Winter 2006-07 Volume 50, No

Fall/Winter 2006-07 Volume 50, No. 1

pg. 14 DEPARTMENTS 8 Swingin’ Like a Star: President’s Message The Rise of OCU’s Freddy Sanchez Focus on Alumni Focus on Athletics 11 Life in the Windy City In Memory a Breeze for OCU Dance Alumni 23 From OCU to I Do: Nine Couples Whose Experiences at OCU Led to a Walk Down the Aisle

pg. 11 27 Y Tú, Ceasar? Alumnus Ceasar Espinoza Returns to His Roots

pg. 23

FOCUS • 2501 N. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73106-1493 FOCUS Fall/Winter 2006-07 President, Tom McDaniel Oklahoma City Focus is produced semiannually by the Communications and Marketing and Alumni Departments for alumni, parents, and Editor Christine Dillon University friends of Oklahoma City University. E-mail alumni news to [email protected] and any story ideas to [email protected] Vice President for Art Cotton Writers Leslie Berger Institutional Advancement Check out Oklahoma City University on the Internet at Rich Tortorelli www.okcu.edu. Senior Director Sandy Cotton Oklahoma City University pledges to recruit, select and promote Designers Issei Aoyama of Development diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all persons, including faculty and employees with respect to Allison Bastian hiring, continuation, promotion and tenure, applicants for Kevin Miller Senior Director of Vicki Patterson admission, enrolled students, and graduates, without discrimina- Communications tion or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, national and Marketing origin, sex, age, handicap or disability, sexual orientation, or Photographers M.J. Alexander veteran status. Issei Aoyama Director of Alumni and Jeanne Short The Vice President for Student Affairs, located in Room 205 of the Tina Brannon Planned Giving Services Clara E. Jones Administration Building, telephone 405-208-5831, Jerry Hymer coordinates the university’s compliance with titles VI and VII of the President, OCU Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of Hugh Scott Jacque Fiegel ’76 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Alumni Board Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

f O C C U U S S A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Five years ago, on an inaugura- Board has recently offered to extend what is ahead. Be aware that beyond tion day filled with tradition and our time here with a new five-year the clear and measurable goals are ceremony, I shared some of our contract and we have accepted. important, less tangible ones. institutional dreams for Oklahoma So in this issue, as Brenda and We want to continue to connect City University. I prepare to embark on the next with our constituents; we want That list in a broad sense phase of our journey at Oklahoma a nurturing, family atmosphere included enhancing the student City University, we pause to reflect where our students get excellent experience at OCU; strengthen- on our tenure here and to imagine instruction, individual attention, ing the university’s connection with you what the future can be. and spiritual opportunity that with our church and our com- We do so knowing that in the combines knowledge with char- munity; improving our diversity history of an institution it will acter. It is a formula that will and inclusiveness; expanding our experience the vagaries of life, just produce servant leaders for this infrastructure so that we could like individuals do. Growth, soci- generation and those that follow, grow existing programs and cre- etal change, economic downturn, and in our own unique way, light ate new ones; and ensuring our rebirth, celebration, and leader- the world with OCU Stars! financial stability by growing our ship changes are but a few. But We have a leadership team in endowment, increasing annual faith, vision and commitment to which I have great confidence. giving programs and initiating core values are the things that will From a personal standpoint my disciplined budget practices. ensure that an institution will sur- health is good, and Brenda and Now, five years later, we are vive in difficult times and flour- I look forward to continuing to well on our way to realizing ish in the good. Fundamental for serve you and the University for those goals and new ones as well. Oklahoma City University is our years to come. As Brenda and I reflect on our bedrock commitment to serve our time here we are thankful for the students and to instill in each of Sincerely, opportunity we have been given to them a sense of service to others. serve at OCU and for the unflag- The pages that follow will out- ging and essential support of our line for you some specific recent trustees, faculty and staff. The highlights and provide a glimpse of

f O C U S lOCU’s Celebration of the Century began in the remarkable, newly- constructed Meinders School of Business. The building was made possible with a gift from Herman and LaDonna Meinders, who underwrote its entire cost. It was here that we announced the begin- ning of our $100 million capital campaign, “Lighting the World One Star at a Time” lCampus infrastructure has been a strong focus for the Board of Trustees these past five years. We’ve increased usable space on campus by expanding a number of existing buildings. Among those to undergo renovation and/or expan- sion were the Norick Art Center, the Lacy Visitors and Admissions Center, several areas of the Administration Building including the Shdeed Presidential Suite and Gamble Foyer. Lights and refur- bished seating were added to our Jim Wade Baseball Field. lOklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management isn’t just training dancers and managers. A new program will teach students how to teach dance. The American Dance Master Teacher Training Program will be open to undergraduate and graduate students and will train students to teach ballet and American jazz and tap, as well as to own and operate a not-for-profit or com- mercial dance studio. Mary Price Boday, who spent the last six years as the artistic director of the Illinois Ballet and the Central Illinois Dance School, heads up the dance pedagogy program, which debuted in fall 2006.

f O C U S Wanda L. Bass Music Center

Miss America Sculptures lIn April 2006, the $38.5 million, 113,000- square-foot, state-of-the-art Bass School of Music opened with a community celebration. The dedication of this amazing struc- ture was the culmination of OCU’s Centennial Celebration. Thousands were on hand to tour the building and enjoy performances and an uplifting ceremony.

f O C U S l New outdoor features now con- lAccreditation is critical to the tribute to the liveliness and beau- continued success of a university. ty of our campus. After a lengthy process, the Higher The Kerr McGee Centennial Learning Commission (NCA) Plaza and Miss America recently notified OCU that the Sculptures now serve as a grand, Institutional Actions Council has welcoming entry point to cam- acknowledged our successful com- pus from Northwest 23rd and pletion of a Commission-mandated Blackwelder, and our outdoor focused visit. In January 2003, student basketball court adds an Oklahoma City University School Tom Love element of fun to campus life. of Law was granted membership into the Association of American lIn 2004, OCU launched its first Law Schools, an organization that Centennial Book Festival, spear- includes America’s most prestigious headed by Trustee Ann Lacy. The law schools. Festival, now in its third year, draws authors and aficionados of lIn 2005, Oklahoma City University the written word from across the took a big step toward creating a region to our campus. national model for arts integra- tion in higher education with a grant from the Priddy Trust. Ten lGuest speakers faculty members received Priddy

on Campus have Fellowship awards, one component Sandra Day O'Conner of a new nine-part “Arts Across included Colin the Curriculum” initiative. Priddy Powell, Sandra Fellows for the 2007-08 year have recently been named. Day O’Conner, Elie l Wiesel, Desmond In addition to new programs in graphic design and photography, Tutu, Karen Hughes, degrees in film are now being offered via OCU’s Moving Image Kurt Vonnegut, Arts Department. Fritz Kiersch, George Will, and who has directed projects such as Stephen’s King’s “Children of many others. the Corn,” “Into the Sun” starring Desmond Tutu Anthony Michael Hall and the 1990s television series “Swamp Thing,” is lThe Love’s Entrepreneurship Center heading up the new department. was established in 2004 by Tom and Judy Love. One of America’s lAthletics has seen its fair share most successful entrepreneurs, Tom of change and growth these past learned how to make his own busi- five years as well. We’ve added ness work, and with a founding gift of varsity rowing (men and women), $1 million, he established the Love’s and have hosted three Head of the Entrepreneurship Center at Oklahoma Oklahoma Centennial Regattas, City University to help a new genera- each more successful than the last tion of entrepreneurs. and which drew rowers from the Kurt Vonnegutp f O C U S US National Team and Harvard, to name a few. This fall, women’s volleyball was added to OCU’s athletics program as was wrestling. Existing programs have enjoyed great success as well, including National Championships for both Men’s and Women’s Golf; Baseball; and Women’s Basketball.

