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Oklahoma Philanthropists

Hear and learn from the oral histories of Oklahoma's most influential philanthropists and how their giving has shaped the growth and success of Oklahoma.

Learn From These Influential Oklahomans

Boone Pickens

Boone Pickens

Oilman & Philanthropist

Hard work and generosity by the billions.

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Charles Page

Charles Page

Philanthropist

"Daddy Page" generously sheltered and cared for society's most vulnerable members -- orphan children.

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Denny Cresap

Denny Cresap

Veteran, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist

Working from a single truck, Denny Cresap grew his one-man operation into one of the top 20 largest Anheuser-Busch distributorships in the United States and became a prolific philanthropist throughout the state of Oklahoma.

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Ed Taylor

Ed Taylor

Communications Pioneer

A pioneer in the satellite communication business and philanthropist for many good causes.

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Gene Rainbolt

Gene Rainbolt

Banker & Philanthropist

Because of his investment in Oklahoma, thousands of individuals and businesses have flourished.

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H. Allen Chapman

H. Allen Chapman

Philanthropists

Donne Pitman shares the story of the Chapman legacy.

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Henry R. Kravis

Henry R. Kravis

Investor & Philanthropist

Following the example of his parents, he achieved decades of success as an investor and NYC philanthropist.

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Henry Zarrow

Henry Zarrow

Businessman & Philanthropist

A generous heart and humble spirit make him one of Oklahoma's most beloved.

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J. Paul Getty

J. Paul Getty

Legendary Oilman and Philanthropist

Listen to the final interview of J. Paul Getty as he sits down with interviewer Bob Gregory in the film "A Man's Perspectives on Business and Life"

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Jim Stovall

Jim Stovall

Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur, and Founder of the Narrative Television Network

Jim Stovall, author of The Ultimate Gift, shares his experience with going blind at the age of 29, his advocacy for people with blindness, how he founded the Narrative Television Network, and much more.

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John Massey

John Massey

Entrepreneur, State Politician, and Philanthropist

John L. Massey, a true Oklahoma success story, built a remarkable career that spanned politics, business, banking, entrepreneurial education, and philanthropy.

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Larry Nichols

Larry Nichols

Oilman & Philanthropist

Served as Devon's CEO since 1980 and assumed the company's chairmanship in 2000.

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Lloyd Noble

Lloyd Noble

Oilman & Philanthropist

His daughter, Ann Noble Brown, speaks of his generosity and love for Oklahoma and its people.

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Lynn Schusterman

Lynn Schusterman

Philanthropist

Making a difference for her community, her culture, and her people.

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Margery Mayo Bird

Margery Mayo Bird

Philanthropist

Philanthropist and senior stateswoman of the Mayo family.

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Maxine Zarrow

Maxine Zarrow

Philanthropist

A story of family, philanthropy, community, and commitment.

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Mollie Williford

Mollie Williford

Community Leader, Philanthropist, Education Advocate, Volunteer

Mollie Williford, wife of Williford Energy's Richard Williford, selflessly served Tulsa as a lifelong community leader, tireless volunteer, and fierce advocate for education.

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Montie Box

Montie Box

Real Estate Developer, Civic Leader & Philanthropist

Montie Box, known as “Mr. Sand Springs,” was a real estate developer, civic leader, and philanthropist who served Sand Springs and its surrounding areas in many ways.

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Peggy Helmerich

Peggy Helmerich

Hollywood Starlet

From Hollywood to Tulsa, the life of an actress turned philanthropist.

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Peter Mayo

Peter Mayo

Musician, Philanthropist, and Historic Preservationist

Peter Mayo, a fourth-generation Mayo family member, shares his story about following his family's heritage in preserving Tulsa’s rich history, including restoring and improving Tulsa's former Municipal Theatre, and shares many other fascinating stories.

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Randy Foutch

Randy Foutch

Entrepreneurial Oilman

His success as an oil and gas executive began with forming privately-held companies.

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Ray Ackerman

Ray Ackerman

Philanthropist

Known as "Old Man River," Ray made as career as an ad man and entrepreneur.

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Ray Feldman

Ray Feldman

Community Leader

A lover of the law and human rights, anthropology, nature, and -- most of all -- his wife Nancy.

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Thomas Gilcrease

Thomas Gilcrease

Oilman and Philanthropist

"Every man must leave a track and it might as well be a good one." - Thomas Gilcrease.

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Walter Helmerich

Walter Helmerich

Oilman & Philanthropist

Listen to the story of the man that inspired the beginning of Voices of Oklahoma.

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William Vandever

William Vandever

Vandevers Department Store

The story of Vandevers Department Store and the family's many years of faithful civic duty.

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