I recently said to a group of our stakeholders how unique our culture is at Oklahoma City University when compared to other institutions of higher education. Our students thrive here due to the wide variety of opportunities we offer, whether it be in academics, experiential learning or extracurricular activities; our excellent and diverse faculty and staff; and the small and personal atmosphere in the heart of this large metropolitan area and all it affords.
This issue focuses on the first two of our six values – creating and leading. One division that concentrates on the creation of programs to bring our populations together is the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. You can read more in the following pages about their involvement in our Oklahoma City community and efforts to make all OCU students feel welcome. We also celebrate alumna Evangeline Bobb Wilson in this issue, one of our university’s first female Native American students who led the way for so many others on a similar path.
Other alums who we feature here are Matt and Jill Epperson and their story of service throughout the decades since meeting at and graduating from OCU, and those who have forged their own, somewhat unique journeys in their chosen fields showing that not only can you perform in New York City, but you can do anything for which you dare to dream. Additionally, two students from very
different walks of life, are highlighted in this issue of Focus. They have much in common as they have listened to their heart, soaked in everything our campus has to offer and are looking at bright futures that will likely provide stunning success for them both.
As always, universities such as OCU say goodbye every year to many staff and faculty as they retire or move on to other opportunities as well as welcome new members and leaders into the community. One such well-loved faculty-turned-dean is Mark Parker who will be retiring at the end of June this year. His long history with our institution and the thousands of students he has impacted over the past decades leaves an incredible legacy at OCU. At the same time, we welcome new rowing coach and Olympian Bryan Volpenhein who is already making positive waves with our studentathletes on both the men’s and women’s teams.
If you have attended any events lately, you may have heard me discuss OCU’s involvement and now full operation of the Sovereignty Symposium which has spurred the formation of the Tribal Sovereignty Institute at our School of Law. Another annual event that brings many of our constituents together is our True Blue OCU Giving Day. Each April, we take one day to focus on giving back to the university while having some friendly competition in various groups,
including our deans. We also take great pride in our faculty’s research, including one such ongoing study into dandelion seeds and their positive effects on cancer.
No issue of Focus concentrating on leading and creating would be complete without mentioning OCU’s Presidential Ambassadors. This group of student leaders, many of whom you may have met if you have been on campus recently, represent our student body well with their different majors, campus experiences, hometowns around the world and more. Behind these outstanding students and our entire campus’ success stands our staff and faculty as the foundation of Oklahoma City University. The picture here commemorated our annual breakfast in August where we came together to kick off our academic year. These individuals all contribute in their own way to the OCU experience for all of our constituencies. We would not have the wherewithal to be where we are today without their dedication to our university and its students. I personally want to thank each of you for the role you play in making OCU such an outstanding institution of higher education.
SINCERELY, PRESIDENT
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT • Oklahoma City University acknowledges that we gather on land indigenous to the Osage, Caddo, Kiowa, Comanche and Wichita tribal nations, and that lands extending throughout the state were originally inhabited by many tribes, including those that were forcibly relocated to Indian Territory under harmful federal policies.
We acknowledge that the 39 sovereign tribal nations inhabiting what is now Oklahoma originate from all four corners of the North American continent, and that indigenousness is hemispheric in scope. We honor the land and the people who have stewarded it since time immemorial, and we commit to continuing to learn how to be better stewards of the land we inhabit for future generations.
Focus Magazine
2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73106
405-208-7000 • okcu.edu/focus
Kate Downing, kdowning@okcu.edu
Board of Trustees
Louise Bass ’79
Andrew Benton '79
Phil Busey, Sr. ’74, ’77
Emmanuel Edem ’82
Jacque Fiegel ’76
Deborah Fleming ’77
Gerald Gamble ’68
Jane Jayroe Gamble ’69
Nicholas Harroz, III ’09
Joe Holt
Gary Homsey ’74
J.R. Homsey ’73
Michael Homsey ’76
Margaret Johnson
Ann Johnstone ’81
Donald Kim
Jenee Naifeh Lister
Robert Long ’94
Paula Marshall ’83
Lance McDaniel ’07
Paul McLaughlin ’75, ’80
Billy Meade
Laura Merrill
William Mee ’87
Savador Ontiveros ‘06, ‘09
Jerry O’Pry ‘73
Richard Parry ’83
Tamara Powell
Clinton Purtell ’97
George Randall ’65
Patrick Rooney
Teresa Rose ’88, ’93
Shane Sanders ’84
William Shdeed ’62, ’65
Jerry Vannatta ’70
John Veal ’96, ’18
Kathy Williams ’11
Brent Wilson ‘20
Administration
Kenneth Evans, President
Amy Ayres, Vice President for Student Affairs
Blythe Benson, Chief Human Resources Officer
Talia Carroll, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Anna Davis, Vice President for Finance and Business Operations
Kate Downing, Senior Director of Advancement Communications
Tom Gamble, Interim Provost
Koby Harrington, Vice President of University Advancement
Gerry Hunt ’89, ’05, Chief Information Officer
Bill Raynor, Interim Director of Athletics
Casey Ross ’00, ’03, General Counsel
Adam Ryburn, Assistant Provost
Nick Trougakos ’23, Chief Communications Officer
Kevin Windholz, Vice President for Enrollment Management Alumni
Miriam Ortega ‘16, Director of Alumni Engagement alumni@okcu.edu
A TESTAMENT to Possibility: EVANGELINE BOBB WILSON REFLECTS
ON HER OCU JOURNEY
BY MEGAN HORNBEEK ALLEN
EVANGELINE BOBB WILSON’S JOURNEY TO OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY IN 1950 WAS AS MUCH ABOUT BREAKING BARRIERS AS IT WAS ABOUT PURSUING EDUCATION. A PROUD MEMBER OF THE CHOCTAW NATION AND ONE OF THE FIRST NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN TO GRADUATE FROM OCU, WILSON’S STORY IS ONE OF RESILIENCE, FAITH AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
BEACON OF HOPE
For Wilson, the decision to attend OCU was both practical and personal. After beginning her higher education journey at Oklahoma Presbyterian College and then at National College in Kansas City, Missouri, Wilson sought a school closer to home that offered a coeducational environment and a focus on religious studies. Thanks to her mother, an employee of the Christian Women’s Society of the Methodist Church, she discovered OCU and was awarded a scholarship to attend.
“The situation seemed meant to be,” Wilson recalls. “My mother and father always emphasized the importance of education—not just for me, but for our community. My academic journey was a beacon of hope for friends and family, a testament to the possibilities education could bring.”
Wilson’s parents were pillars of their community, with her father, Johnson Bobb, serving as superintendent of the Choctaw District of Indian Methodist Churches, and her mother, May Estelle Edwards Bobb, championing education for children and the community.
CAMPUS LIFE AT OCU IN THE 1950S
Wilson’s time at OCU was marked by a sense of belonging and discovery. Despite being among the few Native American students on campus, she felt welcomed by peers and professors alike. The Methodist student group provided a familiar and supportive environment, and Wilson fondly remembers a professor who encouraged Native American students to share hymns in their tribal languages during chapel services.
Living in a modern dormitory, attending basketball games and teaching Sunday School at a nearby Indian Methodist church were just some of the highlights of her university life. Her major in religious education and minor in psychology equipped her not only with academic knowledge but also with the confidence to navigate a world beyond the close-knit Native communities she grew up in.
“I wanted to be somewhere that felt connected to my faith and values, and OCU was that place,” she shares.
A GATEWAY TO GREATER OPPORTUNITIES
Wilson’s accomplishments inspired others within the Choctaw Nation and beyond. “There were Methodist churches associated with other tribes that saw my success and began sending their youth to OCU,” she explains. Her presence paved the way for future generations of Native American students, demonstrating that higher education could be a gateway to greater opportunities.
Returning to OCU last fall with her grandson was a poignant moment for Wilson. Her grandson’s interest in the university rekindled cherished memories of her days on campus and underscored the enduring impact of her OCU experience.
“I was reminded of how welcoming and supportive the campus felt,” she says. “The energy, hospitality and commitment to education are as strong today as they were then.”
WISDOM FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Wilson’s advice to current Native American students is rooted in her belief in the transformative power of education. “Higher education provides better economic and social opportunities,” she says. “But the encouragement starts early—in middle and high school. Kids need to understand the importance of good grades and study habits to prepare for college.”
Wilson’s OCU education led to a lifetime of service; her career spanned teaching, counseling and social work, which she says was all deeply influenced by the liberal arts education she received at OCU.
“It helped me become a well-rounded thinker, someone who could approach challenges with creativity and empathy,” she reflects.
LASTING CONNECTIONS
Today, Wilson remains a proud OCU alumna, grateful for the opportunities and relationships the university afforded her. She credits her experience with shaping her values of faith, family and education—values she has passed down through generations.
“My college degree led me to a better life,” Wilson says. “OCU showed me how to be part of a global society, to appreciate what has been accomplished and to inspire others to be better. For that, I will always be thankful.”
From left, Janelle Warlick, director of academic operations for the Petree College of Arts & Sciences, Evangeline Bobb Wilson and Karen Schiler, associate dean and professor of English and modern languages for the Petree College of Arts & Sciences, visit with Wilson during her recent visit to campus.
CONNECTIONS FOR GOOD: OCU’S ENGAGEMENT ACROSS THE COMMUNITY
BY TALIA CARROLL
There is nothing like hearing Oklahoma City University being positively referenced at community meetings or seeing the OCU logo prominently displayed at important events across the city. If you’re anything like me, you feel a deep sense of pride that our beloved university is actively engaged in and supporting many organizations and agencies that are doing exciting and meaningful work for our us and our neighbors.
The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s community engagement and influence, on behalf of OCU, has increased over the years and supports the university’s aim to broadly share that OCU is a viable option for prospective students, a place for community to gather and a workplace of choice.
Initiated by Director Danielle Pullen, OCU began participating in several parades including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade, Pride on 39th, OKC Pride Fest and Fiestas de las Americas. At each of these parades, students, faculty, staff, administrators and trustees have joined to share enthusiasm about OCU with parade participants. In sharing who we are, participants received informative postcards about OCU, scholarships and ODEI, as well as fun stickers highlighting each parade.
In addition to the visible and active participation in the parades, OCU is a sponsor for the Asian District Cultural Association initiatives.
With Oklahoma City’s Asian District in our backyard, we are well-positioned to be more intentionally connected with our neighbors and business owners in the area. We are fortunate, too, that Pullen was invited to and serves on the board while working closely with the community in a volunteer capacity. In October, ADCA hosted the Asian Night Market Festival where more than 47,000+ people attended and enjoyed traditional performances and histories, eating cultural food offerings, supporting local vendors and benefiting from local engagement.
In addition to building our connections in the Asian district, OCU has been a longstanding partner with the First Americans Museum since its opening in 2021. The university was the previous host location for Indigenous Peoples Day festivities, led by staff, faculty and students. Since FAM’s opening, OCU enthusiastically supports IPD where attendees had opportunities to explore Indigenous history and art, as well as contemporary issues and needs.
Through these community-centered partnerships, Oklahoma City demonstrates a deep commitment to fostering a more inclusive, supportive and equitable society. We are fortunate to engage in our community in the ways we do and look forward to future opportunities.
You’re invited to join us! See you there.
OCU
Q&A WITH OCU’S NEW ROWING COACH
BY NICK TROUGAKOS
Three-time Olympian and Athens 2004 gold medalist Bryan Volpenhein was named Oklahoma City University’s head rowing coach in June 2024. Volpenhein joined OCU following head coaching stops at San Diego University, the University of Pennsylvania and the United States national team for the Rio Olympics in 2016. From 2010 to 2013, Volpenhein was the coach of the Oklahoma City National High-Performance Center. Focus magazine caught up with Volpenhein following his hiring to discuss his journey to OCU and his plans for the rowing team.
Q: How have your first several months as OCU rowing coach treated you?
A: It's been great. Everyone I've met so far on campus and the people who I work with are awesome, and super easy to work with. The student athletes have been outstanding. They've been working really hard and are very excited for this season.
Q: You had been out of coaching for a couple years after moving from Pennsylvania back to Oklahoma when your wife took the head rowing coach job at the University of Oklahoma. Why was OCU a good fit for you to get back into the game?
A: It was right at the time when I was starting to get the itch to do something again in the sport. What attracted me to OCU was the flexibility that you can have at a school like this, and the amount of support that the rowing team has down at the boathouse.
Q: Do you have a vision for the program over the next several years?
A: The long-term vision is we want to compete at the national championships for each of the men’s and women’s teams and we want to win medals there. I want to build up to that.
Q: How do you go about recruiting for rowing at the NAIA level?
A: We are looking for those athletes who really, truly love the sport, want to work hard and are good teammates, and give them the
opportunity to compete in college. And then also, I'm looking to develop a more robust walk-on program where we can recruit OCU students who want to come try out, be able to join the team and learn how to row.
Q: Speaking of being a walk-on, you have a connection to that process, right?
A: I walked on and learned how to row in college. So it's from that to Olympic champion. What's cool about rowing is it's one of the few sports where you can still do that. A lot of people have done that over the years. In our boat that won the Olympic gold, five of us learned to row in college, so it's still very much a part of the culture in our in our sport.
Q: Looking forward, what is your outlook for OCU rowing this year?
A: We have a young team, and so they are just eager to race and compete. My goal is for them to go out there and try to win, but if they do their best, come off the water and feel like, “Hey, I left it all in the water,” that's a good starting place for us for the season.
DEAN PARKER TO RETIRE
AFTER 35 YEARS OF ARTS LEADERSHIP
BY M.J. ALEXANDER
Mark Edward Parker, who elevated Oklahoma City University’s schools of theatre and music into the ranks of top performing arts schools, has announced he will retire June 30, 2025, after 35 years of leadership.
He arrived at Oklahoma City University in 1990 as the director of instrumental programs and conductor of the orchestra, band, opera and musicals. In his five years on the faculty, he twice was honored as faculty member of the year. In 1995, he was named dean of OCU’s School of Music and Performing Arts, and in 2004 appointed dean of OCU’s School of Theatre.
Over the decades, he transformed both schools into international leaders in the fusion of arts, technology and creativity. During his tenure, the Wanda L. Bass School of Music doubled its square footage, to more than 200,000, and nearly doubled its enrollment, to more than 350 music majors. The Department of Theatre, which had 33 majors when he became dean, was elevated to the School of Theatre and has increased enrollment seven-fold to 240 students.
“OCU has always enjoyed a reputation of excellence in the performing arts, but Dean Parker has taken it to another level,” said Jane Jayroe Gamble, chair of the university’s board of trustees and the first of OCU’s three alumnae to be crowned Miss America. “It is remarkable the degree of success that OCU students have attained under Mark's leadership, not just on the national and international stages but in schools and universities around the world.”
In January, Parker was honored with the Oklahoma Music Educators 2025 President’s Award for contributions to music education.
Among his achievements: transforming OCU into an All-Steinway School, with 144 Steinway pianos now at home in the Bass School. Over the years, he worked with patron Wanda Bass, who gifted $40 million to the school that now bears her name. Inspired by his vision, Bass made the largest purchase in Steinway history: 105 pianos, an order that made headlines globally.
Under Parker’s leadership, OCU created an innovative Master of Fine Arts in Screen Acting degree where graduate students study one year in Los Angeles and one year in London at Goldsmiths University. As OCU’s Ann Hundley Hoover Chair, he forged partnerships with the Paderewski Academy in Poland and Israel’s Hed College of Contemporary Music in Tel Aviv. He has traveled to China more than two dozen times, including leading a pioneering 2004 five-city tour by the OCU Orchestra.
