Recognizing Excellence

Awarding the exemplary in the Kirkpatrick Foundation’s areas of philanthropic focus—arts, culture, education, animal wellbeing, environmental conservation, and historic preservation—recipients of the inaugural Kirkpatrick Medal were honored with a dinner and ceremony on November 25, 2024, at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center. Selected by a committee of foundation trustees, community members, and foundation staff, awardees included (from left) wildlife photographer Harvey Payne, governor of the Chickasaw Nation Bill Anoatubby, historic preservationist Melvena Heisch, environmental conservationist Ed Brocksmith, music educator Angela McKenna, and posthumous honor for museum director and arts advocate Nan Sheets.

Photography by Shevaun Williams.