External Overall Co-Chair

Hey! My name is Libby Bullerdick, I am a senior Marketing and Strategic Communications double major from Omaha, NE.

I was a dancer my first two years, served as one of the Sponsorship Chairs last year and this year I’m excited to serve as the External Overall Chair and help lead this amazing organization with Halle Randall!

Seeing all the amazing things this organization has done over the years for these fearless kids is just one of the many reasons Dakotathon means so much to me. Seeing all of kids and families enjoying our fun-filled Day Of makes all of our hard work worth it.

I dance so that these kids can be kids. To worry more about bike rides, summer camp and playing with friends than hospital and doctors visits. Can’t wait for best day of the year! See you April 13! #FTK

Internal Overall Chair

Happy DM, Everyone!

My name is Halle Randall and I am this year’s Internal Overall Chair! I am a senior from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, majoring in Medical Biology with minors in Chemistry and Child/Adolescent Development. This will be my fourth year participating in Dance Marathon, participating as a Dancer my first two years and Co- Entertainment Chair last year.

This organization and our miracle children has truly captured my heart! I am beyond excited to work with this executive team and make miracles happen! My favorite part of Dakotathon is spending the day with the cutest kids on earth, while seeing the endless smiles and hope Dakotathon brings to everyone involved.  I dance so that kids can simply be kids and chase their dreams!

Can’t wait to see everyone on April 13th! HAPPY DM!

Event Fundraising Co-Chair

My name is Jacob Meyer and I am one of the co-chairman of Events and Fundraising for Dakotathon 2019!! I am a Senior from Brookings, South Dakota and am majoring in Elementary Education, currently spending my year as a student teacher. 

Event Fundraising Co-Chair

Hello Party People!! My name is Quincy Score and I am a fifth year senior studying Business Administration from Sioux Falls, SD. This will be my fifth year participating in Dakotathon, where I have been a dancer, a morale captain, the Morale Co-Chair, and now this year I am one of the Events and Fundraising Co-Chairs with Jacob Meyer! Now let me tell you, we are just a couple of guys who love events and love fundraising. Yes I am one of the fifth years this year, but it is just because I wanted one more year of the greatest organization at USD.

I cannot wait to do another year of Dakotathon, and kill it with this great executive team!

I dance for all the kids dancing in heaven!

Sponsorship Co-Chair

Hello! My name is Teagan McNary and I am a senior Political Science and Criminal Justice major from Vermillion, SD. I am thrilled to be serving the Dakotathon executive team this year as a sponsorship co-chair!

This will be my second year participating in Dakotathon. Last year was my first year as a dancer, and I fell in love with the organization and the people right from the start. This organization is unlike any other and really gives you the opportunity to be a part of something far bigger than yourself, and I am grateful to be a part of this amazing group.

I dance so that kids can live their lives as kids. I’m already counting down the days to the best day of the year! #FTK

Sponsorship Co-Chair

My name is David Doss and I am a senior medical biology major from Watertown, SD. I am super excited to be on the Dakotathon executive team this year as one of the sponsorship co-chairmen!

Previously, I have participated in Dakotathon as a dancer as well as a member of the logistics team and I really am looking forward to what this next year has in store! My passion for this organization has grown like crazy since my first year as a dancer and I look forward to the opportunity to see my passion grow even more!

I dance so all of the miracle children that have been through the Castle at Sanford can dance too, because despite being in and out of appointments and treatments regularly, every kid deserves to be a kid! #FTK

Sponsorship Co-Chair

Hello everyone!! My name is Austin Lindeman and I'm a senior Kinesiology and Exercise Science major form Sioux Falls. This will be my third year participating in Dakotathon! My first year I was a dancer, and then my second year I was chosen as a morale captain, and now this year I'm on the exec board! My role on the executive team this year is Sponsorship co-chair. 

Throughout my time being involved in Dakotathon I have heard and learned from so many families about how precious life really is. Last year my miracle child Aria inspired me to want to get more involved with this amazing organization. Meeting the families and seeing the kids laugh and dance and have a good time is what makes that day the best day of the year.

