Yote Notes Archive

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Kira Osborne '23 began work as as a treasury coordinator after graduation. (Submitted Summer 2023)

• Katelyn Conover '14, '22 has transitioned to the Montgomery's team and now serve as the Chief Marketing Officer. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Kaycee Verlinde '22 successfully passed her license exam as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Since graduating with a Master of Social Work in 2022, Ryan Davis '21, '22 has married, relocated, and gained employment as a Lead Clinical Coordinator with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is pursing a Doctor of Education at Liberty University. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Matt Nelson '22 is working for Loffler Companies as an Imaging Account Executive. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Hannah Hovel '22 recently began as a Kinship Locator for Lutheran Social Services. She also started in the Masters of Social Work Program through University of North Dakota. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Sidney (Berndt) Backhaus '22 has recently accepted a position with DSS in Mitchell as a Family Services Specialist. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Kiley Burggraff '22 accepted a position with Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota as a JJRI Clinical Therapist (Juvenile Justice Reinvestment Initiative) in August 2022. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Nalini Maharajh '22 has accepted a position in the Sioux Falls School District as a School Home Liaison, supporting students and families who are in the EL Program as well as newcomers to the country. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Hayley Knudsen ' 22 is working as a registered nurse. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Kerby Barnes '22 earned a Master's in American History online at Southern New Hampshire University. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Liv Korngable '22 is finishing up her first year of graduate school at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN and will receive her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in two years. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Dillon D. Kober '17, '22 has joined Sioux Falls law firm Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, as an associate attorney, having been a summer associate with the firm in 2021. Dillon’s practice covers business transactions, real estate, and estate planning. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Aaron California '22 started working as a psychotherapist in a traditional mental health therapy office (Lifepath Counseling & Wellness) and working as a Social Worker doing suicide assessment for a major hospital in Boise, ID (St. Luke's Hospital) following graduation. (Submitted Summer 2022)
• Kacy Kamphoff '22 will be continuing her education to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of South Dakota. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Hannah Rambow '22 moved to Park City, Utah after graduation to work for Marriott International in their Voyage Global Leadership Development Program in Food and Beverage Operations. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Nate Janssen '21 is employed at Dells Auto in Dell Rapids, SD. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Joseph Mehlhaff '21 was elected Board President of the Aberdeen Catholic School System. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Amber Hulse '21 was crowned Miss South Dakota USA 2023 on June 11. She is the 4th woman to be both Miss South Dakota and Miss South Dakota USA and will compete for Miss USA later this year. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Ange Johnson '21 was hired full-time as an Assistant Professor for the MHA program and Enrollment Coordinator at Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Tori Jones '21 has been working at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) as a Medical Technologist since June 2021. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Leah Dusterhoft '21 has worked as the Director of Creative Content for the Vanderbilt Women's Basketball team since graduation. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Jaycob Danielson '21 currently works as the Youth Success Manager at the South Dakota Afterschool Network and runs a nonprofit called the WeCan Movement. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• David King '21 started a career as an Instructor at Spartanburg Community College. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Haleigh Diede '21 is a 7th grade Special Education teacher at Yankton Middle School, as well as the Assistant Gymnastics and Soccer Coach for the High School. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Whitney (Oehlerts) Burrows '18, '21 recently started a position at the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Mark Ellens '21 is currently working for Sioux Falls Fire Rescue as a firefighter. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Taya Vacanti '21 received her LGSW and accepted a position at a long term residential facility for people with severe and persistent mental illness in Minneapolis, MN. Vacanti is currently working towards receiving her LICSW. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Alycen O'Neal '21 earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from NWMS and will be starting a 3rd year of teaching 3rd grade in the fall. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Taylor Janicek '21 serves as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Creighton University. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Richard Culver '18, '21 has transitioned from community mental health work to practicing within an established mental health private practice. His next steps include finishing a second-tier licensure and completing the process of becoming a board approved supervisor. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Autumn Tripp ' 21 started her own photography business and taken on the role as an advisor for Talent Search, a TRIO program for first-generation college students. She has also recently taken on the role as the Content Manager and Creative Director of BRCA Mutated, an organization founded by her mother and cousins. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Madilyn Sindelar '21 began flying as a flight attendant with Delta Airlines last October. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Taylor Thompson '21 finished her first year teaching 1st grade at Elkton Elementary in South Dakota. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Since graduating with a Master of Social Work in 2022, Ryan Davis '21, '22 has married, relocated, and gained employment as a Lead Clinical Coordinator with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is pursing a Doctor of Education at Liberty University. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Peter Michael Mehlhaff was born to Joe '21 and Kaylyn Mehlhaff on September 20th, 2022. At birth he was 7 pounds 15 ounces and looks forward to being a Coyote! (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Kelsey (Berger) Grady ‘20, ‘21 and Jacob Grady ‘19 were united in marriage on August 28, 2021. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Patrick Frederick '09, '21 accepted the Superintendent of Schools position in the Bennett County School District. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Reba Arens '13, '21 recently started as community health manager for a local hospital with responsibilities of Director of Public Health for Plymouth County, Iowa. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Travis Hill '20 is moving from USD University Housing after 2 years to Ball State University to be an Area Coordinator for their Housing and Residence Life. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Nikolas Wilson '20 was recently promoted from reporter to morning anchor at KCAU 9 News. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Seth Gerberding '20 has been working on his Ph.D. in mathematics at Texas A&M University with a focus in an numerical analysis and computational fluid dynamics. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Katrina Callahan '20 has accepted a position as a Policy and Government Relations Specialist at Community Colleges for Iowa located in Des Moines, Iowa. She will be starting August 1 after taking the bar exam. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Haley Wanous '20 earned her Associate's Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and is employed with Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center working in the Radiology Department as a Sonographer for almost 3 years now. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Martha Zere '20 has completed the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in Dallas, TX and work under Obstetrics/GYN, General and Vascular Modality. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Joe Holstedt '20 is now working in Lexington, KY as the Head Athletic Trainer for the Lexington Counter Clocks Professional Baseball team. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Tristan Heinze '20 is currently a PhD candidate at Drake University and began a career with the federal government. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Kevin Wood '13, '20 is currently serving as a District Superintendent of three districts in Northwest Iowa. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Tyler Kann '20 is working full time at SSM St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City as the Lead Sonographer of the Heart and Vascular Clinic. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Hillary Presecan '20 is working for the Housing Assistance Council as Community Placemaking Program Manager for two programs on topic funded by the USDA and the NEA. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Jaycie Foster '20 is going into her 3rd season with the Jefferson High School Marching Band in Sioux Falls as the Color Guard Coach. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Steve Mollick '20 recently transitioned from teaching high school music to elementary general music. He has accepted a position teaching K-5 music at Sheridan Hills Elementary in Richfield, MN, beginning bill with the 2023-24 school year. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Nikolas Wilson '20 accepted a job at KCAU 9 News in Sioux City. (Submitted Summer 2022)
  
