Buehler scholarship created at USD

Buehler scholarship created at USD In memory of John and Helen Buehler of Emery, an endowed scholarship fund has been established at The University of South Dakota for students planning to become classroom teachers. The Buehler family created the endowed scholarship.

John Buehler served in the South Dakota Legislature for 22 years, including 11 years on the Education Committee where he helped develop the minimum foundation formula for state aid to public schools. He also pioneered the idea of equalization valuation for local school districts. Buehler was presented the T.M. Risk Award for "Outstanding Contribution to the South Dakota Education System" in 1979. When he presented the award at that time, Dr. Leroy Nelson of USD cited Buehler as "one of the most influential, if not the most influential, legislators introducing the principals of equalization to South Dakota school finances."

In creating the endowment, family members said that the Buehlers were dedicated to education as vital to the progress both individuals and of society as a whole. They said the Buehlers' concern for education extended beyond their own family as expressed in their encouragement and guidance of young people through the years.

Tentatively, the scholarship will be awarded for the first time during the 2000-2001 school year. The endowed funds supporting the scholarship will be managed by the USD Foundation.

The mission of the foundation is to provide private financial resources for the university, in order to increase the excellence of the educational experience provided by USD, with the goal of creating the best small public university in the nation emphasizing excellence in teaching. Total new assets of the foundation increased by 16 percent in FY98, to $50 million in assets as a result of generous gifts and bequests from alumni and friends.