Come Celebrate with Us!
Join us at The Century Center on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 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.
BECOME A HALL OF FAME SPONSOR!
Your sponsorship does more than support an event—it honors extraordinary individuals and helps create opportunities that encourage students to become the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Hall of Fame Inductions
Class of 2026
Darryl Buchanan
Darryl is a South Bend native who was discovered by Motown legend Jr. Walker at age 17. He performed with artists around the world, appeared on SNL, and played at President Clinton’s Inaugural Ball. Today, he continues performing and mentoring aspiring musicians in South Bend.
Pete Buttigieg
“Mayor Pete” built a career in public service that has influenced both South Bend and the nation. As Mayor of South Bend, he helped lead the city’s economic and civic resurgence before serving as a presidential candidate and U.S. Secretary of Transportation. He continues to inspire a new generation of civic-minded leaders.
Dr. Richard Feldman
Dr. Feldman is a Riley H.S. graduate whose career has spanned medicine, medical education, and public service. A former Indiana State Health Commissioner and longtime family medicine educator, he has earned statewide and national recognition for his contributions to healthcare and public health.
Steve Goldberg
Steve is an alum of South Bend Schools, respected CPA, and dedicated community leader. Through leadership roles with REAL Services and numerous civic, faith-based, and charitable organizations, he has helped improve the lives of countless residents through his commitment to service, philanthropy, and community engagement.
Francis "Fran" McDonald
Fran is a Notre Dame graduate, former National Championship football player, and longtime South Bend business owner. Through his physical therapy practice, charitable giving, and leadership with numerous nonprofit organizations, he has made a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Lu Ella Webster
Lu Ella Webster has dedicated her life to serving South Bend through neighborhood leadership and community service. A champion for the Northeast Neighborhood and the Robinson Community Learning Center, she has helped create opportunities, strengthen connections, and improve quality of life for residents.
In Honor Of / In Memoriam
Rev. Donald "Don" McNeill, C.S.C.
“Padre Don” was a priest and educator whose vision strengthened ties between the University of Notre Dame and the surrounding community of South Bend. His leadership helped establish the Center for Social Concerns and the Robinson Community Learning Center, creating a lasting legacy of service.
South Bend Community Hall of Fame
The South Bend Community Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to our local community and beyond. In the spirit of our mission, each member of the Hall of Fame has modeled what it means to be a civic-minded individual, dedicating their lives to service and care for others, as well as the betterment of the community as a whole. These honorees have made an indelible mark in society that is an example for all of us, especially the students.
In addition to our Hall of Fame honorees, we proudly present the Community Awards, which highlight the many ways service and leadership strengthen South Bend. The Ideal Baldoni Distinguished Public Service Award honors integrity in public officials, the Contribution to Education Corporate Award recognizes organizations advancing education, the Distinguished Community Service Award highlights exceptional service to others, and the Distinguished Achievement Award celebrates excellence that brings pride to our community.
South Bend Community
Hall of Fame Qualifications
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.
Hall of Fame & Community Awards Nomination
For 2027 Selection, Nomination deadline is March 1, 2027
Hall of Fame Nomination Process
Click the button below to make a nomination. Please make sure you have all nomination materials (described below) ready before beginning the nomination form.
Please Note: The Letters of Support may be submitted separately from the main nomination.
If you have trouble accessing the nomination forms, please contact us at msmyth@sb.school
If a nomination is not selected, it will be returned to the selection committee for review. Unsuccessful complete nominations (with all materials submitted) will remain in the queue, and thus be eligible for consideration, for three total years. After three years, an updated nomination must be re-submitted to be eligible.
*Only nominees chosen to receive an award will be contacted with the decision.
South Bend Community Hall of Fame Nomination Checklist
Nominee Information
Please provide Nominee’s name and contact information.
Biography of Nominee
Provide a detailed biography of the nominee.
Nomination Letter
The Nomination Letter should address how the nominee meets the criteria of the South Bend Community Hall of Fame
Two Letters of Support
Two letters supporting the nomination should be submitted, either by the nominator, or separately by letter-writers
Nominator's Contact Info
Please provide your own contact information. You may chooose to remain anonymous.
2025 Hall of Fame Induction
and Awards Banquet Photo Gallery
