The event occurred on April 11, 2025, at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center and was part of Tiospaye’s 51st annual USD Wacipi weekend, bringing together more than 250 alumni, students, faculty and community members to honor Indigenous excellence in education. Dinner was provided by Heck’s BBQ, with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe donating buffalo to help support the occasion.

The evening featured an opening prayer by honorary USD alumnus and Wacipi eyapaha (emcee) Butch Felix '24 and songs from the host drum Mato Pejuta. These were followed by a program that spotlighted the deep commitment of USD’s Native alumni to transforming education for Native communities across the country. The program included remarks from Amy Schweinle, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education, and reflections from alumni and student leaders.

This year’s keynote speaker was Thomas Shortbull, a trailblazer in Indian education and public policy. A two-time graduate of USD in political science, Shortbull has spent his career fighting for tribal sovereignty, educational equity and legislative representation for Native people. From serving as president of Oglala Lakota College to testifying before Congress for tribal college funding, his life’s work has impacted thousands of Native students and communities.

Among the honorees were several School of Education graduates whose careers span leadership, advocacy and innovation.

  • Gina Curran who received her educational specialist degree in 2019, is the high school principal at St. Francis Indian School in St. Francis, South Dakota. An Oglala Lakota educator with over 25 years of experience, her work focuses on fostering schools where Native students can thrive and dream without fear.
  • Vivian Delgado, Ph.D., a 1987 graduate in elementary education, became the first person in the U.S. to earn a doctorate in Native American [Indigenous] Philosophy. She developed one of the nation’s few four-year Indigenous studies programs and currently serves as a consultant for Indigenous and environmental advocacy organizations, including the Oceti Sakowin Treaty Council.
  • Vanessa Hamilton, a 2017 psychology graduate, works at the Nebraska Indian Community College, leading cultural initiatives and language revitalization efforts. Her work in historical preservation and her dedication to Omaha language and identity have made her a pillar in her tribal community.
  • Wayne Kindle, Ph.D., earned both his master’s and doctorate in educational administration in 1993 and 2000, respectively. He currently serves as superintendent of the Yankton School District in Yankton, South Dakota. With more than 30 years in public education, he has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to human rights and Native student achievement.
  • Stephen Saiz, Ph.D., received his graduate degree in educational psychology in 1999. He began his career by teaching on the Pine Ridge Reservation and went on to serve in faculty and leadership roles at higher education institutions, including SUNY Plattsburgh in Plattsburgh, New York, and South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. His work has supported Native student access to graduate programs and culturally relevant counseling education.
  • Gail Watterson, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate, earned her master’s in special education administration in 1989. She has dedicated her career to serving Native students in tribal and rural communities and is known for her advocacy, leadership and cultural commitment in special education.

Tiospaye also recognized four alumni who were featured in the Indian Counselors Program Conversation at IdeaFest, including Lowell Amiotte, M.A. '71; John Derby, Ph.D., M.A. '71, BSED '64; Robert A. Ryan, Ed.D. '73, M.A. '71; and Maurice Twiss, M.A. '72.

Host drum Matjo Pejuta rendered a Wokiksuye Olowan (Memorial Song) that was sung for Shannon Petree, Ron His Horse is Thunder, Andrew Rendon and other alumni who passed away in the last year. Mato Pejuta also rendered an honor song for the honorees and USD alumni in attendance.

The Native Alumni Dinner is a signature annual event that recognizes the enduring contributions of Native leaders in education and society. Through their dedication, these USD alumni have reshaped classrooms, policies and futures.

About the Tiospaye Student Council

The Tiospaye Student Council was founded in 1957 as the Wapaha Club. It was renamed in 1972 with the development of the annual Wacipi.

This year’s Tiospaye Student Council Board included the following.

  • Co-President: Anna Harlan (Omaha)
  • Co-President: Kylie Parisien (Turtle Mountain)
  • Vice President: Taya YellowMule (Oglala)
  • Secretary: Melody Scott (Standing Rock)
  • Treasurer: Jeslyn Deserly (Three Affiliated Tribes)
  • Marketing Chair: Goldie Haukaas (Sicangu)
  • Wacipi Chair: Angel Vazquez (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate)
  • Student Advisors: Collette Bowman (Oglala) and Trinity Redday (Flandreau Santee)
  • Advisors: Megan Red Shirt-Shaw (Oglala), Brooke Jackson and John Little (Standing Rock Dakota)

For more information about Native Student Services or the USD School of Education, please contact Native Student Services at 605-677-5352 or email John Little, director of Native Recruitment & Alumni Engagement at [email protected].

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