His work in China and partnership with the Central Academy of Drama prompted OCU’s invitation as the only North American member of the World Theatre Educational Alliance, a coalition of 14 theatre schools from around the globe that meet in Beijing for a biennial theatre festival.
Parker has created artistic partnerships between OCU and the Oklahoma Youth Orchestras, Canterbury Voices, El Sistema Oklahoma and Oklahoma Children’s Theatre.
He was presented the state’s highest arts honor, the Governor’s Arts Award, in 2002 and last April was inducted into the OCU School of Theatre Hall of Honor. He was recently reappointed as visiting professor of music at China’s Hunan Normal University and joined the board of directors for the Bangkok-based International Wind Ensemble Academy and Festival.
“My greatest joy in this long tenure has been the people: talented students, faculty, staff, and big-hearted and generous supporters,” Parker said. “I am so fortunate to have known them and treasure the connections that continue beyond their time at OCU. It is an honor to lead these schools and to share in the achievements that have occurred.”
To honor Dean Parker’s legacy at OCU, the Mark Parker Endowed Faculty Award has been established to recognize outstanding faculty in the schools of music and theatre. Charitable contributions to this fund can be made by visiting okcu.edu/parkeraward.
Mark Parker receives the School of Theatre Hall of Honor Award presented by close friend and former student Kristin Chenoweth (BM Musical Theatre ’91, MM ’93, HDHL ’13) in April.
TWO FIRST-PLACE
HONORS
EARNED IN NATIONAL OPERA ASSOCIATION PRODUCTION COMPETITION
OCU is the only university to be honored with two first-place awards in the 2023-24 National Opera Association Production Competition. Judges awarded first place in Division I for OCU’s February 2024 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Iolanthe” and first place in Division IV for the November 2023 opera twin bill “Suor Angelica,” by Giacomo Puccini, and the new work “Pietà” by Jake Landau. The honors are the 12th and 13th NOA Production Awards bestowed on OCU, home to the world’s oldest campus-based opera and musical theater troupe — now celebrating its 73rd consecutive season.
THE WANDA L. BASS SCHOOL OF MUSIC WAS SELECTED AS OKLAHOMA’S BEST MUSIC SCHOOL IN THE 2025 COLLEGE FACTUAL RATINGS.
DEAN PARKER VISITS WITH OTHER WORLD THEATRE EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE SCHOOLS IN CHINA
Dean Mark Parker represented OCU in China in September, solidifying the school’s ties with Juilliard Tianjin and hosting Tianjin representatives on campus the following month. He also presented insights on studying abroad at Hunan Normal Conservatory in Changsha and met in Beijing with heads of fellow member schools at the World Theatre Educational Alliance.
FACULTY NEWS
Matthew Jones, assistant professor of musicology, has been appointed managing editor for the Journal of Popular Music Studies He recently presented at the Society for Ethnomusicology’s annual meeting and at the American Musicological Society conference in Chicago. His most recent book, “How to Make Music in an Epidemic: Popular Music-Making During the AIDS Crisis,” was released by Routledge in 2024.
Erik Heine, professor of music, had his second book of film-score analysis, “The Music of the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ Trilogy: A Guide to the Scores of John Powell,” published in June by McFarland and Company, Inc., following his 2016 book, “James Newton Howard’s Signs: Film Score Guide.”
Parthena Owens, associate director of flute and director of the OCU Flute Studio, and the students of the Oklahoma City University Flute Choir were featured at the 2024 National Flute Association Convention in San Antonio, performing OCU-created works by Edward Knight, professor of music and composer in residence, and student flutist/composer Cuauhtemoc Ramirez. The concert marked the finale of Owens’ 35 years on the faculty, a career that included leading OCU’s flutists to be recognized with the Mary H. Anderson Award for the nation’s top-ranked collegiate flute choir.
Tommy Dobbs, associate professor of percussion, and duo partner Andy DeBoer presented four world premieres at the 2024 ClarinetFest in Dublin, Ireland, in collaboration with OCU’s Project 21. The concert featured debut works by student composers Jacob Murillo, Logan Edwards, Antonio Gallegos and Hamed Erfani. Also representing OCU in Dublin were Duo Rodinia — Lisa Kachouee, associate professor of clarinet, and Jamie Whitmarsh, adjunct instructor of percussion — performing a program including works by Knight and Whitmarsh.
The 40-member Oklahoma Saxophone Ensemble — a multigenerational ensemble of saxophonists from the across the state founded by Joshua Heaney, head of OCU’s Saxophone Studio and recruitment coordinator — kicks off its second season in 2025.
FLORENCE BIRDWELL AWARD
ESTABLISHED BY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF SINGERS
The National Association of Teachers of Singers honored Florence Birdwell, professor emerita, in Manhattan at the National Musical Theatre Competition, paying tribute to her life and legacy and establishing the Florence Birdwell Award, presented to the winner of their National Music Theatre Competition. Five of the 24 national semifinalists in the 2024 competition were OCU students or alumni. Senior Adam Morrison (’24) finished second and alumna Brianna Kaleen Reed (’21) earned fourth at the event, which featured fellow alum Kelli O’Hara (’98) as honorary host.
Making it BIG In the Big Apple
BY ROD JONES
If you can make it in New York, you can make it anywhere. That popular refrain based on a Frank Sinatra lyric is a testament to the work and dedication it requires to make a good enough living to make it by in New York. The professionals profiled here aren’t merely making it, though. They’re knocking it out of Yankee Stadium. Here are some Oklahoma City University alumni enjoying successful careers in New York City, home of the university’s second largest alumni base.
Cari Griggs
For wealth manager Cari Griggs (BS Dance Management ’11), her Oklahoma City University connections were a foot in the door in more ways than one. “I met my first clients because one of my classmates from OCU was an understudy in ‘Oklahoma!’,” Griggs recalled. As she waited in the Broadway theater for the show to begin, she overheard the people seated next to her talking about the understudy who was called in to perform. “I said, ‘you’re going to love her!’ Months later they became my first clients and friends.”
They continued talking and Griggs discovered yet another connection. They turned out to be fans of OCU alumna Kelli O’Hara (BM Vocal Performance ‘98, HDHL ‘15) and had previously requested her to perform at a private party. O’Hara couldn’t make it, so she sent yet another OCU grad in her place. “They were like, ‘what is it with this OCU school? This place is turning out some talented people,” Griggs continued.
Cari Griggs
With seven years’ experience with Goldman Sachs, Griggs found a way to parlay her dance and arts management courses and internship experience into a career as a private wealth manager. She interned the summer after her sophomore year with an arts festival in Charleston, South Carolina, then after her junior year with NPR in Washington, D.C. That led to connections to a job with New York Public Radio in NYC, followed by an MBA from Columbia.
She believes her experience with arts and culture has made her more well-rounded, a trait that makes it easier to get to know
“ I love getting to know my clients on a deep level. Investing is solving problems. I like the empowerment it gives to people and helping them navigate their life changes.”
potential clients. “Because you’re in private wealth, they want you to be able to relate to different types of people, they want people with interesting backgrounds with interests outside of money,” she said.
She continues to utilize her dance background as an active participant in the performing arts industry, from audience member to nonprofit board member. At OCU she also learned the importance of putting forth extra effort to gain success. “The discipline and intensity at OCU is something I will carry with me the rest of my life –the detail orientation, showing up on time – it teaches you that every small little thing can matter,” Griggs said. Her career path reflects her advice to current students: “Don’t underestimate how you can reach beyond what your degree says. Keep an open mind — you can take the degree you have and grow with it. Pursue what’s interesting to you and see where it takes you.”
Robert Postotnik
Robert Postotnik’s (BS Entertainment Business ’11) brain is always running full speed ahead to keep up with his many work projects. Luckily, his career encapsulates all his greatest passions, so he doesn’t seem to mind. Postotnik is vice president of Key Art Design for Paramount, a company whose properties include programming for Paramount+, Showtime, MTV and more. He’s in charge of creating the visual brand for dozens of TV shows — posters, photography and all design elements utilized for marketing. “In a typical day, I could touch anywhere from 10 to 20 projects that are in different stages,” he said. “There are a lot of plates in the air at all times.”
In his job, Postotnik works with several different people of varying skillsets. “It takes a village. To execute our ideas, we work with advertising agencies, photography teams, film crews, wardrobe, hair, makeup, set designers, production crews and the list goes on.” Postotnik said. “Once the art is created, we work with teams from marketing, media, press and social media to get the campaign out into the world.”
Every day is different. When speaking for this story, he had just returned from a whirlwind work trip that included LA for the Emmy Awards along with two different shoots, then Vancouver, then Atlanta, and back to his NYC homebase for yet another shoot. “Even when I’m on set, there are shows coming down the pipeline that I’m putting brain juice on. I’m always thinking about the next thing, putting together the puzzle pieces,” he said.
Postotnik came to OCU from a Milwaukee suburb in ’07 as an Entertainment Business major with an eye toward design, but not
Robert Postotnik
necessarily a traditional education in fine arts design. He performed in theater productions on campus for fun. “I never dreamed of being onstage professionally, but my time in theater really taught me a lot about public speaking and working with actors – it most certainly has shaped who I am and my love for the arts,” he said. He gained experience from his many outsideof-class endeavors like posters for the theatre school, special events in the Caf and working with a student-led ad agency in the Mass Communications department. He gained photography experience taking headshots for fellow students. He also did design work for the Performing Arts Academy on campus.
Knowing he wanted to work in NYC full-time, he’d spend spring and summer breaks there to make connections. While in college he interned for the Tony Awards, where he helped create designs and videos for social media marketing. Following graduation, Postotnik worked at AKA, a theatrical advertising firm working on prominent Broadway shows. He worked his way up to becoming an art director, which allowed him to put his own stamp on things.
He spent two years working directly with Disney Theatrical Group, on campaigns for “The Lion King” and “Aladdin.” He returned to AKA as a creative director and created the artwork for major productions like “Funny Girl,” “& Juliet” and “Anastasia,” which still to this day was one of his favorite projects. Since leaving Broadway, he’s been at Paramount for almost three years. “My favorite part of my job is working on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ I get to flex all my creative muscles from design to photography to fashion. The world of drag is such an expression of creativity, so the campaigns we create are limitless.”
Postotnik currently lives in Brooklyn with his husband Nick and their dog. “I am extremely fortunate to have my dreams and passions realized in my career. Having my art on a Playbill, working with Disney, creating art for TV shows – those have been my lifelong dreams. It’s not lost on me how rare it is to have those dreams become reality, but that gift pushes me to not get complacent and always strive to improve. There are always new ideas, new goals to achieve.”
Hank Stampfl
If you can imagine it, Hank Stampfl (BM Musical Theater ’06) will make it happen. That’s one of the traits of Revel Rouge, a private event planning/restaurant design consulting firm he started eight years ago. After planning and managing a few high-end catering
BEHIND THE NAME
“Revel” – short for revelation: a surprising and previously unknown fact, something dramatic.
“Rouge” – a nod to something associated with beauty, and also in this case “it’s like being at a party, dancing and laughing so hard your cheeks turn red.”
events, it clicked — Stampfl realized he had the talent, skills and personality to arrange celebrity parties that attendees would remember for the rest of their lives.
Born and raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, Stampfl got his OCU degree and returned to the East Coast, this time New York City. He worked for a few years in the restaurant industry while auditioning for roles. After a heartbreakingly unsuccessful audition for “Tin Man,” Stampfl decided to take a break from theater life. He got deeper into running private events and became the general manager of some prominent Manhattan restaurants. But he felt something was missing. “So I took a leap of faith on myself,” Stampfl recalled, and started Revel Rouge.
Some of his regular clients are “The Real Housewives of New York City,” among many other celebrities. He’s done events in LA, Las Vegas, Puerto Rico and other far-flung locations, which means he’s made an artform of the vendor selection process. “When we leave, a
Hank Stampfl
lot of times those vendors are changed for the better. They’ve learned something from us because we’ve pushed them, inspired them to reach for their limit. They see the results and take pride in their work,” he said.
Even though his career ambitions pivoted from on-stage entertainment to arranging entertaining events, Stampfl feels that his college experience has proven invaluable to his business. “I have the knowledge of hospitality mixed with the mind of theater and dramatic nightlife,” he said. It also showed him the importance of the hustle.
“You go from classes all day, then to rehearsals, then squeeze in some homework. They make you a superhero.”
Music professor and Director of Opera and Music Theater David Herendeen recalled his first encounter with Stampfl as he was leaving his college entrance interview. “He said, ‘I hope you choose us. We really want you here,’” Stampfl said. “That really meant a lot.” Herendeen isn’t surprised that Stampfl is so successful at what he does, based on that first impression and working with him throughout his college career. He could immediately sense Stampfl’s natural entertaining personality. “I wanted to let him know he wasn’t just an auditioner. I really liked what he brought to the place and I was hoping that he would bring it into our home, our family, our school.”
Herendeen explained that Stampfl’s kind, personable nature shone brightly with a role he was playing in a student production of “Man of La Mancha.” Stampfl’s character was written to be abusive toward one of the female characters, “and the one who was bothered most by it was him. “We worked and acted our way through it, but it served to show the opportunities we gave him, the challenges we gave him and the challenges he rose to,” Herendeen added. “We always say the most important person on the stage is the person next to you. I look for people who are inclined that way. It’s a variation on the Golden Rule.”
Jay Wadley
Jay Wadley (BM Composition ’05) had a couple possible paths to NYC — musical theater or music composition. “There’s something about writing that really resonated with me,” Wadley noted, describing his steady pull toward the music composition route as his college life progressed. “During rehearsals, I wanted to focus more time on compositions. It’s more stimulating to me. I might have missed a couple stage entrances during rehearsals because I was backstage on my computer editing scores,” he quipped.
Born and raised in Edmond, Wadley grew up attending performances at OCU. With a pianist mother, he was exposed to music growing up and dabbled in writing and recording his own. He was writing choir music while still in high school. He produced music for bands through middle and high school on four-track and eighttrack recorders, including his own band. He also learned how to use emerging computer recording software.
When it came time to find a college, he was already familiar with the work of OCU professor Edward Knight. “Knight was so good at creating a young community of composers. He helped us hear what else was going on in the world. Always very open to other kinds of composers,” Wadley said. He went on to earn a master’s degree at the Yale School of Music, where he met his future business partner. They both had a similar ambition to start an artist collective to compose for TV and film. Thus, Found Objects was born, a music production company based in Brooklyn.
Wadley has worked with such legendary composers as Phillip Glass and Rufus Wainwright and has won several awards along the way. His first big theatrical film score credit is “Indignation” by James Schamus, which in turn led to more work in the film industry. Another notable project was Charlie Kaufman’s “I’m Thinking of Ending Things,” a 2020 film where the musical score essentially plays a leading role.
At Found Objects, their staff of eight will have as many as 20 projects going at any one time. With a hearty portfolio in hand, Wadley’s career has evolved to where he can focus more and more on projects he’s most passionate about. “For me, it’s important to continue to strive for more work. I want to push my boundaries, collaborate with more artists,” he said. “The next phase is not to slow down, but to be able to be more selective. To take on the projects that are more creatively interesting to me.”
His advice to hopeful music composers is to create, create and create some more. “The process of putting something out in the world, and doing it over and over again, you’ll learn more from that than anything else,” he said. “When you hear your own work played back for you, you’ll hear it differently with other people in the room with you. You’ll be your own harshest critic.”
Jay Wadley
MEINDERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS LAUNCHES NEW STEM PROGRAMS AND ACCELERATED MBA
BY KYLE GOLDING
STEM PROGRAMS
Oklahoma City University recently introduced three new STEM-designated graduate degree programs, addressing areas of the technology sector expected to see rapid employment growth over the next decade.
