Robert “Bob” Carlson ’69, was honored in the Professional Achievement in Music category at the 2026 Performing Arts Hall of Fame and Awards banquet. 

Robert “Bob” Carlson ’69 has dedicated more than four decades to shaping young musicians and leading award-winning bands at every level of education. Originally from western New York, Bob attended Dakota Wesleyan University, where he was actively involved, including being named homecoming king. After graduating, Bob embarked on a distinguished 43-year career in music education, leaving a lasting impact on the programs and students he guided. Bob began his teaching career in Parkston where he spent nine years. In 1978, he moved to Pipestone, Minn., where he led their marching band to national recognition. In 1999, Bob joined the staff at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls where he co-directed its award-winning band program with his son, Dan. Bob’s contributions to music education have earned him numerous accolades, including the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s “Legion of Honor” award; Bandmaster of the Year for South Dakota; Outstanding Music Educator for the Midwest; induction into several halls of fame and a term as president of the South Dakota Bandmasters Association from 2009 to 2011. Bob’s passion for music and commitment to excellence continue to influence generations of musicians.

Kenn PiersonGeiger ’79, was honored in the Professional Achievement in Theatre category at the 2026 Performing Arts Hall of Fame and Awards banquet. 

Kenn Piersongeiger ’79, Ph.D., is an accomplished playwright, composer and educator whose career spans more than four decades in theatre, literature and higher education. A graduate of Dakota Wesleyan, he earned his Bachelor of Arts in English and music while he was actively involved in choir, theatre and student publications, including serving as a student conductor and the editor of DWU’s Prairie Winds. Kenn earned a Master of Arts in playwriting from the State University of New York at Buffalo and a Ph.D. in American literature from the University of Minnesota. His scholarship explored the dramatic qualities of Walt Whitman’s poetry and led to a stage adaptation of “Leaves of Grass.” Kenn’s creative work includes numerous plays, musicals and published writings, most notably “Mountain Thunder: The Ballad of Badger Clark,” adapted into a film by South Dakota Public Television. His work has been performed across the country and internationally, blending literature, music and storytelling. Kenn has served as a professor, dean and vice president of academic affairs at Rio Hondo College in California, where he has led academic innovation while mentoring and inspiring generations of students in the performing arts and beyond.

Mary Wing was honored in the Educator category at the 2026 Performing Arts Hall of Fame and Awards banquet.

Mary Wing (1907-96) was a deeply influential theatre educator whose legacy continues to shape Dakota Wesleyan University’s performing arts community. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she earned her bachelor’s degree from Pasadena College, later completing graduate study at the University of Minnesota. Before coming to DWU, she worked professionally at the Pasadena Playhouse. Wing joined DWU in 1954 as head of the drama department, serving for 16 years.

Known for her high expectations and deep care for her students, she challenged them to grow, encouraging their confidence and creativity. Many students credited her with shaping not only their skills as performers, but also who they became as individuals. After leaving DWU, she chaired the theatre department at Pfeiffer College before retiring to Mitchell where she remained closely connected to the university and its productions. Wing passed away in 1996 at the age of 89. In recognition of her lasting impact, the Patten-Wing Theatre in Hughes Hall was named partly in her honor. Her legacy lives on through the Mary Wing Medal for Dramatics – established by the Classes of 1918 and 1958 – that recognizes excellence in theatre at DWU.

Ken ’62 and Diane ’62 Ketel, were honored in the Professional Achievement category at the 2025 Performing Arts Hall of Fame and Awards banquet. 

Ken ’62 and Diane ’62 Ketel have spent a lifetime teaching, directing and promoting music in the Black Hills area. The couple who met at Dakota Wesleyan University were married in 1961.

Diane Buising Ketel, a South Dakota native, earned her B.A. from DWU and a master's degree from the University of Oregon. She has been a certified member of the Music Teachers National Association for more than 50 years. She is a much sought-after professional accompanist in Rapid City, S.D., performing with all state choruses, the Black Hills Symphony and countless soloists. She is a highly respected piano teacher who has had many state competition winners over the years.

Ken Ketel, a member of the DWU Board of Trustees, received his B.A. in music education from Dakota Wesleyan and his master's degree from the University of Oregon. In his early career, Ken taught instrumental music in Klamath Falls, Ore., before moving back to South Dakota where he was the choral director for Rapid City Central High School for 10 years, and then went on to a career as a managing partner in Timberline Corporation. Ken retired in 2012.

The Ketels remain active in the Rapid City community where Diane continues to serve as organist at First United Methodist Church, a post she has held since 1969. Ken served the church as choir director from 1970 to 2018.

Darryl Patten ’60, was honored in the Educator category at the 2025 Performing Arts Hall of Fame and Awards banquet. 

Darryl Patten ’60 was a beloved instructor of theatre at DWU and a well-known regional actor. Born in Ohio, he earned a bachelor's degree from DWU and a master's degree in theatre from the University of Kansas-Emporia. After teaching at Butler County Community College in Kansas for 14 years, he joined the DWU faculty in 1976.

Darryl was renowned for his portrayal of South Dakota's poet laureate Badger Clark. His one-man show "Mountain Thunder" was performed dozens of times in the region. He was also instrumental in writing, acting and singing in Mitchell's Madrigal Feaste, a role he held for 14 seasons. He also was deeply involved with an exchange program with a women's institute in Koka, Japan.

Darryl was admired by his many students for his personal touches, including letters and encouraging notes given to students before performances. In 1996, the Mitchell Republic noted him as one of the region's "Great Faces."

Darryl passed away at age 60 in 1997 in Badger Clark's cabin, the Badger Hole, in Custer State Park while acting in a film production of "Mountain Thunder." The former Patten-Wing Theatre in Hughes Hall was named for him. Darryl's wife, Betty, passed away in 2017. They are survived by their children, Tammy Parks '83 and Kevin Patten.

The first-ever inductees, Ron HD'15 and Sheilah Gates of Mitchell, were honored in the Patron/Donor category at the 2024 Performing Arts Hall of Fame and Awards banquet.