a favorite stop to visit family in her hometown area of Walworth County in South Dakota.

Thorstenson graduated from BHSU with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and a minor in Physical Education and Speech. She was involved in Props and Liners at BHSU. Membership in the local society was limited to students and was by invitation only. BHSU celebrates 100 years of Props and Liners in the 2021-2022 academic year.

Bernice taught in Rapid City, Denver, Colo., Las Vegas, Nev.; and Petaluma, Calif. She spent most of her years at Petaluma Junior High School teaching English and Drama and retired in 2000.

For recreation Bernice and Fred enjoyed tennis, swimming, hiking, skiing, gardening, opera and theater.

The new scholarship, which will first be awarded in the 2021-2022 academic year, will be for junior or senior students from South Dakota who are majoring in education and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Preference will be given to a qualifying student that has graduated from a high school in Walworth County.

Thorstenson

Barbara (Bobbi Junek) and Don Looney have placed the BHSU Foundation in their estate plan for $150,000 for business scholarships. This new scholarship is in addition to two long-standing Looney-Junek family scholarships for undergraduate students for both athletics and business academics.

The new estate plan fund will provide annual scholarships of varying amounts. The recipient(s) must be studying business with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. First preference will be given to an MBA student with second preference given to an undergraduate studying business. If enough money is available for multiple awards, they will be awarded to one MBA student and one or two undergraduates.

Bobbi, Class of '72, was born and raised in Spearfish. She has fond memories of attending the Lab school and playing in the Wenona Cook tubular fire escape. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Management in the School of Business and is also Program Coordinator for the university’s MBA Program. Additionally, she co-advises the BHSU Enactus business competition team. Looney lived on the East Coast and abroad for more than 30 years, and returned to South Dakota in 2004. She obtained her master’s degree at Rutgers University and her Ph.D. at the University of South Florida. Before her academic life, Looney was a customer service representative for the Sheraton Hotel Corporation in Boston, a congressional staffer in Washington, D.C., a corporate paralegal in Charlotte, N.C., and the assistant

manager of a bar supply company in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Bobbi began her teaching career in Miami and has been involved in education ever since. Her current academic interests are business pedagogy, the impact of social media on conversation skills, the adaptation of social media tools for instruction and professional development, and the potential of impact investing as an alternative to traditional, profit-driven investment models.

Don retired in 2020 after 15 years as an Assistant Professor of Management at BHSU. He also served as the MBA Program Director. Having graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, he served a five-year active-duty commitment as an Assistant Administrator of a 350-bed teaching hospital in Washington, D.C. He also earned an MBA degree from Boston University. He then entered private industry and had over 28 years of upper-level management experience in the international medical device industry. In his business career he has served as a Product Manager, Director of Marketing, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, General Manager of a worldwide product division, and held his final position of President of North America for a $6.5 billion Danish medical device company. During this time he completed two years of post-graduate work at INSEAD at their campuses in Fontainebleau, France and Shanghai, China. Having retired from industry in 2004, he started a successful management consulting firm and joined the BHSU faculty in 2006.

“Bobbi and I have been involved in establishing and maintaining the MBA program for a number of years," Don said. "We feel passionate about sustaining a high-quality MBA program in Western South Dakota. Despite being one of the lowest cost MBA programs accredited by the AACSB (which accredits only the finest 5% of all MBA program worldwide), the BHSU graduate program needs more scholarships. Our MBA graduates use their degrees as springboards to leadership positions in South Dakota as well as abroad. We are proud of our graduates and are excited to provide scholarship opportunities for future MBA students.”

Estate Plan to include $150,000 for business scholarships at BHSU

Bobbi and Don Looney

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K U D O S + A N N O U N C E M E N T S

Enhance Your FutureE a r n a n a d v a n c e d d e g r e e at B H S U

M A S T E R ' sD E G R E EP R O G R A M S

• Business Administration (MBA)• Curriculum & Instruction K-12* » Library Media* » Math Education* » Science Education* » Special Education* » Education Technology*

• Integrative Genomics• Reading*• Secondary Education*• Strategic Leadership*• Sustainability*• Teaching in Special Education (MAT)*

BHSU.edu/GraduatePrograms*Online Programs

8

C R E A T I N G A L E G A C Y

BHSU surpassed the Giving Day goal and set a new record raising $75,945. This one day of giving was fueled by the power of social media and digital collaboration. Steve Meeker, Vice President of University Advancement, was extremely pleased with the one day effort – on Feb. 25th.

“Our alumni continue to be very generous and we can’t thank them enough” Meeker said. The Giving Day Campaign was a part of a mini scholarship campaign to raise $3.5 million over the next five years. Meeker said it is important we continue to fundraise to meet the increased demand for scholarships to help more students attend BHSU.

If you missed your opportunity to give on Feb. 25, it is not too late. Meeker asks that you consider giving a gift by using the attached envelope. Alumni are also encouraged to make a multi-year pledge over the next five years to assist with the campaign although it is not necessary. One out of five students that attends BHSU are awarded a scholarship. BHSU currently awards $2.1 million to its students, placing BHSU second from the bottom in scholarships awarded per university in the South Dakota state higher education system.

Jackets Give BackJackets Give Back$75,000 Goal

$75,945.48 T O TA L R A I S E D

416D O N O R S

9 F U N D R A I S E R S

16

UpUpcoming Eg EventsS AV E T H E DAT E !

