Sooner State News

The Oklahoma Historical Society is set to honor two individuals with connections to the University of Oklahoma at its annual awards banquet. Carolyn Hanneman will be inducted into the Oklahoma Historians Hall of Fame during a ceremony scheduled for Thursday, March 20, at 6 p.m. at the Oklahoma History Center in Oklahoma City. Hanneman, who retired from the University of Oklahoma in 2012, has been recognized for her decades-long career as a historian.

Hanneman holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in history from Oklahoma State University and completed coursework for a Ph.D. in history. She contributed significantly to OSU’s Centennial Histories project and worked at the Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center after completing her master's degree at OU. Her work involved processing collections and creating exhibits while collaborating with congressional members to archive their papers at OU. Alongside historian Richard Lowitt, she co-edited a book on U.S. Senator Elmer Thomas from Oklahoma.

Rachel Hopkin, host and producer for KGOU, will receive the Bruce T. Fisher Award for her episode of the “How Curious” podcast titled “How Did Oklahoma Become the Location of a Real-Life Lord of the Flies?” This episode examined a psychological study conducted at an Oklahoma state park that paralleled themes from William Golding's novel but presented "a very different perspective on human nature." The Bruce T. Fisher Award honors notable contributions by individuals or organizations to projects such as digital media, short-form publications, collections care, film, programs, and exhibits.

Tickets for the awards banquet are available online with an RSVP deadline set for Monday, March 10. Dr. AJ Griffin will deliver the keynote address; she served six years in the Oklahoma State Senate and is currently CEO of the Potts Family Foundation. Joe Dorman, former state representative and current CEO of the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, will emcee the event.