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FOCUS all alumni magazine of OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY y. spring / summer 2014

Teacher Education

page 6 from the president

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”

— John Wesley, Letters of John Wesley

Jan and I are so fortunate to experience these profound words of Methodist founder John Wesley coming to life every day here at Oklahoma City University. We are in awe of the generous spirits on and off campus who are shaping the world around us. Throughout this issue of FOCUS, you will be introduced to alumni, faculty, and students who are making an impact as teachers, artists, healers, and philanthropists. The work of OCU has always been important. Not only do we prepare people for a wide range of career opportunities, but we instill a tradition of servant leadership that inspires our graduates and employees to “Do all the good they can.” That spirit of giving back is only strengthened by a quality, rigorous education that grooms our students for success. As we were finishing up this latest issue of FOCUS, we learned the Meinders School of Business received accreditation from AACSB, representing the highest achievement for an educational institution that awards business degrees. Entrance into the league of the world’s top 5 percent of business schools is testament to the quality afforded when vision combines with dedicated leadership and generosity. Congratulations to Dean Steve Agee and the faculty and staff for this tremendous accomplishment. Recently we celebrated the caliber of teachers produced by our OCU Education Department. Thirty-three percent of Oklahoma Teacher of the Year recipients over the last nine years are OCU alumni. This is a prime example of the alumni achievement that grows out of the fertile ground of an OCU education. Students here know their professors, are known and respected by their professors, and the best in education is modeled every day in our university classrooms. This type of success doesn’t happen by accident. The current Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, Peter Markes BME ’01, is a product of the overall OCU experience. Like many of you, he had friends and professors on campus who challenged him to be his best, and an institution that was able to support his dreams. Our alumni connections throughout the world also set up our graduates for success. The ninth annual Spring Break New York City workshop hosted by the OCU/NYC alumni group exemplifies the connections offered by an OCU education. The three-day intensive is open to any OCU student interested in the perform- ing arts, and is available free of charge thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Ann Lacy. In addition to the one-on-one instruction offered at the workshop, this year’s participants had the chance to meet award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music and lyrics for “Godspell,” “Pippin,” “Wicked,” and many other acclaimed shows. This is truly an “only at OCU” moment. Generosity comes in many forms. Whether it’s talking with others about what OCU means to you, making a transforming gift, or using your area of influence to help continue our good work and advance our students, you are supporting the OCU family. And for that, we are eternally grateful. As we launched our latest class of OCU graduates this May, we are reminded that we are all part of a treasured and growing community. That community is only made stronger by generosity of all kinds–time, treasure, and commitment. Thank you for all you do to help our stu- dents and university thrive. Jan and I wish you a wonderful and rejuvenating summer.

Robert and Jan Henry

Photo by Billy B Photography OCU/NYC students with Stephen Schwartz (center, striped sweater) contents spring / summer 2014 features

Robert Henry, President MSB Earns World-Renowned Susan Barber, Provost 3 accreditation Administrative Cabinet Jim Abbott, Assistant Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Leading, Serving, Transforming: Maggie Ball, Vice President for University-Church Relations 6 the Rise of Teacher Education Kent Buchanan, Assistant Provost Joey Croslin, Chief Human Resources Officer Liz Donelly, Dean of Students meet the greeks Rick Hall, Vice President for Student Affairs 10 Gerry Hunt, Chief Information Officer Mary Jenkins, General Counsel alumni around the world Craig Knutson, Chief of Staff 12 Donna Nance, Chief Financial Officer Visionary Professor Marty O’Gwynn, Vice President for 16 Produces Global Success university Advancement and External Relations page 6 : Sandy Pantlik, Senior Director of University Communications Kevin Windholz, Vice President for Enrollment Management Professor’s Faith Breaks Transforming 19 through Education Cary Pirrong, BS ’87, JD ’90, Director of Alumni Relations through Classroom, Jeff Riles, BA ’09, President, Alumni Board Prison Walls

Editorial Staff Sandy Pantlik Leslie Berger, BA ’02, Editor of FOCUS and Director of Public Relations Lechelle Calderwood, Art Director

Writers departments Leslie Berger Heather Chamberlin, Saint Paul School of Theology 2 letters page 11 : Director of Communications A Global Presence Rod Jones, MBA ’12, Assistant Director of Media Relations Terry Phelps, Professor of English 4 Joseph Pierce, Advancement Student Professional update Rich Tortorelli, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications 14 alumni Photographers Rod Jones 20 class notes Kevin Miller, Creative Director / Brand Manager Josh Robinson, Web Content Coordinator 24 giving Illustrator Lauren Hanson, Graphic Designer 25 athletics FOCUS Alumni Magazine 28 honor roll of donors 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave. • Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493 page 18 : Meeting Dan Rather Focus is produced semiannually by the Communications and Alumni 39 in memory departments for alumni, parents and friends of Oklahoma City University. Email (and others!) alumni news to [email protected] and any story ideas to [email protected].

Oklahoma City University pledges to recruit, select and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all persons, including faculty and employees with respect to hiring, continuation, promotion and tenure, applicants for admission, enrolled students, and graduates, without FOCUS Catch exciting extras and the latest activities at discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, national extra Oklahoma City University by visiting Focus Extra origin, sex, age, handicap or disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. [ [ at www.okcu.edu/focus. The Vice President for Student Affairs, located in Room 205 of the Clara E. Jones Administration Building, telephone (405) 208-5831, coordinates the university’s compliance with titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. www.okcu.edu Printed on recycled paper. letters

Music to the Ears: Central High School Purchase Stirs Up Memories FOCUS (Editor’s Note: President Robert Henry and Bass School of Music Dean Mark Parker extra received this letter from Ruth Bergstrom Jones, ’45-’46. An excerpt is published here.) [ [

this week we received a copy of FOCUS alumni magazine. The My first paying organ job as a church organist was when I was 19, cover stirred up memories for me and compelled me to write this let- and I have been playing for churches as a pianist or organist for 66 ter. It is an impressive picture of Central High School, which you have years. My experience in the Central High School and OCU orchestra purchased to be the downtown home of the OCU School of Law. helped me to continue to play viola in several symphony orchestras in Congratulations! cities where we have lived. i attended Central High School in 11th grade from 1943 to 1944. today, sitting on the music rack of my Kawai grand piano I have the My brother graduated from Central High School in 1938. I played viola music for Debussy’s “Clair de lune,” which I learned under the tutelage in the orchestra. I caught the street car at 7th and Broadway to take of Dean Burg. It has his personal fingering and expression markings. me home to NE 21st and Lottie. I was always loaded down with my And at the age of 85 I can still play it! viola in my left arm and a load of books in my right arm. My husband is an alumnus of OCU, Jesse Edmund Jones Jr. He at- in orchestra that year I was introduced to the music of Victor Her- tended OCU after getting out of the Navy and graduated in the class bert, and my viola part in waltz time was of 1951. His major was biology and educa- usually playing the second and third beats of tion. After graduation, he accepted a call to the measure. I had previously studied class teach sixth grade in Juneau, Alaska. That violin in the sixth grade at Culbertson grade was an adventure for us to drive the Alaska school. I received no private violin or viola Highway with our 22-month-old daughter. lessons. Besides living in Alaska, we have lived in But long before that, in about 1933, Nebraska, Montana, Arizona, and now Cali- during those depression years, my parents fornia for the past 51 years. After his stint rented out their brand new house on Lottie of teaching school, my husband became Street and moved to downtown OKC to a minister of the Seventh-day Adventist a large house with upstairs bedrooms. My Church, and we treasure our experiences mother rented out those rooms to augment and God’s blessings in all these places. We the income of my dad, who worked as a have been married 65 years. Our four chil- mechanic for Greenlease Moore in down- dren were each born in a different state. town Oklahoma City. Our house was just Because of my music training and educa- two blocks from Central High School. tion, I have taught private music lessons in When I was ready for college, that trusty Ruth Bergstrom Jones and organ, piano, violin, and voice. I have also street car, or trolley car, ran right in front Jesse Edmund Jones Jr. been a classroom music teacher for grades of our house where were living again, back K-10, using the Kodaly method. I was choir on Lottie. It took me daily to my classes at director of the United Methodist Church Oklahoma City University. I was in the or- in Lancaster, Calif., for nine years. I was chestra, sang in the choir directed by James proud to tell them that I attended OCU, a Nielsen and took private piano and organ Methodist university. In November 2011, lessons from Dean Clarence Burg. I published a music book of my own com- in James Nielson’s theory and sight read- positions, both words and music, “Songs of ing classes, we had to come to class singing Love and Praise.” 260 copies of those books what we thought was the correct A-440 have been sent all over the U.S. Music is a pitch. In the fine arts building we did some wonderful way to praise God! music theater productions such as “Oklaho- Because we are alumni of OCU we were ma” and “Carousel,” even though we were privileged to be invited to the festivities short on men in the choir because so many celebrating Oklahoma’s centennial. It was of them were still in the Armed Forces in fun to go to the Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 social 1945. We had chapel two to three times a events in California. We were proud that week. OCU had such a prominent part in the dean Burg gave me my organ lessons at Pasadena Rose Parade that year in 2007. the Masonic Hall, which was downtown. It We are thankful to have been students had two pipe organs, and one of them was at OCU. We are glad for the tremendous a big five-manual theater organ. I had fun positive impact OCU has on Oklahoma City. practicing on that instrument and pulling I am sure all our fellow alumni will agree. out all the stops! Later, OCU purchased the smaller two-manual pipe organ and Sincerely, installed it in the fine arts building, but that was later and I never did get to play it in its Ruth Bergstrom Jones new location.

FOCUS Read letters from [extra [ alumni about finding 2 focus spring / summer 2014 love at ocu Meinders School of Business Earns World-Renowned Accreditation

Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business has joined the ranks of less than 5 percent of business schools worldwide, earning accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The recognition designates the business school as a leader in management education based on a high-quality teaching environment, innovative programming and active engagement with industry. “It takes a great deal of self-evaluation and determination to earn AACSB Accreditation, and I commend Oklahoma City University for its dedication to management education, as well as its leadership in the community,” said Robert D. Reid, executive vice president and chief accreditation officer of AACSB International. “Through accreditation, OCU has not only met specific standards of excellence, but has also made a commitment to ongoing improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver high-quality education to its students.” Meinders School of Business Dean Steven C. Agee said the designation will positively impact recruitment and retention of premium faculty members and students. “This enhances our ability to offer students a premier busi- ness education at the undergraduate and graduate levels, and help our graduates find success in the marketplace,” Agee said. Currently, 95 percent of Meinders School of Business gradu- ates find employment or begin a graduate or law program immediately after graduation, which compares to a 43 percent placement rate among universities nationwide. The school has seen robust growth in its graduate programs in energy management and energy legal studies as well as in its computer science program. In addition to the AACSB desig- nation, the two master’s degree programs in energy manage- ment and energy legal studies are the only two graduate energy programs in the United States accredited by the American Association of Professional Landmen. AACSB represents the highest achievement for an educa- tional institution that awards business degrees. For more information about the Meinders School of Busi- ness, visit www.okcu.edu/business.

focus spring / summer 2014 3 FOCUS For more news updates from update [extra [ across campus, visit Focus Extra.

ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGAGEMENT Alumni and area executives shared their suc- cesses, challenges and insights with students and participants in the 2014 Entrepreneurship Day Conference at the Meinders School of Business on Feb. 26. Speakers included Robert Browne, chairman emeritus of the Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Company; Justin Briggs, MBA ’10, technology executive of Altheus Therapeutics and founder of Chorus Labs; Phil Busey, BA ’74 and JD ’77, founder, chairman and CEO of the Busey Group of Companies; Kami Huddleston, BFA ’03, and Ashley Bowen Murphy, BSB ’02 and JD ’05, founders of Brides of Oklahoma; and Craig Law Dean Shimasaki, co-founder, president and CEO of Moleculera. Valerie Couch; President Robert Henry; Vicki Z. Behenna, JD ’84; and former President and Master of Ceremonies Tom McDaniel are pictured at the School of Law’s Awards HONORED LEADER TAPPED and Reunion Gala in November. TO LEAD NURSING SCHOOL The school also honored The Honorable T.W. Shannon, JD ’04; Oklahoma City University has appointed Dr. Lois Salmeron as dean of the Kramer School William Shdeed, BS ’62 and JD ’65; LAW LIGHTS of Nursing. She served as interim dean from June and the law firm of Pierce 2013 to January 2014, and has been a professor Couch Hendrickson THE NIGHT at OCU since 2005. Baysinger and “Dr. Salmeron brings a Green. lifetime of experience to her new position in the Kramer School of Nursing,” said OCU Provost Susan Barber. “Her PROGNOSIS GOOD FOR NEW PA PROGRAM years of nursing school lead- The Board of Trustees has voted unanimously to support President Henry’s ership, along with her indus- initiative to develop a new training program for Physician Assistants (PAs) at try leadership and community OCU, scheduled to begin in January 2016. volunteerism, have proved “The Oklahoma City University PA program will be only the second in the that she is highly qualified state,” said Ron Norick, chairman of the board. “Our trustees and administra- to lead the school toward Lois Salmeron tion recognized a growing need and set out to build a program that benefits the continued greatness.” future of our students and our state.” Salmeron was inducted into the Oklahoma Henry said the program is designed to meet the critical need for more highly Higher Education Hall of Fame in 2003, only the trained medical providers throughout Oklahoma. “At OCU, our class sizes, chal- second nurse to receive the honor. In 2010, she lenging academics, and personal teaching style are conducive for students who was elected to the fellowship of the Academy want to excel in the PA profession.” of Nursing Education. She was the second nurse PAs undergo intense graduate training in the medical arts and sciences, and from Oklahoma to be inducted as a fellow. She are licensed by the Oklahoma State Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision continues to be involved on a national level by to provide medical care in a team-based manner with their physician colleagues being a program evaluator for the Accreditation and supervisors. Commission for Education in Nursing Inc. The U.S. Labor Department projects a 30 percent increase in employment Salmeron was the first nurse to receive the for PAs over the next seven years, the highest average rate for all occupations. Graham Waite Award from the American Col- Approximately 90,000 PAs practice in the U.S., with 1,200 working PAs in lege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in 1990. Oklahoma. The award was for her work with physicians who “With the addition of the PA program, OCU continues to build on a great provide care, as well as receive care, in obstet- tradition of educating students for the medical and primary care professions,” rics and women’s health. In 2000 she received said OCU Provost Susan Barber. a national award: the Distinguished Professional Barber said OCU has hired longtime medical educators Dan McNeill, Ph.D., Service Award from the Association of Women’s PA-C, and Jerry Vannatta, M.D., to develop the program. Dr. McNeill has been Health, Obstetric, and Neonatal Nurses. named director and brings with him two decades of experience as former The Kramer School of Nursing is ranked in the director of the PA program on the OU Health Sciences Center campus. Dr. top 10 percent of nursing programs in the nation. Vannatta, former executive dean of the OU College of Medicine, will serve as OCU program medical director and will be instrumental in curricular design and clinical site development.

4 focus spring / summer 2014 update

MAGNIFICENT SEVEN HONORED BY ALMA MATER AT HOMECOMING The alumni association honored seven production manager and stage manage- and has served as pastor for many parishes outstanding alumni during Homecom- ment advisor for the University of Arizona’s in Oklahoma. ing weekend festivities. Honorees are arts School of Theatre, Film, and Television. Behenna has been a federal prosecutor and sciences alumnus Gregory Potts, BA Eilers was honored posthumously. She with the United States Attorney’s Office for ’92; nursing alumna Norah Erb, BSN ’06 is recognized as one of the top choral the Western District of Oklahoma for the and MSN ’08; dance and arts management composers in the country with hundreds past 25 years. She has extensive experience alumna Jenny Lang, BS ’93; music alumna of compositions and arrangements in her in prosecuting bank fraud, mail fraud, health Joyce Eilers, BM ’63; business alumnus catalog, best-selling methods for teaching care fraud and public corruption cases, and Scott Stone, MBA ’87; religion alumnus Jim sight-singing and for her mentoring work is currently the district’s health care coor- Gragg, BA ’63; and law alumna Vicki Zemp with young composers. Stone manages dinator. Behenna was selected to represent Behenna, JD ’84. Spartan Resources LLC, an oil and gas the government and her native Oklahoma Potts is a licensed, clinical social worker exploration company. He also serves as an in the prosecution of the Oklahoma City currently working as a therapist on a team advisor and director for several other Noble bombing case against Timothy McVeigh. She serving older adults at the Community and Brown family oil and gas related entities. is an adjunct professor at Oklahoma City Counseling Centers of Chicago. Erb Gragg is a retired United Methodist minister. University School of Law. manages the 35 employees of a hospital’s He served six years as district superinten- inpatient nursing care unit. Lang is the dent of the South Oklahoma City District

While in town performing in the musical “Chicago” in HEARING IS BELIEVING January, John O’Hurley, of Talking with “Seinfeld” and “Dancing with The Bass School of Music has released four CDs of past the Stars the Stars,” dropped by the Ann Christmas Vespers performances and a DVD of the 2011 Lacy School of American Dance Berlioz Requiem performance. Costs start at $10, and and Arts Management to orders can be placed by calling (405) 208-5316. Digital downloads are available for purchase through iTunes. visit with students about The school also has introduced live HD video streaming his career on the stage for ensemble performances in Petree Recital Hall. Funding and the screen. for the technology, which includes three HD cameras and enhanced audio, was underwritten by Oklahoma City phi- lanthropists Phil, BA ’74 and JD ’77, and Cathy, ’77, Busey. Visit the school’s online streaming site at http://client. stretchinternet.com/client/okcumusic.portal#.

focus spring / summer 2014 5 Leading, By rod jones Serving, Transforming The Rise of Teacher Education

Ana Raygoza, BS ’09, leads her first grade class at Oklahoma City’s Westwood Elementary School in an English lesson.

6 focus spring / summer 2014 The System Works! El Sistema Offers Joy, Hope

It’s commonly said that teachers don’t The shortage is particularly pronounced Oklahoma City University’s Wanda L. Bass earn what they should. Despite the count- in urban schools. The state Department School of Music began partnering with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church last year less hours of off-the-clock prep work, of Education convened the Oklahoma on a unique music education program called having the patience of saints and the ability Educator Workforce Shortage Task Force El Sistema Oklahoma. to maintain order out of childhood chaos, to study the issue. The task force released The program seeks to teach children in the there aren’t very many seven-figure salaried its report in January. inner city how to play musical instruments. teachers in U.S. classrooms. Lawler-Brown’s four faculty members It is modeled after a program in Venezuela. Musician and social economist Jose “Teacher candidates,” the term for stu- are likewise dedicated and extremely deco- Antonio Abreu started El Sistema, which dents majoring in education, are willing to rated in their respective specialties. For means “the system” in English, in 1975 as sacrifice their time and efforts for intrinsic instance, elementary education professor a way to give poor children a productive rewards. Teachers have the ability to pur- Elizabeth Willner served as president of activity. What started with a small gathering sue more lucrative careers, but their selfless the Oklahoma Reading Association, and of 11 children turned into several orchestras across Venezuela with attitudes and desire to help society lead early childhood education professor Laura a total of more than 500,000 musicians. them to teach. They are working their way Wilhem is putting together what will be El Sistema’s mission is to “serve the toward one of the noblest professions. the only Master of Arts in Teaching El- community by engaging children within an Unfortunately, there aren’t enough of ementary Education program in the state. ensemble-based music program so they can them. The program will allow those who have a share the joy of music making and grow as responsible citizens.” Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin made note degree in another discipline to take an ac- Students in third through sixth grades of that fact during her State of the State celerated path to a teaching certification. from six elementary schools in the address in February, emphasizing the Lawler-Brown has a long list of recent surrounding area receive free musical importance of education on every aspect accomplishments for her department—two instruction five days a week at Trinity of society. Fulbright Scholars, four DaVinci Scholars International Baptist Church, about three blocks east of the OCU campus. “Improving the quality and outcomes (one every year for the past four years), a Students from OCU volunteer their time in education is the single most important 100 percent placement rate of graduates and teaching skills to help students from thing we can do to attract and retain jobs, who seek employment in the field and 24 Oklahoma City Public Schools, many of alleviate poverty, and help Oklahomans National Board certified teachers. whom would otherwise not be able to afford have fulfilling and productive lives,” she Several of OCU’s best alumni teachers lessons or instruments. Professors are also involved in the after-school program. said. “Our job as a state is to empower our work in urban schools, considered to be The staff is led by Robyn Hilger, an OCU students, parents and teachers by setting very challenging settings. Lawler-Brown alumna and a former state Teacher of the the bar high and challenging each other says the reason so many OCU alumni go to Year award recipient. Dr. Michael Raiber, to succeed. I believe that every child can urban schools is because of the university’s music education professor in the Bass School learn.” proximity to underserved schools and its of Music, is the director of teacher support for El Sistema. Oklahoma City University has been culture of strong relationships amongst “I have been an instrumental music educa- answering that call for several years. With students and faculty. tor for 30 years. I have never been part of three of the last nine state Teacher of the Year winners, including the current continued on page 9 one, an Education Department that has focused on training teachers to succeed in all different kinds of settings, and partner- ships with several educational organiza- tions, OCU has been helping to raise education standards before students are even old enough for college. Dr. Lois Lawler-Brown is the chair- woman of OCU’s Education Department. Lawler-Brown knows the profession from many sides. She has 30 years of practical teaching experience and has worked on the government side as one of three na- tional accreditors for teacher preparation programs in the state. “There’s a huge shortage of elementary teachers,” she said. “It’s difficult trying to catch up to it, but we’re dedicated to putting high-quality teachers into class- rooms.”

El Sistema gives a concert in Bass Music Center. 1

1. OCU’s state Teacher of the Year honorees, from left, Peter Markes, Robyn Hilger and Heather Sparks, pose with President Robert Henry after a Feb. 22 banquet honoring OCU education alumni.

2. One of Ana Raygoza’s students focuses on a classroom assignment.

3. Students in the El Sistema program learn lessons for music and life.

CROSS CULTURAL As the most urban college in Oklahoma affinity with working in urban schools in CONNECTIVITY City, many OCU teacher candidates do particular. their student teaching assignments in “I grew up in an urban school, I was one The Education Department continued its schools not far from campus. The OCU of those kids,” he said, remembering some Connecting Across Cultures program with a program prepares its teacher candidates of his own teachers in childhood. “Some- conference in February for teacher candidates. for a large variety of settings, she added. one gave back to me, and they kind of saved Connecting Across Cultures is designed to Because the college professors maintain me from myself and put me on a track to encourage teachers to work in urban school districts, which often face a shortage of relationships with their former teacher- success.” teachers. The project aims to prepare future candidates, the department is able to keep Alumna Heather Sparks, BS ’91 and teachers to effectively design instruction for up with changing trends and new best ME ’97, is another urban school teacher. diverse learners in classroom settings. practices—and vice-versa. Sparks teaches math at Taft Middle School The Connecting Across Cultures 3.0 “Our program is different than most,” and won state Teacher of the Year in 2009. conference featured LeDerick Horne, who shared his experience of living with she said. “We know every one of our stu- She was inspired during her teacher a disability. Horne, who was classified as dents very well. We sit down and eat lunch candidate days while watching a pre-K neurologically impaired during the third with them, we have one-on-one advising teacher at Gatewood Elementary School a grade, has been nationally recognized as an sessions with them. And as alumni, they’re few blocks away from the OCU campus. advocate for individuals with disabilities. As our sounding boards. After they leave here “Watching the kids’ light come on any- an African American person with a disability, he challenges his audience to look beyond they’re working with our future graduates time I taught them something or showed labels and to see each student as an individual in sharing their methodology.” them something new—that just got me so with unlimited potential. One alumnus is Shamari Reid, a Spanish excited. It made me realize that’s what I Horne graduated from New Jersey City teacher at Mount St. Mary school near need to be doing,” she said. University with a bachelor’s degree in downtown Oklahoma City. Once teaching Like Reid, Sparks said her exposure to mathematics and a minor in fine arts. After graduation he released an album of his poetry took hold, Reid was bound and deter- inner-city schools became an inspiration set to music titled “Rhyme Reason and Song” mined to make a positive impact in the to share her talents with the areas that need in 2005, and co-created and performed classroom. it most. in New Street Poets, a spoken word play That determination led to a Gilman “We have a calling. We recognize that addressing gentrification’s affect on urban Scholarship to teach English in Argentina, fact while we’re in college,” she said. “Many culture. He has addressed students and faculty then a Fulbright Scholarship to teach of us chose to stay in the inner city even at Harvard University, professionals in the English in Uruguay. It was a full language though it may be more challenging. But education field across the country, and has emersion in both cases. He had very we’re prepared for it, we’re ready. We have served as an advocacy coach for students with little Spanish training before landing in the experiences and the expertise that we disabilities. Buenos Aires. need to help students.” Education majors, teacher education faculty members and special education teachers from Reid entered college in hopes of becom- Oklahoma universities were invited to the ing a surgeon. He switched his major to Music Educators conference. public relations after one year and interned Peter Markes, BME ’01, the current The OCU Education Department received a at Walt Disney World. He enjoyed working Oklahoma Teacher of the Year, is an or- teacher education grant from the Oklahoma with children, so teaching seemed a better chestra instructor at Edmond North High State Regents for Higher Education to host Connecting Across Cultures 3.0. fit than his original majors. School. Reid mentioned the amount of volun- Markes is another dynamic teacher teer projects he performed in schools as who seems to capture the attention of his a teacher candidate, saying that he had an students for the full hour of class. On a re-

8 focus spring / summer 2014 The System Works! continued from page 7

something so exciting,” Raiber said. “The faculty truly embody the adage ‘It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares 2 3 who gets the credit.’ “We have experienced amazing changes not only in students’ musical abilities, but in their social abilities as well. As the students learn to be part of an ensemble, they also cent visit he demonstrated his most recent be in the classroom,” he said. “We could learn about relationships. They learn that musical instrument purchase—a miniature actually practice our craft before we’re out there are times they must lead and times they must follow. They learn that every wood guitar. in the field.” member is equally important and has a vital Markes spoke briefly about the guitar’s And Markes has no regrets for his career role to play in the community’s success. They composition and how they were invented. of choice. learn to work with others’ success in mind He showed them how the neck could be “More than any other profession, teach- before their own. detached so it could fit in a backpack. After ing is incredibly rewarding. It’s a chance to “Most importantly, they learn that they are capable of creating something beautiful playing a short song, he left it up to the be connected to the future.” and that ability makes their world a better students to name the guitar. They thought Robyn Hilger, BME ’99, is yet another place. They can determine their own futures carefully before one student offered “Billy” state teacher of the year from OCU. Hilger, and have the power to make it happen.” as a possible name. who taught music at Belle Isle Enterprise The board of directors has several OCU “Billy, like Billy the Kid? I like that. Let’s Middle School before becoming the direc- connections including Meinders School of Business Dean Steve Agee (also the former call it Billy the Kid.” tor of operations for the El Sistema music president of the Oklahoma City Philhar- Markes credits OCU for giving him the program, won the award in 2006. monic Society) and music school Dean Mark tools to excel as a teacher and his ability El Sistema, a partnership with St. Luke’s Parker. Chairwoman Cathy Busey and her to connect with his students, a result of a United Methodist Church, was established husband, Phil, have led philanthropic efforts close-knit culture of the university com- in 2013 as a way to “serve the community for the university for many years, including the establishment of the El Sistema Okla- munity as a whole. He entered the profes- by engaging children within an ensemble- homa partnership with St. Luke’s. sion with confidence thanks to the many based music program so they can share the hours of real-life preparation. joy of music making and grow as respon- “OCU gave us many opportunities to sible citizens,” according to the organiza- tion’s mission statement. The program for children it sparks hope and creativity, allows OCU students to gain teaching and a sense of belonging and self-worth experience while providing underprivi- that sometimes doesn’t exist for urban leged children with a constructive children. The Art after-school activity. “A lot of people think of poverty as of Teaching Hilger says she has seen just not having many material things, but the program make a strong, oftentimes poverty is a deficit of emotional The sixth annual Oklahoma Service positive difference in the hope, it’s a deficit in spiritual opportuni- Learning Conference in November featured ties and in self-worth. There’s a deficit of presentations by several faculty and staff members from community. OCU. The conference, titled “The Art of Teaching Through “It’s a philosophi- opportunities as well. How do you know Science of Service,” was held to educate faculty from varied cal belief in children. if you could be good at the tuba if you’ve disciplines on the value of service learning in higher education for When you provide a never seen one, you’ve never heard one and students and the communities served across the state. meaningful activity you’ve never held one?” Featured OCU presenters included Robert Spinks with “Contact- ing and Creating Effective Community Partners;” Debra Barnett with rod jones [email protected] “Bringing Faith Community Nursing to the Forefront” and “Build- ing Mission Trips into Nursing Education;” Dia Campbell-Detrixhe with Scan this QR code to “Celebrating a Unique Service-Learning Project at a Community Health view a related video. Fair: A Decade of Reflections;” Regina Fox, Chris Roman Nose, Saeed Shadfar and Elizabeth Willner with “Mind the Gap Summer Bridging Program;” Brooke Hessler with “Remembering Ralph: Oral History as Service and Scholarly Apprenticeship;” Lois Brown and Lisa Lawter with “Preparing Preservice Teachers for the Urban Classroom Through Embedded Service Learning;” and Leslie Long with focus spring / summer 2014 9 “World Religion Expo.” Rising Stars

Vocal Victory Senior mezzo-soprano Mary Beth Singing Opera’s Praises Nelson won the vocal division of the The opera program at the Bass School of Music won first prize in its division in 16th annual International Crescendo the National Opera Association’s annual production competition. The NOA honor Music Awards, finishing ahead of a was accepted in New York City by Director David Herendeen and Conductor Jan baritone from Juilliard. Nelson, a vocal McDaniel, on behalf of the 34-member cast and 40-member opera orchestra. performance major from the Ragsdale The winning production, “Il Barbiere di Siviglia” by Gioachino Rossini, was voice studio and McDaniel coaching performed last year on OCU’s historic Kirkpatrick stage, in Italian with projected studio, also won the People's Choice English translations. Award. it is the second national opera award for OCU’s Oklahoma Opera and Music Theater Company. NOA also honored the 2010-11 production of the double bill of “Pagliacci” and “Gianni Schicchi.” Herendeen also praised the creative team behind the production, including lighting designer Aaron Mooney and set designer Deb Hicks. The production’s Art Deco wardrobe was the work of student costume designer Cloe Chafetz.

Poster Perfect Biology professor Laurie Kauffman and students Tayler Galey, Lillie Pennington and Erin McCoy were presenters at the 83rd annual meeting of the American Association of Physical Anthropolo- gists in Calgary, Alberta, in April. Galey presented a poster titled “Activity Trial Run budget, habitat use and diet of squirrel The School of Law sent two teams to the Regional AAJ monkeys (Saimiri oerstedii) in southern Student Trial Advocacy Competition March 20-23. Students Costa Rica.” Pennington and McCoy Taylor Robertson, Basil Rayan, Andrew Davis, and Jacob presented a poster titled “Orangutans: Uhler placed second in the New York Regional competition. a study of activity and play.” Kauffman Caitlin Irwin, Sean McDivitt, Allison Haynes, and Patrick presented a poster titled “Evidence of Wulfers competed in Chicago. The groups were coached by behavioral plasticity in genus Saimiri Leslie Lynch, JD ’93. via interactions with humans in Suri- name and Costa Rica.”

10 focus spring / summer 2014 Glad Scientist Cell and molecular biology major Christina Hansen has been accepted to participate in a summer research internship program at Harvard Medical School. She will be conducting re- search in the laboratory of Dr. Stephen Harrison, a renowned Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigator in the Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. Hansen’s research project will be studying how proteins interact to form structures in cells.

Curtain Call Oklahoma City University students Jessica McCoy and Jeff Sherwood, senior BFA Theatre Design and Production ma- jors, participated in the National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C., in April. McCoy was the recipient of the KCACTF Region 6 Stage Management Fellowship for her work on “The Impor- tance of Being Earnest,” and Sherwood received the KCACTF Region 6 Award for Theatrical Excellence in Sound Design for his work on “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play.” Bond, Cedric Bond History major and kayaker Cedric Bond is one of 15 students in the state to be named a 2014-15 Newman Civic Boston Bound Fellow by Campus Compact. Three seniors from the Wimberly The award recognizes inspiring work School of Religion have won top and the role that higher education plays scholarships from five United Methodist to build a better world. The congratula- seminaries. tory message states that the students Molly Kate Been and Trey Witzel have “exemplify the belief in the power of been named Dean’s Scholars at Boston individuals to make a difference through University’s School of Theology. Just making the most of your college experi- five scholars nationwide were selected. ences to better understand yourself, the Been was also offered the Scholars root causes of social issues, and ways to Award from Claremont and the Brandon create change.” Honor Scholarship from Vanderbilt Divinity School. She has chosen to attend Boston. Allison Bevers was offered the Eliza Garrett Scholarship, a full-tuition-plus- stipend award, at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary; an Urban Min- istry Fellowship at Wesley Theological Seminary; and a full tuition scholarship at Perkins School of Theology. She will attend Garrett-Evangelical Seminary.

focus spring / summer 2014 11 Meet the

Greek organizations at Oklahoma City University are gearing up for Fall 2014 recruitment. The Panhellenic Association set a new record this year, registering 158 women for formal recruitment. Several more joined the association when the university’s newest sorority, Phi Mu, began recruitment activities later in the fall. Phi Mu is the fourth women’s fraternity to establish a chapter at OCU. The organization was founded in 1852 at Wesleyan College. Its national philanthropy is the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The Interfraternity Council added 49 men this year. IFC and the Panhellenic Association partnered in April to honor faculty and staff members with an appreciation luncheon, and continue to pursue activities that support academic achievement, student involvement, community service, and lifelong friendships.

Alpha Chi Omega’s senior pledge class is shown during bid day including Mackenzie Kelly, Kristen Ranna, Sarah Johansen, Taylor Duncan, Meghan Schuman, Vishu Patel, Kayla Smith, Hillary Conrad, Megan Campell, Jillian Taylor, Kayla Bennett, Susanna Waite, Kaitlyn Cahalen, Ally Agee, Maggie Spicer, Jessica Philbrook, Jacilyn Kennedy, and Anna Combs Francis.

The brothers of Lambda Chi Alpha show their spirit after placing second at this year’s homecoming competition. The women of Gamma Phi Beta gathered to watch their sister, Kelsey Griswold, compete in the Miss America pageant.

The brothers of Kappa Sigma volunteered at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in January, packaging 303 cases of food to make 5,807 meals for more than 1,800 Brian Cash, of children. Lambda Chi Alpha, is shown at Can-N-Ball, a fundraiser event for the fraternity’s philanthropy, Feeding America.

The sisters of Alpha Phi The sisters of Alpha are pictured Chi Omega gather during bid day inside Kirkpatrick activities. Auditorium just prior to the Spring Sing competition.

The sisters of Gamma Phi Beta celebrate their Homecoming competition win in the Freede Center.

The women of Alpha Phi celebrate their win at this year’s Spring Sing.

Caleb Dickie, of Kappa Sigma, was named Senior focus spring 2014King this 13 year. Alumni Around the World

compiled by Matt McWilliams

Jorge Marzola, BSB ’11 and MBA ’13 Commercial Director at Mares de Colombia Cartagena, Columbia It was time for me to return home, to use all 14 focus spring / summer 2014 the knowledge and experience I have acquired to help both my family’s business and my home “ country. ” Where in the world are OCU alumni? Our graduates reach far and wide on every continent FOCUS [extra [ (except Antarctica, at the moment). From teachers to performers to public servants, OCU alumni are leaving their mark across the globe. Want to share your global experience? Email us at [email protected].

Orlan M. Jackman, Sociology ’12 Small Forward, Iserlohn Kangaroos Great Britain National Team Iserlohn, Germany Last summer I played for the Great Britain National Team in prepa- ration for the European Championships called “ EuroBasket.

Clint Roberts, BS ’02 1st Lieutenant/” Sergeant with United States Army Reserves/ Tulsa Police Department Afghanistan

Nic Evans, BS ’13 English teacher at I-Perfect International Club for Kids Beijing, China I earned my minor in Modern Chinese Language at OCU and through that it provided me the opportunity to go “ abroad. ”

Donnell Kutlapye, BA ’02 Private Secretary to the Minister of Health Gaborone, Botswana Olivia Cope, BFA ’13 Molly Jallard, BPA ’12 Entertainer with The Mariner of the Seas My OCU education taught me to Dancer for Ocean Princess Cruise Line China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand be versatile. I can work well under Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore. immense pressure and on tight Among my favorites were French Polynesia, deadlines, which is important when I’m unbelievably excited and blessed to be able to focus spring / summer 2014 15 working in a minister’s office. New Zealand, Thailand, India, Egypt, Barcelona, use my degree and see the world at the same time. Russia, and Norway. I will never forget that “ “ experience. ” “ ” ” alumni Luck of the Irish

Alumnus Follows Dreams from Coast to Coast By Leslie Berger

Jeff Poulin, BS ’12, traveled 1,800 miles experiences of studying abroad and work- and catching up with friends, he visited a from his home in Portland, Maine, to study ing in Dublin. number of classes across campus, speaking entertainment business at Oklahoma City “I took advantage of everything offered to his experiences in arts marketing and University. That was just the start of a jour- at OCU,” he said. “I feel like I got a very leadership. ney that has led him much farther. diverse education and was able to meet “I realized there was an opportunity A trip to Ireland with OCU arts manage- people from all over the county and the to give back the way other alumni have,” ment students and Ann Lacy School of world. I integrated into the Oklahoma he said. American Dance and Arts Management scene which was new to me, but it prepared Poulin’s thesis, “Bridging the Gap Dean John Bedford led Poulin to enroll in me to take on the next step of my life, Between Arts Policy and Practice: A a graduate program at University College which, I never would have guessed at the Methodological Study of Arts and Educa- Dublin and last year, he completed a master time, was to move abroad and adapt.” tion Stakeholder Perception Research of arts in arts management and cultural Poulin began working for Bord Gáis En- Tools,” focuses on the implementation policy through the university’s School of ergy Theatre as part of his degree program. process of arts in education policies and Art History and Celtic Studies. After com- With most of his previous experience at the resulting gap created in classrooms and pleting his coursework, Poulin directed a non-profit organizations, Poulin sought learning environments. Poulin noted conference to inform the Irish Ministers for out the opportunity to work in commercial Oklahoma is one of just a few states in Arts and Education on the country’s first theater. the nation that created arts and education national arts in education requirement. He has now come full circle and back to policies designed to more readily imple- Poulin spent about one year as the his love for non-profit work. At Americans ment them into learning environments. audience development officer for Livena- for the Arts, the nation’s leading non- Poulin said he enjoys continuing to tion’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre in Dublin, profit organization for advancing the arts in connect with OCU students and alumni. Ireland’s largest theatrical venue. In De- America, Poulin supports the Arts Educa- “What’s given me an advantage is net- cember, he returned to the U.S. to take on tion Network and national Arts Education working and relationships,” Poulin said. his current role as arts education program Council, as well as coordinates professional “And especially with OCU alumni because coordinator at Americans for the Arts in development, research, publication, out- our alumni are inherently more successful Washington, D.C. reach, and advocacy efforts for arts educa- than normal. There’s that spirit of collabo- “I’m pleased to be doing arts education tion at the local, state, and federal level. ration, that thought to give someone a call work. It is work that is meaningful,” Poulin He enjoys speaking to non-profit orga- and see what we can make happen.” said. nizations and universities. Poulin visited Poulin explained that his student experi- Oklahoma City University last fall and leslie berger • [email protected] ences at OCU prepared him for the diverse between completing research for his thesis

1. Student Daniel Stanley; Jeff Poulin; Jeff Riles, BA ’09; and James Doss, BM ’11 2. Poulin presents an award to Dean John Bedford and Dance Chairwoman Jo Rowan for their support of a scholarship Poulin established to help young Americans study ballet in Ireland. 3. Poulin is pictured at his graduation from University College Dublin.