lOne of our biggest achievements came in the form of the early completion of the $100 million campaign, “Lighting the World One Star at a Time.” In 18 short months, more than 20,000 gifts from individuals, foundations, companies and organizations from across Oklahoma, the nation and the world made this dream a reality. A grand celebration took place at the Meinders School of Business in January 2006.

lAs the United States watched in shock as Hurricane Katrina destroyed New Orleans and much of the surrounding area, OCU’s Board of Trustees took immedi- ate action and made OCU the first in the nation to offer free tuition to any student whose school was destroyed. Some 64 students spent at least a semester with us.

f O C U S American Spirit Dance Company lOther gracious gifts have included a lAs we look at what we’ve accom- I school. We are examining the pos- land donation for use by the biolo- plished, we feel a tremendous sibility of adding a Ph.D. program gy department from Trustee Gerald sense of pride. But our work is in nursing. Gamble and his associate, James not done. Construction or reno- C. Buchanan III, and an endow- vation is underway on the Edith lWe are currently involved in a ment gift from the Henry J. Norick Kinney Gaylord Center for the campus master-planning process Family for business sholarships. Ann Lacy School of Dance and that has produced many exciting Arts Management, the Ann Lacy ideas for programs and improve- lThe Clara Luper Scholars Program Softball Field, a new student resi- ments that are now on the draw- and American Indian Scholars dence center, the Tom and Brenda ing board and that we hope to Program, both designed to give McDaniel University Center, and complete together over the next deserving minority students the the Dulaney-Browne Library. several years. We’re working on a opportunity to attend OCU were Lighting for the soccer field was design for a Blackwelder Mall and created over the last five years, and added in 2005. have closed Blackwelder Avenue both programs continue to flourish. between Northwest 25th and 26th lWe are in the exploratory phase of Streets. Plans are underway for new lIn January, to the delight of the bringing a seminary to OCU, and buildings, including a law library nation, OCU’s American Spirit have begun to evaluate whether we and learning center, a new science Dance Company led the Rose will undergo the application pro- building and labs and a performing Parade in Pasadena. cess to become an NCAA Division arts venue. l

f O C U S By Rich Tortorelli

SWINGIN’ Cutline Cutline Cutlinelike Cutlinea Cutline Cutline Cutline Cutline Cutline Cutline Cutline Cutline Cutline STAR: The Rise of Freddy Sanchez

Freddy Sanchez left his mark on Oklahoma City University. And Oklahoma City University left its mark on Freddy Sanchez.

CU honored Sanchez at its Crabaugh first recruited Sanchez ting coaches in Keith Lytle. The off- ODistinguished Alumni Awards when he was playing junior college season came, I made a choice, we got Dinner and Athletic Hall of Fame ball at Glendale Community together over the phone and I came Ceremony on Nov. 4 at the Oklahoma College in California but Sanchez up there,” Sanchez said. City Golf and Country Club with its instead took his career to Dallas In baseball, people say that hit- Shining Star Award, a special honor Baptist, an OCU rival. ting is contagious. reserved for alumni who bring posi- The teams squared off five times Sanchez came to OCU wonder- tive publicity to Oklahoma City that year. Sanchez impressed ing if hitting home runs would be University for achievements during Crabaugh with a game-ending play contagious, too. the preceding year. he made in one of those games. “I went in to do batting practice, Sanchez, who made his major- OCU's Matt Dehner hit the ball to and Oklahoma City is known for hit- league debut with the Boston Red Sox the second baseman, who mishandled ting the ball and hitting a lot of home in 2002, recognizes OCU coaches the ball and allowed it to scoot into runs and everything like that, and I Denney Crabaugh and Keith Lytle as left field. Sanchez ran the ball down wanted to be one of those guys to pull being instrumental in his rise from and tossed the ball over his shoulder and hit the ball hard and do all that,” utility man to batting champion. right to the bag, where the second Sanchez said. “I was pretty much a “If it wasn't for me being at OCU, I baseman caught it, put Dehner out, pull, pull, pull hitter. probably wouldn't be here today,” and closed out a Dallas Baptist win. “There came a point when Coach Sanchez said in the Kauffman “He made a play that showed his Lytle wouldn't let me pull the ball Stadium clubhouse in June. “Who instincts and savvy to go along with anymore. He said, 'If you're going to knows what would have happened if his talent,” Crabaugh said. “It made make it to the next level, it's going to I hadn't have gone to OCU and played you say, 'Wow.'” be going the other way and staying for two great coaches like that.” After the season, Dallas Baptist up the middle.' ” Now, those two coaches use the made a coaching change, and At first, Sanchez hit weak Pirates third baseman as an exam- Sanchez wanted to leave the school. grounders to the opposite field. But ple to current Stars. OCU made sense to Sanchez because later Sanchez dug in. “Freddy is the standard by which of his friendship with Chris Baker, a That year, Sanchez became an we judge everyone's work ethic to this pitcher for the Stars. NAIAall-American shortstop. He hit day,” Crabaugh said. “We're very “It's a great program with great .434 with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs proud of what he's done.” coaches. We've got one of the best hit- for the Stars in 2000.

f O C U S Oddly, his most memorable moment at OCU was a sad one for Sanchez. The Stars failed to win the Sooner Athletic Conference title that year, losing in the championship game of the tournament. Oklahoma Baptist hit a game- ending home run that finished the Stars' season short of the NAIA World Series. Sanchez cried. “I remember crying, I was bawl- ing, thinking this could be my last baseball game ever not knowing if I was going to get drafted or not. That was tough,” Sanchez said. He even had plans for a post-baseball career in broadcasting. “I figured if I couldn't play baseball, I might as well talk about it,” Sanchez said. “Try to be on SportsCenter or something like that.” Plans changed. The Boston Red Sox selected Sanchez in the 11th round with the 332nd pick of the 2000 major-league draft. Sanchez made his big-league debut on Sept. 10, 2002, becoming the first OCU player coached by p Crabaugh to make the majors. He

