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Dakota State Honors Graduates at 113^th Commencement

Madison, SD -- Dakota State University will graduate over 170 students at the 113^th Annual Commencement on Saturday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m. in the DSU Fieldhouse. A graduate reception will follow the ceremony at the Dakota Prairie Playhouse.

The following students are graduating Summa Cum Laude (cumulative grade point average of 3.80 or above): Artyce Brooke, Madison; Jane Jung, Madison; Danielle Nolte, Brandon; Gina Wika, Webster; Roxann Fast, Iroquios; Emily Henseler, Madison; Phyllis Litterick, Madison; Nikki Neu, DeSmet; Cynthia Underberg, Hartford; Ann Weber, Montrose; Rachelle DeBeer, Madison; Steven Rokusek, Tyndall; and Mary Bergheim Hanson, Winfred.

The following students are Magna Cum Laude graduates (cumulative grade point average of 3.65 to 3.79): Bonnie Attema, Alvord, IA; Lisa Bame, Tyndall; Cheryl Deelstra, Wentworth; Renee Swart, Slayton, MN; Debra Wiebers, Beresford; Tracy Larson, Woonsocket; and Aaltje Wieringa, Drachten, Netherlands.

The following students will be graduating Cum Laude (cumulative grade point average of 3.50 to 3.64): Mohammed Bhuiyan, Madison; Darcy Murphy, Sioux Falls; Sheila Witte-Zolnowsky, Huron; Penny Carpenter, Harrisburg; Nathan Grimm, Madison; and Leslie McDougall, Hawley, MN.

The commencement address will be given by Dave Dedrick, retired KELO-TV personality. His address is titled "Problems versus Solutions". Mr. Dedrick has enjoyed 52 years in the broadcasting field throughout South Dakota and the region. A native of Sioux Falls since 1935, Mr. Dedrick became the first TV announcer for the state when he signed on for KELO-TV in 1953. He is also well-known for his role as Captain 11, where he spent 42 years pleasing children and adults alike. In April, Mr. Dedrick was inducted into the South Dakota Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Dr. Kenneth W. Brown will be recognized posthumously as a Distinguished Alumnus. Mr. Brown, who passed away on April 14, 1997, graduated from DSU in 1957 with a degree in Business Education. He received his M.E. at the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. in Business Education from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Brown most recently served as Professor and Dean of the College of Technology at the University of Houston.

Also being recognized as Distinguished Alumna is Dr. Sharon Brown. She graduated from DSU in 1955 with degrees in Math and Science Education. She received her M.A. from the University of Illinois and her Ed.D. from Northern Illinois University. Dr. Brown currently serves as a professor at Texas Southern University. She and her late husband are the parents of five children.

Merle D. Lewis is also being recognized for the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Mr. Lewis is a native of Howard, SD and a 1970 graduate of DSU and a 1973 graduate of the USD School of Law. After two years in private law practice, he accepted a position as Corporate Attorney for Northwestern Public Service Company in Huron. He was named President and CEO of NWPS in 1994. He and his wife, Barbara, have four children.

Jane A. Jung, who will receive her degree in Health Information Administration, will also speak on behalf of the graduates.

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