DWU announces 2026 Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductees

March 30, 2026

MITCHELL – Dakota Wesleyan University will soon enshrine its third class of honorees into its Performing Arts Hall of Fame. This designation acknowledges the contributions and support of performing arts by alumni and friends of the university.

This year’s inductees will be honored at the third annual Performing Arts Hall of Fame and Awards banquet on Saturday, May 2, at 6:30 p.m. in the Pratt Alumni Board Room in the School of Business, Innovation and Leadership. The event is open to the public. Tickets are $20 per person and are available online.

This year’s selection in the Outstanding Educator category is long-time DWU Theatre professor Mary Wing who will be inducted posthumously.

In the Professional Achievement in Music category the inductee is Robert “Bob” Carlson ’69, Sioux Falls, who spent his career as an award-winning band master and director in the South Dakota region.

In the Professional Achievement in Theatre category, alumnus Kenn PiersonGeiger ’79, Chino Hills, Calif., will be honored for his work as a playwright, composer and educator.

In addition to the Hall of Fame installation, several student awards will be presented including the Sinfonia Service Award, the Soladay Instrumental Music Award, the Master Craftsman Award in Theatre and others.

For more information, contact Corbin Kramer, Performing Arts Talent Coordinator, at 605-995-2658 or email corbin.kramer@dwu.edu.