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News Release T: 605.773.3455 |
Regents Present Awards to SDSU Student Organizations BROOKINGS- The South Dakota Board of Regents, meeting today on the campus of South Dakota State University, gave awards to two student organizations from SDSU. President Harvey C. Jewett presented the awards on the Board's behalf. "I encourage all students to get involved in campus organizations. Your experiences will add so much to your education," said Jewett. The award for academic excellence was presented to the SDSU University Toastmasters. The belief of the University Toastmasters is that the academic success of a student is based on effective communication. Their mission is to provide a mutual supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn fosters self-confidence and personal growth. Awards received by the SDSU University Toastmasters have included the Select Distinguished Award from Toastmasters International. The award was in recognition of achieving seven out of ten educational goals. This year the organization has it's eye on the highest award given by Toastmaster International, the Presidents Distinguished Club Award, which requires achieving nine out of ten educational goals. The award of organizational leadership was presented to the SDSU FarmHouse Fraternity for its encouragement of campus involvement and leadership. Members of FarmHouse serve their campus and community by participating in and being leaders for many different clubs and organizations. The fraternity has volunteered time and support to the Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter, the United Retirement Center and the Adopt-a-Highway program. They are currently fund-raising for the "Heifer Project," in which monetary donations are used to supply families from third world countries production animals to be raised and as used as food, clothing, etc. Other activities of FarmHouse have included the hosting of workshops addressing alcohol awareness, time management and leadership. The group also conducts off-campus leadership retreats for their chapter. Accepting the award for the SDSU University Toastmasters were members Brenda Beran, Judith Dobbs and Praveen Upreti. Advisor K Muthukumarappan was also in attendance. Scott Smit and Zachary Lutz accepted the award on behalf of FarmHouse. President emeritas Hilton M. Briggs was also present to accept the award on behalf of FarmHouse. President Briggs was instrumental in founding the fraternity. |
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