2024 College of Fine Arts Hall of Fame Recipients
Debra Christofferson ’76
The College of Fine Arts hosted it's Celebration of Excellence event on Friday, September 27, 2024, honoring outstanding alumni, educators and friends of the Fine Arts. Among this year’s honorees is Debra Christofferson ’76, who has built a prolific career in film, television and theater, earning acclaim for her versatility and dedication to her craft.
From her first church solos at age four in Spearfish, South Dakota, to summers performing at the Black Hills Passion Play, Christofferson’s love of performance took root early. At the University of South Dakota, she found her creative foundation, performing on campus stages and spending a formative summer at the Black Hills Playhouse, experiences that helped launch her professional career.
After graduating from USD, Christofferson spent two years performing in Minneapolis theater before moving to Los Angeles, where she built an expansive career spanning film, television, stage, voiceover, radio and video games. Her stage credits include more than 30 productions such as The Taming of the Shrew, Moon for the Misbegotten, Grease, Guys and Dolls, Company and Fiddler on the Roof.
On screen, Christofferson has appeared in films including White Oleander, Mousehunt, Wild Wild West, Changeling and the Academy Award–nominated short Seraglio, in which she starred. Television audiences know her from her breakout role as Holly Gerges on Murder One, her memorable recurring role as Geri Turner on NYPD Blue, and as Lila, the Bearded Lady of Brussels, on HBO’s Carnivàle. Her extensive list of guest appearances includes American Horror Story, NCIS, Grey’s Anatomy, Longmire and Why Women Kill.
Christofferson’s career continues to thrive. She recently wrapped The Holiday Junkie, a Lifetime film starring and directed by Jennifer Love Hewitt, and the sci-fi feature Redux Redux. She also appears in Warner Brothers’ upcoming adaptation of Stephen King’s Salem’s Lot as Anne Norton. Through her production company, Present Moment Productions, she is developing several new projects while currently filming her eighth season as 911 Call Center Supervisor Sue Blevins on ABC’s hit series 9-1-1.
Debra Christofferson’s story reflects the enduring influence of the University of South Dakota’s College of Fine Arts — a place where imagination, training, and perseverance come together to create lasting impact.
Carla Connors ’79
Carla Connors ’79 has earned acclaim as a world-class soprano, praised by critics for her radiant voice and expressive artistry. Her distinguished career as a performer, educator and advocate for the arts embodies the excellence and passion fostered by the University of South Dakota’s College of Fine Arts.
Early in her career, Connors was described as “one of the best young sopranos of this decade” by the Detroit Free Press and “a fresh, steady lyric soprano” by The New York Times. After graduating from USD with a degree in voice performance, she earned her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan before launching an impressive performance career in opera, oratorio, recital and orchestral work.
Connors made her Carnegie Hall debut in 2001, performing soprano solos in works by Mozart and Schubert. Her opera roles have included performances with the New York City Opera National Company, Glimmerglass, Florida Grand Opera and Des Moines Metro Opera, among many others. She has sung as a soloist with numerous symphony orchestras, including the Detroit, St. Paul and Santa Fe symphonies, performing major works from Mozart’s Exsultate Jubilate to Mahler’s symphonies.
In addition to performing, Connors has dedicated her career to music education and arts advocacy. She teaches a large private voice studio, leads master classes and serves as president of The Artist Series of Tallahassee, ensuring access to live classical music. She has recorded acclaimed albums with her husband, pianist and composer Timothy Hoekman, and continues to inspire the next generation of performers and educators.
Carla Connors’ lifelong commitment to excellence in music performance and education is a reflection of the transformative power of the arts and the strong foundation built at USD.
Dale Hale ’56
Dale Hale ’56 has brought creativity and laughter to audiences around the world through his career as an animator, illustrator and cartoonist. His story is one of perseverance, artistry and imagination—qualities that define the legacy of the University of South Dakota’s College of Fine Arts.
Born and raised in Onawa, Iowa, Hale’s early passion for drawing defied the expectations of many around him. Encouraged by supportive teachers and family, he pursued his artistic interests, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in art from USD in 1956. His time on campus, guided by mentors like Dr. Stillwell and Dr. Beede and inspired by involvement in music and athletics, helped him find confidence in his creative voice.
After graduation, Hale’s career began with a recommendation from none other than Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts, who invited him to work as his first assistant. Their friendship and collaboration shaped Hale’s early years in illustration before he transitioned into animation, where he would leave an enduring mark.
Hale went on to work for major studios including Warner Bros. Animation and Hanna-Barbera, contributing to beloved series such as The Pink Panther, The Flintstones, DuckTales, Tiny Toons and Ghostbusters. His creative work also extended to children’s books, toys and comic strips, including his own newspaper features Figments and You’re Getting Closer.
Over his decades-long career, Hale earned recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was part of Emmy Award–winning teams for Tiny Toon Adventures and Shelley Duvall’s Bedtime Stories.
From Onawa to Hollywood, Hale’s journey is proof that persistence and imagination can turn a passion into a lifelong career. His artistry continues to inspire generations of illustrators and animators.
Shirley Neugebauer Luebke ’71, ’76
Shirley Neugebauer Luebke ’71, ’76 has devoted her life to music education and community leadership, shaping generations of young musicians with her energy, vision and compassion. Her remarkable career exemplifies the spirit of excellence at the University of South Dakota’s College of Fine Arts.
After earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education and voice from USD, Luebke went on to earn her doctorate in conducting from the University of Miami. Her teaching career spanned decades across South Dakota and the Midwest, including leadership roles in the Sioux City Community School District, where she served as Head Teacher for 24 years.
Luebke is the founder and music director of the Siouxland Youth Chorus, which has been inspiring young singers for 35 years and has performed with the Sioux City Symphony, the Municipal Band and even alongside artists like John Denver and Kenny Rogers. Her leadership has earned her honors such as the Iowa Fine Arts Administrator of the Year and the Iowa Music Educators Association Distinguished Service Award.
In addition to her public school leadership, Luebke teaches at Morningside University, performs as a clarinetist and organist, and remains an active mentor and adjudicator throughout the tri-state region. Her legacy lives on through her students—many of whom have gone on to successful careers as musicians, educators and arts advocates.
Shirley Neugebauer Luebke’s lifelong dedication to music and education continues to enrich her community and reflects the heart of USD’s Fine Arts tradition.
John Day (Posthumous)
The College of Fine Arts will present its highest honor, the Special Recognition Award, posthumously to John Day, whose decades of leadership, scholarship and advocacy left an indelible mark on the University of South Dakota and the arts community across the state.
Day’s academic journey began in Illinois and led him through studies at St. Benedict’s College, Notre Dame and universities in Canada and Kansas. He joined USD in 1976 as a professor of art and went on to serve as Dean of the College of Fine Arts from 1980 to 2004, guiding the college through a period of significant growth and artistic achievement.
As director of the University Art Galleries and curator of the Oscar Howe Collection, Day championed Native American artists and the preservation of cultural heritage. He founded the Oscar Howe Memorial Association, established scholarships for Native art students, and curated numerous exhibitions that brought South Dakota’s art to national audiences.
Beyond USD, Day served on the South Dakota Arts Council, the Capitol Beautification Commission, and many regional arts boards. His advocacy earned him the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Support of the Arts and the Western American Award from Augustana’s Center for Western Studies.
John Day’s legacy endures in every student, artist, and community touched by his work. His vision elevated the arts in South Dakota and strengthened USD’s role as a center of creativity, education, and cultural leadership.
