Dr. Michael P. Roche Distinguished Teaching Award

About Dr. Michael P. Roche, who retired in 2021 after 47 years at USD 

Dr. Michael P. Roche began what became an illustrious career as a professor and mentor during his final year of law school at USD, when he agreed to teach a single undergraduate course in the university’s criminal justice studies program within the Department of Political Science. Dr. Roche subsequently completed his Juris Doctor and also earned both his Master of Law and his Doctor of Juridical Science from the University of Virginia School of Law. He became a distinguished, honored and frequently awarded professor, author, prison educator and practitioner of humanitarian endeavors. Beloved by his students, Dr. Roche inspired those he has taught over the years with his wit, wisdom and deep commitment to his chosen vocation. Dr. Roche demonstrated an extreme passion for, and extraordinary devotion to his students, to the subjects he taught and to the art of teaching itself. He had the rare ability to be both critically demanding, yet at the same time approachable and supportive. He continually challenged his students to shift perspective, broaden awareness, explore their own deep passions and investigate the possibilities of creating their own unique contributions in the world, all while steadily communicating his genuine belief in all of his students to grow into themselves.

Support from Tom and Diann Hohenthaner

Among the many students whose lives were transformed by Dr. Roche were those featured in the above video, Tom (’82) and Diann (’83) Hohenthaner, who met as undergraduate students at USD. Diann majored in Criminal Justice and while Tom was a Criminal Justice and Philosophy double major, he took every course he could from Dr. Roche. These experiences helped shape his commitment to public service and justice, exemplified by a long legal career in Washington, D.C., first in the office of Senator Larry Pressler and later as Vice President, General Counsel, and Corporate Secretary of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, an independent U.S. foreign aid agency that promotes economic growth, open markets, and increased living standards around the world. Tom’s passing in February 2023 left his friends and family in profound mourning, but his life and legacy serve as a reminder of the values of knowledge, respect, and compassion that formed the core of Dr. Roche’s teaching philosophy. Over the past number of years, Tom and Diann were instrumental in establishing the Dr. Michael P. Roche Distinguished Teaching Award, and the completion of the endowment that they helped create will serve as further testimony to Tom’s dedication and service to others.

To read Tom's obituary, you can visit this link.

Dr. Michael P. Roche Distinguished Teaching Award

The purpose of this endowed award is to sustain and broaden Dr. Roche’s rich legacy. The presentation of the award to a faculty member is meant to represent one of the highest levels of recognition for achievements and contributions in university teaching. Any gift, large or small, will help support and recognize a USD College of Arts & Sciences faculty member for their achievements and contributions to our students.

When you donate today, you will be able to watch a video with special remarks from the 2021 Spring Awards Ceremony by Dr. Roche!

If you prefer to make a check or cash donation, it can either be dropped off or mailed directly to the University of South Dakota Foundation (add Dr. Michael P. Roche Distinguished Teaching Award to the memo):

USD Foundation
1110 N Dakota St
Vermillion, SD 57069