University Update-Winter 2003 Issue

BHSU receives first-ever Congressional earmarks for potential research centers

Black Hills State received two Congressional earmarks this summer for proposed research centers which are now pending Congressional approval. The research centers include a tourism research center to promote rural tourism and a biology center (see related story). 

The proposed Center for Tourism and Research will study and promote rural tourism opportunities in the state.

The tourism research center has the potential to greatly impact rural tourism throughout the state and region. Currently a nationwide search for a center director is underway contingent on funds. 

BHSU, which offers masters, bachelors and associate degrees in tourism and hospitality, sees the tourism center as an opportunity to draw upon the knowledge and expertise of current faculty members as well as future center staff members. BHSU will work with all segments of the state tourism industry including those in rural areas and reservation locations to provide tourism research and make recommendations that will ultimately have a major impact on economic development in the state and region. BHSU recognizes that tourism is the state's second-largest industry and sees great potential to connect rural tourism products to interested tourists both internationally and nationally using direct marketing techniques made available by the Internet. 

"The development of the web has provided a golden opportunity that few tourism businesses in South Dakota are currently able to explore effectively on an individual basis," said Dr. Gary Meek, dean of the College of Business and Technology. "Therefore the primary goal of the center will be to conduct research on the international use of the Internet as a marketing tool in the tourism industry." 
Using this web approach, the center will provide assistance to various constituencies in the state tourism industry by identifying current and future tourism products such as Native American cultural experiences, historical and archeological site visits, ranch vacations, and hunting expeditions for both camera and gun. The center will then conduct research to determine which products are marketable in specific countries and what cultural amenities, such as interpreters, dietary considerations, service expectations, etc., are needed to maximize customer satisfaction and foster return visitors. The center will then assist the state tourism industry in building an Internet network for worldwide marketing. 

The grant proposal cites examples of golf and gaming packages that may be especially attractive to Japanese visitors, hunting packages that may have strong appeal in Thailand and other Asian countries, and Native American and ranch vacations that should appeal to West European and Japanese travelers. 

The Alliance of Tribal Tourism Advocates members, which include the state's Indian reservations, expressed interest in the program according to Lisa Bryan, director for the Center of Indian Studies. 

"The reservations want to be a part of this and have pledged support for the tourism research center at Black Hills State University," Bryan said. 

The center staff will work with state tourism business people to research and promote other tourism possibilities including the potential national underground science laboratory in Lead, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, wine tasting clubs, cycling clubs for bicycle tours and consider the possibilities of building and expanding on the Lewis and Clark experiences that are currently being promoted in the state. 
The center director will also provide training programs to assist members of the state tourism industry in gaining and maintaining a competitive advantage. The center will also conduct research on a contract basis for tourism organizations in South Dakota and throughout the country. 

Eventually the center is expected to become self-supporting and will develop research relationships and collaborate with tribal colleges and tourism businesses. The center will be expected to obtain and sustain funds through grants from the tourism industry, grants from state and federal agencies, contracted research and paid training programs. Over the long run the center has the potential to become a major contributor to the South Dakota tourism industry, and as such, have a major impact on economic development in the state. 

BHSU makes plans for a biology center - TOP OF PAGE

Black Hills State University has plans to establish a Center for the Conservation of Biological Resources to conduct DNA-based testing and research. BHSU received a Congressional earmark of $750,000 which would be used to establish the research and service center.

The main operations of the planned center are DNA testing and research, fish and wildlife disease testing and research, and education and community outreach. 
There is a need in the region to develop a scientific infrastructure to use and preserve the northern plains area which has such diverse and rich biological, cultural and historical resources. These resources have provided the basis for the state's major industries - agriculture, tourism, forestry and mining. Currently the state needs to increase the scientific infrastructure to use, protect and explore the opportunities to build on its natural assets. There is not an organization of this type in the five-state region of South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska. 

