Students will study and appreciate the complexity and accomplishments of ancient American Indian societies and consider why they eventually ceased to exist. Students will also gain an appreciation for the idea of conservation of historic and cultural resources and study the politics associated with the preservation of these sites.
“We are very proud and excited to announce the inauguration of the Donovan Reichenberger Legacy Scholar Program,” said Dr. Aaron Mason, Northwestern professor of political science. “This program will provide an innovative and groundbreaking opportunity for Northwestern students.”
Donovan Reichenberger was born in Andale, Kansas, in 1927. He served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1963, a Veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict. He married Dorothy Reichenberger on June 6, 1958.
After his completion of military service, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern in 1966, as well as a master’s degree from Wichita State University in 1967. That same year he joined the ranks of Northwestern faculty, but his commitment to the university extended far beyond the classroom.
During his tenure, he would also serve as Northwestern’s Faculty Representative for the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference from 1975 until his retirement in December 1992. Upon his retirement, he served as the Chairman of the Centennial Steering Committee and aided in the formation of plans for Northwestern’s 100th Anniversary.
In 1996, he and his wife created the Donovan Reichenberger Chair in History. This gift provided non-appropriated funds to benefit Northwestern’s history program. This gift, as well as he and his wife’s many other contributions to the university over the years continues to support and nurture the Northwestern Department of Social Sciences.
“We are eager to honor and recognize our generous benefactor for his many gifts to the university and secure his legacy,” said Dr. Eric Schmaltz, Northwestern Department of Social Sciences chair and professor of history.
The program will consist of two components. First, students will familiarize themselves with the chosen historical topic outside of a classroom situation. This step, which will begin this fall, will involve students reviewing online resources, reading required texts, and meeting with faculty to discuss the topic at hand.
Students must complete these requirements to be eligible for the second component. Northwestern Social Science Department faculty members overseeing the program will determine student performance at this point.
The second program component will involve travel to the sites of study in Spring 2026. This stage of the program will involve students agreeing to make the trip and to comply with all university and departmental protocols during the trip.