Shaping Our State: The Impact Our Newest Inductees Have Made on South Dakota
Inductees of the South Dakota Hall of Fame come from all walks of life and have made an indelible mark on the state. They have fostered innovation, growth and development, and artistic expression, and impacted the lives of nearly every person who calls South Dakota home.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary as an organization, we are humbled to Honor, Inspire, Preserve, and Educate others about the rich histories of excellence in South Dakota and beyond.
The Class of 2024 is no exception to this narrative of positive impact. We are honored to officially induct them into the South Dakota Hall of Fame this September for the ways in which they have championed excellence in South Dakota. Read more about the ways in which these individuals have made a difference below.
Enriching Lives Through Art and Entertainment
Bryan Akipa and Dean Sorenson have changed lives through the power of Art and Media.
Bryan's life is a testament to the power of art and music in bridging cultures and honoring heritage. Through his mastery of the traditional red cedar flute and Tahokmu art, he is dedicated to passing that knowledge on to the next generation in the spirit of humility. Bryan has made an impact not just in South Dakota but throughout the world.
As a broadcaster in South Dakota, Dean’s legacy of bringing communities, “the news from down the street,” has had a positive impact across South Dakota. Dean has devoted himself to the welfare of not just his employees but to the towns and cities his radio stations have served.
Uplifting Community in South Dakota
Jim Entenman and Greg Sands have uplifted community and given back through honest work and a belief that to be successful in life, you must give back to the community.
Jim has served on the Sioux Falls City Council and has been an active community member. Notably, he played a pivotal role in seeing the Denny Sanford Premier Center passed and built as well as created Hot Harley Nights which has raised over $3.5 million for Make-A-Wish South Dakota.
Greg used the power of second chances in life to uplift community. He and his wife Pam helped build a halfway house for women at the Glory House (which serves around 300 clients annually) and have been instrumental in establishing affordable housing for felony-involved individuals.
Leading Through Innovation
Jeff Hazard (1955-2019) and Hugh Ingalls have served as leaders through Innovation in South Dakota and made a lasting impact across the state thanks to their vision and leadership.
Jeff has shaped South Dakota through his innovative architectural practice and his designs can be seen across multiple states. Jeff’s leadership in the community was felt through his participation on over 30 boards. He relentlessly pursued the idea of continuous improvement and inspired and mentored those around him to do the same.
Hugh Ingalls has propelled true innovation throughout the cattle industry in South Dakota by partnering with Cattle geneticists from South Dakota State University (SDSU) to establish a 30+ years research relationship. Hugh’s willingness to lead can be seen in the beef industry as well as his involvement in many community endeavors.
Standing As a Voice For Others in South Dakota
Arlouine Gay Kingman and Jan Manolis have stood as a voice for others in South Dakota creating positive change in the lives of many.
Arlouine has dedicated over six decades to championing the rights of American Indian Tribes. She not only served on the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C., as a liaison for tribes, but also returned to South Dakota, to found the Great Plains Tribal Chairman's Association.
Jan has been a voice for others in her community of Huron in many ways. After her husband had a stroke, Jan fulfilled his term as City Commissioner and served in the position for 24 years. She was also pivotal in forming a local committee that gave birth to the YWCA Family Violence Program as well as the Jan Manolis Family Safe Center.
Making Historic Firsts in the State
Judith Knittel Meierhenry and Dr. Peggy Gordon Miller have truly shattered the glass ceiling in South Dakota, and in doing so, made a positive impact through their work and are serving as inspirational figures for future leaders.
Judith made history when she was appointed the first woman on the SD Supreme Court. Before making history Judith made an impact through education while teaching English in a variety of positions from elementary to college level. She has touched the lives of many young people with her love of literature and writing.
Dr. Miller made history when she became the 18th President of South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the first woman to lead SDSU on January 1, 1998. She oversaw diverse educational expansion and the most significant program development under her leadership was the move to Division I athletics, which has resulted in national recognition of SDSU's excellence.
Join Us at the 2024 Honors Ceremony
We invite you to join us in celebrating the Class of 2024’s official induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame this September 13 and 14.
We will also be celebrating our 50th anniversary as an organization.
Learn more about the Class of 2024, see the full list of events, and purchase your tickets by selecting the button below.