DNA testing is an emerging technology and a vital component of modern fisheries and wildlife management. As modern disease testing has shifted to newer techniques, which are much more sensitive and reliable, there is an increased need for DNA testing and research. DNA-based technology is used to test for whirling disease in trout, brucellosis disease in cattle and bison, and other diseases in both wildlife and domesticated mammals.

DNA technology has the potential to establish and maintain wild herds of bison that reflect the historical diversity of the species. There is also interest among commercial bison producers for DNA testing to determine parentage in herds and to identify herds for production characteristics. 

The short-term goals of the center include developing DNA markers especially for species of economic importance or those species that have management needs. The center also plans to develop DNA-based educational activities that could then be used in teacher training workshops on campus and in area schools.

The proposed center, however, has the potential to spur economic, educational and community outreach opportunities for the entire region according to Dr. Dan Farrington, director of grants and special projects at BHSU. He foresees BHSU's biology center providing much-needed research and testing services for the region. The testing services could be used by agencies such as the Game Fish and Parks Department or the U.S. Forest Service, as well as bison, cattle and sheep producers, farmers for field testing, fisheries or anyone who needs this type of forensics work. 

Funding for the proposal was announced by Senator Tim Johnson's office and is expected to be approved by the president of the United States. The center will also provide training and employment opportunities in molecular biology and analytical chemistry and increase the likelihood of gaining future federal and private research funding. 

"This is a tremendous opportunity. In addition to the testing services and high-value undergraduate research opportunities, the center will create jobs for graduates and also has the potential to create future businesses," Farrington said.

This proposal is an extension of the work that BHSU has been involved in the last few years as faculty have been recognized and rewarded with research grants for their high-tech innovative ideas. One example is the genetic study of fish by Dr. Shane Sarver, BHSU associate professor, with the South Dakota Department of Game Fish and Parks. BHSU is also a partner in a grant from the National Institutes of Health to provide training and research opportunities for undergraduates in biomedical sciences. Research and study of this type was the catalyst for the development of a biology center on campus. 

BHSU is making changes to meet students needs - TOP OF PAGE

Changes are evident everywhere at Black Hills State University this year. BHSU is making changes to provide the best possible educational experience to students in the state and region. The most obvious changes are the on-going campus construction projects (see related story below). 

Academic changes are taking place as well as BHSU strives to meet the needs and expectations of students. Enrollment this fall of nearly 3,700 students solidified BHSU’s position as the third largest institution of higher education in the state. BHSU is recognized as a regional comprehensive public university and the largest institution of higher learning in a multi-state area.

BHSU is making improvements in course delivery methods as well as curriculum. While the vast majority of students continue to take classes on the Spearfish campus, BHSU now offers classes at three locations in Rapid City and has significant enrollments at Ellsworth Air Force Base, the campus of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and the Rushmore Building near Western Dakota Technical Institute. 

The College of Education has increased the number of courses available via Internet and has established cohorts in regional locations which give students the opportunity to take classes while continuing their employment. As a result of these changes a record number of 60 graduate students, nearly all education students, were awarded master's degrees at the winter commencement ceremony in December. Many of these students were members of the cohort groups. 

Recent curriculum changes at BHSU include a revised graduate degree. The degree, which was formerly known as tourism and hospitality degree, has been renamed a business services management degree to reflect the strengthened business aspect. Students majoring in this degree choose an emphasis in one of five elective areas: tourism and hospitality management, marketing services, human resource management, information services, and financial services. 

The revised BHSU graduate degree gives students an opportunity to build from a general base of business information and tailor their program to specific areas of interest that will expand their job opportunities. 

"With a stronger business component, students will have more and better employment opportunities," said Dr. Gary Meek, dean for the College of Business and Technology and chair for the Department of Business. 

Courses for the graduate business degree are available in traditional classroom settings as well as through the Internet. Currently more than half of the courses are available on-line. Some of the elective area courses are offered cooperatively from other state institutions. The option to transfer in credits is especially advantageous for students at other Regental institutions in South Dakota. Students at these institutions could potentially take the core classes on-line, complete electives on location at their home campus and transfer these courses to complete a graduate degree from BHSU.

