University of South Dakota

Students at the University of South Dakota are blending technology and creativity to make communication more accessible💡

At the first-ever USD hackathon, in partnership with Wildfire Labs, two students pitched an innovative app designed to support American Sign Language (ASL) music interpretation—showcasing how skills in design, development and accessibility work can come together to solve real-world challenges.

Read more on how this powerful example of student-driven innovation can drive real impact 👇

USD Students Combine Skills to Pitch ASL Music Interpretation App In just a single weekend, ideas became prototypes, strangers became team members and concepts turned into working solutions.

Congratulations to the more than 2,300 students who earned a spot on the Dean's List and Academic Honors List this spring! 👏

Read more 👇

USD Announces Spring 2026 Dean’s List and Academic Honors More than 2,300 students at the University of South Dakota are being honored for their high achievement during the spring 2026 semester with the release of the Dean’s List and Academic Honors.

After graduating from the University of South Dakota in 2020, Kari Edman turned her love for music into a purpose-driven career. Now a music therapist, Edman shares how her experience in music therapy helps others through healing, emotional expression and human connection. 🎶

Her story is a reminder that music doesn't just entertain — it transforms lives. Read more about her journey from student to music therapist 👇

Finding Purpose Through Music: Kari Edman’s Journey Into Music Therapy For Kari Edman, music is a way to connect, heal and help others thrive.

Happy 605 Day from the heart of the 605. (We might be biased, but can you blame us?)

USD talent 🤝Verm community

The University of South Dakota is proud to celebrate our alumni and current and former faculty and staff members who have been named to the South Dakota Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Selection to this class is a well-deserved honor recognizing leadership, service and impact across our state and beyond.

Learn more 👉https://usd.edu/the-south-dakotan/usd-community-members-honored-in-south-dakota-hall-of-fame-class-of-2026

Congratulations to University of South Dakota alumnus Caleb Swanson ’24 on being selected as a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar—one of the world’s most prestigious graduate scholarships. 👏 He joins a global cohort of future leaders, innovators and changemakers at Stanford University, collaborating on bold ideas and the drive to make a difference. 🌍💡

Learn more 👇

USD Alumnus Selected as a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar Caleb Swanson, a 2024 graduate of the University of South Dakota, has been selected as a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar by Stanford University.

Congrats class of 2026!

xoxo, USD