Marilyn Hohm Hoyt

GENERAL | EDUCATION

MARILYN HOHM HOYT

Huron, SD

Public Service Innovator

Marilyn was born in Chicago, Illinois, while her father was in medical school. But she has been a life-long resident of Huron. She grew up with two younger siblings in a loving and caring family, with parents who lived the lessons of life – honesty, integrity and loyalty – for her to observe and emulate. She watched her father, who was busy doing most of the medical procedures as family practitioners did at that time, often being called away from the supper table or on the weekend to the clinic or the hospital to care for his patients while her mother kept things going at home with their young children. She watched both of her parents befriend and care with compassion the neighbors and others who may have needed a helping hand, teaching her another lesson of life, to be kind to one another.

After graduating from the School of Business at the University of South Dakota, Marilyn returned to Huron where she married and started a family, getting involved with her children's activities.

The Hohms were heavily tied to and loyal to Huron College. At the college's 100th anniversary celebration, they were named the Centennial Family. She grew up singing the college fight song and wearing her dad's letter sweater at all of the basketball games, which set the stage for her loyalty and responsibility to help Huron College. She was asked to serve on the Board of Trustees, and after one year was asked to chair the board. Only after a verbal commitment to the college

from each of the trustees did she accept. She believed her organizational skills could help guide the board forward, but she needed the expertise of the professional members who were her fellow trustees. But six months later, the team faced a $1 million debt and the bankruptcy of the college.

After many meetings, a plan emerged. An entity was secured that was willing to take over the college for $1, but assume none of the debt. The plan involved a citywide campaign to ask voters to extend the one-cent sales tax in order to raise the revenue so the city could purchase the newest building on the campus, the Fine Arts Center, and enter into a net/net lease with the college. In that way, the trustees would be able to have the funds to retire the $1 million debt and the new entity could take over ownership of the college debt free. The hard work of the trustees paid off when the votes were counted. With a turnout of 51 percent, the highest in 30 years, there was a 70 percent favorable response from the public to extend the sales tax and keep the college alive.

As the three-year sales tax extension was nearing an end, Marilyn was asked to co-chair another campaign to retain the one-cent tax to make up for the loss of federal revenue sharing funds, to allow for property tax reduction, to retire bonded indebtedness on the water treatment plant and to purchase needed city equipment. It was evident to her that this needed to happen, especially when voters agreed by approving the extension with an 83 percent approval.

Huron had been trying for years to build a wellness and recreation center, but a stand-alone new building could not be justified. An opportunity to accomplish the goal came when the Huron School District had plans to build a new middle school and the National Guard was planning a new armory. A prominent Huron citizen offered a challenge grant to the community to build a wellness and recreation center, and Marilyn was asked to chair the effort of raising the matching funds. The campaign was successful and the Huron Middle School students now had access to an indoor swimming pool, tennis/basketball court, racket ball courts and weight rooms.

With its central location in South Dakota, Huron has always been a popular destination for state meetings and conventions. The Crossroads Hotel and Convention Center was built by community-minded citizens to help sustain these conventions. While Marilyn was serving as chair of the board for this facility, it became evident that a remodel and update was necessary for the continued viability of the Crossroads. Marilyn led a $2 million renovation of the guest rooms, restaurant and pool area.

By the turn of the century, the convention center at the Crossroads needed more space to host events. The Huron Arena sits directly across the street from the convention center. Marilyn was appointed by the mayor to head a blue ribbon task force to preside over

the project. The addition of the new Huron Event Center brought more fuel to Huron's economy. After the successful transition of Huron College/University from a church-related institution to the private sector, it remained open for nearly 20 more years, closing in 2005. Marilyn had served on the Board of Trustees during all the changes in ownership, with the exception of the last one. When the university closed, it left a huge void in the community as far as employment and economic issues were concerned.

The mayor's plan to create an educational center and transform the campus into a park called for $4 million to be raised in Huron. Marilyn headed the fundraising effort, which exceeded the goal by $500,000. Huron now boasts a beautiful Central Park with a first-class water park, Splash Central, located in the heart of Huron so children can ride their bikes or walk to swim and play.

Marilyn currently serves on the South Dakota Community Foundation Board, Huron University Foundation Board since 1982, Christen Hohm Lusk Foundation Board, Huron Community Campus Board since 2007, Spirit of Dakota Award Chairman since 2006 and the Nursing Task Force.

Marilyn has resided in her country home for the last 40 years and enjoys the winters in Arizona.

NOMINATED BY PAUL CHRISTEN & WILLIAM ANDERSON

HALL of FAME FAQ

What is the South Dakota Hall of Fame?

Founded in 1974 and named by the SD Legislature as the “Official State Hall of Fame,” the Hall’s original function was to recognize outstanding South Dakotans for their contribution to our state. Since that time, the Hall has expanded its mission to not only recognize excellence, but to influence others to embrace excellence as a core value.

What is our mission?

Our mission is to champion a culture of excellence in South Dakota: One Act at a Time. Every organization, from businesses and schools to government and family, has a culture that embraces shared values. We envision a state that culturally embraces excellence as a core value. This is a big dream, but one we think is possible.

How does the Hall of Fame support a culture of excellence in South Dakota?

The South Dakota Hall of Fame Board of Directors encourages all forms of achievement, and we champion a culture of excellence in several ways. Our annual Honors Ceremony inducts a select group of new Champions for Excellence each year. Our Legacy of Achievements program tells the continuing stories of our inductees. The personal stories of over 700 inductees are available online and in the Visitor & Education Center. Special exhibits focus on areas of achievement such as Agriculture, Business, Native American Heritage, Education, Political Leaders and Women. Their stories can inspire, educate, and build local connections in our fast-paced, global world. Our Legends & Learning program offers teachers a South Dakota history curriculum using online, interactive tools for storytelling and learning. Our Acts of Excellence program recognizes individual deeds and actions that demonstrate excellence throughout the state.

What are Acts of Excellence?

Every day, South Dakotans do extraordinary things. We maintain a one-of-a-kind collaborative platform to recognize everyday stories of excellence. These real stories demonstrate what excellence in action looks like. They inspire others to embrace the pursuit of excellence. Visit sdexcellence.org to learn how you can recognize Acts of Excellence and help build a culture of excellence.

Does the State Legislature provide financial support?

No. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, dependent on donations from individuals and organizations who share our belief in championing excellence.

How are South Dakotans elected to the Hall of Fame each year?

Nominations are open to the public at our website, sdexcellence.org, with a deadline of February 1 each year. The Board reviews all nominations in a thorough and serious competitive process. The selections are made by secret ballot. Nominations are considered for three years.

INDUCTEES 715

LIVING INDUCTEES 306

SOUTH DAKOTA LEGENDS

Read, watch, and learn with online games and activities at SouthDakotaLegends.com

RICHARD ADEE

FRANK ALVINE

SPARKY ANDERSON

JOANNE BIRD

TOM BROKAW

CAROLE HILLARD

OSCAR HOWE

Congratulations

GEORGE McGOVERN

BILLY MILLS

AL NEUHARTH

South Dakota Legends Is...

• 100% FREE for districts, teachers, and students

• Multimedia, web-based, and NOT IN ANY TEXTBOOK

• A year-long curriculum that MEETS STATE STANDARDS in history, vocabulary, and other subjects

• DESIGNED BY TEACHERS and geared for students in 4th grade, but adaptable for students at any level

Marilyn Hohm Hoyt and John Porter!

Thank you for your commitment to excellence and our state.

Congratulations Tom Loveland

Thanks for advancing Earth Science & Remote Sensing in South Dakota.