Building a Legacy

Article Body

Building a Legacy

By: Gov. Larry Rhoden

July 24, 2026

Since the day I took office, I have challenged everyone in my administration to focus on keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free. If we all link arms and pledge to chase opportunities together, our state will remain an example to the nation. And if years from now, someone remembers the work we accomplished together, then that's just a bonus. Ultimately, it comes down to building a strong future for our kids and grandkids - that's the legacy we're building.

The passing of someone like T. Denny Sanford causes me to pause and think about what it means to build a legacy. T. Denny was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history. His contributions will impact our state for decades - maybe centuries. If you know of a student that has benefited from the Build Dakota Scholarship or Freedom Scholarship, or perhaps know someone that has been helped by Children's Home Society, or someone who has benefited from access to high quality healthcare in our rural state; then you have experienced a piece of Denny's impact on the quality of life of South Dakota.

We are called to serve each other. The list of goodwill that Mr. Sanford has spread is difficult to inventory in just a few words. But ultimately, when he saw a need, he stepped in to make a difference. This shows his heart of service. Whether it is millions of dollars, hours of our time, or use of our best talents, we don't do these things to be remembered. We do them because they are right.

When I think about the people that have left a good legacy, it is easy to see a commonality of a passion to leave this earth better than they found it. They also share an understanding of the reward for a willingness to slow down. They never confuse motion with progress. Instead, they remain focused on the long game. It can be difficult to move methodically while the "idea fairies" are flitting around in circles, but discipline is a must.

When I look back at my time in public service, all the way back to serving in the National Guard, there are moments that rise higher in my memory. But none of the moments on the list matter without hard work and integrity. And integrity is measured, in part, by the people who surround us. I've been credited with many successes, but oftentimes the people around me deserve the credit. The day I was sworn in as Governor, I thanked our people for this privilege, my wife, Sandy, for her loyal support, and the Good Lord for guiding my mind and my heart. I still feel this gratitude every day as I serve as Governor of the great state of South Dakota.

Whether in basic training camp, an evening school board meeting, hours in the House and Senate Chambers in Pierre, or traveling the state as Governor to understand what South Dakota needs, I know this to be true: the opportunity of our state is not limited by my vision, or even the vision of any one person - not even T. Denny Sanford. Our opportunity is as broad as the South Dakota prairie and as high as the Black Hills. If we work hard and put others first, things tend to work out. If we do the job with integrity, it will stick with people. If we are creating value that outlasts a lifetime, that's when we have the honor to build a legacy.

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