Heritage Hall News

Mathis Receives 2014 HHAA Distinguished Alumni Award

At the upper school commencement ceremony, the Heritage Hall Alumni Association (HHAA) named Bill Mathis from the Class of 1975 as the recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award.

In presenting the award, HHAA board member Matt Brown ’91 said of Mathis: “Bill Mathis credits his time at HH as being a building block for many of his personal successes, as well as the future success of his children. A true believer and supporter of Heritage Hall, he has given back to the school that has meant so much to him by serving on the Board of Trustees (1994-1999) and assisting with capital campaigns. His monetary support and gift-in-kind donations have benefited Heritage Hall in many ways, including updating the teaching infrastructure, improving and expanding the HH campus, and the construction of new buildings. Bill, his wife Terry, and brother Larry (past patron), continue to support Heritage Hall with their time, their finances, and their unwavering support of our mission.

“Bill’s many contributions to his alma mater are a constant reminder of the principles taught in the Heritage Hall motto: to learn, to lead, to serve. Whether it be from the Oklahoma City or Heritage Hall communities or his own family, Bill Mathis evokes the kind of respect and admiration many wish to attain, but very few can realize.”
With gratitude for his loyal support of Heritage Hall, the HHAA board selected Mathis as the 2014 recipient of its annual Distinguished Alumni Award. The award honors an alumnus/alumna who has exemplified the Heritage Hall motto – to Learn, to Lead, to Serve – by his personal accomplishments, professional achievements, and/or humanitarian service.

Accepting the award on Mathis’ behalf, Headmaster Guy Bramble said: “When I arrived at Heritage Hall in 1988, Bill was 31 years old and already one of the principals of Mathis Brothers Furniture. He had a family – three young children at Heritage Hall – and was striving, as young entrepreneurs do, to build his business. But even then he managed to make gifts that were probably not easy to make on top of three full tuitions. Over the years his capacity to support Heritage Hall has grown, as has the depth of his service. The vision and support of the Mathis family – Bill, his wife Terry, and brother Larry (parent of two graduates) – have enhanced the School in many ways, including campus landscaping projects, lower school renovations and the Jane Mathis Rutherford Playground, the Mathis Gymnasium, and 25 acres of donated land. Whether the project is large or small, Bill Mathis and his family have been among the first to step forward and to say ‘count me in!’ This is why I take great pride in accepting the Distinguished Alumni Award on his behalf.”
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