USD to Celebrate Outstanding Alumni Oct. 6
The event is set for 5:30 p.m. the Friday of Dakota Days at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. This cornerstone Dakota Days event is complimentary to attendees; refreshments and heavy appetizers will be served.
While the event is free, RSVP’s and table reservations are appreciated. All table requests will be confirmed prior to the event.
Alumni Achievement Award and Legacy Family of the Year recipients include the following.
Melissa Dittberner, Ph.D., ’12, ’14, ’18 – Emerging Leader
Melissa Dittberner, Ph.D., or “Dr. Mo” to anyone who knows her, is a self-proclaimed lifelong learner with a passion for addiction studies, people and making the world a better place. She received her bachelor’s, master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at USD, where she currently teaches students about the importance of addiction, counseling and prevention in health sciences. With over 10 years of experience in addiction studies, harm reduction and grant evaluation, Dittberner is also the co-founder and CEO of Straight Up Care, a virtual platform that connects peer supports to those in recovery from the impacts of addiction and mental health.
Vance Thompson, M.D., ’82, ’86 – Professional Achievement
A Gregory, South Dakota native, Dr. Vance Thompson has been practicing laser vision correction (LASIK) and cataract surgery in Sioux Falls since 1991. Thompson is also a professor of ophthalmology at the USD Sanford School of Medicine. After receiving his bachelor’s in chemistry and Doctor of Medicine degrees at USD, Thompson completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Missouri, followed by a Corneal and Refractive Surgery Fellowship at Hunkeler Eye Clinic in Kansas City, Missouri. He is the founder of Vance Thompson Vision, a six-state, seven-practice comprehensive anterior segment practice spanning across the upper Midwest.
Nancy Gallagher ’77 – Service to the University
Nancy Gallagher has long been a supporter, volunteer and advocate for student success at USD. Having grown up in Yankton, Gallagher stayed close and received her bachelor’s degree in business management in 1977 from USD, starting a lifelong connection to the Coyotes. For more than four decades, Gallagher and her husband, Tom, have dedicated their lives to ensuring students at USD have the ability and opportunities to reach their full potential.
Matt Michels, J.D., ’80, ’82, ’85 – Public Service
Matt Michels, a Vermillion native, served as South Dakota’s 38th Lt. Gov. from 2011-2019 alongside former Gov. Dennis Daugaard. Michels attended USD where he worked as an orderly and EMT and earned a nursing degree in 1980. He then worked as a nurse while he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in health services administration in 1982 and his Juris Doctor in 1985. After spending time as a commissioned United States Naval Office, Michels joined a Yankton law practice with Don Bierle, where he practiced health care and hospital law.
The Cash Family – Legacy Family of the Year
The Cash family, made up of four generations of Coyotes, began their USD journey in 1898 with first-generation student Theodore Halla, who enrolled in the university’s five-year prep school and graduated in 1903 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He returned to USD to earn a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, including one year of law in 1923. With roots planted, his daughter Margaret Halla Cash Wegner and her late husband Dr. Joseph Cash each acquired bachelor's and Master of Arts degrees from USD, leading to what became a lifelong connection to South Dakota, the university and their histories and traditions. Fast forward to 2023, the Cash family continues to represent South Dakota and its legal system with fourth-generation Cash Anderson, the most recent USD law school graduate. From Greek life to established scholarships, the Cash family fiercely supports everything USD stands for. Their commitment to the state, the university and the success of its students is evident in everything they do.
