On Tuesday, the University of South Dakota Foundation announced that a Minnesota Attorney and SDCL alumni, Orrin Estebo has committed $1 million to support construction and renovation of the South Dakota School of Law.
Estebo, who came to study at the University of South Dakota in 1968 after leaving his job, is a man well-known for his altruism.
The lawyer who is the founder of the law firm Estebo, Frank, Gilk & Munshower, Redwood Falls, and works in the law firm as Of Counsel, made light of his gift.
He said, “When people say you’re making a lasting difference and you can see it, that’s a good feeling … I feel like I’m getting a gift.”
A gift to support education is not something new for Orrin S. Estebo. The Redwood Falls Chapter of Dollars for Scholars renamed itself in 1997 as the Orrin S. Estebo Chapter to honor Estebo’s financial contributions for the pursuit of education. In 2006, he founded the Orrin S. Estebo Foundation for the benefit of education, economic development and other needs.
Estebo is a graduate of the USD Law School, and was part of the graduating class of 1971. In 2001, he received the Alumni Achievement Award from the University of South Dakota, and again in recognition of his contributions, in 1997, the local Performing Arts Center was renamed Estebo Performing Arts Center.
A retired lawyer for the most part Estebo says, “Education opens doors … I don’t care what you’re pursuing. The more I learned, the more I was subjected to opportunities that worked out.”
Thomas Geu, the dean of South Dakota School of Law said, “We’re honored and excited that Orrin has offered his generosity and leadership …This gift will provide the physical space for dialogue to take place and the necessary human connections for community to emerge.”