As Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens, NDSU's impact can be found throughout the project

This weekend, North Dakota will celebrate the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, a landmark project that honors one of the nation's most influential leaders while showcasing the state's history, landscape and spirit. As visitors, dignitaries and national leaders gather for the historic occasion, members of the North Dakota State University community will be among those celebrating a vision years in the making.

While the library represents the efforts of countless individuals, organizations and supporters across North Dakota and beyond, NDSU's impact can be found throughout the project. From alumni leadership and student learning experiences to research expertise and musical performances, members of the university community have contributed in meaningful ways to an endeavor that has captured national attention.

"NDSU is proud to see so many members of our university community connected to a project that reflects the values Theodore Roosevelt championed, including leadership, conservation, public service and a commitment to the future," said NDSU President Marshall Stewart. "The opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is a significant moment for North Dakota, and it's inspiring to see our students, alumni, faculty and staff helping shape and celebrate this achievement."

Learning beyond the classroom

For students in NDSU's landscape architecture program, the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library has become an outdoor classroom where lessons in sustainable design come to life.

Last year, second- and fifth-year landscape architecture students traveled to Medora to tour the construction site, gaining firsthand exposure to the nationally recognized project that emphasizes green roofs, landscape restoration and environmentally responsible design. During the visit, students explored how the library's design integrates with the surrounding Badlands landscape while reinforcing concepts they were studying in the classroom. The trip was led by Juncheng Lu, an assistant professor of landscape architecture, and Craig Larson, a lecturer in landscape architecture.

The experience extended beyond observation. Students also collected native Canadian Wild Rye seeds that are part of the library's living green roof, giving them a direct role in the project that celebrates Theodore Roosevelt's conservation legacy.

Supporting conservation through research

While construction on the TRPL was underway, researchers at NDSU's Hettinger Research Extension Center, including Ben Geaumont, a range and wildlife scientist, were helping lay the ecological foundation for the project.

Beginning in 2022, the REC collaborated with the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library and Resource Environmental Solutions through the Native Plant Project. The initiative focuses on restoring native prairie ecosystems by identifying, collecting and cultivating indigenous plant species from the Little Missouri Badlands. Those seeds are now planted throughout the library grounds, including its signature living prairie roof, while helping restore biodiversity across the surrounding landscape.

The seeds produced at the Hettinger Research Extension Center REC were used by the consultant group to grow seedlings.

Leading the library's future

An NDSU graduate is also helping guide the library into its next chapter.

Robbie Lauf, a 2015 NDSU alum and recent recipient of the 2026 NDSU Foundation Horizon Award, serves as executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. In his leadership role, Lauf has led the effort to create the $450 million library to inspire visitors through Roosevelt's enduring values of conservation, leadership and public service, and has described helping bring the library to life as the honor of his career.

His journey from NDSU to leading one of the state's most ambitious cultural projects reflects the impact NDSU graduates continue to make across North Dakota and beyond.

Providing the soundtrack for a historic celebration

As the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library welcomes visitors during its grand opening celebration, NDSU students will also help mark the historic occasion through music.

More than 15 music students will perform ceremonial fanfare during the library's grand opening, representing the university on a day expected to draw visitors and attention from across the country. Their performance will help welcome distinguished guests and visitors while adding to the significance of an event expected to become a defining moment in North Dakota history.

Their participation underscores another way NDSU is helping shape the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, not only through research, conservation and leadership, but also through the arts.

A shared legacy

For President Stewart and other university leaders attending the event, the opening offers an opportunity to celebrate not only a major milestone for North Dakota, but also the many ways higher education helps prepare leaders, support communities and contribute to transformational projects.

"Theodore Roosevelt's connection to North Dakota helped shape his vision for leadership and conservation," said President Stewart. "It's fitting that this library reflects the talent, innovation and collaboration found throughout our state. We are honored that NDSU has been able to contribute to that story."

Together, NDSU students, alumni and researchers have helped shape a project rooted in the same ideals that defined Theodore Roosevelt's time in North Dakota.

Whether through hands-on experiential learning, groundbreaking conservation research or visionary leadership, the NDSU community has contributed to a library that celebrates stewardship of both people and place. Their work demonstrates how education, research and service can come together to create a lasting impact.