Evening of Excellence

The Evening of Excellence is a signature annual event of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, celebrating the people, achievements, and impact that define our institution.

For more than 40 years, Evening of Excellence has brought together alumni, faculty, and friends of the College to honor outstanding leaders in medicine and the community while supporting the College’s mission and future. Today, the event continues that tradition by serving as a meaningful celebration of the College of Medicine’s legacy, excellence, and enduring contributions to health care and medical education.

A central feature of Evening of Excellence is the presentation of the College of Medicine Hall of Fame Awards. These prestigious honors recognize distinguished individuals whose careers reflect extraordinary accomplishments in academic medicine, clinical practice, medical research, and service to patients, students, and communities. Hall of Fame inductees exemplify the highest standards of professional excellence and leadership, bringing honor to the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine through their character and achievements.

Evening of Excellence 2026

Thursday, September 17, 2026
5:30pm Reception
6:30pm Dinner and Awards
Cocktail Attire
Omni Hotel – 100 Oklahoma City Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73109

$125 per person

Tickets and Sponsorships will be available on June 1.

For more information about the event, please contact medicine@oufoundation.org or 405-271-2353.

2025 Honorees:

George B. Selby, M.D.
Charles B. Pasque, M.D.
Mary Zoe Baker, M.D.
Leslie Simcox Hudson, Ph.D.

Evening of Excellence Honorees 1985 to Present

Dean’s Award for Distinguished Medical Service

1985 - Don O'Donaghue, M.D.

1986 - George Garrison, M.D.

1987 - Gerald Rogers, M.D.

1988 - George S. Bozalis, M.D.

1989 - Tullos O. Coston, M.D.

1990 - G. Rainey Williams, M.D.

1991 - Robert G. Tompkins, M.D.

1992 - Stewart G. Wolf, Jr., M.D.

1993 - Mark A. Everett, M.D.

1994 - Thomas E. Acers, M.D.

1995 - John R. Alexander, M.D.

1996 - Don F. Rhinehart, M.D.

1997 - Ronald C. Elkins, M.D.

1998 - John R. Bozalis, M.D.

1999 - James L. Dennis, M.D.

2000 - Edward N. Brandt, Jr, M.D.

2001 - Ed L. Calhoon, M.D.

2002 - Robert Smith Ellis, M.D.

2003 - James D. Funnell, M.D.

2004 - R. Timothy Coussons, M.D.

2005 - Ted Clemens, Jr., M.D.

2006 - Gary F. Strebel, M.D.

2007 - David W. Parke, II, M.D.

2008 - Gordon H. Deckert, M.D.

2009 - Jesus E. Medina, M.D.

2010 - Russell G. Postier, M.D.

2011 - Warren M. Crosby, M.D.

2012 - Terrence L. Stull, M.D.

2013 - Kenneth H. Cooper, M.D.

2014 - Robert McCaffree, M.D. and
Mary Anne McCaffree, M.D.

2015 - Jay P. Cannon, M.D.

2016 - Jerry Vannatta, M.D

2017 - J. Andy Sullivan, M.D

2018 - M. Dewayne Andrews, M.D

2019 - Roxie Albrecht, M.D

2020 - Robert "Gene" Anderson, M.D., Ph.D.

2022 - Gregory L. Skuta, M.D.

2023 - Judith James, M.D., Ph.D.

2024 - Harold Burkhart, M.D.

Dean’s Award for Distinguished Community Service

1985 - Dean A. McGee

1986 - Stanton L. Young

1987 - John E. Kirkpatrick

1988 - Mrs. Fred Jones

1989 - Richard D. Harrison

1990 - Edward. L. Gaylord

1991 - Edward C. Joullian, III

1992 - John S. Gammill

1993 - Paul Travis

1994 - Sarah Hogan

1995 - Governor George Nigh

1996 - James G. Harlow, Jr.

1997 - James R. Tolbert, III

1998 - Jim and Christy Everest

1999 - Governor Henry Bellmon

2000 - Mrs. Clifford L. Frates

2001 - Jean G. Gumerson

2002 - Ann Simmons Alspaugh

2003 - H. E. “Gene” Rainbolt

2004 - Libby and G.T. Blankenship

2005 - Jane B. Harlow

2006 - Josephine W. Freede

2007 - Molly and David Boren

2008 - Carl Edwards

2009 - Polly and Larry Nichols

2010 - Michael S. Samis

2011 - Henry Zarrow

2012 - Martha Ferretti, PT,MPH and Joseph J. Ferretti, Ph.D.

2013 - Peggy and Charles Stephenson

2014 - Harold Hamm

2015 - Clayton I. Bennett

2016 - Lee Allan Smith

2017 - Jeanne Hoffman Smith

2018 - David Rainbolt

2019 - Toby and Tricia Keith

2020 - David R. Harlow

2022 - G. Rainey Williams, Jr.

2023 - Michael Cawley

2024 - Mayor David Holt and Rachel Holt

Dean’s Recognition of a Distinguished Oklahoma Institution

1990 - Oklahoma Medical Research Fdtn.

1991 - Presbyterian Health Foundation

1992 - Children's Medical Research

1994 - Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology

1995 - Oklahoma City Community Fdtn.

1999 - Oklahoma Blood Institute

2000 - Donald W. Reynolds Foundation

2001 - Dean McGee Eye Institute

2002 - Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation

2003 - The Merrick Foundation

2005 - University Hospital Authority and Trust

2006 - The Harris Foundation

2008 - The Samuel Roberts Noble Fdtn.

2010 - Greater Oklahoma City Chamber

2011 - Inasmuch Foundation

2013 - Tobacco Settlement End Trust

2015 - The Chickasaw Nation

2016 - Oklahoma Inst. for Child Advocacy

2023 - The Wisdom Family Foundation

Lifetime Leadership Award

2009 - Stanton L. Young

2024 - Presbyterian Health Foundation

Previous recipients of the Evening of Excellence Dean’s Distinguished Service Awards will be honored as inaugural members of the new College of Medicine Hall of Fame. These individuals have demonstrated the excellence and impact this new honor celebrates.