On November 8, 2025, the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame (IACE HOF) convened its 29th Annual Induction Ceremony and meetings at its home office on the University of Oklahoma campus in Norman, Oklahoma. The occasion marked a significant milestone for the organization, as it was the first time the event was offered in both in-person and hybrid formats. The successful gathering reflected the Hall of Fame’s enduring commitment to excellence, leadership, and service within the field of adult and continuing education.  The events were held at the National Center for Employment Development (NCED) which partners with University Outreach on the postal training contract.

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The Hall’s Founding--The Hall of Fame, an international organization with members from nearly every continent, calls Norman, Oklahoma home due to the remarkable vision of Dr. Thurman J. White, who is universally recognized as the founding father of the Hall.

Dr. White, who led the University of Oklahoma’s College of Continuing Education for over four decades, recognized that the field of adult and continuing education needed a way to honor, in perpetuity, those whose life’s work transformed learning and extended opportunity for all. His vision took shape in 1996 with the creation of the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame, headquartered right here in the Thurman J. White Forum Building on the University of Oklahoma campus.

From those early days, when the Hall’s founders dreamed of uniting global educators around shared values of learning, equity, and human development, to today, nearly three decades later, the Hall continues to embody that same spirit of vision, innovation, and inclusion.

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Since the Hall’s beginnings, The University of Oklahoma Outreach has served as the official home office for the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame (IACEHOF). 

The induction ceremony was marked by professionalism and dignity, celebrating the exceptional achievements and enduring contributions of the Class of 2025. This year’s class is comprised of ten distinguished inductees representing the international communities of the United States, South Africa, Thailand, Romania, Ukraine, Sweden, Ireland, and China—highlighting the Hall of Fame’s global reach and influence. The Class of 2025 included Talmadge C. Guy and Chad Hoggan (United States); Idowu Biao and Astrid von Kotze (South Africa); Suwithida Charungkaittikul (Thailand); Lucian Ciolan (Romania); Agneta Lind (Sweden); Rob Mark (Northern Ireland); Oleg Smirnov (Ukraine); and Ye Zhonghai (China).

In addition, the Outstanding Organization Award was presented to the Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education (ASPBAE) in recognition of its sustained and significant impact on adult and continuing education. The award was accepted on behalf of ASPBAE by its President, Peter Clinton Isaac Foaese (New Zealand). Collectively, the honorees exemplified innovation, scholarly excellence, and visionary leadership. 

A particularly meaningful moment of the ceremony was devoted to an In Memoriam tribute honoring Dr. James P. Pappas (June 30, 1939 – August 2, 2025) - a visionary leader, beloved colleague, and tireless advocate for lifelong learning. This special tribute, and award was given on behalf of University Outreach to Dr. Pappas’ wife Peggy and family by Dr. Belinda Biscoe, Senior Associate Vice President of the University of Outreach and the Executive Director, IACE Hall of Fame. The award was accepted with a heartfelt appreciation from the Pappas family.

Throughout the ceremony and related events, the professionalism demonstrated by inductees, organizational leaders, and members fostered an atmosphere that was both inspiring and forward-looking. The proceedings reaffirmed the Hall of Fame’s high standards and its vital role in celebrating excellence while honoring the legacy of leaders whose service continues to shape the field.

The success of the 29th Annual Induction Ceremony was made possible through the outstanding leadership of Dr. Belinda Biscoe, Executive Director of the Hall of Fame, who served as emcee, and the dedicated efforts of the University Outreach home office staff—Shannon Johansen, Nina Barbee, Darlynn Dietrich, Richard Feinberg, Kelsey Martyn-Fairwell, Greg Gibson, and editor of the biographies, Emily Schuster. The exceptional commitment and hard work of all involved made this international event a resounding success.

Looking ahead, the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame will build confidently on the momentum of a highly successful 2025 induction. The organization remains steadfast in its dedication to honoring distinguished service, preserving its history, and advancing adult and continuing education worldwide.