2022 Fall/Winter Newsletter

Will You Join Us in Supporting a Culture of Excellence?

Founded in 1974, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has been championing a culture of excellence across the state of South Dakota for 48 years, and in 1996, the State Legislature designated the Hall as South Dakota’s official Hall of Fame. Operating as a 501(c)3 public charity with a state-wide reach and a physical presence in Chamberlain, South Dakota, the Hall is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and led by a CEO and two full time staff members. Over the last half century, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has inducted 772 individuals, opened a Visitor & Education Center in Chamberlain, and created diverse programming including Legacies of Achievement (LOA), the Legends & Learning (L&L) educational program, and the Acts of Excellence (AOE) program with the mission to inspire the next generation of South Dakotans. No other South Dakota organization does what we do.

OUR PROGRAMS: WHAT WE DO AND HOW WE IMPACT SOUTH DAKOTA

The Visitor and Education Center (VEC) of the SD Hall of Fame serves as a home to a great collection of South Dakota history. Whenever an individual is inducted, a variety of materials are collected to help share their stories. This unique archive not only preserves history but serves as a visual representation of the way these inductees changed South Dakota through their life’s work. With your support, we can complete this digitization and archival process and ensure these stories

OUR GOALS

2022 Inductee Paul Gnirk

are preserved indefinitely before the precious physical items degrade over time.

The Legacies of Achievement (LOA) program is the heart of the Hall, showcasing each and every inductee’s life story. Housed in an online directory, each inductee has a legacy page, containing their biography, photos, videos, and more. These stories capture impactful narratives that are being shared with a wider audience than ever before throughout the Hall’s digital programming. The technical platform upon which the Legacy of Achievement Program sits needs to be updated and cyber security strengthened. With your support, we can update and strengthen the digital backbone in 2023.

The Legends & Learning (L&L) educational, web-based program is for students of all ages. We believe in the importance of sharing South Dakota stories in the classroom, so we took the initiative to work with teachers to develop this program. Students can learn and be inspired by the diverse backgrounds, race, and vocations of select Hall of Fame legends. The program is coordinated with South Dakota K-12 curriculum standards and can be used throughout the year. Significant work is required to update and expand the Legends & Learning Program. We wish to introduce more online curriculum that is strategically designed toward leadership and extend age-appropriate videos and accompanying leadership lessons to K-12 and higher education classrooms. A stronger connection to the Junior Achievement Program is a goal.

The Acts of Excellence (AOE) Program, originally sponsored by Sanford Health, recognizes and celebrates the many individuals, groups, and organizations in South Dakota that make remarkable achievements every day. These acts enhance the diverse culture in our state, one act at a time. AOE serves as another benchmark in inspiring youth, by showing no act is too small to be considered excellent.

Anyone can nominate an AOE, and we have seen more nominations submitted over recent years, showing that our mission is impacting citizens of our state to see the everyday excellence of their fellow South Dakotans. We expect to continue to recognize 3-5 individuals or organizations annually.

We are honored to showcase, preserve and share the legacies of so many amazing South Dakotans. We have the opportunity to expand our reach and champion a culture of excellence like never before.

HOW TO GIVE

There are multiple ways you can make an end-of-year charitable gift to support our mission of building and preserving a culture of excellence in South Dakota. Charitable Gifts to the SD Hall of Fame are eligible for a tax deduction.

Give online at www.sdhalloffame.org

Call us at 605.234.4216

Fill out the enclosed pledge/annual giving card and mail it to: 1480 S. Main, Chamberlain, SD 57325

For commitment designations, your support in the following areas would help strengthen our initiatives:

• A gift towards our general fund/where most needed

• A gift towards our Acts of Excellence program

• A gift towards our Legends & Learning program

• A gift towards digitizing and strengthening collections

• A gift towards our endowment where the principal is maintained in perpetuity and the SD Hall of Fame is supported through investment earnings.

If you have any questions, please call us at 605.234.4216 or email info@sdhalloffame.org.

We know you have many options when it comes to supporting charities, please give the South Dakota Hall of Fame consideration.

2016 Inductee Christine Hamilton sits down with 2013 Inductee Miles Beacom for a Legacy Video interview.

2021 Inductee Gary Cammack stands next to his Inductee panel at the SD Hall of Fame Visitor & Education Center located in Chamberlain.

LETTER FROM DR. LOREN TSCHETTER

Dear Friends of the South Dakota Hall of Fame,

There are many great charities in South Dakota and throughout the United States, and among “the greats” is the South Dakota Hall of Fame. The Hall’s work has a lasting impact on our State; every dollar supports our mission of building and preserving a culture of excellence in South Dakota. We realize that mission through our impactful programs. Please consider making a charitable gift to honor a current or past inductee and/or to promote preserving the culture of excellence through the Legacy of Achievement, Legends in Learning, or Acts of Excellence Programs. Our giving card and a reply envelope are enclosed. We are grateful for your consideration, please join us and be a part of fostering greatness and excellence.

