In its 40 years of existence, the Hinckley Institute of Politics had inducted only six local politicians into its hall of fame-until Thursday.
Former Gov. Olene Walker was ushered into the elite group with the support of close friends and influential Utahns in the Hinckley Caucus Room.
"I can't tell you what a great honor this is for me," Walker said. "My respect for this institution has always been here and I commend you for what you've done for so many students."
Walker received her doctorate from the U in education administration. In addition, all seven of her children graduated from the U and five of her grandchildren are currently attending.
Ron Hrebenar, interim director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics and chairperson of the political science department, said the Hinckley faculty made a collective decision to add Walker as "one of our lucky seven" members of the Hinckley Hall of Fame.
The decision was made, in large part, due to her commitment to education, which Nolan Karras, chairperson of the Utah Board of Regents, emphasized.
"If Olene had continued as governor, education would have been the priority," he said. "She always did what she thought was right, and in today's world that's a rare breed of politician."
Rep. Pat Jones, D-Salt Lake City, said both Utah and the world are in need of more people like Walker.
"If we could clone 50 feisty grandmothers like Olene and put them into one room, they'd be able to solve the Mid-East conflict," Jones said. "She's like an encyclopedia. She has the ability to pick up on all sorts of issues, and she never had anything disparaging to say about others."
Walker conveyed her views on democracy and politics with the aid of several quotes from Socrates, Ralph Waldo Emerson and a child.
"I marveled at the definition of democracy by a fifth-grader in Weber County," she said. "When I asked what democracy was, he said, 'The people rule, so everybody's got to do something.' I've never heard a better definition."
Walker emphasized the importance of individual responsibility in a democracy.
"It's our obligation to be involved," she said. "But involvement should not be about money, power or fame, but what is good for society, the state and the individual. Virtue is in justice, wisdom, courage and moderation...Politics should be a consideration of what is good, of what is right and of what is fair."
Walker is widely known for being Utah's first female governor, and she wants that to be a stepping-stone upon which other females may reach their own aspirations. However, she said she also hopes that in the future, people will talk about the qualities of the individual rather than the gender.
"If there's one thing I've done, I hope I've given everyone the realization that they, too, can be a governor, lieutenant governor or speaker of the house," she said. "Win or lose, it's a great education and a great experience."
Other attendees included Scott Matheson Jr., former gubernatorial candidate and current dean of the U's College of Law, and Ted Wilson, former Mayor of Salt Lake City and former director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics.
During a short question period, Wilson stood to praise Walker.
"You have talent," he said as he began to choke back tears. "Way to go, you're the very best. You're a civic leader and a good friend."
Wilson told the audience a brief story that took place years ago. Walker had arrived quietly to a city meeting without an entourage, and calmed his active 2-year-old simply by holding her.
Walker smiled before replying.
"I often wondered whether that would work with many errant legislators," she joked.
Walker joined three other former governors (Norm Bangerter, Cal Rampton and Scott Matheson Sr.), two U.S. senators (Ted Moss and Wallace Bennett) and a congressman (Jim Hansen) in the Hinckley Hall of Fame.
Scott Anderson, president and CEO of Zions Bank, announced the addition of the "Olene Walker Scholarship," which will be awarded to one woman at the Hinckley Institute annually.
"We need more women in politics like [Walker]," Anderson said. "She led Utah toward improvements in literacy and education...She excelled in every aspect with honor, grace and excellence."
Hrebenar and Associate Interim Director of the Hinckley Institute of Politics Dan Jones both said former Gov. Michael Leavitt would be the next addition to the Hall of Fame.
sgehrke@chronicle.utah.edu
