Trojan Ambassadors

Angelina Chapple

Major: Business Finance

Hometown: Bloomington, MN

 

Ethan Clites

Major: Elementary & Special Education

Hometown: Stickney, SD

Kiera Coles

Major: CLI – Digital Forensics

Hometown: West Fargo, ND

Hanna Dold

Major: Business Management

Hometown: Howard, SD

Emily Dvorak

Major: Business Management

Hometown: Scotland, SD

Johnathan Eben

Major: Computer Science

Hometown: Marshall, MN

Lucia Garcia

Major: CLI – Digital Forensics

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Paige Gillingham

Major: Exercise Science with Biology Minor

Hometown: Marshall, MN

Carter Guenther

Major: Cyber Operations

Hometown: Crofton, NE

Jacob Imdieke

Major: Exercise Science & Biology

Hometown: St Cloud, MN

Bergen Irey

Major: Cyber Operations

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

Onika Kline

Major: DAD: Production Animation

Hometown: Blandon, PA

Mitchell Matherly

Major: Cyber & Network Security and Cyber Operations

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

Jaelyn Moe

Major: Elementary & Special Education

Hometown: Volga, SD

Keira Murdock

Major: Elementary Education

Hometown: Waterloo, NE

Sarah Nelson

Major: CLI – Digital Forensics, Minoring in Sociology

Hometown: Iroquois, SD

Gabrielle Ortega-Alves

Major: Integrative Biology

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Lillie Ross

Major: Elementary Education

Hometown: Hill City, SD

Joshua Shaffer

Major: Cyber Operations and Cyber & Network Security

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Karma Snow

Major: Computer Game Design & Biology

Hometown: Madison, SD

Ayden Spicer

Major: Exercise Science with Biology & Business Administration Minors

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

James Woodraska

Major: Digital Art and Design: Computer Graphics

Hometown: Valentine, NE

Meet our ambassasdors

Angelina Chapple

Major: Business Finance 

Hometown: Bloomington, MN

Clubs: Women's Basketball

Why DSU?

I fell in love with the campus, small class sizes, and location. Coming from a big city, Madison's tight knit community and location felt perfect. Dakota State's reputation and respect on a national level stood out and promised me a high level education.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

The most impactful thing I have experienced at Dakota State has been my relationships with professors and instructors. I have had most professors two or more times, which has allowed me to find mentors and meaningful conversations. I appreciate the ability to raise hands and converse directly with peers in the small classroom environments.

What I wish I knew

No matter where you are from, college is a fresh start. You can be whoever you want and start fresh relationships. It does take effort to do so, so I would recommend getting out of your comfort zone. Especially at a small university, be kind to everyone and never burn bridges.

Ethan Clites

Major: Elementary & Special Education

Hometown: Stickney, SD

Clubs: Circle K International, Educators Rising, Kappa Sigma Iota

Why DSU?

The reason that I chose DSU was of the proximity to home and the size of the campus. I did not want to go to a larger university and DSU has a great community. The faculty are always willing to help and assist students in helping them be successful and they go above and beyond to make sure we have the resources to succeed.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

One thing that has stood out during my time at DSU has been the people and professionals that I have met while being here. I met my girlfriend. I have learned and worked with amazing professors. I have take classes and collaborated with future educators that have pushed me to be the best that I can be. 

What I wish I knew

Build relationships with your professors, they are experts in their fields with so much knowledge and they have connections to help you outside the classroom.

Kiera Coles

Major: CLI – Digital Forensics

Hometown: West Fargo, ND

Clubs: Hall Council

Why DSU?

I chose DSU because when I visited campus, I knew it was the one. I toured multiple different schools, and none felt right for me. I found DSU through a college fair and picked up the flyer because I thought it looked nice. Upon reading it, I discovered a school with a focus on technology which is exactly what I wanted. The small campus and personal connections solidified my choice.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

At DSU I have name, my professors know me, and I’m not just a number among thousands. You form personal connections and people recognize you around campus. I have found my best friends here through living in the dorms. There are so many fun activities around campus and throughout Madison. My friends and I really enjoy spending time by the lake, going for walks, and hosting Dancing with the Stars watch parties in our dorm. I never thought I would fall in love with such a small town the way I did.

What I wish I knew

Be outgoing! I was the most introverted person in high school and expected to carry that over. Once I made it to campus, I made the terrifying decision to branch out, and it was the best thing that could have happened. I met so many people and experienced things I never would have imagined.

Hanna Dold

Major: Business Management

Hometown: Howard, SD

Clubs: FBLA, CRU, Circle K

Why DSU?

I choose DSU for the atmosphere and the opportunities it would open for me. I come from a small town and felt immediately welcomed by the college. The numerous opportunities and support from DSU will be influential for my future.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

Something I genuinely enjoyed about my student experience was the people I met campus wide. I have been able to build lasting relationships with people across campus that have helped me in different challenges I have faced.

What I wish I knew

The one thing I wish I would have known before starting college was to cherish the time with my family. I missed my family and wish I would have spent more time with them before college and life got busy.

Emily Dvorak

Major: Business Management

Hometown: Scotland, SD

Clubs: Track & Field

Why DSU?

The first time I stepped foot onto the DSU campus, I just knew this was where I wanted to spend the next few years. It gave me a home-away-from-home feeling. I wanted a smaller campus where everyone knows each other and where the community has your back. The coaches and trainers made me feel welcomed, and meeting with a business professor made me feel like I belonged and that DSU supported my future career goals. Between the community, athletics, and business program, DSU felt like the right fit for me.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

One thing I genuinely enjoy about my student experience is being part of the DSU track and field team. It has allowed me to meet so many great people and make friendships that I know will last a long time. I love having teammates who support and encourage me both in athletics and outside of it. The people I have met through DSU have made college feel like a place where I belong.

What I wish I knew

One thing I wish I had known before starting college is that it is okay to step outside of your comfort zone. Starting college can be overwhelming because everything is new, but you should give yourself a chance to meet new people, try new things, and ask for help when you need it. My biggest tip is to take advantage of the opportunities around you and put yourself out there. You do not have to have everything figured out right away.

Johnathan Eben

Major: Computer Science

Hometown: Marshall, MN

Clubs: Games Club, Nanocon, RA

Why DSU?

I chose DSU because I love the atmosphere of campus. Everyone I saw on my tour was very friendly and the faculty was very insightful into my degree. The small form factor of campus is definitely a bonus as well as I thought that it was easy to get around and find classes.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

I enjoy the community that gets built on campus. Because it’s a small campus, a lot of people know each other and help to host and plan events. It is incredibly awesome to see people getting together and having a laugh and enjoying the campus space. It is an incredibly unique feeling to DSU that keeps the students coming back.

What I wish I knew

I wish I knew how important it is to get involved early. Getting involved early is how you meet people and how you find your group. It is also how you can explore some interests and hobbies you might have and see what really works for you as a student on campus.

Lucia Garcia

Major: CLI – Digital Forensics

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Clubs: CybHer

Why DSU?

DSU’s tight knit community and walkable campus made my decision easy when I was choosing where to continue my academic journey.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

I love seeing my professors around campus and chatting with them!

What I wish I knew

Say yes more! Keep an open mind and enjoy every second; the good days are happening now.

Paige Gillingham

Major: Exercise Science with Biology Minor

Hometown: Marshall, MN

Clubs: RA, Woman's Basketball & Track

Why DSU?

I chose DSU because it felt like home. I love the town size and the relationships I have been able to make with professors and students, and other staff. The town size, school size, sports, and the professor I met with all played a role in my decision along with the majors they have. It felt like the right fit because the staff and coaches have a program that suits me.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

Something I have really enjoyed has been getting to know everyone on campus. I have loved being an ambassador and being able to play a role in helping people decide to come to DSU. I have also enjoyed my classes as they fit exactly what I need and want.

