Curtis Marvin Hohn Endowment

Eligibility: 

Applicants must be attending a college, university, or technical college in South Dakota. Institutions outside of South Dakota are not eligible.
Pursuing studies in history, political science, or water resources (such as water conservation, water quality, hydraulics, water systems management and operation, or environmental studies)
Statewide scholarship is available to all South Dakota high school or college students
Exhibits dedication to public service
March 10 deadline

Applicants for the Curtis Marvin Hohn Legacy Scholarship will reflect the values that embodied Curt Hohn's life. These characteristics may include, but are not limited to:

Personal integrity, individual character, and courage
Leadership in school and community
Demonstrated involvement in civic affairs
Participation in organizations that shape the school and community
Individual leadership to reform policies that benefit the public good of the school and community
Demonstrated work ethic in the school and community
Demonstrated interest in national and global issues that impact the public interest
Demonstrated interest in humanitarian issues

This scholarship was established to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Curtis M. Hohn, a prominent figure in South Dakota's water policy landscape, renowned for his service as a public servant, community activist, and leader. Curtis held several key positions, including serving on the staff of U.S. Senator George McGovern, directing the United Family Farmers organization, and managing the Oahe Conservancy Subdistrict. He played a crucial role in assessing the Oahe Irrigation Project and negotiating legislative settlements for alternative water projects. Moreover, Curtis led negotiations between the local Oahe Subdistrict with Congress and the U.S. Department of the Interior. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the implementation of South Dakota's first major pipeline project utilizing Missouri River water.

Curt was an avid reader of history. His lifetime commitment of political courage and public service are reflected in the words of Robert F. Kennedy, a man Curt deeply admired and often quoted - "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."