Stories of Greatness: Denet Christopher
Denet Christopher used to be one of those people who would not volunteer to speak in front of crowds. Ever. Today, he regularly stands before large audiences talking about one of the most sensitive subjects imaginable: mental health and suicide prevention.
The transformation happened at the University of Sioux Falls (USF), where the Master of Business Administration program pushed him far beyond his comfort zone. Now a husband, father of four and professional in the financial industry, Christopher co-founded Better South Dakota, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health awareness.
The organization was born from profound loss. In January 2021, Christopher lost his younger brother to mental health struggles. Better South Dakota, originally founded as Long Live MC, carries a simple but powerful message.
"It is okay to not be okay, but it's not okay to not do anything about it," Christopher explained.
Stories of Greatness: Laycee Kluin
When Laycee Kluin was growing up in Sioux Falls, she knew that she wanted to go to college close to home, but she wasn't sure where. When she toured USF, she knew she was right where she wanted to be.
Stories of Greatness: Jon Thum
Growing up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Jon Thum had plenty of college options. But for him, the choice was clear: stay connected to the community that shaped him by attending the University of Sioux Falls (USF).
Stories of Greatness: Bria (Barfnecht) Ellefson
Growing up in Delano, Minnesota, Bria Ellefson, then Barfnecht, wasn't sure she wanted to venture far from home for college. When an email arrived from Andrea McCartney, then associate volleyball coach at the University of Sioux Falls (USF), her first instinct was to delete it.
Stories of Greatness: Travis Lape
For Travis Lape, finding the University of Sioux Falls as a senior in high school felt like a calling. It felt like finding his place. The first in his family to go to college, choosing a school was no small feat.
"USF was home for me," Lape said.
