University of Sioux Falls

The University of Sioux Falls has become the first higher education institution in South Dakota to earn the state’s Cardiac Ready Campus designation through the South Dakota Cardiac Ready Communities program.

The designation recognizes campuses that meet rigorous standards for CPR training, AED accessibility, emergency response planning and campus-wide preparedness for cardiac emergencies.

Read more: https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/news/first-sd-cardiac-ready-campus

In 2018, USF needed a substitute librarian for the Norman B. Mears Library, so Sternburg stepped up to offer temporary assistance. That was over seven years ago.

“Circumstances changed and USF needed a full-time, permanent director of library services, so I came out of retirement,” she explains. “It’s been extremely rewarding to
“I love serve USF college students and faculty.”

Read more about how she’s found a home at USF since coming out of retirement in her story in the 2026 Spring Magazine: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/dc70a88be5.html /23

While Eliana Gregg holds many fond memories of her time at USF, her most transformative experience didn’t take place on campus. Instead, it unfolded over 6,000 miles away in her birthplace of South Korea.

What began as a simple journey back to her roots grew into a deeper calling to serve others, something she hopes to continue fostering in graduate school and her future career.

Read more about her journey here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/dc70a88be5.html /20

From fueling an endowment that has substantially grown over the years and creating the first USF alumni phone-a-thon to driving former Cougars coaches Bob Young and Kalen DeBoer to football recruiting events, Michael “Mickey” Woodden ‘63 is no stranger to helping pave the path to success for USF.

Check out more of his accomplishments and his full story here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/dc70a88be5.html /19

The graduate program team was formed in 2025 to help align all of USF’s graduate programs, strengthen the student experience, expand community partnerships and maintain a high level of leadership expectations across every graduate degree.

The cohesive team includes four specialized program directors who help shape the vision for the graduate school: Lorri Halverson (MBA), Dr. Jamie Juhl (M.Ed.), Maddie Voegeli (Ed.S.) and Dr. Matt Manes (Ed.D.).

Read more about the direction of the USF graduate programs here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/dc70a88be5.html /13

Remembering their courage, honor and bravery, today and every day 🇺🇸

We honor the brave men and women who died serving our nation, and we recognize those who continue to serve today.

"It's not about where you come from -- it's what you do with what God's given you. Work hard and doors will open."

USF Associate Professor of Chemistry Adam Sturlaugson '07 grew up outside a farm town of 250 people. Today, he has his Ph.D., has been teaching at USF since 2013 and is a national committee member for the American Chemical Society.

See more about Adam's story in the Spring 2026 edition of the USF Magazine: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/dc70a88be5.html /10

The University of Sioux Falls is proud to announce it has officially been awarded the Omicron Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Alpha Alpha (Tri-Alpha), the national honor society recognizing the academic excellence of first-generation college students.

USF is the first institution in South Dakota to establish a chapter and has been named a founding member of the Tri-Alpha community.

Read More: https://www.usiouxfalls.edu/news/usf-aaa-honor-society

Josie Gjerde (right) was looking for a bigger-city experience and a program that would support her desire for an MBA. Elsa Gjerde (left) wanted smaller class sizes, friendly professors and a university that offered majors in both criminal justice and social work.

In the end, they both landed on the same solution: USF.

Read more about the Gjerde twins' path to USF and beyond in their Spring 2026 USF Magazine story here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/dc70a88be5.html /8