SDARL Class XI members learned communication skills and heard personal stories of leadership during the Communication Excellence Seminar held in Brookings December 14-16, 2021.
The class heard the immigration story of Wim and Nicolien Hammink (SDARL V). The family emigrated from the Netherlands in 1995 to expand their small dairy in South Dakota. The class toured Hammink Dairy, which now has 4,500 cows.
Jennifer Hoesing (SDARL X) led the class in “Power of 3” public speaking training. Class members composed speeches, practiced, and delivered them in four hours. Pictured above at right are class members Leander Schieffer and Dani Murray.
Class XI joined SDARL alumni for a reception, dinner and talk by SDSU President Barry Dunn (pictured below with the class). The event was held at McCrory Gardens on the SDSU campus, which was decorated for the holidays. Pictured above at left and from left are retired Executive Director Dan Gee with SDARL III class members Michelle Robbins Foley, Terry Jaspers, David Poppens, Bob Thaler, and Brad Sanderson. The class also enjoyed dinner and a leadership discussion at the home of Jodi and John Melius (SDARL VI), complements of Hurley & Associates.
In addition to President Dunn, the seminar featured outstanding leadership speakers and trainers. Pictured below from left are attitude speaker Matt Booth, and SDSU head football coach John Stiegelmeier.
The seminar concluded with a talk on leadership by Dana Dykhouse, CEO of First Premier Bank. He led the class on a tour of Dana J. Dykhouse stadium. The class is pictured below with Mr. Dykhouse in the Club 71 section of the stadium.
