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Three individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to South Dakota and beyond will receive honorary doctorates from South Dakota State University and the South Dakota Board of Regents at the university’s 140th commencement May 9 at First Bank & Trust Arena.

The South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences will soon have an endowed position focused on swine production. The Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production will help support a faculty member whose research and leadership will elevate scholarly research productivity and advance teaching efforts within swine production at SDSU.

The SDSU Alumni & Foundation honored the Scott '75 and Lani Ramsdell family as the 2026 Philanthropic Family of the Year.

The South Dakota Perinatal Quality Collaborative, part of South Dakota State University’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, in collaboration with Postpartum Support International – South Dakota, will host a walk and fundraiser to raise awareness about perinatal mental health issues on Saturday, May 23.

Bel Brands USA is making a major investment in Brookings, committing $200 million to expand its facility and double production of its iconic Babybel cheese. Production is increasing from about 1.5 million to 3 million cheeses per day — all made in Brookings, the only facility supplying Babybel cheese in the United States.

Marina Hendricks, associate professor in the South Dakota State University School of Communication and Journalism, was named a Faculty Champion by the Center for Community News at the University of Vermont. She is the first faculty member in the state to receive the honor.

Four South Dakota State University soon-to-be graduates will be featured speakers at the university’s 140th commencement May 9 at First Bank & Trust Arena.

When Laura Diddle arrived at South Dakota State University in 2003, she stepped into a role that would allow her to bring together her talents in teaching, conducting and mentorship. Over the next two decades, that role would grow into something greater, shaping not only a choral program, but generations of SDSU students and the musical life of the region.

An interdisciplinary team of South Dakota State University faculty, including Brittney Meyer, professor of pharmacy practice in the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, has received a $3,500 grant from the Karen McComish Interdisciplinary Faculty Research Program to support a series of film screenings and discussions aimed at addressing a complex social challenge that resists simple solutions or explanations: vaccine hesitancy.

During the CAFES Prexy Council Ag Week Banquet April 15 at South Dakota State University, students, faculty, staff, alums and friends of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences were honored with awards recognizing their hard work and dedication to the agriculture industry.