[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 83 (Tuesday, June 5, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. President, today I wish to 
pay tribute to my alma mater, the University of South Dakota, on their 
150th anniversary. Throughout its history, USD has been a shining 
example of excellence in education, research, and service. USD 
consistently produces extraordinary graduates, prepared for the complex 
challenges of modern-day society.
  Founded in 1862 in Vermillion, USD has the distinction of being South 
Dakota's oldest university. Since its founding, the campus has grown 
from one building to 63, serving a student population of nearly 10,000. 
USD offers a complete range of undergraduate and graduate programs of 
study, as well as the only schools of law and medicine in South Dakota. 
Students are well-served by USD's liberal arts tradition, which 
encourages interdisciplinary study. This produces adaptable, well-
rounded graduates, prepared for the ever-changing world.
  USD students have been awarded some of the most prestigious honors in 
academia including Rhodes, Fulbright, Truman, Udall, and Goldwater 
Scholarships. Graduate and undergraduate students frequently 
collaborate one-on-one with USD's dedicated faculty to conduct 
research. This high degree of collaboration is enabled by the 
university's 15 1 student-faculty ratio.
  Athletics are an important part of university life, and USD is no 
exception. The iconic DakotaDome is the cornerstone of USD Coyote 
athletics. This multipurpose 145,000 square foot structure has brought 
fans and athletes together for more than 30 years. The Coyotes have 
made the jump to division I, bringing increased exposure and a higher 
level of competition to the athletic program.
  It is a great pleasure to have this opportunity to honor the 
University of South Dakota for 150 years of academic success. USD is a 
family tradition; it is where I met my wife, Barbara, and when it was 
time for our three children to attend college they all chose USD. The 
world-class education I received at USD gave me skills and knowledge 
that serve me well to this today. I congratulate my good friend, 
President Jim Abbott, and the entire USD community on this milestone in 
the rich history of the university. As an alumnus, I would be remiss if 
I didn't close my statement with, ``Go Yotes!''

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