Few things can bring together Democrats and Republicans or Cowboys and Sooners in this state.

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation is one of them.

Founded in 1946, the non-profit organization has become a shining beacon for the state in the world of medical research.

A Kingfisher man has played a part in it for three decades.

Paul Schulte was honored for that service recently during the OMRF’s spring meeting.

The longtime Kingfisher attorney was recognized for 30 years of service on the OMRF Board of Directors.

“Paul Schulte’s dedication to OMRF over the past three decades is immeasurable,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “He’s served on almost all of our board committees, including leading our Governance Committee, and he’s been instrumental in securing incredible talent for our fall benefit concert, namely Charlie Daniels and Oklahoma’s own Vince Gill. We’re honored by the consistent and selfless loyalty Paul has shown to OMRF since 1993.”

As Weyrich noted, Schulte has served on nearly every board committee.

On top of chairing the Governance Committee in the past, he’s currently the vice chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee.

Schulte credits his initial involvement with OMRF to the likes of Ralph Enix and Merrill Burruss, Jr. who were also long time OMRF board members.

“I remember back in the late 1980’s when Ralph and Merrill would take me to OMRF functions and later I was invited to serve as a member of the board of directors,” Schulte said. “During these last 30 years, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the institution as it is considered one of the most respected medical research institutions in the country.”

Schulte noted OMRF discoveries sometimes lead to commercialization of new drugs and treatments to help conquer disease and illness.

“One of many examples would be people suffering from lupus or other autoimmune diseases can receive some of the best care in the world right here in Oklahoma,” Schulte said. “In some cases, OMRF is conducting clinical trials for some of the new treatment options available.”

That work, he said, benefits all of Oklahoma, not just patients.

“OMRF has a multiplier effect on our economy as the research attracts top scientifi c talent to our state,” he said.

OMRF now employs more than 500 people. During its history, it has received more than 1,800 patents and is involved in numerous clinical trails for the development of new treatments.

OMRF scientists also advance the understanding and treatment of human disease by publishing the results of their research in internationally respected publications like The New England Journal of Medicine, Nature, Science and Cell. Its researchers have published papers on topics that range from brain cancer to heart disease and diabetes to lupus.

Part of that success, said Schulte, is support from both sides of the aisle...or stadium.

“One thing I noticed is that all of the leadership of our state is involved with OMRF,” Schulte said. “It doesn’t matter what political party or school affiliation you have, everyone gets behind this organization.

“OMRF is successful and projects a positive image for our state.”

Born and raised in Okarche, Schulte earned a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and his law degree from the University of Oklahoma.

He’s been practicing law in Kingfisher County for 41 years, including serving the last 16 years as general counsel for Pioneer Telephone Cooperative.

He has served several terms on the OSU Foundation Board of Governors and in 2000 was the national president of the OSU Alumni Association.

Locally, Schulte said it’s been “my privilege” to serve on the boards of Kingfisher Regional Hospital, Kingfisher Public Schools and Kingfi sher County Development Foundation.

During all that, he’s kept his ties to the OMRF.

“I believe in OMRF. It represents the very best of our state and it is critical that we continue to conduct groundbreaking medical research to make a difference in the lives of Oklahomans and all citizens,” Schulte said.

“It has been a blessing for me to be involved as I have learned a great deal and have developed many relationships on the OMRF staff and other board members from all over Oklahoma.”