South Dakota Hall of Fame Announces Inductee Class of 2026
In 2026, ten extraordinary individuals whose life’s work has had a profound impact in South Dakota and beyond will be formally inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. These individuals represent a broad range of fields, including professional, arts & entertainment, education, philanthropic, business, and more. This accomplished group embodies the spirit of leadership, innovation, and dedication. Their remarkable achievements have left a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
The South Dakota Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Inductee Class for 2026: Susan Marie Anderson, MD (1970–2024) (Professional), Brian James Bonde, ACFRE (Arts & Entertainment), H. Eugene Hoyme, MD (Professional), James L. Johnson, PhD (Education), John (Jack) Neil Kucera (Philanthropic), Peter Larson (Professional), Michelle Gross Lavallee (Business), David Ellwood Lust (1968–2021) (General), Matt Paulson (Business), and Daniel G. Petereit, MD (Professional).
The Class of 2026 will be celebrated at this year’s Honors Ceremony on September 11 and 12, 2026, in Chamberlain/Oacoma. The public is invited to attend, with tickets going on sale in July.
For More Information
Laurie Becvar, Ed.D., M.A.
CEO, South Dakota Hall of Fame
lbecvar@sdhalloffame.org
605-234-4216
About the South Dakota Hall of Fame
The South Dakota Hall of Fame's mission is "To Champion a Culture of Excellence". Our purpose is to Honor, Inspire, Preserve, and Educate others about the rich histories of Excellence in South Dakota and beyond. More on the South Dakota Hall of Fame here.
Meet the Class of 2026
Susan Marie Anderson, MD (1970–2024)
Canistota, SD | Category: Professional
"A Heart of Rural Medicine"
Dr. Susan Anderson (1970–2024) grew up on a farm near Canistota, SD, and rose to become Executive Dean of USD Sanford School of Medicine. A champion of rural and underserved communities, she maintained an outreach clinic in her hometown throughout her career. Balancing motherhood with medical training and leadership, she inspired countless students. Her guiding principle said it all: "Be kind, and you can do anything you put your mind to."
Brian James Bonde, ACFRE
Sioux Falls, SD | Category: Arts & Entertainment
“A World Leader of Philanthropy”
One of only 117 worldwide holding the Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive credential, Brian James Bonde, ACFRE, has raised over $450 million for nonprofits. He received the National Fundraising Excellence Award from AFP Global and founded Arts South Dakota. A noted speaker and consultant, he also earned both the Sioux Falls Arts Council and the Governor's Lifetime Arts Achievement Awards through 40 years of board service.
H. Eugene Hoyme, MD
Tucson, AZ | Category: Professional
“A Global Pioneer in Pediatric Medicine”
Raised in Dell Rapids, SD, Dr. H. Eugene Hoyme is a pediatrician and medical geneticist who developed the internationally recognized Hoyme Diagnostic Criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. He held leadership roles at Stanford, the University of Arizona, and the University of Vermont before returning to South Dakota in 2007, where he co-founded Sanford Children’s Hospital and the first genetic counseling graduate program in the Dakotas.
James L. Johnson, PhD
Brookings, SD | Category: Education
“A Legend of Theatre on the Prairie"
Dr. James L. Johnson, a theatre educator, spent 30 years at SDSU as Director of Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre, directing 105 plays and shaping over 13,000 students. He championed arts access in rural communities and was one of many instrumental figures in establishing the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center in Brookings. He retired in 2003 as SDSU Distinguished Professor Emeritus.
John (Jack) Neil Kucera
Lead, SD, and Phoenix, AZ | Category: Philanthropic
“A Visionary in American Industry”
Born in Deadwood, SD, John (Jack) Neil Kucera captained USAF Academy football and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors before building Climatec from 7 to 850 employees, later acquired by Bosch. He co-founded Huntair and BasX, acquired by Daikin. But Jack's truest legacy lies in giving back. He and his wife, Vianne, co-chaired the Homestake Opera House restoration, completed 400+ charity flights, and, as Board Chair of the Air Force Academy Foundation, raised $330 million. He is a USAFA Distinguished Graduate.
Peter Larson
Hill City, SD | Category: Professional
"A Visionary in Paleontology"
Operating from Hill City, SD, for over 50 years, Peter Larson heads Black Hills Institute, the world’s largest private fossil company. Internationally known for work with T. rex specimens Sue and Stan, he has authored over 80 scientific articles, shaped federal fossil collection policy, and built a collaborative community spanning business, academia, and government. Peter believes discovery is richer when done together.
Michelle Gross Lavallee
Sioux Falls, SD | Category: Business
“A Champion of Community and Service"
A fourth-generation South Dakotan from Hand County, Michelle held senior leadership roles at NorthWestern Energy, USD, Avera McKennan, and Raven Industries. As CEO of Children’s Home Society, she reversed an 80% staff turnover rate and championed a $50 million Rapid City campus. She was the 2018 Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor. Michelle has had a transformative impact across South Dakota.
David Ellwood Lust (1968–2021)
Rapid City, SD | Category: General
"A Statesman Devoted to South Dakota"
David Ellwood Lust (1968–2021) was a Rapid City attorney, South Dakota legislator, and tireless civic leader who devoted his life to making South Dakota thrive. He served 11 years in the State Legislature, including two terms as House Majority Leader, and was instrumental in founding ELEVATE Rapid City, which honored him with the David Lust Accelerator Building. He lived by his own creed: give back with generosity and purpose.
Matt Paulson
Sioux Falls, SD | Category: Business
"A Founder Invested in the Dakotas"
Matt Paulson is the founder and CEO of MarketBeat, the largest digital media company in the Dakotas with more than six million subscribers. His venture capital firm, Homegrown Capital, has invested in more than 80 tech companies. Active in the Sioux Falls community, he serves on numerous nonprofit boards. Dakota State University awarded him an Honorary Doctor in Public Service degree in 2024.
Daniel G. Petereit, MD
Rapid City, SD | Category: Professional
"Invested in Cancer Care for All"
A Sioux Falls native and radiation oncologist at Monument Health in Rapid City, Dr. Petereit founded the NCI-funded Walking Forward program in 2002 to address cancer disparities among Native Americans. The program has enrolled over 5,500 Native Americans in clinical trials—the highest nationally—and facilitated over 2,500 cancer screenings. His work has produced 130 publications and secured $20 million in research funding.