Student Testimonials
Matthew Tysdal '11
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Major:Economics and Political Science, double major
Sturgis, South Dakota
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How is USD different than other schools?
USD is an institution that really cares about helping its students achieve success. The support I received from faculty and administration while preparing to compete for the Truman Scholarship was truly remarkable, and left no doubt in my mind that I was at the right school.
What made a difference in your college experience?
Being part of the College Democrats during the 2008 election was very exciting, and serving as a senator on the Student Government Association was a lot of fun and a great experience. My best decision, however, was joining the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and spending most of my time in college living in a house full of my best friends.
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What most inspired you at USD?I would have to say Dr. David Carr, as he was the reason I became an economics major in the first place. He really had a way of holding my interest during his lectures, and he made it all sound so interesting that I had to pursue a degree in the field. |
Being a part of the College Democrats during the 2008 Election was very exciting.
What are you doing now?
Working as an Utility Analyst for the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission which gives me the opportunity to apply economic principles to real world situations while serving the people of South Dakota at the same time. Although the job includes countless details, I basically analyze dockets filed by electric utility companies who want to change their rates, and then present my findings to South Dakota's three elected Commissioners so they can take an informed vote. In a nutshell, I work to ensure that natural monopolies do not take advantage of consumers.
Matthew was awarded the Harry S. Truman Scholarship winner in 2010. He is the 14th University of South Dakota student to win this award. Read the press release.
Tim Carr '11
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Major:Economics and Political Science, double major Hometown:Lamoni, Iowa Why did you choose USD?I viewed USD as a welcoming community that would afford me extraordinary opportunities inside and outside of the classroom. It was the right size: not to big, but not too small. I thought I would have the chance to immediately become involved in campus life. I was right. |
What or who inspired you to choose your major?Students and faculty within my majors. I've always been interested in politics and given recent economic events, I think it is a particularly interesting time to study the economy, in particular, the effect of government policy on economic growth. |
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What is your favorite part about USD?
The people. USD is more than a physical place, it's a community of people dedicated to critical thinking and life-long learning. Many of the relationships I have formed with students, faculty, staff and administrators will be life-long relationships.
How is USD different than other schools?
USD possesses a unique culture of excellence. Though USD is a public institution, it has a private feel given the personal attention that faculty and staff afford students.
What made a difference in your college experience?
Good mentors are a key ingredient to a successful college experience. This has certainly been true in my case. Joining a fraternity, Beta Theta Pi, was one of the best decisions of my college career. I immediately came into contact with premiere student leaders and developed personal and professional skills that have and will serve me well.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation I plan to attend law school. My experience at USD has prepared me well for post-graduate education and my ensuing career.