Legacies Preserved at the South Dakota Hall of Fame

At the South Dakota Hall of Fame, we have over 700+ Inductees, each with their own unique stories and legacies. These stories are preserved through Inductee Legacy pages and are all available to the public to view here on our website.

Our mission is to not just preserve one’s legacy at the point of induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame but to continue to add to these Dream Chasers’ stories as their legacies grow.

Along with our Inductee pages, we have been busy compiling Legacy Video Interviews: In-depth looks at the lives of South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees. These video interviews, all available to watch on our Youtube channel, have been a joy to create. Whether we are hearing the life stories from inductees themselves or their loved ones, the impact of their unique legacy is something special to be able to share with you all.

Here are some of our Legacy Interviews available to watch, along with so much more on our Youtube channel.

Legacy Interview: Jeff Broin

Jeff Broin, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of POET, is a recognized innovator, entrepreneur, and global advocate for the biofuels industry.

Over the last 30 years, Broin has played a vital role in championing an industry that creates jobs and grows prosperity by bringing cleaner-burning, homegrown biofuels to markets across the globe, forging POET as a world leader in biofuels.

His vision extends beyond business. He formed the POET Foundation to improve the lives of rural communities across the United States. Broin’s driving passion in life is to change the world through the sun, seed, and soil for future generations.


Legacy Interview: Jim woster

In this Legacy interview, host Miles Beacom sits down with 2001 Inductee Jim Woster to discuss his legacy with the Sioux Falls Stockyards Firm and his work with Future Farmers of America.

Jim Woster spent 35 years with the Sioux Falls Stockyards Firm, and many years broadcasting the daily markets on KELO-TV. He started his career at the Stockyard Firm the day after he graduated college from South Dakota State University.

In this episode, Jim talks about the power of dedication to one’s work, and the importance of encouraging young people to pursue a career doing what they love. He showcased this through his work with FFA and other organizations.


Legacy Interview: Robert Mudge

In this Legacy Interview, host Miles Beacom sits down with 2015 Inductee Robert Mudge to discuss his life and career as a metallurgist and the history of his company, RPM Innovations, Inc.

After graduating from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology with a B.S. and M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, Robert and his wife Debbie spent a few years living in Montana and then California for Roberts's work. With a want to be back in their hometown and near family, Robert's father encouraged him to start his own company, and RPM & Associates, Inc. was born.

Today the RPM Companies are world leaders in their respective areas of expertise. They employ the latest equipment, including 5-axis CNC machining, 5-axis high definition plasmas cutting, and Laser Deposition Systems to solve their customer’s problems. The companies employ over fifty individuals, with roughly one-third of engineering graduates from SDSM&T.


legacy interview: john calvin

In this Legacy interview, South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Member Dave Rozenboom sits down with Prudy Calvin, wife of John Calvin, and Jim Roby to discuss the life and legacy of 2019 Inductee, John Calvin.

John Calvin was a hard-charging, relentless business executive, advisor to four South Dakota governors, philanthropist, and loyal friend. After a 22 year career in the cement lime division in Sioux City Iowa, Gov. George Mickelson convinced Calvin to move his company to Watertown by offering him the state’s first “REDI” loan in 1987. That started a relationship between John and the highest levels of South Dakota’s government as he became a key business advisor to governors, U.S. Senators, and U.S. Representatives.

John’s wife, Prudy, and colleague Jim Roby remember the drive John Calvin had to make sure those around him were thriving. Former Gov. once stated, "John is a man with a generous heart, a mind for business, and a willingness to serve,” Daugaard said. “He has helped many businesses find their home in South Dakota, and many students find success in our state."


legacy intewiew: marilyn Hohm Hoyt

In this Legacy Interview, host Miles Beacom sits down with 2018 Inductee Marilyn Hohm Hoyt to discuss the legacy of her father, 1987 Inductee Dr. Paul Hohm, and her own achievements in the field of community planning and fundraising.

Marilyn Hohm Hoyt, a lifetime resident of Huron South Dakota, has dedicated her life to improving the community, one fundraising project at a time. She is credited with saving Huron College from closing its doors, Successfully overseeing the creation of the Huron Recreation Center, the Huron Event Center, and the creation of a beautiful central park featuring a water park and bike path.

Marilyn was appointed by Governor Janklow to serve on the State Board of Education, a position she held for over 20 years. To this day Marilyn continues to change the lives of South Dakotans through her work.

These video interviews are also being transformed into long-form podcasts, so if you watch a video and want to hear more, there is ample opportunity to be inspired by the stories of so many amazing South Dakotans.

Sarah Miller