Meet the 2026 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees

On Monday, October 19th, Rotarian Dan Morrison will sit down with the Sioux Falls area 2026 inductees to the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Inductees or family members joining us are:

Susan Marie Anderson

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 Bonde

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.

Dr. James Johnson

Dr. James L. Johnson, a theatre educator, spent 30 years at SDSU as Director of Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre, where he directed 105 plays. During his career, Dr. Johnson’s dedication shaped careers nationwide, having contact with over 13,000 students at multiple universities. 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.

Michelle Lavallee

A fourth-generation South Dakotan from Hand County, Michelle held senior leadership roles at NorthWestern Energy, University of South Dakota, 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. Michelle is also a Downtown Sioux Falls Rotarian and served as club president 2016-17.

Matt Paulson

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 of Public Service degree in 2024. Matt is also a Downtown Sioux Falls Rotarian.

The buffet lunch will be available for purchase at the door beginning at 11:30 am. The menu will be announced soon.

The presentation, at the club’s regular weekly meeting, will be held at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance in Sioux Falls and will begin at noon. All Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary Club programs are open only to Rotarians and their guests. All programs are subject to the club's Privacy Policy. Local media are invited to attend to record the session.



Rotary International is one of the premier service organizations in the world. The Rotary Club of Downtown Sioux Falls is among the largest clubs in the world. For more information on how to become a mentor or involve your organization in mentoring visit Sioux52.org.