College Connections is made up of college students from South Dakota who want to encourage current high school students to pursue their academic goals - even when it seems out of reach.

Meet the Team!

Representing South Dakota. Everywhere.

Our team is made up from talented students from around the state who represent universities all across America.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Originally from Salem, Kayle Lauck is a senior at the University of Notre Dame studying Political Science with minors in Sustainability; Politics, Philosophy, and Economics; and Education, Schooling, and Society. Kayle is a part of the Glynn Family Honors Program and a merit scholarship recipient through the Notre Dame Scholars Program. She receives financial aid to cover the rest of the costs of college. In 2021, she was named South Dakota’s delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program and was recently named a Truman Scholar, one of the nation’s highest collegiate honors. Kayle is interested in pursuing a career in agricultural policy and law. She became involved with College Connections because she wanted to be a part of creating a network that strengthens South Dakota’s workforce by ensuring that every student is well-informed of their opportunities and confident in their ability to pursue their career aspirations. Kayle plans to return to South Dakota after finishing her graduate degree to begin her career.

Johnny Blote is a senior studying Marketing with a minor in Catholic Social Tradition at the University of Notre Dame. Originally from outside of Rapid City, Johnny is on financial aid granted by the university and is very thankful for the opportunity the university has given him. Johnny is working for General Mills as a Marketing Associate following graduation in May of 2025, but he is interested in pursuing a career in South Dakota at some point to be close to family. He became interested in College Connections because he wanted to see greater representation of people from the state he loves.

TEAM OF DIRECTORS

Director of Development

Hi everyone, my name is Dhruv Goyal! I am originally from Rapid City. I'm a sophomore at Columbia University studying on the pre-medical track. I joined SDCC because I was excited to provide South Dakota students with the advice that I wish I would have had in high school. I think college is truly a wonderful place, and I think everyone should have the opportunity to explore and apply to their dream schools.

Director of Mentorship

Sarah Swier is originally from Avon, SD and is a sophomore studying Political Science with a minor in Education, Schooling, and Society at the University of Notre Dame. Sarah has been fortunate to receive financial assistance from Notre Dame and is so grateful to those who have invested in her education, as she would not be able to attend this university without that support. Sarah plans to pursue a career in education law and policy, and became involved with South Dakota College Connections due to the non-profit’s commitment to ensuring academic success for students from her home state. She is passionate about providing resources for those navigating the college admissions process, as well as increasing the percentage of students from South Dakota who choose to attend college out of state. SDCC provides her the opportunity to pay forward the kindness continually shown to her by fellow South Dakotans.

Director of Outreach

Hi! My name is Gianna Stangeland and I am a sophomore studying Electrical Engineering with minors in Engineering Corporate Practice and Theology at the University of Notre Dame. I am originally from Pierre, SD and graduated from T.F. Riggs. I enjoyed my first year of school and am grateful for the financial aid I received from the university that made my attendance possible. On campus, I am a student assistant for the First Year Engineering Program and a member of the Baja SAE club. I joined SDCC so I could share some of the things I wish I had known about the college application process with other high schoolers from South Dakota. Making this process more navigable for others is something I am more than excited to be a part of!

Mentor Network

  • Dustin Hermansen

    Hometown: Aberdeen

    School: US Air Force Academy

    Year: Sophomore

  • Tom Solano

    Hometown: Rapid City

    School: University of Notre Dame

    Year: Sophomore

  • Megan Zhu

    Hometown: Rapid City

    School: MIT

    Year: Sophomore

  • Luke Jegeris

    Hometown: Rapid City

    School: United States Military Academy West Point

    Year: Junior

  • Kira Waldhalm

    Hometown: Harrisburg

    School: Middlebury College

    Year: Sophomore

  • Rachida Mahamed

    Hometown: Sioux Falls

    School: Augustana University

    Year: Senior

  • Keatyn Wede

    Hometown: Mitchell

    School: Georgetown University

    Year: Sophomore

  • Ethan Gladue

    Hometown: Sioux Falls

    School: University of South Dakota

    Year: Junior

  • Aleesia Dillon

    Hometown: Rapid City

    School: Cornell

    Year: Senior

  • Sydney Anel

    Hometown: Sioux Falls

    School: University of Notre Dame

    Year: Sophomore

  • Lucy Farley

    Hometown: Beresford

    School: College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

    Year: Junior

  • Kimberly Tolsma

    Hometown: Avon

    School: Wayne State College

    Year: Sophomore

  • John Lees

    Hometown: Pierre

    School: Brown University

    Year: Freshman

  • Marlee Shorter

    Hometown: Pierre

    School: Grand Canyon University

    Year: Sophomore

  • Trinity Peterson

    Hometown: Willow Lake

    School: South Dakota State University

    Year: Junior

  • Mallory Vetter

    Hometown: Philip

    School: University of South Dakota

    Year: Senior

  • Jack Freeburg

    Hometown: Vermillion

    School: University of Notre Dame

    Year: Sophomore