Index of University Press Releases

Aug. 22, 2006

Governor Rounds to attend McGovern Library dedication

MITCHELL, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds will attend the dedication of the George and Eleanor McGovern Library at Dakota Wesleyan University.

“We are thrilled that Governor Rounds will attend the dedication,” said DWU President Bob Duffett. “His presence will help us to honor George McGovern, one of South Dakota’s favorite sons. And, as South Dakota’s ranking public official, we hope he is pleased with the goals of the center for leadership and public service.”

Rounds will speak at the dedication ceremony which begins at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 7. This event is free and open to the public. No tickets are necessary, although provided seating is limited. Those attending the dedication are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

The $8.5 million library will house a legacy exhibit featuring McGovern’s story as the son of a small-town Methodist minister who became a 22-year U.S. Congressman and the only South Dakotan to be selected as a national party nominee for president.

In addition to the formal dedication on Oct. 7, the weekend’s activities will include the following events.

• Legendary 60s folk musicians Peter, Paul and Mary will kick off the celebration with a concert at the World’s Only Corn Palace at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 5. George and Eleanor McGovern will join them on stage to reminisce about their earlier days. Tickets are on sale at the Corn Palace Box Office at 1-800-289-7469 or www.cornpalacefestival.com.
   
• Confirmed guests for the Friday, Oct. 6 lectures in the Sherman Center include Catherine Bertini and Jeffrey D. Sachs. This is free and open to the public.
   
• DWU and the McGoverns will recognize financial supporters who made the library a reality at Friday evening’s donor banquet. Bob Dole will receive the first McGovern Award for Leadership and Public Service. This event is by invitation.
   
• Kory and the Fireflies will entertain during the community barbeque and open house following the dedication ceremony. The public is invited to the dedication, barbeque and concert, free of charge.
   
• The final event of the dedication is the South Dakota premiere of the film, “One Bright Shining Moment: The Forgotten Summer of George McGovern,” highlighting McGovern’s 1972 presidential campaign. Producer Stephen Vittoria and George McGovern will introduce the film at 4 p.m. at the Luxury 5 Cinemas. Tickets will be available at the door.

In addition to the state-of-the-art library facilities and special collections, the library will house classrooms, offices, a coffeehouse, the campus bookstore, the Student Success Center and the McGovern Center for Leadership and Public Service.

South Dakota artist Jon Crane will create the official painting of the McGovern Library.

For updates to this schedule, visit the McGovern Library Web site.