MORE INFO / REGISTRATION | Tom.Wheaton@BHSU.edu • (605) 642-6385

The Black Hills State University Alumni Association invites you back to campus to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Props and Liners, an honorary dramatic society and the oldest active student organization at BHSU. If you performed in any theater and/or musical production from 1921 to 2020, this reunion is for you. Former and current BHSU faculty and staff are also invited. Join us Friday, Sept. 24, as we celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Props and Liners at BHSU with a reunion banquet.

P R O P S A N D L I N E R S C E L E B R A T E 1 0 0 - Y E A R A N N I V E R S A R Y | S E P T. 2 4 , 2 0 2 1

Pre-registration for this event is required. Registration materials will be mailed out in early to mid-July.

R E A D M O R E • B H S U . E D U / A L U M N I

MORE INFO / REGISTRATION | Kanda.Guthmiller@BHSU.edu • (605) 642-6335

The Jacket Ride is a motorcycle ride though the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota that takes place during the Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The ride is hosted by Black Hills State University and the proceeds benefit student veterans.

T H E D E N N I S K I R K J A C K E T R I D E F O R V E T E R A N S C H O L A R S H I P S | A U G . 1 0 , 2 02 1

MORE INFO / REGISTRATION | Tom.Wheaton@BHSU.edu • (605) 642-6385

Any player, coach or trainer from the 1980s is invited back for a reunion on Swarm Day. The gathering will be held during the tailgate social (11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.) and again after the game.

Pre-registration for this event is required.

T H E 1 9 8 0 S D E C A D E F O O T B A L L T E A M S R E U N I O N | S E P T. 2 5 , 2 0 2 1

MORE INFO / REGISTRATION | Tom.Wheaton@BHSU.edu • (605) 642-6385Pre-registration for this event is required. Please RSVP by Monday, April 19.

Members of the Class of 1970 and 1971 are invited to a gathering May 7 & 8 to celebrate their 50-Year reunion (the Class of 1970 reunion, which was originally scheduled for May of 2020, had been rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to coincide with the Class of 1971/50-Year reunion). Each year, classmates from the 50-year class return to campus to celebrate the anniversary of their graduation. The two classes will be recognized at a banquet on the seventh and at two separate commencement ceremonies on the eighth.

CLASS OF 1970 & 1971 / 50-YEAR REUNION | MAY 7 & 8, 2021

MORE INFO / REGISTRATION | Tom.Wheaton@BHSU.edu • (605) 642-6385

The members of the 1970 football team are invited back to campus to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their SDIC title. This reunion, which was originally scheduled for October 2020, has been rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to Sept. 25, 2021. The gathering will be held during the tailgate social (11:15 a.m. to 12:45 pm.) and again after the game.

T H E 1 9 7 0 F O O T B A L L T E A M C E L E B R A T E S 5 0 T H A N N I V E R S A RY O F S D I C T I T L E | S E P T. 2 5 , 2 0 2 1

Pre-registration for this event is required.

S WA R M W E E KSave the date! Swarm Week is set for Sept. 20 - 25, 2021, with Swarm Day taking place on Sept. 25.

Sept. 20-25

2 0 2 1 17

K U D O S + A N N O U N C E M E N T S

William “Bill” Young, ’63 & ’70, Custer, received an executive proclamation from South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, declaring September 25, 2020, as William Young Day. Last August, it was his eighth decade of responding to fires as either a paid or volunteer firefighter. Over the years, Bill has fought fire in several states, including Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico and South Dakota. Part of Bill’s duties as a seasonal firefighter one summer included helping bring fireworks to the top of Mount Rushmore for the memorial’s fireworks show. Bill has worked as an educator, coach, and mentor to many of South Dakota’s youth.

Glenda (Myers) Bohlmann, ’77, Menno, was honored last September with the Middle School Volleyball Coach of the Year award. In November 2019, she received the Friend of Volleyball award at the state volleyball tournament in Rapid City. Glenda teaches K-6/HS Physical Education and coaches middle school volleyball in Menno. She has been in Menno for seven years and has taught in the Scotland School District for 23 years.

Joe Conklin, Attended, Spearfish, co-owner of City Brew Coffee with his daughter Traci Conklin-Barkey, received the Spirit of Enterprise Award during the 41st annual Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) annual meeting. This award was created in 2002 to recognize the entrepreneurial spirit of those who take risks and make the investment of time and money to grow a small business.

Gary A. Johnson, '78, Fort Pierre, was named secretary/treasurer of The Beavers during their recent board of directors meeting. The Beavers is a social, honorary organization formed, organized and managed by the construction companies and individuals who are or have engaged in heavy engineering construction. They promote goodwill, friendliness and consideration within the industry; and to give recognition to those men and women who have demonstrated particular skill, responsibility and integrity. Gary is the president of A-G-E Corporation and is scheduled to become the president of The Beavers in 2024.

Scott Ratliff, ’72, Riverton, Wyo., will serve as tribal liaison for newly elected U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis, from her Wyoming office. Scott was a longtime special assistant to retiring Senator Enzi, having served on his staff since 2002. He grew up in Fremont County and represented it in the Wyoming House of Representatives from 1980-1992.

John Seiler, ’73, Spanaway, Wash., retired in 2019 from W. W. Grainger after 29 years of service to the company and 15 years of retail management. He now works part-time for W. W. Grainger as a sales specialist.

Jay Beagle, ’88 & ’92, Lead, was named Region 7 Middle School Principal of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals (SDASSP). In addition to his duties as the Lead-Deadwood Middle School Principal, Jay also serves as the district’s special education director. He will formally receive the award during the State Principal’s Conference in June at the Lodge at Deadwood.

Lorene (Meland) Ness, ’85, Rapid City, was hired as an on-air radio personality for KTPT-FM 97.9 The Breeze, in Rapid City. Her show, Morning Joy, may be heard weekdays from 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. The Breeze is a contemporary Christian radio station. Lorene previously worked for KQRQ-FM Q92.3, part of Riverfront Broadcasting, in Rapid City.

Tom Olson, ’81, Norfolk, Neb., will retire from Norfolk High School at the end of the 2020-2021 school year, completing a 40-year career teaching social studies and coaching football, basketball and track and field. Tom spent the past 35 years at Norfolk High School including 23 seasons directing the Panther football program. In addition to being the school’s longest serving head coach, he also has the most wins in school history. Before being named Norfolk’s head coach in 1998, Tom was an assistant coach for the Panthers for 12 years, serving on the staff of the 1994 state championship football team. He also served as an assistant coach with the Panther track and field program for 35 years.

Karol Patterson, ’80, Wall, received the South Dakota Cross Country Coach of the Year award at the South Dakota High School Coaches Association (SDHSCA) banquet held last September in Mitchell. In 2019, she won the SDHSCA Cross Country Coach of the Year award. Additional Coach of the Year honors, over the past five years, by the South Dakota Cross Country Track & Field Coaches Association include Area 4 Class B, Cross Country and Track & Field. Last fall, Karol Celebrated her 38th year coaching track & field, 11 of those as head coach for boys and girls 6-12, and 11 years head cross-country coach for boys and girls 6-12. Karol currently teaches middle school social studies in the Wall School District.

K U D O S + A N N O U N C E M E N T S1960s 1970s 1980s

Douglas "Doug" T. Erickson, '66, Rapid City, authored Erickson Methodology for Enterprise Architecture: How to Achieve a 21st Century Enterprise Architecture Services Capability. This book describes

a methodology for architecting, designing, and constructing an enterprise that specifies what to do, but more importantly, how to do it, and why you would want to do it that way. The methodological concepts, principles, conventions, and practices presented in this book have been developed and put into practice for over 25 years. Doug has been an information management and enterprise architecture practitioner and consultant for over forty years. He has been a career-long advocate for the advancement, improvement, and formalization of the enterprise systems development process. By the early 1980s, Doug had developed the beginnings of what is known today as the Erickson Methodology for Enterprise Architecture. Doug has extensive business and information management experience based on his work with enterprises in a variety of industries including engineering and manufacturing, insurance, airline, electric utility, natural gas distribution, the U.S. Army, and state government agencies.

Erickson

1966

18

R E A D M O R E • B H S U . E D U / A L U M N I

Dustin Engel, Attended, Anacortes, Wash., a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001, was promoted last spring to be Commanding Officer of the U.S. Navy's Electronic Attack Squadron - 209. The Star Warriors of VAQ-209 are based at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and fly the EA-18G Growler. Dustin has accumulated over 2,700 flight hours in five aircraft and 100 carrier arrested landings, in addition to earning numerous awards and service ribbons in his 23 years of service to the U.S. Navy.

Shannon Hall, '95, Cheyenne, Wyo., was named the 2020 Wyoming History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. Shannon is a history teacher at Johnson Junior High School in Cheyenne. She was recognized as a James Madison Scholar in 2001, and in 2011, she received her National Board Certification.

Wyatt Hansen, ’94, Spearfish, was promoted to the rank of colonel in the South Dakota Army National Guard during a ceremony, last November, at Camp Rapid in Rapid City. Wyatt serves full time as the deputy chief of staff of personnel for Joint Force Headquarters in Rapid City.

Carol (Green) Kjar, '91, Rapid City, retired from her job as a natural resources technical writer/editor and is now a self-published author of eight books and a freelance Christian book editor. Carol returns to the Black Hills after a 13-year hiatus in Garden City, Idaho.

Kirk Schmitt, ’99, married Patricia Cadena, Sept. 5, 2020. Kirk is the communications director for American Medical Response (AMR). AMR is a medical transportation company in the United States that provides and manages community-based medical transportation services. The couple resides in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Teresa (Long) Shuck, ’96, Kadoka, one-act play advisor, led the Kadoka Area School to a first place finish in the Region 7 competition with their rendition of “Crafting a Killer” by Brent Holland. During the competition, five of her students received outstanding actor award medals. At the State “B” one-act plays in Brookings, Kadoka had six actors receive superior acting awards and her lab assistants’ ensemble received superior awards as well. In addition to being the one-act advisor, Teresa teaches psychology, drama, recovery credit classes, yearbook, and facilitates dual credit courses

at the high school. She also serves as the senior class advisor. Teresa has taught in Kadoka since 1999.

Connie (Wood) Zalesky, '91, Mascoutah, Ill., was among 100 St. Louis-area educators to receive the 2020 Emerson Excellence in Teaching awards. The awards pay tribute to area educators, from kindergarten teachers to college professors, for their achievements and dedication to the field of education. The Excellence in Teaching Awards program began in St. Louis in 1989 and is sponsored annually by Emerson, the St. Louis-headquartered global technology and engineering company. Connie is a kindergarten teacher at Whiteside Elementary School in Belleville, Ill. This is her 25th year teaching kindergarten and her 13th year at Whiteside.

Melissa Christensen, ’03, married Jesse Hart, Feb. 1, 2020. Melissa is the director of Human Resources at BHSU. The couple resides in Spearfish.