• Kelsey (Berger) Grady ‘20, ‘21 and Jacob Grady ‘19 were united in marriage on August 28, 2021. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• David Levavi '19 of Manchester, New Hampshire graduated from Touro University Worldwide in March 2024 with a Doctor of Health Science degree. His doctoral research focused on the development of habitual alcohol consumption-related, chronic nitric oxide-deficient hypertension in middle-aged non-Hispanic White men. (Submitted Spring 2024)
• Kiana Dowdell '16 and Timmy Wood '19 were married on October 13, 2023 at The Atrium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Rachelle Schmidt '18 and Brennan Schmidt '19 welcomed daughter Cierra Schmidt of Freeman, SD. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Kelsey (Berger) Grady ‘20, ‘21 and Jacob Grady ‘19 were united in marriage on August 28, 2021. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Sarah Davelaar '19 accepted the position of Marketing Director of Urban Acres Real Estate in Iowa City, Iowa. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Jennifer '16 and Andrew '19 Candela had their baby Yote on July 21, 2021! He came 2 months early and thrived in the NICU and is now home.(Submitted Fall 2021)

• Malachi Petersen '17, '18 has joined Minneapolis-based SRF Consulting Group as a Transportation Planner. In his role Malachi applies for federal transportation grants on behalf of states, local municipalities, and tribal governments. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Whitney (Oehlerts) Burrows '18, '21 recently started a position at the South Dakota Board of Medical and Osteopathic Examiners. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Richard Culver '18, '21 has transitioned from community mental health work to practicing within an established mental health private practice. His next steps include finishing a second-tier licensure and completing the process of becoming a board approved supervisor. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Rachelle Schmidt '18 and Brennan Schmidt '19 welcomed daughter Cierra Schmidt of Freeman, SD. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Carolyn Rose-Janelle Petersen was born on March 27, 2022 to proud parents Malachi '17, '18 and Kaitlyn '18 Petersen. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Megan Pasika '18 has been volunteering for over two years as a forensic genealogist with the DNA Doe Project, a nonprofit organization that uses forensic genealogy to identify human remains in the US and Canada. She currently serves as a team lead on multiple cases. (Submitted Fall 2021)