f O C U S was the first OCU player in the said. “Coach Lytle hit me ground ball “It took a load off,” Sanchez said of majors since John Barfield pitched for after ground ball after ground ball. We his first hit. “I wasn't thinking about the Texas Rangers from 1989-91. worked on that often. For shortstop, [the batting title] all year. And then With his first major-league hit, Sanchez second and third, I don't make it look you come down to the last couple of won credibility with Red Sox fans. too pretty the majority of the time. I games - whether you want to think With the bases loaded and two just try to knock the ball down, get in about it or not, there is still that pres- out, Sanchez nailed a pinch-hit line front of it and make a good throw. I sure and stress on you that you don't drive up the middle to score two keep that approach between short, want and don't need. But after that runs against Tampa Bay. Sanchez felt second and third and simplify it as first hit, I kind of relaxed a little bit.” he belonged after that. much as possible.” Learning how to use all fields like he “My welcome to the majors Joe Randa was supposed to be the did at OCU made him valuable. moment was probably my first hit,” Pirates third baseman, but Randa “He has a knack for keeping his bat Sanchez said. “I got a pinch hit suffered an injury, opening the door in the strike zone for a long time,” against the Devil Rays. It was a two- for Sanchez. Pittsburgh hitting coach Jeff Manto RBI single up the middle, line drive, “Shame on me for saying Freddy said. “He can hit one particular pitch in and it was like, 'Wow.' I got to keep Sanchez is a utility player for what this four or five different places. He hits the the ball. After that, it was like no one guy has done,” Pirates manager Jim ball all over the field, so you really can't can take this away from me. I got a Tracy told MLB.com. “He's a sure- defense him. And it's overall talent. The hit in the major leagues. It was fun.” handed fielder. ... He's a thinking man's guy can hit. He can just hit.” Despite the urging of fans to keep Sanchez, the Red Sox traded Sanchez “Most of what I learned about baseball came from to the Pirates on July 31, 2003. OCU… learning how to play the game. What to n 2005, Sanchez began to make his do in certain counts. The mental aspect of the game I mark in the big leagues, spending I learned at OCU.” --Freddy Sanchez his first full season in the majors with the Pirates. Still, he entered this season without a starting job, slated for spot player, who has ability and plays with- Sanchez formed his foundation duty at several positions - second in the framework of his abilities. He's a for success at OCU and picked up base, third and shortstop. very unselfish player. Freddy Sanchez skills to augment that foundation Sanchez's versatility defensively is a winning player. I can't really put along the way. Although he was a makes him valuable, but that into words how valuable this guy is.” Star for a year, Sanchez said it strength may have held him back Sanchez busted down that door, seems more like four with as much from winning an everyday job. contending for the batting title and as he learned. “He's made himself into an outstand- was among the league leaders in “Most of what I learned about base- ing fielder,” Crabaugh said. “Everyone hits, doubles and batting average ball came from OCU,” Sanchez said. wants to hit for two hours a day. His with runners in scoring position. “Learning how to play the game. commitment to fielding shows how On the final day of the season, Sept. What to do in certain counts. The much he wants to be a complete player. 30, Sanchez went 2-for-4 to fend off mental aspect of the game I learned at “There are not many players who Miguel Cabrera for the highest batting OCU. I consider that my alma mater. can play three positions at a major- average in the National League. Sanchez That's where I have all my pride in. I league caliber. Not many people had gone 0-for-4 the night before. keep up with those guys all the time notice that while he's hitting .360, his Sanchez secured the batting title keeping up with the games on the career fielding percentage is .970.” by nailing an 0-2 pitch into left field internet. I'm reading every time they Sanchez molded not only his bat, for a single in the first inning. Then go to the World Series. They helped but also his glove while he was a Star. Sanchez pounded a ball off the glove me out so much. I just can't say “I worked on defense just as much of the second baseman for his 200th enough about them.” as I did offense at OCU,” Sanchez hit of the season in the fourth. And OCU has its pride in Sanchez. l

10 f O C U S was the first OCU player in the said. “Coach Lytle hit me ground ball “It took a load off,” Sanchez said of FOCUS O N A l umni majors since John Barfield pitched for after ground ball after ground ball. We his first hit. “I wasn't thinking about the Texas Rangers from 1989-91. worked on that often. For shortstop, [the batting title] all year. And then With his first major-league hit, Sanchez second and third, I don't make it look you come down to the last couple of won credibility with Red Sox fans. too pretty the majority of the time. I games - whether you want to think With the bases loaded and two just try to knock the ball down, get in about it or not, there is still that pres- out, Sanchez nailed a pinch-hit line front of it and make a good throw. I sure and stress on you that you don't drive up the middle to score two keep that approach between short, want and don't need. But after that runs against Tampa Bay. Sanchez felt second and third and simplify it as first hit, I kind of relaxed a little bit.” he belonged after that. much as possible.” Learning how to use all fields like he “My welcome to the majors Joe Randa was supposed to be the did at OCU made him valuable. moment was probably my first hit,” Pirates third baseman, but Randa “He has a knack for keeping his bat Sanchez said. “I got a pinch hit suffered an injury, opening the door in the strike zone for a long time,” against the Devil Rays. It was a two- for Sanchez. Pittsburgh hitting coach Jeff Manto RBI single up the middle, line drive, “Shame on me for saying Freddy said. “He can hit one particular pitch in and it was like, 'Wow.' I got to keep Sanchez is a utility player for what this four or five different places. He hits the the ball. After that, it was like no one guy has done,” Pirates manager Jim ball all over the field, so you really can't can take this away from me. I got a Tracy told MLB.com. “He's a sure- defense him. And it's overall talent. The hit in the major leagues. It was fun.” handed fielder. ... He's a thinking man's guy can hit. He can just hit.” Despite the urging of fans to keep Sanchez, the Red Sox traded Sanchez “Most of what I learned about baseball came from to the Pirates on July 31, 2003. OCU… learning how to play the game. What to n 2005, Sanchez began to make his do in certain counts. The mental aspect of the game I mark in the big leagues, spending I learned at OCU.” --Freddy Sanchez his first full season in the majors with the Pirates. Still, he entered this season without a starting job, slated for spot player, who has ability and plays with- Sanchez formed his foundation Life in the Windy City duty at several positions - second in the framework of his abilities. He's a for success at OCU and picked up a Breeze for OCU Dance Alumni base, third and shortstop. very unselfish player. Freddy Sanchez skills to augment that foundation Sanchez's versatility defensively is a winning player. I can't really put along the way. Although he was a By Leslie Berger makes him valuable, but that into words how valuable this guy is.” Star for a year, Sanchez said it strength may have held him back Sanchez busted down that door, seems more like four with as much from winning an everyday job. contending for the batting title and as he learned. “He's made himself into an outstand- was among the league leaders in “Most of what I learned about base- hicago has been a city of member of the 21-person company where my heart lay, and that’s ing fielder,” Crabaugh said. “Everyone hits, doubles and batting average ball came from OCU,” Sanchez said. Cwarm welcome for OCU that performs internationally, as been a big advantage in helping wants to hit for two hours a day. His with runners in scoring position. “Learning how to play the game. dance alumni. Among those enjoy- well as in Chicago, incorporating me adapt to different styles. The commitment to fielding shows how On the final day of the season, Sept. What to do in certain counts. The ing big-city living, prospering ballet, American musical theater, vocal training you are required to much he wants to be a complete player. 30, Sanchez went 2-for-4 to fend off mental aspect of the game I learned at dance careers, and the camara- and other diverse styles into its have is something I know I can fall “There are not many players who Miguel Cabrera for the highest batting OCU. I consider that my alma mater. derie of fellow Oklahoma City repertory. Meek received a BPA in back on when I’m ready to stop can play three positions at a major- average in the National League. Sanchez That's where I have all my pride in. I University graduates in the Windy dance performance in 1996. working this hard physically. I feel league caliber. Not many people had gone 0-for-4 the night before. keep up with those guys all the time City are Jamy Meek ’96, Becky “It’s been a nice challenge to like I’m prepared to go with any- notice that while he's hitting .360, his Sanchez secured the batting title keeping up with the games on the Cooper-Rezek ’96, Carissa Johnson get to do lots of different types of thing in performance that interests career fielding percentage is .970.” by nailing an 0-2 pitch into left field internet. I'm reading every time they ’99, Jennifer Pfaff ’01, Stacy Milam movement,” he said. “The over- me because of the well-rounded Sanchez molded not only his bat, for a single in the first inning. Then go to the World Series. They helped ’01, and Sarah Dahnke ’03. all training I received at OCU training I received.” but also his glove while he was a Star. Sanchez pounded a ball off the glove me out so much. I just can't say Meek marks his 10th anniversa- was invaluable when I first came Meek said he has enjoyed work- “I worked on defense just as much of the second baseman for his 200th enough about them.” ry with the Hubbard Street Dance to Hubbard Street. I wasn’t just ing with other OCU alumni at as I did offense at OCU,” Sanchez hit of the season in the fourth. And OCU has its pride in Sanchez. l Company this year. He is a senior trained in modern-style ballet Hubbard Street in the past, and p f O C U S 11 for the school with the director’s hopes and dreams. “The tap program was small and there was a major focus on ballet, but the director wanted it to expand. I went to work on the tap program and we got it growing,” she said. Cooper-Rezek later joined the ensemble and became a main choreographer, all the while working in the creative beginner program. She also has danced professionally with several Chicago companies including Especially Tap Chicago, Jump Rhythm Jazz Project Jennifer Pfaff and Mark Yonally Sarah Dahnke and Carissa Johnson and Chicago Tap Theatre. She nearly every summer when vari- founded Suite 132, a dance com- agement, is an original company ous companies in Chicago perform pany for students at the School of member of the theater and serves benefit shows together. Performing Arts. as its business manager. She also Cooper-Rezek is working at “It’s a stepping-stone company teaches in the Chicago area at the School of for kids who are interested in going Lou Conte Dance Studio and the Performing into concert dance,” she explained. Beverly Arts Center. Arts in Throughout her dance career, She has assisted Chicago Tap Naperville, Cooper-Rezek said the broad train- Theatre in gaining its non-profit Ill. just outing she received at OCU has given status, with fundraising events, side Chicago. her a competitive edge. grants and budget matters. Cooper-Rezek “I really had a leg up because I “Being a dance management is part of the was approaching everything from major played a huge role in Becky Cooper-Rezek dance faculty a more professional standpoint me doing the business and is the creative beginner direc- than a lot of people my age,” work,” Pfaff said. “It’s tor at the school, which teaches she said. “The companies said a lot of fun to work dance, music, and music theater my well-rounded training really with OCU alumni not for young children to adults. She showed. I was able to tell them it just at the company, but earned a BPA in dance perfor- was because of OCU.” when you go to class mance in 1996. Johnson, Pfaff, Milam, and and other things, there’s a When Cooper-Rezek arrived Dahnke make up about one third whole bunch of us here.” at the school in 1996, she found a of the company dancers at Chicago Pfaff enjoys the blended budding program. She also found Tap Theatre. Pfaff, a 2001 OCU type of stylized tap dance at it easy to synchronize her vision graduate with a BS in dance man- the company. “It feels good to dance in that “It’s nice to be with OCU alumni and to have style,” she said. Artistic Director Mark Yonally, that familiar dance attitude around in the who taught briefly on the OCU real world.” -- Carissa Johnson dance faculty in 1999, opened the theater in 2002 with the uncon- ventional, but noteworthy goal of exploring tap as a medium for nar-