Jacqui (Thorn) Dietrich, '06, Rapid City, has been hired as head of brand, sales & marketing by Startup Space. Jacqui will lead the company's strategic vision to enable small businesses to start and grow through community support and access to resources. Startup Space is a leading community platform that helps economic and small business development organizations connect diverse entrepreneurs to resources in their communities while also providing data analytics and management systems. Prior to joining Startup Space, Jacqui was Director of Partnerships for Established, an innovation consultancy. There, she led national outreach to engage thousands of entrepreneurship support organizations, economic development entities, and startup companies in programs including America's Largest Seed Fund.

Joni (Lunney) Ellsbury, Attended, and husband Will, Sundance, Wyo., had a baby boy, Ryker Henry, Jan. 4, 2021. Joni is an administrative assistant for the Crook County School District.

Nikki (Underwood) McDaniel, '03, Rapid City, a Mary Kay Cosmetics sales director, last year led the #1 unit in South Dakota for retail sales selling $880,000 in products. In 2018, her unit was the first in South Dakota to sell $1 million dollars and the #5 unit in the nation that same year. Nikki has worked with the cosmetics company for 16 years.

Kelly Meeker, ’03, and wife Katie (Sheldon), Brandon, welcomed home Kora Lucille, Oct. 1, 2020, through adoption. Kora joins big brother Kellen (5) who was also adopted. Kelly, a financial services professional with New York Life Securities LLC, was recognized in 2020 as a top 2,020 agent at New York Life. The company recently celebrated its 175th anniversary.

John L. Paulson, ’07, Madison, retired last January as a Chief Warrant Officer 3 from the Nebraska Army National Guard after 22 years of service. He also served in multiple units while he was an enlisted soldier within the South Dakota Army National Guard for his first 15 years. John was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in 2014 after completing Warrant Officer Candidate School at the 196th Regional Training Institute at Fort Meade. He retired as a Food Service Technician and the Senior Food Service Advisor for the 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Jerome A. Greene, ’68, Arvada, Colo., authored All Guns Fired at One Time: Native Voices of Wounded Knee, 1890. The book sets aside official narratives of what was

termed a “battle” and centers instead on the voices of survivors and witnesses. Jerome compiled and edited an array of little-known native interviews, correspondence and testimony, setting them in the context of the events leading up to the massacre and the landscape on which it occurred. Combined, these accounts add new dimension to the story of what really happened at Wounded Knee. Greene is the author of 24 books in addition to many scholarly articles and government reports. He retired in 2007 after more than 40 years of government service, including as an instructor at Haskell Indian Nations University and as a research historian and manager with the National Park Service.

Greene

1968

1990s

2000s

19

K U D O S + A N N O U N C E M E N T S

Danielle Raabe, '07, Waconia, Minn., was named Teacher of the Year by the District 112 Foundation. Danielle is a center-based special education teacher with the Discover program, which supports learners who have cognitive or physical disabilities. She has taught at Chaska Middle School, Chaska, Minn., for the past 14 years.

Jodi (Hill) Rich, ’03, and husband Jared, Gillette, Wyo., had a baby girl, Emersyn Kamille, May 21, 2020. Jodi is a stay-at-home mom.

Jared Trask, ’08, Phoenix, Ariz., was hired as a digital design professor for the College of Fine Arts and Production at Grand Canyon University (GCU) in Phoenix.

Jason Tysdal, ’01, Spearfish, was named South Dakota Realtor of the Year 2020. The selection was made by a statewide committee of members. Jason has experience in all aspects of real estate business and has continually provided professional leadership to the many sales agents that have worked with him. Jason is the owner/broker of Century 21 Spearfish Realty.

Jamie (Hahn) VanDeest, ’06, Spearfish, was recently hired as a design specialist for Builders First Source in Spearfish. Jamie spent the previous 14 years as the sales director for the Silverado Franklin Historic Hotel and Gaming Complex.

Michael Bailey, ’12, Devine, Texas, retired in May of 2019 after a 22-year career with the U.S. Border Patrol. Last August, he taught online classes for several major universities and was hired to develop and teach the first A.A.S. degree program in Homeland Security Studies at Laredo College in Laredo, Texas. The program will provide students with academic credentials, as well as prepare them for basic law enforcement academies.

Andrea (Nelson) Bakeberg, ’12 & ’16, Spearfish, has accepted a new, part-time position as the Career Development Coordinator for the Student Success Center at BHSU. Andrea will continue her duties as the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Office of the President at BHSU, in a part-time capacity.

Alisa (Eggebraaten) Bentley, ’10, and husband Brandon Bentley, ’10 & ’15, Spearfish, had a baby boy, Henry Keith, Sept. 23, 2020. Henry joins big brother Banks (3) and big sister Sadie (1). Alisa is a daycare provider/stay-at-home mom. Brandon is the Director of Business Services and Controller for BHSU.

Leigh Anne (Whiteside) Bordewyk, ’12, and husband Cody Bordewyk, ’10, Cheyenne, Wyo., had a baby girl, Ila Jeanette, Jan. 2, 2021. She joins big sister Lucy (1). Leigh Anne is a stay-at-home mom and the head cross-country coach at Johnson Junior High School in Cheyenne. Cody is a youth pastor at Calvary Chapel and an assistant cross country and track coach at South High School in Cheyenne.

Anastasia Bush, ’14, married Justin Weishaar, attended, Aug. 29, 2020. Anastasia has established Anastasia Custom Creations. She makes holiday craft angels, mini-top hats, hair combs, jewelry, and other assorted knickknacks. The couple resides in Belle Fourche.

Kellie DeJong, ’13, married Jeromy O’Dell, July 18, 2020. Kellie is employed with Slingsby and Huot Eye Associates in Rapid City. The couple resides in Rapid City.

