OKLAHOMA CITY (January 19, 2023) – The traveling portrait exhibit of the inaugural class of 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans launches this week at the State Capitol on the fourth floor Rotunda with a free reception open to the public on Saturday, January 21, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. The portraits will remain on view until January 26.  Following the State Capitol exhibit, portraits of the 55 Over 55 Winners will be showcased at various museums and locations across the state for a year.

“We received nearly 1,000 nominations of great Oklahomans, which is a testament to the many Oklahomans who have invested in the growth and shaping of Oklahoma,” said Don Swift, publisher of ionOklahoma, a premier lifestyle, culture and entertainment  magazine that this initiative to recognize 55 Oklahomans who are at least 55 years of age and have impacted the quality of life for Oklahomans.

The honorees represent every corner of the state and were selected based on how they made a difference and improved the quality of life for Oklahomans in many areas, such as healthcare, technology, education, business, non-profits, engineering, aviation, agriculture, sports, manufacturing, arts, finance and many other industry sectors. All nominations were reviewed by seven judges statewide who are well-known leaders who give back to Oklahoma with their time, money and resources.

Honorees of the 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans award will participate in leadership training events and activities with NextGen Under 30 award recipients to help establish a continual collaboration of leadership between two generations.

“We have to pass on lessons learned as leaders to the next generation. Oklahoma has been very blessed with people who are dedicated and committed to improving the quality of life for all Oklahomans, and the best way to continue this momentum is to be deliberate in passing the torch to the next generation of leaders,” said Swift.

Nominations for next year’s class of 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans are open now at 55 Over 55 Nominations.  Nominations are open to anyone and self-nominations are welcomed.