12 f O C U S “It’s such a demanding degree and program, when you meet someone who’s been through it you know they must be a strong dancer.” -- Sarah Dahnke

rative and conceptual dance. “I’m ecstatic to be back,” she been through it you know they Johnson said she enjoys her said, noting that she remained must be a strong dancer.” work with the theater and espe- a staunch supporter of Chicago Stacy Rogers, a 1998 graduate cially appreciates the opportunity Tap Theatre during the time she with a BS in to appear with one of only a few was gone. dance manage- companies that performs self-pro- Milam enjoys the exciting ment, served duced shows. performance as a dance “I like that Mark is doing more atmosphere instructor, experimental stuff,” she said. “It’s in the Windy choreographer, nice to be with OCU alumni and to City. and dance have that familiar dance attitude “Chicago is ensemble Stacey Rogers around in the real world.” such a perfor- manager at Johnson also has appreciated mance-based the School of Performing Arts in the opportunity to work with city,” she said. Naperville for the past eight years. Stacy Milam Chicago Tap Theatre’s sister “Audiences truly In the fall, she returned to OCU as company, Tapage, in Toulouse, understand good dancers and an assistant dance professor. France. The companies have what good technique is.” done collaborative shows in the Dahnke, a 2003 graduate with United States and France. a BPA in dance performance, has “OCU opened my Johnson said the OCU spent three years at Chicago Tap eyes to seeing a lot program gave her practical Theatre. She also is a freelance knowledge for working in the writer for Dance Spirit Magazine. of opportunities out Chicago area and market- Dahnke said she has enjoyed there . . ." ing herself as a dancer. She being involved with several self- graduated in 1999 produced shows. -- Stacey Rogers. with a BS in dance “It’s an interesting process,” she management and said. “You see everything built joined the theater from the ground up. When you’re “I credit so much, especially in 2003. part of a small company, you can my administrative knowledge Milam really dig into that and see how and technical knowledge, to rejoined Chicago everything works.” having a management degree,” Tap Theatre this Dahnke has had the opportunity Rogers said. “OCU opened my season after to work with several OCU alumni eyes to seeing a lot of opportuni- a one-year in Chicago. ties out there, honed my techni- break from “You have that familiar sense cal skills, and helped me learn the com- when you run into someone from how to teach kids. I wouldn’t pany. OCU whether you’ve met them be the teacher I am without the before or not,” she said. “It’s such training I had at OCU.” l a demanding degree and program, Jamy Meek when you meet someone who’s

f O C U S 13 F O C U S O N A l U M N I

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients Named

klahoma City University recognized eight Oalumni at its Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner and Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony as a part of the university’s homecoming weekend. Alumni from each school were honored including Martha Ann Burger ’92, business; Bob Gene Burke ’79, law; Jenny L. Kallenberger, ’97, nursing; the Rev. T. Scott Keneda, ’88, religion; Ronald Windle Turley, ’62, arts and sciences; John B. Willliford, ’89, dance; and Gerald L. Steichen, ’86, music. Fred W. Dunbar, ’58, was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Kenneth Yu, ’02, was named distinguished international alumnus, but was unable to attend the ceremony. Former OCU baseball player Freddy Sanchez, who currently plays in the major league with the Pittsburgh Pirates, received the Shining Star Award Meinders School of Business Dean Vince Orza and at the banquet. The award is reserved for alumni Distinguished Alumna Martha Burger who shed positive light on Oklahoma City University with their achievements during the preceding year. Sanchez won a National League batting title. He is the Pirates’ first batting champion since 1983. (See related article on page 8) Burger, treasurer and senior vice president of human resources at Chesapeake Energy Corporation, obtained an MBA from Oklahoma City University. She also holds a B.S. in medical technology from Oklahoma State University and a B.S. in accounting from the University of Central Oklahoma. Burger began working at Chesapeake in 1994 and has watched the company grow from 85 employees to more than 4,100. During her tenure as treasurer, she has helped Chesapeake raise more than $20 billion and spend much of it in Oklahoma. Burke, a local attorney and author, received a Juris Doctor degree from the Oklahoma City University School of Law. He has a B.A. in journalism from the p Distinguished Alumna Jenny Kallenberger, OCU President Tom McDaniel, OCU Alumni Association President Jacque Fiegel and OCU Kramer School of Nursing Dean Marvel Williamson 14 f O C U S OCU LAW Professor Von Creel and Distinguished Alumnus Bob Burke Shining Star award recipient Freddy Sanchez

Distinguished Alumnus Ronald Windle Turley, Tom McDaniel, OCU Distinguished Alumnus T. Scott Keneda Alumni Association President Jacque Fiegel, and Petree College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Evans f O C U S 15 University of Oklahoma. Burke has written more historical non-fiction books than anyone else in history. He has Distinguished (Center) Distinguished authored 67 books on topics Alumnus John B. Alumnus Gerald Steichen such as baseball, aviation, art Williford, OCU and religion in Oklahoma. His President Tom books about Wiley Post, the McDaniel, OCU Alumni Association history of baseball and the President Jacque (Right) Distinguished governor’s mansion have won Fiegel, and Ann Lacy Alumnus Fred Dunbar the Oklahoma Book Award. He School of American also has won several book of Dance and Arts the year awards. Management Dean Kallenberger, a registered John Bedford nurse, has a Bachelor of Science in nursing from OCU. She works for Dr. David Kallenberger at Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists Inc. Kallenberger has served on various committees for OCU including the Kramer School of tary of the Annual Conference one of the “50 Tough Guys” in led the final public performance Nursing’s Silver Salute commit- Council of the Oklahoma Annual Dallas history. of that show. tee. She also serves with the Conference and a member of the Williford, who has a Bachelor of OCU President Dunbar, a longtime educator Tom McDaniel Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits Board of Pensions and Health Performing Arts from Oklahoma and basketball coach, earned a registers at Reynolds Foundation Dinner Benefits for the United Methodist City University, has built an acting the Dallas Bachelor of Science degree in Committee, Impact Oklahoma, Conference. He also served as vice career on television, film and stage alumni reception physical education from OCU Integris Young Philanthropists, president of the Asian District largely from his Los Angeles while playing both basketball and Allied Arts, Oklahoma AIDS Association and president of the home. His film and television baseball for the school. Dunbar Care Fund Red Tie Night and the Belle Isle Enterprise Middle School credits include “Days of Our was the leading hitter and pitcher Alzheimer’s Association, Ballet Board of Directors. Lives,” “The X-Files” and “The for three seasons. He went on to Oklahoma and the Integris Turley received a bachelor’s Masher.” He has toured with sev- play professional baseball in Class Foundation. degree from Oklahoma City eral Broadway productions includ- A and AA for one year before suf- Keneda, former senior minister University and a Juris Doctorate ing “Peter Pan” with Cathy Rigby; fering a career-ending torn rotator at Wesley United Methodist degree from Southern Methodist “Jesus Christ Superstar” and cuff. He served in the U.S. Marine Church while in Oklahoma, University’s School of Law. His “42nd Street.” He also has per- Corps for two years before taking received a Bachelor of Arts from career as a trial lawyer has been formed in numerous Los Angeles his first coaching job at Putnam OCU’s Wimberly School of marked by nationally significant regional stage productions. He has City High School. He later accept- Religion. He also received a cases during his 41 years in prac- danced on cruise ships, at ed the head basketball position at Master of Divinity from the tice. Turley pursued a long series Disneyland and in more than 50 El Reno State Junior College, now Candler School of Theology at of groundbreaking product liabil- musicals in touring productions University of Southern California Opera. On stage, he played the Redlands Community College. Emory University, where he now ity cases, which helped create a and theatres worldwide. and has also studied at Northern role of Manny, the Accompanist in He also taught history and psy- serves as Director of Development national forum to highlight dan- Steichen, a conductor with the Oklahoma College, the San Terrence McNally’s Tony Award- chology. Upon his retirement, and Alumni Relations. He is an gerous defects in products. His New York City Opera and the Francisco Opera Center and the winning Broadway production of Dunbar began a private therapy adjunct religion professor at OCU honors include being recognized New Haven Symphony, has a Music Academy of the West. “Master Class,” and spent two and counseling practice. and served on the dean’s advisory as a leading air crash lawyer by Bachelor of Music in piano per- Steichen recently conducted years conducting “Cats,” which at council at the Wimberly School of The National Law Journal and formance from OCU. He has a Rachel Portman’s “The Little the time was the longest-running p Religion. Keneda served as secre- being named by D Magazine as Master of Music from the Prince” for the New York City show in Broadway history and

16 f O C U S (Center) Distinguished Alumnus Gerald Steichen

(Right) Distinguished Alumnus Fred Dunbar

led the final public performance of that show. OCU President Dunbar, a longtime educator Tom McDaniel and basketball coach, earned a registers at the Dallas Bachelor of Science degree in alumni reception physical education from OCU while playing both basketball and baseball for the school. Dunbar was the leading hitter and pitcher for three seasons. He went on to play professional baseball in Class A and AA for one year before suf- fering a career-ending torn rotator cuff. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years before taking his first coaching job at Putnam City High School. He later accepted the head basketball position at El Reno State Junior College, now University of Southern California Opera. On stage, he played the Redlands Community College. and has also studied at Northern role of Manny, the Accompanist in He also taught history and psy- Oklahoma College, the San Terrence McNally’s Tony Award- chology. Upon his retirement, Francisco Opera Center and the winning Broadway production of Dunbar began a private therapy Music Academy of the West. “Master Class,” and spent two and counseling practice. Steichen recently conducted years conducting “Cats,” which at

Rachel Portman’s “The Little the time was the longest-running p Prince” for the New York City show in Broadway history and p

f O C U S 17 Party in Big D: Alumni Association on the Road

Approximately 100 OCU alumni, friends and administra- tors gathered at Hotel ZaZa in Dallas for a reception in August. Friends and classmates re-con- Jane and Charles (’64) nected, met anew and enjoyed Schneeberger wonderful offerings from the hotel’s renowned chef. Our most Meinders School of Business Dean Vince Orza and recent alumni, from the Class of Dennis Jeeter ’57 2006, mingled with members of the Class of 1952. Classes from the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s were also well-represented.l

Cynthia Schuermann ’68

President McDaniel visits with Marie Thedford ’52

Write a Letter to Alvin

Alvin Naifeh has been a fixture on campus at OCU for generations. His winning smile and ready wit have brightened many a stressed-out student's day. There is a café named for him and trees have been planted in honor of him. These days it's a little harder for Alvin to get around. Nowadays, Alvin spends more time in his room, surrounded by his beloved memorabilia. Alvin would love to hear from his OCU friends! Write to him care of Teresa Holman, OCU Church Relations, 2501 N. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK, 73106. l

8 f O C U S F O C U S O N A l U M N I Reunion Weekend 2006: Something for Everyone

lumni gathered on campus in early November to enjoy a full slate of A activities including the Distinguished Alumni Awards banquet, Race with the Stars, OCU’s 5k race and 1-mile fun run, a powwow, a tailgate party and a Stars women’s basketball game. Alumni Director Jeanne Short called the weekend a wonderful success. “Alumni of all ages participated in the many different events we hosted for them over the weekend. We could really see them re-connecting with their friends and their alma mater. It was a wonderful weekend,” Short said.l

f O C U S 19 20 f O C U S The Woman Who Became the Wall: Tracey Mosely

By Rich Tortorelli

t softball practice Tracey that desire with her from by one full scholarship. McSpadden AMosley would dare OCU Australia, becoming the first of needed players at the middle of the coach Phil McSpadden to get a many to come from her country to year, so he checked around Australia batted ball past her at third base. play at Oklahoma City University. where schools graduate their stu- Mosley called herself The Wall. Mosley has since represented her dents in the winter. Through contacts She bet McSpadden she would country in international competi- he and his assistant had, they found catch every ball. tions including the Olympics and Tracey Mosley. That grit, combined with her the World Cup of Softball, the lat- “I talked to Phil on the phone, myriad talents, gave her an edge ter of which brought her back to and I was ready to say yes right and made her one of the two best Oklahoma City. then and there,” Mosley said. “My softball players ever to play for “She was confident,” McSpadden parents wanted to wait until I OCU. Her competitiveness rubbed said of Mosley. “We’ve had players found out what was going on first. off on her teammates, who along who would have been better if they To get a degree and to play softball, with Mosley won the first of OCU’s were as competitive. Tell her she you don’t have those opportunities seven NAIA national titles in 1994. can’t do something, she would say, in Australia… it was fantastic!” That edge helped OCU to start a ‘I’ll show you.’ ” What McSpadden got in Mosley string of four championships. Back in fall of 1991, then-OCU was a five-tool player: Mosley Mosley, who helped McSpadden president Jerald Walker decided to could hit, hit for power, field, win two of those titles, brought up the scholarship money for softball throw and run. She was the onep to

