History Makers
The Oregon Historical Society’s annual Oregon History Makers Awards & Dinner recognizes contemporary individuals and organizations that are positively shaping the history, culture, and landscape of Oregon. Event sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations in honor of the History Makers support the Oregon Historical Society’s important work to collect, preserve, and interpret Oregon’s past.
This year’s event will take place at the Portland Art Museum on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
If you are interested in sponsoring the event, please contact Ally Huffman at 503.306.5226 or ally.huffman@ohs.org.
Who Is An Oregon History Maker?
Each year, the Oregon Historical Society honors living leaders and organizations that are making history through scientific discovery and exploration; innovations in business, communications, and the arts; or service in their communities. Whether they were born here, lived here, or work here, these Oregon History Makers represent the best of what the state has to offer.
2024 Oregon History Makers
David Huang, M.D., Ph.D.
Transformational Ophthalmologist
A physician and scientist at Oregon Health & Science University, Dr. David Huang co-invented imaging technology called optical coherence tomography that helps prevent blindness, benefiting millions of people around the globe. The recipient of numerous national honors and the holder of 42 patents, Huang continues to lead research on innovating laser technology for eye health.
Charles F. Sams III
Tribal and Conservation Leader
With a distinguished career spanning public service, nonprofit management, and tribal governance, Chuck Sams has advocated for stewardship of the land, rivers, and natural resources. An enrolled member of Walla Walla and Cayuse, and former executive director of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation, Sams is now the first Native American to serve as National Park Service Director.
Susan Sokol Blosser
Oregon Wine Industry Icon
A pathbreaking entrepreneur, Susan Sokol Blosser co-founded Sokol Blosser Winery in 1971, managing the vineyards before serving as president until 2008. Her leadership helped elevate Oregon wines to global renown while trailblazing certifications for green buildings and healthy soils. She also founded the Yamhill Enrichment Society, which brings music and literacy to local children.
Papé
The West’s Premier Capital Equipment Dealer
Founded in 1938 and now in its fourth generation of family ownership in Eugene, Papé is the West’s leading supplier of heavy equipment. With 160 locations across nine states and over 1,100 employees in Oregon, Papé continually sets the standard for the industries it serves, from farming to forestry, construction, warehousing, trucking, and more.
Past History Makers
2009
Gert Boyle visionary business leader
Brian Druker, M.D. innovative oncologist
Michael Powell iconic bookseller
2010
David Adelsheim father of the Oregon wine industry
Jean Auel best-selling author
Mercy Corps international charitable organization
Medical Teams International global human services organization
2011
Ken & Joan Austin innovative entrepreneurs
Allyn Ford timber industry leader
Albert Starr, M.D. pioneering cardiovascular surgeon
Gus Van Sant award-winning film director
2012
Gerry Frank entrepreneur & public servant
Harry Glickman father of the Portland Trail Blazers
Kathryn Jones Harrison influential tribal leader
Norma Paulus ground-breaking legislator
2013
Bernie & Bobbie Foster trailblazing publishers
Melvin "Pete" Mark business leader and philanthropist
Pendleton Woolen Mills iconic Oregon business
Alberto Salazar legendary distance runner & coach
2014
Thomas Lauderdale Oregon's musical ambassador to the world
Gov. Barbara Roberts pioneering public servant
Walter J. Urba, M.D. Ph.D. cancer warrior
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort golf as it was meant to be
2015
Ann Curry broadcast journalist
Peggy Fowler glass ceiling breaker
George Puentes business executive & philanthropist
Les Schwab Tire Centers iconic Oregon business
2016
David Hume Kennerly photojournalist
Hoffman Construction largest general contractor in the Pacific Northwest
Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. environmental scientist & marine ecologist
Phil Knight visionary business executive & philanthropist
2017
Nathalie Johnson, M.D., FACS surgical oncologist
Nicholas Kristof Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist
Bill Schonely voice of the Portland Trail Blazers
Reser's Fine Foods iconic Oregon business
2018
Stacy Allison adventurer, author, and business leader
Edward “Ed” Ray, Ph.D. transformational higher education leader
Bill Stoller visionary business leader and philanthropist
Bob’s Red Mill revolutionizing the food industry
2019
Andy Bryant tech industry visionary
Gale Castillo pathbreaking business and community leader
Colin O’Brady athlete, adventurer, educator
Oregon Shakespeare Festival world-renowned theatre
2021
Lillian Pitt acclaimed artist
Punit Renjen visionary business leader
Geraldine Richmond, Ph.D. renowned scientist and educator
The Greenbrier Companies international leader in transportation industry
2022
Margaret Carter trailblazing public servant
Sid DeBoer visionary business leader and philanthropist
William B. Long, MD trauma care pioneer
Oregon Symphony beloved cultural icon
2023
Sarah Mensah transformative sports industry executive
Brian B. Obie visionary business and civic leader
Liz Shuler pathbreaking union president
Tillamook County Creamery Association beloved Oregon brand
2023 History Makers
2022 History Makers
2019 History Makers
2019 History Makers Gala
2018 History Makers
2018 History Makers Gala
2018 History Makers Gala
2017 History Makers
2016 History Makers
2015 History Makers
George Puentes, Ann Curry, Peggy Fowler, Les Schwab Tire Centers
2014 History Makers
2013 History Makers
2012 History Makers
2011 Ken & Joan Austin
2011 Allyn Ford
2011 Gus Van Sant
2011 Albert Starr, M.D.
2010 David Adelshiem
2010 Mercy Corps
2010 Medical Teams International
2010 Jean Auel
2009 Gert Boyle
2009 Michael Powell
2024 Oregon History Makers Awards and Dinner Generously Sponsored by:
Benefactor Sponsor
Join Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation Foundation and our other generous sponsors in honoring this year’s History Makers and supporting the Oregon Historical Society!
To inquire about sponsorship opportunities or individual tickets, please contact Ally Huffman at 503.306.5226 or ally.huffman@ohs.org.