The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation announced today the four speakers who will be a part of the 10th anniversary edition of Profiles and Perspectives, the Noble Foundation's popular speakers series.

This year, Profiles and Perspectives takes on an Oklahoma Centennial theme, featuring a Will Rogers expert, an Oklahoma historian, a veteran TV reporter and a retired lieutenant colonel who was a central player in the hunt and capture of Saddam Hussein.

"For a decade, Profiles and Perspectives has provided residents of southern Oklahoma with informative, thought-provoking and entertaining speakers," said Mary Kate Wilson, Noble Foundation Granting Program Officer and chair of the Profiles and Perspectives Committee. "This year, we continue the great tradition by providing a diverse and high-quality group of speakers."

The Noble Foundation's Profiles and Perspectives season kicks off Thursday, Sept. 6, with a presentation by Randall Reeder, entitled "Will Rogers Today." Reeder, an Extension Agricultural Engineer at Ohio State University since 1979, draws on his uncanny physical resemblance to Will Rogers, published writings and research to bring Will Rogers to life on stage. Reeder's presentation examines various historical Oklahoma events from Rogers' perspective, adding observations about life, politics and the world today with the style and grace of the most beloved American of the 1920s and '30s.

The series continues Thursday, Oct. 25, with "Profiles in Oklahoma History," a discussion with Bob L. Blackburn, Ph.D. Serving as the executive director of the Oklahoma Historical Society, Blackburn is a native Oklahoman with roots in both the eastern and western parts of the state. Blackburn's presentation reviews Oklahoma's unique heritage, drawing upon stories from his recently published book, "You Know You Belong to the Land: A Centennial History of Oklahoma."

After the holiday break, the Profiles and Perspectives series picks up again with its spring offerings which feature two more speakers with Oklahoma ties.

On Tuesday, March 4, Ron Stahl visits Ardmore to offer insight into Oklahoma's best travel destinations with his presentation, "Discover Oklahoma." As a feature reporter for the "Discover Oklahoma" television show, Ron Stahl has traveled across Oklahoma. Stahl serves as the director of marketing for Oklahoma State Parks, Resorts and Golf, which gives him a unique insider's perspective into some of the best tourist destinations. Just in time for spring break, Stahl shares information about off-the-beaten-path tourist destinations and provides insight into how to recognize a tourist attraction.

The 2007-2008 Profiles and Perspectives season concludes Tuesday, April 29, with "The Hunt and Capture of Saddam Hussein," by Lt. Col. (ret) Steve Russell, commander of the unit that was central to the capture of Saddam Hussein. Russell served in the United States Army for more than two decades in airborne, light and mechanized assignments before retiring with his family to Oklahoma. He now travels across the United States and Canada speaking about his military experiences. His talk provides a thought-provoking discussion related to current military activities.

"This is going to be an exciting and enjoyable series," Wilson said. "Each speaker offers something different to the audience. Whether it is informed opinions or quality information or a little slice of Oklahoma heritage, audiences are sure to enjoy themselves."

All programs will begin at 7 p.m. at the Charles B. Goddard Center located at 401 1st Street, S.W. Ardmore, Okla. The 2007-2008 Profiles and Perspectives series is offered at no cost, courtesy of the Noble Foundation. Additional information can be obtained by calling the Noble Foundation at 580.223.5810 or visiting www.noble.org/profiles.

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News Release Issued: August 8, 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.