Head table at the Evening of Excellence. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).

Dr. M Dewayne Andrews presided at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Research Fund Dinner sponsored by OU College of Medicine Alumni Association.

The event was at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum and the three award winners for the evening were Peggy and Charles Stephenson, Dean’s Award for Distinguished Community Service;  Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper, Dean’s Award for Distinguished Medical Service, and Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust, Dean’s Award to a Distinguished Oklahoma Institution.

OU President David L. Boren gave appreciation remarks to the honorees.

On the menu was probably the best salad I have ever had. It was mixed greens, roasted corn, marinated tomato, couscous, pepitas, asiago and cranberry, served with a buttermilk pesto dressing. Also there was beef tournedos and apple almond stuffed chicken.

Bouquets of roses, calla lilies and hydrangeas decorated the tables and background music was provided by the University of Oklahoma students.

Dinner committee members were Kristen Brown, chairman, Amy Bankhead, Christina Nihira, Janie Axton, Marilyn Balyeat, Kathy Bronze, Cindy Crittenden, Janell Flanery, Betsy Gaske, Dina Hammam, Joan Gilmore, Kirk Hammons, Whitney Hooten, Barbara Jett, Andrea Jones, Jenny Kallenberger, Barbara Kerrick, Kelly Krahl, Kristen Long, Sandy Meyers, Kay Oliver, Lisa Pierce, Vanessa Pierce, Suzanne Reynolds, Linda Rodgers, Alix Samara, Leslie Samara, Jeary Seikel, Gayle Semtner, Donna Seres, Martha Williams, Leigh Woody and Sarah Yoakam.

Steering committee members included Brown, Dr. Donald H. Garrett, Clay Bennett, Dr. Terrence L.Stull and Dr. Andews.

Kristen and Matt Brown at the Dinner. She was Chairman.

Ann-Shannon and Dave Hail enjoy the dinner.

Glen and Melinda Johnson were at the event.

Martha Ferretti and Joseph Ferretti and Jari Askins enjoy time together.

Matthew Smith and Maria Jose Bolivar attended the dinner.

Joseph Ferretti, Ph.D., and Christina Nihira enjoy the cocktail party prior to the dinner. (Photos by Helen Ford Wallace).

The “Evening of Excellence” benefit dinner for The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Research Fund was a huge success because the honorees were so special. They were Martha Ferretti and Joseph Ferretti and Terrence L. Stull.  Joseph Ferretti, Ph. D., had been the OU Health Sciences Center Provost  for 16 years. His wife, Martha Ferretti, T.P., M.P.H., is the chairman of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Allied Health.

Dr. Stull is Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics. All hold endowed chairs at the Health Sciences Center and all are held in high esteem by their colleagues and friends.

Dinner chairman was Christina Nihira and on her committee were Dr. Don Garrett, Teresa Rose, Dr. Sherri Baker and Dr. M. Dewayne Andrews. Kristen Brown was vice chairman.

Gorgeous roses and hydrangeas decorated the tables and the stage. Introducing the honorees were Gene Rainbolt and Christy Everest.

Among the past honorees at the dinner were Jim Tolbert, Christy and Jim Everest, Gene Rainbolt, Jane Harlow, Jose Freede, Carl Edwards, Polly and Larry Nichols, Bob Ellis and Gary Strebel.

Also at the event were Judy and Don Garrett, Julie and Bob Weedn, Jeary and Mike Seikel, Meg Salyer, Lea Ann and David Quirk,  Ann-Shannon and Dave Hail, Rhonda Flores-Stone,  Kate Stanton, Barry Feuerborn, Nanette and Nick Hathaway, Stacey Maxon,  Nancy and Bob Ellis, Sherry and Gary Strebel, Martha Williams, Joan Gilmore and Vicki and Leland Gourley.

At the event were:  David Quirk, LeaAnn Quirk, Ann-Shannon Hail, Dave Hail, Rhonda Flores-Stone, front; and Kate Stanton, Barry Feuerborn, Nanette Hathaway, Nick Hathaway, back.

Joan Gilmore, Rex Urice, Vicki and Leland Gourley, back, and Jose Freede, seated, enjoy the party.

Gene Rainbolt introduces the honorees.

Joseph and Martha Ferretti, Joan Gilmore and Terrence Stull pose for pictures.

Meg Salyer talks with Leland and Vicki Gourley. Leland was celebrating his birthday.