USD Alumna Selected as South Dakota Hall of Fame CEO
“It is truly an honor to have been chosen to lead the South Dakota Hall of Fame—an organization that captures the rich stories of excellence throughout the state and shares that knowledge to inspire, teach and learn,” Becvar said. “My South Dakota roots are deep. My family came to Dakota Territory in 1870, and this history and the hall’s mission and vision motivate me to pay tribute to historic legacies and to champion excellence in our beautiful South Dakota.”
Becvar earned both her Master of Arts and Doctor of Education from USD. She is stepping into her CEO position at the South Dakota Hall of Fame with over 20 years of executive leadership in non-profit and for-profit organizations as well as in higher education. Most recently, Becvar served as president and COO of the Crazy Horse Memorial Foundation and as leadership faculty with The Indian University of North America where she tripled development efforts, expanded enrollment and led the operations of multiple departments.
“The board of directors of the South Dakota Hall of Fame is very excited to welcome Laurie to our organization,” said Marci Burdick, board chair and search committee head. “Her demonstrated record of implementing strategic initiatives, creating programs, expanding community outreach and education, and leading fundraising and growth initiatives convinced us she is absolutely the right person to lead the hall into the future.”
