YourValley Independent article October 27, 2025:
The Arizona Historical League honored nine individuals as 2025 ‘Historymakers’ at the Scott Resort in Scottsdale on Saturday, Oct. 25.
John Graham, Dr. Eric Reiman, Sharon Harper, Dr. Sister Adele O’Sullivan, Diana ‘Dede’ Yazzie Devine, F. Ronald ‘Ron’ Rayner, Bob Boze Bell, Dr. Duane Wooten and Dr. Oliver Harper were honored as individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the community.
Hosted by Carey Peña, former Channel 3 anchor and owner of Inspired Media 360, the honorees were celebrated at a reception with videos introducing them following a speech of their acceptance.
The event honored past Historymakers as well as Honorable members of the Community like Tempe Mayor Corey Woods, Tempe City Manager Rosa Inchausti and leaders who have improved their community through stewardship and growth.
“I think everyone needs to fail more,” said Bob Boze Bell, a cartoonist, artist and comedian who is a 2025 Historymaker. “Success means falling five times and getting up the sixth.”
All seven honorees thanked their family and friends for support, but Diana ‘Dede’ Divine began her speech by crediting those who helped her create Native American Connections to help Native Americans in need access healthcare and community services.
“You never do it alone,” she said.
Other healthcare workers were honored as well.
Dr. Sister Adele O’Sullivan is a practicing physician who founded Circle the City, a non-emergency medical center for people experiencing homelessness. After becoming a nun at the age of 18, she was placed in Arizona to help the growing homeless population. After getting a medical degree to help those on the street, in 2012, O’Sullivan started Circle the City to help individuals experiencing homelessness who do not need intensive services but are not healthy enough to be outside all day. Circle the City serves over 8000 individuals in need every year.
Sharon and Dr. Oliver Harper are partners in life, business, and philanthropy who met while both attending Creighton University in Nebraska. Years later, they were part of the developments that brought Creighton to Phoenix
Dr. Eric Rieman has been a driving force in the fight against Alzheimer’s and believes that within a year, physicians will be able to test for the disease to catch it as early as 30 years old, to give patients a treatment plan and improve quality of life.
Dr. Duane Wooten is a South Phoenix pediatrician who is one of the few Black doctors in the Valley and wanted to care for children who needed someone who looked like them.
“There’s something about seeing yourself in healthcare and seeing people like you. You just know you’re going to be taken care of,” he said.
While many looked to improve the human experience, others innovated through land. Ron Rayner is a lifelong farmer and scientist who created a way to prevent cotton crops from being overrun by pests by crossbreeding seeds with natural pesticides. He forever changed how farmers place crops in Arizona.
From farm to city, land and community development have changed how Arizona operates. Real Estate developer John Graham was honored for his work in connecting the private and public sectors by developing land for public and non-profit businesses alike.
The eight honorees at the event toasted before ending the night with a reception and networking, as hundreds gathered in the ballroom.
To learn more about the Arizona Historical League and the 2025 Historymakers, visit 2025 Arizona HistorymakersTM Turquoise & Treasures Celebration – Historical League
