South Dakota Hall of Fame Legacy Podcast
History Podcasts
This podcast features Legacy Interviews of Inductees of the South Dakota Hall of Fame discussing the life and legacy of past and present dream chasers, to inspire the next generation of South Dakota to chase their own dreams.
Location:
United States
Genres:
History Podcasts
Description:
This podcast features Legacy Interviews of Inductees of the South Dakota Hall of Fame discussing the life and legacy of past and present dream chasers, to inspire the next generation of South Dakota to chase their own dreams.
Language:
English
Episodes
Pursuing Passion and Giving Back with Jim Entenman
1/16/2025
Jim Entenman was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2024 in recognition of his impactful contributions to the state. His strong business leadership has sparked economic growth, while his philanthropic efforts have enriched communities throughout South Dakota.
Jim joined 2021 Inductee, friend, and nominator Angela Kennecke to discuss his life and legacy.
In this episode, you will hear about:
“I truly believe that if a business person is successful, you owe it to your community to give back in whatever way you want to,” shared Jim, “and I am so happy that we could start giving back after those challenges.” – Jim Entenman
To learn more about Jim Entenman’s contributions, you can visit his legacy page on our website.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:22:25
A Profound Impact on Mental Health with Dr. Robert Arnio
12/11/2024
Dr. Robert Arnio was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2023 for his contributions to the betterment of mental healthcare across South Dakota. South Dakota Hall of Fame board member and 2015 Inductee Ann McKay Thompson sat down with Dr. Arnio to discuss the ways in which he has championed excellence in South Dakota.
In this episode, you will hear about:
“If we work together, we can have a far greater impact than we ever imagined possible when we were younger,” – Dr. Arnio.
To learn more about Dr. Robert Arnio’s contributions, you can visit his legacy page on our website.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:29:30
Giving Back and Preserving South Dakota with Gary Conradi
11/6/2024
Gary Conradi comes from deep South Dakota roots. With two sets of great-grandparents who homesteaded in Aurora County South Dakota, he holds a keen interest and strong love for the state. Gary was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2011 for his devotion to South Dakota.
Gary recently joined South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Steve Flanery to discuss his legacy and contributions to the state he loves.
In this episode, you will hear about:
“Don’t be satisfied with just ‘getting by,’ use your imagination to create goals, and then strive to achieve them to the very best of your ability.” – Gary Conradi
To learn more about Gary Conradi’s contributions, you can visit his legacy page on our website.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:17:00
Building a Strong Community with Bruce Bad Moccasin
5/9/2024
Bruce Bad Moccasin’s 30-year career dedicated to building a stronger tomorrow started with building roads in 1977. His leadership within the Indian Health Service (IHS) as an engineer, and eventually as Area Director of the Aberdeen Office, allowed him to effectively bring many changes to funding processes for projects important to improving the lives of Native Americans living on reservations. The initiatives taken by Bad Moccasin paved the way for connecting tribal leaders and tribal health boards to IHS leadership and Congress.
Bruce joined South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHoF) Board Director Marci Burdick to discuss his life, career, and the lessons that have guided him to become a strong community builder in South Dakota. Bruce was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2023 for the impact he has had on the state, and this conversation highlights the ways Bruce has championed a culture of excellence across the state.
In this episode, you will hear about:
“Think about what you want now, don’t wait. And think about the hope that’s in what you want to do.” – Bruce Bad Moccasin
To learn more about Bruce Bad Moccasin, you can visit his legacy page here.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:28:12
Choosing Opportunity with Larry Rohrer
4/11/2024
Larry Rohrer was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2023 for his work in public broadcasting. His vision of public media has had an impact on every South Dakota high school, creating ahead-of-its-time coverage of events on the internet, and increased television broadcasts of high school athletics and fine arts.
Larry joined South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director Ann McKay Thompson to discuss his life’s work and the lessons he has learned along the way.
In this episode, you will hear about:
“Say hello to as many people as you can, and say thank you to anyone who is helping you with something that day.” – Larry Rohrer
To learn more about Larry Rohrer’s impact on South Dakota, click here.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:41:12
Advocating For a Healthy South Dakota with Kitty Kinsman
3/14/2024
Kitty Kinsman is a passionate advocate who has used her voice to positively influence the health and quality of life in South Dakota and her community.
Inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHoF) in 2020, she is known for her strong leadership and ability to energize, engage, and support others to get things done.
Kitty sat down with SDHoF Board Director Steve Flanery to discuss her life’s impact on South Dakota, and to share some of the lessons she has learned along the way.
In this episode, you will hear about:
“Be open to opportunities, and things that you may not see for yourself,” said Kitty, “Say yes when asked, and be ready to do the work. People see things in you that you may not see in yourself, and that will open doors for you in ways that you cannot possibly imagine.”
To learn more, you can read Kitty Kinsman’s biography on our website.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:31:25
Building a Dynamic Future with Dr. José-Marie Griffiths
2/10/2024
Dr. José-Marie Griffiths was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame (SDHoF) for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of higher education. These accomplishments are a coalescence of her professional drive and lifelong passion for learning.
She has transformed South Dakota since her arrival to the state in 2015 and has moved Dakota State University (DSU) to a new place in the higher education world.
Dr. Griffiths sat down with 2013 Inductee Beacom to discuss the path that brought her to South Dakota and the leadership lessons that have helped her make a lasting impact on the state.
In this episode, you will hear about:
“If there is one thing I can share with the youth [of South Dakota], it is the importance of connections. Maintain connections, and continue to share your life with others. When someone helps you, share your success with them,” said Dr. Griffiths.
To learn more, you can read Dr. José-Marie Griffiths’ biography on our website.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:40:44
Opportunity and Solving Problems for Others With Gary Cammack
12/9/2023
Gary Cammack was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2021 for his community impact. Both for his work at Cammack Ranch Supply—a pillar of Union Center—and his time serving South Dakota through public service.
Gary’s public service career began when he was asked to serve as a Meade County Commissioner. In 2012, he was elected to serve as District 29’s Representative. In 2014, he was elected to serve in the South Dakota State Senate. He also served as President pro tempore. In 2020, Gary became the majority leader of the Senate.
Gary sat down with South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO, Laurie Becvar, to talk about his life and the leadership lessons he has learned through years as a rancher, community leader, and public servant.
In this episode, you will hear:
“Make sure that the things you do make a difference for others long-term.” — 2021 HoF Inductee Gary Cammack
To learn more, you can read Gary Cammack’s biography from his 2021 induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:36:59
Preserving Language for Generations to Come with James Emery
4/13/2023
James Emery was a humble man who overcame challenges in his life to forge a better future for his community. He was born on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in 1904, at a time when speaking the Lakota language was discouraged. One of Emery’s greatest contributions in life was saving his native language. Our host, Miles Beacom joined David Emery, James Emery’s grandson, to discuss his grandfather’s legacy.
In this episode you will hear:
James combined his natural gifts, and great creativity, to begin a project that spanned several decades. This project resulted in over three hundred hours of recordings of the culture, history, language, and songs of Native Americans, including an interview with the daughter of Walks Alone, a survivor of both The Battle of the Little Bighorn and Wounded Knee.
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Duration:00:21:24
Solving South Dakota’s Most Challenging Problems with Paul Gnirk
3/30/2023
Dr. Paul Gnirk was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2022 for his work as an engineer, professor, and dedicated community servant to South Dakota. Dr. Gnirk joined Board Director Steve Flanery to share more about his professional career which has spanned nearly six decades.
In this episode, you will hear:
“When I got the award at School of Mines, I thought I had reached the pinnacle of my career—but here I am today,” reflected Dr. Gnirk about his induction into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
His recognition is well earned for the commitment he has shown to his career, his students, and the state of South Dakota. He has provided employment for many Ph.D. engineers and scientists and has advocated scholarship opportunities for students. As former SD Mines Alumni President, Dr. Gnirk was also awarded the university’s March Medal which exemplifies a caring spirit for students. We are proud to share Paul Gnirk’s legacy here at the South Dakota Hall of Fame.
To learn more about Dr. Paul Gnirk, you can visit his legacy page here: Legacy Paul Gnirk - SD Hall of Fame Programs
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Duration:00:12:15
A Foundation For Child and Family Welfare: the Legacy of Grace Martin Highley
3/9/2023
Grace Martin Highley (1895–1985) was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame for laying the foundation for child welfare practices across the state. Her descendants, Karen Lockhart (granddaughter), Cheryl Zimiga (granddaughter), and Toni Hansen (great-granddaughter), recently joined Steve Flanery, South Dakota Hall of Fame Board Director, for a conversation about Grace’s lasting impact in South Dakota.
In this episode, you will hear:
“The best thing you can do is listen to the child.” – Grace Martin Highley
Early in her career, Grace took on the position of Relief Worker for the Fall River County Commissioners, where she was to decide which families should be given federal money to buy food. The first family she visited lived in a cave, had nine children, and only milk from six goats and flour. This experience solidified her lifelong dedication to the welfare of children in the state, and by 1939, she became the director of South Dakota Child Welfare. For 21 years, she built a nationally-recognized program based on the needs of children and on goals and professional training–which did not exist in 1939.
Learn more about Grace Martin Highley on her Legacy Page here: https://sdexcellence.org/Grace_Martin_Highley_2022
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Duration:00:17:04
Documenting the Life of Gregory and Charles Mix Counties
2/23/2023
South Dakota Hall of Fame 1987 Inductee Adeline Gnirk had a love for writing, and a drive to tell the collective story of the place she called home. In this Legacy Podcast episode, her two sons – Paul and David Gnirk – share the legacy of their mother’s work to document the lives of the people who called Gregory and Charles Mix counties home.
In this episode, you will hear:
“She really became known in our area as the book lady.” - David Gnirk
Adeline not only documented a history in writing, but she also amassed a large collection of photographs. She grew the history of Gregory and Charles Mix counties to seven volumes but exceeded this number in other counties, as well. Paul added that his mother documented beyond the borders of the state, too. She collected family history that went back to the immigrant families in places like Sweden before they settled in South Dakota.
To learn more about Adeline Gnirk, you may visit her legacy page here: Legacy Adeline Gnirk - SD Hall of Fame Programs
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:14:11
Creating Connection in South Dakota: the Legacy of Mark Shlanta
2/9/2023
Mark Shlanta (1965–2022) was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2022 for his life’s work in the telecommunications industry in South Dakota. Mark led by example, and his legacy of vision, community involvement, and a love of work and learning brought an entire region together. He created jobs and opportunities across many communities in South Dakota and exemplified excellence in the way he connected the state.
In this episode, you will hear:
“He was a good connector; a good human connector, and a good technology connector, and always the last one to take the credit”. –Vernon Brown, a colleague of Mark Shlanta.
Mark’s 23 years at SDN communications, 21 of which he spent as CEO, changed the technology and communications trajectory of South Dakota. SDN worked with the governor’s office to connect the schools and universities with a fiber optic network, opening schools to new technology and collaboration opportunities.
To learn more about Mark Shlanta, visit his legacy page here.
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Duration:00:17:38
Seeing Adversity as an Opportunity with Craig Lloyd
1/26/2023
2015 Inductee Craig Lloyd began his career with the management of 100 apartment units, and transitioned into work as a contractor, growing exponentially to include a portfolio of nearly 4,000 apartment units and 1.5 million square feet of commercial space. Lloyd Companies’ construction division experienced a series of record-breaking years with over 50 million dollars worth of construction value being completed annually.
In this episode, you will hear:
Craig’s creativity, vision, tenacity, and resilience have led to Lloyd Companies being considered a market leader in eastern South Dakota, and he has provided countless opportunities to others.
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Duration:00:19:46
Cultivating Success in Higher Education with Robert Burns
1/12/2023
2016 Inductee Robert (Bob) Burns made a massive impact on the State of South Dakota and joined Miles Beacom to talk about his legacy in higher education. During his tenure at South Dakota State University, Robert Burns received many teaching awards including being named College of Arts and Sciences “Teacher of the Year” seven different times.
In this episode you will hear:
Bob was invited by his undergraduate mentor to join the political science faculty of SDSU for a one-year term appointment. His one-year term appointment transformed into a 38-year professional career as an educator where he had a positive impact on hundreds of students. During the last decade of his tenure at SDSU, he served as the first Dean of the SDSU Honors College while continuing his teaching and department head duties.