Caitlin Hill, '16, Spearfish, received a "Notable Mention" in this year's Best American Essays anthology, edited by Andre' Aciman, for her essay "Consider the Sunflower," published in Prairie Schooner in 2019. Caitlin teaches Composition for the School of Arts and Humanities at BHSU.

Kaylee Lamb, ’17, Charlottesville, Va., was hired last fall as an instructor at the University of Virginia’s College of Arts and Sciences. Last fall she taught Writing in Culture/Society: Monster Rhetoric. The course was designed for incoming UVA freshmen and revolved around both academic and creative writing strategies surrounding the topic of the monstrous body. Kaylee is currently teaching a course with a different topic to promote the writing process. This course focuses on the theme of “Contagion.” Her class is looking at a range of pandemics/epidemics (and some Zombie apocalypses represented in film) to help center cultural anxiety and fear surrounding these events. This May, Kaylee plans to graduate with an M.A. in Concentration in Teaching Literature and Writing with a Digital Humanities Certificate from UVA. In her last semester of graduate school, the program she is in now allows her to take a pedagogy course and create her own writing course.

Pat Jolley, ’79, Canistota, head coach of the Canistota boys basketball team, recently recorded his 400th career coaching victory. Pat is currently in his 33rd year as a head boys

basketball coach, the last 28 years in Canistota. Pat has led the Hawks to six Cornbelt Conference Championships, eight District Championships, three Region Championships and two appearances in the State B Class Tournament (would have been three appearances in 2020, if not for the COVID-19 pandemic). He has taught at Canistota Public School since 1988, and currently teaches 8-12 grade American Government, Economics, American History, World History, Sociology, Psychology, and World Geography.

Jolley

1979

Jason Glodt, ’97, Pierre, has joined Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson & Ashmore, LLP law firm in Pierre as an associate attorney. Jason is focusing his practice on business,

governmental, and environmental law, as well as estate planning, litigation, lobbying and issue advocacy. He has more than 20 years of legal experience and previously served as S.D. Assistant Attorney General for Attorneys General Mark Barnett and Larry Long, as well as a Senior Advisor and lawyer for S.D. Governors Mike Rounds, Dennis Daugaard and S.D. Attorney General Marty Jackley. Jason also co-founded GSG Strategies, a Pierre-based government relations, grassroots issue advocacy and campaign strategy firm, and served the past six years as a Pierre City Commissioner. Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson, & Ashmore, LLP, is one of South Dakota’s largest law firms and has over 45 years of experience providing a full range of legal services.

Glodt

1997

2010s

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R E A D M O R E • B H S U . E D U / A L U M N I

» Graduation Year » Mailing Address » Phone Number » Email Address » Spouse's Name

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Sara (Thornberry) Prather, '10, and husband Nic Prather, '10, Yuba City, Calif., had a baby girl, Kennedy Noel, Dec. 8, 2020. She joins big sister Emery (3). Sara is the direct marketing manager for Colusa Casino Resort. Nic is the hydro market manager for Kingsbury Inc. Repair & Services.

Darian (Thompson) Samuelson, ’18, Upton, Wyo., was inducted into the Spearfish High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Darian set school records in the 400-meter run (56.24), 800-meter run (2:18.18), 4X200-meter relay, the 4X400-meter relay, and the 1,600-meter Medley. She was a South Dakota Top 10 400-meter athlete (No. 8), and had a South Dakota Top 10 400-meter time (No. 10). She was in the Spearfish High School Top 10 list in the 200-meter (2nd), 400-meter (1st), 800-meter (1st), 4x200-meter relay (1,6,9, and 10), 4x400-meter relay (1,2,4,6,8,9), 4x800-meter relay (5th) , and Sprint Medley (1 and 2). Darian won the Tordoff Award for most points for a Spearfish High School athlete in a state meet (2007, 2008, 2009, and 2011). She was named the Spearfish High School Athletic Booster Club Athlete of the Year in 2011. In addition to track, Darian participated in basketball, volleyball, cheerleading, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Brianna Schmidt, ’14, Spearfish, was named a 2020 South Dakota state-level science finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching (PAEMST). She is a second grade teacher at West Elementary School in Spearfish. In her building, she is a leader in standards innovation, instructional design, is on the science curriculum team, and is a STEAM Club Educator. Brianna is a member of the South Dakota Science Alliance and received a Master Teacher Policy Fellowship with the American Association of Physics Teachers and American Institute of Physics. The PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the US.

Darcy (Moulton) Vincent, ’15, Brookings, was named a 2020 South Dakota state-level mathematics finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). She is a customized learning facilitator for fifth grade mathematics at Camelot Intermediate School in Brookings. Darcy is a Math PLC leader, a South Dakota Counts leader, and has participated in South Dakota Department of Education projects such as the Math Standards Peer Review. The PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Taylor Watkins, ’19, married, Cole Phillips, ’17, Oct. 10, 2020. Taylor is the Dual Credit and Rising Scholar Coordinator for the Office of Admissions at BHSU. Cole is a business accounting analyst for Concord Trust Company. The couple resides in Whitewood.

Merideth (Grauel) Wilkes, ’12, Rapid City, was named a 2020 South Dakota state-level mathematics finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST). She is a K-1st grade combination teacher at Black Hawk Elementary School in Summerset. Merideth serves on the Building and District PBIS Leadership Teams, the District Math Leadership Team, and has participated in South Dakota Department of Education projects such as the Standards Writing team and the math standards roll out. The PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Joey (Painter) Williams, ’13, and husband Taylor Williams, ’10 & ’12, Volborg, Mont., had a baby girl, Shay Lynn, Dec. 30, 2020. She joins big brothers Landon (5) and Carson (3). Joey and Taylor are full-time ranchers in Buffalo and Broadus, Mont.

