Beacom Excellence in Academics and Leadership Dinner Highlights Students' Achievements
Elyse Whittemore, a junior majoring in business administration and minoring in media & journalism, attended the dinner and was recognized for her achievements and involvement in multiple areas.
“I love being able to take advantage of each opportunity to leverage my experience at USD,” said Whittemore. “Being a dean’s ambassador, peer advisor and peer tutor is important to be because it not only allows me to better myself, but it also allows me to have a positive impact on other students’ experiences at the Beacom School of Business.”
The event also had guest speaker Erica Schilling ’10, vice president of business development at Mammoth Sports. Schilling spoke to current Beacom students, faculty and staff about her career experience and the importance of preparedness, networking, confidence and following your passions.
As an alumna of the university and former USD Foundation assistant athletic director/assistant director of athletic development, Schilling said it was an honor to be invited back to campus to speak at the Excellence Dinner.
“Being back on campus has this blissful feeling of home, and I’m so proud of everyone that room and the commitment they have to bettering themselves, the Beacom School of Business and the University of South Dakota,” Schilling said. “There were some impressive accomplishments earned by the students. They have monumental roles in impacting the next generation of leaders and academic excellence, and I am thankful for the work they do every day.
“South Dakota is special and filled with people who have the ability to make the world a better place,” she continued. “USD helps students find their passion and learn how to put it on display throughout their daily lives, and I hope students take advantage of their opportunities on campus.”
At the dinner, five new members were inducted into Upsilon Phi Delta, the national academic honor society for excelling students in healthcare administration. Rand Wergin, Ph.D., chair of Entrepreneurship, Management & Marketing and Health Services Management, was inducted as chair for USD’s Upsilon Phi Delta Chapter. He then inducted the following students:
- Anna Hossfeld, senior, finance and health services administration
- Samantha Kunze, junior, health services administration
- Jerett Lurz, graduate student, MBA with health services administration specialization
- Katherine Conzet, junior, health services administration
