#classof17

Wife of Marcus McGill and daughter of Brad and Janet Staudinger, Jalyn McGill grew up in southwest North Dakota and stayed close to home for college. She believes that Dickinson State University has helped her become the individual she is today and is very proud of that.

McGill graduated in December 2016, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Music and is graduating Summa Cum Laude. She was also chosen as a student speaker for the fall 2016 commencement ceremony that was held in December.

During her time at DSU, McGill was active in the music department serving as a member of Chamber Singers, Chorale, Jazz Band, NAfME and Chi Alpha. She also served as a blogger for the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. McGill was a member of the Psychology Club and presented her research findings at Celebration of Scholars.

McGill served as a peer tutor in the Academic Success Center assisting students in psychology, music and writing classes. In addition, she helped students develop study strategies. In 2016, she began her work with the Sunrise Youth Bureau in Dickinson where she helps juveniles who have behavioral problems.

Since graduation, McGill served as a teaching assistant in the area of psychology at DSU and has become a licensed minister through the Assemblies of God. Her future goal is to attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in clinical psychology so that she can help people overcome obstacles while living life to the fullest.

Tesla Caperton, daughter of Josh and Barbara Caperton is from Dickinson, North Dakota, and is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Accounting.

Caperton has been active in Phi Beta Lambda where she has held officer positions as both treasurer and president. She qualified for nationals all three years and has the opportunity to compete in Anaheim this summer. She is also involved in TRiO at Dickinson State, a program that supports students while obtaining their college degree.

Serving as a coach with the Dickinson High School Dance Team the past four years has allowed her to see the program continue its success. Caperton has also been able to mentor young girls on the team.

Most impressively, Caperton has served as the general manager of the Dickinson Elks Lodge #1137 for the past two and a half years while being enrolled as a full-time student at Dickinson State University. Working 40-50 hours a week while balancing her student coursework is definitely an excellent display of multitasking. Her grades are a true testament to her work ethic. She is graduating Magna Cum Laude.