"This season is full of quality speakers from varied backgrounds. We are excited about the opportunity to involve several Oklahomans in our series and hope that the range of topics will appeal to all residents in the area," said Mary Kate Heltzel, Noble Foundation granting program associate and chair of the Profiles and Perspectives Committee.

The series will kick off at 7 p.m. on Aug. 26, at the Charles B. Goddard Center in Ardmore with a program no sports fan should miss — University of Oklahoma women's basketball coach Sherri Coale and Oklahoma State University men's golf coach Mike Holder will participate in a panel discussion on building athletic programs and motivating young adults.

In an Oct. 7 program appropriate for election season, political analysts Burns Hargis and Mike Turpen, co-hosts of Flashpoint, a weekly Sunday morning talk show on KFOR television in Oklahoma City, will debate important political issues relevant to Oklahoma and the nation. The program will be at the Goddard Center at 7 p.m.

Nov. 18 brings Dr. Rufus Fears and his presentation "Winston Churchill and the Art of Leadership." Fears is widely acclaimed for his educational, inspirational, and dramatic presentations on leadership. His focus is on great leaders of the past and the lessons they hold for us today. On five occasions, student groups at the University of Oklahoma have recognized him as the University of Oklahoma Professor of the Year. The program will be at the Goddard Center at 7 p.m.

2005 marks the 60th anniversary of the Noble Foundation. For the first program in the new year, the community is invited to the Ardmore Convention Center at 7 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2005, for a brief presentation on the Foundation's history from President Michael A. Cawley and talks from Agricultural Management Group member Wadell Altom on the work of the Agricultural Division, Division Director Rick Dixon on the Plant Biology Division's activities and Division Director Joe Bouton on the Forage Improvement Division's work. Following that, guests can view poster presentations of the divisions' work, photos of the campus, etc. Scientists and specialists will be on hand to answer any questions.

Wrapping up the season on April 21, 2005, is renowned cowboy poet, former large animal veterinarian and "sorry team roper" Baxter Black. His humorous program will focus on the day-to-day ups and downs of everyday people who live with livestock and work the land. The program is set for 7 p.m. at the Goddard Center.

"From college sports to cowboy humor, this year's speakers are guaranteed to educate, entertain and enlighten all who attend," Heltzel said.

For more information about Profiles and Perspectives, call the Noble Foundation at (580) 223-5810.

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Photos:
Sherri Coale	Mike Holder	Burns Hargis	Mike Turpen	Dr. Rufus Fears	Baxter Black

Photos/Submitted by the presenters

To learn more, visit the Noble Foundation Web site at http://www.noble.org.

More news releases available at www.noble.org/Press_Release