Sept. 30, 2010

Johnson honors Dakota Wesleyan University on 125th anniversary of its founding

Washington, DC — U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-SD) recognized Dakota Wesleyan University as the 125th year of its founding. Johnson entered a statement in the Congressional Record highlighting the milestone.

“The staff and faculty at Dakota Wesleyan University have continually provided students with a quality education in some of the most important fields for our state and nation. I am honored to highlight this milestone with a statement in the Congressional Record, and I will continue working with the school to make sure it remains an exemplary institution,” Johnson said.

Full text of the Congressional Record Statement from Johnson below:

I rise today to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the founding of Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) in Mitchell, South Dakota. DWU has provided a well-rounded education that emphasizes learning, leadership, faith, and service to its students since its founding 125 years ago. Graduates of the university have gone on to become great community and professional leaders. Today, under the leadership of President Robert Duffett, DWU strives to connect its proud heritage with its promising future.

In 1883, a group of Methodist settlers received a charter to found the Dakota Wesleyan University. DWU serves as the university for the Dakotas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Soon after the university opened, Dakota Wesleyan students demonstrated their success through their excellent oratorical skills. They participated in the Intercollegiate Oratorical Contest and won five of its first eleven competitions. This is just one of many examples of DWU students’ ability to excel.

With a student body just larger than 750 people, the university offers a very personalized experience. The university is composed of three colleges: The College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Healthcare, Fitness and Sciences, and the College of Leadership and Public Service. These colleges allow for students to pursue an education in both liberal arts and professional programs.

In addition to academic programs, students also participate in service work to aid people in South Dakota and around the world. Recent mission trip locations have included Tanzania and Mexico, where students served those living in extreme poverty. Through the Leadership and Public Service program, students have the opportunity to study contemporary issues and perform public service through internship placements. Such broad educational opportunities provided by DWU help students explore citizenry locally and internationally.

On Saturday, October 2, 2010, DWU will celebrate its Blue and White Bash at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota. Dakota Wesleyan University has provided our state quality education and a positive social environment. DWU students are well equipped to succeed in a competitive world, delivering countless benefits to organizations and communities close to home and around the globe. With alumni as accomplished as former U.S. Senator George McGovern and his wife Eleanor McGovern, DWU continues to live up to its mission of being “a leading university that educates students to identify and develop their individual talents for successful lives in service to God and the common good.”