Keeping people in South Dakota is a  major goal of the Dakota Corps Scholarship Program.

The scholarship was established by former Governor Mike Rounds in 2004 to give students incentive to stay in South Dakota. The program targets incoming freshmen and pays up to four years of a recipient’s education at any participating South Dakota institution.

Students who receive the scholarship must work in South Dakota for one year longer than the length they received it. Recipients must also have an ACT score of at least 24, a GPA of 2.8 or higher, and be entering into a critical need major.

“Governor Rounds went to the legislature for the program to be funded as a state initiative,” said Paul Turman, the Board of Regent’s assistant vice president for Academic Affairs. “It was to build our workforce with critical need, and those tended to be in the area of health care and education in math, science and music.”

The program previously allowed freshmen and sophomores to apply, but was changed recently. Success was mostly seen with high school students because students already at a South Dakota institution normally planned on finishing there, Truman said.

If a graduate chooses not to stay in South Dakota for the required time, the scholarship turns into a low interest loan. The payments then go back into the general scholarship fund in order to help other recipients. Private businesses, nonprofit corporations, the Governor’s Office and the South Dakota Department of Labor all help fund the scholarship program.

“Fourteen different institutions have had funding,” Turman said, “Right now, there are a little under 200 recipients in the state, and 326 total over the years. Of those, 175 were at SDSU.”

Any accredited institution in South Dakota qualifies, although a majority of participating students are at SDSU. “There are currently 77 SDSU students who receive the scholarship,” said Monica Jorgensen, the university scholarship coordinator at SDSU.

Turman says the high number at SDSU is probably because of the wide variety of majors offered, and that “SDSU has always been the biggest because they have the largest spread of those critical need majors.”

David Kapperman, a senior biology major in the pre-medicine program, thinks the scholarship helped him become a better student. “It has made it easier for me to focus on studying and get plenty of experience in my field, instead of focusing on how I was going to pay for school,” he said. “It definitely took the stress off.”

The South Dakota Board of Regent’s took over the administrative role of the program on July 1 after the Great Lakes Foundation decided the program did not fit with its business model. Truman said that a state agency was the best alternative.

BOR and the state officials see the program as an investment rather than a burden.

“It’s tough to attract people or businesses to South Dakota,” Turman said. “The program chips away at the long term goals the economic development initiatives the state has. We need good engineers and nurses, so we need good teachers down the line, and they are hard to keep.”

Truman believes the scholarship benefits both students and the state, saying “It gives students a better reason to stay and get their degree in South Dakota, to raise their families here once they start their careers.”

While SDSU recently changed its motto to “Be Great. Start Here,” Truman gave his take on the old version saying, “SDSU’s motto is ‘You Can Go Anywhere From Here,’ but the Department of Labor likes to add ‘But We Hope You Stay Here.’”

Starting this month, students can check out neon yellow bikes to ride to class.

Students will soon be seeing more bikes on campus as the Students’ Association kicks of its new bike-sharing program, Bum-A-Bike, this month.

The program includes 40 neon yellow bikes with “Bum-A-Bike’ painted on the sides. Bikes will be free for students to check out.

The bikes were a donation from the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls, said Jed Reimnitz, SA programming affairs coordinator.

“Inmates fixed up the bikes and painted them for SDSU.”

The bikes will be located in certain areas around campus, including Medary Commons, Hansen Hall, the Wellness Center, The Union and Larson Commons Complex, Reimnitz said.

Reimnitz said students can check out the bikes using their student ID numbers and will have to sign a liability form. Bikes must then be returned to the same location where they were checked out.

“The idea is that students can check out and return bikes from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.,” Reimnitz said. “It would be a free rental for one day.”

SA has considered longer check out periods, he said.

“We have entertained second day free use and possibly a week,” he said.

While SA members have looked into allowing a wide variety of campus individuals to use the bikes, for now they will be available only to students.

“We have to limit it at this point to just students until we can expand the program,” Reimnitz said.

Eric Robinson, a junior pre-pharmacy major, said he thinks the Bum-A-Bike program is a great idea.

“It will be interesting to see how it works out in application,” he said.

Erin Kennedy, SA vice president, thinks the program is “unique and innovative.”

“I’m a commuter student,” she said. “The program is an ideal situation to have quick transportation on campus.”

Kennedy said the zero-cost for students is hard to beat.

“Bikes aren’t cheap,” she said. “Free use of the bikes for students is great.”

SA has a second option for how students would use the bikes from the program.

“We wanted to try the program on a honor system basis,” Reimnitz said. “Bikes would be laying around campus and students would use them and leave them wherever they wanted.”

