SEPTEMBER 20, 2024:
Ten more people have been added (Sept. 13-14, 2024) to the South Dakota Hall of Fame– and one of them has ties to both sets of radio stations in Pierre.
By the time he turned 23 years old, Dean Sorenson was the general manager of Pierre’s 200-watt radio station KGFX AM. He says he appreciates the recognition.
Now owned by James River Broadcasting and commonly known as being part of the DRG Media Group radio stations, KGFX AM can also be heard on the FM dial at 103.1. In Pierre, KGFX has been joined by FM radio stations River 92-7, 94.5 and 100.5 KPLO and 100.1 The Eagle. In Mobridge, the DRG Media Group stations include AM 1300 and FM 101.9 KOLY, Star 99.1 FM and KMLO at 100.7 FM.
Sorenson also previously owned the Pierre radio stations now owned by Riverfront Broadcasting, as well as having owned stations in Watertown, Madison, Brookings, Mitchell and other locations in South Dakota and other states.
Sorenson was inducted into the SD HOF in the Arts and Entertainment category. This year’s other inductees are: Bryan Akipa (Arts and Entertainment), Jim Entenman (Professional), Jeff Hazard (1955-2019) (General), Hugh Ingalls (Agriculture), A. Gay Kingman (Education), Jan Manolis (General), Judith Knittel Meierhenry (Professional), Dr. Peggy Gordon Miller (Education) and Greg Sands (Business).
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024:
A group of people whose life works have helped shape excellence in South Dakota and our nation are officially being inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2024. These 10 diverse people will be the newest class of Inductees to enter the South Dakota Hall of Fame. They were selected for their achievements in the fields of arts and entertainment, professional, general, agriculture, education, and business.
The South Dakota Hall of Fame is proud to announce the Inductee Class for 2024: Bryan Akipa (Arts and Entertainment), Jim Entenman (Professional), Jeff Hazard (1955-2019) (General), Hugh Ingalls (Agriculture), A. Gay Kingman (Education), Jan Manolis (General), Judith Knittel Meierhenry (Professional), Dr. Peggy Gordon Miller (Education), Greg Sands (Business), Dean Sorenson (Arts and Entertainment).
The Class of 2024 will be celebrated at the Honors Ceremony on September 13-14, 2024, in Chamberlain/Oacoma. The public is invited to attend.
Meet the Class of 2024
Dean Sorenson
Sioux Falls, S.D. | Category: Arts and Entertainment
“A Pioneer, Mentor, and Leader”
Pioneer, leader, mentor. By every measure, the life and countless achievements of broadcaster Dean Sorenson epitomize what it means to champion excellence. Drawn to broadcasting as a teenager he worked nights at his hometown station KORN in Mitchell, Sorenson has devoted 65 years to managing and owning more than 50 AM and FM stations. Sorenson Broadcasting Co. has served the public and shaped opinion in every corner of South Dakota, from Hot Springs to Aberdeen, Watertown to Pierre, Brookings to Spearfish. Throughout his career, Sorensen mentored many broadcasting professionals who still lead stations throughout the state. His influence continues even as he approaches his 85th birthday. One would be hard-pressed to find a local radio broadcaster who has not been touched by Dean’s mentorship and wise counsel.
***ADDITIONAL NOTE: By age 23, Sorenson was the general manager of Pierre’s 200-watt KGFX AM.
Bryan Akipa
Agency Village, S.D. | Category: Arts and Entertainment
“A Cultural Treasure”
Bryan Akipa, an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and life-long resident of South Dakota, is an award-winning Indigenous flute player who makes his own red cedar flutes by hand. A self-taught craftsman, he credits tribal elders for sharing their knowledge with him. In turn, Akipa is passing that knowledge on to the next generation in the spirit of humility. Akipa studied at the Santa Fe School of Art and Design and under Dakota artist Oscar Howe at the University of South Dakota. Bryan has impacted youth in many ways. His flutes and artwork are held in major museum collections across the country. In 2016, the National Endowment of the Arts awarded Bryan Akipa a National Heritage Fellowship, our country’s highest award in folk and traditional arts.
Jim Entenman
Sioux Falls, S.D. | Category: Professional
“Excellence in Leadership”
Jim Entenman is a lifelong resident of the Sioux Falls area. For the past forty-seven years, Jim has owned J&L Harley-Davidson, Glacial Lakes Harley-Davidson, Harley-Davidson of Fargo, and Big Sioux PowerSports. Jim has served on the Sioux Falls City Council and has been an active community member. His leadership on the Build It Now Committee was instrumental in getting the Denny Sanford Premier Center passed and built. Jim’s philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of many in our community. Twenty-six years ago, the Entenman Family created Hot Harley Nights and raised over $3.5 million for Make-A-Wish South Dakota. Jim has been an active board member on many Sioux Falls area foundations and nonprofits.
