On December 10, 2024, President Richard Nixon was among nine individuals inducted into the Orange County Hall of Fame for achievements in the arts, business, philanthropy and civics. Established in 2023 by the Orange County Board of Supervisors, the Orange County Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose achievements made an impact on local communities in Orange County, California.
Jim Byron, President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation, accepted the award on behalf of the Nixon Family and the Board of Directors of the Richard Nixon Foundation. In his acceptance remarks, Byron recalled the many ways President’s Nixon’s legacy continues to be seen throughout Orange County stating, “The qualities and character of a President of the United States had their roots in his past, shaped by his Quaker boyhood here in Orange County.”
Tamara Martin, Director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, attended the ceremony on behalf of the National Archives.
Jim Byron, President and CEO of the Richard Nixon Foundation and Tamara Martin, Director of the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum, with the plaque honoring President Nixon’s induction into the Orange County Hall of Fame.
The span of Hall of Fame honorees ranges from household names including Walt Disney, Kobe Bryant and Tiger Woods to philanthropists and business leaders including Nick Berardino, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and advocate for the veteran community, Carl Karcher, founder of Carl’s Jr. and Wing Lam and his family, co-founders of Wahoo Fish Tacos. Charlie Zhang, treasurer of the Richard Nixon Foundation, was among the 2024 honorees as a philanthropist and founder of Pick Up Stix restaurant chain.
Nominees to the Orange County Hall of Fame are required to have a minimum of 10 years as a resident or business owner in Orange County and had one major life experience or won a big award in Orange County, or have been a civic leader. Each inductee is recognized with a plaque that is available for public viewing in the lobby of the county administration offices.