What I wish I knew

One thing that I have for incoming freshman is that it is important to go to events around campus. You will meet so many people and make so many good friends by just going to events and games around campus.

Carter Guenther

Major: Cyber Operations

Hometown: Crofton, NE

Clubs: Swing Dance, Jazz Band, Newman Club, Computer Club

Why DSU?

I chose DSU because of the academic program for Cyber Operations. The main reason is the fact that DSU is nationally recognized for cyber security. Additionally, DSU is about two hours from home, so it being close to home was another reason that I chose to go to DSU. Additionally, I am from a small town, so keeping the small class sizes was an additional reason.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

My favorite part of being a Trojan is the small, close community that builds on campus. With this small community, you get to know everyone, including your professors. This makes attending classes and events on campus easy as you will likely recognize at least one person.

What I wish I knew

One thing I wish I had known before starting is the amount of free time I would have. During high school, I was actively involved in 3+ activities at a time, and I didn’t have much free time. In college, you will have a lot of free time between classes. Use this time wisely. Work on your homework as you get it so that you can spend time with friends and go to clubs and events on campus. How you choose to spend your free time can shape your college experience into what you want it to be.

Jacob Imdieke

Major: Exercise Science & Biology

Hometown: St Cloud, MN

Clubs: Football

Why DSU?

I chose DSU to further my dream of playing college football. Coming from a relatively big town, I wanted to experience college life in a smaller community. Since coming here on a visit, I have felt at home. The coaches made me feel welcome. The community is very supportive of the college and all its students. It naturally felt right.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

My favorite part about being a Trojan is the close-knit community. The people of Madison are very kind and generous.

What I wish I knew

If you struggle with remembering when things are due, make a spreadsheet to help you keep track.

Bergen Irey

Major: Cyber Operations

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

Clubs: Computer Club, AI Club, FCA, Track & Field

Why DSU?

During my senior year, my first college visit was to Dakota State University. After my visit, I started subconsciously comparing every other university to DSU. It had everything I was looking for: a small campus in a small town, great computer programs, and even better one of the best cybersecurity programs in the nation. The athletics, the future developments in facilities, and my meeting with my future coaches really settled it for me.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

I really enjoy my classmates. A lot are reserved but almost everyone is eager to help you out if you’re having trouble. I’ve never been afraid of asking a stranger a question, and that’s helped me build relationships with a lot of my peers. I’ve learned a lot about our studies and campus happenings from interacting with people who seem glued to their laptops doing classwork, but each and every time I’ve reached out I’ve had an amazing conversation that helped me learn new things and meet some awesome people.

What I wish I knew

I wish I’d known right away how quickly you need to start interacting with your neighbors in the dorms. Friend groups are created quickly so you really have to step out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to people you’ve never met. Even just them knowing your name and where you’re at can start a relationship that lasts years. The most valuable thing you can have in your life is who you know. If you build those connections right away you’ll always have someone to turn to, and those relationships will only grow stronger over time.

Onika Kline

Major: DAD: Production Animation

Hometown: Blandon, PA

Clubs: Women's Soccer

Why DSU?

Info to come.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

Info to come.

What I wish I knew

Info to come. 

Mitchell Matherly

Major: Cyber & Network Security and Cyber Operations

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

Clubs: General Beadle Honors

Why DSU?

I appreciated a school with such a high national acclaim for the programs I was interested in, and really enjoyed the fact that it was located in a small town.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

At DSU, I’ve always felt like more than just a number. In every conversation with staff, I truly feel their passion for education, and appreciate the practical insight they offer on top of the curriculum. Also, the student culture is passionate about learning and fosters a community that is creative, curious, and driven.

What I wish I knew

Good friends are worth just as much as your degree. College is an amazing time to get out of your comfort zone and connect with people that you’ll care about for the rest of your life.

Jaelyn Moe

Major: Elementary & Special Education

Hometown: Volga, SD

Clubs: BSU, CRU

Why DSU?

I chose DSU, because the course structure seemed to be a better fit than other colleges I had visited. The campus size stood out to me, I came from a small school, and I loved the smaller size of campus, and that I could know each professor more personally.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

I enjoy the opportunities we have to branch out and meet new people. I can always find something happening to go do. I also enjoy understanding the professors are, and how they teacher their classes with structure, while also understanding we are all living for the first time, and giving accommodations when available.

What I wish I knew

One thing I wish I knew before starting is that everything will be okay, I feel like it's normalized to stress about the changes and new chapter starting in your life, and while it may be scary, stressing out makes it worse. People are here to help you make this a good experience and everything will come naturally.

Keira Murdock

Major: Elementary Education

Hometown: Waterloo, NE

Clubs: Volleyball, Ed Rising

Why DSU?

My main reason for choosing DSU was to play volleyball, but when I toured campus I loved learning about the education program and all it had to offer.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

My favorite part of DSU is all the amazing relationships I have made with anyone here in Madison, from volleyball practice working at recess with the elementary students. I have learned so much from different situations and I am continuing to grow and learn more about myself here.

What I wish I knew

Asking questions will get you so far in classes. It will help you and your fellow classmates in the long run.

Sarah Nelson

Major: CLI – Digital Forensics, Minoring in Sociology

Hometown: Iroquois, SD

Clubs: Esports Club President, Swing Dance Club

Why DSU?

I initially chose DSU for the CLI major, but what made me stay was the community. Everybody here is super nice, and I’ve made a ton of friends through going to clubs/being an active part of DSU.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

Something I enjoy about being a Trojan is the way professors want their students to succeed. Your professors care, and unlike in bigger schools, you aren’t just a number. (I have more things I really enjoy but you’d be reading for way too long!)

What I wish I knew

One thing I wish I would’ve known before starting college was “the experience is what you make it.” That sounds corny, but if you want to make friends, you will find them. There are so many clubs, sports, and experiences here that you can shape your own college opportunities. If I wouldn’t have joined the Esports Club, I wouldn’t be the president of the club this academic year. So, take the leap and jump out of your comfort zone!

Gabrielle Ortega-Alves

Major: Integrative Biology

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Clubs: Softball

Why DSU?

I chose DSU because I am from a big city and a big state where every university you hear and learn about while in high school are huge schools with classroom sizes being in the super high numbers and I knew from the start of my recruiting process for softball that I wanted a small school with a strong sense of community and on my first visit here for softball I knew right away this was the school for me.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

I am very sports oriented, I grew up in the city of San Diego playing softball my whole life and being a season ticket holder for the Padres so I grew up watching MLB every day of every week whether it be at the park every home Friday game or just with my family in the living room so I knew what I truly needed at a university was a sense of family and community especially in the sports world and I truly feel like I have found that here. My softball team is basically my South Dakota family, and you will catch us going to all the DSU baseball games and hanging out and you will even see most of us on our own field on our off days going in and just practicing together on our own time. The sense of family and community is truly what makes DSU so wonderful.

What I wish I knew

One thing I wish I had known before starting college is definitely to just say yes to everything, say yes to your new neighbors in the residence halls asking to hang out, say yes to your new teammates to going to their house for a little bonfire, say yes to the spontaneous Sioux Falls trips with your new friends that you have known for like a day after move in. Just truly make the most out of being in a new place with new people and trying new things because you never know when one of those random trips and activities you said yes to last minute could be one of the best memories you have from your 4 years here.

Lillie Ross

Major: Elementary Education

Hometown: Hill City, SD

Clubs: Educators Rising, Woman's Basketball

Why DSU?

