Five Honored at First Annual Wisconsin History Makers Gala
2006 Honorees in the Grand Ballroom
of the Pfister Hotel, Milwaukee, WI.
The Wisconsin Historical Society celebrated the lifetime achievements of five individuals with Wisconsin ties during its first annual History Makers Gala in Milwaukee on Tuesday, May 23, 2006. Paul Gigot, Vel Phillips, George and Nan Pollard, and Elmer Winter each earned the distinction of being recognized for their accomplishments in the fields of journalism, public service, the arts, and business.
More than 300 people attended the 2006 Wisconsin History Makers Gala, the first annual event to honor living leaders with ties to Wisconsin who have made history in their own time. Jim Peck, well-known host of Milwaukee Public Television's I Remember, served as master of ceremonies for the celebration. Those in attendance included former Wisconsin Governor Patrick J. Lucey, who presented the award to Vel Phillips, and Imogene Powers Johnson, widow of Samuel C. Johnson, for whom one of the awards was named. The audience gave standing ovations to each of the award recipients for their remarkable accomplishments.
The Wisconsin Historical Society launched the Wisconsin History Makers Gala, co-chaired by Murph Burke and Mary Buestrin, as a way to increase the Society's visibility in the Milwaukee area and as a way to fulfill the Society's mission by sharing the inspiring stories of modern-day history makers. The Wisconsin Historical Foundation and Wisconsin Historical Society will honor five individuals at this event annually.
* Ms. Vel Phillips image courtesy of Marquette University