f O C U S 21 Mosley trained for six fear in OCU’s lineup. “Everybody Mosley, a three-time all- knew who Mosley was,” American, led OCU to the 1994 nights a week in 2002 McSpadden said. “That’s the kind and 1995 NAIA titles after finishing to get herself ready of impact player she was. It was runner-up in 1993. unfathomable for her to be off. She “Playing with Tracy Mosley was to make the team. had all the skills. It’s hard for some- like playing on the same team as a The practice paid off one to have all five skills. I could tornado,” said Moose Tyler, a for- come up with 12 players that were mer teammate of Mosley’s. “She when she played for the best to play at OCU, but I don’t sucked everything up within a mile Australia in the 2004 know how many I could come up radius of third base and made it with that had all five skills.” look effortless. She’d always pull Athens Olympics. From 1992-95, Mosley hit more through in a clutch, and all in all home runs than any OCU softball was an incredible teammate on and The Aussies won silver. player had before or since. She off the field.” “That was awesome,” Mosley holds records for home runs in a Mosley and her team created said. “It’s the most unbelievable season (29) and career (65), batting an attitude within the program experience I’ve ever had as far average in a season (.517), slugging that carried OCU to the top of the as the competition and the tradi- percentage in a season and career NAIA. “The girls I played with at tion, especially playing in Athens, and career at-bats. OCU, we always knew we were where it all originated. You can’t good enough to win nationals,” explain the experience. It was that Mosley said. “We were always huge and exciting.” so close, but never got there until Mosley became the first of sev- the last two years. We taught each eral Australians to play at OCU. other how to take that next step The latest was Ursula Lundberg, and to not let anything by you. who was on the 2006 squad and It’s just not letting a single per- is from Adelaide, South Australia, son beat you or get you down.” like Mosley. Mosley since has joined the “I always drop names to Phil Royal Australia Air Force, work- of players who are interested in ing in radio communications. In coming over,” Mosley said. “As far February 2002, while out with as the culture that Phil portrays at friends in Melbourne, Australia, the university and playing softball, Mosley took the phone call she had I couldn’t think of any university waited at least four years for: She’d better. I loved playing for Phil. Phil made the national team. Mosley was like a father.” had been a shadow reserve on the Mosley now plays first base for 1996 Olympic team, but she would the Australians, who finished third play a larger role this time. in the first World Cup of Softball “I was hoping to make the in 2005. team,” Mosley told Air Force News This past summer, Australia at the time. “Each year we play finished fourth place in the World nationals in January and at the Cup, bringing Mosley back to end they always name the national Oklahoma City. McSpadden, the side. I won the batting award at man who hit so many ground balls this year’s, so I was really hoping. to her, ferried the Australians in My goal last year was to make the the Stars softball bus. l squad so I was extremely happy when I found out.”

22 f O C U S From OCU to I Do: Nine Couples’ Stories of Happily Ever After

This month, Focus is pleased to introduce you to nine couples whose OCU experiences culminated in a walk down the aisle! Last issue we asked readers to send us their love stories and send them they did. They came via e-mail, letter and hand-written note from couples who have celebrated golden anniversaries and from others who have yet to celebrate their fifth, but every story came from the heart. We’ve edited and assembled a few for you and it’s our hope that you’ll enjoy reading their stories as much as we’ve enjoying compiling them.

Leonard and to be a pastor and I was going to be been married 55 years and have Gloria (Lingenfelter) a social worker. We were engaged eight grandchildren. Williams ’52 in our junior year and married when we were seniors. We gradu- Edward B. (Skip) and Submitted by Gloria Williams ated together. Leonard was from Granite, OK and I was from Enid. Jan (Bryant) McRee ’53 We both felt called to mission Submitted by Edward McRee "Did we find love at work and we went to Southern OCU? Did we ever!" Methodist University to earn our The year was 1950 and I was a master’s degrees. Then we applied sophomore singing bass, sitting on to the mission board. Upon accep- the fourth row of the OCU choir for We met in the enrollment line our tance we went to Brazil where we a rehearsal under the direction of first day at OCU in 1948. Leonard worked for 12 years. OCU hon- Professor James Neilson. It was the was tall, blue-eyed and had blond, ored us with the Distinguished first rehearsal of the fall term. I looked wavy hair. We both attended Alumni Award in 1969. toward the grand piano, and noticed Wesley United Methodist Church We have four children, two born that we had a new accompanist. A and we played a mean game of in the United States and two in blond, petite lady was in complete ping-pong. Leonard was planning Brazil. We are 76 years old, have control of the seemingly huge concertp

f O C U S 23 celebrated our 53rd wedding anniversary. Indeed, Cupid’s deft little arrow found its way into our hearts!

Aubrey Lee ’56 and Meredith Ann ’57 (Brower) Cocklin Aubrey Lee and Meredith Ann Cocklin Submitted by Meredith Cocklin but also gave us the values and eth- ics necessary for a “Happily Ever Aubrey Lee Cocklin was a soph- After” marriage (most of the time!). omore at OCU in April, 1954. I was a freshman looking for a date to the Bill ’48 and Katie ’46 Delta Zeta Spring Dance. A couple (McMillan) Alexander of my sorority sisters introduced me to Aubrey in the old student Submitted by Bill Alexander union building and I decided he Edward B. and Jan McRee would be a perfect blind date. We It was a pleasant day in January. enjoyed the dance and he asked me The year was 1946. World War II grand with rapt concentration and I to a movie the next day. By the end was over and the servicemen were was captivated. She was the loveliest of the week, I was wearing his class coming home. Katie McMillan and person I had ever seen. ring on a chain around my neck. several of her girlfriends decided to Following that rehearsal, I waited We were pretty strapped finan- go outside and sit on the Great Wall for what seemed like an endless cially. Our first summer together, (now demolished) in front of the he worked three jobs, day and Administration Building. The idea "...Indeed, Cupid’s deft night. I worked full-time at the was to watch the returning soldiers ‘new’ Gold Star Library. Our dates who came to enroll at OCU. little arrow found its consisted of watching television at This was a welcome sight way into our hearts!" my house until I woke him up to because the draft had taken most of go home! the young men. Now that the war By October, I had Aubrey’s was over, these guys were like flies, amount of time while she completed Sigma Phi Epsilon pin attached to looking for girls and an education, her discussion with Mr. Neilson, and my DZ pin. We were married in in that order. Competition for a then, using every ounce of verve that March, 1956. date switched from girls looking I could muster, introduced myself and On March 23, 2006, we celebrat- for boys to boys asking for a date. complimented her playing. ed our 50th anniversary with our It was GREAT! The next day I called and asked if family (a daughter, two sons, their It was a great surprise for one she would like to go to a movie. The wives and four grandsons), and of the returning servicemen to outing led to three years of going friends. On March 24, we began a come over to the wall and intro- steady, which led to marriage in 1953, dream vacation to Southern Italy duce himself to Katie as Bill when we graduated from OCU. The and Sicily. Alexander and ask for a date to go year we graduated, I was president Lee and I are very active at to The Oklahoma City Symphony of our senior class and of Lambda Wesley United Methodist Church Orchestra concert one night that Chi Alpha and Jan was president and often attend OCU events. We week. Katie agreed. Bill had been of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Three feel that our education at OCU not the drum major in an army band, sons and many decades later, we just only prepared us for good careers so music interested him. Katie said

24 f O C U S that they did not make it to the May Avenue). We went with her both took organic chemistry and symphony that night, instead the protection: a 6-foot-4 friend who spent countless hours studying in pair had dinner with his parents. was a guy, but not a boyfriend. the basement of the chapel, where Katie was graduated in 1946 and Sometimes three is a crowd. the rooms had chalkboards. Brian Bill in 1948. They were married on Oklahoma City University came drew the structural formulas and August 23, 1947. They had three to the rescue. At the required class reaction mechanisms over and over, boys but lost one to a heart condi- trip to the planetarium she asked until we got them down. Luckily, tion. Next year they will celebrate for a ride to the State Fairgrounds. he was a chemistry major or I their 60th wedding anniversary. I was pleased as punch to provide would have never passed organic! transportation because the 1956 We dated for several years, mar- Ford Convertible I had been build- ried in June of 1982 and have three ing for two years was finished. sons. Brian is still a great chemis- Sometimes the best-laid plans try teacher at Bishop Kelley High change. Dianne Louise Roberts School in Tulsa, where he has been brought five (yes, five) of her since November, 1982. Dr. Fink female buddies with her. Again, would be proud of him! she brought protection. Maybe because I was (and still am) a car Robert Carlisle ’60 and racer and maybe, just maybe, a Judy Shelby ’62 little (very little) rough around the

