University of South Dakota Legend "Doc" Farber Who Mentored Tom Brokaw, Al Neuharth, U.S. Senators Dies at Age 96
Dr. W.O. Farber Had a 71 Year Legacy at USD and on South Dakota
Farber taught at the University of South Dakotapolitical science department from 1935 to 1976, most of that time as chair of the department. After retirement, he continued to be active at USD in the Farber Fund, which established travel grants for students to go conferences, and the W.O. Farber Center of Civic Leadership at the university. He had a 71 year legacy of service to the USD.
During his time in South Dakota, Farber knew--or taught--every governor from Peter Norbeck to current Governor Mike Rounds. Farber was famous for his "Farber Boys"--bright students who he saw abilities in--and mentored them not just at USD, but even as they were adults.
Some of his more famous "Farber Boys" include former U.S. Senator Larry Pressler (R-S.D.), current U.S. Senator Tim Johnson (D-S.D.), USA today founder and former publisher Al Neuharth, former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, and sportscaster and anchor Pat O'Brien.
In a 2005 interview, Sen. Johnson noted that he had been Farber's teaching assistant while he worked on his master's degree at USD. "[I] have appreciated his advice and encouragement throughout my years of public service," Johnson told the Yankton Press & Dakotan.
Farber also was an aide to former U.S. Senator Karl Mundt (D-.S.D.) during the height of Mundt's power in the 1950s. He was a warrant officer in World War II, over saw schools in Korea, and helped to reorganize South Dakota government and re-write the state's constitution in the 1970s. He also started the state's Legislative Research Council, which provides research and bill drafting services to state legislators.
Farber was born July 4, 1910 in Genesco, Illinois. He earned a Ph.D. in 1935 from the University of Wisconsin. He was confirmed bachelor his entire life and leaves no spouse, children, or grandchildren. His funeral service will be March 31, 2007 in Vermillion.
Published by Todd Epp
Todd Epp is a practicing attorney, freelance writer, Progressive political activist, and former broadcast journalist. BA, history/English, Washburn U.; JD, Washburn U. Law School; LLM U. of Houston Law Cent... View profile
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- Dr. William O. Farber knew--or taught--every South Dakota governor from 1935 to 2007.
- Farber mentored Tom Brokaw, Pat O'Brien, Al Neuharth, and Senators Tim Johnson and Larry Pressler.
- Farber was invovled with the Unviersity of South Dakota for over 70 years.