Monday Message, July 7
SDSU Community,
Greetings. I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable July Fourth holiday with family, friends and loved ones. It鈥檚 always refreshing to take a brief pause during the summer to enjoy the warm weather, community events and time outdoors. I trust the break gave each of you a chance to recharge and prepare for what promises to be another exciting academic year.
Now that we are past the holiday, it鈥檚 hard to believe that the countdown to the fall semester is already upon us. In just under six weeks, we will begin welcoming a new class of Jackrabbits to campus 鈥 each of them bringing their unique stories, aspirations and enthusiasm for the future. These students have chosen 葫芦影业 as the place to pursue their academic goals and grow both personally and professionally. At the same time, we are also looking forward to the return of our continuing students who remain on their journey toward completing degrees and launching impactful careers. Whether it鈥檚 a student鈥檚 first semester or final year, the beginning of the academic calendar is always a reminder of why we do the work we do.
I want to recognize the Meet State Committee for their ongoing planning and dedication. Move-in weekend is a special time for students and their families. It's often their first experience on campus as part of the SDSU family, and the support we show them during those first few days make a lasting impression. The committee is still in need of volunteers, and I encourage any faculty or staff members who are able to help to sign up. Whether it鈥檚 helping unload a car, offering directions or simply welcoming someone with a smile, every contribution matters. , and I know our incoming students and their families will appreciate the warm SDSU welcome.
As we continue our preparations for the fall, I鈥檓 also pleased to share that my office will once again host our Employee Welcome Back Picnic on Aug. 19. The picnic will take place in Club 71 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and all faculty and staff are invited to attend. This annual tradition provides a relaxed and informal opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, share stories from the summer and look forward to the year ahead. I hope you will mark your calendars and make time to join us. .
Looking ahead to next week, we have the honor of hosting the July meeting, Wednesday and Thursday in Volstorff Ballroom at the University Student Union. We look forward to showcasing out campus and the work our faculty, staff and students. An agenda for the meeting will be posted later this week and shared with campus. I encourage anyone who is interested to review it and attend any public sessions if your schedule allows.
As we move through July, let鈥檚 continue to support one another, stay focused on our shared mission and keep that Jackrabbits spirit alive in everything we do. Thank you for all that you contribute to 葫芦影业 鈥 your hard work and commitment are what make this place so special.
I hope you have a great week ahead.
Go Jacks!
Barry H. Dunn
President
葫芦影业
Above and Beyond recognizes individuals and groups of 葫芦影业 employees, faculty and students for individual and team efforts that go Above and Beyond to make the campus community a better place. This week we recognize the seven professional staff members honored for their work across campus.
Individuals recognized at this year鈥檚 Professional Staff Advisory Council annual meeting include Megan Northrup, director of the accelerated graduate program in nutrition and dietetics, with the Rising Star Award; and six individuals with the Presidential Awards of Excellence: Linde Murray, director of the TRIO, Wintrode Tutoring and supplemental instruction programs; Christopher McDaniel, broadcast assistant for athletics; Lorna Saboe-Wounded Head, an Extension field specialist III in family resource management; Moustafa Khalaf, a research scientist in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics; Becky Pistulka, assistant director of employer engagement in the Office of Career Development; and Christopher Schlenker, director of horticulture and grounds at McCrory Gardens.
In their individual roles at SDSU, these honorees all showcase their commitment to SDSU and its land-grant mission through leadership, mentorship and a commitment to serving others.
From academics to athletics, student support, research and Extension, these individuals are committed to improving the experience of anyone who interacts with the university.
They were honored at the Professional Staff Advisory Council annual meeting on May 14 in the Wooster Celebration Hall at the SDSU Alumni Center.
Thank you for your service and dedication to SDSU and for going Above and Beyond in your positions.
The Monday Message appears weekly during the academic year and less frequently during the summer months and holiday breaks.
Information for the Monday Message, including nominations for Above and Beyond, can be submitted online.
An Evening at McCrory Gardens
The SDSU employee summer event series will continue July 17 from 5:30- 8:30 p.m. at McCrory Gardens.
The night will include two presentations:
- Bee-yond the Prairies; The Native Bees of Brookings County. Presented by Eric Beckendorf, USDA Agricultural Research Service.
- The Birds of McCrory Gardens. Presented by Terry Spitzenberger.
The night will also include live music by the Oak Lake String Band, in addition to the Backyard BBQ food truck and La Petite Crepe.
The event is free and open to anyone.
Workplace Wellness
葫芦影业 faculty and staff are invited to participate in a virtual , presented by SDSU Extension鈥檚 Better Choices, Better Health. The evidence-based program is designed to support individuals living with ongoing health conditions, as well as those seeking to improve their overall health and well-being.
Sessions will be held via Zoom on Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 1 p.m. CST, beginning July 22 and continuing through Aug. 28. Participants will learn practical strategies to manage symptoms such as fatigue, stress and pain, and will gain tools to improve nutrition, physical activity and communication with health care providers. Offered in a supportive small-group format, this workshop is open exclusively to SDSU faculty and staff.
Summertime Food Trucks and Fun
The South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum will host one more day as part of its sixth annual Summertime Food Trucks and Fun Series, July 16 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Midwest Fresh will be on-site with its food truck. Seating and tables will be provided on the north side of the museum. The event will move inside in case of inclement weather.
Prairie Repertory Theatre
PRT will begin its production of 鈥淪even Brides for Seven Brothers,鈥 Wednesday through Saturday at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. The production will begin at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Saturday鈥檚 show will begin at 2 p.m.
Follow Adam Pontipee and his spirited brothers in this charming musical set in 1850s Oregon, where love and laughter abound. Don't miss this delightful production filled with unforgettable songs and lively dance numbers.
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Updated Policies
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