Lake Area Technical College Honors Build Dakota Scholarship Recipients and Workforce Partners in Watertown
- Steve Jurrens
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Lake Area Technical College Foundation recognized its newest class of Build Dakota Scholarship recipients Thursday during the college foundation’s annual luncheon, celebrating student achievements and the statewide industry partners who help sustain the program.
This year, 352 students applied for the Build Dakota Scholarship, a workforce‑focused initiative created in 2014 to support high‑demand technical careers across South Dakota. College officials praised recipients for earning one of the state’s most competitive scholarships.
The luncheon also highlighted the program’s Stretch to the Million partners — the employers who co‑sponsor Build Dakota students and help expand the program’s reach. According to the foundation, 84 companies participated this year, including 25 sponsors supporting more than two students, 54 returning partners, and 30 new companies joining the program.
“Thank you for investing in our students, for believing in Build Dakota, and for investing in the future of South Dakota’s workforce,” Foundation Executive Director Tracy Buisker said during the event.
Sanderson Reflects on Program’s Origins
Lake Area Technical College President Tiffany Sanderson shared the history behind Build Dakota, recalling the moment in late 2014 when state leaders asked how a $50 million investment could strengthen South Dakota’s technical workforce. Within weeks, the first Build Dakota board convened to design the scholarship model that now serves students statewide.
Sanderson credited former LATC president Deb Shepherd for early guidance that shaped the program’s structure, emphasizing local partnerships and regional workforce needs. Shepherd received recognition during the luncheon for her role in the program’s creation.
Keynote Speaker: Derek DeGeest
The event’s keynote speaker, Derek DeGeest, president of DeGeest Corporation and Lesta USA, offered students a message about resilience, innovation, and the realities of entering technical careers. DeGeest, a third‑generation manufacturing leader and member of the Build Dakota board, described his company’s evolution from a small fabrication shop to a national integrator of advanced automation and robotics.
He encouraged students to embrace challenges and adapt as technology and industry needs change.
DeGeest shared what he called a “cheat code” for navigating setbacks — the J‑curve, a concept describing the disruption and frustration that often accompany learning new skills or technologies before reaching improvement on the other side.
“Technology will keep changing,” DeGeest said. “But no matter what happens, no amount of AI, robots, or technology will ever replace the need for people who adapt, learn, grow, and lead.”
Looking Ahead
College leaders closed the luncheon by thanking partners for helping “stretch the million” — now $1.2 million in combined support — and by recognizing students preparing to enter high‑need fields across South Dakota.
Before departing, scholarship recipients gathered for the annual group photo, assisted by LATC photography students.
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