16 focus spring / summer 2014 alumni Tapping Into Gabrielle Ruiz Their Dreams Alumni Connect on ‘42nd Street’

By Leslie Berger

Long before Gabrielle Ruiz auditioned bred those things into us. There’s no other to attend Oklahoma City University, she option but to be tenacious and well-round- dreamed of portraying an iconic American ed in your heart; and that is (Dance Chair) character such as Peggy Sawyer in a Broad- Jo Rowan in a nutshell.” Susan way musical. But even after Ruiz, BPA in Ruiz said alumni have a tremendous Powell dance performance ’07, made her Broad- advantage in New York City. way debut, she thought that dream might “We all understand each other and speak be out of reach. the same language,” she explained. “OCU is The Latin American performer ex- a fraternity in itself. New York is not really plained that Peggy’s character traditionally big because of OCU. We all support each isn’t played by a Latin actress. other.” “I was thrilled to even be considered,” Powell said she didn’t know until the first Ruiz remembered about her audition last day of rehearsal that other OCU alumni year in New York City. She landed the were in the cast. However, she wasn’t principle role and a spot alongside three surprised. more OCU alumni in “42nd Street,” which “This happens to me a lot. I don’t think was on stage this winter at the Arts Center I’ve ever been in a show where there wasn’t best of the best. The OCU dancers shine. of Coastal Carolina. The musical, directed at least one OCU alum in the cast,” she They came out of the best collegiate dance by Casey Colgan, featured Susan Powell, said. “I’ve definitely enjoyed the show more program in the country.” vocal performance ’80, as Dorothy Brock; because the three OCU cast members are Tomlinson said the show was “a great Richard Riaz Yoder, BPA ’06, as Andy Lee; the best at what they do. They have flaw- combination of fantastic choreography, and Addie Tomlinson, BPA ’08, as Lor- less technique, great personalities, and an wonderful friends, and lots of tap dancing.” raine Fleming. incredible work ethic. And in a great way, She said she enjoyed learning the original, Ruiz, Yoder, and Tomlinson were already we are family.” iconic choreography from the 2001 Broad- old friends from their shared time together Powell said the show gave her a fun, new way revival, a show that featured seven at OCU’s Ann Lacy School of American experience. OCU graduates. Dance and Arts Management. Powell is “For the first time ever, I was able to play In addition to portraying Andy, Yoder someone they have long looked up to. the villain,” she explained. “Dorothy is assisted Barclay, running several rehearsals “I’ve always admired Susan,” Ruiz noted. hilariously miserable. I love the comedic and teaching choreography. “Getting to know her on a personal level is work I was called to do for this role.” Ruiz said the unique experience was so wonderful.” Powell said the most enjoyable aspect the result of something else she learned Ruiz said her studies at OCU are now of the show was the cast with which she at OCU. “Like Jo always says, good luck coming full force in her career. worked. is preparation meeting opportunity. I feel “When (OCU alumni) get to New York, “Seeing these talented dancers carry- very blessed to have played an iconic role people know who we are,” she said. “We ing on the torch of this style is thrilling,” that I wasn’t sure would fall into my lap like come prepared in a way that’s not like Powell said. “This style of dance is here to it did.” graduates of a lot of other schools. We have stay, thankfully, because of these kids. Kelli pizzazz and a kind heart. Our instructors Barclay, the choreographer, cast only the Leslie Berger • [email protected]

From left to right: Susan Powell, Rich Yoder, Addie Tomlinson, Gabrielle Ruiz focus spring / summer 2014 17

Photo provided by Susan Powell Across the Globe Taiwanese, Hong Kong Alumni Reunite

Celebrating their ties to Oklahoma relations; and Benjamin Chang, director universities to deliver graduate education City University, alumni from Taiwan of administrative information systems. in Asia and our alumni are very grateful to and Hong Kong gathered for three OCU For Leebron, who taught OCU’s MBA be a part of the larger OCU family. events in April. The alumni met a group degree courses in Asia from 1987 to 2001, “As we celebrate 110 years of existence, of university representatives who traveled the trip amounted to an academic home- it is encouraging to know that a university to Asia for a series of meetings with busi- coming. She was able to see some of her started as the vision of Oklahoma Meth- ness and education leaders. former students, as well as meet the adult odist leaders continues to make a differ- “We have a great group of very loyal and children of one student. Those children ence in the global marketplace.” proud alumni in the Pacific Rim,” said went on to gain OCU degrees themselves. In addition to meeting with alumni, the OCU President Robert Henry. “Getting “I was thrilled being included in a trip OCU delegation visited with leaders of to hear their stories of OCU experiences to Taipei and Hong Kong to meet with the National Taipei University of Nursing was a blessing and a reminder that the our alumni there,” Leebron said. “See- and Health Sciences, the Taiwan Police mission of this university extends around ing my former students and hearing College, and Kang Chiao International the world.” their stories of success that our training School, a bilingual school for students in President Henry led the OCU delega- awarded them, made me feel that OCU is grades 7 to 12. tion, which included his wife, Dr. Jan an educational institution that has ideas President Henry and Deans Agee and Henry; Dean Steve Agee and Associ- to help the world. We don’t give ourselves Williams also presented an OCU honor- ate Dean Michael Williams from the enough credit.” ary doctorate to Taiwanese business Meinders School of Business; former “The kind of educational experience leader Willson Lin on April 12. Lin is OCU faculty member Ruth Leebron; OCU provides cannot help but create founder of the Doers Cultural and Edu- Marty O’Gwynn, vice president for unique shared memories,” O’Gwynn cational Foundation and an international university advancement and external said. “OCU was among the first American corporate trainer.

18 focus spring / summer 2014 1. 2.

3. 4.

1. OCU presented an honorary doctorate to Taiwanese business leader Willson Lin (third from left) on April 12. He is founder of Doers Cultural and Educational Foundation and a former student of 1987 OCU MAT graduate George Tseng (far right). They are pictured with, from left, Dr. Mike Williams, Dr. Steve Agee, President Robert Henry, and Dr. Jan Henry. 2. Dr. Leebron spoke to a group of alumni at a brunch gathering on April 12 in Taipei. Leebron has made more than 25 visits to Asia to teach OCU students. 3. President Henry is presented a ceremonial sword by President Chen Lien-Chen during a visit to the Taiwan Police College. Several graduates of OCU’s Master’s in Criminal Justice degree program work at the college. 4. Meinders School of Business Dean Steve Agee with 5. Janet Chan, MBA ’84, and her daughter, Karen Chung, MBA ’99, at the alumni brunch in Taipei. 5. A group of alumni gathered for a dinner in Taipei on April 11. The alumni visited with Dr. Leebron, seated, and were hosted by Benjamin Chang, ’85 and ’87, right. 6. Nine OCU alumni in Hong Kong met with the university’s team for a dinner on April 13. The alumni represented three larger groups of OCU graduates who regularly meet on their own, maintaining bonds forged while completing their OCU MBA degrees.

focus spring / summer 2014 19

6. Visionary Professor Produces Global Success

By Terry Phelps, OCU Professor of English

Twenty minutes into writing a news story in a broadcast invited to work the Republican and Democratic national con- writing class, students were jolted by professor Karlie Harmon ventions the following summer. Carrie Conner-Hayes worked rushing into the class, shouting, “Breaking news!” with all new directly with Dan Rather for CBS, and Dana Byerly worked facts—requiring students to rewrite. This regularly occurring with Peter Jennings for ABC. experience when she teaches that class has frustrated some Harmon and Martin started The Blackwelder Group, which students and made others laugh, but it gives them a taste of how works free of charge for community clients. Projects include a real TV newsroom operates. videos for creating awareness, fundraising, and mission work Real-world experience, always a priority for Harmon, has for the Oklahoma United Methodist Circle of Care, for The been a major factor in the success of OCU’s Mass Communi- Education & Employment Ministry (TEEM), and for the United cations program. She joined Methodist Church of the Servant’s Sandy Martin in 1978 to make it respite program for parents with a two-member department with mentally challenged children. Such about 30 majors. Expanding When an 18-year-old kid tells projects are now part of the cor- the faculty (now seven full-time) people he’s going to be on TV porate video class, which Harmon and programs has increased the created. number of majors as high as 170. and become a sportscaster, To develop rapport with students, A multi-track system with most of those people laugh Harmon started monthly luncheons numerous new courses enables “ for all majors and mass communica- students to specialize in one of and say Good luck with that. tions faculty. Faculty prepare the four major areas: advertising, Karlie never blinked and just food, and students eat and enjoy broadcasting, print journal- fellowship with peers, alumni, and ism, and public relations. Good set the course and steps for us faculty. Harmon also started the media contacts have facilitated senior cookout for American and internships for college credit, to achieve this goal. Singaporean students, who are on- giving students practical experi- campus for spring residency. ence in TV stations, advertising Chris Harrison, BA ’93 One food never included in the agencies, public relations firms, Senior Cookout is durian, a fruit with and newspapers. a very strong taste and smell. One of Harmon’s first classes in Singapore asked her the standard Competitive Edge question” for visitors: “Have you tried durian?” She graciously Under the leadership of Harmon and Martin, who retired in answered, “It’s okay . . . I think it is good,” although she had only 2007, students began competing in regional competitions. In the tasted it once. On the last night of class, the students prepared American Advertising Federation, OCU regularly placed in the a special “durian buffet.” Each student had prepared a different top three against such schools as Southern Methodist Univer- durian dish from durian cake, puffs, salad, tart, and Harmon ate sity, the University of Texas, University of Arkansas, and Texas them all. “I tasted durian for several days,” she says, “and now Christian University. In the Oklahoma Broadcast Education As- I can firmly say that I am not ambiguous about durian.” When sociation’s student competition, OCU regularly takes top places asked the standard question now, she smiles and says yes, she’s in corporate video, scriptwriting, newscast, sports coverage, and tried it, but no thanks. investigative reporting. Mass Communications formed a Professional Advisory When the Murrah Building was bombed in 1995, CBS News Board and in 2003 held two major fundraising events to raise called Harmon, who sent a trained student crew to work with money for scholarships with the help of alumni Jane Jayroe major media outlets. Those contacts led to two students being Gamble and Bill Shdeed. Grants totaling about $200,000

20 focus spring / summer 2014 Carrie Conner-Hayes with Dan Rather; Dana Byerly with Katie Couric; and Miss Oklahoma Kelsey Griswold with Miss America emcee OCU alum Chris Harrison

from the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation brought former Under- secretary of State Karen Hughes and former Secretary of State Colin Powell to OCU for Careers in Mass Communications Conferences in 2006 and 2007. More than a thousand high school and college students attended each conference, which included panels moderated by OCU mass communications alumni. Harmon chaired mass communications from 1983 until 2005 and then became OCU’s Director of International Mass Communications Programs in Singapore. She was succeeded as department chair by mentee and former student Matt Hamil- ton, who credits Harmon with helping him choose his major and his careers, first in advertising, then in academia.

singapore success The Singapore program began with a Master of Arts degree in mass communica- tions in December 1992 and a Bachelor of Arts degree the next summer. Harmon says it was “a leap of faith because none of us really knew very much about Singapore or how to do these programs. I really wasn’t sure where Singapore was exactly. We really were pioneers in that we brought mass communications education to Singapore and Southeast Asia. No one was teaching mass communications like we were in the U.S. They were teaching parts of it—journalism, advertising, etc.—but they had not put it together in an integrated curriculum.” Full-time OCU faculty teach 45 of the credit hours on-site in Singapore in nine-day, three-credit classes, after the first two years are taught by Singapore faculty from long- time partner Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS). The curricu- lum, faculty, and texts are approved by OCU. The requirements are identical to the on-campus programs and have full accreditation in the U.S. with the North Central Association’s Higher Learning Commission. Students come from Singapore, China, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Tai- wan, Korea, and elsewhere throughout the region. One of the highlights for Singapore students is the spring residency, where they complete three weeks of classes at OCU. Since 1992 Harmon has hosted the students in her home for dinner, for which she claims to have “cooked enough brownies and chicken casserole to stretch around the globe.” She has several fond memories of Singapore students, including the tornado that struck Moore on May 3, 1999, when they were on campus for TV production that night. Never having seen anything like it, most of them gave up their weekends and volunteered to work with the Red Cross to help with the clean-up efforts. Harmon says, “I hope we would do the same as visitors to another country with limited free time.” Another favorite memory is 10 Singapore students in Oklahoma City for their spring residency buying 10-gallon cowboy hats because they loved western gear. Har- mon laughed when they wore them into a mass communications studio and asked them how they’d get the hats home. The only way was to wear them on the plane, and Harmon says, “I only wish I had a picture of that group boarding the international flight wearing those hats from Oklahoma.” Two summers ago, she took 14 students from the Singapore program to study in Rome for six weeks as part of OCU’s study abroad program. Last summer she took 11 students from Singapore and three students from OCU to London to study at Kingston University, enabling students from both programs to make friends and con- tacts. She plans to take a group to Rome this summer for a six-week course. She also is considering a media tour of Southeast Asia where she would take a group of students to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Currently, OCU students can go to Singapore to take classes or do internships with one of the media outlets. Harmon sees these opportunities for students as examples

focus spring / summer 2014 21 Karlie Harmon with mass communications students in London during a 2011 trip

of OCU’s “commitment to global education. We don’t just talk alumni all-stars about it . . . we do it and get students involved in these opportu- OCU mass communications alumni are prominent in Singa- nities.” pore, including two who work with Channel NewsAsia. Diyana In 2011 OCU began offering a professional academic seminar Alan, BA ’11, is a news producer and Augustine Anthuvan, BA each year in Singapore, a recruiting and retention event usually ’97, is a senior TV journalist for the internal desk, where he attended by about 500 students. Last year was the first OCU writes and produces his own one-on-one interviews and covers alumni party in Singapore, beginning the establishment of the major events in the region. Bhavani Krishanamy, MA ’94, now OCU Alumni Association there, with plans for two annual second in command at Singapore’s Ministry of Information, events for alumni. An online directory for mass communication Culture and the Arts, is responsible for the renovation and services and job listings should be completed this year. Harmon opening of a major new art museum. is forming a Singapore Advisory Board to advise on curriculum, Success stories abound for alumni. Jennifer Pham, BA ’03, students and activities. is a news producer for KOCO Channel 5 in Oklahoma City. OCU’s first Singapore intake had 21 students, and Harmon Carrie Conner-Hayes, BA ’98, formerly with CNN and PBS, said she spent the night after her first class completely has her own consulting company. Gretchen Hamel, BA ’02, is redoing her course because she hadn’t known what to expect the founder of Highline Strategies, a political consulting firm in from Singapore students. The program has since come a long Washington, D.C. David Morris, BA ’96 and MBA ’98, is direc- way, and she is pleased with the collaborative effort to make it tor of video for OPUBCO Communications. a success. She applauds retired OCU professor Leo Werneke, Perhaps the most widely recognized alumnus is “The Bach- who was dean of the Petree College of Arts and Sciences when elor” host Chris Harrison, BA ’93, who has emceed the Miss the Singapore program began. “He has written millions of pages America pageants for the past three years. He originally planned of documents,” she says, “and I don’t think the program would a career in public relations or advertising, but Harmon directed have succeeded without his help.” She also applauds Petree him into the broadcasting track. He stays in touch and always College of Arts and Sciences Dean Mark Davies, who teaches in visits when in Oklahoma City. Singapore, and President Robert Henry, who has visited Singa- Harrison’s comments about Harmon paint a good picture of pore three times. her impact on students: “Karlie did such a phenomenal job of Harmon is helping coordinate a new program with the MDIS not just being a professor or counselor, but she became a friend to offer a degree in Malaysia in August 2015, and Davies is a key and confidant. She took me under her wing and pushed me to supporter. The new program will offer majors in advertising and fight for a career that most told me I would never achieve. When public relations, recruiting students from international markets. an 18-year-old kid tells people he's going to be on TV and be- OCU faculty will teach 51 percent of the classes. come a sportscaster, most of those people laugh and say ‘Good OCU Mass Communications Chair Matt Hamilton sees luck with that.’ Karlie never blinked and just set the course and Harmon as a visionary. “She loves to build new programs and steps for us to achieve this goal. It was never a question of if, but curricula. She never stops looking for the next opportunity.” when and how we would do this. When you grow up in an atmo- Besides being mentor and colleague, he says that she has been sphere of success and are surrounded by people that make you a great travel advisor for his family trips to Canada and the feel like you cannot fail, it’s almost impossible not to succeed.” western U.S., and that she has been a great friend and source of advice about parenting his son, drawing on her experience of Terry Phelps • [email protected] raising sons Lee and Michael with her husband Harvey. A con- tract attorney, Harvey often accompanies Karlie to Singapore.

