July 25, 2004

Charles Webb Jr., dean emeritus of the IU School of Music, was among five Hoosiers honored Friday.  -- Susan Guyett / For The Star

Not every name will ring a bell, but the five individuals on hand to receive their "Living Legend" awards Friday night at the Indiana Historical Society are part of Indiana's past and its future.

Philanthropist Richard Ford, of Wabash; Indiana University School of Music Dean Emeritus Charles Webb Jr., of Bloomington; and three who call Indianapolis home -- poet Mari Evans, basketball great George McGinnis and former Indiana first lady Judy O'Bannon -- were given standing ovations as they went to the stage. Each introduction included a slide show of photos capturing their lives from childhood to now.

Evans saw the Ku Klux Klan march in her hometown of Toledo, Ohio. Her face now graces a Ugandan stamp, and her words are found in libraries around the world.

Ford's interest in historic preservation goes beyond his work helping his hometown, the State Museum and the arts, and his support is international, including his work on the board of the American Museum in Britain.

The color guard from Culver Academy showed up on stage for his presentation.

Webb, who was introduced by singer Sylvia McNair, is credited with raising the music school to one of the most respected in the world. McGinnis, who was introduced by his friend and teammate from Washington High School, Steve Downing, once shared MVP honors with Julius "Dr. J." Erving.

O'Bannon's work in Indiana didn't stop after the death of her husband, Gov. Frank O'Bannon. She heads the committee that will plan Indiana's 200th anniversary celebration in 2016 and hosts a PBS TV show.

The diverse group of honorees symbolizes all the different people who work together every day to make Indiana communities strong, O'Bannon said.