BHSU to announce Student Support Services Students of the Month for Spring 2016

• Kelsey Espinosa
• Cheryl Hewitt
• Sierra Henke
• Bryce Flickema

Four Black Hills State University students are being recognized for their accomplishments in spring semester by TRiO Student Support Services (SSS).

Students of the Month are selected based on their commitment and attitude with academics and the SSS program.

The Spring 2016 SSS Students of the Month at BHSU are:

January: Kelsey Espinosa, environmental physical science major from Rosebud

Debbie Liddick, math specialist for SSS who nominated Espinosa for the award, said Espinosa improved over the past three semesters in her dedication and hard work to succeed as a college student. Espinosa is interested in sciences, especially the environment of the Black Hills. Her career goal is to finish her degree in environmental physical science at BHSU and then pursue a master's degree in geology.

February: Cheryl Hewitt, business administration - human resources major from Belle Fourche

Hewitt's SSS advisor Peggy Madrid described Hewitt as a leader, helping other students with tutoring needs and academic support. Her commitment, work ethic, and dedication has helped Hewitt stay focused on her goal of graduation. Hewitt said she values everything about her education. She found the resources she needed through the SSS program by using tutoring, class planning, assistance with scheduling, and emotional support.

March: Sierra Henke, outdoor education major from Hannover, N.D.

SSS employees noted that Henke is an excellent example of hard work and perseverance. At first, Henke wasn't sure about her major, and after many discussions Henke decided on outdoor education and fell in love with it. Through TRiO, Henke says she learned to expand her horizons, try new things, and found a support group. Henke said her long term goal is to open her own business incorporating the outdoor world, giving young females more opportunities to get involved.

April: Bryce Flickema, exercise science major from Sioux Falls

Flickema, who sees himself being involved with either outdoor recreation or a career in the medical field, was nominated by Susan Hupp, SSS director, for his effort to find the right major and maintain a healthy balance in life. Flickema said the exercise science program at BHSU was a great fit for him.

Student Support Services is one of seven federal TRiO programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Services provided at BHSU as part of SSS program include tutoring as well as academic, career, personal, and financial advisement.

To be considered for the SSS program, students must either be a first-generation college student (neither parent has earned a bachelor's degree), meet income eligibility criteria, or have a documented disability.

For more information on the Student Support Services program at BHSU, contact Susan Hupp, director of SSS, at 605-642-6824 or Susan.Hupp@BHSU.edu