• Cody '16 and Rachel '17 (Meyer) Breen welcomed their second son, Hayden George, into the world on November 14, 2023. He is welcomed home by big brother Connor. Proud to pass on the love of the Yotes to our boys! (Submitted Spring 2024)
• Malachi Petersen '17, '18 has joined Minneapolis-based SRF Consulting Group as a Transportation Planner. In his role Malachi applies for federal transportation grants on behalf of states, local municipalities, and tribal governments. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Dillon D. Kober '17, '22 has joined Sioux Falls law firm Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, as an associate attorney, having been a summer associate with the firm in 2021. Dillon’s practice covers business transactions, real estate, and estate planning. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Kaela Schuiteman '17 and Andrew Schuiteman '17 welcomed Dean Alexander into the world on November 5th, 2022. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Carolyn Rose-Janelle Petersen was born on March 27, 2022 to proud parents Malachi '17, '18 and Kaitlyn '18 Petersen. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Cody '16 and Rachel '17 (Meyer) Breen welcomed their second son, Hayden George, into the world on November 14, 2023. He is welcomed home by big brother Connor. Proud to pass on the love of the Yotes to our boys! (Submitted Spring 2024)
• Andrew and Brittany (Lunstra) Yanish ‘16 welcomed their daughter Ruby Yanish on November 16th. She joins big sister Lucy! (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Kiana Dowdell '16 and Timmy Wood '19 were married on October 13, 2023 at The Atrium in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Jordan Decker '14, '16 was recently hired as the new Associate Director of Admissions for the USD-Sioux Falls campus. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• In November 2021, Emily Roberson '16 accepted the Executive Director role at the Youth Garden Project, a 26 year old nonprofit in Moab, Utah. Roberson was one of the first few graduates of the Sustainability program at USD. (Submitted Summer 2022)
• Jennifer '16 and Andrew '19 Candela had their baby Yote on July 21, 2021! He came 2 months early and thrived in the NICU and is now home.(Submitted Fall 2021)
• Michael Browers ‘16 has been promoted to Director of Product Management at Integer Holdings Company. (Submitted Fall 2021)

• Ryan and Gina '13, '15 O'Connor are expecting Yote #2 in November 2023. (Submitted Fall 2023).

• Craig Haugaard '14 became the 100th person in the world to run a half marathon on every continent when he finished a half marathon in Antarctica on March 21, 2024. (Submitted Spring 2024).
• Morris "Rick" Beato '14 has been appointed to the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties of the American Physical Therapy Association. (Submitted Spring 2024)
• At the recent 2023 Barchart Hedge Awards Norman Haugaard '14 was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his "profound impact on the agricultural industry." (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Morris "Rick" Beato '14 was appointed as the Chair of the Neurologic Board Specialty Council of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Katelyn Conover '14, '22 has transitioned to the Montgomery's team and now serve as the Chief Marketing Officer. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Kelsey Warkenthien-Smith '14 and Peyton Smith '12 are expecting their second Yote baby in July 2023! It is a boy that will be joining 3 year old Yote girl-Mila! (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Morris "Rick" Beato '14 was recognized with the Distinguished Mentor in Residency and Fellowship Education Award by the Academy of Physical Therapy Education. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Jordan Decker '14, '16 was recently hired as the new Associate Director of Admissions for the USD-Sioux Falls campus. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Morris Beato '14 has been recognized by the Florida Physical Therapy Association with the 2022 Award for Excellence in Academic Teaching. He is an Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida's Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Morris "Rick" Beato '14 was recognized with the 2022 Excellence in Neurologic Education Award, Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy and 2021 Outstanding Neurologic Physical Therapist in Education Award, Florida Physical Therapy Association Neurology Special Interest Group. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Zachary Davelaar '14 became a Managing Shareholder of Kennedy, Gelner, Cronk and Waterman PC, where he has been an associate since 2015. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Todd J. Pokrywa '13 played in a Celebrity Shinny hockey game at Amalie Arena with former NHL All-Star Brian Bradley vs the first Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning Paul Ysebaert. (Submitted Spring 2024)
• Ryan and Gina '13, '15 O'Connor are expecting Yote #2 in November 2023. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Alexa '12, '13 and Shea '12 Williams are welcoming a substitute for their relay team with baby #5, Dar Colette Williams, joining their family in May 2023. (Submitted Fall 2023).
• On November 12, 2023, Todd J. Pokrywa '13 was a guest player in the Hockey Hall of Fame Hyundai Legends Classic held at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada as part of Induction Weekend. Todd played on Team Joe Nieuwendyk, coached by Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald, vs Team Adam Oates. His wife Cyndi was a guest coach for Team Oates. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• On September 30, 2023, Todd J Pokrywa '13 returned to Captain Team Viera in the Princess Margaret Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer tournament in Toronto, Canada which raised nearly $30,000 for the cause. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Todd J Pokrywa '13 was the top fundraiser for the second year in a row at the Hockey Helps the Homeless Bay Street Tournament in Toronto Canada. He skated alongside NHL Alumni Georges Laraque, Christian Hanson and Lou Franceschetti. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Kevin Wood '13, '20 is currently serving as a District Superintendent of three districts in Northwest Iowa. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Brad Omland '13 started a new job as Privacy Senior Associate at PwC. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• On October 1, 2022 Todd Pokrywa '13 captained Team Viera in the Princess Margaret Road Hockey to Conquer Cancer Tournament held in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada which featured approximately 140 teams and 1,500 participants. Todd was a top 10 fundraiser and participated in the Celebrities vs Fundraisers game which included NHL Alumni. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• On June 25, Todd Pokrywa '13 traveled from Florida to Toronto to play in the Hockey Helps the Homeless Bay Street Tournament. Todd skated alongside NHL Alumni teammates Georges Laraque and Todd Warriner. He was the top fundraiser and personally raised over $7,500 for the cause. (Submitted Summer 2022)
• Brad Omland passed the Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) exam. (Submitted Summer 2022)
• The SDRA recognized the Pizza Ranch restaurant on 41st Street in Sioux Falls with its annual Community Service Award, which recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to the residents of the community it serves. When a tornado destroyed the business in September 2019, the owners knew they would be closed for an extended period. Wanting to keep the team engaged during the downtime, the owners decided to boost their volunteer efforts in the community. The award was presented to co-owners Todd Pharis '85, Mike Pharis '90 and Mark Moeller '13. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Reba Arens '13, '21 recently started as community health manager for a local hospital with responsibilities of Director of Public Health for Plymouth County, Iowa. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Jennifer '12 and Ryan Murtha welcomed Aliyah to their family! Aliyah was born on March 6, 2023 and adopted on September 18, 2023. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Alexa '12, '13 and Shea '12 Williams are welcoming a substitute for their relay team with baby #5, Dar Colette Williams, joining their family in May 2023. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Kelsey Warkenthien-Smith '14 and Peyton Smith '12 are expecting their second Yote baby in July 2023! It is a boy that will be joining 3 year old Yote girl-Mila! (Submitted Spring 2023)
• James Payer II '12 received the "Excellence in Marketing" award from Simon Property Group and was Elected Chair of the Diplomat Committee for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Owen Simon Geraets was born on April 7, 2022 to Adam '11, '12 and Ashley (Simon) '10 Geraets. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Josh Hofmeyer '09, '11 took a promotion to be the CEO at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, SD. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Owen Simon Geraets was born on April 7, 2022 to Adam '11, '12 and Ashley (Simon) '10 Geraets. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Tommy Mousel '11, a ten-year veteran of Sterling, has been promoted to Vice President of Federal Sales. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Brooke '07, '10 and Chris '08 Schloss welcomed Frances Julia on June 8, 2023. She joins sisters Lucille and Josephine. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Marcus and Ashley Dvorak '10 welcomed their son, James Michael, to the world on June 2, 2023. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Hillarie Maddox '10 is stepping away from a career in the tech industry to pursue entrepreneurship, focusing on expanding her curriculum consulting business, spending time with family, and providing homestead education in her local community. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Owen Simon Geraets was born on April 7, 2022 to Adam '11, '12 and Ashley (Simon) '10 Geraets. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Daschle Larsen '10 was featured in the cover story on virtual sales in the January issue of the Independent Agent magazine. Larsen, an Elk Point native, joined McKinney Olson Insurance in 2013 as a Risk Executive dealing with both commercial and personal lines. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Josh Hofmeyer '09, '11 took a promotion to be the CEO at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, SD. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Paul Hubbeling '09 accepted a position as the Chief Operating Officer at Westhills Village in Rapid City. (Submitted Summer 2022)
• Patrick Frederick '09, '21 accepted the Superintendent of Schools position in the Bennett County School District. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Brooke '07, '10 and Chris '08 Schloss welcomed Frances Julia on June 8, 2023. She joins sisters Lucille and Josephine. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Vance '08 and Emily '08 Janak welcomed their third daughter, Evelyn Judith, into the world on March 18, 2023. (Submitted Spring 2023)

