The State
C U LT U R E
Aiming High
The Annie Oakley Society recognizes pioneering female role models while ensuring the legacy of the Old West.
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harp shooter. Leader. Pioneer. Celebrated markswoman of the Old West Annie Oakley was all of these and more. Many female innovators today channel Oakley’s courage and spirit, inspiring the Annie Oakley Society at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City to bring together some of the state’s – and nation’s – exceptional women with a mission to preserve our history. “Following in the footsteps of one of America’s most illustrious female trailblazers, contemporary women leaders under the leadership of myself and Lynn Friess established the Annie Oakley Society,” says former Oklahoma First Lady Cathy Keating, the group’s founder and national chair. “The Annie Oakley Society comprises women leaders and philanthropists who, like Annie Oakley, play significant roles in shaping our communities and creating new horizons. Through their efforts, they demonstrate an undying determination for excellence and support for the American character preserved and promoted through the museum.” According to Keating, the society’s mission is two-fold: to ensure continued outstanding education regarding the West through programs at the museum, and to recognize women who “embody the spirit of Annie Oakley.” Past recipients of the society’s honors include retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, singers and Oklahoma natives Reba McEntire
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OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2016
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ANNIE OAKLEY SOCIETY OKLAHOMA CHAIR JUDY HATFIELD, LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER MARY ELLEN ALEXANDER, DIRECTOR DIANA FIELDS, LEADERSHIP TEAM MEMBER FREDA DESKIN AND WHITNEY TATUM. PHOTO BY BRENT FUCHS
and Kristin Chenoweth, U.S. Navy Admiral Michelle Howard and Olympic gold medalist Nadia Comaneci. The philanthropic efforts of the society have raised approximately $3.5 million for educational initiatives at the museum through its annual luncheon. “We are passionate about keeping the West alive in the hearts and souls of future generations,” Keating says, “and the luncheon is the vehicle for the Annie Oakley Society to do that.” Speaking of the Old West legend for whom the society is named, Keating greatly admires this female luminary of the past. “Annie Oakley was a female enThe Annie Oakley Society Luncheon, the annual trepreneur, pioneer, fundraiser for the organization, will take place educator and sharpOct. 13 at the National Cowboy & Western shooter who lived Heritage Museum. This year’s luncheon will by the phrase ‘Aim recognize Donna Shirley, president of Managing high,’” Keating says. Creativity and past manager of the Mars Explora“We honor women tion Program at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratowho closely model ry, with the Annie Oakley Society Award. The Lifethe legacy Annie time Achievement Award will honor Jo Rowan, Oakley left behind. chairwoman of Oklahoma City University’s Like Annie Oakley, School of American Dance and Arts Management we value education, and founder of OCU’s dance program. Tickets to and, through that the luncheon are $150 for non-members of the shared value, the Ansociety. The public is encouraged to attend, but nie Oakley Society reservations are recommended by visiting the supports educational museum’s website at www.nationalcowboymuprogramming on the seum.org/annieoakley/. For questions regarding diverse history of the membership or reservations, call the Annie OakAmerican West.” ley Society’s director at 405.478.2250, ext. 233.
THE ANNIE OAKLEY SOCIETY LUNCHEON
TARA MALONE