Executive Director

Hi, my name is Madi Sundvold and I am a senior Health Science major from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This is my third year participating in Dakotathon, and my second year on the executive board. I started out as a Morale Captain, then I was the High School Relations Director, and now I get the privilege of leading this amazing organization as the Executive Director.

I joined Dakotathon because I saw how much of a difference it was making in the lives of those who were in it. Everyone seemed so passionate about the cause and it made me want to join such a wonderful group. I fell in love with Dakotathon when I first started to hear the families stories and how much Dakotathon has touched their lives over the years. This has been by far my favorite part of college and I can't wait to see where this year takes the exec board!

I dance for the kiddos to have a healthy future full of love, joy, laughs, and smiles!

External Vice President

Hi my name is Alyssa Doss, and I am the External VP this year! My team is in charge of marketing, recruitment, and working with our different participants including miracle makers, greek houses, athletic teams, and alumni. I’m so excited to see all of the amazing things my team will do this year!!

I dance to allow families to focus on being a family, rather than on the financial stressors they face.

Vice President of Finance

Hi my name is Miranda and I am the Finance VP, so my cabinet focuses on all things fundraising specifically corporate sponsorships and all the fundraising events besides the day. 

I dance for the kids still at the hospital in hopes some day they get to join us at the day of!

Director of Marketing

Hi! My name is Hannah Wilson and I am a junior majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. I am from Ankeny, Iowa which is around 3 1/2 hours away from Vermillion. I have been involved with Dakotathon all three years of my college experience. I have experienced being a Miracle Maker, Morale Captain, and now an Executive Team member. I am so excited to be more involved this year.

I love the type of organization that Dakotathon is where we are all about having fun, making everyone feel welcome, and helping kids have brighter futures! Dakotathon is so rewarding and never fails to put a smile on my face.

I dance so the kids can dream big and be able to live the life they want to!

Social Media Chair

Hello! My name is Lauren Sobaski and I am a senior marketing major from Sioux City, Iowa. This is my third year in Dakotathon. As a sophomore I was a Miracle Maker and as a junior I was a Morale Captain. This year I am excited to be the Social Media Chair on the Exec Team.

Philanthropy is something I wanted to be involved with in my college career, and I heard so many positive things about Dakotathon from people on campus and girls in my sorority.

I dance to see the kids smile on the day off & take away financial stress for their family throughout the year!

Graphics Chair

Hey everyone! My name is Peyton Saar and I am a Junior from Omaha, Nebraska double majoring in Marketing and Operational Analytics while also minoring in Social Media Marketing. This is my first year being a part of Dakotathon, and I couldn’t be more excited!

I joined Dakotathon because the past two years I have heard so many great things from people who were a part of the organization. I really wanted to be a part of something with such a great cause and so many great people around to support it.

I dance so that the kids know that they are not alone, and that they know they have support.

Director of Recruitment

Hey everyone! My name is Emira Belhaj and I am senior Nursing major from Sioux Falls. Dakotathon has such a special place in my heart and I am so excited to be apart of the exec team this year. This organization fills my heart with joy and I want to be able to help share that experience with others. The children and their families are such amazing people and deserve the absolute world. I can’t wait to help spread smiles & laughs!

I joined Dakotathon after hearing about how the organization helps the children and their families. I wanted to help these families feel comfort and joy. After my first Day Of event, my heart was completely filled with pure happiness. These kids are so strong, brave and inspiring and their parents are absolutely amazing. Dakotathon is a powerful organization that brings awareness and also lifts spirts.

I dance for families who have endured endless battles & to bring smiles to the kids.

Director of Alumni Relations

Hello! My name is Reagan Kolberg and I am a senior majoring in health service administration and have been apart of Dakotathon for four years now. I served as a morale captain my freshman and sophomore year and as the VP of External Events my junior and have the honor of ending my time at USD on exec as the alumni relations chair.

I joined Dakotathon because I wanted to be as involved as I could be at USD and meet new people and this organization gave me something I could continuously be passionate about. Dakotathon has shaped my time at USD and I have met some of the best people and had the most transformative experiences because of this cause.

I dance so that our miracle children can continue to share their stories and be lights in all of the lives that they touch

Director of Miracle Maker Relations

Hi! My name is Jace VanderWoude and I am from Hartford, South Dakota. I am a junior at USD majoring in Health Science. This is my second year participating in Dakotathon.

I joined Dakotathon after hearing of it from my friends and could tell how passionate they were about this organization. Being able to be apart of the Day Of this past year as a Miracle Maker made my passion for this organization and for the kids grow stronger! I wanted to be more involved this year and I am so excited that I am able to be apart of the Executive Board as Director of Miracle Maker Relations.

I dance for the kids and families as I will never be able to fully understand their struggles and I hope to give them more opportunities than they have now.

Athletic Relations Chair

Hello! My name is Tessa and I am a senior on the triathlon team also studying Nursing here at school! This is my third year being a part of Dakotathon. This year I have the privilege of being the Athletic Relations chair on the Exec Team!

I joined Dakotathon after hearing about it from a teammate of mine and wanted to be apart of the amazing cause this organization has! I chose to work my way up from miracle maker to morale captain to an exec member because I wanted to challenge myself each year and become more involved!

I dance for the kids who no longer can and to spread hope and joy to those still with us.

Greek Relations Chair 

Hey everyone! My name is Brody Alvarez and I am a senior business major from Omaha, Nebraska. This is my third year participating in Dakotathon. My freshman, and junior year I was a miracle maker. This year I have the privilege of being Co-Greek relations chair on the Exec team.

I joined dakotathon after an older member of my fraternity suggested the organization to me as a freshman. With my first Day of event being my second year in the organization I knew I needed to get more involved. Dakotathon is an eye opening organization and I hope everyone feels welcome and joins this awesome cause.

I dance for the kids who can’t. For the kids who got their wings to early and those who are still with us today.

Hello! My name is Jacy and I am a senior with a major in medical biology and minor in Spanish. I am from Sioux Falls, South Dakota and this is my fourth year participating in Dakotathon. As a freshman and sophomore I was a miracle maker, and had the privilege of being on the executive team last year and this upcoming school year. I’m so excited to watch dakotathon continue to grow and impact even more lives!

I joined dakotathon after hearing about how great the organization was from older girls in my sorority. This last year I was fortunate to finely see my first day of in person and it made me fall in love with the organization all over again. Being able to meet and play with the kids for 25 hours was a very rewarding experience. I am on the executive board for a second year to try to get more people Interested and excited for such a great cause.

I dance so the kids and family's can spend time having fun together and not worrying about anything else.

Director of Fundraising

Hello everyone! My name is Emily Miiller and I am a sophomore Medical Biology major from Alcester, South Dakota! As a freshman, I was a Morale Captain and this year I have the privilege of serving as this years Director of Fundraising on the Executive Team!

I joined Dakotathon because I love working with kids and also love the organizations mission! My favorite part is dancing with the kids on the Day Of and getting to support the children and their families!

I dance for the smiles, laughter, and love from the children! I cannot wait for this upcoming year of Dakotathon, and the Kids Cant Wait either!!

Director of Special Events

Hi! My name is Kaitlyn Tegethoff, and I'm from Mitchell, SD. I'm a second year Communication Sciences and Disorders major. I participated in Dakotathon as a morale captain last year, and I am super excited to be the director of special events!

I joined Dakotathon after seeing how much some of my friends loved the organization. I joined as a morale captain my first year so that I could be as involved as possible and after attending the events, I fell in love with the organization as well.

I dance so kids can dance too and for the kids who are no longer dancing with us

Community Relations Chair

Hello! My name is Kennedy Pratt and this is my second year in Dakotathon. I am currently a senior Nursing major from Vermillion, South Dakota. Last year I had the opportunity to be a Morale Captain, and this year I have been selected as the Director of Community Relations!

I joined Dakotathon because of not only my passion for kiddos, but also to be a part of an organization that makes a difference in our communities. I enjoyed being a morale captain so much, that I decided to apply for exec this year and was lucky enough to be selected! I am so excited for what is to come this year:)

I dance for all the kiddos that are dancing in heaven.

Director of Stewardship

Hey Everyone! I am Kailee Hauge and I’m going into my senior year in hopes to one day be a Physical Therapist. I’ve had the opportunity to be a Miracle Maker and a Morale Captain the past two years. This year I am honored to be the Director of Stewardship, happy fundraising!

I joined Dakotathon to make an impact on lives of not only the young sick children battling a battle I could never imagine, but to support the families who deserve a chance at normalcy. Everyone has a chance to do something good, and this is the most rewarding way I could think of!

I dance for the kids who can’t even get out of bed most days and for the parents who have to work so hard to support their families and sick children, why trying to be strong for everyone.

Director of Corporate Partnership

Hi guys! My name is Logan Haala and I am a sophomore from New Ulm, Minnesota. I am a legal studies major with hopes to go to law school. This is my first year on Dakotathon and my position is Corporate Partnership. I am thrilled to participate and contribute to Dakotathon this year.

I joined Dakotathon because I believe that schools should become more engaged in helping their community, specifically those who are struggling. I love planning events and working for a greater cause.

I dance for the kids as an example of how not to dance :)

Director of Corporate Partnership

Hello folks! My name is Connor Drahota and I am a junior currently majoring in Finance. I am from Omaha, Nebraska. This is my second year with Dakotathon, as last year I was a Miracle Maker. That was not enough for me and I was so touched by the experience I knew I had to apply for Exec. I am so privileged to be Director of Corporate Sponsorship and can’t wait to make a difference.

I decided to joined Dakotathon after participating in the 2022 25 hour dance marathon. It was truly a life changing experience as it was my first experience with Dakotathon. I was told to attend the event by a fellow member of my fraternity and I am so fortunate that I decided to attend. The relationships I made, the love I witnessed was absolutely wonderful and I cannot wait for continue to be involved.

I dance for those who cannot dance with us, for those who are dancing in heaven, for those who can’t leave the hospital, for those who just want to get better.

Director of Hospitality

Hi! I am Bailey Severson and I am senior Nursing major! I am originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota!! This will be my 3rd year participating in Dakotathon and my 2nd year on the Exec Team! So excited for this year! :)

I joined Dakotathon when my friend, who was a morale captain, told me about it and how amazing the organization is. After looking into it I decided to be a miracle maker and loved that but I wanted to be able to help more so I applied to be on the Exec Team for 2021-2022 and absolutely loved that. I loved what I was did while on the Exec Team so I applied again in hopes to help make the event even more successful this year!

I dance to see the joy in the kids’ faces and everyone attending the event but also to give the kids a day to just be kids.

Director of Morale

Hey everyone! My name is Abbi Cummings and I am a senior nursing major: I am from Watertown, South Dakota. This will be my fourth year participating in Dakotathon. I am so excited to be able to hold the position of Director of Morale this year.

I joined Dakotathon freshman year after hearing everyone in sorority say such amazing things about the organization. Each year I continue to fall more in love with the organization and want to get as involved as possible.

I dance so the kids can have a chance at a more normal life.

Director of Morale

Hi friends! My name is Rylan Craig and I am going to be a senior this year, graduating with a bachelor of musical arts and a minor in sports marketing and media. This will be my fourth year in Dakotathon! As a freshman and sophomore, I was a miracle maker, and as a junior I was director of stewardship on the exec board. This year I’m really excited to be the director of Morale!

I first joined Dakotathon because a lot of people in my fraternity were in it, and loved it. I didn’t get to really experience a day of event till just this past year. One of my good friends told me there was an open spot on the exec board and suggested that I take it, and it was one of the best decisions I have made while at USD. This year I plan to be more involved and more hands on while serving as Director of Morale!

I dance so parents don’t have to worry about expenses and just have to worry about taking care of their kids. I also just love making kids smile!

Director of Event Operations

Hi everyone! My name is Ella Wittmuss and I am a sophomore Medical Biology major/ Spanish minor from Vermillion, South Dakota! This is my second year with Dakotathon. Last year I was a Morale Captain and this year I am on the Exec Team serving as Director of Event Operations!

I joined Dakotathon after being involved with CMN during my high school years. I had heard about how fun and fulfilling it was from my sorority and other college friends. After last year as a Morale Captain, I knew I wanted to be more involved in this great organization, so I joined Exec.

I dance for kids from all walks of life and to help bring awareness to how cool our miracle kids are.

Entertainment Chair

Hello everyone! My name is Tiana Meeks and I am a junior elementary education major. I am from Sioux Falls. This is my 10th year going into Dakotathon. My family is part of the miracle families and the last two years I have been a morale captain and this year I have the privilege to be the entertainment chair on this years exec team!

I joined Dakotathon because my family has been attending this organization since I was in middle school! My younger sister is one of the miracle children. I have gotten to see and meet so many amazing children and as a kid going to these events I was always determined I was going to be a part of Dakotathon when I would attend USD!

I dance for my sister and all of the miracles who are no longer with us or who can’t dance. I dance to make a difference in children’s lives!

Director of Technology/Logistics Chair

Hello! My name is Alec Baker and I am a senior Health Sciences major minoring in Addiction Counseling and Prevention from Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This is my fourth year participating in Dakotathon. I was a Miracle Maker for the first two years, and as a junior I was on the logistics committee. This year I am on the Exec Team as the Logistics and Technology Chair.

I joined Dakotathon after hearing about it from guys in my fraternity. Last year was my first Day of Event and I really enjoyed it and want to be more involved this year.

I dance for those who can’t.

Decorating Chair

Hello!! I am Gabbi Linn. I am a business major from Pierre, South Dakota. This is my second year being a part of Dakotathon. I loved being a morale captain last year and wanted to do more for the organization. This year I am the decoration chair and so glad I was given this opportunity!

I joined Dakotathon because I thought it was amazing cause and I love to dance. I have continued to participate in Dakotathon because of the day of. I realized that this organization is bigger than USD

I dance for the research, so no other child has to go through the same hardships these kids have survived. I also dance for those who are no longer here to dance with us, they deserve to never be forgotten.

Director of Family Relations

Hey everyone my name is Rylan Behnke and I am a Medical Biology major with minors in Interdisciplinary Sciences and Health Services Administration. Last year I was a Moral Captain for Dakotathon and had an absolute blast getting to know the families! Therefore, I applied and will be serving as the Family Relations Chair this year!

I joined Dakotathon after hearing about it from numerous high school alumni. I truly believe in the mission of this student organization and love being able to interact with the Miracle Kids and their families!

I dance to share God’s love and peace with both the Miracle Kids and their families!

Director of High School Relations

Hi, my name is Emelia Skogstad and I am a senior majoring in Elementary Education. This is my fourth year participating in Dakotathon. In my first three years of Dakotathon I was miracle maker and morale captain.

I joined Dakotathon after hearing about it from one of my close family friends who spoke so passionately about it and still supports Dakotathon to this day. Going to my first day of this past year in 2021 helped me realize how amazing this cause is! I joined the Executive Board to become more involved and to help my love for Dakotathon grow further.

I dance to see the kids smile :)