He said it would be the most convenient option.

However, after asking students, SA found the honor system was not a smart decision.

“I personally am an advocate for the student ID system,” Kennedy said. “The honor system is a great idea, but I don’t think our culture is to that point yet.”

Robinson has similar feelings.

“I’d like to think it’s a good idea, but I am skeptical.” he said. “I guess I’m not that trusting of my fellow peers.”

After the program’s launch later in the year, changes along the way could follow.

“The futuristic goal is to save or raise enough money to have a kiosk where students would swipe their ID card, the bikes would be unlocked, and they could return them to any kiosk on campus,” Reimnitz said.

Reimnitz said if students have any input or opinions about the possibility of using the honor system, to call 605-688-5181, stop by the SA office or email him at jedidiah.reimnitz@gmail.com.

A statue of Weary Wil, sculpted by an SDSU alumnus, will be ready for dedication over Hobo Day weekend in 2012.

“We are still determining an exact location for the statue,” said Nick Wendell, assistant director of the Student Union and Hobo Day committee alumni.

He said the 9 foot bronze statue will be located somewhere outside of the Hobo Day Gallery north of the Union. The sculptor, 1966 alumnus David Anderson, and 1964 alumnus David Blegan, approached SDSU in 2009 with the statue idea. They received approval from administration two months later.

“I learned about the addition of the Hobo Day Gallery and thought a Weary Wil statue would be a nice addition to that,” Anderson said.

He said he has been working on the statue off and on for about a year.

“The goal is to have it completed, transported to Brookings, and ready to dedicate by Nov. 5 of this year,” Anderson said.

Anderson said he is trying to follow the caricature and make the statue look realistic at the same time. Blegen is the model for the statue.

“David was chosen because he is a former Hobo Day chairman,” Anderson said. “He looks like Weary Wil, he has a shiny top, a whiskery beard and is self confident.”

Wendell thinks the statue is a great idea.

“I’m thrilled they are putting up a Weary Wil statue,” he said. “I think it will spark conversation and bring a neat energy to campus life.”

Others shared Wendell’s view.

“I think it’s going to put an exclamation point on that part of campus,” said Chuck Cecil, former assistant to the SDSU president.

“Weary Wil is an important symbol, right up there with the jackrabbit,” said Walt Conahan, a 1952 alumnus who first officially dressed as Weary Wil for Hobo Day, a tradition that has continued since.

“I think it reflects the significance of Weary Willie to Hobo Day and [SDSU] heritage.”

The statue might provide a history lesson for some.

“I didn’t know who [Weary Wil] was until just now, so the statue will give students a reason to ask and find out,” said Paige Beauchamp, a junior human development major. “The statue will help bring Weary Wil and Hobo Day history to life.”

Weary Wil’s sidekick, Dirty Lil, will not be keeping the statue company. “We dream one day that Dirty Lil will join Weary Wil as a statue,” Wendell said.

Wendell said Weary Wil’s dog, Spot, will hopefully be at his feet, but that is still being worked out.

“The statue is 100 percent funded by alumni donations and it is costly to make a statue,” he said.

Anderson said the statue is being donated anonymously and the cost of the landscaping will be a part of the Hobo Day Gallery project.

“The Foundation is currently seeking a donor for this part of the project,” he said.

Anderson said he is trying to create a Weary Wil to be remembered.

“I am trying to portray in the statue a proud, self confident and self assured Weary Wil that says “you can go anywhere from here,’” he said.

#1.1971401:2007635766.png:A 9-foot statue of Weary Wil:A 9-foot statue of Weary Wil, based on the model above, will eventually be situated outside of the Hobo Day gallery.:Submitted Photo by David Anderson

The Jacked Up Rabbit Race has given SDSU’s Residence Hall Association national recognition.

The program won the Program of the Year award at the Midwest Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls Conference in Springfield, Miss. MACUHR is one of the seven regions in the nation. The three-day conference ran from Nov. 5 to 7.

The RHA presented the program “bid” for Program of the Year at the conference.

“Five bids were submitted for the Program of the Year award, and the MACUHR board narrowed it down to two,” said Dijon DeLaPorte, co-advisor for RHA.

DeLaPorte said SDSU’s Jacked Up Rabbit Race and NDSU’s Cancer Awareness Week were the final two programs. After it was narrowed down to two, SDSU and NDSU had to each make a 15-minute presentation explaining why their program should be selected the winner.

Chris Miller, RHA president, said the presentation had to include planning, budget and how the program was successful on campus.

