SDSU celebrates grand opening of Thompson Center

The Thompson Center, South Dakota’s most comprehensive counseling education center, and its supporters were celebrated at a grand opening event on the South Dakota State University campus Oct. 11. 

The Thompson Center came to fruition after a lead gift from Wendell and Marlys Thompson. Their gift was made knowing that “mental health skills are essential for navigating the complexities of life and achieving overall well-being,” Marlys said. 

A total of $1.25 million was raised from private donors for the project. 

Previously, Wenona Hall served as the training site for SDSU’s counseling and human resource development programs. But as the building aged and the programs grew, an upgrade was needed. 

“The building renovation discussions began as a vision for counseling and human resource development that was catapulted into reality by the Thompson family and so many others,” said Anne Karabon, the Wendell and Marlys Thompson Director of the School of Education, Counseling and Human Development. “The pulse and energy in this place is palpable and infectious. The magic is happening, and I’m a witness to it every day.” 

The completed building now ushers in the new era for SDSU’s counseling and human resource development graduate programs and the six specialization areas: clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, college counseling, administration of student affairs, marriage and family counseling, and rehabilitation counseling. 

The new space is designed to function both as a learning and training facility as well as a practice clinical setting, Karabon said. “Counseling has always been known as a program that is rich with people resources, so having this new building allows us to bring our physical resources up to par. The physical space now matches our program’s values and culture.” 

The center is housed in the building formerly known as the Wintrode Student Success Center, which was renovated to accommodate what is now SDSU’s largest graduate program with over 160 students. The center is strategically located near the Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education to provide play therapy and mental health services to children. 

The building has seven dedicated counseling recording rooms for students to practice strategies they learn in classes. One room is designated as a play therapy room, one to accommodate group counseling (for up to eight people), and one room is for couples/family counseling. Each room is equipped with digital technology to allow students and faculty to collaboratively analyze sessions. 

An active learning classroom on the main level with mobile furniture promotes collaboration during classes and has the flexibility to host speaker events. A sound masking “white noise” system throughout the building creates a comfortable and private atmosphere to help people feel relaxed knowing their conversations and information are secure. 

SDSU’s counseling and human resource development faculty have been involved in the planning process to ensure intentional, research-based decisions are made for the space that include innovative and modern approaches to counseling preparation. 

Laura Valencia, a graduate student in clinical mental health counseling, said the new Thompson Center is like a dream. “It’s a place of growth, healing and connection — a place where many students’ big dreams will be nurtured. Here, we will learn, practice and cultivate the skills needed to navigate the waves of counseling and walk alongside our clients through the sacred space of their life experiences.” 

Dennis Hedge, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said the Thompson Center is a game changer for SDSU’s counseling and human resource development programs, “and that’s great news for all of us. This facility elevates SDSU academically, it supports critically important program accreditations that add value to student degrees, and it allows our graduates to be ‘workforce ready’ in an area of great need and importance.” 

Hedge thanked the Thompsons, and dozens of other contributors to the project, for their trust and confidence in SDSU. “Your generosity and passion to serve others and strengthen the communities in which we all live and work are inspiring. You have motivated us to think more boldly and to stretch ourselves.” 

A tour of the nearly completed center this past summer reminded the Thompsons of the importance of the project, Marlys said at the grand opening on the eve of Hobo Day. 

“It felt like a home of support for students as they learn and train vigorously in preparation for their counseling careers,” Marlys said. “Going forward, we anticipate that each student who walks through these doors will see and feel the importance placed on their chosen degree and will graduate knowing they are truly prepared professionals.”