Senator James Abourezk Public Policy Scholars Endowment

The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law is proud to announce the establishment of the Senator James Abourezk Public Policy Scholars Endowment. A 1966 graduate of USD Law, Senator Abourezk went on to be a towering figure in the fight for Native American civil rights and sovereignty, a leading voice in the fight against discrimination against American Arab people and a fierce advocate for any individual or group he believed wasn’t being given a fair chance.

In the words of his former campaign director and chief of staff, Pete Stavrianos, “Jim gave opportunities to untold numbers of Native Americans, to immigrants, to folks of every kind who were being held down because of who they were or where they were born.” How fitting, then, to honor Jim’s legacy of giving voice to the voiceless with a scholarship fund aimed at helping young people, particularly Native American students and students who are the first in their family to attend college, to get the legal education that will allow them to become champions for the next generation.

Jim’s old friends, Ned and Jean Bandler, have graciously offered to match the first $10,000 in contributions made to the endowment in honor of their dear friend. Perhaps Jim was a champion for you, too, either as an advocate or as a friend. Please join us in honoring the legacy of this extraordinary man with a one-time gift today!

Want to contribute, but aren’t comfortable making a gift online? Please give us a call at 1-800-521-3575, and we will be happy to assist you. You can also a mail or drop off a check (with "Abourezk Scholars Endowment" in the memo line") to the following address:

USD Foundation
1110 N. Dakota Street
Vermillion, SD 57069