I dance for all of the angels dancing in heavaen and for all the smiling faces I get to see on the day of. I'm so excited to get started planning out the next dakotathon, and I'm already counting down the dayS! #FTK

Finance Chair

Hello, I am Ryan Scholten and I am a junior finance major from Sioux Falls, SD. Last year was my first year in Dakotathon, and I had the great experience of being a dancer. This year I will be serving as Finance Chair!

I believe that this event is truly a special experience for everyone involved. It is a day of excitement for everyone who is there. I enjoyed my time as a dancer last year and all the great kids I got to meet. I am excited to serve as finance chair this year, and hope my financial abilities are much better than my dancing abilities for the sake of our beautiful event.

My favorite part of Dakotathon,is that it is day for everyone involved to have a great time. The kids, who we do it for, have a full 24 hours to only have to worry about being a kid and having fun. All of the students and alumni in the event finally have the day come that they had been fundraising and dreaming of for almost a year.

I dance to make the kids smile!

#FTK

Technology Chair

Hello everybody! My name is Jack O'Connor and I am this years technology chair! I am from Watertown, South Dakota and I'm a senior Kinesiology major. This is my fourth year participating in Dakotathon, starting off with my first year being a dancer, my second year being a logistics member, my third year being on morale, and now I'm on the executive team!

I am beyond excited to begin this journey with the executive team, and I am excited for the dedication that this team has. Every year is eye-opening to me to understand how important this event is to our children. We allow them to be kids for a day, and that's the most important thing that we can do for them. I dance so someday instead of making kids be kids for a day, they're able to be kids every day. HAPPY DM!!!!

Marketing Co-Chair

Howdy :) I am Michaela Goldammer and I am a senior Strategic Communications major from Sioux Falls South Dakota. This will be my fourth year participating in Dakotathon.

When I started Dakotathon I never thought of how big of an impact it would have on my life. The “day of” my first year participating completely opened my eyes to how amazing this organization is and I haven't stopped talking about it since! Last year, my third year, I was selected as recruitment chair with Jacob Meyer. This year I have the pleasure of working with Claudia as my partner in crime! Words cannot describe how excited for April 13th I am, and to share my favorite organization with people that have yet to

experience what Dakotathon can do. My favorite quote I have come across is “The funds we raise make miracles for kids. The experience of raising these funds make miracles for us.”  Also S/O Conrad Adam, miss ya buddy.

As always FTK ALL DM DAY

Marketing Co-Chair

Hi guys! My name is Claudia Schwebach, and I am a Senior Nursing major from Dell Rapids, SD.

This will be my fourth year participating in Dakotathon! My Freshman and Sophomore year I was a dancer and completely fell in love with the organization more each time, so Junior year I participated as a Morale Captain. I could not believe how deep my passion and commitment grew towards Dakotathon throughout the past years, so now this year I am ecstatic to serve on the Executive team as a Marketing Co-Chair!

Dakotathon is my favorite organization I have participated in at USD, and I cannot believe the bonds I have made with the beautiful children and families that have changed my life. I continue to dance so that one day these kids can be able to dance along with me worry-free. #FTK!

Morale Co-Chair

Hey! My name is Amber Maher and I am a senior Psychology and Criminal Justice double major from Sioux Falls, SD.

This will be my fourth year participating in Dakotathon. My first year I was a dancer and then I became a morale captain for my second and third years. Now this year I am excited to serve as one of the Co-Morale Chairs on the executive team! I have always loved to dance and I can’t wait to show off my skills this year. My love for this organization and the families continues to grow each year. It gives me a chance to be apart of something that truly makes a difference in people's lives and put smiles on faces. I am so excited to hang out and dance my feet off with all the kids and their families in April!

I dance for more good days than bad days and so more awesome miracle families can come join us for the Day Of! April 13th can’t come soon enough #FTK

Morale Co-Chair

Hi all! My name is Regan Jensen. I am a Junior Accounting major from Sioux Falls.

This will be my third year participating in Dakotathon. Freshman year as a dancer, Sophomore year as a Morale Captain, and Junior year will be as one of the Co-Morale chairs on the exec team! I was a dancer for 15 years in my childhood, and I can't wait to show those skills off in April. This organization has been the best thing I have been a part of in my undergraduate career, and I know it is something I will always keep coming back to. I fell in love with these kids from day one, and I love seeing their smiles on the best day of the year. I dance for the kids who can't, and I hope our fundraising efforts as an organization allows every kid to dance one day.

FTK, always!

Entertainment Co-Chair

Hello Everyone! My name is Colewyn Knoblich and I am a medical biology and chemistry double major from Sioux Falls, SD.

This will be my third year participating in Dakotathon! My freshman year I was a dancer and knew little about the organization. Sophomore year I decided to apply to be a moral captain and it changed my entire perspective! After this last years Dakotathon, I have been fueled with an even greater energy and passion for this organization! This year I have the honor of being the entertainment chair. I am eagerly counting down the days until Dakotathon 2019.

I dance to make a difference and for a better tomorrow for kids everywhere!

Entertainment Co-Chair

Hey there! My name is Kiera Vroegop and I’m a senior Nursing major from Essex, Vermont! My passion for helping others is what originally sparked my interest in DM my sophomore year!

Before participating in DM, I truly had no idea how deeply this organization would touch my heart. I participated in DM as a dancer my sophomore year, as a morale captain my junior year, and I am so thrilled to be back this year as a Co-Entertainment Chair! I’m more than excited and ready to plan the big day for all of you!

I dance for all the kids who’ve never had a chance to and for all the kids and families who have fought such courageous battles. Nothing beats the precious laughter and fun that is shared on the Day Of while we celebrate these amazing miracles. If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to sign up :) See you all at Dakotathon 2019, and as always, FTK!!

Recruitment Tri-Chair

Hey guys! My name is Calli Hensley and I am a Senior Nursing Major from Brandon, SD, and this is my fourth year participating in Dakotathon!

Previously I have been a Dancer, Morale Captain, Co- Entertainment Chair, and this year I will be serving as the Recruitment Chair. The Day Of is an incredibly humbling experience and I would strongly recommend participating!

I’m truly inspired by each Miracle family and I dance for all of them, and for the kiddos who are dancing in heaven.

Can’t wait to see all my dancer friends April 13th!!

Dancer Recruitment Tri-Chair

Hey guys! My name is Madison Green, and I'm a senior English and Criminal Justice major from Rapid city, South Dakota.

This year will be my fourth year participating in Dakotathon. I fell in love with this organization when I started as a dancer my freshman year, and I spent the next two years as a Morale Captain fostering the passion I have for our mission and the love I have in my heart for our sweet miracle kids. This year, I am I'm honored and humbled to serve on the Executive Team as one of the Recruitment Tri-Chairs. We have an incredible team serving an even more incredible cause, and I'm so excited to see all that we can accomplish!

I dance for brighter futures and to give back to all of the kids and families who have had to sacrifice so much. I'm so proud to be part of a generation that's continuing to fight for the next, and I will never stop dancing for these kiddos, and as always, #FTK!

Recruitment Tri-Chair

Hey everyone! My name is Jackson Armstrong and I am a junior Physical Education major from Rapid City, SD.

This will be my third year participating in Dakotathon. The previous two years I was involved as a dancer, and this year I am extremely excited to be one of the recruitment chairs for this amazing organization! Dakotathon allows kids to step away from their everyday lives and just have fun. I dance because every kid deserves a chance to be a kid!

Can't wait for April 13th!

#FTK

Family Relations Co-Chair

Hi everyone! My name is Rachel Blackmun a senior Kinesiology and Exercise Science major and Psychology minor  from Groton, SD and this will be my fourth year participating in Dakotathon!

My freshman year I had no idea what I was getting into with this organization as a dancer, and completely fell in love with the what this organization does for kids to be kids. Sophomore year I participated as a morale captain and loved getting to know my miracle kids Olivia and Ashley throughout the day, and being that much more involved. Yet there was something in me that wanted to do even more! This past year I served on the executive team as a Co-Morale Chair making the morale song and dance for the Day-Of! This year I have the honor of serving as one of the Co-Family Relations Chairs and couldn’t be more excited for what the year has to bring!

I dance for more contagious giggles! Kids deserve to be kids even if it’s for 24 hours, nothing can take the joy they radiate on that day away! As always FTK!

Family Relations Co-Chair

Hi!! My name is Taylor Wiley and I am a senior Elementary Education major from Sioux Falls, SD.

This will be my third year participating in Dance Marathon. As a sophomore I participated as a dancer.. Junior year I participated as a co-morale captain, and was so inspired by my fighting miracle Aria. This year I am excited to serve as one of the Co-Family Relations Chair on the executive team!

Getting to hear what each family has gone through has changed me and keeps me going. I dance for all those who can’t. And I will keep dancing until these kids and families don’t have any more worries. #FTK!

High School Co-Chair

Hello everyone! My name is CC Kelly, I am a junior Spanish and Special Education major. This year will be my third year participating in Dakotathon.

My freshman year Dakotathon was not on my radar until one of the older members in my sorority approached me and said that an alumni was willing to pay for me to be a dancer if I stayed for the full 24 hours. I went through with it and fell in love with the organization. The following year I knew that I wanted to become more involved and participated as a morale captain. This gave me the opportunity to hang out with the miracle kids.That experience is one I will never forget and just pushed me to become more involved. I am excited to serve as the High School Co-Chair on exec this year. Dakotathon has given me so much and I am excited to give back to it.

I dance so that one day there will be no need for any more Dance Marathons. As long as there are sick kids I will continue to dance. I am looking forward to an amazing year! #FTK

High School Recruitment Co-Chair

Hello everyone! My name is Matthew Booth, and I am a Senior from Pierre, South Dakota. I am majoring in Secondary History Education with a minor in Business Administration. I have participated in Dakotathon each year I have been at USD. My first year as a dancer and two years ago as a morale captain. This year I will be serving as one of the co-high school dance marathon chairs! This organization has made such an immense impact on not only the amazing kids and families but everyone who has participated in it including myself! I dance for the same reason I’ve always danced- for more smiles because smiles make the world go round! Can’t wait for April! I’m already counting down the days!

Hospitality Chair 

Hi everyone!! My name is Emily Ruzhitsky and I am a sophomore Nursing major from Sioux Falls, SD.

This will be my second year participating in Dakotathon. As a freshman, I was a dancer and completely fell in love with the kids and the organization as a whole. Seeing all the smiles on the miracle kid's faces along with their family's faces on the day of is the reason I decided to be more involved in the organization. This year I have been given the opportunity to serve as the Hospitality Chair for the Dakotathon Executive Team. I am very excited for what this year has in store!

I dance for the smiles!

Counting down the days until April 13th!! HAPPY DM!!!

Logistics Chair

Hello! My name is Noah Hauck and I am a senior Nursing Major from Watertown, South Dakota.

This will be my third year participating in Dakotathon. My first year I was a dancer, and last year I joined the Logistics team. I am more than excited to be a part of the Internal Executive team as the Logistics Chair.

I love seeing students seize the opportunity and unite together for such a good cause. I dance to allow kids the opportunity to play without worrying about a diagnosis. I look forward to running a smooth DM and reaching to new heights with our Exec team! #FTK

Alumni Chair

Hey, all!!  Guess Who’s Back?

I’m Adam Palmer, and I’m a “Senior” majoring in Business Marketing from Brookings, SD. I became involved in Dakotathon my freshman year as a Dancer, then as a Morale Captain my sophomore year. Junior year, I was one of the Co-Recruitment chairs and then last I was given the opportunity to serve as a Co-Events/Fundraising Chairs! This year, I am honored to serve as the Alumni Chair and be able to serve on the Executive Board one last time. Who better to represent the Alumni than someone that should be one himself?

My favorite aspect of Dakotathon is getting the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself. It is an amazing experience getting to see the smiles on the families and children’s faces during the day which is why I dance for the hopeful families.  I am looking forward to the opportunity to bring back those that have participated in Dakotathon for the last 21 years. You are never too old to come celebrate and Dance for the Kids! I highly encourage you to join us for the Best Day of The Year on April 13th, 2019!!

It’s all FTK!!!