Dakota Wesleyan to Award Honorary Doctorate to Longtime Supporter Dr. Robert McWhirter

Dakota Wesleyan University will honor longtime team physician and community leader Dr. Robert McWhirter with an honorary Doctor of Science degree during Sunday’s commencement ceremony. Known as “Dr. Mac,” McWhirter volunteered as DWU’s team physician from 1985 to 2013, contributed to the development of the university’s athletic training program, funded scholarships and facility improvements, and earned recognition for his outstanding service to healthcare and education in South Dakota.

By Christal Blue May 8, 2025 11:29 am

Mitchell High School graduation Class of 2025 ceremony Corn Palace commencement Mitchell SD school event Maxwell Hart graduation speech Ashlyn Reynolds senior speaker South Dakota high school graduation Mitchell public schools Mitchell Corn Palace event student commencement speakers graduation schedule Mitchell SD diploma presentation Mitchell High — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) At this Sunday’s commencement ceremony, Dakota Wesleyan University will present an honorary Doctor of Science degree to Dr. Robert McWhirter. Known to many as “Dr. Mac,” McWhirter served as the university’s team physician from 1985 to 2013, all as a volunteer. He played a key role in advancing the athletic training program, guiding it through accreditation and mentoring generations of students. He also funded scholarships, facility upgrades, and even has a softball field named in his honor. McWhirter ran the Mitchell Orthopedic Clinic until his retirement and has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the South Dakota State Medical Association’s Community Service Award. He’ll be recognized during the DWU commencement at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The event is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed at dwu.edu/live.

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