Dakota Wesleyan University to present honorary doctorate

MITCHELL – Dakota Wesleyan University will confer an honorary Doctor of Science degree at its commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 11. Dr. Robert McWhirter will receive the degree to be presented by DWU President Dan Kittle.

McWhirter has shown a decades-long commitment to Dakota Wesleyan. Serving as DWU’s team physician from 1985 to 2013, he volunteered his time and expertise, overseeing the health and success of countless student-athletes. Throughout his career, McWhirter has been one of the most impactful supporters of sports medicine and the Dakota Wesleyan athletic training program to serve the university. He played a vital role in the program’s accreditation process and mentored many students who have gone on to distinguished careers in a variety of medical fields. He served twelve years on the DWU Board of Trustees from 1991 to 2003.

In addition, Dr. McWhirter has provided significant financial support to DWU. His 39 years of consecutive financial support highlights his unwavering generosity, including funding the Athletic Training Senior Scholarships and the Robert McWhirter Endowed Scholarship for Athletic Training, the McWhirter Field at Cadwell Park where the DWU softball team plays, and numerous upgrades of athletic training equipment at Joe Quintal Field and beyond.

McWhirter operated the Mitchell Orthopedic Clinic from 1985 until his retirement in 2013. For his many contributions to athletic training and athlete health, he was inducted into the Dakota Wesleyan University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Mitchell High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. He also received the Community Service Award from the South Dakota State Medical Association in 2012. This award is presented each year to “a physician who demonstrates outstanding work in community affairs.

A past employee and friend said about “Dr. Mac,” “I cannot fully express my gratitude for Dr. McWhirter’s impact on my own career in athletic training and education. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey. The Dakota Wesleyan University motto, ‘Sacrifice or Service’ is exemplified in Dr. McWhirter’s life. Through his tireless dedication to improving the lives of those around him and his enduring contributions to the Mitchell community, he has created a legacy that will benefit future generations.”

McWhirter will be honored during the DWU commencement ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The event is free and open to the public and can be livestreamed at www.dwu.edu/live.