Coming together

The beginning of the fall semester marked a change for The Volante and other campus media organizations, a change that is truly vital to the journalism students on campus but one that may be unnoticed by the average reader.

The market for newspapers and other media outlets is changing. Some grumble that the newspaper industry is dying, but I’m convinced the newspaper will never truly die, although it may and most likely will see a shift in its form.

It’s paramount for journalists to be ridding themselves of the old mindset that they are simply print journalists, or broadcast, or radio. The journalist of today must be prepared at every step to capture audio, video, photos, and then write a story besides all of that.

But I think it is important for journalists to realize that they can’t always do it alone, and it’s possible to share resources and some content, while remaining their own distinct identity. The Volante is joining a convergence team called the Cross Media Council at USD, where they will be able to share and cross-promote other campus medias like U.News and U.Radio.

For the reader, this means they will likely be seeing more promotion of the broadcast and radio station both in our print product as well as online at our Web site, VolanteOnline.com. They will also see The Volante featuring video and audio produced by students at other organizations.

This is an exciting avenue the USD media has chosen to explore, and I hope viewers appreciate the extra content we are now able to provide.

Lee Medical School dedication

One construction/dedication down, only two more to go. Finally, USD can say, “Look what we’ve done! Isn’t it grand?”

And, truth be told, the building is grand. The inside is spectacular. Hundreds of people gathered to hear President James Abbott, Sen. Tim Johnson, Dr. Ron Lindahl, Dean of the medical school and several others in Friday’s dedication ceremony. Luckily, there was plenty of balcony space on the two floors above the ground seating area.

If you missed the ceremony, there are photos below to show you what you missed. Or better yet, check out VolanteOnline.com and read Nick Woltman’s report and watch Drew Quandt’s video of the event.

–Michelle Rydell

Tibetan monks travel to USD

Today I went to the Brown Bag Lunch program featuring an ensemble of monks from India, which was held at USD’s National Music Museum.

I had never been to a brown bag lunch program, and I was impressed by the amount of people who attended. About 100 people showed up to listen to the group of five monks, who are from the Gaden Shartse monastery in Mungrod, India.

The brown bag lunch program, “An Auspicious Moment: Sampling the Sounds of Tibet,” featured traditional Tibetan instruments from the National Music Museum’s collections.

The monks are in the area to build a sandmandala in the Levitt Gallery on Morningside College’s campus in Sioux City to raise money to equip a hospital located at their settlement in India.

Look back to VolanteOnline.com to view photos, hear audio of their performance and more updates.

Students crowd Dome for kickoff game

Students, alumni and family members crowded the stands at the DakotaDome tonight during the first football game against St. Ambrose University. 

The Coyotes slammed their opponent 52-0. Check out Sports editor Matt Dahlseid’s report later tonight.

Photos by Molly O’Connor, The Volante.

More than 175 students volunteer to move in university’s largest freshmen class

The largest freshmen class in university history was aided today by one of the largest groups of student volunteers housing officials say they have ever seen.

More than 175 students volunteered to help move in incoming freshmen, said Kirsten Compary, acting dean of students. Compary said more members of the Greek community helped this year compared to years past.

The day seemed to go by smoothly, thanks to a new comprehensive plan created by university officials and the Department of Public Safety. The plan included a color-coded check in at the DakotaDome and designated routes to eliminate congestion on roads filled with construction.

Check back with VolanteOnline.com throughout the week for more USD news and updates.

Tailgating kicks off D-1 season

Lines were long at tonight’s tailgating event before USD’s first football appearance as a Division 1 university.

Nearly 500 people lined up to eat the burgers, chips and beans provided for free by Aramark. As students checked in earlier today at the DakotaDome, university staff and volunteers handed out two tickets for the football and two tickets for the tailgating party for each car.

In addition to the incoming freshmen and their families, USD students of every age- from seniors to senior citizens- gathered to cheer on the ‘Yotes in their probable victory against St. Ambrose University. 

The USD Marching Coyotes could be heard warming up from the field across in front of the Fine Arts Center as students settled into the shady corners of the lawn. A DJ from the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity kept the music going from 5 p.m. until kickoff.

Later tonight, local band The Kickback will play in front of the tennis courts. During half-time, Coyote Athletics will be giving out 12 credit hours of free tuition for the spring 2009 semester.

Read Justin Rust’s move-in day report and video on www.volanteonline.com.

Stay tuned to The Volante’s coverage of the game, after-party and more.