I chose DSU because of the smaller size and it felt like home. It also had the exact opportunities that I was searching for, while going down the education route. Basketball was a big influence on deciding to come to DSU, but after my first year it wasn’t just basketball. It was the professors that knew me, and the friends I’ve made along the way.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

My favorite part about being a Trojan is being able to tell my family and friends about the friends I’ve made and the classes I’ve excelled in. I love having routine, and with the balanced schedule we can create it has really helped me enjoy the process even more.

What I wish I knew

What I wish I knew with coming to DSU is that you always have to be prepared. Make friends and join the clubs sooner rather than later. When you come to college, you are your own person, and this experience is what you make of it. Enjoy it.

Joshua Shaffer

Major: Cyber Operations and Cyber & Network Security

Hometown: Arvada, CO

Clubs: Football, Track, TriBeta

Why DSU?

Gave me scholarship money to do both football and track.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

My favorite part about being a Trojan is that everyone on campus knows everyone. There is not a day where I don’t get stopped by students, faculty, or even some of the townspeople and they ask how I am doing, classes are going, etc.

What I wish I knew

One thing I wish I knew before coming to DSU is that living in the freshmen dorms will be some of the most fun times at DSU.

Karma Snow

Major: Computer Game Design & Biology

Hometown: Madison, SD

Clubs: Esports Club, Art Club

Why DSU?

I chose DSU because it was close to home, cost efficient, and all the great interactions I had with people or professors before coming here.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

I genuinely enjoy all the friends I have made at DSU and getting to see them around campus, the professors and how they interact with their students and try to get to know them. I enjoy being a part of the many clubs DSU has to offer such as the Esports club, and the art club, and I love being active in my organizations.

What I wish I knew

I wish I knew about all the disability services, the ADA accommodation, and the counseling center more in depth. It is a great opportunity to be able to have free counselling services, and everything our team at LEC does for us.

Ayden Spicer

Major: Exercise Science with Biology & Business Administration Minors

Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD

Clubs: Exercise Science Club, Games Club, Nanocon

Why DSU?

I decided to come to DSU because, well one I was recruited to play baseball here, two both my parents went to school at DSU, and three I fell in love with the small college feel and being able to be one of the few not loss in the numbers at a bigger school. On my visit I fell in love with the campus and when I got here move in day, I found my home, in which now I’m finishing my 9th semester with my major and adding two minors.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

I love the small town feel of campus, where everywhere you go you know people, and for me means I can’t be running late, or I will be really late from running into people and talking throughout campus. I love the inviting community throughout the community and different clubs and organizations on campus and welcoming faculty members who want you to succeed and will help as much as possible to make it for you to succeed.

What I wish I knew

I don’t know much I wish I knew before starting college than I already did. My experience with admissions and everyone helping gave me all the information I needed. But one bit of advice I recommend is to be involved in things. Be involved in different clubs, jump in with different people on campus, and go out and do things and make great friendships and experiences.

James Woodraska

Major: Digital Art and Design: Computer Graphics

Hometown: Valentine, NE

Clubs: Games Club, Nanocon, TAB

Why DSU?

I chose DSU because of the amazing things I had heard about it from my family. I have had my grandfather come here (back when it was still General Beadle State Teachers College) my two uncles go here, and my older sister who was here to welcome me in before she graduated. I was very impressed with the student to Professor ratio and wanted more of that personalized learning experience especially since I didn’t come from a very big high school. DSU had checked every box that I was looking for.

Favorite thing about being a Trojan

I enjoy being able to meet with all sorts of people from all over the world. Networking and being able to get advice from Professionals in their field is something that isn’t easy to find on your own. The number of groups and clubs that we have on campus has also kept me busy almost every single day throughout my time here. Not only have I been able to participate in those clubs but also have had the opportunity to become a leader in those organizations as well.

What I wish I knew

Be the one to start that first conversation. Don’t worry about trying to be perfect or interesting but share what honestly interests you. College is the one place that you will find people who share your interests no matter how niche. All you got to do first is start the conversation.