The Roots & Wings Society was created to bring together advocates who believe in the power of public education to transform lives and strengthen Oklahoma communities.
Through annual giving circles and legacy commitments, members provide the roots that sustain the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence today and the wings that empower it to soar into the future.
Society members are recognized not only for their generosity, but for their belief in our mission to elevate public education across Oklahoma.
Their support ensures we have the operational stability and visionary resources needed to continue recognizing academic excellence and investing in public schools.
By joining, members affirm a simple truth: When Oklahoma’s public schools thrive, we all win.
Recognition in OFE publications and at our events.
Invitations to exclusive Roots & Wings Society gatherings and OFE events.
Special updates on the impact their giving is making on public education in Oklahoma.
The knowledge they are helping sustain our mission for generations.
Interested in becoming a Roots & Wings Society member? Reach out to OFE Executive Director Elizabeth Inbody at (405) 236-0006 ext. 12 or einbody@ofe.org for more details.
Teresa B. Adwan, Adwan Family Trust
Dan Barney
Jan Barrick
Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook
Rick and Barbara Braught
The John and Donnie Brock Foundation
Larry and Diana Brown
Richard A. Bunce^
Bob Burke
Frank V. Cooper^
The James C. and Teresa K. Day Foundation
The Jean I. Everest Foundation
Kyle Frankfurt
Joan Frates
Dan* and Judy Gilbert
Gabe and Casey Gilliam
Dr. Nancy K. Hall
Molly Helm
Steve and Pam Holton
James K. Howard
Christa Leamon Hughes
Elizabeth and Brian Inbody
Mr. Joseph S. Jankowsky
The King and Company Fund, Vanguard Charitable
Geoffrey Koch*
Shelly Lambertz
Connie Mitchel
Andrew J. Morris*
Ruth Nelson Family Foundation
Polly and Larry Nichols
Charles L. Oppenheim
The Oxley Foundation Legacy Fund, Tulsa Community Foundation
Michael and Cathryn Render
Rob and Mary Robertson
Frank C. Robson
Mr. and Mrs. William W. Rodgers
Emily and David Stratton
David and Ann Sutherland Family Foundation
Arthur and Betty Thompson
Pete and Susie Thurmond
Peggy J. Wisdom, M.D.
Guoping Zhao
Teresa B. Adwan, Adwan Family Trust
Dan Barney
Jan Barrick
Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook
Rick and Barbara Braught
The John and Donnie Brock Foundation
Larry and Diana Brown
Richard A. Bunce^
Bob Burke
Frank V. Cooper^
The James C. and Teresa K. Day Foundation
The Jean I. Everest Foundation
Kyle Frankfurt
Joan Frates
Dan* and Judy Gilbert
Gabe and Casey Gilliam
Dr. Nancy K. Hall
Molly Helm
Steve and Pam Holton
James K. Howard
Christa Leamon Hughes
Elizabeth and Brian Inbody
Mr. Joseph S. Jankowsky
The King and Company Fund, Vanguard Charitable
Geoffrey Koch*
Shelly Lambertz
Connie Mitchel
Andrew J. Morris*
Ruth Nelson Family Foundation
Polly and Larry Nichols
Charles L. Oppenheim
The Oxley Foundation Legacy Fund, Tulsa Community Foundation
Michael and Cathryn Render
Rob and Mary Robertson
Frank C. Robson
Mr. and Mrs. William W. Rodgers
Emily and David Stratton
David and Ann Sutherland Family Foundation
Arthur and Betty Thompson
Pete and Susie Thurmond
Peggy J. Wisdom, M.D.
Guoping Zhao
*Academic All-State alumni
^Circle for Excellence members
Major contributors sustaining our mission at the highest level; named recognition opportunities.
Leadership-level supporters ensure stability & expansion
Deeper investment in our statewide programs
Provides vital operational support
The Roots & Wings Society takes its name from a piece of the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence’s rich history.
Since the foundation’s beginning, each educator who has been named a Medal for Excellence recipient has been given an etched-glass “Roots and Wings” sculpture. The piece depicts an eagle dancer raising his arm to the sky while keeping one foot planted firmly on the ground. “Roots & Wings” was inspired by a statement attributed to journalist Hodding Carter:
“There are two things we should give our children: one is roots and the other is wings.”
