Meet the 2024 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees

Name: Meet the 2024 South Dakota Hall of Fame Inductees
Start: 2024-09-30T11:30:00-05:00
End: 2024-09-30T13:00:00-05:00
Location: South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Inc.

Schedule

Mon Sep 30 2024 at 11:30 am to 01:00 pm

UTC-05:00

Location

South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Inc. | Sioux Falls, SD

Join us for Rotary at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance on Monday, September 30th. Rotarian Michelle Lavallee, who serves on the Board of Directors for the SD Hall of Fame, will sit down with the 2024 inductees to the South Dakota Hall of Fame. Inductees or family members joining us are:
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) – 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.
Judith Knittel Meierhenry – 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.
Greg Sands – Business owner and philanthropist Greg Sands illustrates the power of second chances. Greg grew up in a challenging environment. He had no father figure but did have a loving mother who worked two or three jobs to keep food on the table. Ultimately, his addictions and poor choices led him to be incarcerated at age 34 for a two-year federal prison sentence. At that pivotal point in his life, he had a moment of clarity and made a promise to God to never disappoint again! That promise led to business success with Sands Wall Systems and also gave Greg a platform to be a community leader. With success in his business and philanthropy, Greg proves it's not about how you start your life or the initial path you take, but how you finish and what you give back to others along the way!
Dean Sorenson – 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, Sorenson 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.
The buffet lunch will be available for purchase at the door beginning at 11:30 am. The menu will be: Lasagna with Garlic Toast, Walleye Nuggets, Green Beans and Salad Bar.
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 15 clubs in the world. For more information on how to become a mentor or involve your organization in mentoring visit Sioux52.org.