Jeff Hazard (1955-2019)
Sioux Falls, S.D. | Category: General
“A Thoughtful Community Builder”
Jeff Hazard, along with a dedicated team, built a strong architecture practice in the Sioux Falls area, beginning in 1988. Jeff produced thoughtful projects, approaching each design with earnest inquiry. His designs can be seen across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Jeff’s work has been recognized at the local, state, and national levels, with nearly 50 projects recognized through the American Institute of Architects South Dakota Chapter Design Awards program. Jeff’s leadership in the community was felt through his participation on over 30 boards. His contributions to the architecture of South Dakota will be felt for generations. Jeff relentlessly pursued the idea of continuous improvement and inspired and mentored those around him to do the same.
Hugh Ingalls
Faith, S.D. | Category: Agriculture
“A True Stockman”
Hugh Ingalls is widely recognized in the cattle industry as a “true stockman” who has promoted the cattle industry and the Angus breed. He has influenced many South Dakota ranchers to produce better cattle. Cattle geneticists from South Dakota State University (SDSU) recognized the value Hugh was breeding into his cattle, and a 30+ years research relationship was formed. Dr. Robbi Pritchard, an SDSU professor with whom Hugh partnered, has said, “I am not aware of anywhere else in the USA where someone has made that kind of a contribution to land grant university research on such a large scale.” Hugh’s willingness to lead can be seen in the beef industry as well as his involvement in many community endeavors.
A. Gay Kingman
Rapid City, S.D. | Category: Education
“A Champion for Human Rights”
A. Gay Kingman has dedicated over six decades to championing the rights of American Indian Tribes. Commencing her journey as an educator on Pine Ridge, Kingman spent over 25 years in the field. She later shifted her focus to advocacy, joining the National Congress of American Indians in Washington, D.C., as a liaison for tribes. Notably, during her tenure, Kingman played a key role in establishing the National Indian Gaming Association. After her time in D.C., she returned to South Dakota, founding the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association. Renowned for her results-driven approach, Kingman has earned the respect and friendship of many leaders. As the Executive Director of the Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Association, she continues to address diverse challenges.
Janice Manolis
Huron, S.D. | Category: General
“A Catalyst for Care”
Janice Manolis has lived in Huron all her life. After her husband had a stroke, Jan fulfilled his term as City Commissioner and went on to serve in the position for 24 years. One of Jan’s family members suffered as a victim of domestic abuse, and Jan’s journey into assisting people touched by family violence began at age 50. Alarmed at the lack of resources, Jan and 4 other women formed a local committee that gave birth to the YWCA Family Violence Program and the Jan Manolis Family Safe Center. She served as the Executive Director for both entities for nearly 40 years. In 1991, Jan was the catalyst of the state-wide South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. At 86, Jan is the only original founding member still serving.
Judith Knittel Meierhenry
Sioux Falls, S.D. | Category: Professional
“Breaking the Glass Ceiling in SD”
Judith, a lifelong South Dakotan, taught English in a variety of positions from elementary to college level and touched the lives of many young people with her love of literature and writing. After obtaining her law degree, she was appointed Director of the State Economic Opportunity Office. She was then appointed to serve as Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Education and Cultural Affairs. After returning to Sioux Falls from Pierre, Judith worked at Citibank as Senior Manager and Assistant General Counsel. Judith’s love of the law was instrumental in her being appointed to the bench and appointed as the presiding judge in the busiest circuit in the state, the Second Circuit Court. Judith truly shattered the glass ceiling when she was appointed the first woman on the SD Supreme Court.
Dr. Peggy Gordon Miller
Volga, S.D. | Category: Education
“Educational Leadership”
Dr. Peggy Gordon (Elliott) Miller became the 18th President of South Dakota State University (SDSU) and the first woman to lead SDSU on January 1, 1998. She came to Brookings from Washington, D.C., where she was a Senior Fellow and Acting Vice-President for Academic and International Programs at the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. In December 2005, Dr. Miller announced her plans to retire from the presidency at the end of the calendar year 2006. By the time of her retirement, the university would have finished its 125th anniversary year. She oversaw diverse educational expansion and the most significant program development under her leadership was the move to Division I athletics, which has resulted in national recognition of SDSU’s excellence.
Greg Sands
Sioux Falls, S.D. | Category: Business
“The Power of a Second Chance”
Business owner and philanthropist Greg Sands illustrates the power of second chances. Greg grew up in a dysfunctional environment that ultimately led him to enter the criminal justice system as a 17-year-old. At one point, he was incarcerated for two years in a federal prison before being released with a presidential pardon in 2001. At that pivotal point in life, he made a promise to God never to disappoint again – a promise that led him both to business success with Sands Wall Systems and to have a profound community impact. With his success in business and philanthropy, Greg proves, it’s not about how you start in life or the initial path you take, but how you finish and what you give back along the way.
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