Samuel Knight - was selected as the winner in the Healthcare, Science & Technology Category. Within the field of geology and geophysics, Knight’s contributions were numerous. He was at the forefront of his field in the use of interpretive studies and his research on the rock formations of southeastern Wyoming is still considered groundbreaking.

Knight was instrumental in establishing the University of Wyoming Department of Geology and Geophysics as among the best in the nation. The legacy of Knight’s work remains visible to visitors to the university. He painted the large murals in the university’s Geology Museum and mounted the apatosaurus that remains among the museum’s most important displays and constructed a campus landmark, the large, copper plated tyrannosaurus rex.

Francis Barrett - established a medical practice in Cheyenne in 1951 and became a fixture in his community. A traditional country doctor, he made housecalls and accepted payment in foodstuffs.

Orville A. Beath - and his team of researchers made the University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station the world center for selenium research.

June Etta Downey - psychological researcher and author. Her work in motor procedures and differences in temperament was groundbreaking.

George Frison - was also selected as a finalist in this category, based on his work as a anthropologist.

George Johnston - held Wyoming Physician License Number One and performed the first appendectomy in the state and the first abdominal section.

John David Love - long time member of the United State Geological Survey, he has made many significant contributions to the understanding of Wyoming’s geological history.

Aven Nelson - under his direction, the University of Wyoming’s world-famous Rocky Mountain herbarium, which he established in 1899, grew into the largest and most representative collection of indigenous plants from the central Rocky Mountain Region.

Dr. Walter E. Reckling, Sr. - practicing in Lusk, he was recognized as specialist in surgery and established the Spencer Hospital, the last privately owned medical facility in the state.

Sara Jane Rhoads - a teacher and researcher at the University of Wyoming, she made significant contributions in the field of physical organic chemistry.