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Groton Daily Independent
Friday, Aug. 25, 2017 ~ Vol. 25 - No. 056 ~ 22 of 65
Madison Daily Leader, Madison, Aug. 21
Generous gifts are a new boost to DSU rocket
When describing Dakota State University to others away from Madison, I often describe it as a “rocket ship.” The university’s leadership, faculty, program designs and strategic focus all contribute to its perfor- mance.
So when news broke of a major announcement at Sunday’s dedication of the Beacom Institute of Tech- nology, we were curious about another great thing about to happen to a great institution.
The announcement was made: a $30 million gift from Miles Beacom and T. Denny Sanford, $10 million in funding from the South Dakota Future Fund, and $20 million in federal funding — still being nalized — announced by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds.
The announcement focused on the big picture, not the details. The Beacom/Sanford gift is by far the largest gift in Dakota State history. It follows the $5 million gift from Beacom and Sanford to help build the Beacom Institute. The gift and the other funding will be used in the eld of cybersecurity, the fastest- growing eld of study at DSU.
We didn’t learn Sunday about how that money would be spent, but we’re con dent it will be spent wisely. Sanford has a history of tying his donations to lofty goals, such as nding a cure for Type 1 diabetes or discovering the origins of matter through the Sanford Homestake Laboratory in Lead.
First, we expect bricks and mortar. Today’s highest level of research in cybersecurity can’t be done in a facility without top-rate security over public internet connections. We expect the best-designed facility for that work to be located right here in Madison.
Second, we expect recruitment of the best researchers, who may or not be teaching faculty. While there will be some opportunities for students to conduct research, the highest-level research will be conducted by the best, most experienced people in the eld.
Third, we could expect scholarships for students to pursue cybersecurity as a career path, with a com- mitment to practicing in the eld for a certain number of years, in line with the Cyber Corp Scholarships already in place.
To continue our rocket ship analogy, it feels as though another booster rocket is being placed on a ship that’s already taking off. It also ts with Sunday’s celebration theme of “Rising.”
We offer heartfelt thanks to Miles Beacom, Denny Sanford, Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Sen. Mike Rounds. But equal recognition and thanks go to DSU President Dr. Jose-Marie Grif ths, the leadership team and all others at the university. The current success and vision for the future are what attracted the donors and funding, and they will be the characteristics that will lead to success.
South Dakota Hutterite colonies submit feedlot applications
ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — Two Hutterite colonies in northeastern South Dakota have submitted multi- animal feedlot applications that are pending approval by the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The American News reports that Camrose Colony is pursuing a new turkey and swine feeding operation by Doland that was rst put forward over a decade ago. The new application is a revised version of the rst one.
Neal Konda of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources says the facility could have as many as 1,400 head of swine and 80,000 turkeys.
Newport Colony is planning to expand an animal feeding operating near Britton. It would allow for add- ing as many as 5,000 chickens and two dairy cows.
The existing operation has a maximum of 12,256 head of swine, four dairy cows, 2,000 chickens and 1,000 ducks.
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Information from: Aberdeen American News, http://www.aberdeennews.com