“The board deliberated for an hour, and the first vote came back as a tie,” Miller said.

However, the board’s second vote revealed SDSU as the winner.

Miller said the program was chosen because of the large amount of student involvement.

“We had 180 students participate, which in residential programming is huge,” Miller said.

Miller said now the Jacked Up Rabbit Race committee will have to present at the National Association of College and University Residence Halls’ Semis at Western Illinois University in mid-January.

“If we win, we will present at the national conference in May, which will also be held at Western Illinois University,” Miller said.

If SDSU wins at nationals, it will allow RHA more effective organization and create a better residential hall experience, Miller said.

“This award shows how organizations on campus are making a unique experience for students,” said Maria Tracy, one of last year’s winners of the Jacked Up Rabbit Race.

The Jacked Up Rabbit Race is a 24-hour scavenger hunt and amazing race where teams of six work together to participate in various challenges and collect many retrieval items, Miller said.

Tracy said the race is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“How many people can say they won a 24-hour scavenger hunt where you can only ride your bike around town?” Tracy said.

She said she thinks this is good publicity for SDSU and shows “how outstanding the program is”.

“The Program of the Year award is a major milestone for RHA,” Miller said.

#1.1814414:54399045.png:Jacked-up-Rabbit-Race-Submitted.png:Left to right: Allison Lawler, Tylee Norman, Amanda Chicoine, Chris Miller and Kristie Vice make up SDSU?s Residence Hall Association, which is accepting a Program of the Year Award with the Jacked Up Rabbit Race.:Submitted Photo

Though Dumbledore may be dead, enthusiasm for the Harry Potter series most certainly is not. On Nov. 21, The SDSU-Civic Symphony will present both classical music and music from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets at 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center.

“The event will feature work done by Edvard Grieg, Franz Joseph Haydn and John Williams,” said John Brawand, SDSU-Civic Symphony music director and conductor.

Brawand said he has been incorporating the music from a movie for about five years now. He said he narrows it down to two popular pieces and then looks to see which one was more successful.

“I chose Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets because of the sales phenomenon with both the books and the movies, because it is a nice arrangement, and because it was composed by John Williams who composed the music for Star Wars,” Brawand said. “Plus the musicians love to play a more popular selection.”

Brawand and a student in the Symphony think people will recognize a couple of the pieces.

“I think people will recognize Grieg and the music from Harry Potter,” said Catheryn Reeves, a junior family and consumer science and education major.

She said Grieg’s music sounds like the music on Saturday morning cartoons.

“I recognize it from when I was younger,” Reeves said. “People may not be able to put a name to the music, but they will recognize it.”

Reeves said she likes playing music people recognize because it is more fun for the symphony and the audience. However, she said playing music people recognize is not always easy.

“You have to make sure you are playing it right because people will recognize it and will hear it if you mess up,” Reeves said.

Laura Engelmann, SDSU student and pianist, will perform the piece she auditioned with for the Annual Student Concerto-Aria Competition last year. Engelmann was one of nine winners.

“It is amazing to see her fingers go up and down the keys,” Reeves said. “She does a phenomenal job.”

Brawand hopes for an increase in attendance this year.

“About 400-500 people attended last year’s performance, but I would love for that to increase,” he said.

Reeves encouraged students to attend because it is free for everyone and the exposure to a nice range of music.

“I enjoy the selection of music, ranging from baroque to classical to romantic,” said James Kunz, a senior music education major.

Kunz said these compositions have “withstood the test of time.”

“The orchestra provides us a chance to hear compositions that are hundreds of years old,” Kunz said.

Brawand said he liked the music in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets the most.

“Wands are to be left at the door,” Brawand said.

#1.1782159:3877139370.png:hp-Orchestra-2-Submitted.png:The Civic Symphony is versatile organization with both student and community performers. The Symphony is open to any student or community member who wishes to audition and has a four concert season. :Submitted Photo

Don Kasak, former Brookings Food Pantry manager, passed away at the age of 75. Since then, the food pantry is trying to get back to its normal routine.

“Kasak worked at the food pantry for five years,” said Elva Gonzales, assistant manager at the food pantry.

During his five years at the food pantry, Kasak was able to make a difference.

“Don had an impact on so many people in Brookings, and on the whole Brookings County,” said Kathy Heylens, the food pantry’s co-chair for the board of directors.

Despite the loss of Kasak, there is still faith the food pantry will be able to overcome the obstacle.

“Even though the food pantry suffered a huge loss, I think they will still do a tremendous job,” said Curt Osmanski, HyVee Store Director.

