Linda (Gillam) Rabe - SHS Class of 1974

I graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1974, and I am incredibly proud to be a Bearcat. My parents, all of my siblings (Mark, Lori, and Holly), my two nephews, and even my niece’s daughter, who is graduating this year, are all proud graduates as well. Scottsbluff has provided our family with a strong sense of home that we all cherish. It's safe to say that we’ve all raised our children to love Nebraska and enjoy Nebraska sports, no matter where we’ve lived across the U.S.

Looking back at my high school years, I loved being part of the band, playing the flute, and cheering as a cheerleader. The business classes I took were invaluable, and speech class was especially helpful. But it was band that really sparked my love for the arts and culture. Mrs. Diers, my band instructor, was a huge influence on me—she had also taught my mom. My parents were committed to ensuring we all played an instrument, even though most of us weren’t necessarily talented musicians. We learned to play, memorize the music, and march in the band, and that, in itself, was a huge accomplishment.

After high school, I moved to Rapid City in the fall of 1974 and started attending National American University. I initially earned a two-year degree but soon realized that to achieve my goals, I needed to pursue a four-year degree. I vividly remember working all day, attending night classes, and raising two young children. One memory that stands out is when my daughter, then in kindergarten, asked me, “Just how long does it take to go to college and get a degree?” I told her, “Well, hopefully, you’ll finish it faster than I did.”

Looking at my life now, I’d say my greatest achievement is my children. Each of them has earned multiple college degrees, succeeded in their careers, and is now raising their own families. Watching them thrive and seeing them happy is an incredible source of pride. Professionally, I’m proud of being the first female CEO of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, as well as the only female Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) in South Dakota. I was also honored to serve as the National Chair of the CCE Commission.

We lived in Cornet Heights just outside of town, where my children grew up alongside a close-knit group of kids. They went through grade school, middle school, and high school together, and I’m grateful that we all still stay in touch and enjoy each other's company.

As the President and CEO of the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, I led the Chamber to earn 5-Star Accreditation through the U.S. Chamber. I served in that role for 13 years, following a 12-year tenure as the Chamber's Vice President and five years as the Convention and Visitors Bureau Sales Director, a division of the Chamber.

I hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Marketing from National American University. I am the only Certified Chamber Executive in South Dakota, a 2000 graduate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute Program, and a graduate of Leadership Rapid City, Class of 1993. Over the years, I’ve been honored with several awards, including the 2002 Alumni Distinguished Service Award from National American University, the 2008 Girl Scouts Woman of Distinction, the 2009 Cosmopolitan Distinguished Service Award, and the 2015 MACE Executive of the Year. I was also one of 130 civilians nationwide selected to attend the Air Force War College in 2005.

Throughout my career, I’ve served as the Past President of the South Dakota Chamber and Economic Development Council, and on numerous boards, including Destination Rapid City, the University Center Advisory Council, and various nonprofit organizations, including Partnership Rapid City and the Black Hills Business Council. I’ve also served as the National Chair of the Certified Chamber Executives Commission and on the national board of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives for seven years. Today, I continue to volunteer for several nonprofits and serve as a Trustee on the Western Dakota Technical Institute Board.

Now in retirement, I am a small business owner of Encore Travel, which allows me to pursue one of my passions—traveling the world. Retirement has given me the time to enjoy reading, quilting, and giving back to my community. I’ve been married to my husband, Dennis, for 43 years. He’s a small business owner, and together we have three children: JD, who lives in Rapid City with two of their four children; Travis, who is married and also lives in Rapid City with two children; and Breon, who is married and lives in Santa Cruz, California, with three children. Our home is completed by our crazy dog, Ottis.

I’ve always believed that everyone wants their life to have meaning. Growing up, our family was taught that we’re here for a reason—to make good use of our time and talents and to give back to others. My parents and grandparents were hardworking, led good lives, and set a powerful example. I’m proud to have embraced their values and passed them down to my children. One of my favorite quotes by Winston Churchill sums it up perfectly: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”