Remembering McGovern
by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
October 21, 2012 7:11 PM
There’s no doubt late Senator George McGovern has a long list of credentials, as a decorated war hero, senator, a congressman and a presidential candidate. But McGovern was also a mentor, an associate and a friend.
As can be seen on the walls throughout The McGovern Library at Dakota Wesleyan University, former Senator George McGovern was known to many as their hero.
He is also to be described as a ‘what you see is what you get,’ kind of a guy.
" I think he was as successful of a politician he was because he had that personal touch,” said Dave Mitchell, a professor at Dakota Wesleyan University.
"He was a genuine person, he was very authentic,” said Amy Novak, Provost at Dakota Wesleyan University
He can also be described by those who knew him as a humble man with a lot of humility.
"Just to be genuine I think, he was always straight forward, he would give you an honest answer,” said Terry Ludeen, a former student at Dakota Wesleyan University.
"He did what he thought was best and he really wasn't somebody that allowed people to change him,” said Christen Hildebrandt, Student Senate President at Dakota Wesleyan University.
You can even say he was a little witty.
" It was always interesting to go a Democratic Party function where George was speaking and say, ‘I wonder what he is going to say tonight,’” laughed Mitchell.
As a student who once attended the university and later taught there too, it seems as though that humor has been passed down to the students.
"As people leave the McGovern Library they say, 'Have a good night George,' to his statue,” said Ludeen.
His legacy will always be remembered, along with his wisdom and life lessons that will hopefully be passed onto the next.
"Reinforced the notion in me that all change comes from persistence,” said Mitchell.
" …Persistence,” said Novak.
"Just getting to know people from a personal perspective,” said Ludeen.
"He was just authentic to who he was and wanted to do good,” said Hildebrandt