Tiffany (Engesser) Wolla, ’13, Rapid City, was named a 2020 South Dakota state-level science finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math & Science Teaching (PAEMST). She is a sixth grade science teacher at East Middle School in Rapid City. Tiffany is an active member of the East Middle School Building Leadership Team and had a leadership role in developing the district’s sixth grade science pacing guide. At the state level, she worked on the S.D. state science test review in 2017. The PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States.

Amanda "Mandy" (Detweiler) Woolston, '12, and Jason, Spearfish, had a baby girl, Lylie Jaye, May 30, 2020. She joins big sisters Claire (4) and Amelia (2). Mandy is a stay-at-home mom.

Monument Health announced that Robin (Johnson) Zebroski, ’99, Sturgis, Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications, has expanded her role to also serve as the senior leader of

the Monument Health Foundation. Her new title is Vice President of Foundation and Brand Strategy. The Monument Health Foundation is responsible for all fundraising programs and serves as the liaison between Monument Health and its benefactors. Robin joined the organization in May 2017 as the Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications. Her accomplishments include the systemwide Monument Health rebrand, securing the naming rights of the Rapid City Civic Center (The Monument), leading the process for joining the Mayo Clinic Care Network and developing a communications platform to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to joining Monument Health, Robin spent 10 years at the Sioux Falls-based marketing firm Lawrence & Schiller. Before that she was director of internet marketing and an adjunct professor at BHSU.

Zebroski

1999

21

Dakota Territory/Spearfish Normal School • 1883-1940Margret “Roberta” R. (Donovan) DuBois, Attended, HighmoreCarrol G. (Thorson) Foland, ’40, Philip

B l a c k H i l l s T e a c h e r s C o l l e g e • 1 9 4 1 - 1 9 6 3Shirley A. (Sazama) Adams, Attended, Salt Lake City, UtahRobert “Johnson” J. Baldridge, ’53, Helena, Mont.Darlene J. (Mattson) Begich, Attended, Virginia, Minn.Pearl C. (Pederson) Berg, Attended, Mitchell Marietta J. (Kingsbury) Brodsky, ’59, Rapid CityGene H. Cantrell, ’53, Dakota City, Neb.Mona G. (Erickson) Chancellor, ’58 & ’60, Highlands Ranch, Colo. Joan M. (Patterson) Craig, ’53 & ’58, SturgisThelma M. (Hill) Davis, ’56 & ’64, Belle Fourche Thelma “Faye” F. (Riggins) Eisenbraun, ’50 & ’80, PhilipLois L. (Noteboom) Fisher, Attended, ArmourPatrick “Pat” J. Freiberg, ’54, Casper, Wyo. David “Dave” L. Geary, ’59, Hermosa Marlyn B. (Lowe) Hansen, Attended, SturgisRobert M. Harvey, ’57, LeadGene “Geno” E. Hunt, ’58, Eagle Butte Andrew “Andy” P. Johnson, ’62, Apple Valley, Calif. Patricia “Patty” A. (Rosse) Kelley, ’56, Custer James “Jim” R. Moore, Attended, Mills, Wyo.Norma J. (Gould) Musick, Attended, Pierre Mary Ellen (Davis) Osloond, ’62, SpearfishJohn D. Rhynard, Attended, Sturgis Joe E. Rovere, Jr., Attended, Rapid CityHarold E. Salem, ’47, AberdeenRichard “Dick” T. Shamley, ’62, Casper, Wyo. Fay A. (Hanrahan) Shields, ’48, Spearfish JoAn M. Van Balen, Attended, Des Moines, IowaRaymond “Ray” O. Wickstrom, ’56, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Curtis V. Wilson, ’63, Rock Hill, S.C. B l a c k H i l l s S tat e C o l l e g e • 1 9 6 4 - 1 9 8 8Allen J. Borszich, ’67, Fort Dodge, Iowa Lianne M. (Downey) Brandrup, Attended, Rapid CityAdrienne A. (Slides Off) Bruguier, ’84, Eagle Butte Demarest “Dem” H. Crary, ’70, Rapid CityHenrietta L. (Bruguier) Neal, Attended, Lake AndesLeone M. (Schumacher) Carlson, ’75, Scottsbluff, Neb.Mitchell “Mitch” R. Chapel, ’73, Spearfish John M. Chilcott, ’66, Phoenix, Ariz.Randy R. Colwill, Attended, Sioux FallsJenece “Jeni” L. Deis, Attended, Chandler, Ariz. Patricia “Kissa” (Brennan) Edwards, Attended, Buffalo, Wyo. Helmuth T. Eisenbraun, Attended, Kansas City, Mo.Paula M. Eisenbraun, ’73, Custer Carol M. Elk Nation, Attended, Eagle Butte Barbara J. (Williamson) Ellefson, Attended, Rapid CityJerry L. Ellerman, Attended, Hermosa

