The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation received one of two Difference Maker of the Year awards from the Higher Education Alumni Council of Oklahoma (HEACO).

The Difference Maker of the Year award honors persons, organizations or corporations that have provided significant support to higher education. The honor has been given only nine times in the past seven years, including to Gov. Brad Henry in 2003.

"The Noble Foundation has shown tremendous support for higher education in Oklahoma," said Kathryn Jones, Ed.D., HEACO Executive Director. "The Noble Foundation's efforts have impacted universities across the state and bettered the lives of many students and their families."

Michael A. Cawley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Noble Foundation, accepted the award for the Noble Foundation at HEACO's annual meeting of the board of directors, held Friday at Rose State College in Midwest City.

"This award holds special significance for the Noble Foundation," Cawley said. "Lloyd Noble, who established the Noble Foundation in 1945, placed a premium on education. Mr. Noble believed that education was one of the keys to a successful life. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have furthered that legacy by continuing to enhance higher education institutions and provide opportunities to students."

During its 62-year history, the Noble Foundation has provided more than $70 million to Oklahoma's universities through scholarship programs and grants, providing life-changing educational opportunities for countless students in Oklahoma.

"Each scholarship, each grant holds the potential to change a life," Cawley said. "Lloyd Noble established the Noble Foundation with the intent of bettering mankind. We believe we are fulfilling his wish through Noble's efforts to enhance agriculture through agricultural programs and plant science research and to benefit our community through these charitable gifts."

Chesapeake Energy Corporation was also a recipient of the Difference Maker of the Year award this year.

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News Release Issued: July 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.