Honors College Student Organization (HCSO)

What is HCSO?

The Honors College Student Organization (HCSO) seeks to enhance the Honors experience by providing opportunities for leadership, service and fun! HCSO hosts a multitude of service and social events throughout the year, from the annual Awkward Party to kick off each fall semester, to campus cleanups and ice skating outings. HCSO is open to all Honors students, and events are typically announced through a weekly e-mail. This organization provides a great opportunity to get to know other Honors students and faculty and allows for leadership opportunities through the executive board.

HCSO meets in Honors Classroom 119 on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. 

March 17 HCSO Service Event Sign up 
HSCO Jacks Club Hub 

Awkward Party

The awkward party is an annual event that happens before classes start to help introduce students to one another in the most awkward ways possible, including but not limited to: games, scavenger hunts, 1:1 introductions, and (usually) food! This event is a "hoot" and is lauded as one of the favorites amongst Honors College students.

Honors Formal

The Honors Formal is an annual tradition hosted by the Honors College Student Organization. This event marks the end of a successful year and is an opportunity for Honors students to get together one final time before the summer begins. Honors Formal is like prom and after-prom mixed into one and is filled with music, dancing, games, and photo opportunities.

Emily Toms- President

Emily Toms is a senior, Political Science major from Rapid City, South Dakota. In her time at SDSU, she has gotten the opportunity to serve on Honors Hall Government, the Students' Association, and the Honors College Student Organization. She loves everything at SDSU and is a proud Jackrabbit! After college, she plans to attend law school and hopes to become a criminal prosecutor. Her favorite Honors memory is when Honors Hall Government cooked and served 800 chicken nuggets to the residents of Honors Hall as a Thanksgiving celebration.

Maddie Fitch- Vice President

Madison Fitch is a sophomore nursing student from Rapid City, SD. Aside from being involved in the Honors College and HCSO, she is involved in Greek Life, Oasis, and Student Nurse's Association. She enjoys running, fly-fishing, and going to the Dairy Bar on campus. She has loved the opportunities for growth the Honors College has provided me thus far and looks forward to seeing what the future holds!

Mara Anderson- Freshman Representative

Mara Andersen is from Freeman South Dakota. She is a freshman Human Biology/Pre-med major and is planning to minor in Spanish. After college and med school, she wants to be an OB/GYN because she loves babies and wants to lead others in the medical field. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, painting, and watching Disney+. She is involved in the Honors College and Oasis.

Nichole Dial- Treasurer

Nichole is a Human Biology/Pre Medicine Major from Jefferson, South Dakota. She is an Honors 100 Teaching Assistant and LeadState Student Coach. She was recently elected Honors College Student Organization Treasurer and also co-coordinates the Honors Peer Mentor Program. She is also involved in American Sign Language Club. Her favorite pastimes include hammocking, biking, going on walks, knitting baby hats, and spending time with her dogs and friends.

Karmen Sperr- Freshman Representative

Karmen was born and raised in Donnelly, MN, on a swine and small grain farm. She has always had love for agriculture and worked at a dairy in the accounting department her senior year of high school which lead her to pursue a degree in Ag Business. Karmen is very excited to be on the HCSO executive board and plans to be in other clubs on campus. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and being with family on the weekends. She’s very excited to meet you all and to see where this new journey takes her.

Sammi Carney- Social Chair

Sammi Carney is from Ames, Iowa and is a pharmacy major. She is the social chair for HCSO, and is a member of Kappa Epsilon and SCAPP. Sammi loves to knit, play video games, and go hiking. She also has a pet hedgehog!

Elizabeth Ross- Service Chair

Elizabeth Ross is from small town Milford, Nebraska. She considers herself to be a pursuer of all things good. Empowered by a joyful, laughter-filled life through Christ. She is obsessed with raspberry peace teas, naps, and spontaneous adventures. She enjoys being surrounded by loved ones, attending all things competitive, and blasting musical tunes. Elizabeth is the Service Chair for the Honors College Executive Board. She is also involved in Oasis, the Youth Mentor Program, and is a proud sister in Chi Omega.

Ben Connor- Secretary

Benjamin Connor hails from Winfred, South Dakota, the only town named such in the entire nation. He is currently double majoring in Political Science and Public Relations. Ben enjoys playing piano here at SDSU, while also competing on the Forensics team. Ben would also like to share that the Governor of South Dakota knows him as "Benjammin". Ben is extremely excited to see how the team can grow the Honors College Student Organization.

Colette Gannon- Public Representative

Colette Gannon is from West Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Legal Studies. Colette serves as the Public Representative for HCSO, and is a reporter for The Collegian, SDSU's student-run independent newspaper. Colette enjoys going to the gym, reading a good book, and exploring new places. She is looking forward to expanding the Honors College Student Organization with the team.