Mildred “Millie” M. (Bonser) Gerber, ’75, Gering, Neb.Gerald A. Gramm, ’70, Parkston Marlene V. (Kelly) Gustafson, ’81, Rapid City Clarence “MC” K. Haley, Attended, Spearfish Linda M. (Torres) Harris, Attended, Sturgis Billie J. (Fortune) Hett, Attended, Spearfish Barbara S. (Hunnell) Holdeman, ’85, Gillette, Wyo.Glen A. Hovland, Attended, Rapid City Kenan K. Huber, ’86, SpearfishGeorge H. Jackson, ’67, Rapid City Joyce A. (Titus) Johnson, ’80, Apple Valley, Calif.Edison “Ed” K. Keeler, Attended, Dickinson, N.D.Ann J. (Pullman) Lee, ’76, Rapid City Joseph “Joe” A. Leibel, ’85, Penrose, Colo.David A. Loguda, ’79, Sebastian, Fla. Paul S. Martinez, Attended, Guernsey, Wyo. Marvin “Marv” A. Matkins, ’75, Hill CityJeanne F. (Puetz) McDonald, ’65, Aransas Pass, TexasAnna “Jean” J. (Hutchens) McKee, ’70 & ’73, Sturgis Michael “Mike” W. Miller, ’72, Casper, Wyo.Ronald “Ron” F. Moore, Attended, Marshall, Minn. Kandace “Kandi” A. (Woitte) Nelsen, ’71, Sioux FallsFern L. (Denker) O’Connor, ’80, Sturgis Ronald “Ron” L. Odegard, Attended, Rapid CityTroy A. Opsal, Attended, Sisseton Lynn M. (Glover) Paulsen, ’70, Powell, Wyo. Donna R. (Means) Petersen, Attended, Ridgeview Tharon J. Peterson, Attended, Sioux FallsStanley E. Pzinski, III, Attended, Newcastle, Wyo. Vicki S. (Dibble) Samoray, Attended, Helena, Mont.Paul L. Strain, Attended, Sturgis Jesse “Jay” B. Taken Alive, Attended, McLaughlinCynthia “Cindy” S. (Stangle) White, ’71, Burney, Calif. Gary N. Whitney, ’69, Pierre Ronald “Ron” D. Wright, ’76, Lower Brule

B l a c k H i l l s S tat e U n i v e r s i t y • 1 9 8 9 - P r e s e n tNichole “Nicki” S. (White) Anderson, ’00, Rapid CityBarbara “Barb” J. (Thomas) Cooper, ’96, Upton, Wyo. Lisa M. (Box) Hamilton, ’96, Cedar Rapids, IowaThomas “TJ” K. Jackson, Attended, Spearfish Braden S. Jones, Attended, Denton, Texas Jack C. Kirtley, ’93, Idaho Falls, IdahoMarvin “Marv” V. Mirich, ’93, Cheyenne, Wyo. Mitchell A. Roberts, Attended, Rapid CityMelanie M. Vigil, Attended, Douglas, Wyo.Dean J. Vogel, ’97, Milwaukee, Wis.

F o r m e r Fa c u lt y / S ta f fKristi “Kris” L. (Nations) Dower, ’94, Spearfish Robert Nuttbrock, Salem Leigh (Earley) Patten, ’67, Belle FourcheRita M. (Beaner) Tibbitts, Springfield, Ore.

I N M E M O R Y

Dr. Carl "Duke" Iverson, age 80, passed away in February 2021. He was the head coach of the Black Hills State College football team for two years, 1983-84. He had a combined record of 13 wins, 4 losses and 2 ties. His ’83 team won the SDIC championship while his ’84 team was crowned SDIC Tri-Champions. In addtion to his time at BHSC, Iverson’s impact as a coach stretched all the way from Oregon where he coached the Western Oregon University Wolves (1985-87 and 2001-04), to Colorado coaching the Western Colorado Mountaineers for 12 seasons (1988-95 and 1997-2000) as well as to Austria, Finland, Australia and Sweden. Throughout his 21 years of coaching football at Black Hills State, Western Colorado and Western Oregon, he went 126-84-3.

D r . C a r l " D u k e " I v e r s o n , M o n m o u t h , O r e .

22

I N M E M O R Y

Clarence Richard “Dick” Popelka, 84, passed away Sept. 15, 2020, in Pocatello, Idaho. Dick was born Feb. 20, 1936, in the Minnesotan Iron Range town of Virginia to Marcella and Vincent Popelka. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served with the NATO Peacekeeping Mission in Europe. While stationed in Germany, he met and married Inge Kotobra. After an honorable discharge, Dick and his family returned to Minnesota where he earned his bachelor's degree from Bemidji State University. Known for his love of philosophy and world religions, Popelka was a life-long educator, who began his career teaching high school English in Sundance, Wyo. After earning his master's degree at the University of Arizona, he then taught English at Black Hills State University, where he met his second wife, Patricia Smith. He retired from BHSU in 1998. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; sons Christopher Popelka and Steven Smith; and wife Patricia. He is survived by his children Linda (Ralph Heckard) Popelka; Rebecca (Bruce) Hahn; Thorne (Clara) Popelka; Thane Popelka; Rene Emme; Anthony (Tammy) Smith; and Teresa Sweazey. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud, family friends Rob and Gina Steele of Rapid City, and his beloved yellow lab Trixster. No public services were held, but the family celebrated his life by spreading his ashes near the Missouri River, where he and Patricia often spent their summers fishing, reading, and antiquing. Dick also enjoyed hunting and traveling, and often spent his summers teaching his love of the outdoors to both his children and grandchildren.

