USD Introduces the 30 Under 30 Class of 2026
The annual 30 Under 30 program celebrates young Coyotes whose accomplishments reflect the spirit of USD and highlight the value of a USD education. Selected from a competitive pool of nominees, this year's honorees are advancing their professions, strengthening their communities and inspiring those around them through their dedication and achievement.
USD recognizes the following individuals as members of the 2026 30 Under 30 class:
- Abbie Wiebers ’22, ’18, School Psychologist, Cornbelt Educational Cooperative
- Amber Cook ’23, Attorney, Pennington County State's Attorney's Office
- Brett Hughes ’20, 6th to 8th Grade English and Social Studies Teacher, Harrisburg East Middle School
- Carson Zubke ’21, Managing Consultant, Guidehouse
- Cate Davis ’21, ’18, Government Affairs Associate, Mickelson & Company
- Christian Skunk ’21, ’19, Law Student, USD Knudson School of Law
- DeValon Whitcomb ’19, Executive Director, YMCA of Greater Omaha
- Eldon Warner-Soriano '19, Actor, DDO Chicago
- Ellie Blue ’26, Resident Physician, University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Emily Kokales ’25, ’23, Director of Executive Support, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Center
- Erin Weightman ’21, Attorney, Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A.
- Grant Namminga ’24, Law Enforcement Officer, USD Police Department
- Ingrid Cho-Absher ’21, Museum Curator, National Museum of the American Indian
- Irene Arango Gómez ’22, ’20, Community Care Coordinator and Adjunct Instructor, South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
- Jamie Schweiss ’23, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pain and Movement Solutions
- Katherine Jacobs ’25, ’23 High School Speech and Debate Teacher and Coach, Brookings School District
- Kenley Lamberty ’22, Director of Political Strategy and Engagement, Dakota Credit Union Association
- Lauren Foxhoven ’21,’20, Career Success Center Manager, USD Beacom School of Business
- Lucas Heitkamp ’21, ’19, Federal Relations Associate Director, Iowa State University
- Matthew Colbert ’25, ’19, International Admissions Professional, USD Gallagher International Center
- Melissa Eberts ’19, Enrollment Marketing and Engagement Manager, USD
- Monte Rysavy ’19, ’18, Principal Examiner, National Credit Union Administration
- Morgan Deaver ’25, Director of Infant and Toddler Tribal Intervention, Lower Brule Community College
- Morgan Matzen ’19, Education Reporter, Argus Leader
- Renee Stellager ’21, ’19 Attorney, South Dakota Attorney General's Office
- Riley Ackerman ’22, ’19, Physician Assistant, Sanford Health and Monument Health
- Samuel Craig ’20, Senior Accountant, Ag Processing Inc.
- Sydney Bitz ’22, ’21, 6th to 8th Reading Lab Teacher, Rapid City Area Schools
- Sydney Stevens ’19, Chief Creative Officer, Miz Stevens Publishing LLC
- Thejaswini Paripally ’23, Modeling and Forecasting, JPMorgan Chase
The USD Foundation & Alumni Association will continue to spotlight honorees sharing their journeys, accomplishments and the lasting influence of their USD experience.
To learn more about this year’s recipients or the 30 Under 30 program, visit the USD Foundation & Alumni Association website.
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