Alumni Spotlight: Loran Cipala – A Journey of Science, Leadership, and Compassion

At St. Francis School, we take pride in the achievements of our alumni, and this month, we’re excited to highlight Loran Cipala, a 2009 St. Francis School graduate who continues to make a meaningful impact in both science and leadership.

After graduating from Ellsworth High School in 2016, Loran attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry while also teaching dance to students ranging from 3 to 18 years old. In 2020, she moved to Brookings, SD, where she worked as a chemist at Valero Renewable Fuels while continuing to share her passion for dance—choreographing high school teams, teaching at a local studio, and even launching a competitive dance line. Now in her third year of Pharmacy School at South Dakota State University, Loran is currently a pharmacy intern at the largest hospital in South Dakota, working toward her goal of becoming a pharmacist and continuing to care for people in meaningful ways.

Looking back, Loran credits St. Francis School with shaping both her character and leadership style. “The teachers led with kindness, patience, and encouragement, which inspired me to do the same,” she reflects. She carries the lessons of kindness, strong relationships, and compassionate leadership into every aspect of her journey—whether in the lab, dance studio, or pharmacy school.

One of her fondest memories of St. Francis School is fifth grade with Ms. Tiedemann, who fostered a sense of community and made learning exciting. Whether it was link parties, bake sales, or the Valley Fair trip, it was her teacher’s genuine care and encouragement that left the greatest impact.

As Loran continues her path toward becoming a pharmacist, she remains committed to creating welcoming, supportive environments—just as she experienced at St. Francis. We are so proud of all that she has accomplished and can’t wait to see how she continues to shine!