South Dakota Board of Regents
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, December 16, 2005
For more information: Janelle Toman, 605-773-3455

Dakota State Student Organizations Recognized

MADISON, S.D. – Student-led organizations from Dakota State University were honored Friday by the South Dakota Board of Regents with special awards.

“It is always a pleasure to recognize student groups for outstanding service, academic performance and leadership,” said Regents President Harvey C. Jewett. “These students represent the best of South Dakota public higher education.”

The DSU student organizations recognized were:

• Award for Academic Excellence—Phi Beta Lambda Business Club brings business and education interests together in a positive working relationship. Leadership and career development are emphasized through workshops, guest speakers, conferences, and competitive events. The club has sponsored workshops of particular interest to college students on such topics as credit, resume writing, and professional dress. Members also apply what they have learned through business-related competitions at the state and national level.
  
  
• Award for Community Service—The SDEA Student Program demonstrates the positive involvement of future educators in their community. The group has conducted three “Out Reach to Teach” events in the past year at high-needs schools, where student volunteers paint classrooms, plant trees, decorate bulletin boards, and organize storage areas. SDEA student members also volunteer at the Madison library to conduct reading and activity lessons for young children. 
  
  
• Award for Organizational Leadership—Members of the Student Association Senate meet weekly and serve on a variety of campus committees. Senators assisted with a new fall orientation program and play a large part in the campus-wide student convocation which takes place each semester. The Senate also organized efforts to begin a campus recycling program. Off campus, the Student Senate is also active, helping with community fund raising efforts and assisting people with disabilities in decorating for Christmas.

-30-