22 focus spring / summer 2014 Professor’s Faith Breaks Through Classroom, Prison Walls

By Heather Chamberlin, Saint Paul School of Theology Methodist the United by provided Photo G eneral Board of Church and Society

Stan Basler is dedicated to restorative homa Conference of the United Method- Many of the issues and questions justice work. “There is a part of me that ist Church from 1994 - 2013. During that that Basler is able to raise and discuss desires systemic change,” said Dr. Basler, time Basler helped to found Redemption in class are based on these experiences. a professor for Saint Paul School of The- Churches in Lawton, Oklahoma City, “I’ve learned on the ground ways to deal ology at Oklahoma City University and and Tulsa for prisoners, former prison- with prison ministry situations so I can adjunct professor at the OCU School of ers, their families, and congregants never share common mistakes and effective Law. “I understand the limitations of one incarcerated. Basler also worked with practices.” Basler can keenly explain the person so I hope to increase the effective- the Oklahoma Conference to establish interpersonal effects and issues when ness of others going into ministry or into two “New Day Camps” for children with someone goes to prison. the practice of law by teaching.” incarcerated parents. He was a driving While teaching, Basler continues to Basler, DMin and JD, has taught classes force in founding the Exodus House min- pastor at Penn Avenue Redemption in restorative justice to future attorneys istry in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, which Church in Oklahoma City and partici- at the Oklahoma City University School pates in Kairos Prison Ministry, an adap- of Law for 14 years. Some students have tation of the United Methodist Walk to also assisted re-entering inmates with Emmaus program. “I find a lot of meaning legal problems in Project Re-entry, a pro It’s been my experience and purpose in prison ministry settings,” bono program that Basler and the law that Christ is most present he said. “It’s been my experience that school established. Basler is now the vis- Christ is most present among the least of among the least of these. iting professor of restorative justice and “ these.” prison ministries at Saint Paul School Professor Stan Basler Basler was awarded the Outstanding of Theology at Oklahoma City Univer- Graduate Award from Saint Paul School sity. He is the lead faculty for the prison of Theology in 2011 for his extensive work ministry and restorative justice Master of ” with prison and restoration ministries. Divinity specialization. provides transitional living for former “There are more than two million people Basler brings a wealth of experience prisoners and their families. Basler was locked up in this country. Many are with him when he steps into the class- co-chair of John Wesley Charter School parents. My people are very low on the room. He practiced law for 13 years before Board, which was founded by United sympathy index but the time and money deciding to go to seminary. “While prac- Methodist-related efforts from 2003 to spent for restorative ministries will affect ticing law I saw first-hand how the system 2007. The school targeted juvenile of- generations to come.” worked. I became quickly convinced that fenders suspended from school and other “This is a ministry in which there there was a much more biblical way of do- dropouts. are severe peaks and valleys and it is ing justice.” Basler remembered praying Basler has worked on three legislative important not to get discouraged,” Basler and acknowledging that he liked working task forces, as a member of the Oklahoma explained. He often returns to Hebrews with people in trouble. Later a position County Community Sentencing Plan- chapter 11 where, “God honors people for would open up to work in prison minis- ning Council, as a founding member of their faithfulness that did not get to see try. “It just felt like God had remembered the Oklahoma Partnership for Successful the promise.” that conversation.” Reentry, and as a founding member of the Heather Chamberlin Basler worked as director of criminal Interfaith Council on Oklahoma Prison [email protected] justice and mercy ministries in the Okla- Ministry.

focus spring / summer 2014 23 class notes

’51 Jesse Edmund Jones, Ph.D., ’66 George Arrington, JD ’66, was ’74 Ron Brown, BS ’74, was inducted BA ’51, retired as a minister of the a Bobby Joe Cudd Legacy Award winner to the Pawhuska Basketball Hall of Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1992. in Woodward. Fame. He is the chaplain of Thousand Trails in Acton, California, and is still preaching ’67 Joe Paul Case, BA ’67, was hon- ’75 Tony nominee Ron Raines, BM every Sunday. His wife, Ruth Berg- ored on his retirement after 31 years as ’75, portrayed Daddy Warbucks in the strom Jones, ’45-’46, is a former dean of financial aid at Amherst College Broadway revival of “Annie,” which piano and organ student of Dean by a scholarship fund established and closed after playing 487 performances Clarence Burg, and at the age of 86, endowed by Charles A. Myers of the and 38 previews. A national tour is is still playing organ and piano and Amherst Class of 1988. A United Meth- planned. substituting for churches in the odist minister, Case worked in higher Lancaster, Calif., area. Jesse and Ruth education for 44 years. He was director ’76 Tulsa County Sheriff Stanley Jones have been married 65 years. of financial aid and placement at OCU Glanz, MCJA ’76, was inducted into from 1970 to 1975. The Massachusetts the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of ’60 Mason Williams, ’60 & DM ’96, Association of Student Financial Aid Fame in December. was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Administrators recognized Case with Hall of Fame. Mason is best known for the Edward M. Kennedy Public Service ’77 Dr. Neil Vitale, BS ’77, has joined “Classical Gas,” an instrumental piece Award for “distinguished service as a the staff of Jackson County Memorial that won a Grammy Award. champion for the needs and rights of Hospital's Counseling Center as a underserved and disadvantaged groups pediatric developmentalist. and life-long contributions in public service, student advocacy, and education Stephen Reel, JD ’77, city on issues of student aid policy.” attorney for the Village, was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame for ’68 Stan Sewell, BS Business ’68, is City and Town Officials last month. serving as president-elect for the Texas Association for Healthcare Financial Richard Cochran, JD ’77, is Administration. Sewell will be president the new city manager for Waurika. of the organization in 2015. The Texas Association for Healthcare Financial ’83 Robin Wolaver, BM ’83, did a Administration has been providing story for Fox News about Millennials education, advocacy and networking leaving the church. Her book “The Song opportunities for healthcare financial of Annie Moses” was reviewed by the professionals since 1941. TAHFA Smart Mom Picks website. represents administrators, chief Jonathan Beck Reed, BA ’83, financial officers, accountants, consul- starred in Lyric Theatre’s “The Odd tants, auditors, financial analysts, and Couple.” controllers. He has served on the board of directors for the past three years and Yvonne Nikki Leach, JD ’85, was appointed as co-chairman of the member-driven ’85 Kauger associate district judge for Noble education committee. County. ’60 Rev. Bruce Brotherton, BA ’68, came out of retirement to serve as interim pastor at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, where he preached his first sermon 50 years ago. ’61 Harry Vines, BA ’61, was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. ’69 Yvonne Kauger, JD ’69 & LL.D. ’92, was named to OKC Friday’s “Most Jim Swiggart, BM ’61, general Powerful OKC Women” list. director for Opera in the Ozarks, is retiring after more than 25 years of ’72 Spencer Kopf, BA ’72 & JD ’75, is directing and teaching music. co-author of a book titled “The Un- broken Line” about the 1982 National ’64 Barbara McAlister, BM ’64, was Football League labor strike and wrote inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall an opinion about a pending lawsuit of Fame. McAlister is an international dealing with NFL Films. mezzo-soprano opera singer.

Jonathan 24 focus spring / summer 2014 Beck Reed class notes

’86 Dyton Owen, BA ’86, was named Chris Harrison, BA ’93, was ’00 Chad Anderson, MM ’00, direct- pastor of First United Methodist Church named honorary chair of the Thousand ed “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” in Lexington, Nebraska. Oaks Arts Festival in California. Harrison at Oklahoma Christian University. was also featured on ABC television’s Edgar Cruz, BM ’86, performed “10 Questions.” Samuel McCoy, BM ’00, was at the Duncan Chamber of Commerce appointed music director and principal and Industry’s annual awards banquet in Rob Harris, BA ’93, pastor at Moore conductor of the Chelsea Opera in February. First United Methodist Church, was New York City. lauded for helping restore homes ’87 Lee Slater, JD ’87, became the damaged by the May tornadoes. Julie Whittle, MBA ’00, category executive director of the state Ethics manager for soft drinks and energy/ Commission. ’94 Jon Jacobson, BSB ’94, was nutritional beverages for 7-Eleven, promoted to district manager for gave a presentation at the national ’88 Dato Mohamad Kamarudin Oklahoma for PMA USA, Inc., the BevNet Live conference. bin Hassan, MBA ’88, was appoint- marketing company of Washington ed as an independent non-executive National Insurance Company. director of CCM Duopharma Biotech. Vince Leseney, MMOP ’94, Daniel P. Hughes, MBA ’88, is the voice instructor at the University of Program Executive Officer Command, Oklahoma, performed as Eddie and Dr. Control and Communications – Tactical Scott in “The Rocky Horror Show” at for the U.S. Army’s Capability Set (CS) Lyric Theatre. 13 program. ’94 Tony Terrell, BA ’97, was hired ’91 Rev. Kristen L. Brown, BA ’91, as an assistant basketball coach for elder for the United Methodist Church, Antonian in Texas. is now serving through the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Ed Gillis, BS ’97, has been promoted Methodist Church, as Methodist liaison to regional vice president of HotelPlan- to Palestine and Israel. ner.com and Meetings.com based in Las Vegas, Nev. Kristin Chenoweth, BM ’91, returned to “Glee” for its 100th episode, ’98 Jennifer Seal, BA & BM ’98, was which aired in March. the subject of the Aug. 26 “Day in the Life” series for OKCBiz magazine. Seal is ’92 The Fletcher High School Wildcats a board member for the Uptown 23rd retired the jersey number of Gary Street District Association, corporate Beathard Jr., BS ’92. market director for the American Heart Association, co-owner of Grandad’s Bar Philip Hixon, MBA ’92 and JD ’01, and board member for the Putnam City joined the GableGotwals law firm. Schools Foundation.

James P. Buckley, JD ’92, was Kelly Farrell, BS ’98, was named named to the Bothwell Regional Health chief of interpretation and program Jennifer Center Foundation board. services by the Arkansas Department of Seal Parks & Tourism. Eddie Wyant, JD ’93, was named ’93 Kelly Ann Vitacca, BPA ’01, Oklahoma’s Outstanding District At- Kelli O’Hara, BM ’98, starred as is the founder and artistic director of torney of the Year by the Oklahoma Italian war bride Francesca Johnson in the Vitacca Productions & Company in District Attorneys Association, and was the musical adaptation of “The Bridges Houston. selected to serve on the Oklahoma of Madison County,” which opened in District Attorney’s Council as incoming March. , BM ’01, was the chairman. He was also elected president ’01 Peter L. Markes ’99 featured speaker at the annual Marvin of the association. John Fletcher, BA ’99, published Stokes Endowed Lecture at East Central his first book, “Preaching to Convert,” University in Ada. Markes, the Oklahoma Vincent Sandoval, BPA ’93, on the University of Michigan Press. He Teacher of the Year, and fellow OCU was the director and choreographer for is an associate professor of theatre and alumnus Leona Mitchell. BM ’71 the SummerStock Austin production of interim chair of the Theatre Department & DM ’79, participated in the Governor’s “SWING!” at Louisiana State University. Art Awards ceremony.

focus spring / summer 2014 25 Kent class notes Hathaway

Sarah Coburn Soprano Sarah Coburn, MM ’01, was named as one of the Tulsa World’s “10 to Watch” in 2014. ’03 Kinnie Dye, BM ’03, released her first solo CD, “Road to Follow.” Dye has been a member of The Yes Team, a San Diego- based musical trio that also includes her Bass School of Music classmate, TJ Moss, BM ’03, for the past five years.

Denise Engle, BA ’03, was appointed to serve on the Oklahoma Workers Compensation Commission.

Jeremy Hays, BM ’03, is starring as Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway.

Oklahoma Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Miller, JD ’03, was ap- pointed to the board of directors for the T.W. Shannon, JD ’04, was named Association of Government Attorneys in one of the GOP’s rising black stars Capital Litigation. by the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education. Shannon was awarded the Chip Abbott, BPA ’03, was cast in Abraham Lincoln Leadership Award the national tour of “Joseph and the during the Lincoln Legacy Dinner and Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.” He Awards Program. He was the featured joined the International Conservatory speaker at Oklahoma State University's of Performing Arts as a guest instructor undergraduate commencement ceremo- for a week. nies in December. ’04 Annie Bradshaw Duggan, BM Kent Hathaway, BFA ’04, was ’04 and BMEd ’05, is the music director selected Mustang Teacher of the Year. for Bethany Public Schools and 2013 Hathaway teaches art and his class rvin Photography, E rvinI mage by Photography, and Stacy Boge Dario A costa Bethany District Teacher of the Year. won a nationwide contest by building a Duggan is the chairwoman of the 2014 replica of the Golden Gate Bridge out of OMEA All-State Orchestra. recycled milk cartons. Van Samuels, ’01, spoke at Several alumni are featured in “Bet- ’05 David Janssen, BM ’05, was the Marco Island Historical Museum ter Late Than Never” at Stage 72 in a special guest in the “Canterbury in Florida on “Seminole Culture and New York. The show starred Tiffany Christmas” show. History: A Native American Perspective.” Borelli, BM ’04 & MM ’06, and Will Mann, BM ’06 with Logan Jay Wadley, BM ’05, past president Adam Rodriguez, ’01, was named Culwell, BM ’08 on piano and of Project 21: Music for the Twenty First the best football player of all time from Nathan Siler, BM ’05 on guitar. Century, composed the soundtrack for Desert View school in Arizona. the VH1 biopic CrazySexyCool: The TLC Oklahoma Assistant Attorney General Story. Chris Schroder, BS ’01, was Mykel Fry, JD ’04, was named to inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. the executive committee of the National Jobi Teague, JD ’05, is the new city Schroder entered the OCU Athletic Association of Medicaid Fraud Control attorney for Marked Tree, Ark. Hall of Fame in 2008 after setting the Units. university’s career earned run average ’06 Tim Hausmann, BM ’06, is the record at 2.16 in 2000-01. He became Nick Samarripas, MBA ’04, was manager and wine buyer for the Little one of three OCU alumni coached by named commercial relationship manager Wine Shoppe in St. Paul, Minn. Denney Crabaugh to reach the major at First Fidelity Bank. leagues. He made his major-league debut Jason Hawkins, BSB ’06, was with the Washington Nationals in 2006. The PGA named Tyrone Van hired as general manager and Chris Aswegen, BSB ’04, one of its Spendlove, BS ’09, as an assistant rookies to watch in the Sony Open. coach of the OKC Energy FC.

26 focus spring / summer 2014 class notes

Jahni Tapley, JD ’06, was ap- “The Fable of Shannon Cable,” written ’13 Hailey Holloway, BA ’13, pointed to serve as a member of the Carl and directed by Vinnie Hogan, started her new job as a broadcast Albert State College Board of Regents. BM ’08, was featured at the Austin Film journalist in Gainesville, Fla. She is an Festival and the Trail Dance Film Festival on-air reporter for GTN News, the ’07 Christopher Conrady, BS ’07, in Duncan. local NBC/CBS affiliate. won a 2013 Love of Learning Award from Phi Kappa Phi. The Las Vegas Review-Journal did a Carol Rizer, DNP ’13, was named feature piece on Brittany Nance an assistant professor of nursing at the Lance McDaniel, MLA ’07, Gazzara, BPA ’08, who performed University of Texas at Tyler. and Nathan Gardocki, BFA ’10, in “B-Beatleshow!” have finished principal photography on Jack Coppedge, JD ’13, was hired their film, “Light from the Darkroom.” ’09 Katie Postonik, BM ’09, continues as an assistant district attorney in Carter McDaniel is the director and Gardocki her starring role as Molly in the national County. is the producer. tour of “Ghost.” Audrey Wagner, BFA ’13, was Emily E. Campbell, JD ’07 has Jason Edward Grife, an actress’ double in the movie “August: been named to the University of MM ’09, is the executive director of Osage County.” Oklahoma’s College of Engineering the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras. Industrial & Systems Engineering Joshua Cassella, BFA ’13, was a Advisory Board. She was selected for Austin Brown, ’09, and his fall intern for the Oklahoma Visual Arts inclusion in Oklahoma Rising Stars 2013 group Home Free won NBC’s a cappella Coalition. in the Intellectual Property category. singing competition, “The Sing-Off.” Austin Rick McKee, BM ’09, orchestrated Outfielder Brian Joynt, ’07-’11, Brown joined the Lincoln Saltdogs. the music for Macy’s “Yes, Virginia,” which received its world concert Furan L. Jackson, ’07-’12, was premiere with the Cincinnati Pops named pastor of the Jay First United Orchestra. Methodist Church. ’10 Maira Moraes Ollila, MBA ’08 Jennifer O’Steen, JD ’08, was ’10, delivered East Central University’s named city attorney of Ardmore. 2013-2014 Boswell Lecture titled “Social Media in the Business World.” Hans C. Justice Chang, MBA ’08, was named chief operating officer ’11 Sasha Hutching, BFA ’11, made of UAN Cultural & Creative Co., Ltd. the cast for “Rocky the Musical,” her third Broadway show.

Leah Diaz, BS ’11, graduated with her Master in Theatre Administration degree from New York University in May 2013 and began working for Disney Theatrical Group.

’12 Aaron Werthiem, BFA ’12, played a leading role in Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre’s “Red.”

Judith V. Huerta, BA ’12, co- mage provided by OKC E nergy FC OKC by I mage provided founder of the Oklahoma City Chapter of Dream Act Oklahoma, helped orga- nize the “Hungry 4 Justice” activities to call attention to immigration reform in America.

focus spring / summer 2014 27 Chris Spendlove giving Phonathon Chats Ring True for Students, Alumni By Joseph Pierce

Every semester a group of students gather in a conference room made me even more excited to see all the possibilities out there on the OCU campus to make thousands of phone calls to alumni with the degree I am currently receiving at OCU,” she said. across the nation. They are the Call-Stars, and each spring and fall, Other students enjoyed sharing connections with alumni over they work to reconnect alumni with their alma mater. university events. Elisabeth Bagley, a biomedical sciences and ex- The Call-Star phonathon program is operated by the Office of ercise sport science senior, bonded with alumni over events put on University Advancement and External Rela- by the Student Government Association. tions. It allows the office to make sure it has “It was awesome to find out that some of up-to-date contact information for alumni, our ‘new’ events are actually reinvented ver- gives alumni the opportunity to reminisce sions of those held years ago,” Bagley said. with students about their time on campus As part of the calls, students speak with and share achievements to be published in alumni about their lives after leaving OCU. FOCUS. It also offers alumni the opportu- Some alumni make a contribution and then Have you been a Call-Star? If you nity to begin a philanthropic relationship have been a student caller during give names and numbers of their alumni with the university. The phonathon helps phonathon at any point in OCU’s friends, advising callers to contact them discover what alumni are passionate about history, we’d love to know your too. Call-Stars frequently have the privilege story. Visit www.facebook.com/ and connects them with university program- oklahomacityuniversity to share of being the first on campus to learn about ming that will help them make a difference. your story or photo, or email exciting career developments, growing President Robert Henry re-initiated the [email protected]. families, and awards. Some of these stories phonathon during the fall 2012 semester, end up in the pages of FOCUS. and student callers have become an impor- This fall, the Call-Stars will be reaching tant part of the student-alumni experience, leading to the new out again to ask for alumni support. Call-Stars name. “If your phone rings, we hope you will spend a few minutes Alumni learn more about OCU first-hand, and students gain chatting with the Call-Star on the other end of the line,” said valuable experience speaking one-to-one with alumni. Carrie Sauer, assistant director for annual giving. “Find out what “My favorite part of phonathon was the chance to talk to alumni is happening on campus and share some stories with them about who are currently doing what I want to do,” said Emily Myers, your time at OCU.” vocal performance freshman. She especially enjoyed connecting FOCUS with alumni over their shared passion for music and OCU. “It Joseph Pierce • [email protected] [extra [

28 focus spring / summer 2014 Compiled by Rich Tortorelli athletics

STARS STREAK TO SHINING MOMENT Oklahoma City University collected its seventh NAIA Division I women’s basketball championship with an 80-76 title-game tri- umph over Freed-Hardeman (Tenn.) on March 25 at the Frankfort Convention Center in Kentucky. OCU now ties Southern Nazarene for the most NAIA Division I women’s hoops titles. In all sports, OCU captured its 55th national championship. Yvonte Neal poured in a game-high 36 points to power the Stars. Kayla MacKenzie of the Stars took home the tournament’s most valuable player trophy. MacKenzie, a senior from Peoria, Ariz., posted 21 points, seven rebounds, five assists and five treys in 40 minutes of work in the title game. For the tournament, MacKenzie averaged 13.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.60 steals per game. MacKenzie and fellow senior Cara Pugh helped Oklahoma City win national championships two out of the past three years. “It's unreal,” MacKenzie said. “I can honestly say hard work pays off. Never in a million years did I think I'd be here my last game of my senior year winning this championship and that award. You couldn't write it any better.” Neal, a junior from Spring Valley, Calif., also put together eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and four 3-pointers. She was the last addition to this year’s recruiting class. Neal took all-tournament acclaim. OCU coach Latricia Trammell picked up the Phyllis Holmes NAIA Cheerful Division I coach of the year award. Trammell led the Stars to a 27-4 Champs finish with OCU’s 14th Sooner Athletic Conference regular-season Stars Sweep Cheer and championship. OCU ran its streak of 25-win seasons to 16 in a Dance Championships row. Trammell completed her second season, returning to OCU as head coach after being the assistant from 2005-07. OCU picked up national titles in cheerleading and dance “We preach hard work pays off, and we do things for a reason,” March 15 at the NAIA Cheerleading/Dance Championships at said Trammell. “I have to give it to this team. They're the ones out Abe Lemons Arena. there on the floor executing and battling. They’re just a fantastic The Stars have captured nine national championships in group of young ladies, and I'm very proud.” cheerleading and pom/dance the past three years. OCU won the NAIA large coed and large pom/dance championships in 2011, the NAIA all-girl and large coed crowns in 2012 and the NAIA all-girl and pom/dance titles, the NCA Division II coed championship in 2013 and now 2014 cheer and dance NAIA titles. “It was fun because we have kind of been the trailblazers in the NAIA,” OCU Coach Brandy Corcoran said. “We get to hang the first red banners and we get to hang them in both sports, so that is fun for me.” OCU finished in first place with a total score of 110.08 in the dance competition. The Stars finished 1.56 points ahead of runner-up finishers Grand View (Iowa). Baker (Kan.) fin- ished third followed by Midland (Neb.), Siena Heights (Mich.) and Concordia (Neb.). Shooting OCU posted a final score of 92.67 to finish in first place Stars in the cheer competition. St. Gregory’s finished second with a sore of 91.46. Midland finished third followed by Mar- tin Methodist (Tenn.), Graceland (Iowa), Missouri Baptist, Lindenwood-Belleville (Ill.), Concordia (Mich.), Missouri Valley, Aquinas (Mich.), Siena Heights and Lordes (Ohio). “They all had strong performances and it just shows that this is going to be a building community of athletes for the NAIA,” Corcoran said.

