By Kerri Rempp
A Chadron State College graduate is reportedly a finalist as a vice-presidential candidate for Kamala Harris.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who graduated from Chadron State College in 1989, was reported by Reuters as one of the two finalists this morning. Pennsylvania Governor Joe Shapiro is the other, according to the Reuters story.
Harris is expected to announce her choice for vice president no later than tomorrow.
Walz was the first Chadron State College graduate ever elected as a governor of a U.S. state, according to a story for CSC by Con Marshall in 2019. Walz previously served in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years. He won his race for governor with the most votes ever cast for a gubernatorial candidate in Minnesota.
Walz, born in West Point, spent his childhood in Valentine and then moved to Butte in high school before attending and graduating from Chadron State. After teaching English and American history overseas, Walz taught global geography in Alliance for six years before relocating to Minnesota to teach. He earned an Ethics in Education award in 2002 in Minnesota, according to the Marshall story.
Walz spent 24 years in the National Guard and retired as a Master Sergeant. Upon his election to the U.S. House of Representatives, Walz was the highest ranking retired enlisted soldier to serve in Congress.
Walz was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2014 and delivered the commencement address that year at CSC.