2025 Edmond Hall of Fame time again

It hardly seems possible that it is time for the Edmond Hall of Fame banquet, but it is happening folks. The banquet was last held in February of 2020. The difference this time is that we have been through so much in the last five years. The banquet held by the Edmond Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the annual awards presented was probably the last big event before COIVD 19 hit and changed so many lives.

We have lost so many to the horrible virus and it greatly challenged our health care system. It is easy to move on with our lives, but we should not forget the heroics of our healthcare system right here in Edmond. I do not know if there are plans for it at this year’s banquet but if not then at a future banquet I would like to see the entire healthcare system, especially the folks working the front line in hospitals and clinics honored. We really should pray for these folks every day and thank them for what they do and how they take care of us when we are the most vulnerable.

The Edmond Hall of Fame banquet, held every five years since 1981, celebrates individuals with exceptional civic and professional contributions. To date, seventy-nine individuals have been inducted. I was honored to be included in the 2020 class along with my friends George Nigh and Avilla Williams. I still do not understand how I got selected. It must have been a snowy day on the day they made the choice with a low turnout. Still, I am honored to be part of that class.

I even got my kids to return and see me get the honor. Our partner, Chris Hoke, and his bride Valarie even turned out which was a real honor. I have been blessed with many honors and awards over the years given the nature of my work. My son Clark’s comment when I invited him to the banquet was, “I thought you won everything already.” I took being inducted into the Hall of Fame for Edmond as a sign the chamber was done with me and it was time to bow out. Sherry Jordan, the CEO of the chamber, has me on call if needed. There is a box on her desk that says, “In case of emergency or a job that no one else is willing to do, break glass and call Ray Hibbard.” The 2025 Hall of Fame banquet takes place on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Edmond Conference Center.

The 2025 inductees are Dwight Adams, Shannon Miller, Pete Reeser (deceased), Larry Stevens, and Bob Weiss.

• Dr. Dwight Adams: The first Director of the UCO Forensic Science Institute, Dr. Adams transformed it into the nation’s largest forensic science program. Before UCO, he spent 23 years with the FBI, pioneering DNA techniques and establishing the National DNA

database, which has solved over 500,000 cases. Dr. Adams retired in 2023, the same year he was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. We love this guy and what a blessing it was when he decided to move back to Edmond after retiring as head of the FBI Laboratory. His students will have a permanent star on their resume for being under his leadership at UCO. He stopped by the office one day and saw my hat that the OSBI gave me and returned the next day with a hat that was from the FBI. I told him a badge would be better, and his reply was, “Not a chance.”

• Shannon Miller: A two-time Olympian with seven medals, Shannon is the only female athlete inducted twice into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. After a successful Olympic career, she became a motivational speaker and advocate for women’s health, especially after surviving ovarian cancer in 2011. Shannon remains a powerful voice for health awareness and resilience. Trust me when I tell you that it is a mystery to me also how I got in before Shannon. This horrible oversight will be fixed this year. She is one of the nicest people you will ever meet and the true pride of Edmond. Her mom has worked in banking in Edmond for decades and is incredible herself. She told me one time that among things you never think you will need to say as a parent are, “I do not care how many gold medals you have you still have to clean your room.”

• Pete Reeser: A cherished Edmond figure, Pete was known for his community dedication, often seen at Around the Corner restaurant, his real estate office, or volunteering at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. Over a 45year career in real estate, he earned many accolades. His legacy lives on through his family and his contributions to Edmond. When I mention in my column that there are many folks that paved the way for Edmond Pete is one of them. We take our amenities in Edmond for granted but Pete is one of the folks that made all that happen folks. He has done much for this town and we miss him greatly.

• Larry Stevens: Larry Stevens, who served as Edmond's City Manager from 2002 to 2022, was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for City and Town Officials. With a career span of over 40 years across Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma, Larry’s leadership significantly shaped Edmond’s growth and development. Known for his dedication, he also contributed to numerous professional organizations. Most of us who deal with the City government miss having Larry around to lean on. He was the most helpful individual I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with in any government organization. We miss him but thank him for his great service to the community and happy he is getting a chance to enjoy his family in retirement.

• Robert S. Weiss: A successful entrepreneur with 47 years in business, Bob has launched thirty-two ventures, including the enduring Othello’s Italian Restaurant. His leadership extends to nonprofit roles, guided by his motto, “Doing the right thing, at the right time, for the right reason.” I love seeing a true entrepreneur in the Hall of Fame. Bob fits the bill folks but as busy as he is with keeping folks employed with his many business ventures, he takes the time to help others. When I am at Around the Corner, I always hold out hope he will come by and share words of wisdom with me. I have learned much from this honoree. Nominations for this prestigious award were submitted by numerous individuals. "Edmond is fortunate to have citizens who go above and beyond for the community. Choosing inductees was a difficult task for our selection committee,” said Edmond Chamber President and CEO Sherry Jordan.

Award winners at the’ annual banquet

Integris Health Edmond Volunteer of the Year: Bud Ground Mercy Ambassador of the Year: Brad Mardis

RCB Bank Philanthropic Business of the Year: Oklahoma Natural Gas

TFCU Non-Profit of the Year: Anna’s House Foundation

OU Health Edmond Young Professional of the Year: Daniela Deuel

Oklahoma ER & Hospital Leadership Edmond Alumni of the Year: Chris Berry

Prosperity Bank Woman of the Year: Kristy Payne

First United Bank Small Business of the Year: Matthews Funeral Home

Citizens Bank of Edmond Citizen of the Year: Brian Soerensen

(Ray Hibbard, publisher of Edmond Life & Leisure, may be reached at ray@edmondpaper.com)