focus spring / summer 2014 29 athletics

Hayes, Ledbetter, Sanders Enter Hall of Fame OCU celebrated its outstanding athletic softball teams from 1988 to 1991. An “Ted is one of the best who have come heritage with the induction of its latest outfielder from Lodi, Calif., Hayes racked up through here with the legacy he’s left,” Athletic Hall of Fame class Jan. 18 in the 167 career stolen bases, swiping 63 as a OCU coach Denney Crabaugh said. "With Great Hall of the Tom and Brenda McDaniel sophomore. Both marks are OCU records. the accolades he’s earned with being the University Center. “Cathy Hayes’ mental toughness and at- NAIA player of the year and an NAIA Hall The 2013-14 OCU Athletic Hall of Fame titude were contagious among her team- of Famer, it was an easy decision. His senior class was comprised of speedy softball mates,” OCU coach Phil McSpadden said. season was one of the finest seasons in the all-American Cathy Hayes, 2004 NAIA “I appreciate what she did on and off the history of our program.” baseball player of the year Ted Ledbetter field for our program. She was a differ- Paul and Kim Sanders have been erstwhile and contributors Paul and Kim Sanders. ence maker for us and very deserving of friends of the OCU athletic department. Hayes became known as one of the this honor. Cathy was a member of the first They have been noted as being two of the nation's premier leadoff hitters for OCU’s class I had for all four years. She was one of most consistent supporters of the university the many players from California who have over time. Kim, a 1969 OCU graduate, and been impactful for Oklahoma City University her husband, Paul, have been OCU support- softball.” ers for more than 40 years. The two were Ledbetter became an NAIA Hall of Famer honored in the meritorious service category in 2012-13. In 2004, Ledbetter hit .504 of the OCU Athletics Hall of Fame. with 20 home runs and 90 RBIs as a senior “Kim and Paul have embraced OCU for the Stars. He also produced 84 runs Athletics and our student-athletes like no scored, 117 hits, 26 doubles, seven sto- other,” OCU athletic director Jim Abbott len bases and a .976 fielding percentage. said. “They are the most dependable fans Ledbetter became Sooner Athletic Con- and supporters that we have ever had, and ference and NAIA Region VI player of the their love for OCU is apparent to us daily. Ted year, first-team all-SAC, all-NAIA Region VI Our committee was unanimous in selecting Ledbetter, and first-team all-American. He set OCU’s them to enter our Hall of Fame in recogni- Paul and Kim single-season record for batting average tion of their service to our department.” Sanders, and while tying the single-season record for hits. Cathy Hayes

Kicking it Up: Harvey Stars Wrestle for Championships Reaches Milestone Win OCU finished second at the Women’s College Wrestling Association championship OCU coach Brian Harvey earned this January in St. Louis. King (Tenn.) edged OCU by two points. his 325th career women’s college OCU’s Emily Webster captured her third consecutive 101-pound individual cham- soccer coaching victory and pushed pionship as 14 Stars became all-Americans. OCU picked up its second consecutive his combined college coaching record runner-up finish and third second-place team finish in program history. over the 700-win plateau during the The team won four national championships from 2009 to 2012. 2013 season. The Stars’ Rachel McFarland at 130 pounds and Kayla Aggio at 155 took individual Harvey notched win No. 325 in the runner-up showings. OCU wrestlers placing fourth were Brianna Rahall at 101, Kristi Stars’ 4-0 SAC Tournament quarterfinal Garr at 109, Cody Pfau at 116, Brieana Delgado at 123, Demi Strub at 155, Sherese win over Mid-America Christian on Nov. Thomas at 170 and Heather O’Connor at 191. 9 at Stars Field. Harvey ends the season Stars taking fifth were Beatrize Martinez (136) andS tephanie Geltmacher (143). with a 326-87-21 ledger in his 19 years Rachel Young was sixth at 136, and Shelby Morrison was the seventh-place finisher coaching women. Harvey has the most at 116. wins of any current NAIA women’s Garr and Geltmacher became soccer coach. four-time all-Americans, in- Harvey collected his 700th career creasing OCU’s total of four- college soccer victory in a 2-1 men’s win time all-Americans to eight over Southern Nazarene on Oct. 19 in in program history. Delgado, Bethany. His men’s record is 382-173- O’Connor, Rahall, Strub and 34 in his 27th year, while his overall Webster can boast of being college coaching record is 708-260-55. three-time all-Americans. Aggio and Martinez repeated as all-Americans.

Webster is 3-0 in title matches.

30 focus spring / summer 2014 FOCUS [extra [ athletics Chris Pike Cross Country Team adds to National Championship Run Oklahoma City University’s national championship run continued with the cross country program’s first NAIA title. OCU placed four runners in the top 30 in its first appearance in the NAIA Championships and claimed the NAIA cross country title Nov. 23 in Lawrence, Kan. The Stars, ranked No. 5 in NAIA men’s cross country, completed the eight-kilometer race with 77 team points and finished 47 points ahead of top-ranked Southern Oregon and 80 points ahead of 2012 champion St. Francis (Ill.). Sophomores Arya Bahreini and Peter Koskey along with freshmen Chris Lowery and Mackenzie Wahpepah-Harris finished in the top 30 individually and earned all-American status. Koskey, of Keringet, Kenya, finished eighth overall with a time of 24 minutes and 47 seconds. Bahreini, of Edmond, Okla., finished 11th overall with a time of 24:50. The sophomore finished 37th while competing as an individual at the NAIA championships a year ago. The freshmen duo of Lowery and Wahpepah-Harris finished 22nd and 25th respectively. Lowery, of Chandler, Okla., posted a Pike Pitches to Perfection time of 25:04 while Wahpepah-Harris, of Norman, Okla., notched a time of 25:06. OCU’s Chris Pike joined an exclusive club and tossed a Junior Kyle Wardwell, of Norman, Okla., finished 38th with a perfect game in the Stars’ 5-0 victory over St. Gregory’s time of 25:01 to round out the Stars’ top five runners. on March 7 at Jim Wade Stadium. Teams dealt with a sub-freezing temperature of 27 degrees and Pike struck out 18 while logging 91 pitches. He be- wind gusts up to 24 miles per hour during the race. came the first OCU pitcher to throw a perfect game since OCU made its first appearance in the NAIA Championships as a Mike Mlotkowski accomplished the feat against Hastings team since the school reinstated cross country before the 2008-09 (Neb.) on March 20, 2005 at Jim Wade Stadium. Pike’s school year. perfect game was the 24th in NAIA history. He struck out The 2013 NAIA men’s cross country title was OCU’s 52nd 14 batters in a row from the second batter of the game national championship. OCU has now won an NAIA title in each through the top of the fifth inning. The right-hander of the last 19 years. struck out the side five times. “It was the most dominating performance I’ve ever seen by a pitcher, period,” Crabaugh said. Cross country team

Skates becomes two-time all-American Zach Skates finished in sixth place at 157 pounds in the NAIA Championships March 8 in Topeka, Kan. Skates, a sophomore from Broken Arrow, Okla., became a two-time all-American. He finished the season 38-13. He took fifth at 165 in last year’s NAIA Championships. Skates became OCU’s sixth two-time all-American. He has a 77-26 record in his OCU career.

Follow Stars athletics at www.ocusports.com, featuring schedules, rosters and all of the latest news on your favorite OCU sports.

Zach Skates

focus spring / summer 2014 31 honor roll of your generosity

their future donors The University’s Mission: Oklahoma City University embraces the United Methodist tradition of scholarship and service and welcomes all faiths in a culturally rich community dedicated to student success. Men and women pursue academic excellence through a rigorous curriculum focused on students’ intellectual, moral, and spiritual development to prepare them to become effective leaders in service to their communities. Since the founding of our University in 1904, this enterprise of United Methodist higher education has been sustained by donors who realize they are investing in the future by supporting our students. Oklahoma City University is privileged to recognize our donors for the 2013 calendar year, and we invite you to join us in honoring them for their generous support of the University. These individuals and organizations are as diverse as the student population they support with their contributions, yet they have a common goal of sustaining a mission which has resulted in thousands of exceptionally equipped servant-leaders for our thank community and our world. Our staff has worked carefully to ensure that this list of donors who have made cash gifts, pledges and pledge payments of $1,000 or more between January 1 and December 31, 2013, is as accurate as possible. If you know of an error or you omission or have questions regarding this information, please call the OCU Office of University Advancement at (405) 208-7000.

For a comprehensive list of our overall 2013 Honor Roll of Donors, please visit www.okcu.edu/focus.

FOCUS ★ employee of university extra [ [ • member in memoriam

32 focus spring / summer 2014 donors

FOUNDERS Annual Donors Matthew and Jill Epperson John Turner Founders are individuals The following lists comprise Estate of Kathleen Rhodes United Way of Central and organizations whose individuals and organizations Paul and Deborah Fleming Oklahoma cumulative gifts to the who have given to Oklahoma Jack Golsen Jerry Vannatta university total $1 million City University between Kenneth and Janet Goodin Wanda L. Bass Foundation, Inc. or more. January 1, 2013 and James and Elaine Gragg December 31, 2013. Great Plains Coca-Cola President’s Ann Simmons Alspaugh Bottling Company Partners Gold Anadarko Petroleum Distinguished Harris Foundation, Inc. $5,000 to $9,999 Corporation Stars Hartzog, Conger, Cason & Wanda L. Bass• Neville, LLP Access MLP Operating, Inc. Benefactor AdvancePierre Foods Martha Burger $100,000 & above Larry and Gretchen Hartzog Clay• and Eleanor• Carrithers Beryl Hawkins Ahmed and Ola Nawar Amayem Chesapeake Energy Jeff Burk Paul and Andria Heafy American Fidelity Foundation Corporation, Inc. Phil and Cathy Busey Robert Henry★ and Robert and Nancy Anthony ★ ★ The Chickasaw Nation Chesapeake Energy Jan Ralls Henry Dennis and Ju-Chuan Arrow Jeroldine Zacharitz Clark• Corporation, Inc. Gary and Sue Homsey Brian and Julia Bakeman Marvin• and Ena• Dawson The Chickasaw Nation Denny and Carolyn Hook Terry Baransy donors Devon Energy Corporation Jim and Kay Bass Devon Energy Corporation Cliff and Leslie Hudson The Luther T. Dulaney Family E.L. & Thelma Gaylord Integris Health, Inc. Robert and Ellen Bemis Josephine W. Freede Foundation Jexal Foundation, Inc. Andrew and Debby Benton Jerry Gamble and David and Barbara Green John Johnson David Bohnert Jane Jayroe Gamble Inasmuch Foundation Farouk and Noha Kanaa Roy and Pat Chandler Gaylord Family The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Karl F. and June S. Martin Chaparral Energy, LLC Harris Foundation, Inc. foundation, Inc. family Foundation Wallace H. and Emogene Hatton W. Sumners James H. and Madalynne Steven and Carrie Katigan G. Collins foundation, Inc. Norick Foundation Greg Laird Cox Communications Inasmuch Foundation McLaughlin Family Kurt and Cathy Leichter Scott Davis and David Leader Clara Edith Jones• Charitable Fund Tom and Judy Love Scott and Carol Davis The Kerr Foundation, Inc. The Meinders Foundation Jason and Carly Maderer Paul Doolittle Kerr McGee Corporation, Inc. Herman and LaDonna Meinders Marjorie Norick Gift Fund Brent Foster and Keri • ★ Kirkpatrick Family Bob and Jeaneen Naifeh Dianna M. May Williams Foster Ann Lacy and James Alexander• Ron and Kandy Norick Glynn and Sandy McCauley Dennis and Nancy Dougherty Kurt and Cathy Leichter Oklahoma City Community Aubrey and Kathleen Edmond Music, Inc. Haskell L. Lemon Family Foundation McClendon Jose Freede Tom and Judy Love Oklahoma Conference of The Pat McGarrity and Leroy Ball Jerry Gamble and united Methodist Church The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Mason and Joye McLain Jane Jayroe Gamble Foundation Oklahoma United Methodist Michael Gibson★ Foundation Dave and Jean McLaughlin McLaughlin Family Mike and Wanda Gilliam Ray and Pat Potts John McShane Charitable Fund Bud and Marilyn Meade Nicholas and Keegan Harroz Herman and LaDonna Meinders Midtown HC, LLC Hatton W. Sumners foundation, Inc. The Meinders Foundation Stars Benefactor Clark and Kay Musser Gary M. Moore HC Services, LLC $10,000 - $99,999 Darren Lister and Jenee ★ The Samuel Roberts Naifeh Lister Mike and Kim Joseph ★ Noble Foundation Steve Agee Brad and Valerie Naifeh Khichi Family ★ Families of Henry Norick Phil and Jo Albert Gregory Naifeh Eric Laity ★ Ron and Kandy Norick Nabhan and Rana Alnabhan Stan and Bonnie Naifeh Art and Betsy LeFrancois Oklahoma Conference of Ann Simmons Alspaugh Oklahoma Bar Foundation, Inc. Tom and Brenda McDaniel The United Methodist Church Anschutz Family Foundation Richard and Gayle Parry Bob and Margaret Mills Oklahoma Gas and Electric AT&T George Milner Company Foundation, Inc. Tom Quinn and Tommy Troy Bailey Thompson Mark Moore The Robert A. Parman BancFirst Dolores Neustadt Foundation David and Kim Rainbolt Susan Barber★ and David Nagle Norick for Mayor Committee Petree Family James Ravannack Linda Barnett North Oklahoma City District Robert & Ruby Priddy Richard P. & Norma T. Small Howard Berry of United Methodist Church Charitable Trust Foundation Broadhurst Foundation Nabil and Afaf Nuwar Sarkeys Foundation Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation John Brogan Christian O’Donnell Dick and Jeannette• Sias Stuart and Pamela Schroeder Henry Browne, Jr. OG&E Energy Corp. Jeanne Hoffman Smith Bill and Pam Shdeed Martha Burger • Oklahoma City Boathouse Vivian Wimberly• Dick and Jeannette Sias Bob and Chimene Burke Foundation Flora Rouse Winter• Jeanne Hoffman Smith Randy and Connie Calvert SSM Health Care of Oklahoma Pierce, Couch, Hendrickson, Baysinger & Green, L.L.P. Clyde R. Evans Charitable Trust Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum Keri Prince and Ty Norris Joe and Valerie★ Couch The Robert A. Parman Joe and Sherry Crosthwait Foundation Jeffry and Julie Puryear Sam and Bushra Dahr Trust Company of Oklahoma George and Nancy Records Steve and Gail Davis - Tulsa Bill and Amy Rhodes Patty Empie Jack Turner Paul and Kim Sanders

focus spring / summer 2014 33 donors

Domer Scaramucci George and Mary Ellen Randall Bill and Liz★ Donnelly Stuart Scaramucci Betsy Replogle Dougherty Family Charitable Southern Media, Inc. John and Charlotte Richels Trust Fund of Triangle Barry and Becky Switzer James Schmidt Communication Foundation Stratton Taylor Tony and Phyllis Shelby Dunlap Codding, P.C. ★ The Professional Basketball David and Darla Slane Karen Eby ★ Club, LLC Debbie Tussey★ Greg and Christine Eddington Cullen and Bonnie Thomas Jonathan and Paula Watson Barbara L. Eskridge Wang Family Foundation Winegardner & Hammons, Inc. Ethics and Excellence in Westerman Foundation Kirk Woford Journalism Foundation Paul and Linda Woody Andrew and Jane Evans Hub Worrell President’s Tricia Everest Partners Bronze President’s $1,000 to $2,499 Gayle Farley Partners Silver Federal Bar Association, $2,500 to $4,999 7-Eleven Stores Oklahoma City Chapter Jim★ and Annetta Abbott Brad and Celine Ferguson American Fidelity Assurance David and Kathie Aelvoet Joe and Marti Ferretti Company Sam Anderson First Commercial Bank Justin Sullivan ALWF, Inc. Kevin Baldwin Maggie Ball★ and Tony Zahn First National Bank Ambassadors Account of Oklahoma Bob Bartley Bank of Oklahoma Foundation Yvonne Kauger Denise Flis★ Hamden and Robyn Baskin Susan J. Barnes Alan and Angela Kennington Charles and Carla Flournoy David and Laura Beal Arnold and Jo Ann Battise Lou C. Kerr/The Kerr Timothy Foley foundation, Inc. Loyd and Judy Benson Carter and Cara Baumert Bill and Geneva Foote Sandy Kimerer Doc and MarEllen Benson Gerard and Terry Bava Foundation Management, Inc. Kincaid Coach Lines Jack Bush Mark★ and Teena Belcik Friday - Nichols Hills Steve and Suzan Knight Rodney and Peggy Campbell Mary S. Benner★ Publishing Co. Lois and Stanley Kruschwitz J. Donald and Patricia H. Capra Clay and Louise Bennett William Scott Gallagher Michael and Summer Krywucki Comanche Nation Charles and Marilyn Bethea Eddie Goldman L W Fortner Co, Inc Fellers Snider Law Firm Keith Bethell Harry Goldman and William and Laura Laing Christopher and Paul and Colleen Bicket Jacqueline Fiegel Jettie Person Linda P. Lambert Joel Bieber First Bank & Trust Company Golf Shop Management, Inc. Al and Dixie Ledbetter Kyle★and Krista Blaser Frankfurt-Short-Bruza Kyle Graves Richard and Frances Lerblance Mike and Rita Blaser Associates, P.C. Joe Greenhaw Syd Lewis Larry and Marie Bradshaw General Board of Higher Clyde and Ann Grover Duke and Linda Ligon Joellyn F. Brown education & Ministry of Colbert Hackler Foster and Judy Lindley Roger Brown ★ ★ the UMC Rick and Lee Hall Janis Love Jim and Betty Bruce Greater Oklahoma City Irene Ham Edward★ and Marie Lyons Chamber of Commerce Doug and Rhonda Buckles Homer and Treva Hancock Keith★ and Jane Lytle Stephania Grober Bob and Barbara Bunce Rhonda Haney Macklanburg-Hulsey Carol M. Hansen Carol Byrd Meredith and Helen Hardgrave foundation, Inc. Kim and Suzette Hatfield Warren and Marlyne Cadwell Alvin★ and Beverly Harrell Donald and Barbara ★ ★ Larry and Gay Hellman Charlie and Ann Cantrell Don Harris MacPherson Heritage Trust Company Steven and Kimberly Cargill Philip★ and Carolyn Hart Peter and Kris Markes James and Phyllis Jackson Mike and Betty Jane Cawley James and Jean Hartsuck T. Christopher Martin Niles Jackson and Kristin D. Chenoweth Robert and Deliliah Hayes Mary M. Lee, P.C. Barbara Thornton Children’s Medical Research Robert Hefner Jeffrey and Gail Maucere Randy and Connie Jones institute, Inc. John and Melvena Heisch Carol McAvoy Tom Jones and Leslie Tregillus Jim Ditmars and Cathy Kenneth Henderson Debra McCormick and Mark and Gayla Kelly Christensen Conor Holt★ and Robert Gray ★ Donald and Karen Clewell Craig and Julie Knutson Camille Herron Rick McKee Lawrence★ and Chris Cobb Harrison and Elaine Levy Glede and Teresa Holman Ken and Debbie McKinney Steve Coleman Brendan Maher J.R. and Patsy Homsey Larry and Rozia Foster Columbia Sussex Corporation Hamid Mahmood Ronald Hope Burrel and JoAnn McNaught Communities Foundation Robert and Marty Margo Matt Houston William Mee of Oklahoma Michael Massad Karen Howick and Marjorie Midwest Bus Sales, Inc. Conklin Family Foundation Robert and Jeanne McSpadden Downing Midwest Neurosurgery Clinic Thomas Conklin Clinton and Jennie Medbery John and Janet Hudson Thomas and Carol Mieger Constellation Energy Melvin and Jasmine Moran Hunzicker Brothers Joel and Nikki Miliband ★ ★ Glenn and Vivian Dale Marty and Deborah Ronnie and Shahnaaz Irani Brian and Sonja Miller Paula J. Dalley★ O’Gwynn Bob and Mary★ Jenkins Glen and Yvonne Miller Mark Davies★ and Kristin Oklahoma Bar Association Ronald and Kelly Jensen Alex Davies Jason and Cindy Miller Marsh and Debbie Pitman Barry Johnson★ and Melissa Richard Wansley and Mathias Mone Prosperity Bank Smith-Johnson Meredith Davison Bob and Carol Naifeh Puterbaugh Foundation Bill and Ann Johnstone Michael Decker Pete and Virginia Nelson Rainbo Service Co. Jeffrey and Regina Jones Patricia R. Demps David and Betty Nittler Gene Rainbolt J.T. Jones Peter★ and Judith Dillon Oklahoma Attorneys Mutual Ronald Raines and Dona Vaughn Journey House Travel, Inc. Robert Doenges insurance Company

34 focus spring / summer 2014 donors

Oklahoma City Convention Linda Tucker Bob and Barbara Bunce Judy M. Altshuler & Visitors Bureau Elaine R. Turner Martha Burger Alan B. Anderson Oklahoma City National UMB Bank, NA Glenn and Vivian Dale Kalpa M. Anderson• Memorial & Museum United Methodist Higher Richard Wansley and William Ed Archer• Oklahoma Employees education Foundation Meredith Davison Dorothy M. Atkins• Credit Union Jim Vallion Kyle Dean Joseph N. Atkins Oklahoma Energy Jim Wade Joe and Marti Ferretti Josephine E. Atkins Resources Board John and Marsha Waldo Joe Greenhaw Raymond T. Ayers• Oklahoma Independent Colleges Russell and Kathy Walker Clyde and Ann Grover and Universities, Inc. Troy E. Bailey Walker, Walker & Sharp, P.C. Kim and Suzette Hatfield • Oklahoma Institute for William S. Bailey Child Advocacy Joseph and Cynthia Walkowski Ronnie and Shahnaaz Irani Julia Bakeman Oklahoma Natural Gas Jean M. Warren Bob and Mary Jenkins T. Brian Bakeman Company West Kildonan Pharmacy, LTD J.T. Jones Susan C. Barber David Ooley Ellen Jayne Wheeler Yvonne Kauger Roland K. Barker• Mike★ and Anne O’Shea Martha E. White Lou C. Kerr/The Kerr Linda C. Barnett Mark Parker★ Chuck and Renate Wiggin foundation, Inc. Marguerite P. Barrett• Kevin Perry Larry and Ashlie Wilhelm Craig and Julie Knutson Clark Bass• Jerry and Charlette Perryman John Michael and Kathy Duke and Linda Ligon James C. Bass James Peterson Williams Foster and Judy Lindley Kay Bass Joseph Phillips Drew and Lizette Williamson Macklanburg-Hulsey Wanda L. Bass• ★ foundation, Inc. Greg and Kathy Phillips Mike Wimmer Bruce L. Bates Burrel and JoAnn McNaught Pioneer Trucking, LLC John M. Yoeckel R. Thomas Beadles Melvin and Jasmine Moran Pirates Alley Lawrence and Sheryl Young Floy S. Bean• Ron and Kandy Norick David Pitzer Jean Frances Beatty• Marty and Deborah O’Gwynn Presbyterian Health Foundation Nebula Society Gladys Beaven• David Ooley George Proctor and Gold George P. Benson• Sandy Pantlik Nancy Dumoff $5,000 + Travis T. Benson Presbyterian Health Foundation Steve and Julie Raney Howard K. Berry Phil and Jo Albert Gene Rainbolt Ghazi Rayan Florence Bettis• Jack Golsen George and Mary Ellen Randall Remington Park Florence G. Birdwell Great Plains Coca-Cola Steve and Julie Raney Douglas and Kelli Riddle Bottling Company Robert L. Birdwell• John Robinson James Robinson Robert★ and Jan Henry James H. Blossom• Gary and Anne Shaner John Robinson Mason and Joye McLain Norma R. Blossom• Bob and Pam Spinks John Thomas Petherick and Norick for Mayor Committee Caroline L. Blue• ★ Marvona and Michael Tavlin Casey Ross-Petherick Oklahoma City Community Johnny A. Blue• Clayton and Marnie Taylor Saint Paul School of Theology Foundation Kathleen Tucker Bone• ★ Cullen and Bonnie Thomas John and Lois Salmeron Jeffry and Julie Puryear Opal Boston• Jim Vallion Gary and Carol Sander George and Nancy Records Edna H. Bowman• Chuck and Renate Wiggin Ira and Sandy Schlezinger Richard P. & Norma T. Small Loretta Kay Bradley John Michael and Kathy Fred and Kathleen Schmidt Foundation Esther E. Brindley• • Williams Andy and Jennifer Schroeder Dick and Jeannette Sias Alan B. Brooking ★ Pete Serrata Jerry Vannatta Albert H. Brooks• Stephanie Seymour Gold Star Society The Gold Star Society for George W. Brown• Gary and Anne Shaner Nebula Society 2013 recognizes benefactors Kleida W. Brown• Don and Barbara Shinn Silver who include the university Louise W. Brown• Max and Gena Showalter $2,500 - $4,999 in their estate plans or make Henry W. Browne Lee Allan and DeAnn Smith • **Anonymous other types of legacy gifts, Ellen L. Bryan Shelby Smith Kevin Baldwin including charitable remainder Robert A. Bryan Darrell and Margaret trusts, charitable gift annuities, • Terry Baransy Lillian B. Bryant Smokewood or designating OCU as Paul T. Bryant Bob★ and Pam Spinks Robert and Ellen Bemis beneficiary of a retirement ★ J. Donald and Patricia H. Capra Tanya S. Bryant Andrew and Ellen Spiropoulos plan or life insurance policy. Becky Buchanan Rance and Paula Stein Christopher and Jacqueline Fiegel James C. Buchanan Irwin and Kelley Steinhorn Marilyn Abercrombie-Joyner Harrison and Elaine Levy • Mary L. Bures• Jim and Linda Stewart Helen Hinman Abernathy Marsh and Debbie Pitman Martha A. Burger Victoria K. Swinney★ Kay Adair James Schmidt Jean M. Affeldt• Bob G. Burke Marvona and Michael Tavlin • Tony and Phyllis Shelby Bess M. Aikens• Clarence W. Burr Clayton and Marnie Taylor • Victor F. Albert James L. Burton The Economic Club of Vince Busby• Oklahoma Nebula Society Betty J. Alden Jack G. Bush The Interfaith Alliance of Bronze Rhodly L. Alden Oklahoma, Inc. $1,000 - $2,499 J. Bart Aldridge• Robert Butkin Lisa Then Geronimo Alexander M.K. Butler 7-Eleven Stores Thomas N. Lynn Institute Katherine Alexander• Hugh V. Byler Loyd and Judy Benson for Healthcare Research Stephanie B. Allison• Chester Cadieux Joellyn F. Brown Rick Thompson Nabhan Alnabhan Debbie Cadieux Kent and Lauri Buchanan • Thrive Oklahoma Magazine Ann S. Alspaugh Mabel Campbell Doug and Rhonda Buckles Trilink Restoration Group, LLC Jerome K. Altshuler Bettie Carey

focus spring / summer 2014 35 donors

John M. Carey Sylvanus G. Felix• Dixie S. Jensen Nellie R. Melton• John Hoyle Carlock• Elliott C. Fenton Donald F. Jensen• Gene H. Midyett• Henry Carlson• Lee Findlay• Baxter Johnson• Patrick K. Miles Lucille Carlson• G. Russell Fletcher• Patricia A. Johnson Frances Milhouse• Eleanor Carrithers• O.F. Folmer• Clara E. Jones• Paul W. Milhouse• Claudia Carroll-Phelps Joe Foor Sybil R. Jones Glenn E. Millard Roy W. Chandler Sharon G. Fore M. Farouk Kanaa Mary A. Millard B. C. Clark Ted Foster• Nelma M. Karns Bonnie L. Miller Jeroldine Zacharitz Clark• Paul A. Fox William T. Karns• Glen O. Miller Bard H. Coats Josephine W. Freede Joseph W. Kaufman Lewis Miller• Donna R. Coats Milton H. Freeland• Roumaine Kearse• Maudie M. Miller Carol H. Cochran Robert D. Fry Iva B. Kelley• Retta Miller Mary E. Coffey Nick L. Gales Richard B. Kells• Roberta E. Miller• Christine Collins Marion B. Galloway• Nancy I. Kenderdine Yvonne Miller Elizabeth Herring Collins• Gerald L. Gamble Lou C. Kerr Nannette E. Milleson• Jack T. Conn• Jane A. Jayroe Gamble Karen L. Kirkpatrick Frederick F. Mischler Lois A. Cooprider Michael Gardner Steve C. Knight Margaret L. Moedt George D. Craig Barbara Garrett Ewald J. Kramer• Nile W. Montgomery• Lelah P. Craig Velma Gillette• Jim D. Kutch Chloe J. Moore Catherine Crain• Elizabeth Girtman• Mary J. Kutch Gary M. Moore• Nuell Crain• Roger Givens• Ann Lacy Helen G. Moore• Pearl E. Crain• Gordon D. Goering Grace D. Lamar• Loy Morris• Lisa Crone-Sheldon Jack E. Golsen Sally J. Langston• Marian Morris• Russell Crooch• Jennie Goodson-Cannon• Margaret M. Larason• Theresa L. Morris• M. Joe Crosthwait John S. Gorrell Tim M. Larason Eugene H. Morrison Bessie B. Cunningham• Dorothy M. Graham• Ruth G. Leebron Frederick J. Murnane• Curtis B. Cunningham• Drucilla L. Graves Cathy J. Leichter Debbie Musick A.S. Dahr Mary Greenshields• Kurt Leichter David P. Nagle Philip E. Daugherty• Kenna R. Griffin Haskell L. Lemon Family• Jeaneen E. Naifeh Herbert E. Davis• Mary K. Grisso Helen Lenn• Raymond Naifeh Ena Dawson• Jacque Grotjohn W. Penn Lerblance• Dennis B. Neff Marvin Dawson• Mo Grotjohn Frances Norick Lilly• Clara L. Neil• Michael L. Decker Norma Rowe Gunn• Ona E. Loewenstein• Gene A. Nelson• Phil H. Deschner Larry M. Haag Lloyd L. Long• Grace Nelson• Judith H. Dillon Colbert F. Hackler Janis S. Love Charles Nesbitt• Peter G. Dillon Attieson H. Halbrook Fred R. Lynch• Margaret E. Newton• William C. Doenges• Lee P. Hall Andrea L. MacMullin Helen Nicholson• Catherine E. Dougherty Richard E. Hall Donald W. MacPherson Margaret Norick Dennis J. Dougherty Treva R. Hancock Mary N. Mailman Marjorie J. Norick• Nancy Dougherty Carol M. Hansen Elda Manis• Ronald J. Norick Patricia J. Downing Herschel Willis Harder• Harlene Marley John W. Norman John Prather East• Allen K. Harris Samuel E. Marrs Tal Oden Larry A. Eberhardt Helen O. Hartman• James L. Martin• Patricia Orza Emmanuel E. Edem Basel S. Hassoun Callie Jane Maschal• Vincent F. Orza Irene Edem Richard P. Hastings Michael P. Massad Neva L. Osborne• Phyllis K. Edson Patricia Hatamyar W. C. Mathes• M. Lavell Owen Orville E. Edwards Gretchen L. Hatley Margaret G. Mathis• Raymond H. Owen• Sarah S. Edwards• Morris L. Hatley Christopher A. Mauldin Evelyn Parker• Jim A. Egan• Beryl Hawkins Dorothy Mayes• Mark E. Parker Violet Egan• Elton M. Henderson• Aubrey K. McClendon Richard H. Parry Pat Eitzen Robert H. Henry Gene L. McCornack Margaret F. Pate• Ronald P. Eitzen Elizabeth A. Hensley• Mariann McCornack Bernie L. Patterson Donald G. Emler John G. Hervey• Jane M. McCreight• Nell Patterson• Juel Emrick• J.B. Hitt• William G. McCreight• Marcella A. Peck• Jill A. Epperson Orina E. Hoke Brenda S. McDaniel Jane B. Pelley Matthew A. Epperson Tom R. Hoke Tom J. McDaniel George Pellinger• Broneta D. Evans• Connie Holland Richard F. McDivitt Brenda D. Penwell LeVerda Evans• Wayne Holland Dean A. McGee• Charlette R. Perryman C. Randolph Everest Gary B. Homsey John R. McInnis Jerry W. Perryman Harvey P. Everest• Frank L. Horton• Burrel J. McNaught F.M. Petree• Ellis E. Fair• Karen A. Howard JoAnn McNaught Margaret E. Petree• Marjorie J. Fanning• Florence Hron• Doloris A. McVay Terry O. Phelps Clifford E. Farmer Lyndall F. Hudson• Charles E. Mehr Richard W. Pickens• Esther W. Farmer• Darrell W. Hughes• Herman Meinders F. Warren Pixley• Jalal Farzaneh Verna Hurst• LaDonna Meinders Patricia J. Potts Mohammad Farzaneh Ronald G. Jacob L. D. Melton• Ray H. Potts

36 focus spring / summer 2014 donors

George H. Shirk• Dora Warne• Larry K. Coshow Ruby Lu Simpson Warren K. Watson• Christopher J. Cost Naomi L. Singer Herman Wegener• Christina M. Crain Carl W. Skinner• Mary Wegener• Aileen C. Crosley Ruth Skinner• Miriam M. West• Scott Davis Emma P. Smith• Helen L. Westerveld• Charles L. Deaton Jeanne Hoffman Smith Clarrissa E. Wheat• Dennis J. Dougherty, Sr. Jessie C. Smith William H. Wheat• Robert D. Dudley Shelby L. Smith Ellen Jayne Wheeler Karen A. Engle• William E. Smith Gladys B. Whetstine Jacqueline R. Fiegel Alberta W. Soloway• Alice B. Whitten• Nicholas A. Fiegel Ziad Sous Spudds Widener• Timothy E. Foley Lynnie C. Spahn• R. A. Wildman• Josephine W. Freede Robert H. Spahn• Annette G. Wilkes• Margaret Freede Owens Carol V. Spencer• Norman G. Wilks• Gerald L. Gamble Arlene Staats• Max V. Williams Helen M. Garrison Barbara F. Steinberg Drew Williamson Enoch Kelly Haney Grace M. Stephenson• Lizette R. Williamson Earnest Hardridge, Jr. Irene Stewart Florence O. Wilson• Roger A. Harrod Walter Stiller• Raymond D. Wilson• Suzette B. Hatfield Pamela R. Prentice Parrish• James R. Stith Owen Wimberly• Judith E. Hawkins Winona S. Presley• Carl W. Stokes• Vivian Wimberly• Russell O. Hayes Emma Price• J. Russell Stone Georgia Winton• Cheryl L. Hill Robert R. Price• Wayne D. Stone Jacqueline M. Wise Philip D. Hixon Aran R. Priddy• William R. Strain Charles C. Wisler Nelda G. Hobbs Betty Quinlan Hope R. Strasner• Frances J. Wisler• Brian W. Holland George R. Randall Lemuell Summers• Lisa M. Wolfe Evelyn B. Hooge Mary Ellen Randall Irene Swatek• Betty L. Wooden Harrison E. House, Jr. Ghazi M. Rayan Rosalinn H. Swinka• Evelyn Wynell Woodruff• Jane A. Jayroe Gamble Jeanne Reed• Glenna G. Tanenbaum Rose Woodworth• Michael W. Johnson Ellen G. Reid• Richard I. Tanenbaum W. W. Woodworth• Ronald Karns Margaret K. Replogle• Marvona S. Tavlin Willis C. Worley• Gayla A. Kelly Mary E. Replogle Michael J. Tavlin Hubert R. Worrell Mark W. Kelly Robert E. Reynolds Donald W. Tharp• Celine M. Wyatt• John M. Kessinger Kathleen Rhodes• Charles R. Thigpen• Euclid M. Wyatt• Biju Kurian Helen A. Riddle• Mary E. Thigpen• Kiyoko Yamamoto• Clara M. Lafferty Esther A. Robinson• Bette Thomas• Lisa Ye Greg M. Larson Charles A. Rockwood Marge Edwards Thomas• Mark Ye David A. Leader Warren O. Romberger• Pete Thomas Beverly A. Young Sharon A. Lease Casey R. Ross-Petherick Tom A. Thomas• Carl W. Young James F. Lowder, II Flora Rouse Winter• Abbie Thompson• Mary Wells Young• Ellen H. Lunsford Erma L. Rouse Edith Thompson L. S. Youngblood• William T. Lunsford Maryetta H. Rowe• Kelly R. Thompson Edna Zaspel• Andrea L. MacMullin Dennis N. Rubenstein MacKenzie C. Thompson Michael Mayer Richard N. Ryerson Howard B. Thornton• LIFETIME ALUMNI Martha Ann R. McCaslin Joseph H. Sahmaunt Peggy Thornton• MEMBERS Kathlene C. McCracken Gladys M. Tucker• Brenda S. McDaniel Arthur W. Salisbury Kristin R. Alex Davies • M. Kevin Tully Tom J. McDaniel Orval J. Sams John C. Alsup Patricia R. Tully Pat L. McFerron Mary C. Sargent Bonnie K. Arthur • Melinda D. Tune Sharon McFerron Freeda M. Sarjent Kendra L. Barreda • Alireza Vahabzadeh Paul E. McLaughlin George B. Saunders Lydia J. Barrett • Robert W. Van House Burrel J. McNaught J. B. Saunders Forunato M. Battad, Jr. Nellie Mae Vandegrift• JoAnn McNaught Michael D. Schag Arnold S. Battise Wilbur Vandergrift• Benny R. McReynolds Merrill Schnitzer Dixie A. Beadles James Vanderpool• Herman Meinders Pamela B. Schroeder W. Alan Benson Jerry B. Vannatta LaDonna Meinders Stuart R. Schroeder Lisa Blackburn • Marianne B. Vannatta• William R. Melton, George W. Scott Gerry K. Boyd Betty L. Veatch• uSMC (Ret.) Hugh W. Scott Paula J. Brashear George E. Vickrey Alyosha R. Mertens Shirley D. Scott Glenna Tidwell Brayton • Nadine Vincent• Jacqueline T. Miller Minnie Seba Deborah S. Brown Mildred S. Voak• Helen G. Moore• Cheryl Seguine Andrea K. Carpenter James L. Wade Frederick J. Murnane• Robert W. Seguine Norman D. Cecil Larry R. Wade• Tommy Neathery Ruth E. Seideman Terry S. Chambliss Mary J. Wade• Kelly R. Nemecek Garvin Senn Shin H. Cho • C. Gene Walker Iyo E. Nsikak John Shakely B. C. Clark, Jr. Jerald C. Walker Keith Oehlert Pamela H. Shdeed Floyd K. Conaway William F. Shdeed Virginia K. Walker Brian J. Olden

