Green and Gold Gala to Feature Dr. Benjamin Carson

January 8, 2014

Renowned author and neurosurgeon, Dr. Benjamin Carson, will be the featured speaker during the OBU Green and Gold Gala at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

"The Green and Gold Gala is an incredible opportunity for benefactors to provide an affordable Christian liberal arts education for tomorrow's college students while receiving a message from a nationally-known leader," said Dr. David W. Whitlock, OBU President. "The evening promises to be one of inspiration and encouragement as we hear from Dr. Carson."

Carson is an emeritus director of neurosurgery, oncology, plastic surgery and pediatrics at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, where he directed pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center for 39 years. In 2001, he was named by CNN and TIME magazine as one of the nation's 20 foremost physicians and scientists. In 2008, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the land. Also in 2008, Carson was recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Harvard's Center for Public Leadership, as one of "America's Best Leaders."

The 2009 award-winning movie "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story," starring Cuba Gooding Jr. as Carson, premiered on TNT and is based on his memoir. He is a highly regarded motivational speaker, and has spoken twice at the President's National Prayer Breakfast. He captivates audiences with a compelling presentation that's humorous, insightful and thought provoking. He has written several books, including his most recent, "America The Beautiful: Rediscovering What Made This Nation Great," which was released in 2012 and made the New York Times Bestseller List.

The impetus for OBU's Green and Gold Gala is the desire to bridge the financial gap for future generations of OBU students.

"Last year, 94 percent of all our students received some form of financial aid," said Will Smallwood, vice president for advancement at OBU. "Many students would not be able to attend OBU without the scholarships that have been provided by our generous donors. To continue to enable these students the opportunity to receive a Christian liberal arts education from a nationally-ranked university such as OBU, we work diligently to increase the scholarship funds we provide. The Green and Gold Gala is one opportunity for contributors to help meet students' needs."

Sponsorships and corporate tables are available as well as individual tickets. Cost for the Gala is $125 per ticket, which includes dinner. Of that price, $80 will go toward OBU scholarships as a tax-deductible gift to OBU.

Tables may be purchased by calling OBU University Advancement at (405) 878-2703 or emailing Crystal McKee at crystal.mckee@okbu.edu.