Urban Pioneer Awards

June 16th, 2011 Skirvin Hilton Hotel
BILL & BOB ROSS RECEIVED 2011 URBAN PIONEER AWARD
Plaza District Board of Directors Recognizes New Recipient

It is the Plaza District Association’s pleasure to announce that Bill and Bob Ross, Chairmen and President of the Inasmuch Foundation, are the recipients of the 2011 Urban Pioneer Awards. The Ross family is no stranger in Oklahoma City’s nonprofit community –both members of the family have served as active volunteers and supporters of numerous organizations for many years. But their role in the Plaza District has been pivotal! With their family history on NW 16th Street, their long-time involvement with Lyric Theatre, and their leadership role in Lyric’s highly successful capital campaign – their participation in the Plaza District has been instrumental to its success.

Bill and Bob Ross joined an impressive list of past Urban Pioneer honorees including Dr. Tom McDaniel, Lou Kerr, Meg Salyer, Mark Funke, Mike Turpen, Ann Simank and Steve Mason.

The 16th Street Plaza District has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last several years. As arts and culture continue to grow in Oklahoma City, the Plaza District is providing opportunities for new urban spaces, emerging businesses and engaging events focused on the arts.

To celebrate these achievements, each year the Plaza District hosts the Urban Pioneer Awards to recognize those individuals who have been instrumental in the rebirth of our inner city – “Urban Pioneers” who have made the Plaza District and Oklahoma City the vibrant and creative community it is today.

Recently, the Plaza District Association hosted a reception for the Ross Family at Bill Ross’s childhood home in the Plaza District on NW 16. “It was truly amazing to listen to Bill recall childhood memories growing up in the district amongst his children and grandchildren,” said Plaza District Executive Director Kristen Vails. “Bill and his son Bob have been so instrumental to the growth of the district through their commitment to Lyric Theatre and the district. Without that leadership, the Plaza District would not be the growing community it is today, and it’s just a small portion of the overall support the Ross Family have infused into projects that are changing the face of Oklahoma City.”

The 2011 Urban Pioneer Awards was held Thursday, June 16th at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel.