What's Next for the Class of 2023?

Sarah Larcher

Early Childhood and Special Education Major from Custer, SD

Jacie Habeck

Biology and Chemistry Major from Cartwright, ND

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to have a nice summer at home before attending vet school at Kansas State University.

What will you miss about BHSU?

I am going to miss all of it. I loved how the professors would do anything to help you learn the material. I loved all the fun things to do in the area. But most of all, I loved rodeoing while doing school. I was able to have my horse here with me during college and that was such a blessing.

Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?

For me it is a tossup between Dr. Jensend, Dr. Lamb, and Dr. Asunskis. All three helped me so much along this road, and I appreciate everything they did for me. I learned so much from them.

Jacqueline Kelly

Elementary Education Major from Gillette, WY

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I will finish out the school year long-term subbing for my CE! Then I will take the 2023-2024 school year off. I plan to apply for a teaching position in my home town--Gillete, WY for the 2024-2025 school year!

What will you miss about Black Hills State?

I will miss the community! I developed great relationships with my classmates and professors. If I ever had a question or needed support, I always had a team of people that I could rely on to help me. 

What are you feeling as you approach graduation?

It is a bittersweet feeling. I am so excited to see my hard work and accomplishments celebrated, but I am also grieving the ending of this part of my life. College is a huge chapter of your life that sometimes seems like it will never end--and then, all of a sudden, it does. I am excited to use all of the tools and knowledge I have gained from attending BHSU, but I am also sad to know that this opportunity and experience is coming to a close.

Hayden Camelot Kaleda

BFA Graphic Design Major from Rapid City, SD

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to build up my portfolio and exhibit my art in several local and national galleries. I am staying in the Black Hills area for a year or two and recently accepted my first full-time design job. 

What were you involved with on campus?

I was involved in the BHSU Pride Club for 3 years and have been working with the BHSU Marketing Department all 4 years of my college career. 

What are you feeling as you approach graduation?

I am a soup of excited, nervous, and exhausted... with a bit of frazzled mixed in for flavor.

How has BHSU prepared you for your future?

The diversity of the classes offered was helpful in my preparedness. Taking a variety of classes that didn't necessarily have to do with my major was a great tool for my education. Picking up information that can be used to improve other aspects of my work has made me a better artist and designer.

Ryan Foy

Mathematics and Physical Science Major from Casper, WY

What are your plans after graduation?

I am going to attend the University of Wyoming to pursue a Master of Applied Mathematics.

Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?

The mathematics faculty as a group. The Mathematics department was by far the highlight of my undergraduate experience at BHSU. 

What will you miss about BHSU?

I will miss the BH community and the town of Spearfish the most.

Emma Siewert

History Major from Spearfish, SD

What are your plans after graduation?

This summer, after I graduate, I plan to work as a tour guide at the Historic Adams House in Deadwood. Then, I'm excited to get the chance to teach middle school and high school history this coming school year. After that, I'm hoping to attend graduate school and continue my history studies.

What are you feeling as you approach graduation?

As I approach graduation, I'm astonished that it's here already! However, I'm also ready and excited for this chapter and diving deeper into teaching and studying history. My love for the subject has grown so much here at BHSU, and I'm excited to keep exploring new avenues after my graduation. 

How has BHSU prepared you for your future?

BHSU has prepared me for the future by growing my passion for learning and broadening my horizons. Even in difficult weeks, the passion of professors and other students for learning has kept me excited and motivated to learn. I've also been able to take classes from a variety of disciplines, which has helped me to acquire new skillsets and practice seeing things from different perspectives, both of which I know will be valuable in my future endeavors. 

McKenzie Thompson

Business Administration Major from Canton, SD

Emily Bates

Biochemistry Major from Whitewood, SD

What are your plans after graduation?

Attending Pacific University College of Optometry in the fall of 2023

What were you involved with on campus?

I was involved in Women in STEM, campus ventures, and health science organization. These groups helped me to find community with people who care about similar things as myself. 

What are you feeling as you approach graduation?

I am excited for the new changes in my life as well as feeling sad to leave BHSU and the Black Hills.

Kaitlyn Hoppe

Elementary Education Major from Sturgis, SD

What are your plans after graduation?

In the fall, I will be a first-grade teacher at Sturgis Elementary School! I couldn't be more excited to be teaching in my hometown. I also plan on going to graduate school after a couple years in the classroom.

Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?

Not to sound cliché, but I have many favorite professors at Black Hills State University. Some of them include: Dr. John Alsup, Dr. Sydnet Haugland, Mrs. Kim Webber, Mrs. Melissa Schwiesow, and more! All of the professors within the School of Education have been nothing short of exceptional, and I am glad I had the opportunity to learn from them.

What's your favorite memory at Black Hills State?

My favorite memory at Black Hills State was in the Fall of 2022 when I attended methods block with wonderful classmates and professors who were encouraging and inspiring. We went through a lot together throughout the semester, and it will always be a memory that I cherish.

Trinity Morrison

Psychology and Human Services Major from Rapid City, SD

What are your plans after graduation?

After Graduation I will be attending the University of Minnesota to get my Master's in Social Work. I will be specializing in Clinical Mental Health. I hope to explore my next options and steps during my time in graduate school.

What are you feeling as you approach graduation?

As graduation is approaching, I am very excited! I feel like my time here at Black Hills State has really prepared me for what is to come in my academic and professional careers. I am also nervous for big changes and to move to another state.

Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?

I have had amazing professors at BHSU, but someone who really helped me through my time at Black Hills State is Dr. Trenton Ellis. He was a great professor and was always willing to help out and give advice.

Marissa Danforth

American Indian Studies and Human Services Major from Oneida, WI

What are your plans after graduation?

I will be working as an assistant manager of residence life at the Indian University of North America.

What were you involved with on campus?

On Campus, I was involved in residence life working as a residence assistant in Humbert and in Bordeaux Hall. I was involved in Lakota Omniciye and I was involved in Student Senate where I was able to serve as Student Senate President.

Who is your favorite professor at BHSU?

My favorite professor at BHSU is Rosie Sprague, she is always encouraging me to do my best and has supported me throughout my entire college career. I am very fortunate to have taken classes with her and I have learned so much from her during my time at BHSU.

Lillian LaValley

Environmental Physical Science Major, Music and Earth Science Minor from White Bear Lake, MN

What are your plans after graduation?

I have a lot of plans, as most up-coming graduates do, but the things I am most excited for is my contract with Yellowstone National Park. I will be moving out there right after graduation to fulfill my contract as a recycling lead in the parks. I am very blessed to have found such an important job right out of college and I am beyond excited.

What were you involved with on campus?

At BH I was involved in band for all four years, I was in the musical in 2019, my freshman year, I have been in the campus Pride Club for 2 years, and this year I am an RA. You might have seen me around campus helping out Jane Klug or Jessie Gramm in anything that they might need me to do or just working at Starbucks.

How has BHSU prepared you for your future?

BH has definitely helped prepare me to juggle a lot all at once. At my most busy, I had 3 jobs and 18 credits as well as maintaining my spot as VP of a club and helping around campus as much as I possibly could.