Merle Lewis Annual Scholarship Established

Merle D. Lewis, a 1970 graduate of Dakota State University and a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award 2000, has generously established a preeminent competitive scholarship for South Dakota high school graduates attending DSU.

The Merle D. Lewis Annual Scholarship may be awarded to a South Dakota high school graduate who, as an incoming freshman, brings excellent academic credentials coupled with evidence of current and future leadership qualities. The student who is awarded this scholarship while maintaining a 3.50 grade point average will be eligible to renew the funding for sophomore through senior years of study. The first scholarship will be awarded for Fall 2002.

“We are honored to be able to offer the Lewis Scholar program at Dakota State. Mr. Lewis’ generosity is a testament to his commitment to higher education and, particularly, DSU,” said Dr. Jerald Tunheim, president of Dakota State University.

While a Dakota State student, Mr. Lewis received a small academic scholarship. He completed his studies at Dakota State and then continued his education, earning his law degree. He remained in South Dakota and, in 1994, was named chief executive officer of NorthWestern Corporation. Under his leadership, NorthWestern Corporation has grown from a regional utility company serving Nebraska and South Dakota to a Fortune 500 company with operations in all 50 states.

Mr. Lewis’ commitment to learning and leadership is illustrated through his community and business service roles. He has been instrumental in helping establish business opportunities throughout rural South Dakota. He is also active within the boards of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra, South Dakota Rural Enterprise Institute, and Junior Achievement of South Dakota.

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