Class of 2023 Praised for Volunteerism and Community Contributions in South Dakota
Chamberlain, SD—Since 1974, the South Dakota Hall of Fame has sought to honor, recognize, and celebrate the stories of the people who have found the courage to chase their dreams no matter the obstacles they have faced along the way. The Inductee Class of 2023 is an exceptional example of excellence in South Dakota for their acts of volunteerism and community contributions, and we are honored to share some examples of volunteerism with you.
CLASS OF 2023 ACTS OF VOLUNTEERISM & COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
When Walt Bones is asked to serve, he says “yes” to the opportunity to stand as an advocate for agriculture in South Dakota. Not only has he served as South Dakota’s Secretary of Agriculture, Walt has volunteered and held leadership roles in a variety of industry organizations such as: SD Livestock Records Association, SD Cattlemen’s Association, Midwest Dairy Association, and many more. Above serving his industry, Bones believed in being a role model for the upcoming generation. He served as a basketball coach for 10 years, sat on the School Board, and still continues to serve as a board member for Groundworks Midwest – an organization that oversees local school learning gardens and SD Agriculture in classrooms.
Dr. Thomas Dean has been a rural physician for 43 years in South Dakota. In addition to his remarkable medical profession, Dr. Dean has volunteered his time to sit on the community’s school board, and he has held leadership roles in the National Rural Health Association, the SD Medical Association, and the SD Academy of Family Physicians. Dr. Dean has been an active advocate on behalf of rural health in government appointments.
In addition to her impact in putting Dakota State University on the map for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, Dr. José-Marie Griffiths has given back to South Dakota and her region. In the Madison, SD community, she serves as a volunteer on numerous boards, including the Lake Area Improvement Corporation, the Madison Community Foundation, and the Madison Kiwanis. In Sioux Falls, she serves on the Chamber Business Leadership Council and many other organizations.
Dr. Pamela Homan has been a lifelong educator. Not only accomplishing being the first woman to serve as the superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District, Dr. Homan volunteers her time to sit on multiple boards such as the National Center for Education Statistics Data Element Project, the South Dakota Technology & Education Advisory Board, the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Sioux Empire United Way.
Known as the voice of South Dakota, Larry Rohrer created the foundation of live radio program streaming as we know it today. In addition to his outstanding professional career, Larry gives his time through volunteer work. He co-founded and sits on the board of Honor Flight South Dakota. Larry also assists with outreach for several local and statewide nonprofits.
“The South Dakota Hall of Fame Board of Directors encourages all forms of achievement, and we champion a culture of excellence in several ways; but clearly, volunteerism and giving back is at the heart of the work of our Inductees,” explained the Hall of Fame’s CEO Laurie Becvar. “In addition to our annual Honors Ceremony, our Legacy of Achievements program continues to tell the inspiring stories of our 782 Inductees. We also highlight the achievements and impact of South Dakotans and their businesses and organizations through our Acts of Excellence program. All of these stories are available online and in our Visitor and Education Center located in Chamberlain.”
The mission of the Hall of Fame is to champion a culture of excellence in South Dakota. Every organization, from businesses and schools to government and family, has a culture that embraces shared values.
“We envision a state that culturally embraces excellence as a core value. This is a big dream, but one we believe is possible,” said Becvar.
The annual Honors Ceremony weekend, which was held Sept. 8 and 9 in Chamberlain, was filled with special events highlighting the work of not just the newest inductees, but also celebrating the inductees who have come before.
“These people have created positive change and developed lasting legacies inspiring us here today, and for generations to come,” said John T. Porter, Chair of the Board of Directors South Dakota Hall of Fame.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Laurie Becvar, Ed.D., M.A.
CEO, South Dakota Hall of Fame
605-682-4239
lbecvar@sdhalloffame.org
The South Dakota Hall of Fame is a 501c3 organization designed to Preserve, Honor, Inspire, and Educate. The Hall’s mission is to Champion a Culture of Excellence and the South Dakota Hall of Fame lives out its mission through its programming.