Alice Walton makes TIME magazine’s list of 100 influential people

TIME magazine has named Wal-Mart heiress and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art founder Alice Walton to the 2012 TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. The full list and related tributes appear in the April 30 issue of TIME, available on newsstands today (April 19) and here.

The list, now in its ninth year, recognizes the activism, innovation and achievement of the world’s most influential individuals. TIME managing editor Richard Stengel has said, “The TIME 100 is not a list of the most powerful people in the world, it’s not a list of the smartest people in the world, it’s a list of the most influential people in the world. They’re scientists, they’re thinkers, they’re philosophers, they’re leaders, they’re icons, they’re artists, they’re visionaries.  People who are using their ideas, their visions, their actions to transform the world and have an effect on a multitude of people.”

In a quote submitted by Walton, she said, “I am sincerely honored to be selected for this recognition. Most humbling, however, is the overwhelming response from our guests who have been inspired by the Crystal Bridges experience.”