Tables Now On Sale and Presenters Announced for the 99th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tables on sale and Presenters announced for the eight Honorees to be inducted on November 12.
August 27, 2026
OKLAHOMA CITY – AUGUST 28, 2026 – Tables are now on sale for the 99th Annual Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. Induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame represents the highest honor an Oklahoman can receive.
The black-tie event will celebrate and honor this year's class of eight Honorees. Honorees will be introduced by a Presenter of their choice.
- Bruce T. Benbrook of Woodward will be presented by his daughter Julia Benbrook Baden, CNN White House correspondent and former reporter for Spectrum News DC and for CBS Tulsa.
- Dwight W. Birdwell of Bell will be presented by Rex Earl Starr, a Cherokee Nation Supreme Court Justice, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Vietnam veteran, and longtime attorney.
- Joseph R. Castiglione of Norman will be presented by Joe Buck, an Emmy-Award-winning broadcaster, Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee, and announcer for Monday Night Football.
- Sherri Coale of Healdton will be presented by Cathy Keating, a 2011 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Inductee, former First Lady of Oklahoma, author, philanthropist, and transformative community leader.
- Ann Felton Gilliland of Oklahoma City will be presented by Judge Stephen P. Friot, a U.S. District Judge and recipient of the Oklahoma Bar Association's Award of Judicial Excellence.
- Ann W. Hargis of Oklahoma City will be presented by Jill Donovan, founder of Rustic Cuff and the Jill Donovan Collection, and a nationally recognized entrepreneur, speaker, and author.
- Mary F. McCormick of Seminole will be presented by William C. Wantland, former municipal judge, Seminole Nation attorney general, and Seminole Nation Supreme Court Justice.
- Ross O. Swimmer of Tulsa will be presented by his son Joe Swimmer, President of the Episcopal Parish Network, former corporate attorney, nonprofit leader, and Cherokee Nation citizen.
These accomplished Oklahomans will join 752 individuals who have already been inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, adding to the diversity of backgrounds and accomplishments unique to Oklahoma and its people.
"We are excited to celebrate the 2026 Class of remarkable Oklahomans,” said Shannon L. Rich, president & CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. “These individuals have made incredible impacts in their respective fields in our state and beyond. We are proud to share their stories to inspire future generations of Oklahomans to continue changing the world for the better."
Oklahoma Hall of Fame board directors D. Scott Petty and J.C. Watts, Jr. will serve as masters of ceremonies. Watts was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2019. Many thanks to the Presenting Sponsors, The Chickasaw Nation and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.
To purchase tables for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, please visit https://www.oklahomahof.com/hof/induction-ceremony. As sponsorships and tables are finalized, the quantity of available individual tickets will be evaluated. Based on availability, individual reservations will go on sale October 1.
MEDIA KIT:
Photos and biographies are available for download & use.
2026 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Honoree Bios.pdf
PDF - 224 Kb
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ABOUT THE OKLAHOMA HALL OF FAME: Founded in 1927, the Oklahoma Hall of Fame tells Oklahoma’s story through its people. From diverse statewide programming to the historic Gaylord-Pickens Museum, the organization creates an enhanced sense of pride for all Oklahomans. The Oklahoma Hall of Fame was created to honor extraordinary Oklahomans and to provide educational programming for students of all ages. Induction to the Oklahoma Hall of Fame is recognized as Oklahoma’s Highest Honor. For more information, visit www.oklahomahof.com.
