Updated at 9:47 a.m., Sunday, March 25, 2007
'Doc' Farber, 96, was mentor to national news leaders
Associated Press
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Professor William O. "Doc" Farber, who influenced numerous state and national leaders in 70 years at the University of South Dakota, died yesterday. He was 96.Dick Brown, a Sioux Falls businessman and close personal friend, said Farber's health deteriorated over the last two days and he "was tired and ready to go."
Farber's political science students, many of whom rose to prominence in their own careers, knew him as a teacher committed to making a difference.
Al Neuharth, founder of USA Today and the Freedom Forum, said Farber's real impact was outside the classroom in helping students understand the broader aspects of their education and what they could do with it.
Born July 4, 1910, in Geneseo, Ill., Farber joined the University of South Dakota staff in 1935 at age 25. He became chairman of the school's government department in 1938 and served in that position until 1976 when he retired. He served as professor emeritus until his death.
Neuharth was among a group of government students known as "Farber Boys" who considered him a close friend and mentor. The group includes veteran NBC newsman Tom Brokaw and media personality Pat O'Brien
