Jen Jungwirth

The year 2006 is coming to a close, and SDSU has had quite a year. With so many events and breaking news, here are the top 10 news headlines run in the past year.

“President Miller set to retire in 2007” (Jan. 24)After nine years as South Dakota State University’s president, Peggy Miller announced her retirement plans. Miller is set to retire Jan. 1, 2007. She began her presidency in 1998.

“New President – SDSU alumnus David Chicoine chosen” (Sept. 27)South Dakota Board of Regents selected SDSU alumnus David Chicoine as the new university leader.

“With big blast of pride, SDSU joins Mid-Con” (Sept. 6)SDSU joined the Mid-Continent conference Aug. 31, along with rival NDSU. Students felt the acceptance helped reinforce SDSU’s move to Division 1.

“Daktronics intern slain on solo trip” (Sept. 27)Jason Shephard, a 23-year-old sales intern at Daktronics was murdered while on a business trip to Pennsylvania. A sales manager from a nearby Daktronics office was charged with Shephard’s murder.

“A new rabbit arises” (Oct. 11)To fit in with Division 1, the 30-plus-year-old Jackrabbit logo will soon be changed. The logo is not considered to be as current, and since SDSU has joined Mid-Continent, now is the time to create a new logo. The logo will be chosen and unveiled sometime in February.

“Political science teacher under investigation” (April 11)Professor Gary Aguiar was investigated for potentially violating South Dakota Board of Regents policies pertaining to ethics and conflict of interest. Aguiar, who ran for a Brookings City Council seat in April 2005, was a mayoral candidate in the April 11 election.

“Forums for all, not press” (Sept. 13)The Collegian at SDSU went against the South Dakota Board of Regents after being told they would be shut out of the presidential candidate meetings Sept. 14 and 15.

The BOR policy had always been to close the media out of constituent meetings; however, The Collegian won the suit, and the BOR opened the meetings to all newspapers.

“2 players accused of sexual assault” (Feb. 7)Andre Gilbert and Mohamed Berte were suspended from the SDSU basketball team after being charged for raping female student on campus Dec. 15. The female filed a protection order, then both men filed one. Four football players were recruited to fill in the gaps left of the Jackrabbit team.

“A new university?” (Jan. 31)USDSU, now known as SDPURC, caused a controversy among South Dakota schools. The South Dakota Board of Regents wanted to add buildings, creating a larger campus. The creation of a new campus would possibly detract from SDSU and other state universities.

“Syllabus statement draws fire” (Sept. 6)A statement that appeared in syllabi this semester guaranteeing academic freedom stirred controversy among students and faculty.

The statement said students’ opinions should not affect their grades, and included guidelines for students if they feel they are being discriminated against by their professor.

#1.883923:134107713.jpg:presannounce04.jpg:Incoming president David Chicoine accepts his new job Sept. 25.: