BROOKINGS, South Dakota — South Dakota State University (SDSU) continues to produce exemplary talent in the field of electrical engineering. For the third consecutive year, distinguished students Kalen Meyer and Luke Rasmussen from Rock Rapids, Iowa, have been awarded Power and Energy Society scholarships by the prestigious International Order of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This notable recognition shines a spotlight not only on the students but also on SDSU’s contribution to powering the future.
South Dakota State University
Kalen Meyer, a senior with an astounding GPA of 3.93, has shown commendable prowess in both academics and extracurricular activities. A 2021 graduate of Central Lyon High School, Meyer has excelled at SDSU, engaging in diverse pursuits that highlight his multifaceted capabilities. He dedicated three years to the university’s wrestling team, securing the SDSU Wrestling Academic Award in 2023, a testament to his academic-athletic synergy. An active leader, Meyer serves as the president of the IEEE student chapter and holds memberships in honor societies Tau Beta Pi and Eta Kappa Nu.
Having interned four times at DGR Engineering’s electrical department in Rock Rapids, Meyer has gained hands-on experience essential for a prosperous career in the power and energy systems sector. His roles encompassed creating protection and control drawing packages and spearheading substation service and transformer fan modifications.
Luke Rasmussen, too, stands as a beacon of competence and commitment, holding a GPA of 3.88. A fellow graduate of Central Lyon High School, Rasmussen is a senior at SDSU with aspirations in the power industry. His university journey has been marked by pivotal involvement in Tau Beta Pi, the Robotics Club, and the IEEE student branch. Rasmussen’s interning tenure at DGR Engineering mirrors that of Meyer, focusing on pioneering protection and controls design for substations, pivotal for the infrastructure’s safety and efficiency.
South Dakota State University, located in the serene setting of Brookings, is renowned for its comprehensive programs in engineering and its commitment to developing future leaders. With a fall 2024 enrollment reaching 12,065 students from 47 states and 77 countries, SDSU underscores its inclusive and expansive academic community. The institution offers a wide array of programs — 88 majors, 37 specializations, 106 minors, 38 master’s degree programs, and 16 Ph.D. programs — fostering an environment of innovation and discovery.
SDSU’s significance is further highlighted by its status as a public, land-grant institution established in 1881 by the Dakota Territorial Legislature. The university proudly supports a vibrant athletic culture with its Jackrabbits competing at the NCAA Division I level within The Summit League. Brookings itself was recognized as the 33rd safest college town in the United States in 2022, underscoring the community’s commitment to a secure and supportive learning environment.
The accolades bestowed upon Meyer and Rasmussen demonstrate the high-caliber education and real-world integration offered at SDSU. They epitomize resilience and dedication, traits essential for next-generation engineers poised to make significant impacts in the power and energy sectors. As Meyer and Rasmussen strive for excellence, their journey reflects South Dakota’s promise to nurture talent that will drive global advancements in technology and sustainability.
Through strategic initiatives in research and development, SDSU ensures students are well-prepared for the challenges of the modern world. In fiscal year 2024, total research expenditures at the university reached $84,059,098, marking a notable 13.5% increase from the previous year. This commitment to innovation underpins the success of students like Meyer and Rasmussen, who benefit from a robust educational ecosystem dedicated to fostering expertise and ingenuity.
As South Dakota stands out on the educational map, the success story of Kalen Meyer and Luke Rasmussen serves as an inspirational benchmark for the state’s future leaders and a testament to SDSU’s outstanding contributions to engineering excellence.