BHSU is now one of two state universities to offer a new associate degree in paraprofessional education. The South Dakota Board of Regents recently approved the new associate degree for BHSU and Northern State University to help South Dakota's teacher aides comply with federal educational requirements.
The 64-credit associate of science degree in paraprofessional education can be completed in two years. The degree focuses on general education and more specific courses needed by classroom paraprofessionals. When Congress reauthorized federal education law late last year, it required paraprofessionals who assist teachers in classrooms supported by federal Title I dollars to complete at least two years of postsecondary study, obtain an associate's degree, or demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to assist with instruction.

New construction of music/academic building will change campus layout - TOP OF PAGE

Construction of a new music/academic building is underway on the campus of BHSU. Construction workers took advantage of recent mild weather to pour concrete on the second and third floors of the area that will become faculty offices and conference rooms. The building is being enclosed to allow for interior work throughout the winter.

Construction is underway for a new music/academic building on the BHSU campus. Last summer Cook Hall, a fixture in the middle of the campus for half a century, was demolished to make room for the new building. With a mixture of fond memories and eager anticipation of the new, the campus watched the demolition of Cook in July.

The new $8.25 million 45,215 square-foot structure will include a recital hall, seven classrooms, 16 practice rooms, faculty offices, additional storage rooms, sound and office studios, band and choral rooms, as well as recording, keyboard, listening and piano labs and conference rooms. Music faculty, who have been temporarily relocated this semester are looking forward to the Aug. 15 completion date so they can be ready for the fall semester. 

The new construction will have a great impact on the overall layout of the campus by creating an open campus green area. The new building is located in the former parking lot area near the library. The master plan that began in 1998 led the BHSU administration to the conclusion that the existing music facility was woefully lacking. Further study concluded that renovation of the existing Cook facility was not feasible so a preliminary design and cost projection was prepared. 

Consideration is also being given to remodeling the existing theatre in Woodburn Hall or building an entirely new theatre complex on campus. Planning for a future theatre is in the preliminary stages at this point in time. 

This construction is driving several other changes on campus. The National Guard, which was previously located in Cook Gym, constructed an addition to the Young Center. The basement of Jonas Hall was recently remodeled to accommodate psychology laboratories, photography classrooms and darkrooms and space for the student newspaper office. Jonas Hall will undergo another major change next summer when some office space is converted to add five additional classrooms. 
For more construction photos see <www.bhsu.edu/resources/facilities services/projects/music_bldg.html> or see live construction on the webcam at <www.bhsu.edu/media/webcam.html>.

BHSU campus undergoes dramatic physical changes - TOP OF PAGE

The Black Hills State University campus has changed dramatically in the past ten years. BHSU President Thomas Flickema highlighted some of the most evident campus changes as part of his State of the University Address this fall. To view a slide show of campus changes see www.bhsu.edu/alumni and choose Campus Changes. 

Woodburn area now

Woodburn area ten years ago

Former instructor honored at art show reception - TOP OF PAGE

Evelyn Elliott, right, at a recognition reception that featured both her artistic and teaching talents. Elliott's sisters Jean Rahja, left, and Doris Sherburne joined her for the ceremony.

Evelyn Elliott, retired business instructor at BHSU, was honored recently at a Ruddell Gallery reception recognizing her work at the university and her talent as an artist.

Fred Heidrich, associate professor of business and former student of Elliott's, served as master of ceremony for the occasion. He recalled his early experiences as a student in the business program and working for Elliott as a work-study student and later in the department as one of her colleagues.

Flanked by her sisters Jean Rahja of Aberdeen and Doris Sherburne of Spearfish, tributes were related by a nephew from Aberdeen and by Darleen Young of Spearfish who shared an office with Elliott for 19 years. Young reviewed Elliott's academic background and cited the significant role the honoree played in developing the university's business program. During her professional career she taught practically every business class offered at the college from 1945 to 1982.

In addition to her teaching talents it was obvious that her artistic talents were well developed, too, as the gallery featured numerous paintings she had produced over the years. It was amazing to family members that so many prints were on display as she often gave paintings away to those family members and friends who took a liking to a particular piece of work. 

Staff person welcomed back to campus with a kidney bean castle after a successful kidney donation - TOP OF PAGE

Melaragno, Class of ‘96, returns to work to find a kidney bean castle after donating a kidney to her sister. 

A most miraculous experience," is how Ellen Melaragno, senior secretary in the BHSU Student Union, describes her recent experience of being a living kidney donor for her sister.

Ellen was welcomed back to work with a "kidney-bean castle" created by coworkers following her successful kidney donation. Faculty, staff, and students brought cans of kidney beans affixed with notes congratulating her and wishing her well.

Ellen, a 1996 graduate of BHSU, donated a kidney to her sister Jennifer. The sisters, both forty-something, have been close throughout their lifetime. That closeness reached a new level when Ellen volunteered to donate one of her kidneys. 

Ellen became seriously interested in the option of providing a kidney to her sister about a year ago after learning that a living kidney donation increases the possibility of a match and the time frame the kidney is expected to last is also higher.

"There was no question for me. I knew I wanted to do whatever I could to help," Ellen said. 

In what was Ellen's first and only surgery, she went under the knife to provide what her sister most needed, a functional kidney. Ellen was not at all sure she could donate or that they would even be a match. She underwent many health exams and was tested for matching capacity. 

After a full year of planning and hoping, the transplant actually became a reality. As the sisters were being prepped for surgery, they remained together. 

"They took us in together and we were talking as we went in," Ellen said. "Our beds were right next to each other."

After the surgery sisters, donor and recipient, were given hospital rooms adjacent to each other and communicated by sending messages written on napkins transported back and forth by the nursing staff. The success of the transplant was quick and affirmative. Jennifer's life began to change for the better immediately. The future looks good for the duo who both now have one functional kidney.

Ellen thanks her friends, family and co-workers for their support. "It was the support and prayers from you all that helped make this operation such a successful and miraculous event," Ellen said. "You all helped me so much through the process and the recovery. I consider myself fortunate to have such great co-workers, bosses and friends." 

Jane Klug, director of student services, echoes the sentiment across campus as she enthusiastically welcomed Ellen back.

"I am so glad to have her back," Jane said, "but I'm also glad that she was able to go. I'm pleased that she did such a wonderful, generous thing for her sister. I admire her. What Ellen did was so noble."

Skarsten history scholarship established - TOP OF PAGE

The Dr. Malvin Skarsten Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established with the Black Hills State University Foundation to honor a former BH faculty member and lifelong supporter of education. 

Skarsten, a man who recognized the value of higher education, dedicated his life to working with teachers and was intrigued by the history of our country, especially the Lewis and Clark exploration, will be honored with a memorial scholarship for students interested in those same areas. The first Dr. Malvin Skarsten Memorial Scholarship will be awarded next year to a student majoring in elementary education, school administration or American history.

Skarsten recognized and valued the benefits of education throughout his 100-year lifespan. The son of immigrant Norwegian parents, Skarsten spoke no English when he began school; however, he went on to become a teacher at age 14 and eventually earned his doctorate in education. 

Skarsten then devoted his life to the field of education, first as an elementary and secondary teacher, and later as the superintendent of schools in Minnesota. His association with Black Hills State began in 1925 when be became head of the training school. He also taught classes at BH. During his tenure at BHSU he was instrumental in helping the university secure accreditation as a four-year degree-granting institution. Skarsten served as the faculty athletic representative at BHSU and was inducted into the 1984 Yellow Jacket Hall of Fame as a contributor.

"This scholarship fund is a very fitting tribute to Dr. Skarsten, who made education such an important part of his life," said Steve Meeker, vice president for institutional advancement at BHSU. "This scholarship designation seems appropriate for a man who dedicated his life to education. He is very important to the history of Black Hills State."

