01/30/2025

Ohio Department of Aging seeking nominations for Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is seeking nominations of outstanding older adults to induct into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame for the Class of 2025.

The Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame honors current or long-time Ohio residents age 60 and older who have made and continue to make a lasting impact on their communities, their professions, or their vocations.

Nominations must be received by Monday, March 31, 2025, to be considered for induction during a September ceremony.

“The Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame is one of our annual highlights at the Department of Aging, and we are eager to welcome another class of outstanding Ohioans this September,” said ODA Director Ursel J. McElroy. “If you know an older Ohioan who has made significant contributions to their community, we invite you to take this opportunity to see them recognized and celebrated.”

Since 1977, just 514 outstanding older Ohioans have been inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. Past inductees have included business and industry leaders, advocates, community planners, educators, scientists, health care professionals, volunteers, artists, entertainers, athletes, and more.

Inductees are selected from public nominations. Nominees are evaluated on the scope and impact of their contributions begun or continued after age 60. Nominees must be native-born Ohioans or have been residents of the state for at least 10 years. Posthumous nominations are accepted, provided the date of death is within the last five years and the nominee was age 60 or older at the time of death.

Only nominations submitted since the close of the previous nomination period (May 31, 2024) will be accepted. Repeat nominations of Ohioans who were not selected in the past are welcome, provided the candidate still meets the eligibility criteria.

Learn more, access the nomination form, and view past inductees at: Aging.Ohio.gov/HallofFame.

About ODA – The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers, and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit aging.ohio.gov.