C l a r e n c e R i c h a r d “ D i c k ” P o p e l k a , P o c at e l l o , I d a h o

Randalei (Randi) Ellis, 67, of Spearfish, passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Friday, Nov. 13, 2020. Randi was born Nov. 14, 1952 in Casper, Wyo. to Lloyd Dean and Evelyn (Weber) Cureton. After graduating from Natrona County High School, Randi moved to Missouri where she met and married Robert Nathan Ellis of Elvins, Mo. Upon returning to Casper the couple were blessed with two children, Robert and Jamie. Randi graduated from the University of Wyoming (UW) in 1987 with a master’s degree in accounting. After graduation, she taught at UW for a several years before accepting a position as Associate Professor at Black Hills State University in Spearfish. Randi also held positions as the Director of Business and Tourism and Treasurer of the Small Business Institute at BHSU. Randi retired from BHSU in 2008 at which time she and her husband Robert went on to spend their summers as campground hosts at Rocky Point Recreation Area in Belle Fourche. Randi especially loved her children and grandchildren who spent many adventurous summers with her at the lake. She loved music, margaritas, and travelling with her friends. Randi is survived by her son Robert (Lisa) Ellis of Eden Prairie, Minn., daughter Jamie (Christopher) Lindemann of Fort Collins, Colo. and nine grandchildren. She is also survived by three sisters Kristi (Dave) Reese, Debbie (Richard) Moore and Traci Walton of Casper, Wyo. and one brother Russ Cureton of Long Beach, Wash. Randi was proceeded in death by her parents Lloyd Dean Cureton, Evelyn (Weber) Cureton, husband Robert Nathan Ellis and grandson Jack Alvin Ellis.

R a n d a l e i “ R a n d i ” ( C u r e t o n ) E l l i s , S p e a r f i s h

Gertrude Virginia “Trudy” (Kuntz) Hause, formerly of Greeley, passed away on Friday, February 5, 2021, in Colorado Springs, Colo. Trudy was born May 27, 1929 at Otis, Colo. to Charles and Margaret (Zwickl) Kuntz. She attended Otis Elementary and graduated from St. Joseph High School Academy in West Des Moines, Iowa in 1947. She attended Colorado State University and received her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Northern Colorado in 1952. She was a member of Sigma Kappa sorority. On June 15, 1952 she married J. Gilbert (Gil) Hause at St. Peter Catholic Church in Greeley. When her husband joined the U.S. Navy, she followed the many travels of his career in the service to Newport, R.I., Naples, Italy and Norfolk, Va. At each station she taught in elementary schools. She continued to teach while supporting her husband’s education career at BHSU as well as at the University of Northern Colorado, Dacca University Institute of Education and Research, East Pakistan (Bangladesh), and Western State University, Gunnison, Colo. She was active in each of her Catholic parishes, Faculty Wives, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and volunteered with the American Cancer Society Reach to Recovery program. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Gil; sons David (Virginia) Hause, and Patrick (Maria) Hause, daughter-in-law Joanne Hause Rohrer; five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren; sister Margaret Eisenman; brothers Gilbert (Mary), Leonard, Kenneth (Bonnie) Kuntz; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Douglas; brother Edward and her grandparents.

G e r t r u d e V. H a u s e , C o l o r a d o S p r i n g s , C o l o .

Patricia "Pat" Hauck Wermers passed away peacefully on Nov. 14, 2020. She was able to spend quality time with family and friends in the comfort of her home. Pat was born Dec. 4, 1935, in Webster. Adopted and raised in Waubay by Elsie (Sikkink) and Carl Parish, she attended nursing school in Aberdeen, where she met William C. Hauck, who attended Northern State College and the two were married in Waubay in 1957. They had four children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. After moving to Spearfish (1965), Pat was a Spearfish School District Nurse from 1966, until becoming Black Hills State College Health Nurse in 1968 for 30 years. She was honored as Swarm Day "Mom" from 1983-1985 and was instrumental in establishing an on-site physician for the students. She considered her career as college nurse one of the greatest honors of her life. After meeting Robert Wermers (Rapid City), the second chapter of Pat's life began. They married in 1996, adding Bob's sons to her family, Gregory and Richard Wermers. After retiring in 1998, her life was enriched with bridge games, good friends, casino trips, family gatherings from Florida to Washington and adventures throughout the world. They spent many winters at their home in Mesa, Ariz., where they made more friendships. Now Pat has joined her loving, adoring husband, Robert Wermers, as she wished.

Pat r i c i a “ Pat ” H a u c k W e r m e r s , S p e a r f i s h

Black Hills State University 1200 University Street Unit 9506 Spearfish, SD 57799-9506

BHSU.edu/Alumni

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Looking Ahead

Dates are subject to change. Please check BHSU.edu/Events for the most up-to-date information. For athletic events, visit BHSUAthletics.com

Looking Back

04Sting in the Spring Week

APRIL 6 - 1 0

09Props and Liners celebrate 100-year anniversary

sep tember

24The 1970 football team celebrates 50th anniversary of SDIC title25

Swarm Week (Sept. 25 - Swarm Day)20-25

The 1980s decade football teams reunion25

Commencement8

05may

7-8 Class of 1970 & 1971 / 50-Year Reunion

1 Gold Rush Raffle

06June25-26 Stadium Sports Grill Yellow Jacket Golf Classic

08The Dennis Kirk Jacket Ride for Veteran Scholarships

august10

Devils Tower Golf Classic presented by White's Canyon Motors13Sutton Bay Golf and Fishing Outing16-18

10OCtober16 BHSU Scholarship Gala

Each year, classmates from the 50-year class return to campus to celebrate the anniversary of their graduation. Due to cancellations last year, this year two classes will be recognized, the classes of 1970 and 1971. More information about this event can be found on page 17.

This photo depicts students at the 1970 Commencement Ceremony.

Class of 1970 & 1971 to celebrate their 50-year reunion

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #32324

Twin Cities, MN