This legislative commemoration honors Thomas Shortbull for his significant contributions to empowering Native communities in South Dakota through education, advocacy, and leadership. It highlights his tenure as President of Oglala Lakota College, where he served from 1975 to 1979 and again from 1995 to 2017, during which he transformed the institution and positively impacted the lives of numerous students, particularly within Native communities. Under his leadership, the college expanded its campus and achieved national recognition, while also preserving Lakota culture and language.

The commemoration further acknowledges Shortbull's role in increasing endowments for Oglala Lakota College, which allowed for the expansion of academic programs and the production of successful graduates in various fields. It also notes his involvement in the formation of the Task Force on Indian-State Government Relations, which led to progressive legislation that enhanced voting rights for Native Americans in certain counties. The resolution concludes by recognizing Shortbull's enduring legacy as a transformative figure in education and community building for Native peoples in South Dakota and beyond.