University of South Dakota share Tim Johnson’s impact

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Family and friends near and far will gather in Sioux Falls tomorrow to pay their last respects to former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson.
During his early childhood and college career, Johnson spent a lot of time in Vermillion.

Johnson also was the last Democrat to serve in statewide office for South Dakota. Mohamed Mohamed, a junior studying political science at the University of South Dakota, is also the president of College Democrats of South Dakota and says Johnson made a huge impact on his party.

“He’s left behind a legacy of hope and a model of leadership that we can all aspire to. And so, as a college Democrat, he is someone that we always will model our character and how we go about seeing the world,” Mohamed said.

Johnson held many campaigns throughout his career, and it wasn’t uncommon for USD students and alumni to be among the staff, including Laura McNaughton.

“Many of them weren’t sure what they were going to do and decided to go into public service because of that. And myself included, I was a social work student and didn’t really know what I wanted to do, but found that public service and public policy was of great interest to me. So that impact is felt in many, many ways,” McNaughton said.

“Dozens and dozens and dozens and dozens of folks worked with him. And what is remarkable, I think, is that every single one of them that I’ve encountered over the years and then in more concentrated fashion in the last week, all of the folks talk about how much the experience, you know, changed the trajectory of their professional life,” Eric Jepsen, chair of the political science department at USD said.

Each year a scholarship is given to a USD student in his name who looks to give back to South Dakota when they’re done with their education.
Jepsen says Johnson was known for gaining support in all areas of the state.

“Senator Johnson was somehow able to effectively remain popular in all these different quarters in D.C., but also here in the state in balance. I think that says something about his remarkable ability,” Jepsen said.

And he remains an inspiration for the next generation of leaders.

“One of his biggest advice is that you’re going to meet a lot of people who are different from you, who are going to have different ways of thinking and different life experiences,” Mohamed said.

KELOLAND News will bring you a special report tomorrow morning ahead of Johnson’s funeral.
Our live coverage will begin at 10 Central Time. We will take a look back on the former U-S Senator’s life and legacy, followed by his funeral at 10:30.
Our special report will be both on air and online.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.