Askins Was Fifth Lecturer In Rothbaum Series
(Press Release 10-18-06)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

“Everyone is concerned about jobs and growth opportunity,” Oklahoma Democratic lieutenant governor candidate Jari Askins told a standing room only crowd in Mitchell Auditorium Monday (Oct. 16) on the Eastern Oklahoma State College Wilburton campus.

District 50 State Rep. Askins addressed the Eastern student body as the fifth lecturer in the Julian J. Rothbaum Lectureship Series.

Askins said to address Oklahoma jobs, we have to focus on education. “Often times, that means a college degree.

“Follow your heart and dare to take risks . . . including running for public office – local, state or national,” she told the college students.

Askins spent nearly an hour sharing the historical overview of Oklahoma politics from pre-statehood through current political campaigns.

Since 2002 distinguished Oklahomans have visited the Eastern campus as part of the Rothbaum Lectureship Series. Previous speakers have included McAlester natives Gov. George Nigh and the Oklahoma Observer’s editor, Frosty Troy. Economists Robert Dauffenbach, Dr. Larkin Warner and others have been Rothbaum lecturers.

Rothbaum, a Hartshorne native, donated $25,000 to the Eastern Oklahoma State College Development Foundation that was matched by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to become a $50,000 endowed fund within the foundation, making the lectureship an annual event.

The series is designed to enhance the ability of Eastern to bring recognized authorities to campus to address issues of public affairs at the national, state or local level.

A longtime attorney, oilman, banker and philanthropist, Rothbaum was a former member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. He was a strong advocate for higher education and remained a part of the political process and public affairs throughout his lifetime.

Askins, a Duncan native, has been described by her supporters as a true Oklahoman - honest, family-oriented and hard-working - and she has demonstrated her ethics throughout her career in all three branches of our state’s government.

Askins is the first woman to serve as Democratic Leader of the Oklahoma House of Representatives. She spent eight years as a district court judge and has been chairman of the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board as well as a legal counsel in the governor’s office.

Throughout her career, Askins has been awarded with ‘Outstanding Legislator’ awards from the State Chamber, Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Oklahoma Chapter of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Heart Association, Oklahoma Public Employees Association, the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, the Oklahoma Association of County Commissioners and the Oklahoma County Clerks Association.

Askins, who earned journalism and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma, has also been honored as Woman of the Year by the Duncan Chamber of Commerce and received the Distinguished Service Award from the Duncan Jaycees.