The new programs are Master of Science degrees in Management Information Systems and Applied Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, and an MBA in Management Information Systems. The first cohort for all three programs will start in August.
The new programs under OCU’s Meinders School of Business are part of the university’s efforts to add more STEM-designated degree offerings, coming as a result of a $2.1 million donation from Ronnie K. Irani and a $3 million donation from school namesake Herman Meinders.
Dean Sri Beldona cited a strong workforce demand in the fields as one reason for the additional offerings. “Job statistics are showing a growing need for workers with these skillsets,” Beldona said. “They are some of the fastest growing career fields in the business sector.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than average through 2033. In fact, bureau statistics show job demand for computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by 17%.
The MS in Applied Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning emphasizes practical implementation of deep-learning models to solve complex business challenges, such as
customer segmentation, predictive analytics and natural language processing.
The MS and MBA in Management Information Systems programs explore the role of information systems in modern organizations, including technology infrastructure and technology’s role in operations and strategy. The MBA focuses on business organizations, particularly in the areas of project and risk management. For more information or to apply, visit okcu.edu/ business.
ACCELERATED MBA
Oklahoma City University is making its industry-leading Master of Business Administration degree even more attainable for students – especially for working professionals looking to advance their career through a graduate degree.
OCU has introduced the university’s first accelerated MBA degree, featuring a total of 30-credit-hours covered in 10 fully online courses. The 30-credit-hour degree program represents the fastest route to an MBA offered by an Oklahoma City metro-area school.
The move to reduce the degree from 36 to 30 credit hours comes on the heels of OCU’s recent decision to reduce the total program price of its online MBA to $15,000. That price point makes OCU’s online MBA the most affordable AACSB-accredited MBA in the metro area and one of the most affordable in the state and region.
“This is about meeting students where they are,” said Beldona. “This program
matches the rigor and prestige you would expect from an OCU degree, while elevating convenience for the working professional.”
Students are able to complete coursework and weekly assignments on their own time, enabling them to choose their optimal study windows. Meanwhile, they still have full access to business faculty and their industryrelevant insights and experience.
Participants also have the option to select from any of six fully online accelerated MBA tracks, including OCU’s flagship MBA in Leadership as well as the concentrations of Corporate Accounting, Data Analytics, Energy, Financial Analytics and Health Care Administration.
While these options allow students to specialize and grow in an area related to their job, the overall value of earning a master’s degree in business is also a vital consideration for a prospective student.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a master’s degree earn more money and enjoy lower levels of unemployment than employees at all lower levels of educational attainment. To be specific, those with a master’s degree earn 16.3% more than those whose highest degree is a bachelor’s, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports.
For prospective students hoping to capitalize on those statistics, applications are now being accepted for the OCU accelerated MBA program, which has five different start windows throughout the year in January, March, June, August and October. For more information or to start an application, go to studyonline.okcu.edu.
STARTUP SPRINT & BUSINESS PLAN PITCH COMPETITION
Congratulations to the top four high school teams who won cash prizes as well as trophies at the Fall Startup Sprint & Business Plan Pitch Competition on Nov. 1.
• 1st Place: Booker T. Washington High School (Tulsa) $3,000
• 2nd Place: Southmoore High School $2,000
• 3rd Place: Yukon High School $1,000
• 4th Place: Francis Tuttle Technology Center $500
• Honorable Mention: Metro Technology and Booker T. Washington (team 2) High school teams from across the state learned what it takes to develop a winning pitch from Associate Dean Bob Greve. He provided details of what goes into developing a product, identifying an audience and creating economic projections. The teams of five students then worked together on the product, marketing plan and financial forecast for the presentation.
Meinders School of Business professors and upperclassmen along with local business professionals served as mentors helping the student teams identify an opportunity by developing a fictitious product, structuring a business model, then delivering the perfect two- to three-minute pitch to a panel of industry experts.
MEINDERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS RECEIVES SEVIS APPROVAL
FOR MS DEGREES
Meinders School of Business has now secured Student and Exchange Visitor Information System approval for Master of Science in Data Analytics and Financial Analytics degrees. Lear n more about this exciting new opportunity to earn an MS in Data Analytics or Financial Analytics along with other STEM degrees offered at the Meinders School of Business by visiting okcu.edu/business.
MSB PROFESSOR WINS AWARD
Congratulations to the Ronnie K. Irani Data Analytics Assistant Professor for Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Jabir Rahman, and coauthor Huigang Liang for receiving the Kauffman Best Paper Award at the American Conference on Information Systems. AMCIS is the flagship conference of the Association for Information Systems in the U.S. There were more than 600 submissions, 1300+ unique authors from 40+ countries with only one paper receiving this great honor.
OKLAHOMA COMMERCE & INDUSTRY HALL OF HONOR
The Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor celebrated its 38th annual induction ceremony in October at the Oklahoma City Convention Center, with more than 400 attendees including numerous students. The ceremony, hosted by OCU’s Meinders School of Business, welcomed three distinguished inductees:
Chris Anoatubby, Chickasaw Nation lieutenant governor, received the Chairman’s Award for his leadership in healthcare and business diversification within the Nation. Jenny Love Meyer, Love’s Travel Stops’ chief culture officer and executive vice president, was honored with the President’s Award for her three-decade commitment to developing company culture and community relations. Jenee Naifeh Lister, CIMA®, senior vice president and wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch, earned the Outstanding Achievement Award, recognized for her financial expertise and consistent ranking among Forbes’ Best in State.
Adding to the ceremony’s significance, Herman Meinders presented all attendees with copies of his second book written by Bob Burke (‘79), “A Legacy for Generations: The Generosity of Herman Meinders.” The event, which supports scholarships for Meinders School of Business students, celebrates business leaders who have significantly contributed to Oklahoma’s development while serving as role models for the next generation of business leaders.
NEW PODCAST
The Meinders School of Business has launched a new Business Stars Podcast to better connect educational programs to the business community in the city, state and beyond. This collaborative program features interviews with some of the best and brightest students, faculty and advisors at MSB along with outstanding members of the business and education community.
The Business Stars podcast series kicked off with an interview of Dean Sri Beldona, where he discussed his higher education insights, plans for innovation at MSB and vision for the future. Additionally, the role of MSB in the Oklahoma business ecosystem was featured and how they benefit from working together.
The podcast can be found at okcu.edu/ msbpodcasts.
NEW BUSINESS FACULTY WELCOMED
New faculty within the Meinders School of Business include Kari Day, CPA, and Jeffery Fisher, CPA, both clinical professors of accounting; Jian Song has been added as an assistant professor of economics; and Jason Flores, visiting associate professor of marketing, has returned to the university.
The 2024 Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor inductees, from left, Jenee Naifeh Lister, Chris Anoatubby and Jenny Love Meyer.
Creativity Takes the Lead: The Evolution of #TrueBlueOCU Day of Giving
BY RAYELEE MCFEE
Oklahoma City University’s Giving Day has transformed into a vibrant celebration of community, philanthropy and leadership. #TrueBlueOCU Giving Day, originally launched in 2020, has created an engaging platform for alums, students and supporters alike to come together for a focused 24-hour fundraising effort. Over the past five years, this initiative has seen remarkable growth in participation and impact, evolving from a few hundred donors to more than 1,200 enthusiastic supporters this past year alone. Giving Day not only continues to exceed fundraising goals but also leads to stronger connections among students, faculty, staff, alums and the broader OCU community.
OCU’s inaugural #TrueBlueOCU Giving Day was held on April 9, 2020, set against the unprecedented backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of lockdowns and social distancing, OCU successfully mobilized its community through a fully virtual event, demonstrating the resilience and dedication of its supporters during a time when we needed connection most. Within 24 hours, the university raised more than $200,000 to support critical campus resources and student scholarships, with additional funds generated through engaging challenges and matching contributions.
“When I began working at OCU my first objective was to grow the volunteer base and make Giving Day an engaging experience,” recalled Koby Harrington, vice president of university advancement. “We started out with three goals including, awareness, acquisition and fun. We are so fortunate to have so many alums and supporters play an active role in this effort.” #TrueBlueOCU Giving Day stands as a powerful testament to the university's commitment to creating enhanced educational opportunities and fostering a culture of philanthropy and leadership.
Each year has introduced new opportunities to innovate, and the focused 24-hour push sparks a wave of creative ideas, including campus events, celebrations, incentives for participants and special challenges. Among these, the annual dean’s challenge stands out as one of the most competitive and original. Deans from each school not only help lead fundraising efforts but are also willing to participate
in unique activities to support their respective excellence funds. Last year’s highlight was the deans’ canvas clash, a friendly competition to see which dean could raise the most for their school’s excellence fund.
Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment Dean Melanie Shelley took first place with her award-winning painting of Starsky, and 201 donors raised a total of $76,709 for the school. “Giving Day is more than an exercise in fundraising. It is a way to connect with alumni, friends of the university, current students and parents,” expressed Shelley. “It inspires us to continue doing great work to honor legacies and move OCU into the future. I love connecting with everyone who participates.”
These strategic shifts have resulted in a remarkable increase in engagement and support, with Giving Day 2024 marking the biggest year yet. More than 1,200 individuals contributed, raising nearly half a million dollars—a 46.3% increase over 2023. This year also introduced the Regional Alumni Chapter Challenge and welcomed back the Greek Life Challenge, allowing alumni in major cities across the globe to create connections through contributing. For the second year in a row, Kappa Sigma claimed victory in the Greek challenge, raising $4,500. Additionally, 63 dedicated OCU advocates worked together to rally their networks and generate engagement that translated directly into dollars raised, setting the stage for even greater success in the future. “Because of the commitment and involvement of alumni from across the globe and the participation of our OCU leadership, we have seen huge growth,” said Harrington.
This day-long campaign not only makes a lasting impact by generating support for scholarships, vital programs and important resources that are imperative to the OCU experience, but also inspires creative ways to celebrate our shared history and achievements. Current students, alums and donors can share stories and forge meaningful connections that contribute to the overall success of the university. #TrueBlueOCU Giving Day embodies a spirit of creativity, leadership and, most importantly, fun, reaching across the campus and beyond to illuminate a bright future for both current and future generations of stars.
From left, Deans Melanie Shelley, Sri Beldona, Mark Parker, Gina Crawford, Amy Cataldi and David Holt pose with their final Starsky portraits utilized toward friendly competition for the 2024 True Blue OCU Giving Day.
Health Professions
FACULTY
• Michelle Johnston, associate professor, was elected as the incoming president-elect for the Association of Oklahoma Nurse Practitioners with her term having begun this year.
• Maria Jones, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program director, was the recipient of the American Physical Therapy Association Oklahoma’s Founders Award, which acknowledges the contributions of those who have demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and service to the advancement of the physical therapy profession through clinical practice, education, research, public relations and community service.
• Wendee Lentz, clinical assistant professor, attended the 2024 Special Olympics New York State Summer Games at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY for training to be the Special Olympics Oklahoma FunFitness coordinator. FunFitness is a branch of the healthy athletes initiative that utilizes physical therapy screenings to examine flexibility, strength, balance and aerobic fitness. Lentz’s goal is to screen Olympic athletes and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oklahoma to determine their current fitness level and to help them improve their health.
• Megan Der naika, clinical assistant professor; Cene’ Livingston, chair of advanced practice programs; Michelle Johnston, associate professor; and Sara Buster, clinical assistant professor; embarked on a research study investigating doctoral student development of cultural competemility. Cultural competemility is a concept integrating cultural competence and humility, representing a nuanced approach necessary for nursing leaders. The study aims to explore the development of cultural competemility among nursing students, evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions in fostering this crucial attribute.
• Kimberly Viers, clinical assistant professor,
and Elizabeth Diener, professor, are working on a qualitative research study addressing the experiences and perceptions of pain and injury in university-level dance students.
• Cene’ Livingston, chair of advanced practice programs; Maria Jones, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program director; Bobby Bosse, Physician Assistant Program director; and
Brandi Stanley, pre-nursing facilitator, partnered with OCU’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and other schools on campus, for the Emerging Stars Academy. The ESSA welcomed students from high schools in the surrounding community to learn about college programs. Faculty representing Kramer School of Nursing’s undergraduate and graduate programs provided activities and learning opportunities about health professions to participants ranging in age from 13-17 years.
DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
• The Oklahoma Perfor ming Arts Collective held their inaugural conference in August, featuring presentations from Wendee Lentz who discussed footwear and foot care, and Kimberly Veirs who talked about preparing for dance in college.
• The program hosted a career fair on September 10 with more than 35 physical therapy practices and facilities attending that provided great networking opportunity for first and second year students.
• The 34th Annual Inter national Association of Dance Medicine and Science Conference was held in October and featured Kimberly Veirs and Gregory Dedrick, adjunct faculty, who presented a case report on the management of a rare case of midfoot pain, tarsal coalition in a university dancer as well as Kimberly Veirs, Wendee Lentz and colleague Johnathan Baldwin presenting risk factors associated with musculoskeletal complaints and injury in a university dance department.
• Maria Jones presented “Influencing Change: Governance and Advocacy in Action” at the American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy Annual Conference in November.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM
OCU’s seventh graduating class in its Physician Assistant Program was held last May. As the second largest PA program in Oklahoma, it has introduced 239 physician assistants into the medical practice community since the program’s inception in 2016. The Class of 2024 successfully complete their Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination with a 100% first time pass rate. This marks the third graduating class to reach this challenging accomplishment since the first graduating class in 2018.
Several PA programs have attempted to improve their student PANCE first time pass rates, but few have developed a method implemented into the curriculum to improve these numbers. The OCU PA program utilizes a statistical tracking method to identify students who may be at risk for failing their national board examination and implemented a program structured PANCE preparation curriculum to improve these first-time pass rates.
Megan Dernaika
Cene’ Livingston
Bobby Bosse
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE INAUGURAL CLASS OF 33 KRAMER SCHOOL OF NURSING ACCELERATED BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING GRADUATES IN DECEMBER!
SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF NURSE EDUCATORS
Nursing education is facing a growing crisis as aging nurse educators retire and leave the profession. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing projects that by 2025, onethird of the current faculty in baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs will retire, coinciding with an increased demand for nurses in the workforce. In response, the Kramer School of Nursing is taking proactive steps to address the crisis by fostering the development of future nurse educators. A year ago, the first cohort of Doctor of Nursing Practice – Nurse Educator students was admitted. Designed by a task force of expert nurse educators, this program track was developed to address both current and anticipated needs in nursing education. It focuses on Master of Science in Nursingprepared nurses seeking a terminal degree to advance their careers as educators. Doctor of Nursing Practice-prepared nurse educators will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of nursing professionals, guiding and preparing diverse learners as they enter the field.
KSN ADVANCED PRACTICE STUDENTS PARTNER WITH GIRL SCOUTS OF WESTERN OKLAHOMA
Kramer School of Nursing’s Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner students hosted and participated in a collaborative event with the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma and other community mental health entities. KSN faculty and GSWO staff partnered to develop “Wellness Warriors” which included a variety of mental health-focused workshops for girls aged 5-to-18 and their parents. The event was held in May with plans for future collaboration.
Kramer School of Nursing’s BSN child health class attended a lecture at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital along with a concurrent Christmas in July toy drive held by the Student Nurses Association.
Kramer School of Nursing students volunteered at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon with Clinical Assistant Professor Jamie Kilpatrick.
Cell and molecular biology majors, Austin Worley and Ashley Nguyen are a few of the student researchers working with Christina Hendrickson, associate professor of biology.
IN THE WEEDS TO CURE CANCER
BY NICK TROUGAKOS
It wasn’t hard for Austin Worley and his teammates to see what was happening to their coach.
