Hilliard Gates (1915-1996) was a prominent American sportscaster, widely recognized as the pioneer of Indiana sports broadcasting and the leading sportscaster in the state for many years. Beginning his career at a station in Muskegon, Michigan, Gates later joined WOWO radio in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and played a pivotal role in the establishment of WKJG radio and television. His segment, Gatesway to Sports, became immensely popular among Fort Wayne viewers.Gates's influential sports announcing extended beyond northern Indiana, and he gained widespread respect as a sports announcer. He was notably the announcer for the 1954 state basketball championship-winning team from Milan High School, a role that also led to his appearance in the 1986 movie "Hoosiers." His remarkable career saw him named Indiana Sportscaster of the Year seven times and being the first broadcaster inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.Aside from his broadcasting career, Gates held leadership positions in various community and state organizations and received numerous honors, including being named a Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Roger D. Branigin. His significant contributions to athletics in Fort Wayne are commemorated through the annual Hilliard Gates Achievement Award and the naming of the Hilliard Gates Sports Center at Indiana University – Purdue University Fort Wayne in his honor. Gates's legacy continues to be celebrated and remembered in the realm of Indiana sports broadcasting.

Hilliard Almond Wilbanks (July 26, 1933 – February 24, 1967) was a dedicated United States Air Force officer and pilot renowned for his bravery during the Vietnam War. His unwavering courage and sacrifice were posthumously honored with the Medal of Honor for his selfless act on February 24, 1967, where he valiantly supported the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) at Di Linh, near Da Lat, South Vietnam.Wilbanks' illustrious career in the Air Force began in August 1950, and he later transitioned to become a commissioned officer after excelling in the aviation cadet program. As a forward air controller (FAC) with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, he played a pivotal role in providing close air support to ground troops fighting in the Vietnam jungle. His exceptional service saw him fly 487 combat missions and earn numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Air Medals.Tragically, during a reconnaissance mission on February 24, 1967, Wilbanks fearlessly confronted a numerically superior Viet Cong force that threatened an ARVN Ranger Battalion. Despite flying an unarmed, light aircraft, he valiantly engaged the enemy, diverting their fire away from the vulnerable rangers. His heroic actions saved numerous lives but resulted in his mortal injury, and he ultimately succumbed to his wounds while being evacuated to a hospital.Hilli

Hilliard Harris William Beyerstein (November 3, 1907 – September 23, 1990) was a Canadian chiropractor and politician. He began his political career as a candidate for the House of Commons of Canada in the 1949 federal election, representing the Social Credit Party and winning the Camrose electoral district. Despite facing defeat in subsequent elections, he continued to pursue public office, contesting for the Vancouver South district in 1957 and the Burnaby—Richmond district in 1962. Beyerstein's commitment to public service was evident throughout his various electoral campaigns. Notably, he was the father of Barry Beyerstein, a renowned scientific skeptic and professor of psychology. Hilliard Beyerstein passed away in 1990 due to congestive heart failure in Port Moody, British Columbia. His dedication to politics and his contributions to the community leave a lasting legacy.

Captain Hilliard Brooke Bell (9 March 1897 – 16 September 1960) was a Canadian First World War flying ace, renowned for his ten aerial victories while serving in the British Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force. Bell was born in Chatham, Ontario, and later moved to Toronto, where he pursued his education at St. Andrew's College and University College, joining the College Officer Training Corps and becoming a member of the Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity. His military journey began when he joined the Canadian Field Artillery in 1916, later transferring to the Royal Flying Corps.During World War I, Bell underwent flight training and was eventually deployed to France with No. 66 Squadron RFC, where he achieved numerous aerial victories, earning him the title of an ace. He was awarded the Military Cross for his exceptional bravery and leadership in combat. Following the war, Bell returned to Canada, completed his law studies, and practiced as a lawyer until his passing in 1960. His wartime experiences were documented and published posthumously in the Journal of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society in 1963–64.Throughout his illustrious career, Captain Hilliard Brooke Bell left an indelible mark as a distinguished flying ace and a respected legal professional, leaving behind a legacy of courage and excellence.

Hilliard P. Jenkins (February 29, 1922 - August 23, 1992) was a renowned American farmer, philanthropist, and civic leader, known for his exceptional contributions to agriculture and public service. Hailing from Loxley, Alabama, Jenkins played a pivotal role in transforming his family's 40-acre turpentine farm into a thriving 1,052-acre enterprise, employing innovative agricultural techniques and a diverse crop cultivation strategy. Notably, his self-taught knowledge of farming practices earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious Negro Farm Family Merit Award from the Tuskegee Institute and national press coverage in Ebony magazine.Despite the challenges of living under Jim Crow laws, Jenkins, inspired by his mother, Amelia, utilized economic influence to uplift the sociopolitical status of African-American communities. Throughout his life, he remained dedicated to public service, actively participating in various organizations and advocating for African-American political empowerment. His impactful legacy continues through his descendants and the Hilliard P. Jenkins Undergraduate Fellowship Program, established in his honor to support students excelling in social justice and entrepreneurship.Jenkins' remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to community empowerment have left an indelible mark on Alabama and the broader South, ensuring his enduring influence on future generations.