In a letter to the university in 1992 Skarsten wrote, "I treasure my years at BHSU very much. When I look back at some of the things that were done while I was there such as getting BHSU accredited as a four-year degree-granting institution, building up the 'training school', teaching remedial math to World War II enlistees and being in charge of student teaching experiences … It is nice to think that maybe I made a difference for education in South Dakota."

To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be a resident of South Dakota and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average. This scholarship fund was established through memorial gifts following Skarsten's death in 1993. Recently, family members contributed over $4,000 to fully fund this endowment.

Edith Hoy Peterson’s artifacts donated to the Case Library - TOP OF PAGE

Edith Hoy Peterson's connection to BHSU began in the early 1900s when she was a student at Spearfish Normal School. Since then, four of her ten grandchildren have earned degrees from BHSU strengthening her family's connection to the university.

Edith's granddaughter Susan Talley-Johnson donated many items of historical value to the Case Library special collections guaranteeing that the family's connection will continue into the future.

The Edith Hoy Peterson Collection, as the donation will be known, includes old postcards from the region, antique equipment from the family's pharmacy business, numerous original newspapers dating back to the 1800s and many other items. 
Edith, who was born in Keystone in 1901 and lived there until her death in 1997, didn't stay in college for very long. She was called home to take care of her ailing mother and never returned to Spearfish Normal. Edith's only sibling, John Hoy, who also attended Spearfish Normal, died of diphtheria during his college years.
The collection includes several schoolbooks from the late 1880s. Talley-Johnson, who is now a teacher in Oregon and had taught for many years in Rapid City, noted that the old textbooks are "wonderful" and likes the idea that an institution of higher education will keep them. 

"This is a teaching institution. It's where I got my degree, and I think this school of education should have these books," Talley-Johnson said.

The collection also includes two receipts from the Eastern Star Society signed by Carrie I. Swanzey, then secretary of the group. Talley-Johnson notes that the middle initial I. stood for Ingalls. Swanzey was the younger sister of Laura Ingalls Wilder who authored the Little House on the Prairie books.

Colleen Kirby, former special collections director, and Susan Talley-Johnson, (right) granddaughter of Edith Hoy Peterson, discuss the historical significance of many of the items recently donated to the Case Library.

Scholarships set - TOP OF PAGE

Perrys set business scholarship

Howard and Elaine Perry recently established a scholarship fund with a $5,000 gift and plan to make additional contributions to maintain the fund at a minimum of $10,000. A $500 annual scholarship will be awarded to a sophomore business (preferably business education) major with a minimum 3.7 grade point average. The first scholarship will be awarded for the 2003-04 school year. 

Howard Perry, former professor of business, retired in 2000 after 35 years at Black Hills State. Howard was honored as the recipient of the university's distinguished faculty award that year. Elaine also retired in 2000 after 25 years at the public library.

"As a faculty member Perry was cited for his involvement and commitment to students as well as the community. Now that commitment extends into the future as this scholarship will be awarded in perpetuity to business students at BHSU," said Steve Meeker, vice president of institutional advancement at BHSU.

Schavone music scholarship set 

The Tony and Alyce Schavone Music Scholarship was recently set up with a $5,000 donation to the BHSU Foundation. This scholarship is available to students participating in instrumental and/or vocal music who maintain a 2.5 grade point average. The first scholarship will be awarded in the next academic year. Recipients may reapply for a subsequent year. 

Tony Schavone served as instructor, wrestling coach and director of college placement at Black Hills State from 1957 to 1985. He was selected as outstanding instructor in 1961 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at BH in 1985. Tony died in 1996 and is survived by his wife Alyce, who continues to live in Spearfish. The couple previously established an athletic scholarship at BHSU. 

"We are pleased to offer this new music scholarship in honor of the Schavones," Meeker said. "Their generosity will provide educational opportunities for future students at BHSU."

