South Dakota State University

In a world that can feel divided, South Dakota State University School of Communication and Journalism graduate Annika Hanson chose to focus on what brings people together. Her master's project, rooted in empathy and connection, helped Dakota Prairie Elementary School in Brookings earn the title of Certified Kindness School, a first for the community.

Students in the South Dakota State University School of Communication and Journalism have been honing their skills both inside and outside the classroom through the Brookings Colorectal Cancer Awareness Program. This initiative aims to educate the community about colorectal cancer and promote preventive health measures. The initiative is the focus of coursework in the Integrated Marketing Communications course, where students apply classroom knowledge directly to a communitywide project.

The career possibilities for athletic trainers in South Dakota are expanding thanks to the efforts of a South Dakota State University clinical assistant professor. Educating future athletic trainers in the SDSU School of Health and Consumer Sciences and serving as the president of the South Dakota Athletic Trainers' Association, Mary Beth Zwart has made an impact on the profession and on her students.

Students from the South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions made a trip to the South Dakota Capitol Feb. 13-14, advocating for their chosen profession and offering lawmakers free health screenings.

South Dakota State University's Journal of Undergraduate Research returned to publication for the first time since 2019. The journal is one of the avenues in which students can gain experience in the scholarly publication process and features projects from students, or student groups, in physics, food science and mechanical engineering for its 18th volume.

Students in the South Dakota State University School of Communication and Journalism completed several projects for various businesses in Sioux Falls this semester. Advertising students presented their work at Startup Sioux Falls on Nov. 30. As part of their Advertising Media Strategies course, students created and pitched individualized social media campaigns to real Sioux Falls businesses.

The South Dakota State University aviation program hosted students from the Sioux Falls School District's Career and Technical Education Academy on a recent visit to the Brookings Regional Airport.

The South Dakota State University School of Design was selected this past spring to propose a master plan for a new community park in Chamberlain. After months of preparation, the final proposal was presented to and endorsed by community partners and the Chamberlain City Council this fall to begin the next step of development and implementation.