08-05-2025
11-member class picked for 2025 South Dakota Hall of Fame inductees
May 7—CHAMBERLAIN — The South Dakota Hall of Fame has inducted 10 individuals and one historical figure who have championed a culture of excellence in South Dakota.
The class of 2025 inductees Honors Ceremony will be held on Sept. 12-13 in Chamberlain and Oacoma. The public is invited to attend.
The 2025 inductees represent a broad range of fields, including business, philanthropy, agriculture, general, political, and professional sectors.
The Hall of Fame states, "This accomplished group embodies the spirit of leadership, innovation, and dedication. Their extraordinary achievements have left a lasting impact on their communities and beyond."
The South Dakota Hall of Fame inducted Johnny Brockelsby, Greg Carmon, Dr. Mark Harlow, Michael Huether, Dr. John A. Ismay, Robert A. Miller, David Wayne Snyder, Jim Soyer, and Dr. Sophie Two Hawk. The Hall of Fame has inducted two individuals posthumously, Walter Schaefer (1935-2023), and Jim Soyer (1947-2021).
Brockelsby, a Black Hills travel advocate, served in leadership roles across nearly every major tourism board in the state, including the Governor's Tourism and the South Dakota Visitor Industry Alliance, which he co-founded.
Carmon, a philanthropist and railcar repair entrepreneur, promoted the DeSmet Sculpture Trail to boost local tourism, funded scholarships and youth programs, and supported various initiatives, including Arc of Dreams and Special Olympics.
Harlow, a physician and philanthropist, has worked with the Cornerstone Rescue Mission and co-founded the Rapid City Flame Special Olympics program. He focuses on the next generation of Native Americans students through healthcare scholarships.
Huether, two-time mayor of Sioux Falls, focused on growing Sioux Falls through building projects and financial know-how. His foundation supports causes across South Dakota.
Ismay, a veterinarian surgeon who patented a procedure for removing equine bladder stones, has focused on animal health, youth mentorship and veterinary education.
Miller, who served as a chief justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court for 11 years, opened up court proceedings to public view and focused on reform in the judicial system nationwide.
Snyder, a former U.S. Army officer and agriculture leader, focused on utilizing the Homestake Mine for laboratory research. He helped create the Mickelson Trail and founded an 80-acre spiritual retreat in the Black Hills.
Two Hawk, a physician and member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, has focused more than two decades of health care service to mentorship, baby care initiatives and culturally-competent care across South Dakota.
Schaefer, who served as the McCrossan Boys Ranch father-figure to 1,200 boys over 28 years, integrated horsemanship into youth development programs. Schaefer represented South Dakota at the Bicentennial Wagon Train for the July 4th, 1976 celebration in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.
Soyer, who served as chief of staff, press secretary, and legislative director for various South Dakota governors and representatives, focused on shaping policy decisions and mentoring political leaders. He influenced the passing of the Internet Crimes Against Children program, securing the Homestake Mine, and property tax initiates.
New to 2025 is the historical figure category, which recognizes an individual who has been deceased for at least 50 years at the time of the nomination, and who has made a significant contribution to South Dakota's culture, history or historical image.
The Hall of Fame has inducted the historical figure Valentine McGillycuddy, who lived between 1849 to 1939, and was South Dakota's first Surgeon General. He was a physician, explorer, Indian agent, and topographer. He arrived in the Black Hills in 1875 and served as mayor of Rapid City, led key banking institutions, and helped launch the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He advocated for native peoples and was the attending physician at Crazy Horse's death.
For more information about the Honors Ceremony or the SD Hall of Fame Visitor and Education Center, please call 605-234-4216 or email
info@
.