Sincerely,

Dr. Loren Tschetter Board Director and Chair of Fund Development Committee SD Hall of Fame 2015 Inductee

MUSIC IN THE AIR EXHIBIT

The South Dakota Hall of Fame is honored to celebrate and share the legacies of inductees who elevated and created music in South Dakota. Inductees like White Eagle, Delta David Gier, André Larson, and more.

The new Music in the Air exhibit in the South Dakota Hall of Fame’s Visitor & Education Center in Chamberlain, SD features inductees who have built a lasting and vibrant impact through music, and we are excited to showcase the way they changed the landscape of South Dakota throughout the state.

The arts are deeply important in our communities, and they bring people together, no matter their walk of life. Music has strong roots in our state, from traditional Lakota songs to museums of priceless instruments and the state symphony; communities have been enriched and elevated through music.

ACTS OF EXCELLENCE

WORTHING, SD

Gabi Olson is one of just 34 licensed falconers in South Dakota, and at 16 years old, she and just one other share the distinction of being the youngest falconers in the state. “It’s not just a hobby… it’s a relationship,” said Gabi.

RAPID CITY, SD

BECOMING MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL ABILITIES

Children of all abilities will have a new playground to explore next summer at Storybook Island located in Rapid City, SD. Making the park more accessible fulfills Storybook Island’s original mission.

program sponsored by

SOUTH DAKOTA TEEN FINDS HER CALLING

INDUCTEE UPDATES

Exhibit Featuring 3D Termesphere Objects Opens at Cultural Heritage Center

“Termespheres: The Art of Dick Termes” opened at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre in July and ran through Aug. 29, 2022. Termespheres are 3D art objects that capture an entire environment – up, down, left, right, front, and back – to depict a complete, closed universe. The Dick Termes Exhibits remains featured at the Visitor and Education Center of the SD Hall of Fame

Boarding School Memorial to Be Built in Rapid City

Construction is set to begin in October of 2022 on the first national public memorial built on the site of a former Indian boarding school. The Rapid City Indian Boarding School was located on land near West Middle School on the city’s west side. It operated from 1898 to 1933. The memorial will include a larger than life statue from South Dakota Hall of Fame member Dale Lamphere.

VISITOR

Memorial Day Weekend – Mid-September

Monday – Saturday | 9 am – 6 pm

Mid-September – May*

Monday – Friday | 9 am – 5 pm

*Closed on weekends and National Holidays

DICK TERMES

DALE LAMPHERE

Share your news with us on the South Dakota Hall of Fame Facebook page or by getting in touch with us at info@sdhalloffame.org.

Humility is a Way of Life For South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductee Bev Warne

South Dakota values were central to the stories of 10 inductees into the state’s Hall of Fame recently in Chamberlain. But one inductee, Bev Warne, captivated the audience at Arrowwood Cedar Shore Resort as she spoke of the challenges faced by Native Americans. Warne, now 83, most recently is known for creating the Native American Nursing Education Center in Rapid City.

Strider Launches Customized Adaptive Bikes for Young Kids

This week, children’s bike brand Strider announced their Adaptive Strider Program for toddlers with height and limb differences. The goal is to make cycling more accessible for all bodies at any age. The brand’s new program works directly with parents to create a proper fit and add appropriate mounts and modifications to the classic balance bikes, at no added cost.

Bicycling.com

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

DAY OF GIVING

We will be participating in the South Dakota Day of Giving this year! Follow us online to learn more about this day.

The Public Opinion

BEV WARNE

RYAN M c FARLAND

A Look Back on the 2022 Class Honors Ceremony Weekend

THE CLASS OF 2022

Randell Beck | Professional

Dennis Daugaard | Political

Paul Gnirk | Business

Charles Hart | Medical

Shantel Krebs | Political

Grace Martin Highley | Professional (1895–1985)

Tad Perry | Education

Ron Reed | Education

Mark Shlanta | Business (1965–2022)

Bev Warne | Medical

The Class of 2022 Honors Ceremony was an incredible weekend, and many memories were made. We are honored to champion the legacies of these ten newest inductees who joined the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

At the Friday night reception, the members of the Class of 2022 were officially introduced, and a special moment of silence was held for 2018 Inductee and South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Member Rod Bowar, who passed away on Sunday, August 28th. The evening reception was opened with current Miss South Dakota, Hunter Widvey, singing America the Beautiful. The Hall of Fame is featuring Terry Redlin’s America the Beautiful series of prints in the Theatre Room. Hunter was not only proud to be there in support of her second cousin, 2022 Inductee Paul Gnirk, but to also support 2022 Inductee Shantel Krebs, CEO and Board Chair of the Miss America organization.

