UCO Opens Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame to Honor Industry Legends

The University of Central Oklahoma celebrated the opening of its Journalism Hall of Fame on Tuesday, October 7, at 6 p.m. in the Liberal Arts Building, honoring journalists whose careers exemplified dedication to truth, ethics, and press freedom.

The event highlighted the achievements of both current and past generations of journalists, marking the official launch of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame Museum.

Joe Hight, director of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame, served as the evening’s speaker. Hight emphasized that Hall of Fame inductees were recognized for their career accomplishments, not for wealth or influence.

He shared stories of perseverance, including that of Ralph Schafer, a longtime executive committee member who was nominated 17 years before his eventual selection. Schafer’s journey, Hight noted, exemplified the Hall’s focus on merit and lasting contributions to journalism.

“The opening of the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame Museum is a tribute to the men and women who have spent their lives reporting on both the positive and challenging events in communities large and small,” Hight said.

“Never has the survival of free speech for so many depended upon the efforts of so few,” he added, paraphrasing Winston Churchill to underscore the importance of journalism in a democratic society.

The ceremony also featured informal introductions of Hall of Fame members in attendance, including Joe Carter (Class of 1992), among others. Attendees were later invited to tour the museum exhibits, which showcased the careers and contributions of Hall of Fame members across various media, including print and broadcast.

Hight also recognized the involvement of students from UCO’s Mass Communication Department, who organized a media ethics conference earlier in the day. He praised the students for their dedication, calling them “the pride of this campus” and recognizing their efforts to promote ethical journalism.