The Lifto Amundson Lecture was established in 1988 by Marjorie C.J. Lifto Amundson and her son, Dr. Loren H. Amundson of Sioux Falls. Mrs. Amundson was a member of USD’s Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Amundson (USD School of Medicine, 1954; Distinguished Alumni Award, 2004) was also elected to alumni membership in the chapter. The Lifto Amundson Lectureship has enabled distinguished speakers from the liberal arts disciplines to visit USD each year and share their research and perspectives with the community. The Lifto Amundson Lecture, open to the general public, is given in conjunction with initiation ceremonies for new members of Phi Beta Kappa each spring.
*The first three Lifto Amundson Lecturers were also PBK Visiting Scholars.