06/23/2026
Congrats to School of Business alum Kelly Weaver. You are very deserving!
The Northern State University Foundation is proud to recognize our 2026 Distinguished Alumni recipients!
๐๐ซ๐๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ ๐จ๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐ฌ๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ ๐๐๐ง๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ก๐๐ซ ('๐๐)
Dan has quickly become one of South Dakota's most respected young educators. A middle school science teacher, coach and educational leader at Aberdeen Roncalli, he is known for his innovative teaching, commitment to student success and servant leadership. His dedication earned him Aberdeen Roncalli Teacher of the Year honors and the prestigious Milken Educator Award, one of the nation's highest recognitions for educators.
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ โ ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ซ ('๐๐)
For nearly 30 years, Kelly has helped entrepreneurs turn ideas into successful businesses while strengthening communities across northeastern South Dakota. As Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center, she has guided more than 3,000 business owners, helped facilitate over 300 business startups, purchases and expansions, and contributed to more than $119 million in investment. She is also the longtime coordinator of the BIG Idea Competition, inspiring thousands of students to explore entrepreneurship and leadership.
๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ฐ๐๐ซ๐ โ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ค ('๐๐)
David has spent a lifetime serving his country, state and community. A Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient, he became the youngest person elected to a statewide office in South Dakota history when he was elected state treasurer at age 25. He later served as South Dakota Secretary of Commerce and Regulation and has remained a passionate advocate for veterans, mentor and award-winning author.
Read the recipients' full bios on our website: https://northernstatefoundation.com/alumni/index.html
Please join us in congratulating Dan, Kelly, and David on these well-deserved honors and thanking them for the incredible ways they continue to represent Northern State University.