• Brooke '07, '10 and Chris '08 Schloss welcomed Frances Julia on June 8, 2023. She joins sisters Lucille and Josephine. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Adam and Tamarra (Roths) '07 Friedrichsen welcomed Reagan Joy to their family on January 3, 2023. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Karrie Van Ravenswaay '07 was recognized as the Player Development Award winner for the 2022 season from the Nebraska Section PGA. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Ashley Sandborn '07 has joined Publicom as vice president of the full-service marketing communications firm in Okemos, Michigan. She has also received national and regional recognition for her work, is a graduate of the 2021-2022 Leadership Lansing cohort and is involved with the Central Michigan Public Relations Society of America, serving as a board member and current membership chair. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Leanne (Klute) Sparks '07 published "The Wrong Woman," a crime thriller with Crooked Lane Publishing (Penguin Random House) on February 8, 2022. The second book, "Every Missing Girl" will release in February 2023. (Submitted Summer 2022)
• Nell Christensen '07 was promoted to Vice President of Quality and Patient Safety at Covenant Health in Knoxville, TN. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Dawn Thomas '06 started as a Contract and Budget Planner for the Bureau of HIV, STI, and Hepatitis at the Department of Health and Human Services (IHHS) in September of 2023. (Submitted Spring 2024)
• Jeff Roby '03, '06 was named Director, Enterprise Privacy with Best Buy Co.(Submitted Fall 2021)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Paul Krueger '04 began his role as President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Minnesota October 2, 2023. He lives in Minneapolis, MN. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Eric Holmes '02, '04 has accepted a faculty position of Senior Lecturer at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. (Submitted Fall 2022)

• Dr. Thomas Hokanson '03 was recently awarded a Mellon Graduate Hours Fellowship by the American Indian College Fund. He is a faculty member at Red Lake Nation College in Minnesota. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Janet Reis '03 retired as the Elementary Principal and District Special Education Director from the Elk Point- Jefferson School District in June of 2020. Reis and her husband have moved to Middleville, MI. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Jeff Roby '03, '06 was named Director, Enterprise Privacy with Best Buy Co. (Submitted Fall 2021)

• Jacquelynn Skotvold '00, '02 has been promoted from Membership & Marketing Associate to Manager, overseeing efforts for both ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) and ATM Security Association (ASA). Her new role includes spearheading ASA renewals and outreach while maintaining her dedication to ATMIA's marketing and membership. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Eric Holmes '02, '04 has accepted a faculty position of Senior Lecturer at the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Brian Kellar '02 expanded his leadership role within Banner Health. (Submitted Fall 2022)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Jacquelynn Skotvold '00, '02 has been promoted from Membership & Marketing Associate to Manager, overseeing efforts for both ATM Industry Association (ATMIA) and ATM Security Association (ASA). Her new role includes spearheading ASA renewals and outreach while maintaining her dedication to ATMIA's marketing and membership. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Stephen Williamson '91, '00 is serving as the Chair-Elect for the South Dakota Humanities Council starting in 2023. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Dr. Elizabeth Trayner '98 '00 has been appointed Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity at Seattle University. In this role, Dr. Trayner will serve as Title IX Coordinator and 504 Coordinator. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Stephanie Amiotte '00 is the Legal Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. (Submitted Fall 2021)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Samuel A. “Sam” Christensen '98 was appointed Clerk of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, effective June 18, 2023 by the Wisconsin Supreme Court. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Sam Christensen '98 won re-election as the Clerk of Circuit Court for Racine County in Wisconsin. He was appointed to the position in 2015 and first elected in 2018. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Dr. Elizabeth Trayner '98, '00 has been appointed Assistant Vice President for Institutional Equity at Seattle University. In this role, Dr. Trayner will serve as Title IX Coordinator and 504 Coordinator. (Submitted Fall 2022)

