Carhart Lectures in Natural Science
Homer W. Carhart, Ph.D.
The Carhart Lectures in Natural Science are made possible through an endowed gift from Homer W. Carhart, a 1934 graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University.

Homer Carhart was born the son of missionary parents serving in Chile. He earned a master's degree from the University of South Dakota and his Ph.D. from the University of Maryland in 1939.

After teaching chemistry at the college level, he joined the Department of the Navy, serving in a number of capacities related to chemistry, most recently as Director of the Navy Technology Center for Safety and Survivability at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C.

Each year outstanding scientists and mathematicians are invited to the Dakota Wesleyan University campus as Carhart Lecturers. They share their experiences and expertise with students, faculty, staff and people of Mitchell and surrounding communities.

The Carhart Lectures typically take place during the South Central South Dakota Science and Engineering Fair in March.

Family Life Conference
Family Life Conferences have been held at Dakota Wesleyan University since 1960. They are financed by a gift from a friend of Dakota Wesleyan University and the sociology department.

The Family Life Conference is held in the fall.

The Opperman Distinguished Alumni Lectures
Dwight D. Opperman
Dwight D. Opperman, Dellwood, Minn., attended Dakota Wesleyan University in 1947 and 1948. He transferred to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, and earned his law degree in 1951.

He served as an editor at West Publishing Company from 1951 until 1960, and held various administrative and management posts until 1968 when he was named president, a position he held until 1993. He currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of West Group and is Chairman of Key Investment Inc.

Opperman is a member of the Drake University board of governors and the New York University Law School board of directors. Active in the legal profession, he is a member of the bars of the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of International Trade. He was a founding member and serves as chairman emeritus of the U.S. Supreme Court Historical Society.

The Opperman Distinguished alumni Lectures take place during Blue and White Days.

The Opperman Distinguished Alumni Lectures are funded through an endowed gift from Dwight D. Opperman. The lectures are designed to expose current DWU students to alumni who have found success in their professions.

Spiritual Care Conference
The annual Spiritual Care Conference theme and presentations are focused on one aspect of caring for body, mind and spirit. Participants come from a variety of professional backgrounds, but share a common commitment for serving the Lord through building relationships with others. The day-long event includes sessions of inspiration, dialogue and networking.

The Spiritual Care Conference is held in the fall.

Stark Lectures
Endowed by Dr. Franklin Stark (1915-1989)
Dr. Franklin Stark, a beloved alumnus of Dakota Wesleyan, endowed the Stark Lectures "... to present publicly, persons who were living examples of the truths of the Biblical message ... The goal was to find and bring to the campus persons who, by the authenticity of their own lives, works and insight, would demonstrate the connection today between faith and works."

Through Dr. Stark's gift, numerous religious leaders, authors, educators, politicians, ethicists, journalists and entertainers of national stature have been brought to the campus. DWU has sought annually to fulfill his intent in establishing the series through its invitations to these leaders.

The Stark Lectures take place in the spring.

McGovern Center Conference
Established in 2001 by Dakota Wesleyan University to cultivate servant leadership and public service, the McGovern Center imparts to students and citizens the qualities of service, stewardship and leadership found in the lives of George and Eleanor McGovern. The McGovern Center was created to nurture a culture of service to the common good, provide educational programs on public service and leadership, and foster the study and implementation of public policy through various curricular and cocurricular avenues. Students will develop an awareness of the great problems of our time; understand the roles of individuals, groups and governments in creating and changing social conditions; and develop the skills necessary to improve community life at the local, national and global level.

The McGovern Center Conference is held in November.