Join us October 10, 2023 for the annual South Bend Community Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Benquet!
SAVE the DATE
Come Celebrate with Us!
Join us at The Century Center on Tuesday, October 10th as we induct a new class of honorees into the South Bend Community Hall of Fame. This special evening begins with a Cocktail Hour at 5:30pm, followed by Dinner and Awards Ceremony beginning at 6:30pm.
Help us celebrate the accomplishments of inspiring men and women who have helped to make our community great.
Hall of Fame Inductions
Class of 2023
Jack Champaigne
Mr. Champaigne, a 1961 alum of John Adams High School, established his local business, Electronics Inc. in 1974. Over the past 80 years, Jack has been a fierce advocate for his lifelong community: supporting education, the local arts, the South Bend schools’ alumni communities, veteran empowerment, and STEM.
Dr. Steve Gerber
Dr. Gerber has practiced medicine at Advanced Ophthalmology of Michiana and served as Medical Director for Ophthalmology Education for Memorial and St. Joseph Hospitals for 30 years. He has been an advocate for medical equity, and worked to provide free eye exams and glasses to those in need.
Jim Kapsa
Mr. Kapsa has dedicated 42 years to the SBCSC, serving the community as a teacher, principal, and Director of Elementary Education. In 2008, he was named the SBCSC Superintendent, a role he held until 2011. Jim has also been a supporter of the Hall of Fame for 35 years.
Ambassador Tim Roemer
Ambassador Roemer has spent his career in government and public policy, most recently as US Ambassador to India. As a six-term U.S. representative for his local area, Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District, he was deeply engaged in efforts to improve access and achievement for American education, a balanced budget initiative, government reforms, and national security issues.
Kathy Schneider
In 1991, Ms. Schneider became the Director of St. Margaret’s House, a day center for struggling women and their children in downtown South Bend, a place where women are encouraged to define themselves by their gifts and talents rather than their problems. In 2021, Kathy retired after 30 years of service.
Adeline Wigfall-Jones
Ms. Wigfall- Jones was the first African American woman to open a barber’s shop in South Bend, and has owned and operated her barber shop on West Washington Street for over six decades. She is known by her customers as a kind, patient, and an no-nonsense business woman.
In Honor Of / In Memoriam
Elizabeth Fletcher-Allen
Mrs. Allen practiced law with her husband (J. Chester Allen, Sr.) from 1931 until the 1960’s. Their son J. Chester Allen, Jr. joined the firm (Allen and Allen) in the late 1950’s. She was the only woman practicing attorney in South Bend during many of those years and was appointed judge pro tem in 1953, making her the first woman to be appointed a judge in South Bend.
Community Recognition Awards
Rita Glenn
Center for Hospice Care
Pat McMahon
Hall of Fame Nominations
The Selection/Search Committees will consider the following categories of accomplishments, but may be amended as needed.
- Arts
- Athletics
- Business and Industry
- Education
- Public/Community/Government Service
- Science & Technology
HALL OF FAME CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY
- Candidates have resided or worked in the South Bend Community for ten (10) or more years.
- Candidates have made significant contributions to the South Bend local community through service.
- Candidates have notable achievements at the local, state, national or international level.
- Candidates continue to stay engaged and connected with the local community.
Submit a Nomination
2023 Nominations are CLOSED.
For 2023 Selection, nominations are due by March 1, 2023.
As in the past, if a nomination is not selected, it will be returned to the selection committee for review. The committee will annually vote on whether the unsuccessful nomination should remain in the queue, and thus be eligible for consideration for one more year.
*It is highly suggested to resubmit nominations on an annual basis. Only nominees chosen to receive an award will be contacted with the decision.
Submissions will need to be submitted online. The following information is required:
- Candidate’s name and Contact information
- A detailed biography
- Two letters supporting the nomination
- Your name
- Your address
- Your phone
- Your email address