• Dann Hurlbert '97 and his teenage daughter Kennedy published a YA and Christian fiction novel, "Suddenly Rural Girl." (Submitted Spring 2024)
• Jason McFarland '96, '97, who has worked in the field of liturgy for more than two decades, has commenced as executive secretary to the Bishops Commission for Liturgy, also serving as director of the National Office for Liturgy. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Jason McFarland '96, '97 will be a Visiting Scholar at The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC) to work on his research project "Semper Reformanda: Retrieving the Critical Edge in Liturgica Studies." The project has been funded by Australian Catholic University (Sydney) where Jason has been on the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy since 2016. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Nichole Price '96, Senior Vice President of Risk, Process and Performance at Pathward, was recently named to American Banker’s prestigious list of the ‘Most Influential Women in Payments.’ The list celebrates senior executives who guide the future of the global payments industry and is an honor among a top banking media outlet. (Submitted Spring 2024)
• David W. Friess, ‘96 BS, O.D., FAAO, received Salus University’s Alumni Association 2023 Public Service Award. Dr. Friess is currently Vice President of Global Medical Affairs at STAAR Surgical and helped launch Project MyVision, a charitable lens-based refractive surgery program. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Jason McFarland '96, '97, who has worked in the field of liturgy for more than two decades, has commenced as executive secretary to the Bishops Commission for Liturgy, also serving as director of the National Office for Liturgy. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Jamie Dooley '96 will assume the role of Citibank, Sioux Falls, Site Head. He will take on this responsibility in addition to his role as Senior Vice President, Compliance Business Control Group Manager. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Jason McFarland '96, '97 will be a Visiting Scholar at The Catholic University of America (Washington, DC) to work on his research project "Semper Reformanda: Retrieving the Critical Edge in Liturgica Studies." The project has been funded by Australian Catholic University (Sydney) where Jason has been on the Faculty of Theology and Philosophy since 2016. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• David Bush '95 recently published a new Extraordinary Life System (book, life planner, 90 day challenge). The free electronic version of the book and planner are available here. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Jennifer Karas Brown '95 was elected Chair of the Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado. (Submitted Fall 2021)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Mark Koopman '88, '93 has been the principal at Hanover Junior/Senior High in rural Colorado Springs, CO since 2021. During his time, he has also served as the interim superintendent during the 2022-23 school year. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Kevin Johnson '93 moved into the position of Electronic Access & Discovery Librarian at Transylvania University from his previous position of Digitization and Metadata Specialist. (Submitted Spring 2023)

• Robert "Bob" Giebink '80, '92 published the book "Rising in Glory: Poems from a Freed Soul" with Kharis Publishing in May 2023. (Submitted Summer 2023)

• Stephen Williamson '91, '00 is serving as the Chair-Elect for the South Dakota Humanities Council starting in 2023. (Submitted Fall 2022)

• The SDRA recognized the Pizza Ranch restaurant on 41st Street in Sioux Falls with its annual Community Service Award, which recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to the residents of the community it serves. When a tornado destroyed the business in September 2019, the owners knew they would be closed for an extended period. Wanting to keep the team engaged during the downtime, the owners decided to boost their volunteer efforts in the community. The award was presented to co-owners Todd Pharis '85, Mike Pharis '90 and Mark Moeller '13. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Cathleen Britton '74, '90 received National Citation for Outstanding Service to Music in Orlando, FL in June 2021, presented by the National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS), an organization that oversees most state activities associations in the US. Only 30 other people have received this award in the past. The award is presented only when strict criteria is met so is not given annually. Britton retired from teaching in 2014 after a 38-year career as an outstanding and award-winning music educator in South Dakota. (Submitted Summer 2021)

• Kevin Burr '81, '82, '89 has accepted a position as Deputy General Counsel for Optum/United Healthcare. (Submitted Spring 2023)

• Mark Koopman '88, '93 has been the principal at Hanover Junior/Senior High in rural Colorado Springs, CO since 2021. During his time, he has also served as the interim superintendent during the 2022-23 school year. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Patrick G. Goetzinger '82, '88 was presented with The Marshall M. McKusick Award at the 90th Annual Meeting of the State Bar of South Dakota on Friday, June 24, 2022. (Submitted Summer 2022)

• Victoria C. Hailey '87 has started a new position at Minnesota State University, Mankato as Assistant Professor of Marketing. She is also the co-advisor for both the Marketing and Professional Selling Clubs. (Submitted Fall 2023)

• Mike Berg '86 passed away on July 29, 2023 after living with Alzheimer's for 8+ years. (Submitted Fall 2023)

• John Albano '85 was recently featured in a Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) article. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• Don Yish '85 reached his one-year anniversary as Chief Revenue Officer at Avel eCare, the Sioux Falls based national leader in delivering clinician-to-clinician telemedicine services. (Submitted Fall 2022)
• The SDRA recognized the Pizza Ranch restaurant on 41st Street in Sioux Falls with its annual Community Service Award, which recognizes a business that goes above and beyond to give back to the residents of the community it serves. When a tornado destroyed the business in September 2019, the owners knew they would be closed for an extended period. Wanting to keep the team engaged during the downtime, the owners decided to boost their volunteer efforts in the community. The award was presented to co-owners Todd Pharis '85, Mike Pharis '90 and Mark Moeller '13. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Todd '85 and Patty '85 Pharis were featured in a Southern Living Magazine article. View the first page here and the second page here. (Submitted Fall 2021)

• Dr. Kevin Kennedy '84 is the recipient for the 2022 Distinguished Professional Achievement Award for an undergraduate degree alumnus at his Alma Mater, Mount Marty University in Yankton, SD. An endowment has been established in his name at MMU, The Dr. Kevin Kennedy Endowment Scholarship. In January 2023 he completed a dream traveling to Antarctica. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Monte Schatz '84 has joined the Omaha law firm of Lamson Dugan & Murray LLP as Senior Counsel in the Firm’s Business Department. Schatz's practice focuses in the areas of estate and business succession planning, estate and trust administration, estate and trust litigation and personal and business taxation. (Submitted Summer 2022)

• Jeb H. Clarkson '83, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pioneer Bank & Trust at their 2023 annual meeting. With banking locations in Buffalo, Belle Fourche, Spearfish, Sturgis and Rapid City, SD, the bank was founded in Buffalo, SD as First State Bank in 1913 by F.M. Clarkson and H.W. Clarkson, his grandfather and great uncle. (Submitted Spring 2024)
• After 42 years as an educator in South Dakota Linda Stevens '77, '83 has transitioned to be the SDTLA Executive Director. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Jim Tracy '83 was inducted into the Wireless Hall of Fame as well as received the Bill Carlson Lifetime Service Award from the NATE, the Watertown based Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Brian Bluhm '83, Chief Quality Officer at Eide Bailly LLP, was appointed to 2-year term as the Chair of the Peer Review Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant's (AICPA). (Submitted Fall 2021)

• Kevin Burr '81, '82, '89 has accepted a position as Deputy General Counsel for Optum/United Healthcare. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Joel Maynard '81, '82 has retired after more than 20 years in Financial Underwriting with UnitedHealth Group in Minnetonka, MN, and has built a house on Lake Kampeska in Watertown, SD. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Patrick G. Goetzinger '82, '88 was presented with The Marshall M. McKusick Award at the 90th Annual Meeting of the State Bar of South Dakota on Friday, June 24, 2022. (Submitted Summer 2022)
• Dr. Del DeVries '82, an Associate Professor of Accounting and Business Systems & Analytics at Belmont University in Nashville, recently completed seven years of volunteer service to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Dr. DeVries was a member of the CPA Content Committee and chaired the BEC (Business Environment and Concepts) subcommittee. (Submitted Summer 2022)

• Kevin Burr '81, '82, '89 has accepted a position as Deputy General Counsel for Optum/United Healthcare. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Joel Maynard '81, '82 has retired after more than 20 years in Financial Underwriting with UnitedHealth Group in Minnetonka, MN, and has built a house on Lake Kampeska in Watertown, SD. (Submitted Spring 2023)

• Robert "Bob" Giebink '80, '92 published the book "Rising in Glory: Poems from a Freed Soul" with Kharis Publishing in May 2023. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Michael Lambrecht '80 recently accepted a position at the University of Idaho as a HR Business Partner. (Submitted Fall 2022)

• Teryl L. "Teri" Dobbs '79 took retirement from the Mead Witter School of Music, University of Wisconsin-Madison, in May 2023. Throughout her time at UW-Madison, Dobbs taught undergraduate and graduate courses in music education, pedagogy for performers, and the Holocaust/genocide and the arts. On April 29, 2023, Dobbs was recognized by the Third Biennial Disability Studies in Music Education Symposium for her ground-breaking scholarship that introduced and integrated disability studies into music education: the inaugural recipient of the Teryl (Teri) L. Dobbs Keynote in Disability Studies and Music Education. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Glenn Hofmeister '79 retired from the State of Minnesota IT Department on January 4, 2023. (Submitted Spring 2023)
• Dr. Dominic (Nick) Meylor '76, '79 passed away on June 2, 2022. (Submitted Summer 2022)

• Mike Stevens '78 has been voted by his legislative colleagues the Speaker Pro Tempore of the South Dakota House of Representatives. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Beth MacDonald '78 published a novel entitled "A History of Forever." The first half of the book features USD, Vermillion and Sioux Falls. (Submitted Fall 2021)

• After 42 years as an educator in South Dakota Linda Stevens '77, '83 has transitioned to be the SDTLA Executive Director. (Submitted Fall 2023)

• Dr. Dominic (Nick) Meylor '76, '79 passed away on June 2, 2022. (Submitted Summer 2022)

