News at SDState

Three graduates from the 1970s, two graduates from the 1980s and a nontraditional graduate from the 1990s comprise the six Jackrabbits who have risen to the top of their fields and have been selected for the 2026 Class of Distinguished Alumni by the South Dakota State University Alumni & Foundation. They are: • Keith Bartels, Classes of ’67 and ’74, Brookings • Kevin Haarberg, Class of ’79, Woodland, California • Doug Hofer, Class of ’72, Pierre • Joan Hogan, Class of ’94/M.S. ’99, Brookings • Mike Huether, Class of ’84, Sioux Falls • Debra Muller, Class of ’83, Sioux Falls

The South Dakota Art Museum invites the community to gather for evenings of live music, family-friendly activities and summer fun during the Anderson Plaza Summer Performance Series. The free outdoor concert series takes place Tuesday evenings in July on Anderson Plaza, located behind the museum on the South Dakota State University campus.

The South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences will host three field days in eastern South Dakota. Each one will feature SDSU researchers sharing their expertise on a variety of topics applicable to local farmers and community members.

There will be something for everyone at the South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm Grain and Horticulture Crops Field Day on Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

All are invited to learn more about conservation research projects and how South Dakota State University is preparing the next generation of conservationists at the upcoming Oak Lake Field Station Field Day. Hear from SDSU experts on a variety of conservation topics on Thursday, July 9, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 19862 483rd Ave., Astoria.

Northeast South Dakota has a cooler climate than other parts of the state, so farming may look a little different than other regions. Research conducted at the South Dakota State University Northeast Research Farm near South Shore is directly applicable to local farmers’ fields and operations, making its upcoming field day a must-attend for local producers.

Seventy-three students from eight South Dakota school districts recently competed in the National History Day Contest, held in College Park, Maryland, June 14-18. The students who participated in the national contest were the top entries from the state contest held on April 8 at South Dakota State University in Brookings.

All are invited to learn more about agronomy research in central South Dakota, including oat and wheat trial updates, crop rotation and irrigation work and tours of decades-long field trials at the South Dakota State University Dakota Lakes Research Farm Field Day, the last Friday in June.

Tom Bigelow, senior building maintenance worker for South Dakota State University Athletics, has been named SDSU’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for June.

The South Dakota Art Museum at South Dakota State University invites the public to the closing reception and panel discussion for “Porter Williams: Evolution of Black America,” an exhibition celebrating the work and legacy of the late South Dakota artist and civil rights activist.