Hall of Fame Inductees

Celebrating 800+ Dream Chasers

Since 1974, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has sought to honor, recognize, and distribute the stories of everyday people who have found the strength to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles they faced along the way.

Just as sunflowers chase the sun, these Dream Chasers stand tall and chase their dreams day after day, year after year. The 800+ Inductees in the Hall of Fame come from all backgrounds and corners of our state.

These Dream Chasers serve as inspiration for us all to strive for excellence and chase our own dreams today, tomorrow, and well into the future. Thus, our mission to Champion a Culture of Excellence in South Dakota continues. Find the stories of our Inductees on our program’s site’s Inductee directory.

View Inductee Directory

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 lives, and they must have qualifications, attributes, and achievements resulting in positive impacts statewide and beyond. Nominees remain eligible for selection for three years. Nominators may provide first-time and additional information to strengthen nominations during the annual timeframe when nominations are being accepted—typically from mid-October – January each year. If the individual is not chosen in the initial three years, they have a two-year hiatus before being eligible to be nominated again. There is no limit on the number of times a person can be nominated, but individuals are only chosen once for induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Each year, after the Board of Directors undergoes the rigorous evaluation and selection process, nominators, nominees, and chosen Inductees will be notified of their status.

PROCESS & MATERIALS

  •  Summary Biography up to 500 words

  • (3) Letters of Reference

  • (8) Pieces of supporting Information (documents, URLs, and video)

  • Three questions with answers up to 250 words each, showing the nominee’s positive impact statewide and beyond

  • Awards & Honors, as many that indicate an impact statewide and beyond

Nominations are due yearly by February 1 at midnight CT

Nominations are now open. Submit your nomination by selecting the button below.

Nominate A Champion

Nominations Seminar

Join us on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. MT | 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. CT for a free virtual nominations seminar: Nominating Excellence.

South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO Laurie Becvar and Programming Manager Lori Platzer will guide you through each step of the nomination process and answer any questions you may have. This seminar is designed to help you navigate the process with ease and successfully complete your submission before the deadline.

Reserve your spot today.

RSVP Here