1997 -- Hugh McColl, banker and civic leader:

McColl retired in April 2001 after building Bank of America into the nation's first coast-to-coast bank. He had successful heart bypass surgery in February and remains involved in a number of charitable activities, including Habitat for Humanity.

1998 -- John Hope Franklin, professor and historian:

Franklin was honored in 2004 by Durham's St. Joseph's Historic Foundation with the Spirit of Hayti Award. Duke University held campus-wide events to celebrate his 90th birthday in January. He published his autobiography, "Mirror to America," this fall.

1999 -- Franklin Graham, evangelist and philanthropist:

Graham toured tsunami-ravaged areas in south Asia with his Christian relief organization, Samaritan's Purse, in January. He accompanied his father, Billy Graham, as the elder Graham conducted his final American Revival Crusade in New York City this past summer.

2000 -- Larry Wheeler, N.C. Museum of Art director:

The N.C. Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaus gave Wheeler its special achievement award for 2000.

In October 2003, Wheeler laid out his vision for the future of the museum, including a 165-acre art park, and he has since worked to secure state support and funding for it.

Last month, he landed 22 Rodin sculptures for the museum from the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Foundation.

2001 -- Molly Broad, UNC president:

Broad was named chairwoman of the board of Internet2 in 2001.

In April 2005 she announced her plan to step down as UNC system president in the spring of 2006.

2002 -- Kay Yow, NCSU women's basketball coach:

Yow was inducted into the James Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.

She had successful surgery in December 2004 to treat a recurrence of breast cancer.

2003 -- Jim Goodmon, Capitol Broadcasting chief executive:

Goodmon received the Civic Honor Award from the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce in 2003. This past July, he was named to the Board of Directors of RBC Centura, which is moving its U.S. headquarters to the Triangle from Rocky Mount.

2004 -- Howard Manning, Wake Superior Court judge:

Manning issued a scathing 45-page report on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District in May, accusing them of committing "academic genocide." He received an education leadership award from the N.C. Public School Forum and Progress Energy in June.