Cancer can take a toll on even the most resolute and determined people, after all. So it was the case for legendary Oklahoma City University baseball coach Denney Crabaugh. Though Crabaugh continued to show up at the ballfield through months of treatment, his players knew the coach was not well.
“Watching Denney go through chemo and the side effects was horrible,” said Worley, a freshman pitcher and catcher in 2022 during Crabaugh’s final season as coach. “He still showed up every day ready to give us his all at any cost. He never missed a practice, game or road trip even if he was drained from his heavy medical diagnosis.”
Perhaps miraculously – or just through the sheer passion for the game his players knew him for – Crabaugh led the team into the opening round of the NAIA national tournament in May of 2022. The team was eliminated on May 18, and less than two months later, Crabaugh was gone, passing away peacefully in his home, surrounded by family. Worley said knowing what Crabaugh endured caused OCU’s players to marvel at the coach’s perseverance.
“This perseverance and dedication gave the team something to play for,” he said.
It also planted a seed for Worley – a Cell and Molecular Biology major who is minoring in Chemistry and Spanish – that landed him in a biology lab next door to OCU’s baseball field working on research that may one day help prevent and cure cancer. “After Denney passed away, I saw that a new cancer research team was forming on campus,” Worley said. “After watching him struggle, I wanted to join so
that I could possibly help others in a similar situation.”
Worley joined an undergraduate research team led by OCU associate biology professor Christina Hendrickson. The research is centered on the anti-cancer properties of the common dandelion. Preliminary study has shown dandelion seed extract to be effective in killing cancer cells, while leaving other types of cells unharmed. While Hendrickson and her team of OCU students will continue to investigate, the professor said the early results are promising. “The results show the potential of dandelion as an anticancer remedy without possible side effects on the gastrointestinal tract’s normal microbiota,” she said.
The lab’s work has gained attention across campus, and across the state as well.
Research posters and presentations produced by Worley and his classmates claimed first place at both the 2022 and 2023 OCU Undergraduate Research Day competition, and in November of 2023, Worley and classmate Ashley Nguyen won first place overall in the undergraduate research poster competition at the End2Cancer Conference hosted by the OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center.
Nguyen, a 2024 OCU graduate with a degree in cell and molecular biology, said the potential for future real-world application of the research is “exciting.” “Especially for people who may like a more holistic approach to medicine or may not have access to cancer treatments like in many parts of the world,” she said. “Having the ability to take a very common plant and utilize it as a cancer treatment would be exciting.” She cautioned, however, that the work is preliminary, and more investigation is needed. It’s investigation that Worley and his more scientifically inclined teammates are happy to carry out.
They do this in the biology lab in OCU’s Dawson-Loeffler Center, just along the right field foul line of the baseball stadium. Worley said work includes swabbing agar plates to grow bacteria, counting cells, cell staining, column chromatography, pathway analysis, analyzing data and more, including producing the research posters that have gone on to claim numerous awards.
Hendrickson said involving students in this type of work comes with many benefits.
“Involving undergrad students in the research can provide a better educative system and attract more students to OCU,” she said. “Students can learn how to design
scientific projects, think critically and enhance their teamwork and leadership skills.”
Nguyen said the ability to take part in research was a key component of her OCU experience.
“This is an important offering for students because it gives us a space where we can independently investigate under professional guidance and gain personal experience, rather than just learning it in the classroom or from a book,” she said. “It’s not only important, its critical.”
Worley echoed that sentiment, noting that he hopes the experience will help better prepare him for medical school and an eventual career as a physician and orthopedic surgeon.
The Fort Worth native said he’s always had an interest in science, and part of the reason he elected to attend OCU was to be able to play baseball at a nationally ranked NAIA school while also pursuing a career in medicine. “Ever since I was a child, I enjoyed all fields of science,” he said. “I love problem solving, which is exactly what science is. Studying medicine allows me to use my knowledge for the betterment of society.”
Worley acknowledged that combining games and practices with a full class load and lab work has been challenging, but he credits his professors – like Hendrickson –and his lab mates for being understanding and supportive. He’s now riding that support toward a spring 2025 graduation date.
In the interim, Worley plans to continue his work with the cancer research team, with a goal of finding a treatment that leads to less side effects and a better prognosis. “This opportunity is once-in-a-lifetime, and I wish that I would have found it sooner so maybe I could have helped Denney,” Worley said. “I hope to use this research to help others who have touched as many lives as Denney has.”
Students do a variety of tasks as they research the effects of dandelion seeds on cancer.
Arts and Sciences
MARTHA JEAN LEMON DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES HOSTS INDIGENOUS ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR
OCU hosted Dina Gilio-Whitaker (Colville Confederated Tribes), a lecturer of American Indian studies at California State University San Marcos and independent educator/advisor on Indigenous environmental issues, for the 2024 Martha Jean Lemon Distinguished Speaker Series. She met with students for an informal question and answer session and gave a public presentation on her book, “As Long As Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice, From Colonization to Standing Rock.”
ACCREDITATION AWARDED TO TWO PROGRAMS
Two Petree College programs received accreditation in 2024. The first is the Doctorate of Psychology program which received accreditation contingency status by the Commission on Accreditation, American Psychological Association. This recognition marks an exciting point in the yearslong process to achieve full APA accreditation. OCU will be submitting a self-study with student outcome data, in pursuit of full accreditation. The second is the Montessori Teacher Certificate Program that received full accreditation at the Early Childhood level from the Montessori Accreditation Council for Teacher Education and Affiliation by American Montessori 9Society. After a rigorous two-year certification process, this program is now one of the few programs in the state and the only one in the Oklahoma City metro area to carry these distinctions.
ESPORTS TEAM WINS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
In May, the Overwatch 2 White team won the National Esports Collegiate Conference Navigators national championship defeating Southern Virginia University in a 4-2 series win. This is the second National Championship won by an OCU Esports team since the creation of the Esports program in 2019. Team members included Edward Bennett, Jacob Collier, Cara Fairchild, Wesley Farnsley, Jordan Iwuchukwu, Alex Rodriguez and Josie Wells.
TWO MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMS LAUNCHED IN COLLEGE
Two new graduate programs were introduced in the Petree College of Arts & Sciences for the 2024-25 academic year. The Applied Behavioral Studies program transitioned to an entirely online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program while the Education Department launched the Instructional Design and Educational Technology graduate program. These master’s level programs are designed to accommodate the evolving needs of mental health professionals and educators.
TEACHER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY OFFERING COURSES AT NO COST
OCU’s Teacher Development Academy, a program designed to assist alternative and emergency certified K-12 teachers with completing courses necessary to gain official certification through the Oklahoma State Department of Education, is now offering classes at no cost to qualifying teachers thanks to a Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funded grant from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. More than 200 teachers have participated in the TDA program since its inception in 2022. Visit okcu.edu/tda to learn more.
FIRST DEADCENTER UNIVERSITY FOR EDUCATORS LED BY FILM DEPARTMENT
OCU Film Chair Bryan Cardinale-Powell and members of the OCU Film Department led the inaugural deadCenter University for Educators as part of the 24th annual deadCenter Film Festival. The two-day workshop provided a new professional development opportunity for individuals who teach media arts at the K-12 level in Oklahoma. Participants learned implementation strategies for the state’s newly created film and media arts standards.
CRISIS INTERVENTION ADVISORY GROUP APPOINTS DEAN CATALDI
Dean Amy Cataldi was named as a member of City of Oklahoma City’s new Crisis Intervention Advisory Group. This group will ensure best practices are used during encounters between police and residents experiencing a mental health crisis. Cataldi holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Science degree and doctorate in Experimental Psychology.
QUINLAN LECTURE
OCU Law hosted its annual Quinlan Lecture on April 2, 2024, with Professor Maggie Blackhawk (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) presenting “The Constitution of American Colonialism.” Blackhawk is a prize-winning scholar and teacher of federal Indian law, constitutional law and legislation at New York University School of Law. She was awarded the American Society for Legal History’s William Nelson Cromwell Article Prize and her research has been published or is forthcoming in the Harvard Law Review, Stanford Law Review, Yale Law Journal, Supreme Court Review,
American Historical Review, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Journal of the Early Republic and Journal of Politics. Much of her scholarship explores the relationship between law and power, with a particular emphasis on the ways that subordinated peoples leverage law to shift power to their communities—especially outside of rights and courts-based frameworks. Her recent projects have focused on the laws and legal histories of American colonialism and the central role of the American colonial project, including the resistance and advocacy of Native and other colonized peoples, in shaping the constitutional law and history of the United States.
PROFESSOR SPIROPOULOS OUTSTANDING FACULTY MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Professor Andy Spiropoulos was named the university’s prestigious Outstanding Faculty Member for 2023-2024. The Outstanding Faculty Award honors a faculty member whose teaching, scholarship and service are deemed to be exemplary. Spiropoulos has provided these outstanding services to OCU Law for more than 30 years now and currently teaches Constitutional Law; Legislation, State and Local Government; and Legal Analysis. With this recognition, Spiropoulos also was given the honor of speaking at OCU’s Graduate Graduation Ceremony. OCU thanks Spiropoulos for his service to OCU Law and look forward to many more years of his dedicated teaching at the school.
SWEARING-IN CEREMONY
ON OCT. 8, 2024, OCU LAW ALUMNI WHO PASSED THE BAR IN JULY 2024 WERE SWORN IN BY THE OKLAHOMA SUPREME COURT ON THE FLOOR OF THE OKLAHOMA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
HIGHEST-CREDENTIALED 1L CLASS SINCE 1992
In the fall of 2024, the school welcomed its highest-credentialed 1L class in 32 years. Applications to OCU Law were up over 20% from the previous year (nationally, law school applications were up approximately 5%). OCU Law received more total applications than in any year of the previous decade. As a result, the school’s acceptance rate dropped significantly, below 55%.
The undergraduate GPA of 3.46 for the 1L class is the highest in school history. The median LSAT for the 1L class was 151, a jump of two points from the year before and–in OCU Law history–second only to a 152 median LSAT in 1992. This 1L class includes a total number of Dean’s Scholars (the highest-credentialed students who receive a full merit-based scholarship) that nearly doubles the previous record.
OCU LAW EXPANDING AND LAUNCHING NEW SERVICES
OCU Law is excited to announce the launch of the Inasmuch Center for Public Service. The center will highlight the school’s historic emphasis on educating lawyers who ultimately serve the public in government and nonprofit positions.
In the spring of 2025, the Immigration Clinic will return to OCU Law. The revitalized clinic promises to be an invaluable resource, not only for law students seeking hands-on experience but also for the local immigrant community in need of legal assistance.
In 2023, the Collaborative Clinic at OCU Law became a United States Patent Trademark Office-certified clinic. With the clinic taking on the stewardship of the regional USPTO Pro Bono Patent Program the following year. This program serves Arkansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma, matching innovative inventors with pro bono patent lawyers and agents, ensuring that groundbreaking ideas receive the protection and support they need. The clinic also recently broadened its impact through a strategic partnership with the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology.
AMERICAN INDIAN WILLS CLINIC 15 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
The American Indian Wills Clinic celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024. The AIWC provides wills and estate planning services to Native American tribal communities owning trust or restricted property in Oklahoma at no cost to the tribal members. OCU Law students are primarily responsible for all case-related work, including fact gathering, developing legal theories and initial document drafting under the supervision of a licensed attorney faculty clinician.
In the past 15 years, the AIWC has provided estate planning services to 29 of the 39 Oklahoma tribes and 12 tribes outside the state of Oklahoma. The clinic has served more than 1,300 clients and has executed 1,051 wills, 193 powers of attorney, 184 medical advance directives and 46 transfer on death deeds for non-Indian property.
TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY
In June, OCU Law hosted the annual Sovereignty Symposium at the Skirvin Hilton Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City. With more than 650 attendees, it was a record-breaking event.
Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear delivered the symposium’s keynote address and received the symposium’s highest award: Honored One. During the opening ceremony, attendees also enjoyed appearances by the Kiowa Black Leggings, Southern Nation and the Osage Tribal Singers, including the Oscar-nominated Scott George. All of Oklahoma’s 39 tribes were represented in the opening ceremony flag processional.
In its 36th year, the Sovereignty Symposium once again brought together tribal leaders, state and federal leaders, policymakers, lawyers, scholars, artists and hundreds of people active in American Indian law and tribal sovereignty issues. Panels covered topics of data sovereignty, government to government relations, health care,
gaming and more, with experts from the respective fields spurring important conversations.
The 2024 Symposium also saw the exciting announcement from OCU and OCU Law that the School of Law will be the home of the new Tribal Sovereignty Institute. Supported by a dozen tribal leaders, Dean David Holt and President Kenneth Evans made the announcement at a press conference on the first day of the symposium. The launch of the institute complements OCU Law’s existing work in American Indian law, including the American Indian Wills Clinic and the hosting of the Sovereignty Symposium.
When Osage tribal member Holt became dean of OCU Law in 2023, he recognized it was a perfect moment to further elevate American Indian law as an area of excellence for the school, which would additionally fill a critical need for legal expertise and scholarship. The need is real, and as a private school in the state’s
The opening ceremony at the XXXVI Sovereignty Symposium featured the Kiowa Black Leggings; Southern Nation with special guest, the Osage Tribal Singers; keynote Geoffrey Standing Bear, principal chief of the Osage Nation; and Gordon Yellowman, peace chief with the Cheyenne and Arapaho Nation.
THE REIGNTY SY IUM
UNIVERSITY OF L AND OCU
capital, OCU Law is perfectly positioned, both because of its geography and its status as a private institution.
Working with President Evans and their teams at OCU Law and OCU’s main campus, a proposal was developed to create the OCU Tribal Sovereignty Institute, to be housed at OCU Law. Its primary goals are to educate future lawyers, train current lawyers to practice in tribal legal systems, produce scholarship accessible to policymakers and the public and advocate publicly for heightened awareness of tribal sovereignty.
“Policymakers need more independent, credible information on this topic,” said Holt. “All government entities, law firms and tribes need attorneys who are knowledgeable in these areas. Considering our existing work and our location, we think that OCU and OCU Law are ideal institutions to meet this need. This institute will further establish our law school, our university and our city as leaders at the forefront of these sovereignty conversations.”
Following the announcement at the Sovereignty Symposium, OCU Law is currently in the process of hiring the executive director/ professor. Faculty hiring processes commonly last most of an academic year, and it is envisioned to have the person identified in time for the 2025 Sovereignty Symposium. If you know someone who would like to know more about this opportunity, the chair of the hiring committee for this role is Associate Dean Lee Peoples, and he can be contacted at lpeoples@okcu.edu.
Future phases of the institute beyond the initial hire are envisioned but will be dependent on resources. OCU Law and OCU leadership continues to visit with potential partners.
THE HEART OF A CHAMPION
BY JAKE SHAW
Ayenew Devany, a senior cross country student athlete majoring in Strategic Communications at Oklahoma City University, exemplifies the spirit of compassion and heroism that can emerge in unexpected circumstances. A recent act of bravery not only highlights his character but also emphasizes the importance of quick thinking and kindness in our communities.
While on a recent run at Lake Stanley Draper, Devany found himself in a critical situation when he witnessed a man in distress. “I came around a turn after like ten miles of running and find a man and his bicycle on the side of the road,” said Devany. Recognizing the urgency of the moment, he realized that immediate action was necessary. With a calm demeanor and a clear focus, he rushed to assist the man, who was in the throes of a medical emergency. “I don’t know how to do CPR, but I didn’t see him breathing,” explains Devany. “The lady who was with me had 911 on the phone, and she was helping us do the steps, counting them down like, ‘One, two, three’ of how to do CPR.”
“I’m from Ethiopia, and in Ethiopia, we see someone struggling and we help them, no matter if they’re family, friends or not,” he said.