He said he thinks the food pantry will carry on in Kasak’s memory.

The food pantry helped 797 families in 2008, 810 families in 2009 and 761 families from January to August this year, said Amy Lacek, the new food pantry manager.

“Amy is a great replacement,” Heylens said. “She brings new, positive things to the food pantry.”

Lacek said she thinks they will surpass 2009′s total by the end of September.

She said that while some people think the food pantry only gives unappealing and outdated food to low-income families, none of this is true.

“Nothing goes through that is outdated8212;unless it somehow slips through,” Lacek said. “We check every item . . . if we are not sure, we set it aside for someone else to double check.”

Lacek said HyVee, Boss’ Pizza and Chicken, Nick’s Hamburger Shop, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar and other businesses donate food to the food pantry.

“It is a shame to throw away a product that can be used by someone,” Osmanski said.

Gonzales and Lacek said families that come in for assistance leave with roughly $300 worth of groceries, but they can only come for assistance four times a year. The amount of groceries given to families is supposed to last them three weeks, Heylens said.

Anyone can volunteer, but Lacek said they encourage people who are physically able to stock shelves and/or are comfortable with people.

Last year, the SDSU Student Association and Aramark teamed up with the food pantry to create “Food Pantry Fridays.” Students with left over money on their meal plans at the end of the school year can donate money or food to the food pantry.

Heylens said it was a great program and she hopes it runs again this year.

Kate Wegehaupt, administrative assistant of the Students’ Association, said she hopes the program continues this year as well.

“We started it with the idea that it would be an annual occurrence,” Wegehaupt said.

To volunteer or make a donation, call 605-692-5007, or visit the food pantry at 217 1/2 Fourth Street.

Heylens said they are more than willing to accept monetary and food donations.

The Brookings Food Pantry is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1-5 p.m.

#1.1641427:2397257032.jpg:The Brookings Area Food Pantry, located at 217 1/2 Fourth Street.:The Brookings Area Food Pantry, located at 217 1/2 Fourth Street, looks forward to helping families through the tough economic times. The Pantry?s operation relies on volunteer service and monetary donations from the community, including leftover SDSU meal plan dollars donated by students.:Collegian Photo by Corey Morrow
#1.1641428:3376629656.jpg:A staple of the Brookings community, the Food Pantry assisting families since its origination.:A staple of the Brookings community, the Food Pantry has been assisting families in need since its origination. :Collegian Photo by Corey Morrow

Eating contests, live music, beer gardens and a new pizza contest will all be found at the second annual Jackrabbit Bash.

The event will kick off on Sept. 18 from 1 p.m. until midnight in downtown Brookings.

One new event this year is the “local pizza throw-down”.

The throw-down is a blind taste testing where participants8212;members of the community and SDSU students alike8212;will vote on which of five local pizza places has the best thin crust pepperoni pizza.

George’s Pizza, Sun-dried Tomato Pizzeria, Boss’ Pizza and Chicken, Pizza King and Papa John’s are all local challengers.

John Seward, director of Downtown Brookings, Inc., which is sponsoring the event, said there are 250 tickets for sale and the first 75 people to arrive at the event will receive a free soda.

The cost of tickets are $5, or $1 per slice.

“Of the $5, $4 go back to the businesses and $1 benefits Downtown Brookings, Inc.,” Seward said.

The tickets can be purchased at any of the participating pizza businesses or from the Downtown Brookings, Inc. office at 414 Main Ave., Seward said.

According to Seward a total of 1,250 slices of pizza will be available with each restaurant donating 25 pies.

“Winner of the contest will take home the traveling Golden Pizza Pie Pan,” Seward said.

Andrew Olson, a junior at SDSU, has a prediction of his own for who will win the pizza contest.

“I hope Papa John’s wins, but I think Boss’ will win the contest,” Olson said.

Darin Nagelhout, owner of Boss’ Pizza and Chicken, said he is looking forward to the event and thinks there is good competition among the five pizza places.

“I love that Boss’ is a part of the event and wish such events happened more often,” Nagelhout said.

This year’s events include:

• Nick’s Hamburger Eating Contest
• Battle-of-the-Bands
• Chess Boxing
• Brookings Pizza Showdown
• Fire Truck Pull
• Benefit for Special Olympics
• All-Day Beer Garden

#1.1599875:2145339435.jpg:The Jackrabbit Bash this year is Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. until around midnight. :The Jackrabbit Bash this year is Sept. 18 at 1 p.m. until around midnight. :Collegian photo by Ryan Robinson