• Mike Hansen '74, '75 completed the annual RAGBRAI bike race across the state of Iowa, 480 miles. At the start of the race in Sioux City, they asked riders to wear a jersey from their college or high school. As a USD alum, Mike had on a USD jersey. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• David Colwell '75 wrote the Alma Mater “Forever Inver Hills” for Inver Hills Community College in Inver Grove Heights, a southern suburb of St Paul, MN (Submitted Summer 2022)

• Mike Hansen '74, '75 completed the annual RAGBRAI bike race across the state of Iowa, 480 miles. At the start of the race in Sioux City, they asked riders to wear a jersey from their college or high school. As a USD alum, Mike had on a USD jersey. (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Cathleen Britton '74, '90 received National Citation for Outstanding Service to Music in Orlando, FL in June 2021, presented by the National Federation of State High Schools (NFHS), an organization that oversees most state activities associations in the US. Only 30 other people have received this award in the past. The award is presented only when strict criteria is met so is not given annually. Britton retired from teaching in 2014 after a 38-year career as an outstanding and award-winning music educator in South Dakota. (Submitted Summer 2021)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Rev. Warren Egebo '72 was inducted into the National Gym Association Hall of Fame on Nov. 18, 2023. He has produced 37 NGA bodybuilding shows in 23 years. (Submitted Spring 2024)

• Tom Fritz '68, '71 was recently honored by the Pennington County Bar Association as the "Exceptional Lawyer of the Year for 2022, in recognition of "Integrity, Leadership and Exemplary Service to the Community and the Bar" (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Art Rusch '68, '71 is retiring from the South Dakota State Senate after four terms (8 years) representing the Vermillion area. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• Vic Raphael '68, '70 was honored with presentation of the Director of National Intelligence’s Distinguished Service Medal recognizing his exceptional service to our Nation during of his 50 years in the US Intelligence Community. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Vic Raphael ‘68, ’70 retired on April 9, 2022 after serving over 50 years as an U.S. Intelligence Officer where he served for the last seven years as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence Analysis and Production in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), the oldest civilian Intelligence Agency in the U.S. Government. (Submitted Spring 2022)

• John Jenson '69 was elected to the Wisconsin Golf Hall of Fame for services as a volunteer and rules official and recognized for volunteer service to various community organizations. (Submitted Summer 2023)

• Vic Raphael '68, '70 was honored with presentation of the Director of National Intelligence’s Distinguished Service Medal recognizing his exceptional service to our Nation during of his 50 years in the US Intelligence Community. (Submitted Fall 2023)
• Tom Fritz '68, '71 was recently honored by the Pennington County Bar Association as the "Exceptional Lawyer of the Year for 2022, in recognition of "Integrity, Leadership and Exemplary Service to the Community and the Bar" (Submitted Summer 2023)
• Art Rusch '68, '71 is retiring from the South Dakota State Senate after four terms (8 years) representing the Vermillion area. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Vic Raphael ‘68, ’70 retired on April 9, 2022 after serving over 50 years as an U.S. Intelligence Officer where he served for the last seven years as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence Analysis and Production in the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), the oldest civilian Intelligence Agency in the U.S. Government. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Lorie Michaels '68 was named Minnesota Breeder of Year by Thoroughbred Association of America and featured in lead article in January Blood Horse Magazine. (Submitted Spring 2022)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Loren Winckler '66 is enjoying 22 years of retirement after a career that included engineering, analyst, and management positions with both General Motors and Xerox. (Submitted Fall 2022)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Roger Van Ommeren '61 passed away on February 9, 2023. (Submitted Spring 2023)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Gordon Wayne Segelke '59 passed away on March 21, 2022 in Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his wife, Barbara of West Des Moines, IA; and his daughters Susan Maass of Austin, TX, and Sheryl (John) Dutcher of Johnston, IA; four grandchildren and one great grand-daughter. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Stanley Merle Jones '59 passed away peacefully November 2, 2021, at the age of 88 due to Alzheimer's. He began college at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion; was interrupted by US Army stationing him at 5th Army Headquarters in Chicago. After serving in the Army Stan returned to South Dakota eager to finish his education. (Submitted Spring 2022)

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

There are no Yote Note submissions for this class yet.

• Pat (Miller) Bell '55 passed away on January 2, 2022. (Submitted Spring 2022)
• Gerald (Jerry) J. Alingh '55 of Des Moines, IA, passed away on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at Wesley Acres. He was an art instructor for two years and a lecturer for USD. (Submitted Fall 2021)