46th Annual Benefit

2023 Benefit Photos

2023 End of Year

John B. Herrington, Ph.D. (Chickasaw), was the first member of a federally recognized tribe to travel to space. Like many children in the 1960s, he dreamed of becoming an astronaut. Although Herrington held tight to his goal of flying in space, his path to the astronaut corps was far from what one might expect. A lack of motivation as a freshman in college, his interest in rock climbing instead captured his imagination, and he was subsequently suspended from college with a 1.72 GPA. 

Using his expertise as a rock climber, Herrington found work as a member of a survey crew in the Colorado mountains. Exposed to the practical application of real-world mathematics, he found the passion for learning that had eluded him. Following the advice of the lead project engineer, Herrington returned to college and graduated with an engineering degree. He was also fortunate to meet a retired Navy captain who encouraged him to apply to the Navy, which led to a 22-year career as a Naval Aviator, test pilot, and astronaut.  

His historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) was the culmination of years of experience and training with men and women with diverse cultural and technical backgrounds, and provided Herrington with a unique perspective that he enjoys sharing with audiences worldwide. “From lift off to completing three space walks, mission STS-113 was more exciting and challenging than I could have imagined.” But Herrington’s work didn’t stop when he returned to earth. After a successful career as an astronaut, he ventured into the commercial space arena and eventually found a new passion.  

Following a 4,300-mile bicycle ride across the United States, Herrington returned to university and earned a doctorate in Education. With humility and humor, John shares his stories of challenge, leadership, motivation, and mentorship with diverse audiences of all ages and occupations. His multimedia presentations inspire and entertain, and challenge people to seek out the best in themselves and in service to others.  

Anyone who is interested in trying to find a new way to inspire themselves or their communities will find Commander Herrington’s stories of struggle, mentorship, and persistence a welcome reminder that our dreams and goals are gifts to pursue and enjoy with the world. 

46th Annual Benefit

Schedule of Events

Brandi Berry Benson Chickasaw

As a classically trained violinist, fiddler, and composer, Brandi masters musical genres from baroque to bluegrass. She is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation and will share her new music, Story of Pa I Sha, a musical work based on the stories of her heritage, beginning with her great-grandmother, Pa I Sha. Brandi is on the faculty of Northwestern and DePaul Universities and directs the Bach & Beethoven Experience.

Brandi serves on the faculty of Northwestern and DePaul Universities, where she works with the Baroque Music Ensemble and teaches Baroque Performance Practice and Ornamentation, respectively. For more information about the Bach & Beethoven Experience, visit bbexperience.org.

Oka Homma Singers

Oka Homma – a Chicago-based Drum group, presents intertribal songs of the Southern Plains. Oka Homma formed in March 2023 to contribute to a resurgence of arts engagement needed to mobilize and build community. In addition, the Drum aims to re/introduce cultural practice amongst Chicago’s intergenerational Native American community. Through song, these singers share a small taste of southern plains culture with the Midwest populace. Lead Singer: Niyol Spencer (Mississippi Chata/Diné).

Fox Way Catering is a family-owned and operated business specializing in Native American cuisine that has provided traditional foods to the Chicago area for over 50 years and represents the Omaha Nation of Nebraska, Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota, and Odawa from Wiikwemkoong, ON, CA.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Sponsorship: