The Janklow Archival Fund supports the processing of Janklow’s public and personal papers, located at University Libraries in Vermillion. In accordance with federal and state laws, those papers are open to public access as of July 1.

“My father’s papers, including over a thousand videotapes, tell a fascinating story about our state and its people,” said Russell Janklow, the former governor’s son. “The archival project will place many of those documents onto the internet so the public can view them. The papers and videos reveal the background of challenges such as saving the farm-to-market railroads, bringing Citibank and many other financial institutions to South Dakota, establishing and funding the state’s first comprehensive statewide water development plan, wiring all of South Dakota’s public school buildings for education technology, transforming Dakota State University into a nationally award-winning computer school, and reducing property taxes while substantially increasing state aid to local schools.”

The Janklow Scholarship Fund will support the studies of outstanding students dedicated to public service in South Dakota. The initial scholarship recipient will be chosen for the 2012 fall semester.

Lindsey Janklow, the former governor’s granddaughter and currently a sophomore at the University, said, “A scholarship is an especially fitting way to remember my grandfather. When he returned from the Marine Corps, he thoroughly enjoyed being an undergraduate student and a law student at USD. During his years as governor, he hired literally hundreds of college kids as summer interns. Last year, he taught a class in political science at the University. He loved the students, and they loved him.”

“A number of Governor Janklow’s former state government employees have already donated memorials by contacting other former cabinet officials and staff,” said University of South Dakota President James W. Abbott. “Letters have also been sent to solicit donations from other supporters of Governor Janklow. The response has been wonderful, but I keep hearing from people who have not yet been contacted and who would like to contribute. Thanks to the USD Foundation, those people now have two ways to honor Bill Janklow’s legacy.”

Contributions to either the Janklow Archival Fund or the Janklow Scholarship Fund can be sent directly to the USD Foundation, Box 5555, Vermillion SD 57069.

Janklow served as South Dakota’s attorney general from 1975 to 1979. He was the state’s longest serving governor from 1979 to 1987 and from 1995 to 2003. Voters elected him to Congress in 2002.

The University of South Dakota Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit South Dakota corporation organized solely for the benefit of the University of South Dakota. For more information, visit the Foundation’s new website www.usdfoundation.org or email [email protected].

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