Beacom School of Business

You are here:

Distinguished Service Citations

Each year Beacom School of Business awards distinguished service citations honoring business leaders and students. This year's recipients were honored at a luncheon on October 22, 2011. Read More>

Business Honorees

Pictured:  front row, left to right: Raymond Ring, Jon Carpenter, Diego Salazar; back row, left to right: Cheryl Tiahrt, Megan Maassen, Gary DeVries, Brian Gramm and Beth Davis.

Megan Maassen - Outstanding Senior Award
  • Maassen is a native of Brandon, S.D. and will graduate in December, 2011 with a master's degree in professional accountancy.
Cheryl Tiahrt - Outstanding Graduate Student Award
  • Tiahrt, Wakonda, S.D., received her M.B.A. from USD in May 2011. 
Gary DeVries - Distinguished Service Award: Alumnus
  • DeVries, M.P.A., C.P.A., is managing director of Lamont Enterprises LP of Aberdeen, S.D.
Brian Gramm - Distinguished Service Award: South Dakota Business Person of the Year
  • Gramm, M.B.A., is founder and CEO of Peppermint Clean Energy, SIoux Falls, S.D.. 
Beth Davis - Distinguished Service Award: Service to South Dakota Businesses
  • Davis is president of South Dakota Rural Enterprises of Renner, S.D. 

Award Descriptions:
  • Distinguished Service Citations – Alumnus.  The Distinguished Service Award – Alumnus is given to individuals who have graduated from Beacom School of Business, the University of South Dakota and distinguished themselves in their business careers. Recipients of this award demonstrate the highest level of business knowledge, commitment to business ethics and strong leadership.
  • Distinguished Service Citations – South Dakotan.  The Distinguished Service Award – South Dakotan is given to individuals who have committed themselves and their businesses to making South Dakota an even better place to live and do business. Recipients of this award demonstrate exemplary character, business and community leadership and serve as role models for those who wish to make a positive difference in South Dakota.
  • Distinguished Service Citations – Outstanding Member of Senior Class. The Outstanding Senior Award is given yearly to a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding performance in his/her studies and activities at the University, gives promise of a successful career in business or industry and makes an outstanding contribution to the community.
  • Distinguished Service Citations – Outstanding Graduate Student.  The Outstanding Graduate Student Award is given yearly to a graduate student who has demonstrated exemplary talent in academics, service and character. A faculty-generated award, faculty cast their votes for the graduate students they think best fit the Outstanding Profile.
  • Distinguished Service Citations – Special Merit. The Distinguished Service Award – Special Merit is given to individuals who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to community and The University of South Dakota. Recipients of this award have given unselfishly of their time and talents to increase the quality of life for South Dakotans.
Submit Nominations: