Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105

For Immediate Release: April 19, 2004

Senator Charles Ford announced the unveiling of a portrait of Ambassador Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, the latest in a series of paintings commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. The portrait by nationally- renowned artist Mike Wimmer of Norman, was unveiled during a ceremony in the Senate Chamber this afternoon.

“Ambassador Kirkpatrick is an amazing woman who has accomplished many feats in her lifetime. She is truly an inspiration to many women and men alike,” said Senator Ford, President of the Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.

Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin also noted the many accomplishments of Ambassador Kirkpatrick and her service to Oklahoma as well as the United States to the International community.

Senator Ford explained that Jeane Kirkpatrick is one of America’s true experts on world politics and international affairs due to her extensive educational background as well as her experience in the international arena. The Duncan native graduated from Barnard College in 1948. Kirkpatrick then received her doctorate in political science from Columbia University in 1968 and became a professor of political science at Georgetown University the same year.

The notable Oklahoman served as a foreign policy advisor for Ronald Reagan during his presidential campaign and served on President Reagan’s cabinet from 1981-1985. Kirkpatrick was named as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations for a period of four years. She then went on to receive the appointment as Representative of the United States of America on the Human Rights Commission of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations in 2003 by President Bush.

“Jean Kirkpatrick has dedicated her life serving this country in an astonishing capacity. She has worked her way through the political arena as an advocate of America’s foreign policy,” Ford said. “I am honored to have the great opportunity to dedicate this beautiful painting of one of Oklahoma’s finest women.”

Kirkpatrick has also received many international medals as well as received the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. She currently serves as a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institutes and is Co-Founder and Director of Empower America.

The painting is a gift from Lt. Governor Mary Fallin and sponsors Henry and Jane Primeaux. Lt. Governor Fallin is the first woman to serve in the office and was elected in 1994. She has since run successful re-election campaigns in 1998 and 2002.

This and other art commissioned by the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. can be found on the Internet at: http://www.lsb.state.ok.us/senate/welcome.html.

For more information contact:
Senate Communications Office - (405) 521-5774