A prestigious recognition, the Legends of Delzell Award is given to retired faculty, staff and alumni who reflect the values and spirit of the school in their work and service. This special event brings together current and former faculty, staff and students to reconnect, share stories and celebrate those who have contributed to the USD School of Education’s legacy.

“There is something special about having current students, recent graduates and alumni with decades of experience all together in Delzell. Students can see the many paths their careers might take; alumni can reconnect with the School of Education and with each other. Together, we can celebrate the recipients whose contributions helped shape who we are today,” said Amy Schweinle, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education. “Delzell is more than a building. It represents generations of people who have learned, taught, led and built lasting relationships here. Legends of Delzell gives us the chance to honor those who have made an enduring difference, and Destination Delzell reminds us that this community continues to grow while staying connected to the people and traditions that helped shape it.”

Elizabeth (Liz) Pekas, Ph.D., B.S. ’17, B.M. ’17, received the Rising Legend Award. Pekas is a cardiovascular physiologist turned medical affairs and scientific communications professional focused on improving outcomes for people living with cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes, obesity, liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Over the past decade, she has worked across biomedical research, medical affairs and scientific communications, contributing to more than 75 peer-reviewed publications and supporting evidence-based healthcare initiatives. She collaborates with healthcare professionals to better understand the challenges they face in delivering patient care and applies those insights to develop meaningful scientific communications and educational resources. Her work includes clinical practice guideline development, medical writing and scientific engagement, with a focus on helping healthcare professionals interpret emerging evidence and improve care for people living with cardiometabolic diseases. Pekas also speaks to graduate students and early-career STEM professionals on professional development, networking, scientific careers and career pathways across academia, healthcare and industry.

Nate Tibbetts, B.S. ’01, received the Living Legend Award. Tibbetts' journey to professional basketball coaching began at USD, where he was a standout point guard from 1997 to 2001. During his time at USD, he helped lead the Coyotes to three consecutive North Central Conference championships and NCAA Division II Tournament appearances. He was inducted into the USD Coyote Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. After graduating from USD, Tibbetts began his coaching career at the collegiate level before advancing to professional basketball. He served as a head coach in the NBA G League, where he led multiple teams to playoff appearances and earned recognition for his leadership and player development. His success has led to assistant coaching positions where he has spent more than a decade coaching in the NBA. Throughout his career, he has remained connected to USD, where his experiences as a student-athlete helped shape his approach to leadership and team development. 

Faith Spotted Eagle, M.A. ’74, B.S. ’73, received the Lifetime Legend Award. Spotted Eagle is a fluent speaker of the Dakota language and a member of the Ihanktonwan. Throughout her long career, Spotted Eagle has served as a high school counselor, teacher and principal; manager of human services programs and youth programs; Indian Child Welfare Act worker; organizational development consultant; teacher in a psychiatric setting; peacemaker/mediator; and community activist. She has also been a delegate of the Treaty Committee NGO at the United Nations and helped create an important cultural survey of Ihanktonwan lands along the Missouri River. Spotted Eagle received the first presidential electoral vote ever cast for a Native American in U.S. history. She has two children—Kip and Brook—and three grandchildren—River Marie, Tokana Ikpanajin, and Mia Rae—and credits all of her lifelong work to the strong Dakota culture she was raised in.

Michael Hoadley, Ph.D., received the Legend of Delzell Award. Hoadley earned his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1982 and began his academic career at USD as an assistant professor in the Division of Health, Physical Education and Recreation within the School of Education. Throughout his time at USD, Hoadley taught courses in health and safety education. He was also an early advocate for technology integration and helped train faculty, staff and students in the School of Education to incorporate technology into teaching and learning. He was appointed the inaugural chair of the Division of Technology for Training and Development and director of the Center for Interactive Technologies. He also served as co-director of the Center for Instructional Design and Delivery, supporting technology-enhanced instruction across campus. Throughout his career, Hoadley authored more than 20 publications, delivered more than 50 presentations at professional conferences and secured more than $2 million in research funding. He attributes his success to a collaborative approach, valuing partnerships with colleagues and professionals across disciplines to advance teaching, research and innovation.

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