BROOKINGS – At South Dakota State University, the bronze sculptures of Hobo Day icons Weary Wil and Dirty Lil have stood vigil outside the Hobo Day Gallery by the University Student Union for nearly 10 years.

David Anderson, the creator of those statues, was honored Oct. 27 with this year’s Jerome J. Lohr Volunteer Leadership Award, which is in recognition of his involvement and support of the SDSU Foundation. Anderson is the 17th recipient of the prestigious award.

The announcement was made in conjunction with the SDSU Foundation’s first-ever virtual council of trustees meeting. Started in 1999, the award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates exemplary volunteer leadership on behalf of the SDSU Foundation and outstanding philanthropic support of SDSU.

Anderson, a 1966 graduate in animal science, worked as a senior research scientist at Elanco Animal Health. His interests and involvement with the university, though diverse, have never wavered. He and his wife, Carol, have supported various scholarships, the arts, the Department of Animal Science and the College of Nursing. He was also instrumental in creating the Kohler-Gee endowment for livestock judging at the university.

Anderson donated his time and much of the cost to create the statues outside the University Student Union. He has now created a Jackrabbit wine-stopper that will be sold in the University Bookstore. Sale proceeds will benefit the Hobo Day Committee.