real for us is to an organization that a year from now or two years from now can show me the change our donation has helped make. And that is where our big interest is. One of the most recent is the OSU Biomedical Imagery and Research that we partnered with OSU to try to stamp out addiction—both alcohol and chemical. It’s a real drag on this country and we need to do all we can to put an end to that and we think we are on the right track with some chemical that can help get people away from the addiction.” Among countless others receiving support, the Girls Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma gained a new headquarters, students at The University of Tulsa have access to a new residence hall in the heart of campus, and the Tulsa City- County Library System’s state- of-the-art Hardesty Regional Library has become a hub for the community. By Hardesty’s side, since she wed him at age 16, has been his wife Donna. They met at a high school basketball game and he will tell you “none of the adventure, success, and philanthropy would be possible without her.” The family grew with the births of daughters Debbie and Michelle, followed by grandsons Alex, Connor, and Paul. An avid outdoorsman, whether hunting in Denmark, on safari in Africa, or cruising with the Rolex Riders, soaring to new heights has been and will continue to be the mantra for Roger Hardesty. 41 35
December 2022 Oklahoma Hall of Fame Magazine Page 42 Page 44