Class of 2024

Anita Arnold has dedicated her life to advancing opportunities for others. Breaking barriers, she was among the few Black employees hired by Western Electric in her 20s. Progressing to the U.S. Postal Service, she attained the position of the nation's second-highest ranking female by establishing national database systems. At AT&T, she safeguarded the jobs of Black employees during the Bell System dissolution and founded a national organization to attract, support and retain Black talent. As the executive director of BLAC, Inc., Arnold champions the arts in Oklahoma's Black communities, organizing events like the Charlie Christian International Music Festival. She has authored numerous publications and received prestigious awards, including inductions into the Oklahoma Blues and Jazz Halls of Fame.

Greg Burns, a native of Oklahoma City, demonstrated artistic prowess from an early age, garnering recognition even before graduating high school. His work, renowned for its intricate detail and vibrant colors, preserves Oklahoma landmarks and celebrates significant state and personal events. Following his education at the University of Oklahoma, Burns partnered with his mother to establish his first art studio, embarking on a lifelong career as a professional artist. Despite challenges posed by Arthrogryposis, he found solace and purpose in art, specializing in ink and watercolor. Burns has dedicated his talent to charitable causes, benefiting numerous nonprofit organizations and worthy endeavors, leaving a lasting impact through his generosity.

Born and raised in Oklahoma City, Benton C. Clark III, embarked on a lifelong journey in science. Excelling in science at Classen High School and then earning a degree in physics at the University of Oklahoma, he pursued internships at Los Alamos and IBM. His academic pursuits led him to UC Berkeley for a Master's and later Columbia University for a doctorate in biophysics. After joining Martin Aerospace in Denver, he contributed to NASA's Viking program, revealing Mars' composition for the first time. Working at Lockheed Martin for five decades, Clark advanced to chief scientist and director for concepts for deep space exploration, assisting NASA with mission flow to the Moon, Mars, and Jupiter. Clark's pioneering work continues with his involvement in NASA's Mars rover missions and co-authoring books on Astrobiology.

Tim DuBois, a Cherokee Nation citizen from Grove, Oklahoma, pursued a multifaceted career in accounting and music. After obtaining an accounting degree from Oklahoma State University, he worked for Arthur Andersen and the Texas Federal Reserve Bank. Transitioning to the music industry, DuBois combined his financial acumen with creative pursuits. He achieved success as a songwriter, artist manager, and record label executive, contributing to the careers of numerous country music stars. Notable achievements include producing #1 hits like "Love in the First Degree" by Alabama and forming the highly successful duo Brooks & Dunn. Recognized as one of the music industry's most influential figures, DuBois has been honored in both the OSU Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame

A true “Okie from Muskogee”, Drew Edmondson has dedicated his life to public service. After earning degrees from Northeastern State University and The University of Tulsa College of Law, he served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and then worked as a teacher upon returning home. In 1994, Edmondson was elected as Oklahoma Attorney General, an office he held for 16 years. During his tenure, he orchestrated a landmark $206 billion national tobacco settlement. This settlement birthed the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET), ensuring perpetual funding for public health initiatives. Notably, Edmondson also led efforts to combat pollution, championing clean water and winning against poultry companies for polluting the Illinois River. Throughout his tenure, he fought public corruption, Medicaid fraud, and advocated for victim's rights.

After a distinguished 30-year corporate accounting career, Anne Morris Greenwood transitioned to philanthropy, influenced by her upbringing in a close-knit farming community. Starting in the 1970s, she supported national charities but later focused on improving access to higher education and the performing arts. Greenwood established an endowed scholarship at Oklahoma State University for students from alma mater—Carnegie High School. Over the next two decades, she established and supported multiple other scholarships, advocating for equal educational opportunities for all students. Additionally, she funded significant upgrades to multiple OSU facilities to better serve students. Her philanthropic endeavors earned her induction into the OSU Hall of Fame and Spears School of Business Hall of Fame, an honorary Doctor of Letters degree, and recognition as Philanthropist of the Year by Women for OSU.

Amber Valletta, a Tulsa native, is a renowned supermodel with achievements spanning fashion, acting, entrepreneurship, and activism. She's graced over 100 "Vogue" covers and ventured into acting with notable roles in films like "What Lies Beneath" and "Hitch." Valletta is a pioneer in sustainable fashion, founding Master & Muse and co-founding A Squared Films LLC. Partnering with KARL LAGERFELD, she has created sustainable collections and served as Sustainability Ambassador since 2021. She is also the first Contributing Sustainability Editor at "British Vogue". As a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, she sits on the advisory board of the Cherokee Film Institute. Valletta's diverse contributions make her an industry icon and a leading voice for sustainability and social change.