Family of Lemoine Trout establish track and field scholarship

The Lemoine Trout family and friends have established a $10,000 scholarship fund at BHSU. Known as the Lemoine and Shirley Trout Scholarship fund, an annual scholarship award will be presented to a BHSU student athlete participating in track and field from the Rapid City public school system.

Trout (pictured), a 1966 graduate of BHSU, died Feb. 7, 2002, following a two-year battle with cancer. He coached track and football from the time he left college. He was about to begin his 30th year of coaching. He coached at McCook and North Platte, Neb., and at Rapid City Central and Rapid City Stevens high schools.

During the past 14 years his Stevens Raiders track teams finished in the top five at the state meet 10 times, were Region 4 champs five times and finished third in the first two seasons of the Greater Dakota Conference. His girls' teams at Stevens also finished in the top five at state 10 times (including five state titles in a row), were Region 4 champs eight times and finished first in the GDC the past two seasons.

He was recognized in 2000 by his alma mater when he was inducted into the Yellow Jacket Hall of Fame.

Campus Events - TOP OF PAGE

Davis is Madeline Young speaker

Wade Davis, an anthropologist, botanist and world-explorer, spoke to a full audience in the Student Union this fall. Davis, who is originally from British Columbia, is an explorer in residence for National Geographic.

Davis, a former university professor who received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany from Harvard University, sees his work with the National Geographic as another means to teach. Davis entertained and enlightened the audience with his firsthand accounts of living among native people while studying the role of shaman, his investigation of drugs used with Haitian zombies, the living dead of Vodoun, and his search for new sources of medicines. Davis brought a message of the importance of developing a greater understanding of society and the world we live in as well as the need to recognize the current state of destruction of biological diversity.

Davis’s visit was sponsored by the Madeline A. Young Distinguished Speaker Series, which was established in 1986 with a $150,000 gift endowment from Madeline Young, a 1924 alumna.

Student Ambassadors host Sept. 11 memorial event

More than 1,500 people including students from BHSU, area schools and community members gathered at Lyle Hare Stadium to commemorate the events of Sept. 11 one year ago and also honor those who protect our community and nation. 

Following a moment of silence in remembrance of the victims of 9-11, BHSU President Thomas Flickema addressed the audience. A salute was presented by the American Legion Post 164 and VFW Post 5860. Music was provided by Christopher Hahn, BHSU music instructor, who played the National Anthem and Taps on the trumpet and Sara Goeden, a sophomore from Pierre who sang God Bless America.

Other speakers were Megan Wyett, president of the BHSU Student Ambassadors, Jerry Krambeck, Spearfish mayor, and Dr. Charles Linander, who encouraged everyone to also take part in the "Back to America" parade Saturday in Spearfish. 

Special recognition was given to all Ellsworth Air Force Base military personnel, all veterans, the local police department, the local fire department, the American Red Cross, the South Dakota Army National Guard and all military personnel. Student ambassador members displayed a large American flag on the football field throughout the ceremony. The color guard was presented by the BHSU ROTC.

McGovern speaks at BHSU

Former U.S. Senator George McGovern spoke to students, faculty and community members at Black Hills State University this fall.

Known as an eloquent spokesperson during his political career, McGovern is now soft spoken but continues to deliver a strong message questioning the need for war in Iraq and expressing his support for programs to end world hunger. 

McGovern, who is 80 years old, explained that he first became interested in world hunger when he was serving in World War II in Italy. After seeing firsthand the number of people, especially children suffering from hunger, he was moved to volunteer to fly a bomber to drop food and supplies to northern Europe immediately following the war. 

The former senator from South Dakota taught history at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell before beginning a political career. His appearance was sponsored by the BHSU Chiesman Foundation for Democracy and the BHSU Global Awareness Committee.

Donor list available online - TOP OF PAGE

The Black Hills State University Foundation and Green and Gold sincerely appreciate all donors of the university and now has a honor roll of donors available on the web site at bhsu.edu/alumni/donors.

We are proud of the interest and support shown by contributors and make this list available in appreciation of their generosity.