USD to Host South Dakota Union Building Grand Reopening Oct. 10
Open to the public, the ceremony will take place outside on the front lawn of the South Dakota Union building, facing Clark Street. The press is invited to attend.
Built in 1930, the South Dakota Union is home to USD’s Department of Psychology, Psychological Services Center, the Disaster Mental Health Institute, the Heimstra Human Factors Labs and the Advanced Visualization Laboratory.
While the Department of Psychology is one of USD’s largest departments, the building had not undergone any major updates since it was built.
“The renovations have greatly improved the learning environment for our state’s future mental health professionals,” said Doug Peterson, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Psychology.
Building improvements included the following.
- Modern classroom, office, student and circulation spaces
- New clinic space, with separate entrance and dedicated client parking
- Enhanced research laboratory space to support clinical, behavioral and neuroscience research
- Various upgrades related to security, accessibility and building maintenance and modernization
In 2023, the Joint Committee on Appropriations awarded USD $3.4 million dollars in one-time general funds for the renovation of the South Dakota Union building to address these needs. USD matched that amount with maintenance and repair funding for a total of $7.82 million dollars. With this support, USD was able to begin a full renovation in April 2023.
“We are incredibly grateful to the South Dakota Board of Regents, the Legislature and Governor Noem for continually investing in our students,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. "The USD Department of Psychology not only provides an education for our future leaders, but also provides mental health services for the communities in our region. This renovation allows our students to learn in a modern facility, so they hit the ground running when they join the workforce.”
In addition to improving the learning environment and enhancing facilities, these renovations have also positioned USD for additional opportunities and growth.
“The renovations to the South Dakota Union building have positioned us for success as we undergo reaccreditation and apply for grants that will help us provide services to our communities,” said Peterson.
Media RSVP to Hanna.DeLange@usd.edu.
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