2024 honoree stones have been placed!

Nominations for the 2025 Dayton Region Walk of Fame will be accepted through February 14, 2025. You can fill out the nomination for online or download a paper form here.

The Breeders

Kim and Kelley Deal, of Huber Heights and Dayton, are twin sisters who formed the core of the influential alternative rock band The Breeders. After Kim’s success as bassist/vocalist with Pixies, she formed The Breeders in 1988. Her sister Kelley joined in 1992, becoming the lead guitarist and backing vocalist. Together, the Deal sisters, Josephine Wiggs, and Jim Macpherson defined The Breeders’ signature sound of raw energy, catchy melodies, and harmonized vocals. Their breakthrough came in 1993 with the critically-acclaimed album “Last Splash” and hit single “Cannonball.” The Breeders became one of the leading and most unique bands of the 90s alternative rock.

Clay and MaryAnn Mathile

Clay and MaryAnn Mathile are celebrated philanthropists and business leaders. Clay Mathile, born in 1941 in Ohio, graduated with a business degree from Ohio Northern University. He joined The Iams Company in 1970, becoming CEO and transforming it into a global pet food leader before selling it to Procter & Gamble in 1999 for over $2 billion. MaryAnn Mathile has been his partner in business, philanthropy, and in life.

Together, they founded the Mathile Family Foundation, Aileron and The Glen at St. Joseph. In total, the Mathiles have donated more than $500 million to alleviating poverty and improving the quality of life in our community. Renowned for their generosity, Clay and MaryAnn have received numerous accolades for their philanthropic work, leaving a lasting legacy of social responsibility and positive societal impact.

Idotha “Bootsie” Neal

Idotha “Bootsie” Neal was a pioneer who made history as the first African American woman elected to the Dayton City Commission. She advocated for underserved communities, social justice, and economic development, focusing on initiatives around education, healthcare, housing, jobs, poverty, and discrimination. Neal’s leadership and public service were widely respected, paving the way for future African American women in civic roles. Her legacy inspires engagement in public service and more equitable communities.

The Osborne Brothers

Bobby and Sonny Osborne were pioneering bluegrass musicians who formed the hugely influential Osborne Brothers duo. Blending traditional bluegrass with country and rockabilly, their distinctive sound produced iconic hits like “Rocky Top.” Bobby’s vocals and mandolin paired with Sonny’s banjo skills made them trailblazers inducted into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. The Osborne Brothers left an enduring legacy through their innovative artistry, advancement of the genre, and dedication to preserving American roots music traditions.

G. Douglas Talbott

Dr. G. Douglas Talbott was a pioneering physician who made transformative contributions to treating alcoholism and substance abuse disorders, especially among medical professionals. In the 1950s he was a captain in the Air Force and Chief of Medicine at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He began his work here with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to help select suitable crews for the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space programs. In the 1960s he founded and became Director of the Cox Heart Institute, a nationally recognized cardiac research institute. After an accomplished career as a cardiologist, he established the first treatment program tailored for addicted physicians and became a leading advocate for recognizing alcoholism as a disease. His comprehensive approach to addiction treatment set new standards.

Thank you to our 2024 Walk of Fame Sponsors!

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