Devany’s actions have resonated deeply within the Oklahoma City University community. Students and faculty alike have praised his quick thinking and selflessness. His story serves as a powerful reminder of how one individual can make a significant impact, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.
“Ayenew is an extraordinary student who exemplifies the true spirit of athletic competition. He is conditioned to show compassion to others and has a great human spirit. I consider him a true example of an OCU Star,” said OCU Interim Athletic Director Bill Raynor.
As he continues his journey at Oklahoma City University, Devany serves as a role model for his peers, encouraging them to embrace empathy and take action when it matters most. After graduation, he plans to work in sales and compete at the top level as a professional runner. “I want to use my love for communication to further my professional objectives,” explained Devany. “I think the strategy and communication abilities I am developing will benefit me in the business world as well as on the track.”
To help student athletes like Devany you can donate to OCU athletics by visiting okcu.edu/give/athletics.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY
The Men’s Cross Country found success this year moving up the ranks and earning a top five ranking. Evert Silva earned a Sooner Athletic Conference Runner of the Week award after finishing second out of 389 runners in the Gans Creek Classic in Colombia, Mo hosted by the University of Missouri. Women’s Cross Country started their 2024 campaign with a big first place finish in the Southern Nazarene University Invitational. Graduate Student Loise Cocking led all NAIA runners at the Dallas Baptist University Old Glory Gallup.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF
The men’s golf team has had tremendous success this year winning three tournaments this year and finishing in the top three in all five tournaments. Senior Tres Hill took first place in the Battle at Winter Creek Tournament in Blanchard, Oklahoma, earlier this season. The women’s golf team also had a strong year on the greens finishing in the top five in two of their four tournaments. The team was led by junior Logan Allen who was a Sooner Athletic Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week.
MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SOCCER
The men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams are off to great starts with winning records and both producing high powered offenses. The men’s team is in the top ten in goals scored in the NAIA with Marco Alongi leading the team in goals. Alongi scored a goal or assisted on a goal in seven of the first 11 games. The women’s soccer team, led by Choctaw, Oklahoma, native Hallie Crom, leads the team in goals.
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
The women’s volleyball team is getting hot at the right time as they enter Sooner Athletic Conference competition. Senior Ruby Kelley reached a milestone of 1,000 kills for her career and is the leader in points for the Stars.
PRESIDENTIAL AMBASSADORS MAKE AN IMPACT
A select group of OCU students take their responsibility of representing the university’s students seriously through their role as Presidential Ambassadors. Attending events, whether it be to visit with supporters of OCU or passing out programs at a lecture on campus, is just a part of what a Presidential Ambassador does as they help with various projects for the Office of Advancement and the Office of the President, among other tasks in this important role.
“Having undergraduate and graduate students assist us with marketing, development and events is not only helpful to us, they are the ones our alums and donors want to hear from,” said Koby Harrington, vice president for university advancement. “What they are involved in on campus, what they are enjoying at OCU and what their plans are for after graduation, are all common
topics that our guests on campus enjoy hearing about from students.”
This new initiative began through President Ken Evans’ previous work at Lamar University, where the ambassador program originated and was highly successful in working with their alumni and donors. “When telling the story of a university, doing it through students and their experiences is impactful,” explained Evans. “The students in this position are dedicated and passionate about their institution and convey that excitement well to those around them, whether they are alumni, donors or even fellow students.”
For the 2024-2025 academic year, OCU has 13 Presidential Ambassadors in the program that is now in its third year. In order to serve in this role, each student must maintain a 3.0 GPA, be a full-time student
and be at the university for at least a year, applying in the spring of their freshman year or later. The application process is extensive with a resume, letter of interest, essays, a staff or faculty recommendation, transcript and interview. If named an OCU Presidential Ambassador, the student receives a $1,000 scholarship each year.
Ella Brown, a Presidential Ambassador for the past two years and music educatation senior from Fort Worth, Texas, stated, “Being an ambassador for Oklahoma City University is one of the most enriching activities I have had as a student. Not only do I have the opportunity to represent my school, but I get to meet a lot of different supporters of the university which is great networking for my future.”
From left, Sonny Tabor, Devin Jansing, Ella Brown, Kayla Nguyen, Maryann Mwai, Katrina Imes, Kyah Alexander, Ben Ball and Alex Rasmusen represent the university’s students at the OCU Gala. Not pictured: Riordan Banks, Akhila Gundekari, KingDavid Ogbonnaya and Macy Urso.
BANKING ON Success
Coming from Bakersfield, California, senior Riordan Banks knows he made the right decision in traveling far from home for the experience he has gained while at OCU. As a Music Theatre major, he performed a leading role in “Rent,” “Footloose” and “In the Heights,” among the many other hands-on opportunities he has had within the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. Banks also serves as artistic director for OCU’s student-run production company, Stripped; as a member of Tonal Eclipse, the university acapella student group; and as a Presidential Ambassador.
These varied organizations he is involved in reinforce the reason Banks originally chose OCU. “I wanted top-notch performance training as well as the welcoming community of students and faculty alike,” he explains. “I love the tight-knit campus community and the built-in support system students receive during their time at the university.”
Additionally, Banks believes his many activities each provide him a different experience that will assist him in the future. When considering his time as an OCU Presidential Ambassador, for instance, it has allowed him not only the chance to connect with fellow students and alumni in their shared passion for OCU but also numerous opportunities for personal growth. “I have the chance to refine my social skills and broaden my horizons through the well-developed and interconnected community of OCU supporters,” explained Banks. His duties as an ambassador at many alumni functions ranges from greeting people and talking to various constituents to singing and entertaining guests.
Looking toward his bright future, Banks plan to move to New York City upon graduation to begin his career in the arts. And his words of wisdom to incoming OCU students?
“Don’t allow yourself to be complacent during your time at the university,” he states. “There are countless experiences and opportunities available to you to make you a more developed person and performer. Seek these out, as they are often unique to OCU, and you should take advantage of as many as you can during your time here.”
THE FACTS:
FAVORITE PLACE
TO STUDY: Leichter Listening Library in the Wanda L. Bass School of Music because it is calming, usually quiet and surrounded by centuries of musical archives that encourages your creative juices to flow.
BEST CLASS: Music Theatre Workshop because it provided practical advice and effective strategies for achieving and maintaining a long-term career in the performing arts industry.
GREATEST MOMENT AT OCU: Any opportunity to perform in the historic Kirkpatrick Auditorium. This space has been home to countless incredible performances, and I consider it a huge honor and privilege every chance I get to be a part of this legacy.
THEATREOCU’S
‘BAD SHAKESPEARE’ IS A ‘MUST’ AT 2024 EDINBURG FESTIVAL
FRINGE
OCU School of Theatre students earned high praise in Scotland at the famed Edinburg Festival Fringe with a must-see production of “Bad Shakespeare,” an inventive theatrical examination of some of the playwright’s most iconic villains.
Compiled and directed by OCU acting professor and head of performance, D. Lance Marsh, “Bad Shakespeare” examines the humanity of a variety of Shakespearean “bad guys” – from marquee names like Lago and Lady Macbeth to lesser-known scoundrels like Aaron of Titus Andronicus. Marsh and the company of 16 students (two separate casts of eight) collaborated to create a unique theatrical experience that combined the linguistic virtuosity of the bard’s timeless monologues with a witty infusion of contemporary commentary.
TheatreOCU’s production of “Bad Shakespeare” concluded a faculty-led summer study abroad trip headed by Marsh. The collection of students, ranging from sophomores to seniors, studied performance — in Europe. Andrew Girdwood, whose review of the production was featured on the Edinburgh Reviews website, commented, “I’ve seen over a dozen shows in this year’s festival season, and ‘Bad Shakespeare’ currently holds the record for best audience reactions. There were whoops and hollas.”
SCHOOL OF THEATRE COLLABORATES WITH LYRIC THEATRE PREMIERE NEW SOLIS PLAY
Lyric Theatre, the state theatre of Oklahoma enlisted the OCU School of Theatre to produce “Mother Road,” a new play by acclaimed Mexican American playwright Octavio Solis. An unforgettable story for the 21st century and a timely, worthy successor to John Steinbeck’s
epic “The Grapes of Wrath,” “Mother Road” is set almost 90 years after the Joad family’s journey west.
Lyric approached W. Jerome Stevenson, associate dean of the School of Theatre to direct this new play. Stevenson agreed with the caveat that the School of Theatre be allowed to collaborate on this project which would present extraordinary pedagogical opportunity for OCU students and support increased diversity, equity and belonging initiatives important to the school’s mission. Solis came to campus on Dec. 6 to engage with students and held a talk back after the evening’s performance.
FACULTY NEWS:
1 In late 2023, Chaslee Schweitzer, associate professor of voice and speech, was certified as a vocal combat technique instructor.
2 Along with presenting at the Association for Theatre In Higher Education conference in Atlanta, Amy Osatinski, associate professor of theatre history, also performed in the Jewish Theatre of Oklahoma’s production of “Amsterdam” and played the role of Emma Goldman in a cabaret at the Center for Jewish History in New York City.
3 Rachel Maczko, associate professor of oboe and operations coordinator, performed a recital titled “Summer Dreams: The Music of Amy Beach” at the International Double Reed Convention in Flagstaff, Arizona, in July, featuring her own arrangements for two oboes, an English horn and bassoon of Amy Beach’s four hand piano piece “Summer Dreams.”
4 Jeanie Sholer, associate professor of acting, performed the role of Sandra Day O’Connor in the production of “Sisters in Law,” presented by the Jewish Theatre of Oklahoma.
5 Kris Kuss, associate professor of movement/ stage combat, led the Dueling Arts International Summer National Workshop in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, teaching theatre students in multiple levels and disciplines of stage combat as well as prospective instructors at their Teacher Training Workshop. Additionally, Kuss serves on the governing board and as artistic associate for Oklahoma Shakespeare where he helped develop their Emerging Artists Collective.
6 Jeff Cochran, professor of stage and production management, recently served as production stage manager for Lyric Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” and as stage manager for Classic’s Concert with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.
7 Bill Langan, associate professor of acting, performed the role of Hostile Professor in the film “Reagan.”
8 After finishing a year-long fellowship with the American Antiquarian Society by completing a first draft of his new play, “Forrest/Macready/ Macbeth,” Lance Marsh, professor of acting and head of performance, led a theater company, including eight students and four faculty administrators to the World Theatre Education Alliance in Beijing, where he directed a production of “Romeo and Juliet.”
Caroline Liem was the producer and cohost for In the Podlight, a newly launched social justice podcast for film, television and stage post pandemic. She additionally served as the casting director for a film titled “Bienvenidos a Los Angeles,” which won Diversity in Cannes at the Cannes Film Festival last year.
Rena Cook served as the dialect coach for the musical “Once” for Kansas City Repertory Theatre and for OU’s production of “Assassins” as well as working as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Houston’s Summer MA for Theatre Educators.
JO ROWAN CHAIR
Namesake of the school, Ann Lacy, always had a deep respect for dance program founder, Jo Rowan. She chose to provide a generous gift through her estate to create the Jo Rowan Endowed Dance Chair. The inaugural Jo Rowan Dance Chair was awarded to ballet professor Jessica Fay, a former student and mentee of Jo Rowan. Lacy’s grandson, Chris Lawson, said “Ann always wanted Jo to be recognized for her unparalleled influence on our school and students. She made it happen through her estate, ensuring Jo’s legacy lives on in the most meaningful way.”
NEW FLOORS
Thanks to a very generous donation from Jeaneen Naifeh, the school was able to replace the dance flooring in the four largest studios over the summer with new flooring from Stagestep Dance Floors. The previous flooring was much-loved but was getting worn after nearly 20 years of hard use. Thanks to Stagestep, here’s to another 20 years of ten-hour days of ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, pointe, partnering, precision line, rehearsals, rehearsals and more!
STUDIO R REMODEL
Studio R is moving from a regular dance studio to a dance video studio, appropriate for marketing photo and video shoots, new Dance for Camera classes, student reels and dance lighting lab. Once the remodel is finished, the studio will have black walls and floors, a customizable lighting hang and a white cyclorama wall for seamless backdrops.
This remodel fulfills the vision of founding Dean John Bedford, who had a plan for a stateof-the-art video dance studio in the fall 2019 semester. The pandemic increased the need for dancing on-camera skills, and Dean Melanie Shelley began a fundraising campaign to bring Bedford’s vision to life. A generous dance graduate made a large gift to honor him and help make his dream a reality. Stay tuned for news of a naming ceremony once it’s ready!
BROADWAY WORLD
The Holiday Spectacular dance performance was voted Best Dance Production in the 2023 BroadwayWorld Oklahoma Awards. Holiday Spectacular is an audience favorite playing to sold-out houses annually each December.
Senior Dance Management major Hannah Hulshof completed a summer internship with Cirque du Soleil, where for 10 weeks she was the company management intern at their Las Vegas show “O.” She described her time with Cirque du Soleil as, “a life-changing experience full of amazing opportunities and even more amazing people.”
Hulshoff is one of many students who have earned prestigious internships during their time at OCU. Recently, students have procured internships at Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet, the Nederlander Organization in New York City, the Savannah Bananas and many more. These experiences provide invaluable industry and networking experience and help to grow the school’s reputation for educating employable professionals in dance for the world of entertainment.
HANNAH HULSHOFF
Honor Roll of Donors
KEY: s Member in memoriam
Current or former OCU employee
Current OCU trustee or chairman emeritus
FOUNDERS
CUMULATIVE GIFTS OF $1 MILLION OR MORE
Founders are an exceptional group of donors who have earned a place of distinction through their commitment to Oklahoma City University and their remarkable generosity, which continues to advance the university’s mission. Each has made cumulative gifts of $1 million or more.
Ann Simmons Alspaugh s
Wanda L. Bass s
Martha Burger
Phil and Cathy Busey
Chesapeake Energy
Communities Foundation of Oklahoma
John and Carol Davis
Devon Energy
DRH Health Foundation
E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation
Estate of Jeroldine Zachritz Clark
Estate of Jimmie Heatley Close
OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY IS STRONGER BECAUSE OF YOUR SUPPORT! Whether you give to the OCU Fund, endow scholarships or mentor a student, our strength is in community—thank you! The Honor Roll of Donors celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to OCU. The generosity of these donors allows students to immerse themselves in the OCU experience and helps to provide the resources and tools students need to reach their full potential. Please join us in honoring our alumni and friends for their significant contributions to our great university.
Our staff has worked carefully to ensure this list of donors is as accurate as possible. If you know of an error or omission or have questions regarding this information, please call the OCU Office of University Advancement at (405) 208-7000.
Estate of Marvin and Ena Dawson
Estate of Mary Clary Sargent
Estate of Thomas E. Barnett
Estate of Vivian Wimberly
Jose Freede s
Dan Owens and Margaret Freede Owens
Gerald Gamble and Jane Jayroe Gamble
Harris Foundation, Inc.
Jeanne Hoffman Smith s
Inasmuch Foundation
Ronnie and Shahnaaz Irani
Clara E. Jones s
Lou C. Kerr s / The Kerr Foundation, Inc.
Kerr-McGee Corporation, Inc.
Ann Lacy s
Cathy and Kurt s Leichter
Larry and Susan Lemon
Martha J. Lemon
Lynette Lemon Wert and Pete Wert
Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai
Judy Love s
Paul and Jonalee McLaughlin
Charles E. Mehr s
Herman and LaDonna s Meinders
Marjorie J. Norick s
Ronald and Margaret Norick
Norick Investments
Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church
Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. Foundation
Oklahoma Methodist Foundation
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
F.M. Petree s
Margaret E. Petree s
Ray s and Patricia Potts
Robert & Ruby Priddy Charitable Trust
Robert A. Parman Foundation
Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation
Sarkeys Foundation
Bill and Pam Shdeed
Dick Sias s
The Chickasaw Nation
The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc.
The Meinders Foundation
The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
The Sumners Foundation
ANNUAL GIVING
Annual support provides a vital source of institutional momentum, allowing OCU to enhance learning opportunities, provide financial assistance to students, meet emerging needs and take advantage of new opportunities. The university is pleased to be able to recognize those who have shown exemplary support through their gifts between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
180 Medical
19th Hole Crew, LLC
A New Energy, LLC
A&S Roofing Contracting, LLC
Rob and Autumn Abernathy
Abigail, LLC
William and Leslie Ackerman
David and Kathie Aelvoet
Dustin Allen
American Fidelity Assurance Co.
American Fidelity Foundation
Don and Mollie Andrews
Elizabeth Anthony
Tom Apel
Apogee Electronics
Apple, Inc
Arnold & Smith Law
Ascent Resources Management Services, LLC
LuAnn Atkins
Avidxchange, Inc.
Richard and Dana Ayers
Angela E. Bachman
Brian and Julia Bakeman
Kevin Baldwin
Ball Morse Lowe PLLC
Ballard Miller Foundation
BancFirst
Bank of Oklahoma Foundation
Terry Baransy
Susan Barber and David Nagle
Ron and Debbie Barnes
David and Leta Barry
Hamden and Robyn Baskin
Jerry Bass
Louise L. Bass
Arnold and Jo Ann Battise
BCMW Investmensts LLC
David and Laura Beal
Mary and Michael Beam
Regan Beatty
Because We Care Philanthropy Inc.
Beck Design
Paula and Don Beck
Jim Beers
Mark and Teena Belcik
Sri Beldona
Richard Benigno
Brent Benn
Andrew and Deborah Benton
Steven and Diana Bittle
Jeb Blacketer
Jeffrey and Lori Blumenthal
Dr. George Bohannon
James and Dianna Bonfiglio
Klindt Breckenridge
Clayton Brewer
Bob and Karen Browne
Robert Brubaker
James and Becky Buchanan
Doug and Rhonda Buckles
Barbara Bunce
Martha Burger
Bob and Chimene Burke
Brian Bushweller
Carol Byrd
Peggy L. Campbell
Camps Quick Change Oil, Inc.
Talia Carroll
Joe and Lori Carter
John Cary
Joe and Judith Case
Chris and Danette Cassetty
Dr. Amy Cataldi
Rosemary Cato
Benjamin and Eno Chang
Charles and Nikki Singer Foundation
Cherokee Nation Businesses
Chickasaw Nation Industries
Christina Chicoraske and Timothy Chicoraske
Children’s Health Foundation City of Oklahoma City
Civic Music Association of Oklahoma Fund
Ed and Matilda Clements
James Cloud
Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages
Comma Insurance
Conklin Family Foundation
Thomas Conklin
Barbara Cooper
Terri Cooper
Bill and Mary Ann Corum
Wayne and Carmen Craney
Gina Crawford
John and Cindy Crittenden
Crossroads District of the OK Annual Conference UMC
Crowe & Dunlevy
CTI
Brad and Patricia Curtis
Jim and Mickey Daniels
Mark and Jackie Darrah
Ken Davidson
Anna Davis
Scott and Carol Davis
John and Carol Davis
Kyle Dean
Chance Deaton
Michael Decker
Deer Creek Cheer Boosters
Karen R. Delaney
Patricia R. Demps
Paul Derby and T. J. Sawner
Devol and Associates
DM Law OKC, PLLC
Robert Doenges
Dorchester Capital Corporation
Robert Dorman
Double Good
Dennis and Nancy Dougherty
Jordan Downs
Duncan College Consulting LLC
Walt and Ann-Clore Duncan
Jeremy Duvall
Jo Anne Eason
Emmanuel and Irene Edem
Carl and Susan Edwards
Eide Bailly LLP
El Dorado Corporation
Robert and Nancy Ellis
Donald and Suzanne Emler
Kenneth Evans
Marianne Evans
Mike Farney
Fellers, Snider, Blankenship, Bailey & Tippens, PC
Christopher and Jacqueline Fiegel
Danielle Fielding
Jason Finley
Jennifer Finley
First National Bank of Oklahoma
First Presbyterian Church
Melinda Fitzgerald
Paul and Deborah Fleming
Charles and Carla Flournoy
Frank S. and Julia M. Ladner Family Foundation, Inc.
Joan Frates
Fred Jones Family Foundation
Dan Owens and Margaret Freede Owens
Toni D. Frioux, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP-C
FSB Architects + Engineers
Emily and Dalton Funkhouser
GableGotwals
Philip Gainey
Gerald Gamble and Jane Jayroe Gamble
Helen M. Gaudin
Alok and Archana Gautam
Gerald L. Gamble Company, Inc.
Ann Felton Gilliland
Mary Gilmore Caffrey
Sarah J. Glick, Esq.
Global Payments Direct, Inc.
Steven and Carol Goetzinger
Harry Goldman and Jettie Person
Mario and Becky Gonzalez
Gary and Margaret Graham
Linda (Hawkins) and Nathan Grantham
Cari Griggs
Tanner Grooms
Gulfport Energy
Hall Booth Smith P.C.
Adam Hall and Kelli Stump
Julia Carrington Hall
Irene K. Ham
Mrs. Treva Reuszer Hancock
Eric Hardgrave
Peter and Shantel Harlin
Timothy and Courtney Harlin
Jane Harlow
Koby and Sarah Harrington
Nick and Susan Harroz
Jean s and James Hartsuck
Hartzog Conger Cason LLP
Richard and Elizabeth Hatcher
Kim and Suzette Hatfield
Johnson Hanan Vosler Hawthorne & Snider
Health Care Service Corporation
Erik Heine
Larry and Gay Hellman
Shirley Hendrick
David and Lucy Herendeen
Michael and Emily Herman
Claudia Holliman
Homsey Law Center
Gary and Sue Homsey
J.R. and Patsy Homsey
Kevin and Patty Howard
Eric and Kami Huddleston
John & Janet Hudson
Inasmuch Foundation
Ronnie and Shahnaaz Irani
Niles Jackson and Barbara Thornton
Wendy Jenkins
Dennis Jeter
Tim Johnson
Brent and Gay Jones
Maria Jones
Frank and Cathy Keating
Chris Kelly
Mark and Gayla Kelly
Nancy Kenderdine s
Linda Kennedy Rosser
Lou C. Kerr s
Michelle Kiec
Jamie Kilpatrick
Ed and Gay Kirby
Kirkpatrick Family Fund
Steve Knight
KPMG Foundation
Phil Kramer
Jennifer M. Kraszewski
Lacy Foundation
Ann Lacy s
Mark Lacy
Robin Ladd
Greg Laird
Eric Laity
Dan and Phyllis Larson
Mary and Bill Layton
LegalShield
Cathy Leichter
Charles and Gayla LeMaire
Jaedah Lewis
David Lim
Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai
Jenee and Darren Lister
Mr. Christopher Lloyd and Erik Salazar
Brandon and Joanna Long
Bob and Marsha Long
Martin J. Lopez, Jr.
Dan Burdette and Janis Love
Judy Love s
John D. Lovell
Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
LSB Industries
Heather Lunsford
Aixin James Ma
April Marciszewski and Charles Martin
Robert and Martha Margo
Peter and Kris Markes
Samuel and Sally Marrs
Phil and Darwina Marshall
Paula Marshall
Martin J. Lopez, M.D., P.C.
Bill Massad
Shelley Maxted
McAfee & Taft, PC
Marshall McCabe
McCasland Foundation
Don and Virginia McCombs
McDaniel Family Foundation
Lance McDaniel
Mark and Stacy McDaniel
Leroy Ball and Patricia McGarrity
Rick McKee
Debbie McKinney
Jean McLaughlin
Paul and Jonalee McLaughlin
Richard McLaughlin
Burrel and Jo Ann McNaught
Bill and Tracy Mee
Herman and LaDonna s Meinders
Carol Mieger
Joel and Nikki Miliband
Daniel Miller
Karen E. Miller
Karen L. Miller and John W. Ballard
Maudie Miller and Mike Hicks
Jo Beth Moad
Isai Molina
Nancy Moore Strecker
John Morozuk
Eugene and Jean Morrison
Kyle and Ashley Murphy
Naifeh Fine Jewelry
Jeaneen Naifeh s
Kelli O’Hara Naughton
Judi and Dennis Newland
David and Betty Nittler
Dustin Nolan
David Nowak
Oakdale Holdings, LLC
Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
Oklahoma Bar Association
Oklahoma Bar Foundation, Inc.
Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church
Oklahoma County Bar Foundation
Oklahoma Gas & Electric
Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. Foundation
Oklahoma Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc.
The Gold Star Society recognizes donors who provide support for OCU through deferred or estate gifts. Such legacy gifts impact the university in a variety of ways. Some donors choose to have their gift applied wherever the need is greatest, while others support endowed scholarships, professorships or chairs. Others direct their support toward a program or project that inspires them.
Victor and Karen Kay Albert
Betty Alden
Judy Altshuler
Frank Atwater
Brian and Julia Bakeman
Terry Baransy
Susan Barber and David Nagle
Tom Beadles
Terry and Pamela Bergdall
Stephen Bird
Kay Bradley
Martha Burger
Bob and Chimene Burke
Carl Cartwright
Danny and Carol Cochran
Nance and Mary Coffey
Christine Collins
George Craig
Allen Sheldon and Lisa Crone-Sheldon
Joe and Sherry Crosthwait
Mark and Jackie Darrah
Michael Decker
Catherine Dougherty
Patricia J. Downing
Terry Drake
Larry Eberhardt
Phyllis Edson
Orville Edwards
Ronald and Pat Eitzen
Donald and Suzanne Emler
Matthew and Jill Epperson
Dr. Robert D. Fry, MD
Nick and Sue Gales
Jeannine Gibbens
Larry and Jeannette Haag
Attieson and Sharon Halbrook
Mrs. Treva Reuszer Hancock
Roger Harrod
Richard Hastings
Patricia Hatamyar
Robert Henry and Jan Ralls Henry
Alan and Elisha Herndon
James and Joan Hirnisey
Gary and Sue Homsey
Megan Hornbeek Allen and Jeremy Allen
William and Karen Howard
Karen Hunold and David Brahm
Dixie Jensen
Fred and Patricia Johnson
Jeffery Key
Jim and Mary Kutch
Eric Laity
Timothy Larason
Marilyn J. Laughbaum
Janet Leadbetter
Ruth G. Leebron
Cathy Leichter
Dan Burdette and Janis Love
Andrea L. MacMullin
Donald and Barbara MacPherson
Daniel Majors
Samuel and Sally Marrs
Philelle E. McBrayer
John and Kathryn McInnis
Burrel and Jo Ann McNaught
Doloris A. McVay
Hugh Meeks
Herman and LaDonna s Meinders
Patrick K. Miles
Mary A. Millard
Karen L. Miller and John W. Ballard
Maudie Miller and Mike Hicks
Margaret L. Moedt
Nancy Moore Strecker
Jim and Debbie Musick
Sharon K. O’Roke
Mark Parker
Brenda Penwell
Pat Potts
Scott Preston and Sheryl Herner
Nancy Pryst
Dr. and Mrs. George Randall
Thomas and Linda Ray
Karen Rice
Casey R. Ross
Dennis Rubenstein
Michael and Kelcey Schag
Charles and Jane Schneeberger
Hugh and Shirley Scott
Timothy Scott
Cheryl Seguine
Garvin Senn
Bill and Pam Shdeed
Shelby and Adelaide Smith
Wayne Stone
Samuel and Deborah Suddarth
Marvona Easley Tavlin and Michael Tavlin
Kelly Thompson
Kevin Tully
Patricia Tully
Alireza Vahabzadeh
Nancy J. Van Antwerp
Robert Van House
Jerry Vannatta and Melinda Lyon
Virginia K. Walker
Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Dr. George W. Wells Jr.
Lisa Wolfe and Fred Mischler
Carl and Beverly Ann Young
The Bright Society is OCU’s donor recognition society for alumni, friends and corporate partners who contribute a minimum of $1,000 annually for three years to the OCU President’s Excellence Fund and optionally to scholarships. Donors’ annual investment enables OCU to address the most pressing universitywide priorities. The following are Bright Society members from fiscal year 2024.
Richard and Dana Ayers
Dr. George Bohannon
Martha Burger
Brian Bushweller
Talia Carroll
John Cary
Christina Chicoraske and Timothy Chicoraske
Gina Crawford
Michael Decker
Kenneth Evans
Christopher and Jacqueline Fiegel
Paul and Deborah Fleming
Toni D. Frioux, DNP, APRN-CNP, FNP-C
Emily and Dalton Funkhouser
Ann Felton Gilliland
Linda (Hawkins) and Nathan Grantham
Cari Griggs
Koby and Sarah Harrington
Nick and Susan Harroz
Shirley Hendrick
Michael and Emily Herman
Jamie Kilpatrick
Robin Ladd
Jenee and Darren Lister
Phil and Darwina Marshall
Mackenzie McIntyre-Childers and Blayne Childers
Kristen Merritt
Kyle and Ashley Murphy
Danny Phan
Adam and Maranda Ryburn
Jim and Melanie Shelley
Brian and Adria Sprigler
Brandon Brooks and Lynann Sterk-Brooks
Chuck Thompson
Jerry Vannatta and Melinda Lyon
John D. s and Ginger L. Veal
Ashlie and Larry Wilhelm
Kimberley and Erick Worrell
MATT AND JILL’S LEGACY OF GRATITUDE AND GIVING BACK TO OCU
BY AMANDA GONZALEZ
Oklahoma City University is more than just a school—it’s a place where lives are shaped, and lasting connections are made. For Matt and Jill Epperson, OCU was not only the backdrop for their academic journey, but also where they first met and began a lifelong partnership with each other and their alma mater. They initially established the CowdenEpperson Endowed Scholarship in 2001, providing tuition assistance to students in need. “We wanted to ensure future students, especially those pursuing careers in ministry or social work, have the same opportunities we did,” Matt and Jill shared. They also went on to establish a planned gift to the university, which upholds their commitment to continuing a tradition of support.
Matt and Jill both grew up in the United Methodist Church and shared a calling for ministry, leading each of them to OCU. Their paths first crossed in the waiting room of the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel during their scholarship interviews—an unexpected moment that sparked an initial connection. As they pursued religion degrees, Matt
“
” We have always believed that giving back to the church and our community is important. As we reflected on our lives and the blessings we’ve received, we felt a deep sense of gratitude towards OCU.
joined Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Theta Epsilon and the United Methodist Student Fellowship, while Jill engaged with Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Phi and the United Methodist Student Fellowship. Amid classes, campus activities and work-study jobs, they laid the groundwork for a life together that extended far beyond the OCU campus.
Matt and Jill both graduated in 1994, with Matt earning his MBA at Oklahoma State University upon graduation. The couple married in the spring of 1996 and made a home in Bartlesville, Okla., where they began raising their two children, Erin and Luke. Later, Matt’s job took the family overseas, where he had the opportunity to work with diverse cultures across Asia. “The unique education I received at OCU was instrumental in helping me navigate and succeed in these diverse environments,” Matt expressed. Jill found her calling in social work, helping children and families within the foster care system. Their shared commitment to service and leadership was something they credited directly to their time at OCU, where each
learned to apply their faith in ways that would make an impact on the world around them.
