Robbie Lauf '15
The Horizon Award recognizes alumni who have graduated within the past 15 years and have attained great success in their profession or have been engaged in outstanding community service.
Hometown: Mayville, North Dakota
NDSU Degree: BS Political Science
Born and raised in Mayville, North Dakota, Robbie Lauf ’15 is a fourth-generation NDSU graduate whose connection to the university runs deep. “When it came time to choose a university, I knew I wanted an education that could open doors globally while still being rooted in the values and community that shaped me. NDSU offered exactly that,” he reflected.
After earning his degree at NDSU, Robbie continued his academic journey at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he received a master’s in public policy in 2020. His career has been defined by mission-driven leadership and transformative impact. Most notably, Robbie serves as the founding executive director of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, leading the effort to create a $450 million, world-class institution set to open in Medora, North Dakota, on July 4, 2026. “Helping to bring this library to life has been the honor of my career,” he said about the role. “It’s about preserving a legacy while creating lasting cultural and economic impact for my home state.”
Robbie’s professional path also includes pivotal roles such as political director for Gov. Doug Burgum’s first campaign, senior policy advisor in the governor’s office, research assistant to Arthur Brooks at Harvard, and positions with the Federal Reserve Board and McKinsey & Company. These experiences reflect his commitment to advancing meaningful work and strengthening North Dakota while engaging on a national stage.
At NDSU, Robbie’s leadership as student body president and involvement in organizations like Blue Key Honor Society and Delta Tau Delta shaped his approach to service and collaboration. He remains deeply connected to the university through family traditions and initiatives like the Bison Caucus.
As nominator Tim Flakoll ’81, ’85 notes, “Robbie’s intelligence, combined with his engaging personality and deep commitment to the common good, make him a natural and accomplished leader. Even in a short span of years, he has made a more lasting mark than many do in a lifetime.”
