The Bartlesville Community Foundation is honored to recognize George Halkiades as the first recipient of the Community Catalyst Award in Memory of Charlie and Corky Bowerman. The Bartlesville Community Foundation’s Community Catalyst Award recognizes individuals or couples who, like Charlie and Corky, demonstrate exceptional commitment to fostering a sense of service to the community, demonstrate commitment to nonprofits, demonstrate loyalty and a sense of responsibility, perform all actions ethically and with integrity, and drive change through inspiration and leadership. George’s work embodies this essence in his commitment to our community every day.
George Halkiades was born January 15, 1942 in Kingsport, Tennessee to Phellos and Theodora Halkiades, Turkish immigrants of Greek descent. After graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School in Kingsport in 1959, George went on to attend the University of Louisiana at Lafayette on scholarship as a football equipment manager. He was involved in service from an early age as president of the Letterman’s Club, in addition to being a member of the student council and several other campus organizations. In 1963, he earned his BS in Electrical Engineering and came to work for Phillips Petroleum in Research and Development. Five years alter he joined Applied Automation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Phillips Petroleum.
In 1968, George married Jeannette Louise Evans. Their son, Vincent, born in 1971, currently lives in Claremore. Jeanne passed away in 2004. For forty years, George continued to work for Applied Automation and its successor companies — Hartmann & Braun, Elsa Bailey, ABB and Siemens. He retired in 2003 as Plant Manager.
Serving Bartlesville in a myriad of ways, “George has lived and worked in this community for many years and is a ‘quiet person making a loud noise,'” notes Debbie Mueggenborg, Foundation board member. “He’s someone who gives of his time and expertise, and citizens of all ages in this community have enjoyed the fruits of his labors.”
George was heavily involved in American Legion Baseball from 1993 to 1999, serving in various capacities as treasurer and a tournament director. He even designed and built the first press box at Doenges stadium, and he designed the current press box. Following his retirement in 2003, George’s involvement in community service intensified. He served on the boars of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bartlesville and Oklahoma for six years each and has returned to the Bartlesville organization’s board. For over fifteen years, George has served as a Bartlesville Library Literary Services tutor, and he has been the Lead mentor of youth Robotics Team 2165. For eight years he served on the United Way Community Investment Committee and in various board positions. Currently, George serves on many boards including; Tri County Tech, Noon Rotary Club, Bartlesville Public Library, Young Scholars of Bartleville, Friends of the Library and community projects including Friends in Deed, an organization that holds an annual Christmas Day dinner for the community.
George’s commitment to our community has earned him numerous awards, including a Bartlesville Community Foundation’s own Legacy Hall of Fame family in 2016.
The leaders of local organizations have described him as “the glue that keeps the organization together”, “the embodiment of the servant leader”, “ready to lend a hand whatever the need”, “passionate about serving youth”, “quietly changing lives.” George is an active contributor to the mission of every nonprofit in which he is affiliated.
Congratulations, George. The BCF is excited to celebrate you!