Oklahoma City, Nov. 2, 2007 – At a reception Nov. 1 at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation honored the ten state leaders who have chaired the foundation's board of directors since it was founded in 1946.

The honorees were:

• Ancel Earp, Oklahoma City (OMRF board chair from 1946-47)

• J.G. Puterbaugh, McAlester (1947-50)

• Ted Warkentin, Lawton (1950-55)

• John Rogers, Tulsa (1950-63, 1970-76)

• B.D. Eddie, Oklahoma City (1963-70)

• Ben C. Wileman, Oklahoma City (1976-1982)

• Dean A. McGee, Oklahoma City (1982-83)

• Edward L. Gaylord, Oklahoma City (1983-97)

• David R. Brown, Oklahoma City (1997-2001)

• Len Cason, Oklahoma City (2001-present)

All but Brown and Cason are deceased, and the posthumous honorees were represented at the event by family and friends. “Each of these Oklahomans has left an indelible mark on OMRF,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D.  “These are people who not only helped shape our state, but they gave generously of their time and talents to build OMRF into the internationally respected research institute it is today.”

Chartered in 1946, OMRF opened its doors in 1950. Today, the independent, nonprofit biomedical research institute employs more than 500 scientists, technicians and support staff and receives more than $30 million in competitive research grants. Its scientists focus on research areas such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, lupus and cardiovascular disease.

Reception guests include Dr. Stephen Prescott, Louise Bennett, daughter of the late OMRF board chairman Edward L. Gaylord, and Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Steven Taylor.

Elizabeth Milam, long-time assistant to former OMRF board chairman Dean A. McGee, with Penny Voss at the reception.