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THE GAYLORD PRIZE

Jim Lehrer spoke during an interview before his acceptance of the Gaylord Prize for Excellence in Journalism and Mass Communication. The Prize was awarded by the University of Oklahoma at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City, Monday, Nov. 17, 2008. (By Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman)

450 people including  University of Oklahoma students, journalism faculty members and local media professionals and guests were at the Inaugural Gaylord Prize Luncheon honoring Jim Lehrer, Executive Editor and Anchor of the “NewsHour with Jim Lehrer.”

Lehrer is also a novelist and playwright, setting one of his books with locations at the Oklahoma State Capitol and the Skirvin Hotel.

He has been moderator for the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates for the past six elections.

Both a morning reception and the luncheon  were at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel. In Lehrer’s remarks he noted that “journalism is still about the story.”

“In the beginning, there is always a news story,” he added. He discussed the fact that it takes the news reporter to bring news to the attention of the blogger, the talk show host, the video people and the comedians.

“The spirit of journalism lives deep in you people,” he told the crowd. “I am proud to be a Gaylord Prize winner.”

Luncheon hosts were  University of Oklahoma President David L. Boren, OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication Dean Joe Foote and the GCJMC Board of Visitors.  Board of Visitors chairman Pattye Moore welcomed the guests.

The $25,000. prize was established by the University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication.  Funding was from the Edward L. Gaylord family.

The Gaylord Prize is a new tradition which will be awarded annually to a nationally recognized journalism and mass communication professional.

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At  the event were Christy and Jim Everest, Louise and Clay Bennett, Tricia Everest, Mary FitzSimons, Christy Bennett and  Mollie Bennett.

Others  attending were Molly Shi Boren, Carole and Ed Kelley, David Thompson, Joanne Orr, Lil and Bill Ross,Howard Price, Steve Trolinger,  Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, Paul Massad, David Dary, Marti and Joe Ferretti, Jose Freede, Bob Ross, Renzi Stone, Clark and Kay Musser and Rob Boswell, Leslie Cermak, Catherine Bishop, Joe Hight, Sue Hale,  Lillie-Beth Brinkman, Carol Troy, Jason Balis, Coutney Corelle, Alyssa Combs, Adam Croom and Joanne Orr.

Molly Shi Boren and Dean Joe Foote were at the luncheon honoring Jim Lehrer. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace)

Pattye Moore, OU President David L. Boren and Jody Foote have lunch before the presentation of the Gaylord Prize . (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).

Bob Ross, Jose Freede and David Thompson attend a reception for the presentation to Jim Lehrer of the Gaylord Prize for Excellence in Journalism and Mass Communication by the University of Oklahoma. ( By Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman).

Christy Bennett, Mollie Bennett and Mary FitzSimons were at the luncheon given by OU President David L. Boren, Dean Joe S. Foote and the Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication Board of Visitors. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).

Joe Hight, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and Tripp Hall were among the 450 people at the inaugural Gaylord Prize luncheon. ( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).

Joanne Orr, Lil and Bill Ross, attend a reception before the presentation to Jim Lehrer of the Gaylord Prize at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel. (By Paul B. Southerland, The Oklahoman).

Louise and Clay Bennett were among the people at the OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication luncheon at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel.( Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).

Jim and Christy Everest were at the luncheon where Jim Lehrer was named the first recipient of the Gaylord Prize. The $25,000. prize was established by OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication and funded by an endowment from the Edward L. Gaylord family. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).