Sapphire Ball

Eastern established the Sapphire Ball in 2010 to raise funds for student scholarships, as well as honor the college’s alumni, faculty, staff and community supporters. The Sapphire Ball is an elegant, black-tie event, featuring delicious food and fun entertainment, as well as online and live auctions.

2026 Sapphire Ball

Saturday, March 7
6 p.m. Reception and 7 p.m. Dinner
E.E. Tourtellotte Student Center Ballroom in Wilburton

This year's honorees include:

Distinguished Alumnus: Claude Bess
Distinguished Alumnus: Shauna Williams
Distinguished Alumnus: Sterling Zearley
President's Community Spirit Award: Oklahoma Miner Training Institute
President's Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Julie Collins
J.C. Hunt Award for Staff Excellence: Maria Martinez

Sapphire Ball Payments

Please visit our online processor to make a payment or donation.

Nominate an Eastern Alumnus

Nominate a deserving alumnus with the online Distinguished Alumnus Award Nomination form. Deadline for nominations is December 15.

Past Sapphire Ball Honorees

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Lucy Muller, 2025
Justin Kennedy, 2025
Jennifer Woods, 2024
Randy Holeman, 2024
Jack Austin, Jr., 2023
Kelbie Kennedy, 2023
Betty Wharton, 2022
Marvin Faulkenberry, 2022
Stephenie Ingram, 2021
Kerri Jones, 2021
David Perryman, 2019
Brooklin Matthews Green, 2019
Major General James Chambers, 2018
Gary Reasnor, 2018
Shelley Free, 2017
Bobby Mouser, 2017
Gary Wansick, 2016
Teresa Jackson, 2016
Dr. Bill Brewer, 2015
Dr. Marsha Gore, 2015
Anita Caldwell Jackson, 2014
John Redman, 2014
Rhonda Fields, 2013
Linus Williams, 2013
Dr. Daniel Boatright, 2012
Anita Risner, 2012
David Donoley, 2011
Senator Richard Lerblance, 2011
Ben Curtis, 2010
Dan Denny, 2010

President’s Community Spirit Award

Fugitt Family Foundation, 2025
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of McAlester, 2024
Oklahoma Small Business Development Centers, 2023
Health & Wellness Center, 2022
Sam Wampler's Freedom Ford, 2021
The Community State Bank, 2019
McAlester Regional Health Center, 2018
AT&T Oklahoma, 2017
Texas Instruments, Inc., 2016
Arkansas-Oklahoma Railroad (A-OK Railroad), 2015
BP America Production Company, 2014
The Puterbaugh Foundation, 2013
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, 2012
Representative R.C. Pruett, 2012
Bill Price, 2011
Jason Green, 2011
Joe Coy, 2010

President’s Excellence in Teaching Award

Dr. Cathy Cogburn, 2025
Philip Hawthorne, 2024
Larriann Livingston, 2023
Kellye Semeski, 2022
Heather Sanders, 2021
Dr. Patricia Bolin Ratliff, 2019
Brenda Bohanon Strange, 2018
Cheryl Wood-Myers, 2017
Gina Bullock, 2016
Marilynn Duncan, 2015
Margaret Sorrell, 2014
Dr. Billye K. Givens, 2013
Eddie Woods, 2012
Ruth Brelsford, 2011
Leland Walker, 2010

J.C . Hunt Award

Patricia Rector, 2025
Hannah Truitt, 2024
Kelly Bogard, 2023
Mimi Kelley, 2022
Marci O'Donley, 2021
George Larson, 2019
Lea Anne Dickson, 2018
Rhonda Price Quinn, 2017
Julie Lawrence, 2016
Karen Darby, 2015
Trish Miller, 2014
Gaylon Brannon, 2013
Anne Brooks, 2012
Keith Lewis, 2011
Helen Scott, 2010