Bill and Katie Alexander edges. Remember Marlin Brando Submitted by Judy Shelby “On the Waterfront?” Well, that was then and this is We found each other at OCU - Larry and Diane now. We’ve been married 41 years 1958. It was following one of those (Roberts) Rose ’64 with two sons and two grandsons. wonderful basketball wins that created the excitement and excuse Submitted by Larry Rose Brian ’80 and Susan for a “walk-out” by the students on campus. They were gathered "...There sat the (Graham) Arenson in the student union, music was Submitted by Susan Arenson playing and an impromptu dance cutest girl I had had begun. Bob states, “ I looked ever seen." Brian and I both had general across the room and saw this very chemistry with Dr. Robert Fink in interesting young freshman. I had the fall of 1976. For the lab section, no idea who she was, but was bold Oklahoma City University in we had different lab partners, but enough to head right for her and 1963 was the setting, English class were always joking around with say, you want to dance." She said was the location. There sat the cut- each other. Neither of our partners yes, the rest is history. Bob Carlisle est girl I had ever seen. I tried hard took the spring semester class, so (60) recently retired as a United to meet her after class, but to no we ended up being lab partners Methodist minister in the Rock avail. Poof! And she was gone. then. Our first date was February Mountain Conference (Denver, Another block of classes, and 4, 1977. The following year we CO.) and Judy Shelby (62) a retired then came history class. Wow! She social worker now live in the was in history class and everyone "...Luckily, Brian was Nashville, TN area close to their had assigned seats based on alpha- grandchild, Grace. betical order. Since Roberts sat next a chemistry major or to Rose, luck was with me– I asked I would have never her out for a Coke after class (at passed organic!" Kips Big Boy Restaurant on North p f O C U S 25 Dr. Kent ’63 and Nancy Clint and Rachel Did you find (Riley) Gardner Roberts ’02 love at OCU? Submitted by Nancy Gardner Submitted by Rachel Roberts

It was early October, 1960, the During orientation week at OCU, day of the Freshman Dance. This my roommate and I met some guys Let us know! was the first big event of the school going through fraternity rush. We year and one of my pledge sisters went with them to a Kappa Alpha was running for Freshman Queen. rush party. I was introduced to a lot The person I had been dating was of people that night, but ended up [email protected] working that night so I had no date. talking with my future husband. Early that morning, I was in the After seeing each other almost student center with some friends every day in class, we began to when Kent walked over and sat become close friends. Then, at a down—I had never talked to him Halloween party, sparks began to at that point. He asked if we were fly and we realized we felt more going to the dance. Everyone than friendship. said yes except me. He insisted I stayed on campus for on knowing why I was not going. Thanksgiving and he cut his break Very embarrassed, I said, “Because short to come back to keep me com- I don’t have a date, okay?!” pany and take me on our first date. Kent then proceeded to tell me We grew even closer and became that he had been asked to escort my engaged the following August after pledge sister since her boyfriend only eight months of dating. We was in the hospital, but he thought went through many joys and hard- she might have gotten a date on ships and I felt like I had known her own. He said, “If I don’t have him forever. After almost a two-year to take her, will you please go with engagement, we were married. me tonight?” He was waiting for My husband is my rock and my me at my dorm when I returned strength. Something more than from work that afternoon. He academics drew me to OCU. At the asked if I would go with him to the time, I wasn’t sure what is was, but I dance. Obviously, I said yes. look back now and am so thankful I Two months later, we were followed my instinct. It was the best dropped (committed to one anoth- decision I made because I found my er). We were elected Princess and best friend. Chieftain in February, 1961. We We will celebrate our 4th anni- were married in December, 1961. versary this October and were Forty-five years, three children and recently blessed with a baby girl. three grandchildren later, we are I truly believe OCU brought us still going strong. together and I couldn’t be more thankful for that. l

26 f O C U S Y Tu, Ceasar? OCU Law Degree in Hand, Espinoza Returns to His Roots

By Leslie Berger

In March Judge Carlos Lucero (right) of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals was keynote speaker at OCU LAW’s inaugural Diversity Luncheon. Ceaser Espinoza ’06 coordinated the event.

easar Espinoza has come a of nice, but the thing that was “The culture I was brought up in Clong way since dropping out really amazing was the first com- was to work,” Espinoza explained. of a Dallas high school during munity college class I took.” “There’s something ingrained his senior year. The 30-year-old At 18, Espinoza decided to in the ethnic culture and being Oklahoma City University School take several courses in auto body Hispanic about education. It was of Law graduate now spends his and mechanics. After receiving there, but it was geared toward days encouraging kids to follow in his GED, he enrolled at Eastfield learning a trade.” his pro-education footsteps. College in Mesquite, Texas. At the Espinoza discussed his changing During his reckless departure urging of one of his professors, attitude with his wife. from academia, Espinoza worked Espinoza also enrolled in some “I talked to her about how we a variety of odd jobs, and made an core curriculum classes. could work until we’re 60 in a fac- investment that changed his life. As his love of learning grew, his tory scraping by,” he said. “But, “I got the money bug,” he said. views about the world and his plans there’s another whole world. You “Buying your own things is kind for his own life began to change. get a degree and doors open up.”

f O C U S 27 Espinoza said the training he received at OCU is what helped him land the job he wanted. “At OCU, they really push you to critically think on your own and to be a go-getter,” he said. “I knew what I wanted to do and OCU gave me the ability to find it on my own.”

Ceasar Espinoza

Espinoza and his wife, Veronica, munity college is because that’s despite your age or your situa- decided to live frugally and study where I got my break,” he said. tion, you can go on to a four-year hard. Inspired by Espinoza’s new- “Especially with Hispanics, in all degree or higher.” found initiative, Veronica also reality, most will attend commu- Espinoza is the first in his family enrolled in community college and nity college before they’ll consider to earn a college degree. later transferred to a four-year uni- a four-year education.” “My family has been to four versity to earn a degree in elemen- Espinoza said the training he graduations,” he said. With a tary education. received at OCU is what helped humble grin, he recounted, “They “We really got hooked to the him land the job he wanted. were like, ‘Are you going to get a academic bug and it really worked “At OCU, they really push you job now?’” with the frugal lifestyle. I made to critically think on your own and Espinoza said his decision to more money going to school with to be a go-getter,” he said. “I knew attend law school was natural. scholarships and so forth,” he said. what I wanted to do and OCU “I knew I had to have a degree Upon graduation from gave me the ability to find it on that would allow me to hit the Eastfield, Espinoza transferred my own.” ground running,” he said. “I always to the University of North Texas loved the law and the way it works. and earned a Bachelor of Arts in “I knew I had to have Law is in everything. My wife in political science. He then moved to a degree that would education and my friends in psy- Oklahoma City, with his wife and chology all have to learn the law.” two young daughters in tow, to pur- allow me to hit the Espinoza said the flexibility of sue a juris doctor degree at OCU. ground running...” the degree also appealed to him. “I had told myself that at the “The doors are numerous,” he age of 30, I would be a doctor,” said. “The JD gave me a top notch Espinoza said. “I didn’t know it Espinoza teaches in the para- education. It allows me to teach and would be a JD, but nonetheless, it’s legal program at the school. I still have the opportunity to prac- a doctor.” He is the fourth full-time fac- tice law. The doors are numerous.” Espinoza graduated in May ulty member to be hired and the from OCU and returned to Dallas first Hispanic faculty member. to teach at El Centro Community Espinoza said he likes the diverse College, a sister college to student body at El Centro. About Eastfield. He also has applied for half of the students are Hispanic, the PhD program at the University African American or Asian. of North Texas. Never a stranger “Even if students are there to to hard work, he hopes to pursue a become paralegals, if I can plant doctorate in political science while a seed that hey, there’s more out teaching at El Centro. there, that’s what I want to do,” he “The reason I chose a com- said. “I want them to know that

