04 Broadcaster Press December 23, 2014 www.broadcasteronline.com A Special Day for USD By Thomas Hatzenbuhler For the Plain Talk The 39th USD Winter Commencement honors more than 500 graduates A sea of graduates, garbed in both red and black–those completing bachelor’s degrees and master’s or doctorate degrees, respectively– along with the friends and family members thereof filled the Dakota Dome this Saturday for the 39th USD Winter Commencement Exercises. More than 500 graduates were conferred degrees by USD at this year’s winter session commencement exercises, marking the ever-important transition between one’s status as a student and the next step in the graduate’s life. “I’m pretty excited [to graduate],” said Emily Theisen, who received a master of science degree in occupational therapy. “It has been a long journey getting here. I’ve become really close with all my classmates, and I’m really looking forward to what tomorrow brings.” Still, others contemplate a continuation of their educational career even on their day of matriculation. “I am considering enrolling in law school in the fall,” explained Robert Barron, who received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. “I have already been working full-time, so I may just continue working if I don’t get into law school. Today is a big step for me, and I am excited to graduate.” The 2014 winter graduates also received advice and words of encouragement from this year’s commencement speaker, South Dakota State Senator Deb Peters. Peters, who works out of District 9, is a 1997 USD graduate, who said she felt no nerves before speaking to the students. She spoke of how honored she was to give the speech, one so many HEINE Electric and Irrigation Hartington, NE (402) 254-2568 Vermillion, SD (605) 670-9567 ALL TYPES OF DIRT WORK. FREE ESTIMATES. 1101 Announcements - 1101 Events ELK POINT UNITED PARISH, 603 S Pearl Street, Elk Point, Pastor David Bambas, EPUP seeks to be and make disciples of Jesus Christ who are fully devoted to loving God and others. Sunday worship at 9:30 AM (nursery available); Adventuezone at 10:30 AM for preschool (3 as of Sept.) thru 5th grade. For more information call 605-356-2008 , epups@iw.net or epunitedparish.org FAITH FELLOWSHIP of the Open Bible on Bypass 50 and Highway 19: Sunday Celebration 10:30 a.m. Pastor Tony Armbrust, 624-2921. Faith lutheran church 401 Main Street, Makell, NE. Sunday School: 9:00; Worship: 10:00 Communion: 1st and 3rd Sundays (605)658-0240 (home) (402)-692-3323 (church). University of South Dakota president James Abbott speaks during the school’s 2014 graduation ceremony last Saturday FAITH UNITED LUTHERAN at the DakotaDome in Vermillion. CHURCH THOMAS HATZENBUHLER / FOR THE PLAIN TALK notable figures also had done in the past. “Today I am humbled,” Peters said. “…humbled that I have the opportunity to speak to you, the class of 2014. At one point, the person who had this privilege spoke to Al Neuharth, who went on to establish the largest circulated newspaper in the country. Another commencement speaker spoke to one of the greatest icons in the history of journalism, Tom Brokaw. “Two others spoke to United States Senators Tim Johnson and John Thune and yet others spoke to our SD Supreme Court Justices. And yet many others spoke to ground breaking physicians; educators; innovators; scholars; industry leaders; and individuals who made this world Irrigation sales and service Irrigation PVC, Wire Installed Well Drilling – Domestic and Irrigation Pump Installation better for being a part of it.” Peters assured graduates that “greatness lies ahead” and that they were graduating from “the best public university in our state.” Peters also shared some thoughts about her days as a USD student during those final days prior to commencement. “When I crossed this stage, the last thing on my mind was thinking that one day I would have the privilege to come back here and speak,” Peters shared. “I was too excited to be done with finals and the late nights cramming during finals week. Sad that I was never going to get summers off again. But, thrilled that after 17 years of school, I was n USD, Page 11 ELCA, 44874 303rd St/Po Box 168, Volin, SD 57072, (605)267-2277. Sunday Worship: 9:30am with Holy Communion the 1st & 4th Sundays. WOW Wednesday program beginning at 6:30pm for all children 3 yrs old - 7th grade, and confirmation classes for those in grades 8th & 9th. FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Vermillion, is a welcome place reaching out to all God's people. Located at 16 N. Dakota St. Adult Sunday School 9am; Sunday Worship 10:25am; Children?s Church after Children?s Sermon (PreK-5). Welcome Table-serving free meal Mondays 5:30-7pm. Youth Group with Meal (Gr. 6-8) Wednesdays 5:30-7pm. High School Youth Group 7pm. Adult Choir Rehearsal 7pm. Praise Band rehearsal 8pm. Friday Morning Book Study and Breakfast 6:45am. Call (605)624-2179 for more info. Pastor Rick Pittenger. GAYVILLE LUTHERAN CHURCH 9:00 am Worship, Sunday School 10:15 am. GOSPEL CHAPEL CHURCH 708 Jessie St./Highway 12, Newcastle, NE. Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; Sunday worship 10:30 a.m.; AWANA Wednesday at 7 p.m., 402-355-2305. Pastor Chuck Myers, 402-355-1335. Announcements Events GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH SBC, Pastor Steve Ford, 1102 E. Main. Phone 624-4949. Adult?s and Children?s Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m. Prayer Meeting Wednesday Night 7 p.m. HILLSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH 1800 Constance Dr. Worship Sept.-May 10:30a.m. AWANA Small groups; 9-10:15. Worship May-August 10a.m., 605-624-4862. www.hillside-cc.com Like us on Facebook! IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH Elk Point, SD: Worship Service 9:00 a.m., Sunday School 10:00 a.m. KOMSTAD COVENANT CHURCH Rural Beresford and Centerville, SD: Matt Styles, Pastor. 18 miles north on University Road. Phone 563-2402. Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. ONE HOUR Sunday evening Experience at ONE HOUR is comprised of two primary elements: powerful worship and a life-changing message. Worship at ONE HOUR is led by a talented live band in a style that is consistent with todays culture and a relevant teaching message from LifeChurch.tv?s senior pastor, Craig Groeschel, via video broadcast. The worship is intense and the teaching is challenging but the environment will be relaxed and casual. ONE HOUR on the USD Campus at the MUC, 6:30pm Sundays! www.one-hour.org PLEASANT VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH Rural Vermillion: Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 10:30 a.m., Holy Communion First Sunday of every month. All welcome. PROVIDENCE REFORMED CHURCH 830 Madison: Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. “We Welcome You To Historic Protestant Worship And Fellowship.” St Thomas More Newman Center, 320 E Cherry St, Vermillion. Sunday Mass 11am and 9pm. www.usdnewman.org for weekday Mass and Adoration times. 605-624-2697. Romsdahl’s Waterline & Electric Trenching Repair & Remodel Tree & Concrete Removal Site Clearing Ditch Cleaning Carpentry, Interior & Exterior, Painting, Re?nishing, Drywall, & Ceramic Tile Grain Hauling Manure Hauling Crushed Concrete Free Estimates 605-670-2161 TRINITY LUTHERAN L CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL Locally Owned and Operated Headquarters for the Builder/Handyman We deliver to the entire area! NOW ACCEPTING ENROLLMENT FOR NOW ACCEPTING ENROLLMENT 3-5 YEAR OLDS YEAR 1000 W. Cherry St. • Vermillion Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 888-624-2058 • 605-624-2058 MORNING SESSIONS MONDAY – FRIDAY MONDAY FRIDAY 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM PM www.herrenschempp.com *Open to all children regardless of religion, race,, or ethnic orgin *Open to children regardless religion, race orgin Wishing you Happy, Safe and Productive Holidays! Enroll your child in Preschool! Preschool! Fun environment! Fun environment! Hands on learning! Caring and nurturing Caring nurturing environment! environment! Meet the teacher and Meet teacher visit the classroom! classroom! School will resume resume Tues., Jan. 6, 2015 Tues., Angela Pickett Director/Teacher Pickett Director/Teacher www.trinityvermillion.org www.trinityvermillion.org preschool@trinityvermillion.org preschool@trinityvermillion.org Stop in today today and visit with your your local rep! Lo Looking at fertilizer options for 2015? fe tilizer er ertilizer s fo Arlo ykken Arlo Lykken Arlo Lykk kke ken Locat Location Manag Location Manager ger ge 605-670605-670-2607 0 - 0-2 7 -2607 arlo@va yagsupply. arlo@valleyagsupply.com ar o@v eyags o@valle agsupply.com vall y Mark Neitzke Mark Neitzke ar ak iz Sales & Crop Consultant es Cro Consultant rop 605 9-5 605-659- 103 605-659-5103 055-659-5103 -51 mark@vall yagsupply.com mark@va eyags mark@valleyagsupply.com k@va agsupply.c @va alle .com Office: