University of South Dakota

Farber Forums

The W.O. Farber Center annually hosts Farber Forums, programs designed to offer students and the public insight into national and state politics, campaigns and elections, public administration, and international relations.

Past Farber Center guests have included:

• General Colin Powell
• Tom Brokaw, NBC news anchor
• President Gerald Ford
• Lech Walesa, former President of Poland
• Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland
• Joe Foss, former SD Governor and Medal of Honor winner
• Harry Wu, human rights activist and Chinese dissident

Girls State

We are privileged to host the annual American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program, which is designed to teach female high school juniors about civic participation. It is held on the USD campus each June. 

Approximately 420 girls from across South Dakota are selected based on scholastic achievement, leadership skills and interest in government. The girls are divided into 14 "cities" and seven "counties", representing cities across the nation, including "Journalism City" that published a daily newspaper. Through the program, participants learned how American government works at every level.

The girls also have the opportunity to learn from several South Dakota political figures including Governor Dennis Daugaard, Senator John Thune, Representative Kristi Noem, SD Attorney General Marty Jackley, Dustin Johnson, Chief of Staff, Office of Governor Daugaard, and others.

While attending Girls State, participants take a course titled "The Skills of Leadership: Women as Leaders", offered by the Department of Political Science at USD and the Farber Center. The course, taught by Dr. Jill Tyler is worth one academic credit transferable to any college in the nation. USD also offers generous scholarships to Girls State participants.

For more information on the week-long program, visit the South Dakota Girls State website.

Legacy of Leadership

The Legacy of Leadership Award seeks to recognize exemplary students, teachers, citizens and state leaders in South Dakota. Civic leadership is one of the most noble acts of citizenship, and recognizing these leaders and their generous acts will serve as a reminder to all that they can make a difference.

Civic leaders are often inherently dynamic, visionary men and women. But the most successful civic leaders have also worked hard to develop tools with which they can put vision into action. USD's Civic Leadership program focuses on public leadership skills with courses in political science, business administration, psychology, and sociology -- tools critical to helping individuals and communities identify, address, and resolve public problems. The Legacy of Leadership Award is one of many efforts to encourage the best practices of leadership for the benefit of South Dakota and South Dakota interests.

Currently, two awards are offered. Each has its own set of nomination and award guidelines.

1. Legacy of Leadership Student Award
   Recognizes an outstanding student from the University of South Dakota
2. Legacy of Leadership Public Employee Award
   Recognizes an outstanding federal, state, or local government employee working in South Dakota

The presentation of these awards is a part of the Master of Public Administration commencement event at the end of each Spring Semester. Award recipients receive $500 and a certificate or plaque commemorating the award.

Mount Rushmore Institute: Skills of Leadership Conference

The Skills of Leadership Conference (LDR) is held each August in the Black Hills and is sponsored by the University of South Dakota and the Mt. Rushmore Institute.

The week-long conference introduces students to essential leadership skills by lecture and discussion, small group activities and outside readings, and gives students the opportunity to network with other students, faculty and alumni. 

The conference is also an excellent opportunity to earn three undergraduate credits (LDR 204). The course content is created and taught by Political Science Faculty: 

• Dr. Mike Card - Power and Influence
• Dr. Rich Braunstein - Conflict Resolution
• Dr. Betty Smith – Women in Leadership, Public Advocacy Campaigns, Facilitation and Democratic Forums
• Dr. Matt Fairholm – Leadership vs. Management, Leadership Lessons from Leaders in Granite, and Leading Change

The cost of attending covers transportation, lodging, most meals, group activities and three credits. Farber Funds may be available to help defray these expenses; eligibility guidelines can be found on the Farber Fund website.  For more information, please see the links below or contact Cheryl Hovorka at Cheryl.Hovorka@usd.edu.

• Farber Fund Application
• Farber Fund Eligibility
• Continuing and Distance Education

Youth Leaders Awards Luncheon

The Young Leaders' Award Luncheon is sponsored by USD, the W.O. Farber Center for Civic Leadership and the USD Foundation. This exciting and unique event honors outstanding high school sophomores from South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. Nominated by officials at their schools, students are recognized for their contributions in and out of the classroom and for their potential to be future leaders of their school, community, state and nation.

Youth Congress

The South Dakota Youth Congress is an annual roundtable conference for high school juniors and seniors. Student leaders participate in this intensive four-day youth leadership experience where students deliberate a topic, decide what the opportunities, concerns and barriers are and then make recommendations to state decision makers. They learn to discuss and listen together; to open their minds to other opinions and how to express themselves effectively. Students work together to develop leadership and communication skills along with practices for active participation in their school, community and state. It is held each July on the USD campus.

The high school student leaders will:

1. Explore the role and functions of the U.S. Congress and South Dakota State Legislature as defined by their constitutions in regards to youth issues and concerns.
2. Discuss the rights and responsibilities of American youth and how citizens can participate in making changes for the betterment of state and federal government.
3. Identify the factors that contribute to effective relationships between youth and elected officials.
4. Develop a list of recommendations and suggestions for consideration by leaders for public policy action or further study.
5. Contribute input to the publication and distribution of the results of the South Dakota Youth Congress.

Learn More:

• Chiesman Fund for Civic Education
  
  

For more information about these events email farbercenter@usd.edu