Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper '16 is GOLD Award Recipient
Published Wednesday, October 01, 2025
Each year the SMSU Alumni Association seeks to recognize alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of time, talent or financial resources to help advance and bring positive recognition to Southwest Minnesota State University. The Graduate of the Last Decade, or GOLD Award, is given to someone who has graduated within the last ten years and has already made a significant impact on their industry and community. This year's honor is being presented to Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper '16 from SIoux Falls, SD.
Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper ’16: From Parkston South Dakota to Family Medicine
The SMSU Alumni Association is always excited to celebrate alumni who are making a difference, especially those who hit the ground running after graduation. That’s what the Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award is all about—recognizing alumni who’ve made a meaningful impact in their careers within ten years of leaving SMSU. This year, the 2025 GOLD Award goes to Rebecca (Sommer) Cooper, Class of 2016, a dedicated physician whose story is rooted in hard work, community, and a deep passion for helping others.
When Cooper found out she’d won the award, she was genuinely surprised. “I didn’t expect it,” she said. “It’s a huge honor and really meaningful to be recognized like this.”
Rebecca grew up in Parkston, South Dakota—a small town where neighbors feel more like family. It was there that her interest in medicine first took root. She was always drawn to science, but it was the local doctors who really inspired her. “I had a lot of respect for the docs in my hometown,” she said. “They weren’t just treating patients—they were part of the community. I admired how they cared for people.”
That admiration turned into a clear goal: she wanted to become a doctor. But her path wasn’t without its bumps. High school wasn’t exactly her favorite time. “To say it was the best time of my life would be far from the truth,” she said with a laugh. She was ready to move on and find a place where she could grow into the person she wanted to be.
That’s when SMSU entered the picture. A college mailer arrived at just the right time, and something about it clicked. “I wanted to be somewhere new, away from the familiar, but still close enough to home,” she explained. SMSU, about three hours from Parkston, offered the perfect balance. It gave her space to be independent while still being within reach of family.
What really drew her in was the size of the school. She liked the idea of smaller classes and a tight-knit campus community. “I didn’t want to be just another face in a big lecture hall,” she said. “I wanted to be somewhere I could really connect with people.”
Once she arrived at SMSU, she hit the ground running. Her love for science flourished, and she decided to double major in Biology and Chemistry. “I knew I wanted to go to medical school, and I wanted to be well-prepared,” she said. Balancing two demanding majors wasn’t easy, but she was determined—and she made it happen in just four years.
Outside the classroom, Cooper was deeply involved in campus life. She joined the Newman Club, Biology Club, and Environmental Awareness Club, participated in the Honors Program, and served as a student ambassador. “I did a lot,” she said with a smile. “But I wanted to make the most of my time there. I was surrounded by people who were passionate and driven, and that really motivated me.”
She credits much of her success to the faculty who supported her along the way. “The science department was incredible,” she said. “They took the time to get to know us, and they genuinely cared. That kind of support made a huge difference.”
“I also have to acknowledge the influence of Brett Gaul in the Honors Program,” she added. “He was a huge motivator and source of support. I can’t thank those people enough.”
SMSU wasn’t just where she found academic success—it’s also where she met her husband, Mikeal. The two crossed paths in a physics class and eventually built a life together. By the time graduation rolled around, Cooper had not only completed her double major but was also honored with the 2016 Outstanding Senior Award.
After SMSU, she was accepted into the University of South Dakota’s medical school. The transition was exciting but also a little intimidating. “I felt ready, but I was nervous,” she admitted. “Medical school is a big leap, and I knew it would be tough.”
And it was. The workload was intense, and the expectations were high. But Cooper stayed focused on her goal. “It pushed me in ways I hadn’t experienced before,” she said. “But I was driven by the idea of becoming a physician and making a difference.”
After four challenging years, she earned her medical degree and moved on to a three-year residency at the Center for Family Medicine in Sioux Falls. Residency was another demanding chapter, but it helped her grow both professionally and personally.
Today, Cooper works as a Family Medicine and Obstetrics physician at Sanford Health. Her days are full—seeing patients, delivering babies, and managing a busy practice. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s a lot, but it’s incredibly rewarding,” she said. “I get to be part of people’s lives in a really meaningful way.”
On top of her career, Cooper is also a mom to three young kids. Her oldest is six, the middle is almost four, and the youngest is just 18 months. “Life is busy,” she said with a laugh. “But I have a great partner in Mikeal, and we make it work.”
Balancing work and family isn’t easy, but Cooper approaches it with the same determination she’s shown throughout her journey. She’s also stayed true to her roots, remaining deeply committed to her community. For her, being a doctor isn’t just about treating illnesses—it’s about building relationships and supporting people through all stages of life.
When she got the call about the GOLD Award, it felt like a full-circle moment. From a small-town girl with a love for science to a respected physician making a real impact, Cooper’s journey is one SMSU is proud to celebrate.
“It means a lot to be recognized by SMSU,” she said. “That place helped shape who I am, and I’m grateful for everything I learned there.”
Rebecca Cooper now lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with her husband Mikeal ’15 and their three children. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, community, and following your passion—and a reminder that big dreams can start in small places.
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Celebrate with Rebecca Cooper and all of this year's Alumni Award Recipients at The Southwest Celebration on Friday, October 10, 2025 starting at 5:30pm in the SMSU Conference Center Upper Level.
The evening begins with a social hour with free drinks. The SMSU faculty and students will be on hand from several academic and support programs to showcase the special projects in their areas. At 6:30pm guests will be invited to be seated for a plated, formal dinner follwed by a short program recognizing this year’s award recipients. The evening will close with a Homecoming mixer. The event will have valet parking outside the Conference Center. Tickets are $50 per person and available online at www.SMSUAlumni.com/celebration.
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