NextGen Under 30 Launches 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans Awards Program

Oklahoma’s premier lifestyle, culture and entertainment magazine ionOklahoma recently launched a new initiative to recognize 55 Oklahomans who are at least 55 years of age and have impacted the quality of life for Oklahomans. The inaugural class of 55 Over 55 inspiring Oklahomans was honored at the program’s first award recognition event at the Oklahoma history Center and are listed at 55 Over 55 Winners.

“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.

“The response was so incredible that we will continue this program and look forward to recognizing more Oklahomans for their contributions in the coming years.”

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

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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.

Each honoree was presented with a portrait at the award ceremony, and the portrait will be on display at the Oklahoma State Capitol for two weeks in January 2023. Throughout the year,

the 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans portraits will be on display at various museums and locations across the state.

Nominations for next year’s class of 55 Over 55 Inspiring Oklahomans will open in January 2023 at 55 Over 55 Nominations. Nominations are open to anyone and selfnominations are welcomed. n