Saturday morning began with the Medallion Ceremony Brunch, where inductees were awarded their medallions, officially commemorating their induction into the Hall of Fame. Testimonial videos were shared during the brunch, featuring individuals close to each inductee congratulating them on their induction. Following brunch was a meet & greet with inductees at their display tables, where guests could get to know each of the newest members of the Hall of Fame.

The Anniversary Reunion held on Saturday afternoon was a wonderful celebration of the continued inspiration of a legacy. Some of the inductees present to celebrate their anniversary, and to receive an anniversary reunion plaque were: Dwayne Beck, Adeline Gnirk (plaque accepted by her sons David and Paul Gnirk), Dick Gowen (plaque accepted by his wife Nancy Gowen), Gene LeBrun, Don Meyer (plaque accepted by his wife Carmen Meyer), Mary Olinger, Bill Walsh, and Myrna Williamson.

From left to right: Gov. Dennis Daugaard, Charles Hart, Bev Warne, Ron Reed, Peggy Shlanta (on behalf of Mark Shlanta), Cheryl Zimiga (on behalf of Grace Martin Highley), Shantel Krebs, Randell Beck, Tad Parry, Paul Gnirk.

We are proud to share that the September Benefit Auction, which included a live auction held during the Honors Ceremony weekend, raised just over $18,000 dollars in support of the South Dakota Hall of Fame. We are deeply grateful for this support. As a nonprofit organization your generosity ensures we can continue to uplift the legacies of dream chasers across the state.

The weekend came to a close with the Honors Ceremony Banquet, which was filled with inspiring speeches from inductees and representatives of inductees. A special moment followed the last speech of the evening; Bev Warne was ceremonially presented with a traditional Lakota star quilt by loved ones. It was a beautiful moment paying tribute to Bev’s Native heritage.

Moments like these leave us in awe of the legacy of each individual inducted into the Hall, and we are honored to welcome these ten newest inductees into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

NOMINATE A CHAMPION

Do you know a Champion? Champions can come from anywhere, and from any walk of life. We want to hear about anyone who has pursued excellence and contributed to the life we enjoy in South Dakota.

Anyone may nominate an individual, living or deceased, to be considered for induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Self-nomination is not permitted.

ELIGIBILITY

Nominees must have resided in South Dakota for a portion of their life and must have qualifications, attributes, and achievements with a statewide impact. Nominations are

retained for multiple years if ranked within the top 25 per the criteria of statewide impact as voted upon by the Board of Directors. If not ranked, after three years you may resubmit the nomination, with new information encouraged. Nominators and Inductees will be notified of the election of the nominated individual.

PROCESS & MATERIALS

• Summary biography up to 200 words

• (3) Letters of reference

• (5) Supporting information (documents, urls, and video)

• Three questions with answers up to 200 words each showing the nominee’s statewide impact

• Awards & honors, as many that indicate a statewide impact

• Educational institutions attended

Nominations due yearly by February 1 at 11:55 pm MST

Learn more at SDHALLOFFAME.ORG

SD Hall of Fame CEO, Laurie Becvar, presents Gov. Dennis Daugaard with his Inductee plaque.

SD Hall of Fame Board Chair, Marci Burdick, invites Bill Walsh up to be honored as an Anniversary Reunion member.

Past Inductees Brig. Gen. Myrna Williamson, Mary Olinger, and SD Hall of Fame Board Member, Steve Flanery, visit during the social hour.

Save The Dates

SOUTH DAKOTA DAY OF GIVING

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2022 all day | sdhalloffame.org

2023 CLASS NOMINATIONS DUE

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2023 at 11:55 pm MST

Current Miss South Dakota, Hunter Widvey, singing America the Beautiful during Friday night’s reception.

Explore our directory of 770+ Inductees, read stories on everyday Acts of Excellence, watch inspiring videos, listen to our Legacy Podcast and so much more on our website.

SDHALLOFFAME.ORG

1480 S. MAIN STREET, CHAMBERLAIN, SD 57325 | SDHALLOFFAME.ORG | 605.234.4216

2022 Inductee Shantel Krebs and 2018 Inductee Raymond Peterson visit in front of the Miss South Dakota exhibit.

Honors Ceremony attendees viewing the Inductee display tables.

SD Hall of Fame Board Members Marci Burdick and Michelle Lavallee visit during the Honors Ceremony weekend.