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Duration:00:34:39
Following Faith and Building Community with 2007 Inductee Bill Walsh
12/29/2022
William (Bill) Walsh was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2007 for his service to South Dakota through multiple forms of outreach. Bill has served five parishes as an ordained catholic priest and teacher; he has helped shape prison reform in the state; he served in positions with Social Services for the Black Hills and West River Mental Health Services; he formed the Black Hills Forum and Press Club; and he has helped restore Deadwood to its old west appearance.
Bill sat down with the Hall’s Board Chair, Marci Burdick during the 2022 Honors Ceremony, to talk about his life and legacy in South Dakota.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
“Seven people in any community can turn it around,” stated Bill, as he reflected on community leadership and what it took to revitalize Deadwood.
To learn more about 2007 Inductee Bill Walsh, click here to view his legacy page.
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Duration:00:26:16
A Life Dedicated to Creating Change with 2022 Inductee Ron Reed
12/8/2022
The impact of Ron Reed’s work can be felt all across the state, from Vermillion to Pierre to the Black Hills. For over five decades, Dr. Reed has worked tirelessly and behind the scenes to enrich the lives not only of individuals with special needs but of all South Dakotans. He joined Marci Burdick for a conversation about his life’s work.
In this episode, you will hear:
“Anything is possible if you just open the right door,” –Ron Reed
Governor Richard Kneip described Dr. Ron Reed as “a visionary in terms of identifying and dealing with the challenges and problems in education.” Ron served at a pivotal moment in the national fight for disability rights as he advocated for and led the state’s implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the first disability civil rights law enacted in the United States.
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Duration:00:18:05
Legacy Interview: Duane Reichert
11/24/2022
1991 Inductee Duane Reichert has become best known to rodeo fans all over the country as "Dr. Ben Krazy", the nut with the ersatz ambulance. Reichert brought a wide variety of comedy to the spectator. He is highly visible throughout the rodeo with his animals, magic, excitement, and humor.
In this episode you will hear:
“I went back to get my degree in elementary education, and though I never taught, it helped me immensely.” – Duane Reichert
There was never a dull moment with Duane’s commitment to top-notch entertainment, as well as his commitment to entertaining and educating the youth through his assembly program, "Backstage with a Rodeo Clown." which he took to thousands of schools across the state.
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Duration:00:16:36
Legacy Interview: Craig Tieszen
11/10/2022
2021 Inductee Craig Tieszen led a dedicated career as a Police Chief and legislator with honesty, kindness, and integrity. As a leader, he was analytical, practical, and respectful. In this episode of the Legacy Podcast, retired CEO of the South Dakota Hall of Fame Greta Chapman joined the Tieszen family to talk about Craig’s legacy.
In this episode you will hear:
“In his life adventures, what he wanted most to do, was to help people.” – Deb Tieszen, wife of Craig Tieszen
This lifelong learner was always chasing that big adventure. Craig believed that everyone could learn to be tolerant and care for each other. He never stopped learning and worked hard to make life better in our state and in our world.
Listen to this episode, out now everywhere by clicking the link below or by finding the Legacy Podcast wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Follow us for more stories of Dream Chasers at:
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Follow us for more stories of Dream Chasers at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDhalloffame
Instagram: @sdhalloffame
Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:18:45
Legacy Interview: Lynn Seppala
10/27/2022
2011 Inductee Lynn Seppala has exhibited what it means to overcome great adversity to continue to pursue one’s dreams. Mid-career as a world-leading designer of state-of-the-art optics for pure and applied science, Lynn suffered a massive stroke, which paralyzed his right side and seriously affected his speech and cognitive abilities. A month into his rehabilitation, still wheelchair bound, he realized with surprise that he could not add or subtract. The doctor in charge of his rehabilitation suggested a career change to a job that would not involve numbers. He chose not to heed that advice.
In this episode you will hear:
“You aren’t doing good for yourself, your family, or the world, if you don’t love what you are doing.” - Lynn Seppala
With uncommon courage and determination, Lynn overcame or compensated for the physical and mental losses and was able to return to his position as chief optical designer, performing at even higher levels than before.
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Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Follow us for more stories of Dream Chasers at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SDhalloffame
Instagram: @sdhalloffame
Website: www.sdhalloffame.org
Duration:00:22:14