Civic leader Ray Ackerman to be honored with effigy on Oklahoma River
(April 17, 2012) - Longtime civic leader Ray Ackerman will be honored for
his visionary role in the success of the Oklahoma River with a statue
unveiling in Regatta Park near the Chesapeake Boathouse, 725 South
Lincoln at 1:30 p.m. on April 20. The ceremony is open to the public.
Ackerman is founder and Chairman Emeritus of Ackerman McQueen Advertising
Agency, the state’s largest and oldest advertising agency. He also
served in the U.S. Navy for 35 years and retired from the Reserves as a rear
admiral.
Ackerman is lauded for his energetic support of the City’s vision to
transform approximately seven miles of the long neglected North Canadian
River into a scenic and navigable waterway surrounded by trails and
landscaping through MAPS. He later lobbied the state legislature to
change the water way’s name to the Oklahoma River. Ackerman’s goal for
the River was to unify north and south Oklahoma City. He is known by
many as “Old Man River” because of his years of staunch advocacy for the
river project.
“Ray has made an extraordinary mark on Oklahoma City,” said Mayor Mick
Cornett. “He spent his entire adult life tirelessly promoting Oklahoma City
and searching for ways to improve the quality of life for residents.
Still in its infancy, the Oklahoma River is his lasting legacy,” said Mayor
Mick Cornett.
A native Pennsylvanian, Ackerman served in the U.S. Navy
then the U.S. Naval Reserves. He accepted an advertising sales
position with The Daily Oklahoman and moved to Oklahoma City in 1947.
One of his first accounts was B.C. Clark Jewelers, a client that helped pave
the way to Ackerman’s advertising success.
Ackerman served on many boards during his long career, but made the most
indelible mark on the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce, the United Way of
Central Oklahoma and the National Finals Rodeo.
In the mid-1980s, Ackerman pressed the City’s riverfront authority to
conduct engineering studies to establish cost estimates for construction of
river dams. The study helped establish the river portion on the MAPS
ballot initiative, approved by Oklahoma City voters in 1993.
During his term as chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of
Commerce, Ackerman successfully promoted the river project as the body’s
highest civic priority.
“Residents support of lighting, wind screens, starting docks and the
whitewater facility through their approval of MAPS 3 is a testament to Ray’s
vision,” said longtime friend and business partner Lee Allen Smith.
“The River will be a major recreation area for future generations – whether
you enjoy rowing, fishing, cycling or simply picnicking.”
Ackerman resides in Oklahoma City with his wife, Lou, of 63 years.
Ceremony speakers include Lee Allan Smith, Oklahoma County Assessor
Leonard Sullivan, Captain Charles Baker, Mayor Mick Cornett and Ray
Ackerman. The U.S. Navy Strategic Communications Wing One Color Guard
will present the colors and the OCU Choir will sing the national anthem.
Funding for the statue and ceremony was privately raised.
The statue was created by artist Jack Nortz.
Contact: Kristy Yager
297-2550 / 863-2831
