National Geographic host set to share experiences as finale to Noble Foundation's Profiles season

Boyd Matson has literally seen it all.

As the host of National Geographic's documentary television series "EXPLORER" for nine years and now the host of "Wild Chronicles," Matson has traversed the globe, covering adventure, natural history, science, world cultures and breaking news.

On Thursday, May 3, Matson will come to Ardmore as the final speaker in The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation's 2006-2007 Profiles and Perspectives season. Matson's presentation, which is offered at no cost to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Ardmore Convention Center, located at I-35 and Highway 142 in Ardmore.

Entitled "How to Stand Still When the Hippos Charge," Matson's talk recounts the many life lessons he learned through his amazing and challenging career.

"Boyd Matson has lived an extraordinary life," said Mary Kate Wilson, Chair of the Profiles and Perspectives Committee. "He has lived - and in some cases almost died - pursuing some of the most dangerous and unique stories our world has to offer. His adventures are sure to thrill the audience as he is a captivating and entertaining speaker."

During his career with National Geographic, Matson participated in dangerous cave diving expeditions as well as the rigorous Southern Traverse endurance race in New Zealand. He has been bitten by snakes, rappelled into giant, bat-infested sinkholes and climbed through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall on Mount Everest. His new show, "Wild Chronicles," offers audiences rare access and in depth reporting on the state of the natural world.

Matson once said, "I have a dream job if you don't mind hypothermia, altitude sickness, broken bones and animal bites."

Additional information about the Profiles and Perspectives series can be obtained by calling the Noble Foundation at 580.224.6246 or visiting www.noble.org/profiles.

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Photo:

Boyd Matson

News Release Issued: April 23, 2007

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. (www.noble.org), headquartered in Ardmore, Okla., is a nonprofit organization conducting agricultural, forage improvement and plant biology research; assisting farmers and ranchers through educational and consultative agricultural programs; and providing grants to nonprofit charitable, educational and health organizations.