During the South Dakota State University Student Association’s meeting Sept. 27, senators were addressed by Matilyn Kerr, the program advisor with University Traditions, about recent and upcoming university events, and Justin Sell, the director of athletics, about the state of SDSU athletics coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Senators introduced two resolutions: one to encourage students to receive the influenza vaccine and another to recognize September as Behavioral Health Recovery Month. 

Matilyn Kerr: 

Kerr reported to the Senate that 126 student organizations were featured at the Student Engagement Expo held Aug. 29. As September ends, the nine fraternities and four sororities on campus are wrapping up their recruitment season. Matilyn Kerr announced the Jacks Got Talent Show auditions will be Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. The talent show is scheduled for Oct. 19, Kerr said. State A Thon, a fundraiser for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, raised $132,538.21 last year, Kerr said. This year’s goal is to raise $150,000. 

Justin Sell:

Justin Sell addressed the Senate about the Frost Arena renovations and how the SDSU athletes are performing post-pandemic. 

“All of us went through a lot of things last year, and that’s no exception for our student athletes,” Sell said. “We measure a lot of things on winning and losing and last year–we just wanted to play.” 

Sell talked about the great response SDSU is seeing now that athletics are back and the community’s support. Sell described this year was one of the most successful yet. 

Sell reported to the Senate that the nearly 50-year-old Frost Arena could be seeing a cost increase due to the volatile nature of supply chains post-pandemic. The $50 million price tag could get a little higher. Thanks to the donations, Sell said, SDSU can continue to improve its athletics offerings to draw in more people and bring in more income. 

“We’ve always used private funding,” Sell said, “which is important because we can use state funding for other things.” 

Sell also addressed the mental health of student athletes and the ways SDSU is committed to its athletes’ well-being. 

“A lot of schools funnel (athletes) into certain majors because they’re easy. We try to figure out a balance,” Sells said. “Part of that is the growth process outside the sport and outside the classroom. You have to be able to go home and see your family.”

Other News: 

SDSU will hold a vaccination clinic Oct. 7 from noon to 6 p.m. First and second doses will be available for the Moderna vaccine. The $50 Hobo Dough incentive will continue for each dose. 

Oct. 8 is the grand opening of the American Indian Student Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. and public tours will be available from 5-6 p.m. 

A statue of Edgar McFadden will be commissioned and placed outside the Biostress building.