The Historical League announced its latest class of Historymakers, recognizing seven new individuals and one couple who have made significant contributions to society and the growth of Arizona.
Starting in 1992, the Historical League has hosted the Historymakers Gala and Recognition Program every other year in partnership with the Arizona Historical Society, which helps to bring about the Historymakers exhibits.
Over 90 individuals who have “distinguished themselves with noted achievements in such diverse areas” have been named to the list of Historymakers to date. Previous Historymakers include Sandra Day O’Connor, Navajo Code Talkers, Barbara Barrett, Dr. Robert Spetzler, Barry Goldwater and Dr. Warren Stewart, according to a release.
The League hosted the announcement for the 2025 Historymakers on Feb. 19 at the Arizona Heritage Center at Papago Park in Tempe. The Historical League’s Board Co-President Pam den Draak spoke at the event, welcoming attendees and sharing some remarks about the League’s work.
“The Historymakers has been an important mission of the Historical League, highlighting the most brilliant individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the state of Arizona and its history,” den Draak said.
Aside from the Historymakers program, the League helps raise funds so that students can participate in the National History Day Program and other educational programs. It also supports the maintenance of the Arizona Heritage Center.
Arizona Historical Society’s Executive Director David Breeckner at the announcement of the 2025 Historymakers.
Independent Newsmedia/Caroline Yu
Arizona Historical Society’s Executive Director David Breeckner also spoke at the event, expanding further on the mission of the Historymakers program.
Breeckner said that the mission of the two organizations is to connect people with the power of Arizona’s history, showing them how people built up the state in the past and who’s continuing to support the future of Arizona.
“These legacies right here are in honor of our combined story and in honor of the history of Arizona,” Breeckner said.
He emphasized the importance of not just reflecting on the past, but also the history that is being made now and can be made because of the contributions from individuals like those recognized in the Historymakers program.
(Independent Newsmedia/Caroline Yu)
The 2025 Historymakers are:
Bob Boze Bell
- Owner and executive editor of “True West,” Bell acquired the magazine in 1999, where under his leadership, he made it a successful publication by expanding its coverage of Western movies to the history of the Old West. Bell is also known for his often controversial former morning radio show The Jones & Boze & Jeanne Show on KSLX.
Diana “Dede” Devine
- Devine is the president and CEO of the nonprofit Native American Connection, which provides shelter, affordable housing and culturally competent healing to address homelessness, addiction and wellness among Native Americans. It serves 10,000 people each year. Devine was also instrumental in the establishment of the Phoenix Indian School Visitor Center.
John Graham
- Chairman and CEO of Sunbelt Holdings, Graham was chosen as a Historymaker for his contributions to a number of nonprofits and foundations across the Valley, from the arts to health care. He’s dedicated to building community with his leadership decisions, empowering economic growth.
Sharon Harper and Dr. Oliver Harper
- The Harpers helped found the Arizona Medical Clinic, which grew to over 100 medical providers, before becoming a part of Banner Health. The couple are also active volunteers, lending their time organizations like Mission Hospitals in the Republic of Kenya and the St. Vincent DePaul Medical Clinic in Phoenix. Sharon Harper is also the president, CEO and co-founder of Plaza Companies.
Sister Adele O’Sullivan
- Founder of the nonprofit Circle the City, O’Sullivan has been dedicated to providing health care to underserved populations, particularly the local homeless population. Circle the City was the first respite center for people facing homelessness in the state to open in 2012, and it continues to provide medical care to people experiencing homelessness.
Ron Rayner
- A third-generation rancher, Rayner and his brothers developed more efficient crop management practices that used less water, required fewer pesticides, reduced fuel use and dust and increased soil health. In his community, Rayner served as a former member of the Central Arizona Project and a Agua Fria High School District board member for 27 years.
Dr. Eric Reiman
- Reiman is the CEO of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institutes, responsible for overseeing and spearheading initiatives at the Alzheimer’s institutes in Phoenix and Tucson. His work has included the research of dementia care and effective Alzheimer’s prevention therapies.
Dr. Duane Wooten
- One of the youngest physicians to graduate in Arizona, Wooten completed his medical residency at the Phoenix Hospitals Affiliated Pediatric Program. He went on to establish his own pediatric practice, Wooten Healthcare Group, which has served over 35,000 children over the years. Wooten is also a founder of the H.O.P.E. Scholarship Fund and the former president of the Phoenix Pediatric Society.
The 2025 Historymakers will be celebrated again at the Arizona Heritage Center on Oct. 25, where the new exhibit will be unveiled commemorating the latest Historymakers. For more, visit www.historicalleague.org.
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Caroline Yu
Reporter | Tempe
cyu@iniusa.org
Meet Caroline
Caroline Yu joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2020 as a summer intern covering Scottsdale. As an intern, she continued her coverage of Scottsdale, Paradise Valley and Tempe. After graduating in 2022, Caroline became a full-time reporter for Scottsdale and Paradise Valley. She is currently reporting for the Tempe market.
Community: She is a supporter of the environment and tries to get involved with related community events.
Education: Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications, with a minor in French.
Random Fact: She used to be a ballet dancer for 10 years.
Hobbies: Hiking, painting and crocheting.
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