Noted Oklahoma son Mike Turpen, one of the most recognizable characters in the state’s political circles, will share some of his many stories of wit and wisdom during an April 28 event at Rogers State University in Claremore.
A nationally sought-after speaker, Turpen will be appearing at 10 a.m., Thursday, April 28, at the RSU Centennial Center as part of the PEO Book Review Series in special conjunction with RSU’s Carl G. and Gladys L. Herrington Distinguished Lecture Series.
Admission is $10 and includes a complimentary copy of his book, “Turpen Time: The Wit and Wisdom of Mike Turpen.” Brunch will be included. Tickets are available at the door or in advance from any PEO member or the RSU Foundation office. All proceeds will go to scholarship for women, provided by Claremore P.E.O. Chapter BM.
Turpen is the co-host of the long running, Emmy award-winning television show, “Flashpoint,” on KFOR in Oklahoma City. He presently practices law in Oklahoma City with the firm, Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis, and he serves a board member for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. The Tulsa native previously served as Muskogee County District Attorney from 1977 to 1982 and was elected Attorney General for the state of Oklahoma in 1982.
While no longer serving in public office, Turpen has remained politically active, especially through his television show and regular online and newspaper columns. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2010, in addition to the many other awards and recognitions he has received during a lifetime of public and private service.
During his visit to campus, Turpen will be meeting with students as part of RSU’s Herrington Distinguished Lecture Series. The late Carl G. and Gladys L. Herrington established the Herrington Distinguished Lectureship Endowment in 1989 through the RSU Foundation as a way to provide exceptional educational opportunities for students. Mr. Herrington, a retired Exxon executive, served on the RSU Foundation Board of Directors and was a long- time supporter of the university. In 1990, RSU awarded him with the Jefferson Fellow Award. Herrington Hall, which houses the institution’s School of Business and Technology, was named in honor of the Herrington family in 1995.
For more information about Turpen’s April 28 appearance or to purchase advance tickets, contact the RSU Foundation at 918-343-7773.