Profiles and Perspectives series begins with Will Rogers

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation will begin the 10th anniversary edition of its popular speakers series, Profiles and Perspectives, with the return of Oklahoma's favorite son - Will Rogers.

On Thursday, Sept. 6, Randall Reeder will present Will Rogers Today. Reeder, an extension agricultural engineer at Ohio State University since 1979, draws on his uncanny physical resemblance to Rogers, published writings and research to bring Rogers to life on stage. Reeder's presentation will begin at 7 p.m., at the Charles B. Goddard Center, located at 401 First St. SW in Ardmore. The program is free and open to the public.

Reeder's performance recounts 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.

"Reeder's presentation is not simply an impression of Will Rogers," said Mary Kate Wilson, Noble Foundation Granting Program Officer and Chair of the Profiles and Perspectives Committee. "Reeder literally brings Will Rogers to life. His ability to capture this American icon is rooted in Reeder's genuine knowledge of Will Rogers' life and writings, and Oklahoma history. The audience is sure to marvel at this presentation."

Reeder has been speaking as Will Rogers for more than a decade when he was discovered by Dale Minnick, an Oklahoma professional speaker from Woodward. Minnick, who died two years later, told Reeder that, "God put you together to remind us of the most admired man in the U.S. in the 20th century."

Reeder gives numerous talks to businesses and organizations across the country. He also writes a "Weekly Comments" in Will Rogers' style for his Web site: WillRogersToday.com.

He grew up on a farm in West Virginia and continues to serve at Ohio State University, where he works with farm machinery, conservation tillage systems and 4-H youth programs. He is a member of the National Speakers Association, National Society of Professional Engineers and Farm Bureau.

Additional information about the Profiles and Perspectives series 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 21, 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.