28 f O C U S FOCUS O N A T H l etics

by Rich Tortorelli

OCU Introduces Champions Club

Crabaugh and Lytle with the SAC trophy The OCU athletic department has formed the Champions Club to Denney Crabaugh excellent on the field and in the support OCU athletics and its mis- Inducted classroom.” Under Crabaugh, sion to develop and enhance ath- OCU has advanced to the NAIA letic programs promoting academic klahoma City University base- World Series seven times and won integrity, athletic competition and Oball coach Denney Crabaugh seven Sooner Athletic Conference social responsibility. was inducted into the National championships. Crabaugh was “Every sport at OCU must Association of Intercollegiate named NAIA coach of the year in actively raise funds to support their Athletics Hall of Fame in January. 2003 and 2005. program,” OCU athletic director Crabaugh led the Stars to the At OCU, Crabaugh has coached Jim Abbott said. “The Champions 2005 national championship and 94 future pros, 56 all-Americans, Club allows fans, alumni and sup- four consecutive national cham- 44 academic all-Americans and porters to contribute to our success. pionship games from 2002-05. four national players of the year in Often gifts like this will allow us to Crabaugh has compiled an 879- 20 years as an assistant and head get the little things that help us to 290-2 record in 18 years. The induc- coach. The Stars have been NAIA compete at the highest level pos- tion will happen at the American scholar-athlete team three out of sible. We hope that all friends of Baseball Coaches Association the last four years. OCU will support our efforts by Convention in Orlando, Fla. “There are many people at this joining the Champions Club.” Hastings (Neb.) coach Jim university who share in this includ- OCU has won 28 NAIA national Boeve initiated the nomination ing all of the players who played championships and 58 Sooner process for Crabaugh and said for us, and especially Keith Lytle, Athletic Conference titles. The Crabaugh sets a standard for who has been instrumental in Champions Club exists to help other coaches to follow. our success for the past 18 years,” the Stars to maintain and improve “Denney Crabaugh is a hall of Crabaugh said. upon those achievements. To join famer in every sense of the word,” OCU began its baseball season the Champions Club, call Liz OCU athletic director Jim Abbott with a win Feb. 2 against Northwood Richards at (405) 208-5309 or see said. “His teams are consistently (Texas) in Cedar Hill, Texas. okcu.edu/athletics. p f O C U S 29 Stars Gain Revenge on OCU wins first NAIA Men’s Basketball wrestling dual in National Champion 74 years

Nick Covington hit the game- OCU earned its first wrestling winning 3-pointer as OCU pre- dual victory in 74 years, besting vailed 75-74 over Texas Wesleyan York (Neb.) 29-13 on Nov. 22 in on Dec. 3 at Abe Lemons Arena in a Oskaloosa, Iowa. rematch of the NAIA men's basket- Against York, Justin Blumer OCU’s Blaser to Coach ball national championship game. got the Stars rolling with an 18-3 United State’s Top Covington, a 6-foot-2 senior technical fall over Matt Cimmino. Junior Golfers from Little Rock, Ark., drained a Corey Johnson took a decision at 3-pointer off Kameron Gray’s assist 197 pounds and Jeremy Johnson OCU men’s golf coach Kyle with 50 seconds left. Covington pinned Jamie Brisbin in 23 seconds Blaser will coach the U.S. team gave the Stars a 75-72 lead. at heavyweight to seal the victory. in the Toyota World Junior Golf Texas Wesleyan’s Evan Patterson For OCU coach Archie Randall, Cup this summer. missed a 12-foot jump shot with it was his first dual victory as a Blaser guided the Stars to their seven seconds left. OCU’s Willie college coach. fifth NAIA national champion- Irick cleared the rebound. “It was great,” Randall said. ship in six years in 2006, tying Irick, a 6-foot-6 junior from “Corey Johnson, we call him Iron Dr. Lewis Hilley of Lamar for the Teaneck, N.J., led the Stars with Lung because he keeps coming. most titles for a coach in NAIA 17 points. OCU, ranked second Iron Lung has to win to secure the history. Blaser was NAIA coach in NAIA Division I, got off to a victory, and he came through. It’s of the year for the fifth time, the 10-0 start. a great feeling.” most of any coach ever. “We’ll take it," OCU coach Ray The Stars wrestle in region- Blaser has led OCU to nine Harper said. “We’re lucky to come als, Feb. 17 and the NAIA NAIA Region VI and confer- away with the W. This team has Championships, March 2-3. ence championships in a row in a lot of growing to do. We’ve got nine years. to learn how to close out games. The World Junior Golf Cup pits That’s the first game where we Harvey Featured in the best junior players from 12 were really taken to the wire.” Omniplex Exhibit countries against each other. Each Through 10 games, Irick, a 6- country has its top four 18-and- foot-6 junior from Teaneck, N.J., OCU soccer coach Brian under players on a team. The event led OCU with 15.9 points while Harvey consulted on an exhibit is annually held in Japan. grabbing 5.0 rebounds a game. at Omniplex Science Museum “We’re going to play our hardest B.J. Walker, a 6-foot-10 senior from called “One Game, All Science” to get the cup back to the States,” Cincinnati, added 15.3 points and which reveals nuances of soccer Blaser said. “The Americans have 7.9 rebounds per game. and the science behind the game. some of the best players in the The OCU women have been The exhibit opened Sept. 23 world, especially at the junior level. ranked in the top 10 nationally to the public. Harvey partici- It’s something I take pride in.” most of the season. Returning all- pated in the project to promote American Alexandra Kotta, a 5-foot- the game he has coached for 34 11 senior from Germantown, Md., years, the past 20 at OCU. He has led the Stars in scoring, rebound- has more than 480 victories in ing and steals. Zanita Johnson, a his career at OCU. Harvey’s 2001 5-foot-7 junior from Tulsa, Okla., women’s team reached the NAIA added 11.3 points a game. national championship match.

30 f O C U S OCU's Duane John Omniplex Science Museum is located on 2100 NE 52 Street in Oklahoma City. Harvey discusses the proper technique of heading a soccer ball in one question, writing that “offensive heading should always be done getting the ball down, away from the goalkeeper’s hands. Generally, the ball will go where the eyes are looking at the moment of impact.” OCU’s women finished 14-5-1 and reached the NAIA Region VI semifinals, while the men finished 9-6-2.

OCU Ends Volleyball Season in Regional

Oklahoma City University ended its first season of volleyball since 1984 as Texas-Brownsville defeated the Stars on Nov. 17 in the NAIA Region VI Tournament at Houston. OCU finished the year 26-8 and in its first NAIA regional ever. “It was a huge accomplishment for a first-year program to make it to this regional,” OCU coach Jen Salmans said. “From the moment the players stepped on the court Aug. 10 to now, they’ve improved immensely. They wanted to leave their mark on the program.”l

f O C U S 31 I N MEMORY We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to the families and friends of the alumni whom we have lost. Our OCU community is diminished by their passing.

1931 1950 1972 Mae G. Wear Joy Rogers Garrison Virginia Marie Swimmer

1937 1951 1974 Virgil Earl Downing Jr. Vera Sue Frances-Miller Frederick A. Daugherty

1942 1954 1975 Doris Downum-Maxwell Albert Edward Myers Teddy E. Combest

1943 1957 1976 Mary Painter Yarbrough Doyle Hillsberry Clarence K. Case

1946 1958 1981 Uriel Lorenzo Harshfield Alvin Milton Calame Shirley Ann Melton Jack W. White 1983 1948 1960 Richard McDugald Harriet Annie Baker Murphy John Mason Beard 1989 1949 1962 Willis J. Wheat Glenn H. Kiser Richard Allen McNeil Ph.D Betty Lou Veatch 1995 Albert Zajic Donald Lee Waggoner Sharon Jacqueline Denise-Lee 1965 2001 David George Moutray Robert L. Olson Leonard C. Gaines

1966 2005 l Ronald D. Hickerson Iyo E. Nsikak

1967 Robert E. Manchester

1968 William P. Morgan Sr.

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