For Matt and Jill, supporting OCU was a natural decision. “We have always believed that giving back to the church and our community is important. As we reflected on our lives and the blessings we’ve received, we felt a deep sense of gratitude towards OCU,” they shared. It’s not just about the financial support they provide, but the lasting example they are setting for their children, as well as future generations to come. “By contributing to the university, we hope to help provide opportunities for others to have the same enriching experiences that we did. We hope our planned gift will continue OCU’s tradition of excellence and ensure that the values and education we cherish will thrive.”
Their advice for OCU students? “Work hard, and fully embrace every opportunity. Your experiences now will shape your future. And who knows, you might find the love of your life!”
A current estate plan is vital to making sure your wishes are carried out and can help you leave a lasting personal legacy.
HOW
TO
GET STARTED
With a simple gift in your estate, or through other taxsavvy charitable plans, you can ensure current and future OCU Stars an education.
It’s easy to get started. To assist you with making or updating your future plans, we can provide you with our FREE Planning Your Legacy wills guide. Many of our supporters have found this guide useful in helping them think through their goals. To obtain a copy, please contact us or go to oculegacy.org.
Contact us to learn more about how to create a lasting legacy @ 405-208-7000
In Memoriam
LOU KERR 1937 – 2024
Lou Kerr, former president and chair of the Kerr Foundation, passed away in 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy of philanthropy and community service. Throughout her life, she devoted herself to helping countless individuals and organizations across Oklahoma, including her alma mater, OCU. An ardent supporter for the fine arts and women’s causes, she was deeply involved with the university, serving on the board of trustees and the executive board of the Norick Art Gallery as well as being a member of the inaugural class of the Societies of Oklahoma City University, after earning her bachelor’s degree in education and health in 1986.
Kerr’s impact was widely recognized, earning her numerous honors, including an honorary doctorate from OCU in 1991, induction into the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame, another honorary doctorate from Bacone College, and the distinction of having March 2, 2005, proclaimed as “Lou C. Kerr Day” by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry. Her unwavering commitment to her community, her family and her causes leaves a lasting imprint on all who knew her. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and tireless work to improve the lives of others.
JUDY LOVE 1937-2024
Judy Love, one of America’s most successful businesswomen and a renowned philanthropist, had been a long-time member of the OCU board of trustees. A regular benefactor of educational causes in Oklahoma and beyond, Love and her family have been generous supporters of
Oklahoma City University. She and her late husband, Tom, founded Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores in Watonga, Oklahoma, in 1964, growing the venture into a multi-billiondollar company headquartered in Oklahoma City. The success of the company paved the way for the formation of the Love Family Fund, which has been a major source of philanthropic giving since its inception. OCU honored Judy Love’s business success in 2009 with induction into the university’s Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor. This followed her husband’s induction in 1998 and preceded the induction of her daughter –Jenny Love Meyer – into the hall in October. In 2010, Judy Love was given one of the state’s highest honors when she was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and five years later, the university awarded her an honorary doctorate degree in Humanities and Letters. In 2021, she was recognized by the Societies of Oklahoma City University as the recipient of the Societies Lifetime Servant Leadership Award, acknowledging her exceptional involvement and service toward the nonprofit community and university. She
was also recognized by the Societies in 2002 with the Distinguished Philanthropist Award. Judy and Tom’s support of the university included the establishment of the Love’s Entrepreneurial Center within the Meinders School of Business. They also significantly contributed to help fund construction of the Wanda L. Bass School of Music building, as well as giving consistently toward various performing arts initiatives at OCU and numerous other areas across campus.
LADONNA MEINDERS 1936-2024
LaDonna Meinders, along with her husband Herman, became synonymous with philanthropy at OCU, in Oklahoma City and beyond. The couple’s generosity transformed the university landscape, with the Meinders School of Business and Kramer School of Nursing standing as tangible testaments to their commitment. The couple’s financial contributions to OCU total more than $50 million, making them the university’s most prolific benefactors.
Her connection to OCU began in 1958 when she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Music, and her dedication to education led her back to OCU in 1983 when she began serving as assistant director of graduate admissions. While in this role, she took classes in her off hours to earn an MBA in 1986. In 1996, the university honored her with an honorary doctorate degree in humane letters. Although their time as students intersected
in the 1950s, LaDonna and Herman didn’t meet until her time as an OCU employee. They first met at a fundraising breakfast, then learned more about each other while LaDonna wrote a profile story on Herman for the university’s alumni magazine. They later married on the campus in the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel and became inseparable partners in their philanthropic endeavors. Earlier this year, the couple celebrated their 38th anniversary.
Their first large-scale campus project was finished in 1994, when nursing students moved from their previous home at St. Anthony Hospital downtown to the Kramer School of Nursing, named after parents Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Kramer and their daughters, Dr. Ruth Seideman and LaDonna. Another significant building project was the Meinders School of Business. LaDonna and Herman participated in the groundbreaking ceremony in 2002, and the facility was opened in less than two years. Beyond their financial support, the Meinders were deeply involved in OCU life, mentoring students and inspiring faculty. For several years, they were known to invite students to a lunch or dinner to make meaningful, personal connections. They were regular visitors to campus to meet, greet and cheer on their alma mater.
JEANEEN NAIFEH
1929 - 2024
Jeaneen Naifeh was a passionate philanthropist and lifelong advocate within Oklahoma as well as a proud 1951 OCU graduate who left an incredible legacy at the university. Along with her work as chair for numerous Oklahoma City events, she supported OCU throughout many areas, including a recent gift before she passed
1940s
Alvarene Peace ‘42
Tommy Palmer ‘47
Mary Petillo Pitts ‘47
1950s
Robert Bizal ‘50
Harriet Wiles Vogt ‘52
Harry Haines ‘54
Jean Roberts ‘55
Billy Couts ‘56
Dick Morrison ‘56, ‘65
Hub Reed ‘58
Sacra Faull Vaughan ‘58
Myrtle Clingenpeel ‘59
Charles Hudspeth ‘59
Mary Goodson Wallace ‘59
1960s
Pat Goolsby ‘60
George “Pat” Kelly ‘60
Clarence “Sonny” Worley ‘60
Shirley Trotter ’61, ’73
Don Deaton ‘62
James Wilkerson ‘62
Linda Oakes ‘63
Patricia Thomason ‘63
Warren “Bob” Wynn ‘63, ‘69
Barbara Owen ‘65
Ray Potts ‘65
Richard Winzeler ‘65
Jim Hurley ‘66
Nora Baze Savage ‘66
Cecil Callicott ‘67
Winifred Delbridge ‘67
David Dinelle ‘67
Harold “Gene” Gibbons ‘67
Ervin Pritchett Sr. ‘67
Thomas Stafford ‘67
Joan Thompson ’67, ’76
James Booher ‘68
Ernest Stalnaker ‘73
Kathy Carey ‘74
LeBron Free ‘74
Jerry Hogan ‘74
Carrie Hulett ’74, ‘78
Jim Machell Jr. ‘74
Betty Martinez ’74, ‘75
Gary Porter ‘74
Lucille Rose ‘74
Gholam “Joe” Ahmadifar ‘75
Harold “Cliff” Higgins, Jr. ‘75
Mike LaPuzza Jr. ’75, ’77
Jan Zenner ’75, ‘03
Daniel Dimond ‘76
Gary Purcell ‘76
Von Elkins ‘77
Philip Jones ‘77
Jack Putman ‘77
John Gosney ‘78
William Louis Lowry, II ‘78
Golda VanSchuyver ‘78
George Wallace ‘78
Omar Furgiani ’79, ‘81
Jeanne Patrie ‘79
1980s
Daniel Hodgins ‘81
Tomi Gentry Liddell ‘81
Mark Andersen ‘82
James McCright ‘82
Rose Ussery ‘82
Donald Bridges ‘83
Roy Privott ‘83
Mohammad T. Manavi ’83, ‘85
Sara Boeckman ‘87
Helen Howell McMullen ‘88
Ronald Smith ‘89
1990s
Bill Harris BS ‘90
Rex Greer Jr. ‘91
Joan Lawson ‘91
2010s
Rose Reynolds ‘16
2020s
Nathan LeBlanc ‘22
FRIENDS
Lewis Adkins
John Arnold
Howard Berry Jr.
Geraldine Bodkin
Florence Egan Bowles
Thelma Bray
Barbara Cradduck
Eugenia Davis
Marilyn Cox Denn
Nancy Robertson Dudley
Nancy Ewing
Bobby Fagan
Sheila Burke Gibson
Vicki Thompson Harris
Karen Hart
Elaine Hapshe
John Hobbs
Alan Hutsell
John Johnson
Michael Kapp
Nancy Ingram Kenderdine
Lois Kruschwitz
Vicki Lawrence MacDougall
Helen McDaniel
Lacy McLarry
Butch Middleton
Mary Mohr
David Morgan
Doris Benson Orahood
Robert Ravitz
Gene Rainbolt
Bob Razook
Jim Reith
Amber Rodriguez
Saleh Saduddin
Timothy Larason ‘68
Gary Shaner ‘68
Bob Westlund ‘69
1970s
Elizabeth Conner ‘70
Teddy Johnson Jr. ‘70
Nancy Ladd ‘70
Charles Wallace ‘70
Joseph Nicholson ‘71
Donald Ferrell ‘72
Gerald Neff, Sr. ‘72
James Robinson ‘73
Pat Czerwinski ‘91
James Harshman ‘92
Debra Scadden ‘93
James Larson ‘93
Logan Walker Jr. ‘93
Anissa May Lott ‘96
Carolyn Erickson ‘98
2000s
Carol Nagel ‘02
Annie Musheni ‘03
Johnie Carraway-Matthews ‘05
Cindy Shaw ’07, ‘09
Hubert Savell
Ronald Schollmeyer
Betty Seglem
Leonus Shedd
Gordon Stotts
John Taylor
Charles Thigpen
James Vick
Bennie Warner
Lou Anne Mills Watson
Dick Webber
Erin Layne Whisner
Judith Willoughby
away in August, to renovate the studio dance flooring within the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment.
Naifeh also generously contributed to the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel window restoration in 2022, gave to scholarship and endowed chair funds in business and law among others, consistently served as a sponsor of the Oklahoma Commerce & Industry Hall of Honor as well as Women in Leadership and the Oklahoma Innocence Project, and was an integral supporter of the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. Her giving spirit, love for family and commitment to her community will be missed by all who knew her.
RAY POTTS
1932 – 2024
Ray Potts, a dedicated geologist and entrepreneur, passed away after a full life developed from a lifelong passion for nature. Born and raised in Missouri, this love of the environment led him to studying geology at the University of Missouri, where he met his future wife, Pat. After serving in the United States Air Force, Ray and Pat moved to Oklahoma City, where he furthered his education by attending law school at night, earning a Juris Doctorate from Oklahoma City University in 1965.
Potts co-founded Potts, Searcy, Ellis, & Co., Inc. which he later sold, and partnered with his son to start Potts Exploration, continuing his work in the oil and gas industry. His professional contributions extended beyond business, serving on numerous boards as he and Pat shared a commitment to community service. This led them to found the
Community Resource Development Center, later renamed the Potts Family Foundation, which has supported numerous organizations, such as OCU, throughout Oklahoma. He and Pat both earned honorary degrees from the university in 2012, demonstrating their legacy as one of leadership, dedication and service.
DAVID SEVERE
1934 - 2024
David Severe, a dedicated servant of the United Methodist Church, passed away after a career serving so many in the church and at OCU. He graduated from the university in 1956 with his degree in Religion before going on to earn his Master of Theology at Southern Methodist University and being honored with an honorary Doctor of Divinity at OCU in 1982. While at the school, he served as a student pastor in the Oklahoma Conference, beginning a ministry that spanned 51 years. His wife, Paula, was also a 1956 OCU graduate, earning a degree in Elementary Education.
In 1991, Severe was appointed executive director of the Oklahoma Conference Council on Ministries and Church Growth, a role he held until his retirement at age 71. Throughout his tenure, he served in various leadership roles on the council. Then upon retirement, he co-authored The History of the South Central Jurisdiction 1968-2008 and “Weeding the Garden of Eden,” a memoir. Severe taught Sunday School at St. Luke’s UMC for 28 years and his legacy of faith, service and love will be cherished by family and friends alike.
RICHARD TYRONE TRAVIS
1946 - 2024
Richard Travis passed away in June after a legacy of leadership on and off the basketball court. As a student-athlete at OCU, he was named an NCAA All-American twice, in the 1967-68 and 1968-69 seasons as well as the first player in the school’s history to average 30 or more points per game. After graduating in 1969, Travis was drafted into the American Basketball Association by the Indiana Pacers and then into the National Basketball Association by the New York Knicks. However, after being injured, he switched gears and went to law school at California State University. Travis then opened his own law firm, specializing in labor relations in his home state of Michigan.
Travis was inducted into the OCU Hall of Fame in 1980 and still ranked as the secondall-time leading scorer at the university with more than 2,000 points. In 2024, his wife, Tracey, wanted to recognize his outstanding legacy at OCU and the Richard T. Travis Family Endowed Scholarship was formed to benefit student-athletes. Travis was known as an advocate for everyone he met, and he will be remembered at OCU and beyond for his dedication to others and his alma mater.
1960s
Davy Mudd (BA ’60) cofounded the Bridge of Northeast Florida, which provides comprehensive educational, social and health programs to youth in need, where she spent 32 years as the president and CEO. She has received honors including the 1997 Governor Lawton Chiles Heartland Award and the 2008 Women of Color Education Award.
Linda Twine (BM ‘66, HD Music ‘94), a conductor, composer and music director, was an honoree at the Black Theatre United’s Generations of Excellence Gala in September. Twine was the conductor of Broadway shows “The Color Purple,” “Caroline or Change,” and more.
1970s
Leona Mitchell (BM ‘71, HD Music ‘79) performed live in April at the St. Jean Theater in New York. She has been inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, the Oklahoma Women’s Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame along with receiving a Grammy for Best Opera Recording for her role as Bess in the recording of “Porgy and Bess.”
Ralph Venezia (BME ’71) was inducted into the National Bugler’s Hall of Fame Class of 2022, which recognizes people who have not only earned prestige with the bugle instrument but also have given considerable time and talent toward the music that has been influenced by the bugle and achievement in the pageantry arts.
Phil Busey Sr. (BA History/Political Science ‘74, JD ‘77), chairman of Delaware Resource Group, was named an honoree to the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation Wall of Fame and received a Statesmanship Award from the Cherokee Nation. He and his wife, Cathy, founded the Delaware Resource Group and the non-profit organization El Sistema Oklahoma after-school program. He is on the OCU board of trustees, has been inducted into OCU’s Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor and recognized in the top 1% of attorneys in the nation by MartindaleHubbell as an AV-rated attorney.
Tom Morris (BSB ‘74) recently celebrated the Shoppes at Northpark’s 50th Anniversary in Oklahoma City, which is owned by Tom Morris Enterprises Real Estate Group where he serves as president and owner.
Ron Raines (BM ’75, Honorary MM ’14, Honorary DM ’21) is in the cast for “Jerry Herman: The Broadway Legacy Concert” that was performed at Oklahoma City Community College. Raines
received a Tony Award nomination for “Follies” and three Emmy and Soap Opera Digest Award nominations.
Security consultant Bruce Wimmer (MCJ Criminal Justice Administration ’79) was included in Marquis Who’s Who. He founded the Business Stratagem Support Group in 2004. His book “Business Espionage: Risks, Threats and Countermeasures” was published in 2015 after spending 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, primarily as a special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
1980s
Wade Brawley (MBA ‘82), owner and chief executive officer of Land Information Services LLC, has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who for his expertise in management counseling. He previously worked as vice president of land administration at Chesapeake Energy Company. Brawley is also a recipient of the “Inspiring Hope” award for his civic work.
