Remembering Extraordinary Inductees Who Passed in 2022
At the South Dakota Hall of Fame, championing a culture of excellence is about uplifting and sharing the legacies of those who have made a big impact on our state. The beauty of a legacy is that it has the power to inspire generations to come. We feel continually inspired by the diverse legacies that make up our organization, and our dedication is focused on making sure these stories can help shape the leaders of tomorrow.
In 2022, we were saddened by the loss of some extraordinary individuals who have been inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. They lived inspiring lives that exemplified excellence, and we feel truly honored to acknowledge and share their legacies with you here.
Inductees We Said Goodbye to In 2022
Hubert E. Alewel | 1929–2022
After growing his career in the Newspaper industry, Hubert Alewel expanded his commercial printing business and moved to a larger building on the north edge of Chamberlain and the business name was changed to Register-Lakota Printing. The number of employees increased from 9 to 35 and the gross dollar volume grew to $1.5 million. Over the years, the continued expansion of the printing and newspaper industry in the Chamberlain area resulted in a 50-plus employee base. With a passion for South Dakota and the potential for continued development, Alewel served numerous local and state boards through leadership and monetary contributions.
Rod Bowar | 1962–2022
Rod Bowar had perhaps the most unique career path in South Dakota telecommunications. Starting with the company at age 14, Rod worked at Kennebec Telephone Company for 22 years, and in 1998 Rod and his family purchased KTCI from Delores Johnstone. Kennebec Telephone might be one of the smaller phone companies in South Dakota, but what owner Rod Bowar contributed to his community dwarfs many corporate efforts. Attracting workers challenges central South Dakota, so Rod actively recruited young people while they were in high school. He offered to pay their technical school tuition if they promised to come back and work for him. Throughout his work, he created opportunities and grew his community into a thriving place to be in South Dakota.
Henry Carlson Jr. | 1925–2022
Henry Carlson Jr. was an active leader in the South Dakota construction industry for nearly 60 years, playing a major part in helping build South Dakota. He also made a significant contribution to making South Dakota a better place in which to live and raise a family through his active community, and charitable and political service. Henry took a personal interest in each project. His general oversight and involvement assured that each project received the personal attention it deserved. His main objective was detail, service, quality, the right personnel, and top-notch equipment resources. Henry has said, “The philosophy of finding the right people and doing everything you can to retain them has been a hallmark of the company.”
Tim Giago | 1934–2022
With a $4,000 loan and a need to be the voice for Native Americans, Tim Giago started Lakota Times, in 1981, a small reservation newspaper on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Today the newspaper, now called Indian Country Today, is a national Indian newspaper with subscribers in every state and 16 foreign countries. Giago, known for his sometimes-controversial opinion columns, has won numerous journalism awards and his syndicated columns have been featured in USA Today, Newsweek Magazine, the New York Times, and other publications. Giago is the 1988 recipient of the South Dakota Education Association’s first Civil and Human Rights Award, the 1985 recipient of the H.L. Mencken Writing Award, and the South Dakota Newspaper Association’s Best Column by a Local Writer Award.
Thomas “Tom” Loveland | 1952–2022
Thomas “Tom” Loveland was a member of the first career-long generation of explorers studying the condition and changes of Earth from the vantage of space. Joining a new field called geographic remote sensing, he spent over 40 years piecing together the contemporary land history of the planet while contributing ideas and leadership to expand global Earth-observation capabilities. Tom devoted his career to advancing remote sensing and served as an SDSU adjunct professor, teaching numerous remote sensing and geography courses for over 35 years. His most visible service, arguably with the most lasting impact, was his leadership in advancing the science and applications of the Landsat program.
Mark Shlanta | 1965–2022
Mark Shlanta’s 23 years at SDN Communications changed the technology and communications landscape of South Dakota. During his tenure, the Sioux Falls-based broadband network expanded its fiber optic footprint in South Dakota that also extends into surrounding states of the Northern Plains. Mark’s work in expanding SDN’s broadband network and services created the infrastructure for South Dakota to lead on multiple technology fronts, including telehealth, mobile/cellular data coverage, and connecting classrooms–leading South Dakota to become the first state in the nation to ensure every school had internet connectivity. Mark continually pushed innovation and dreamt of a day when every single South Dakotan would have access to broadband for communications and quality-of-life services.
Thomas "Tom" Stone | 1932–2022
Thomas “Tom” Stone served South Dakotans in the field of higher education for 33 years, 21 of which were spent at Southern State College (SSC) in Springfield SD. Throughout his career, he exemplified strong leadership skills and was an advocate for ensuring students who were entering vocational schools had the strongest opportunities ahead of them. One of his notable contributions was to direct the planning, funding, and design of a new $427,000 Technical Education building for SSC (1967-1969). This facility allowed the college to offer innovative programs to ensure that students developed highly trained technology skills to create future leaders and workers for business and industry.
Former Governor Harvey Wollman | 1935–2022
Former Governor Harvey Wollman started his life of public service, first in the U.S. Army and then as a teacher at Doland High School. He ran successfully for the state senate in 1968, was elected to three consecutive terms, and was chosen by his peers as senate minority leader, then-majority leader. He served as Governor for one year in South Dakota, and helped create the South Dakota Investment Council, the prime sponsor of the bill, created a four-year MD degree, and the Housing Authority Bill among others. He was a member of the State Constitutional Revision Commission and enjoyed leading in the establishment of a cabinet system in the executive article as well as creating a unified state judicial system.
These individuals supported communities, created opportunities, sought truth, and exemplified leadership in South Dakota. We are thankful and humbled by their contributions to helping make South Dakota a better state.