focus spring / summer 2014 37 donors

Patricia Orza George R. Randall Emily R. Shierk Marianne B. Vannatta• Vincent F. Orza, Jr. Mary Ellen Randall Kelly D. Smith Charles M. Waller Heather E. Overstreet Shannon L. Rich-Kerr Mary Catherine Ellen Jayne Wheeler Daniel L. Owens John E. Riggs Smothermon Larry S. Wiese Dipak T. Parekh Lisa C. Riggs Danny R. Snyder Drew Williamson Johnnie K. Penton Justin W. Robinson Virginia M. Stanley Bambang S. Winata Lisa Penton Kimberly D. Sanders Charles W. Stice Delma R. Wingo P. Michelle Perry Paul R. Sanders Karen Stice William E. Zook Vicki W. Phillips Peggie Saxton Norman G. Stoner Bill L. Pierce Sharon E. Schonthaler R. Cullen Thomas, Jr. Cary M. Pirrong Janet K. Seefeldt Mary B. Todd Seong-Teresa Pong George B. Selby Greg L. Tolle Kathy L. Poore• Pamela H. Shdeed Shirley Huber-Smith Pamela R. Prentice William F. Shdeed Trotter Parrish Carolyn Shierk Jerry B. Vannatta

endowed funds GENERAL UNIVERSITY 8000 for OCU Endowed Scholarship ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Palmer C. Abercrombie Endowed Scholarship Alumni Legacy Endowed Scholarship African American Endowed Scholarship Alumni Lifetime Membership Endowment AFS Employee Dependent Endowed Scholarship Emery O. and Bess M. Aikens Scholarship ANN LACY SCHOOL OF AMERICAN DANCE American Indian Alumni Endowed Scholarship AND ARTS MANAGEMENT James Noble Atkins Memorial Book Endowment American Spirit Dance Company Endowed Scholarship Troy Bailey Endowed Scholarship American Spirit Dance Company Endowment Brian and Julia Bakeman Endowed Scholarship Peg Leg Bates American Dance & Dance Management Erminda and Sophia Banning Endowed Scholarship endowed Scholarship Wanda L. Bass / McAlester Endowed Scholarship John Hitt Endowed Scholarship Bruce & Marjorie Bates Endowed Scholarship Ann Lacy and James E. Alexander Endowed Scholarship McKinley Billy Endowed Scholarship Tom and Brenda McDaniel Endowed Scholarship for James H. & Norma R. Blossom Endowed Scholarship Dance and Arts Management Clyde & Evelyn Bowen Endowed Scholarship Charles E. Mehr Endowed Dance Scholarship Homer S. & Margaret Brauer Anderson Endowed Scholarship Lee Paramore Endowed Dance Scholarship Edward W. and Ethel Mae Brindley Endowed Scholarship Marcella Patterson Endowed Dance Teacher Scholarship Alice Brown Endowed Scholarship Ritz International Foundation Endowed Scholarship Ellen L. Bryan Endowed Scholarship Jo Rowan Endowed Dance Scholarship James C. Buchanan, III & Becky Buchanan Endowed Scholarship Alleyne F. Schweinle Endowed Scholarship & Capital Expenditures Betty Stockard Endowed Scholarship C. W. Burr Endowed Scholarship Campus Beautification Endowment ATHLETICS H. Arthur Carlson & Mary Lucille Carlson Memorial Endowed Scholarship OCU Baseball Endowment Roy Chandler Endowed Scholarship Melvin Decker Memorial Athletic Endowed Scholarship Chapel Maintenance Endowment - Harris Foundation Devon Boathouse Quasi Endowment Chinese Endowed Scholarship Education Athletic Endowed Scholarship Church of the Good Sheperd Endowed Scholarship William A. Grana Endowed Scholarship Clint Foundation Endowed Scholarship Paul Hansen Memorial Endowed Athletic Scholarship Student Senate Coffia Award Endowed Scholarship Brian Harvey Academic Soccer Endowed Scholarship Council for Excellence Endowment Abe Lemons Endowed Athletic Scholarship Hazel & Russell Crooch Endowed Scholarship Eugene H. Morrison Endowment for Baseball Devon Energy Clara Luper Endowed Scholarship Eugene H. Morrison Endowment for Men’s Basketball Distinguished Speakers Series Endowment Eugene H. Morrison Endowment for Men’s Golf Kamil Eddie, Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship William Nashert Endowed Scholarship Walter N. & Alice K. Epler Endowed Scholarship Hugh and Diane Scott Athletic Endowment Broneta Evans Endowed Religion Scholarship Star Elementary School Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fair-Folmer Endowed Scholarship General James L. Wade Athletic Endowment George D. Findlay Memorial Endowed Scholarship Gerald L. & Jane Jayroe Gamble Endowed Scholarship DULANEY-BROWNE LIBRARY & Capital Expenditures William & Romaine Bailey Religious Library Collection Endowment Richard Gibbens Endowed Scholarship Logan Cary Science & Engineering Library Book Endowment J. E. Hall Endowed Scholarship Dulaney-Browne Library Endowment Richard E. Hall Endowed Scholarship Elizabeth Clark Gordon Memorial Endowment Paul Hansen Endowed Scholarship for the Hearing Impaired B. D. Lack Endowment John & Martha Hardt Endowed Scholarship Mary E. Harris Endowed Scholarship

38 focus spring / summer 2014 donors

Vivian Head Scholarship Louis Allen Whitten Endowed Scholarship Judge Robert Henry Endowed Chair Dean Thomas A. Williams Memorial Endowed Scholarship Dan Hogan Endowed Scholarship Florence O. Wilson Endowed Scholarship Holland Family Endowment Florence O. Wilson House Endowment Homeland Endowed Scholarship for Native American Students Flora Rouse Winter Endowed Scholarship Honda Native American Endowed Scholarship Jackie and Bill Wise Endowed Scholarship Hoopes Endowed Scholarship Betty L. Wooden Endowed Scholarship Frank Horton Memorial Endowed Scholarship Euclid M. & Celine M. Wyatt Endowed Scholarship Indian Misson Land Endowment Edna L. Zaspel Endowed Scholarship Clara E. Jones Endowed Scholarship Paul Jones Native American Endowed Scholarship kramer school of nursing Iva B. Kelley Art & Law Endowed Scholarship R. T. Ayers Family Endowed Scholarship Ann Michele King Memorial Endowed Scholarhsip Denise Burton Endowed Nursing Scholarship Lambda Chi Alpha Endowed Scholarship David & Barbara Green Endowed Nursing Scholarship Clara Luper General Endowed Scholarship Kramer Nursing Endowed Scholarship OG&E Clara Luper Endowed Scholarship Harold & Edith Maris Memorial Endowed Nursing Scholarship Fred & Margaret Lynch Endowed Scholarship Elaine Masters Endowed Leadership Scholarship Fred R. and Margaret Lynch Endowed Methodist Scholarship MSN Education Track Endowed Scholarship William D. Maril Memorial Endowed Scholarship Nursing Dean’s Endowed Chair Cordis Martin Endowed Scholarship Nursing Endowed Scholarship Michael & Eunice Massad Endowed Scholarship Daphyn Owen Endowed Scholarship for Kramer School of Nursing D. & E. Mayes Endowed Scholarship Ed & Lorraine Reynolds Endowed Nursing Scholarship Anabell McConnell Memorial Endowed Scholarship Ruth Kramer Seideman Endowed Scholarship McDaniel Endowed Leadership Scholarship Marvel Williamson Endowed Scholarship Dean McGee Endowment Flora H. McKay Endowed Scholarship MEINDERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Genevieve Middagh Endowed Scholarship American Floral Service Marketing Endowed Chair Bishop & Mrs. Paul Milhouse Endowed Scholarship C. R. Anthony Endowed Chair in Competitive Enterprises Gene Nelson Endowed Scholarship Jeanne Reed Bowman Memorial Endowed Scholarship John F. Olson Endowed Scholarship Alan B. Brooking Endowment John F. Olson Memorial Endowed Lectureship Martha Burger and Donald Rowlett Endowed Scholarship Harvey L. & Laura M. Parker Methodist Endowed Scholarship Burwell Endowed Chair Richard & Gayle Parry Endowed Fund for Operations Chester Cadieux Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship in the Meinders Gertrude M. Patton Endowed Scholarship School of Business Jerry W. and Charlette R. Perryman Endowed Scholarship Chesapeake Energy Endowed Scholarship F. M. Petree Endowed Book Scholarship B. C. Clark, Jr. Endowed Chair in the Meinders School of Business Terry & Lauren Phelps Endowed Scholarship Coca Cola Entrepreneur Speaker Series Endowment Pierce Memorial Lecture Endowment Jack Conn Endowed Chair in Meinders School of Business D. N. Pope Endowed Scholarship Ann Covalt Endowed Scholarship Olen D. Presley Endowed Scholarship William C. Doenges Endowed Scholarship C.L. & Aran Priddy Endowed Scholarships for American Indian Students B. D. Eddie Endowed Scholarship Winnifred Reneau Endowed Scholarship Harvey P. Everest Endowed Business Scholarship Scottish Rite Endowed Scholarship Henry James Freede Endowed Professorship Rotary Club Endowed Scholarship Michael Gardner Endowed Business Scholarship Bud & Ronald Sahmaunt Native American Endowed Scholarship Golsen Family Endowed Business Scholarship A.C. Scott Endowed Scholarship J. Leland Gourley Scholarship in Business George C. & Sara Scott Endowed Scholarship James A. Graves Endowed Scholarship L.E. Shackelford Endowed Scholarship Mo & Jacque Grotjohn Endowed Business Scholarship L. L. Shirley Endowed Scholarship T. K. Hendrick Endowed Chair in Marketing & Management M.L. Simmons Endowed Scholarship Bill Hutton Memorial Endowed Scholarship Charles E. Simpson Endowed Memorial Scholarship George C. Jones, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Ruth Ida Skinner Unrestricted Endowment Kerr McGee Business Endowed Scholarship Sloan-Fitzwilliam-Fanning Endowed Scholarship William M. Leebron Endowed Business Scholarship William H. Smith Endowed Scholarship Charles B. Love Memorial Endowed Scholarship Lynnie & Robert Spahn Endowed Scholarship Tom J. McDaniel Endowed Scholarship Fund in the Meinders School of Business E. A. and Winnie Stewart Endowed Scholarship Meinders School of Business Endowed Scholarship (Brick Campaign) Lemuell Summers Endowed Scholarship Meinders School of Business Enrichment Endowment Rosalinn Swinka Endowed Scholarship Herman Meinders Endowed Scholarship in Business Esther Taylor Endowed Memorial Scholarship Kathryn Meinders Endowed Scholarship H. Emerson Thomas Endowment Miss America Women in Business Endowed Scholarship Tom A. Thomas, Jr. and Bette C. Thomas Unrestricted Endowment Robert Z. Naifeh Endowed Business Scholarship Colonel William Thompson Endowed Scholarship Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Endowment Unrestricted Endowed Scholarship Norick Endowed Chair in Marketing Unrestricted Endowment Families of Henry Norick Endowed Scholarship Jerald C. Walker International Endowed Scholarship Vince and Patty Orza Endowed Business Scholarship H. H. Wegener Endowed Scholarship B. Claude Shinn Endowed Accounting Scholarship Miriam West Endowed Scholarship Walter Stiller Endowed Scholarship

focus spring / summer 2014 39 donors

Swartz Endowed Scholarship Bess Smith Memorial Scholarship Endowment Peter Swartz Endowed Business Scholarship Augusta Specht Endowment Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum Endowed Scholarship Clifton & Pat Sprouls Endowed Memorial Scholarship Sam Tune Endowed Business Scholarship Jim & Helen Taylor Scholarship Endowment Wilbur & Nellie Vandegrift Endowed Business Scholarship Louise Turner Endowment Verle & Lawrence Watson Endowed Business Scholarship D.C. & Ruth Smith Endowed Scholarship Warren K. Watson, Sr. Endowed Chair in Management UM Higher Education Foundation Partner C. W. Wisdom Endowed Lectureship Martin & Ramona Voytko Endowment Willis C. Worley, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Dail & Frances West Religious Leadership Scholarship Miriam West Endowed Scholarship OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST FOUNDATION Jung Adair Endowment PETREE COLLEGE OF Ernestine Baker Memorial Endowment ARTS & SCIENCES Claude & Ollie Bell Scholarship Endowment American Association of University Women Endowed Scholarship Claude & Ollie Bell Children's Center for the Arts Webster Lance Benham Endowed Memorial Professorship Ollie & Claude Bell Endowment for Religious Life Programs Theo “Doc” and MarEllen Benson Endowed Scholarship Ollie May Bell Religion Scholarship Virginia Berry Endowed Art Scholarship Elsie Blakeley Endowed Scholarship Johnny Blue Endowment Boyce Bowdon Award Endowment Ann Carlton Book Endowed Scholarship W.E. & Ruby Bowers General Endowed Scholarship Jean Boyle Endowed English Scholarship Ruth J. Brooks Scholarship Ruth Jeanette Brooks Endowed Fine Arts Scholarship Neola Carpenter Endowment Jane Atwood Brown Memorial Endowed Scholarship Eleanor Lou Carrithers Chair in Composition & Writing Sarah Bernice Butkin Endowed Presidential Discretionary Duane Alan Carson Memorial Endowment Scholarship in the Arts & Sciences Elizabeth Cowherd Memorial Scholarship William J. Coffia Memorial Endowed Scholarship Virgil A. Cowherd Endowed Scholarship Robert P. and Betty Dennis Endowed Scholarship John Crooch, Sr. Endowed Scholarship Eileen W. and Raymond J. Dougherty Scholarship Russell & Hazel Crooch Endowed Scholarship Roberta M. Eldridge Miller Endowed Art Scholarship Floyd & Doris Croxton Memorial Scholarship Endowment Endowed Chair in Islamic Studies Elliott C. Fenton Endowment Robert Fink Endowed Chemistry Scholarship Richard E. Gibbens Scholarship Gamble-Buchanan Endowment Elmer Graham Endowed Scholarship Scholarship Great Plan Endowed Scholarship George Graham Endowed Scholarship Brooke Haley Memorial Endowed Scholarship Mary Evans Greenshields Scholarship Endowment Dennis Hawkins Memorial Endowed Scholarship John & Martha Hardt Scholarship Endowment Elizabeth Hensley Endowed Scholarship (Quasi) Vivian Head Scholarship Homer C. Hyde Classical Studies Scholarship De and Jean Hinckley Scholarship Arne V. & Louise Hunninen Endowed Biology Scholarship Hulet Family Scholarship Endowment Rita Louise Kacey PL+US Endowed Scholarship Mildred Humphrey Endowed Scholarship Dean Nellie R. Melton Endowed Scholarship Robert & Linda Humphrey Scholarship Trust Susan C. Barber and David P. Nagle Endowed Scholarship Dwight R. & Ruth M. Hunt Endowed Scholarship Clara Cates Neil Endowed Scholarship Betty Jean Jacobs Scholarship Endowment Callie Jane Maschal Norick Art Gallery Endowment Johnson-Rainwater Memorial Ministerial Marjorie J. Norick & Frances Norick Lilly Endowed Scholarship Jessie Mae Jones Scholarship Endowment OCU Film Institute Endowment Karns Memorial Endowed Scholarship Roberta Olson Great Plan Endowed Scholarship Robert S. Kerr, Jr. Chair Outdoor Laboratory and Environmental Studies Endowment Paul L. Kienholz Fund Petree-Lambert Family Arts and Sciences Endowed Honors Scholarship Tannie & John King Endowed Scholarship PL+US Alumni Endowed Scholarship Let's Get it Done Campaign Dr. Raniyah Ramadan Memorial Endowed Scholarship David Long Memorial Endowed Scholarship Mary Ellen & George R. Randall Great Plan Endowed Scholarship Retta Miller Scholarship Fund Bill Richardson Endowed Art Scholarship Marvin & Kaye Nelson and Jean & Lowell Powers Clergy Scholarship Esther Robinson Endowed English Scholarship OK Conference Memorial Scholarship Rockwood Biology Endowed Scholarship OK Conf CTV OCU & CONG Development George B. Saunders Endowed Scholarship Okeene First United Methodist Scholarship Endowment Singapore MDIS Endowed Scholarship Old Testament Endowed Chair C. Q. Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship Amos L. Osborne Memorial Scholarship Jeanne Hoffman Smith Endowment Glenda M. Pate Scholarship Dr. Elaine D. Smokewood Endowed Scholarship Margaret E. Petree Music Scholarship Arlene Staats Endowed Scholarship Margaret E. Petree Scholarships & Awards Grace M. Stephenson Endowed Scholarship Russell & Louise Rowley Scholarship Endowment Marjorie Nell Sussex Endowed Spanish Scholarship (Quasi) Gene & Doris Russell Endowed Scholarship Edyth Arnold Swartz Endowed Scholarship Corinne L. Sare Scholarship Trust Howard & Peggy Thornton Endowed Mass Communications Scholarship Morton Seigman Scholarship Bradley H. Wahnee Memorial Endowed Scholarship David and Paula Severe Family Darbeth Whitten Endowed Chair in History Estelle Shepard Endowed Scholarship Ken Yamamoto Endowed Memorial Art Scholarship Owen B. Skinner Scholarship

40 focus spring / summer 2014 donors

SCHOOL OF THEATRE John & Helen Abernathy Endowment Maybelle Conger Endowed Scholarship Marianna Davenport Endowed Scholarship Treva Hancock Endowed Drama Scholarship Claire Jones Endowed Scholarship Charles E. Mehr Endowed Theatre Scholarship Ellen G. Reid Endowment UNIVERSITY-CHURCH RELATIONS Robert Adair Endowment Barnett-Widener Ministerial Endowed Scholarship SAINT PAUL SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY Herbert & Marguerite Barrett Mission Endowed Scholarship AT OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY Herbert and Marguerite Barrett Endowed Religious Scholarship Martha Jean Lemon Endowed Scholarship SPST OKC Frank G. Blackwood Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship Richard and Johnece Ryerson Endowed Seminary Scholarship Bishop Bruce P. Blake Endowed Scholarship R. Fisher Blanton Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship SCHOOL OF LAW Kathleen Tucker Bone Endowed Scholarship American Academy of Medical Ethics Endowed Scholarship Virginia P. Bryant Endowed Religious Scholarship John Amick Endowed Law Scholarship Clay & Eleanor Carrithers Endowed Scholarship William H. Bell Memorial Endowed Scholarship Flora & B.C. Clark Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fred A. Biehler Endowed Scholarship Mary Coffey Endowed Scholarship Von Creel Endowed Scholarship Bessie B. Cunningham Religious Leadership Endowed Scholarship Crowe & Dunlevy Diversity Endowed Scholarship Lulu S. Doenges Endowed Scholarship Phil Daugherty Memorial Endowed Law Scholarship James & Violet Egan Memorial Endowed Scholarship Marjorie Downing Endowed Law Scholarship Donald & Suzanne Emler Religious Education Endowed Scholarship Felix Endowment Wesley UMC - Elliott C. Fenton Endowed Scholarship Ted Foster, Sr. Memorial Endowed Scholarship Grace & Alma Garten Endowed Scholarship Friedman-Lerblanc Endowed Law Scholarship Joyce & Gordon Goering Endowed Scholarship Melba R. Gaudin Law Library Endowment Dorothy Graham Endowment Roger Givens Endowed Scholarship A. R. Bert Larason Endowed Scholarship Hatton Sumners Law Endowed Scholarship Lester W. & Mary E. Maddox Endowed Scholarship Lloyd Henry Endowed Law Scholarship Elda A. Manis Endowed Scholarship John C. & Hallie Jean Hervey Memorial Endowed Law Scholarship W. C. & Clarabelle Mathes Endowed Religious Scholarship W. Feagin Hood Endowed Scholarship Glen O. Miller Endowed Ministry Scholarship Wayne Eugene Johnson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Retta Miller Religious Leadership Endowed Scholarship T. Hurley Jordan Endowed Scholarship Dennis & Susan Neff United Methodist Endowed Scholarship Nancy I. Kenderdine Endowed Scholarship Gladys Teter Nichols Endowed Scholarship Kerr Challenge I Endowment Oklahoma United Methodist Conference Endowed Scholarship Kerr Constitutional Endowed Law Chair Dana Owen Endowed Scholarship Robert S. Kerr, Jr. Natural Resources/Environmental Law Chair Horace & Evalyn Patton Memorial Scholarship Law Building Endowment Robert & Emma Price Endowed Scholarship Law Scholars Endowed Scholarship Roy W. & Jeanne Reed Endowed Scholarship Law Dean Position Endowment Warren Romberger World Christianity Endowed Scholarship Law School Energy Endowment Colonel Thomas L. & Ruby L. Simpson Endowed Scholarship Donald W. MacPherson Endowed Scholarship Bishop W. Angie Smith Memorial Endowed Scholarship Tom and Brenda McDaniel Endowed Scholarship George Sneed Memorial Endowed Scholarship Baker H. Melone Endowed Memorial Scholarship Charles & Mary Thigpen Endowed Scholarship Loy & Marian Morris Endowed Law Scholarship Mackenzie C., Sr. & Thelma Thompson Endowed Scholarship Judge Raymond Naifeh Endowed Law Scholarship Unrestricted Church Gifts Endowment Native American Legal Resource Center Endowment Wagoner United Methodist Endowed Scholarship Charles Nesbitt Awards Endowment Phil Wahl Endowed Scholarship Norman & Edem Endowed Professorship OAMA Endowed Scholarship WANDA BASS SCHOOL OF MUSIC OCU Law General Endowment Ann Simmons Alspaugh Music Endowed Scholarship Justice Marian P. Opala Endowed Scholarship Josephine E. Atkins Endowed Music Scholarship Pate & Knarr, PC Commercial Banking Law Endowed Scholarship Wanda L. Bass Chapel Organ Endowment Ray Potts Endowed Scholarship Wanda L. Bass Music Center Endowment Wayne Quinlan Memorial Endowed Lectureship Wanda L. Bass Music Endowed Chair Amy Rinehart Memorial Law Scholarship Wanda L. Bass Organ Endowed Chair Seize the Moment Endowed Scholarship Wanda L. Bass Piano Support Endowment Roger Stephens Memorial Endowed Scholarship Jean Frances Beatty Endowed Music Scholarship Hope Strasner Endowed Scholarship Florence Birdwell Endowed Chair Douglas M. Todd Endowed Scholarship Robert & Florence Birdwell Endowed Vocal Scholarship Ernest L. Wilkinson Endowed Law Award Edna Hoffman Bowman Endowed Music & Performing Arts Scholarship William M. Wilson Endowed Law Scholarship Clarence Burg Endowed Music Scholarship Naomi McCasland Burton and James L. Burton Student Travel

focus spring / summer 2014 41 donors

Pearl English Crain Endowed Scholarship Norma Rowe Gunn Endowed Religion Scholarship Herbert E. Davis Music Endowment Mary Jean Hackler Endowed Religion Scholarship William H. Dougherty Endowed Scholarship Vernon V. Harris Endowed Chair in Christian Education J. Emrick Endowed Music Scholarship Hyde Endowed Scholarship Esther Wessel Farmer Endowed Piano Scholarship Paul Jones Religious Education Endowed Scholarship Myrtle S. Forsythe Endowed Scholarship Robert Jones Memorial Endowment Loretta T. Freeland Endowed Scholarship Carl Jung Seminar Endowment (Quasi) Marjorie Lee Germany Endowed Scholarship Kramer Ministerial Endowed Scholarship Mary Jean Hackler Endowed Music Scholarship Martha Jean Lemon Endowed Lectureship Morris Hatley Canterbury Choral Performing Arts Endowment Martha Jean Lemon Endowed Scholarship William Randolph Hearst Endowed Scholarship Blanche & Lloyd Long Service Endowed Scholarship Ann Hundley Hoover Endowed Chair Lydia Lukenbaugh Endowed Scholarship Kurt & Cathy Leichter Endowed Music Scholarship Leroy Massengale Endowed Scholarship Elizabeth Loewenstein Endowed Music Scholarship Bess & Calvin McGalliard Memorial Scholarship Ethelene Cindy Long Memorial Native American Endowed Scholarship Paul W. Milhouse Endowed Religion Professorship Martin Mailman Endowed Band Scholarship Glenn E. & Mary A. Millard Endowed Scholarship Ruth Mayer Memorial Endowed Music Scholarship Nile & Adena Montgomery Endowed Scholarship Philelle & Charles McBrayer Endowed Piano Scholarship Billy B. Nelson Memorial Religion Endowed Scholarship Brenda McDaniel Endowed Music Scholarship Oakerhater Endowed Chair Charles E. Mehr Endowed Music Scholarship Beverly Osborne Memorial Religious Leadership Endowed Scholarship Darlene Milligan Endowed Music Scholarship Ray & Lavell Owen Endowed Scholarship Wit and Carolyn Music Endowed Scholarship F. Warren Pixley Endowed Religious Scholarship Nellie J. Moss Endowed Scholarship W. Carroll Pope Memorial Endowed Scholarship Music School Endowed Scholarship Winona Presley Endowed Religion Scholarship Robert & Jeaneen Naifeh Meditation Garden Endowed Fund Margaret K. Replogle Endowed Religion Professorship Opera Society Founders Endowment Glen Rhodes Memorial Endowed Scholarship Margaret Petree Endowed Music Scholarship Helen Riddle Church Leadership Endowed Scholarship Frances W. Preston BMI Endowed Music Scholarship Riley Endowed Chair in Religion Nancy Laughbaum Ragsdale Endowed Scholarship Vernon Roberts Endowed Religion Scholarship Margaret K. Replogle Endowed Music Scholarship Neal & Hazel Rock Memorial Endowed Religion Scholarship Royal Sarjent Endowed Scholarship Maryetta Rowe Endowed Scholarship Inez Silberg Memorial Endowed Scholarship Arthur W. and Joi D. Salisbury Scholarship William Elza Smith Endowed Church Music Scholarship Don Schooler Memorial Endowed Professorship Forest and Gloe Stith Memorial Endowed Scholarship Minnie M. Seba Endowed Ministry Scholarship Watkins-Soloway Music Scholarship Alice Sincox Endowed Scholarship Verle & Lawrence Watson Endowed Music Scholarship Robert J. Smith Memorial Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship Aleta Winkler Memorial Endowed Music Scholarship Leslie G. & Irene Stewart Endowed Scholarship Georgia M. Winton Endowed Scholarship Russell Stone Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship Bettie Ewert Stoneking Endowed Scholarship WIMBERLY SCHOOL OF RELIGION Clarence Sutton Religious Leadership Endowed Scholarship J. Bart Aldridge Endowment Naomi Thomas Endowed Scholarship Mrs. Glen C. Archer Endowed Scholarship Claude & Patty Todd Endowed Scholarship William E. Archer Memorial Endowed Scholarship United Methodist Women’s Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship Nova M. Atkins Endowed Religion Scholarship Herbert Voth Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship William & Romaine Bailey Endowed Scholarship Owen & Vivian Wimberly Endowed Professorship William J. Bassett Memorial Endowed Scholarship Owen Wimberly Center for Continuing Education Endowment (Quasi) Jean Frances Beatty Endowed Scholarship in Religion Vivian Wimberly Center Endowment Ollie & Claude Bell Endowed Professorship in Church History W. W. Woodworth Endowed Scholarship Bettis, Bussell & Hunt Ministerial Endowed Scholarship Richard K. and Effie D. Wootten Endowed Scholarship Austin and Marjorie Bizzell Ministry Endowed Scholarship Fred & Opal Boston Religious Leadership Endowed Scholarship OKLAHOMA UNITED METHODIST GIFTS Edith Carlson Memorial Endowed Scholarship These donors have made gifts to the Oklahoma United Methodist A. R. Carpenter Endowed Scholarship Foundation to benefit OCU in 2013. Ray & Florence Carroll Endowed Scholarship Ruby Chase Memorial Endowed Scholarship John and Sherri Brown Brett and Christine Parr J. Cecil & Elva Coover Endowed Scholarship Mark and Leslie Brown David and Paula Severe Cowden-Epperson Endowed Scholarship Sharon and Malcolm Clark Shelby Lee Smith Nuell C. Crain Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship Jeannine Gibbens Rex and Sacra Vaughan F. Lahr & Blanche Einsel Endowed Scholarship Jean Hinckley West Family Foundation Bishop & Mrs. Paul V. Galloway Endowed Scholarship Nelma Karns Barbara & J.M. Garrett Religion Leadership Endowed Scholarship Tommy Karns William D. Greenshields Memorial Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship

42 focus spring / summer 2014 in memory

NAKITA COLBERT Class of 1934 September 14, 1973 - October 18, 2013 Constance P. Gayer-Maxey Nakita Colbert was born Sept. 14, 1973. Nakita earned a degree in liberal arts from Oklahoma City University in Class of 1943 2011 and worked in the International Admissions Office. Al McLaughlin She was baptized at the Greater Shiloh Baptist Church. She attended school in the Oklahoma City School District Class of 1949 and graduated May 1991 from Northwest Classen High School. She received an associate degree in arts from Rose William B. Kessler State College in 2008. John J. Hole Nakita loved to perform. She was in several perfor- mances in theaters around the city. She also appeared Class of 1955 in TV commercials including a spot for the University of Thomas D. Haines Oklahoma, a milk commercial with Kendrick Perkins of the OKC Thunder and she was in Sunwest Motors commercials for several years. In 1998, she was Ms. Black Rose State College. Nakita was also an excellent artist. Class of 1958 With a degree from Oklahoma City University, she went to work for Rose Norma J. Ross State College as a high school recruiter until her health failed. Before her illness, Nakita was in the process of producing a segment of commercials Class of 1963 showcasing selected Oklahoma City businesses. Her production was to be J.C. Fishburn named “Urban Crawl.” She loved to travel. She traveled abroad several times to London, France Class of 1964 and South America. The last trip to London and France was in June 2012 with her son. Bill D. Harrison Terry W. Shoemake Joe B. Cannon

Class of 1966 BELVA CARENE GODLEY Earl G. Burke November 7, 1935 - October 27, 2006 Belva Carene Godley, former Oklahoma City resident and member of the OCU Class of 1968 class of 1953, passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 27, 2006. She Richard W. Freeman, Sr. was 70. Godley was born in Hardesty, Oklahoma, on Nov. 7, 1935, and was the Class of 1973 daughter of William G. Godley and Mame Glenn Godley, well-known Guymon James R. Wolfe residents for many years. She was the sister of William G. Godley Jr. of Chicago. She is survived by her brother; two daughters, Mrs. Vincent Zarrella of Albu- querque and Mrs. James Walters of Minneapolis, Minn.; and eight grandchildren. Class of 1975 Her former husband, Jack Jones of Minneapolis, also survives. Jones was born in Robert G. Rives, Jr. Oklahoma City and was a well-known news photographer for NBC. Both Godley and Jones attended Oklahoma City University where they met in 1953. Class of 1976 Following their marriage in 1956, the couple lived first in Oklahoma City and Hal L. Hefner then in Minneapolis. Godley decided to make her home in Albuquerque after the Stephen P. Garrett couple divorced in 1980. She was a talented artist and often said the unique at- mosphere of New Mexico provided her with inspiration for her colorful paintings. Richard J. Young Her best-known work is a large abstract canvas commissioned by her brother for the custom-built home of their parents in Albuquerque. Class of 1984 Kyle K. Berry

Class of 1990 Timothy C. Roberts Amanda Starz November 11, 1992 - August 12, 2013 Class of 1998 OCU dance senior Amanda Elizabeth Starz passed away Aug. 12, 2013. She Barry W. McCurley was the daughter of Victor H. Starz III and Kimberly Zembas Starz and grand- daughter of Leonard and Nancy Zembas and the late James and Mary Sinclair. She is also survived by many other loving relatives and friends. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Mary- land on Aug. 19. OCU students celebrated Amanda’s life with a memorial service in Bishop Angie Smith Chapel on Sept. 6.

focus spring / summer 2014 43 in memory STEPHEN GARRETT September 1, 1944 - November 18, 2013 Surrounded by his family, Stephen Paul Garrett, 69, of Oklahoma returning to Oklahoma City with his family in 1981 when Steve City died Nov. 18, 2013. Steve leaves behind a legacy of community accepted the position of senior vice president and general counsel service, faith and love of family. Steve was a member of the Board of at American Fidelity Corp., a position he held for 32 years. Steve Trustees at Oklahoma City University served in numerous executive leadership positions in the insurance Funeral services were at Westminster industry including chairman of the Oklahoma Life and Health Insur- Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. ance Guaranty Association, president and director of the Association Steve was born Sept. 1, 1944, in Granite, of Oklahoma Life Insurance Companies, chairman of the Oklahoma Okla., and graduated from high school in Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association, president Mangum, Okla. His father is The Honorable of the Association of Property and Casualty Insurance Companies, James Paul Garrett and his mother was the chairman of the House Counsel section of the Oklahoma Bar As- late Nedra Lee Wilson Garrett. sociation and was a member of several committees of the American After graduating from Mangum High Council of Life Insurance and America’s Health Insurance Plans. School, Steve earned a bachelor of business Steve was passionate about community service and served as past administration degree from the University of district governor of Rotary International, past president of Rotary Oklahoma, where he was a member of Phi Club 29, past chairman and past president of the Oklahoma City Gamma Delta Fraternity, and a Juris Doctor- Rotary Foundation, past chairman of the Oklahoma City Command ate from Oklahoma City University. of the Salvation Army Board of Directors and a director of the Okla- He married Linda Dianne Dozier on June homa Symphony Orchestra. 24, 1966, in Oklahoma City and together Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Linda Dianne they raised three children. Garrett; their three children and their spouses and children: William Steve was a captain in the United States Braden Garrett, his wife Betty Jane Harvey Garrett, their daughter Army and served as a helicopter pilot during Abigail Mae Garrett and their son Wilson Blakely Garrett; Lizanne the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1972. He Garrett Reger, her husband Joseph Clark Reger and their son James earned the Army Commendation Medal, Clark Reger; Marion Garrett Parke, her husband David Wilkin Parke Bronze Star and 10 additional air medals while serving the nation. In III and their son David Wilkin Parke IV; his father The Honorable 1969, he was nominated for the honor of the Distinguished Flying James Paul Garrett; and his sisters and their husbands: Linda and Les Cross, awarded for heroism or extraordinary achievement while Ellason and Susan and Leon Christian. participating in aerial flight. The Garrett family would like to express their sincerest appre- When he returned from the war, Steve joined the Oklahoma ciation to the doctors and staff at Mercy Health Center. In lieu of Insurance Department where he served as Chief Examiner and As- flowers, gifts can be made to The Stephen P. Garrett Memorial Fund sistant Commissioner. He joined the Insurance Company of North at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1146, Okla- America in Philadelphia and then Atlanta in the late 1970s before homa City, Oklahoma 73101-1146.

Jeannette Sias June 27, 1932 - April 15, 2014 Winner of numerous honors and awards for lifetime achieve- Jeannette Joullian Sias, honored Oklahoma City philanthropist ment, Jeannette most recently received the Marilyn Douglas Award and arts and education advocate, died April 15, 2014. from the Oklahoma State Arts Council, was honored by induction Born June 27, 1932, in Oklahoma City, she graduated from Okla- into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, Community homa State University in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literacy Centers Award, and The Oklahoma City University Ser- speech therapy and earned a Master of Arts degree in speech from vant Leader Award. Together with her husband Richard L. Sias and Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill. brother Edward C. Joullian, III, she founded Joullian Jeannette worked as a therapist with the Vineyards of Carmel, Calif. She was instrumental in Oklahoma City Public Schools. She served on establishing the Ad Astra Foundation and directing the Board of Trustees of Oklahoma City Univer- its philanthropic work. Jeannette worked tirelessly sity, and Board of Directors of The Oklahoma throughout her life to improve and sustain the fine, City Philharmonic, KCSC Radio, Oklahoma performing and culinary arts, education, her church, Methodist Foundation, and State Arts Council and countless humanitarian programs and causes. of Oklahoma. She was also a member of the Services were held April 22 at Nichols Hills Nichols Hills United Methodist Church where United Methodist Church. OCU President Robert she taught children’s Sunday school for 40 Henry and Maestro Joel Levine of the Oklahoma years. She was a member of the Ladies Music City Philharmonic delivered eulogies at the service. Club, Oklahoma City Orchestra League, In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs and Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra or The Allied Arts. She was a 50-year member of Jeannette Sias Music Scholarship Fund for Okla- Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority and a dedicated homa City University at the Oklahoma City Com- volunteer for Science Museum Oklahoma munity Foundation. and the Oklahoma Zoological Society.

44 focus spring / summer 2014 from the president Honoring Those Who Honor Others

1. Four women noted for service to the community were honored by the 1 Societies of Oklahoma City Universty at the annual Awards of Excellence gala in February. Honorees include, from left, Anne Gray, Linda Whit- tington, Marion Paden and Jenee Naifeh Lister. The Societies recognizes women for outstanding volunteer service in Oklahoma City and provides scholarships for OCU students. 2. OCU student J. Warren Mitchell provided musical entertainment for the evening. 3. President Robert Henry and Annie Bohanon give Marion Paden the Dulaney-Browne Library Society Award. Bohanon and Jane Thompson chaired this year’s event. Cathy Leichter is the organization’s president. 4. Anne Gray accepts the Norick-Hulsey Gallery Society Award. 5. Jenee Naifeh Lister with President Henry as she accepts the OCU Distinguished Philanthropist Award. 6. Linda Whittington accepts the Kirkpatrick-Petree Opera and Music Theatre Society Award. 7. Students Austin Nail, Samer Abdelkader, and Josh Graham provided assistance as Blue Tie Ambassadors.

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