Cutlers are recipients of USDs 2009 Inman Award

As loyal supporters of The University of South Dakota, Richard and Sharon Cutler were honored for their service to USD at an awards luncheon on Friday, Oct. 9. The USD Foundation presented the Cutlers with the Darwin and Adele Inman Award for distinguished service. The Inman Award is the Foundation’s highest award and is named in honor of Adele and Darwin Inman who were instrumental as volunteers in the early years of the University.

Richard and Sharon Cutler are natives of Wessington Springs, and have worked together for 47 years. Richard graduated from USD with a B.A. degree in history in 1963 and earned a juris doctor from the USD School of Law in 1965. Following a tour of duty with the U.S. Army in Germany where he worked at the U.S. Embassy and attained the rank of major, he returned to South Dakota in 1970 to practice law in Sioux Falls. In 1967, he and his son, Kent, and other USD graduates established Cutler & Donahoe, LLP. The Cutlers other sons, Christopher and Justin, live in the Black Hills where they manage business interests.

In addition to practicing law, Richard Cutler is a successful entrepreneur in cable television, developing campgrounds and real estate. Sharon Cutler is active in several organizations and has hosted many USD events involving the USD Foundation and the National Music Museum. He was chairman of the USD Foundation and co-chair of Campaign South Dakota. He has been an active member of the Board of Trustees of the National Music Museum serving in various leadership capacities. Additionally, he was presented the Governor’s Award for outstanding support of the arts by an individual from the South Dakotans for the Arts Council and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

The Cutlers are active in the First United Methodist Church in Sioux Falls and they are tireless advocates on behalf of private giving to support higher education, cultural institutions and charitable organizations. They are also members of the USD Foundation’s Rawlins Society and the Rosebud Yellow Robe Society for their cumulative giving.