2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Class of 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees

Tom Brokaw

Tom Brokaw, a native of Webster, South Dakota, is one of the most respected journalists in American broadcasting history. A 1964 graduate of the University of South Dakota, he spent nearly four decades with NBC News, serving as a White House correspondent, host of the "Today" Show and anchor of "NBC Nightly News" from 1983 to 2004. Brokaw reported on many of the most significant events of the late 20th century, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Challenger disaster and Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He is also an acclaimed author, best known for The Greatest Generation, and has earned numerous honors, including multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards for excellence in journalism.

Dick Brown

Richard “Dick” Brown is a fifth-generation South Dakotan, civic leader, legislator and conservation advocate whose career has spanned public service, business, economic development and philanthropy. A University of South Dakota graduate, he served in state and regional leadership roles before returning to South Dakota, where he became a respected voice in community development, government and outdoor recreation. As a state legislator, Game, Fish and Parks commissioner and nonprofit leader, Brown helped advance education, conservation and economic growth across the state. Together with his wife, Sue, he has played a key role in raising millions of dollars for projects including state parks, outdoor education centers and recreational trails, leaving a lasting impact on South Dakota’s communities and natural resources.

Cleland Cook

Dr. Cleland Cook was a respected mathematics educator and academic leader who served on the University of South Dakota faculty for more than three decades, from 1962 to 1994. A professor in the Department of Mathematics, he played an important role in advancing mathematics education at USD and throughout the region. Prior to his university career, Cook served in the U.S. Army and taught mathematics at both the high school and college levels. Known for his dedication to teaching and student success, he left a lasting legacy through his leadership, mentorship and contributions to mathematics education in South Dakota.

Pete Dexter

Pete Dexter is an acclaimed novelist, journalist and screenwriter best known for his National Book Award-winning novel Paris Trout. His other notable works include Deadwood, The Paperboy, God’s Pocket, Brotherly Love, Train and Spooner, many of which draw on his experiences as a reporter and columnist. Dexter wrote for major newspapers, including the Philadelphia Daily News and The Sacramento Bee, and contributed to publications such as Esquire and Sports Illustrated. He also authored screenplays, including Rush and Mulholland Falls. A longtime member of the University of South Dakota’s creative writing program, Dexter has served as writer-in-residence and continues to be recognized as one of America’s most distinctive literary voices.

Old engineering building on USD's campus.

Charles Estee

Dr. Charles R. Estee was a pioneering chemist, educator and academic leader whose impact on the University of South Dakota spanned more than four decades. After earning his doctorate in physical chemistry and contributing to the Manhattan Project, he joined USD’s chemistry faculty and served as department chair from 1952 to 1984, helping establish the university’s doctoral program in chemistry. Estee also held numerous leadership roles across the university, including interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and chair of the University Senate. Recognized as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, he was equally dedicated to science education, public service and mentoring future generations. His legacy continues through scholarship and lectureship endowments created in his honor.

Arthur Haines

Dr. Arthur L. Haines was a member of the University of South Dakota’s Department of Chemistry, beginning his extraordinary 71 years of service to the university in 1904. Renowned for his commitment to teaching, scholarship and scientific excellence, Haines helped shape generations of chemistry students and faculty. In recognition of his lasting contributions, the Department of Chemistry established the annual Haines Lecture Series in 1956, a tradition that continues to bring distinguished scientists and researchers to campus. His enduring legacy remains an important part of USD’s scientific and educational history.

Elbert Harrington

Dr. Elbert W. Harrington served as dean of the University of South Dakota College of Arts and Sciences from 1948 to 1967, leading a period of significant academic growth and innovation. Originally a faculty member in speech, he championed faculty development by encouraging advanced doctoral study and strengthening the college’s focus on research and scholarly achievement. Under his leadership, USD launched its Honors Program in 1956 to challenge and support outstanding students. Harrington’s commitment to academic excellence left a lasting mark on the college, and the prestigious Harrington Lecture series bears his name in recognition of his contributions to liberal arts education.

Nancy McCahren

Dr. Nancy McCahren was a Vermillion native and a three-time graduate of the University of South Dakota, earning degrees in English, French and education, including a doctorate in education. A Fulbright scholar who studied French literature in Paris and Grenoble, she built a distinguished career as an educator, professor, department chair and higher education administrator. Her service included teaching at USD and Northern State University, holding leadership roles with the South Dakota Department of Education and chairing USD’s Department of Modern Languages. She also served as USD’s alumni director from 1989 until her retirement in 2005 while continuing to teach honors and graduate courses. Throughout her career, she made lasting contributions to teacher education, language instruction and alumni engagement at USD.

Old science building

Diane Jones Meier

Diane Jones Meier, a 1972 graduate of the University of South Dakota’s Department of Political Science, is a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for student success, faculty excellence and opportunities for women in higher education. Along with her husband, fellow USD alumnus Ken Meier, she has supported scholarships, faculty research grants and the creation of an endowed professorship focused on political science and gender. Inspired by their experiences as students, the Meiers have invested in initiatives that strengthen teaching, mentorship and academic excellence, ensuring future generations of USD students benefit from the same opportunities that shaped their own lives and careers.

Ted Muenster

Ted Muenster devoted more than four decades to leadership in higher education, state government, business and philanthropy in South Dakota. After joining the University of South Dakota in 1967, he later served as chief of staff to Gov. Richard Kneip and helped guide the state through major policy initiatives and historic events. Muenster returned to USD in several leadership roles and ultimately became the first full-time president of the USD Foundation, where he led the record-breaking Campaign South Dakota, raising $134 million for the university. Widely respected for his integrity, leadership and commitment to public service, Muenster has left a lasting impact on education, philanthropy and civic life across the state.

Bruce Nolop

Bruce Nolop, a native of Mobridge and 1972 graduate of the University of South Dakota, built a distinguished career in investment banking and corporate finance, holding executive leadership positions at Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Pitney Bowes and E*TRADE Financial, where he served as chief financial officer until his retirement in 2011. A former USD Student Association president, Nolop earned both his Master of Business Administration and law degree from Stanford University. He remained deeply committed to USD through his service, philanthropy and support of student scholarships and research initiatives. In honor of his late brother, Keith, the Nolop family established the Nolop Institute for Medical Biology, advancing scientific research, faculty support and student opportunities at the university.

Blair and Linda Tremere

Blair and Linda Tremere are longtime supporters of the University of South Dakota whose careers reflect a strong commitment to public service, business leadership and community engagement. Blair, a USD alumnus with degrees in government, journalism and public administration, spent more than 30 years serving in local and state government roles in Minnesota, including as mayor of Golden Valley. Linda, a USD accounting graduate and certified public accountant, built a distinguished career with Hubbard Broadcasting, retiring as vice president and director of financial controls. Together, they have been loyal supporters of USD since 1979, with recent philanthropic efforts focused on strengthening the College of Arts and Sciences.

Old Photo of University Hall

Douglas and Susan Tuve

Douglas and Susan Tuve have dedicated their lives to service, leadership and philanthropy in support of the University of South Dakota and the Vermillion community. A Vermillion native, Sue attended USD before earning a degree in anthropology and later spent 35 years in trust and investment banking. She remained deeply connected to USD through decades of service as a trustee, Foundation Board chair and leader in fundraising and planned giving efforts. Also originally from South Dakota, Doug holds degrees in philosophy, theology and electrical engineering. Together, Sue and Doug have championed scholarships, fine arts, music, theatre and academic excellence through both volunteer leadership and generous philanthropy.

Sophie Two Hawk

Dr. Sophie Two Hawk, a member of the Two Kettle Band of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, is a physician, educator and advocate who became the first American Indian graduate of the University of South Dakota School of Medicine in 1987 and its youngest graduate at age 23. After completing training in internal medicine and critical care, she served more than 20 years in the U.S. Public Health Service and Indian Health Service, holding leadership roles including chief medical officer for both the California Area Indian Health Service and the Department of Defense’s TRICARE Overseas Program. Throughout her career, Two Hawk has championed culturally responsive health care, mentored future healthcare professionals and promoted opportunities for Native American students in medicine. Her many honors reflect a lifetime of service, leadership and dedication to improving health outcomes for communities across the nation.