Press Release

CONSUL GENERAL FURTHERS EDUCATIONAL COOPERATION DISCUSSIONS WITH SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

Consul General Diano discussing the PHL’s agricultural priorities (Chicago PCG photo)

CHICAGO 10 April 2026- Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano met with South Dakota State University (SDSU) officials led by Mr. Dennis Hedge, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, on 08 April at SDSU in Brookings, South Dakota. She was accompanied by Consul Melvin Almonguera. The meeting followed an earlier introductory call with SDSU Extension’s Dr. Alexander Smart in October 2025.

Recognizing that the PHL stands to benefit from SDSU’s expertise in modern agriculture, the Consul General underscored the value of strengthening educational collaboration, and explored potential opportunities for Filipino researchers and agricultural professionals.

Provost Hedge expressed SDSU’s openness to cooperation with PHL higher education institutions, noting that such engagements should result in practical, mutually beneficial outcomes. The SDSU officials also outlined potential avenues for collaboration, including academic exchanges and other forms of institutional cooperation.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing interest in continuing discussions, with a view toward identifying concrete areas for future collaboration. Founded in 1881, SDSU a public land-grant research university with strong academic programs, particularly in agriculture and applied sciences. END

Consul General Diano receiving a token from Provost Hedge (Chicago PCG photo)

From left to right: SDSU’s Vice Provost Seefeldt, SDSU’s Dean Cassady, Consul General Diano, Provost Hedge,

SDSU’s Director Gillman and Consul Almonguera (Photo by Ms. Sherylou Kroll)