Janie Simms Hipp (JD ‘84) was appointed by President Joe Biden to the advisory committee to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s community development financial institutions fund. Additionally, she has been named to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s community development advisory board and the EPA’s farm, ranch and rural communities federal advisory committee. Hipp is the founding chief executive officer of Native Agriculture Financial Services and the founding chief executive officer of Native American Agriculture Fund. She previously served as the general counsel of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is a member of the Chickasaw Hall of Fame.
Kerriann Kelly (JD ’86), major crime bureau chief for Suffolk County in New York, was awarded the 2024 Prosecutor of the Year Award for Trial Advocacy at the District Attorneys Association of New York’s annual summer conference. She previously served as chief of the special investigations bureau, the homicide bureau and the felony offense bureau with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Tony Mastin (JD ‘86) of the McAfee & Taft law firm received top marks in the 2024 edition of the exclusive Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business in the tax category. He previously served as executive director of the Oklahoma Tax Commission and received the Harley T. Duncan Award from the Federation of Tax Administrators.
Janice Purcell (JD ‘86) was sworn in as the Cherokee Nation’s fourth district court judge in
January 2024. As an attorney, she has argued before the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals and previously served as the executive director of the Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission.
David Horton (BA Religion ‘87, BA Liberal Studies ‘12) was named Penn State’s new vice president for information technology and CIO. Before moving to Penn State, he served as chief information officer at the University of Oklahoma. He co-leads the IT optimized service team workstream at Penn State.
Class Notes SHARE YOUR NEWS
Denise Hannah (BS Criminal Justice ‘89) was hired as the new St. Andrews University head women’s basketball coach. During her time on the OCU basketball team, she was a three-time NAIA AllAmerican, Sooner Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year, and still holds the OCU school record in rebounding. She has previously coached at St. Thomas University, Thomas University and The College of Coastal Georgia.
Send personal and professional developments, along with high resolution photos, to alumni@okcu.edu.
Lynne McGuire (JD ’89) has been appointed to serve as a Cleveland County district judge. She has served as a special judge for Oklahoma County since 2009 and previously worked as felony prosecutor, youthful offender prosecutor and felony team leader of the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office. In 2003, she was named chief of the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office criminal division.
1990s
A recent episode of “Roadfood” on PBS included a trip to a ranch in El Reno, Oklahoma, run by brothers Steven Jensen (MBA ’90) and Peter Jensen (MBA ’90). The television show looks at America’s regional culture through its iconic dishes.
Kendall Qualls (MBA ’90), faculty-in-residence at Crown College in Minnesota, joined the advisory board for the National Medal of Honor Center for Leadership. He is the founder and president of nonprofit foundation TakeCharge and serves on the president advisory board for the Heritage Foundation and the Board of Hope Farm School. Qualls is also the author of “The Prodigal Project: Hope for American Families.”
Kat Rummell (BSB Marketing ‘90) has been named the Alamo Letter Chair for Montgomery County, Texas, by the Alamo Letter Society. She is an executive with Productioneered Parts.
Class Notes
Ramona Tumblin-Rucker (MBA ‘90), director of construction management at M Property Services in O’Fallon, Missouri, was inducted into the Missouri S&T Women’s Hall of Fame. She is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, the American Society for Healthcare Engineering and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Singersroom included Kristin Chenoweth (BM Musical Theatre ‘91, MM ‘93, HDHL ‘13) and Kelli O’Hara (BM Vocal Performance ‘98, HDHL ‘15) in its list of “15 Best Broadway Singers of All Time.”
Ken Jacome (BS Physical Education ‘91) was named athletic director for Pima Community College in Arizona. He was the head coach for the Pima Community College baseball team and previously coached at El Paso Community College, where he led his team to three Western Junior College Athletic Conference titles.
Jennifer Callahan (MSA Accounting ’92), attorney and director at the McAfee & Taft law firm, was unanimously approved by the Oklahoma Senate to serve on the Board of Regents of the Oklahoma Agricultural & Mechanical Colleges. She is a founding member and co-leader of the McAfee & Taft agriculture and equine industry group and was honored as the Oklahoma Agricultural Woman of the Year at the 2020 Diamond Hats Gala. Callahan is a member of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association.
Kyle Golding (BA Mass Communications/Public Relations ‘92) was recently named director of corporate relations and special projects for the Meinders School of Business. Along with his work at OCU, he is the owner and founder of Share Furniture Company, co-founder of the Golding Group and co-founder of Vorttx Training.
Damon Akins (BA History ‘93) was named Lincoln Financial Professor of History at Guilford College in North Carolina. He has served as chair of the History Department, clerk of the faculty and coordinator of the college’s quality enhancement plan.
Aqil Mohamed Jawad Habib Jaffer Ali (MS Computer Science ‘93) was nominated as deputy chairman of the board for Al Anwar Ceramic Tiles Company SAOG based in Oman. He currently serves as chairman of Conformity Compliance Solution.
Jodi Fenner (BSB Accounting ‘93) was named vice president of execution and growth for TCARE, a support company for caregivers. She previously served as the director of the division of developmental disabilities for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the senior director of specialty programs and populations and medicaid strategy and development at Elevance Health.
Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia has named Nathan Goss (BSB Marketing ‘93) vice president of marketing and enrollment management. He has been with the school since 2005, previously serving as executive director for enrollment partnerships. Goss oversees undergraduate and graduate admissions for all campuses and online programs.
Chris Harrison (BA Mass Communications ‘93, HD Fine Arts ‘15), former host of “The Bachelor,” is set to host a weekday morning talk show as well as a reality dating series on Merit Street Media, a new cable broadcasting and streaming network from Phil McGraw. He has previously hosted “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?,” “Designers’ Challenge” and “Mall Masters.” He was nominated as Outstanding Game Show Host in both 2018 and 2019.
Jill Jennings (BS Psychology ‘93), chief operating officer for Tressler Law Firm, was honored as being on the organization’s all-woman administrative leadership team. She previously served as the director of legal operations and director of recruiting and professional development for the firm.
Gilbert Squires (JD ‘93) joined Miami-based JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services. He co-founded the Miami International Arbitration Society and previously served as the president of the MiamiDade Bar Association and the Miami Beach Bar Association.
Thai Beverage Public Company Limited appointed Kosit Suksingha (MBA ’93) as president and group chief operating officer for their Thailand business.
John Chancey (MBA ’94), a long-time regulatory veterinarian and current executive director of the Oklahoma Racing Commission, was appointed to the board of directors of the Association of Racing Commissioners International, where he also serves as the chair of the drug testing standards and practices committee.
Hong-boon Goy (MBA ‘94) was named chairman of SCC Holdings Berhad in Malaysia.
Jeff Tebow (MBA ‘94) was elected as first vice president of the American Quarter Horse Association executive committee. He has served as an AQHA director since 2011 and is a current member of the AQHA executive committee. He
is the chief executive officer of Heritage Place Inc. and the managing partner at Andreini and Co. of Oklahoma.
Amir Farzaneh (JD ‘95) and Katelyn Wade (JD ‘21) have joined the Doerner, Saunders, Daniel & Anderson, LLP law firm. Farzaneh has more than 27 years of law experience and named twice as a “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in America. Wade previously worked with the U.S. Department of Labor, United States Immigration and Citizenship Services and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Lana Ross (BS Physical Education ’95) was named head coach of the Kansas City Community College softball team. She had been honored as Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association in 2013 and is a five-time Region XI Coach of the Year.
Lance Sandage (JD ‘95) was named to the Forbes Advisor list of “Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Kansas City, MO of 2024.” He previously worked for the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and is recognized as an ACS-CHAL forensic lawyerscientist by the American Chemical Society.
Stacy Smith (MPA Drama ’95) was selected to head the One Act Play Program at Dublin High School in Texas. He and former director Pam Kasinger led the One Act Play program to regionals twice in his four years with the program.
Forbes Advisor included Eric Bartlett (JD ‘96) on its list of Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Kansas City. He has been named in the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and as an Outstanding Young Lawyer by KC Magazine. He is a member of the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Loren Lampert (JD ’96) won a recent election for a district judge seat in Louisiana. He previously served as chief of the Alexandria Police Department for more than six years and is currently the executive director of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association.
Tracy Weaver (BS Psychology ‘96, MA Counseling Psychology ‘00), executive director of Saranam, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families end their homelessness, received the 2024 Jennifer Riordan Women of Influence Community Impact Award in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has worked with Saranam since its founding in 2004, overseeing all program activities and strategies, including their Westside expansion project.
Erica Elliott (MBA ‘97) was recently hired as a marketing professor at Taylor University in Indiana. She previously worked as vice president of marketing at SPIETH America, including contracting with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. She also worked as instructor and program director
Class Notes
Khalid Hussein (BS Professional Law Enforcement ‘96, MCJ Criminal Justice Administration ‘97, JD ‘03) is the new commander of Oklahoma’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He brings extensive experience to this role he took over in June, having served in numerous staff and command positions previously. He has been deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and support operations during Hurricane Katrina.
of digital marketing at Grace College and as vice president of marketing for Indiana Wesleyan University National & Global.
Brent Greenwood (BFA Studio Art ‘97) was recognized as the 2024 Red Earth Honored One during the 38th Annual Red Earth Festival in June. He currently serves as the fine arts director for the Chickasaw Nation. In 2023, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from OCU Petree College of Arts & Sciences and will be the featured artist at the 2025 Sovereignty Symposium this summer.
Mohd Jasmin Bin Julpin (BSB ’97, MBA Information Systems Management ’98), chairman of Sabah Ports Authority in Malaysia, received the BrandLaureate Entrepreneur Award. This honor is given to successful entrepreneurs who have contributed to the country’s economic growth.
Michael Lopez (BA Psychology ‘97), vocational rehabilitation specialist, recently joined the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services. He previously worked as the program director for the Substance Abuse Treatment Program at Mable Bassett Correctional Center for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and as a juvenile justice specialist for Canadian, Grady and Oklahoma Counties for the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs.
Chris Miciotto (JD ‘97) was named one of SB Magazine’s (Shreveport/Bossier City) Top Attorneys for 2024. He has been named one of SB Magazine’s top lawyers for multiple years and serves as a member of the board of directors of the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling.
Marcel Wilson (BPA Dance ’98) and his brother, Kevin Wilson, directed, choreographed and performed in “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” in Philadelphia recently. They founded Mister Wilson Entertainment in 2010 and have choreographed for concerts, television and cruise ship shows as well as received a World Choreography Award for Outstanding Choreography in a concert for their work on Cher’s world tour.
Chris Lipasek (BA Advertising ‘98) joined the client solutions team in Houston for Lifting Solutions, a manufacturer and distributor of artificial lift products. He previously worked as the business development manager of production systems at Tally Energy Services and senior account manager at TK Elevator.
Steven Akinnfest (MBA Information Systems Management ‘98) has released his latest book “Animalistic Negotiaboo” after his first published book, “Dr. Plaboo’s Expedition,” in 2022.
Janna Allison (JD ‘98) has been named chief public defender and is among the first staff in a new public defender’s office in North Carolina. She has served as an assistant public defender in Buncombe County since 2010 and is a boardcertified specialist in state criminal law while serving as associate counsel on the Capital Roster.
ZeeVee, a global provider of AV distribution products, has hired Michael Burton (BM Music/ Emphasis in Business ‘98) as central U.S. regional sales manager. He previously worked as the regional sales director for the south central and southeast U.S. regions at SAVI Controls and regional sales director at Mersive Technologies.
Texas State Senator Brandon Creighton (JD ‘98) was appointed to the Education Commission of the States. He is the current chair of the senate education committee and the senate subcommittee on higher education. Creighton previously served in the Texas House of Representatives from 2007 to 2014.
Jana Etheridge (MBA Finance ’98), senior vice president and chief of staff for Capital One, has been named governance committee chair for the Texas Women’s Foundation board of directors. She also serves as the co-chair of the Texas Women’s Foundation Economic Leadership Council, and in 2020, she was a Women in Business honoree by the Dallas Business Journal.
Elisabeth Brodt (BM Instrumental Education ‘99) was appointed as the new principal of Obra D. Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas. She is a certified principal EC-12 and music education PK12 and was previously named Secondary Teacher of the Year.
Nicole Emmons (BA English ‘99, MLA ‘03) was named assistant vice president and manager of marketing communications for Tinker Federal Credit Union. She previously worked as an editor and publications coordinator for the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. She has been a member of the American Marketing Association for 12 years and served on the board for five years.
Brenda Fitzpatrick (JD ‘99) joined the Stange law firm in Oklahoma City as a senior associate attorney serving in their family law office. She brings 25 years of experience in divorce and legal separations among other family law matters.
John Gall (BS Physical Education ‘99) was named assistant coach of the Football Club Dallas soccer team. He previously served as the FC Dallas youth boys coaching director and has coached the FC Dallas youth boys U-12, U-13 and U-19 teams. He won the 2019 Dallas Cup with the U-13 team.
During OCU’s 2024 Homecoming, David Crooch (BS Physical Education ‘01) served as this year’s Legacy Speaker. This annual event features a servant-leader and alum who exhibits outstanding leadership skills and often serves as a guide or facilitator to inspire others to give back in meaningful ways to OCU, our local community and beyond. Crooch offered remarks in conjunction with this year’s homecoming theme “A Week Under the Stars.”
As a proud OCU grad, Crooch’s entrepreneurial spirit and astute business skills have cemented him as a prominent figure within the beverage distribution industry. He now serves as vice president and general manager for the non-alcoholic sector of international beverage corporation, Diageo. As a husband and father of three, he also manages his family’s third generation farm in Oklahoma.
Carey Hipp (JD ’99) was appointed to serve as chief judge of the 20th Judicial District in Kansas. She currently serves as Barton County counselor and a city attorney/prosecutor for three counties in the state while partner at Sherman, Hoffman & Hipp, LC.
Andrea Vaughan (BA Public Relations ‘99) became the first Rogers State Hillcat softball coach to win 300 career games. She is also the first coach in RSU athletics history to win a national championship. Vaughn won a NAIA national championship in 1997 as part of the OCU softball team.
The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education elected attorney Courtney Warmington (JD ’99) as vice chair. She has served a four-year term as an administrative law judge for the Oklahoma Department of Labor and is former general counsel for the Oklahoma City Human Resources Society and the Oklahoma Human Resources State Council.
2000s
Justin Rosser (BME Vocal Education ‘01) director of choral activities for Broken Arrow Public Schools, was awarded the Exemplary Teacher Award at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Winter Conference. He was selected as Broken Arrow’s Teacher of the Year in 2010 and has served as the fine arts department chair and the Oklahoma Music Educators Association Women’s All State chair.
Erin Adams (BPA Dance ‘01) was promoted to director of development and engagement for Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Office of Institutional Advancement. She previously led the Clinton Public Schools Foundation and the Clinton Chamber of Commerce.
Ryan Jackson (JD ‘01), vice president of federal affairs for the American Chemistry Council, was selected as one of Washingtonian magazine’s “Washington, D.C.’s 500 Most Influential People of 2024.” He previously worked as the chief of staff for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the staff director for the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. He also led the government and political affairs shop of the National Mining Association.
Lakshmi Manchu Prasanna (BA Theatre ’02) has a new series, “Yakshini,” that was released in June. She has appeared in films such as “Gundello Godari” and “Dead Air” as well as having received two Filmfare Awards South.
Kyle Dillingham (BM Instrumental Performance ’02) & Horseshoe Road, which includes OCU music professor Peter Markes (BME Instrumental Education ’01), performed as part of the Chisholm Trail Arts Council Live! series in Duncan, Oklahoma. Dillingham and Horseshoe Road participated in the American Music Abroad tour in their 2018-2019 season. They represented the United States at the International Expo in China during their third Silk Road and the Fiddle Tour in 2019.
Louise Malcolm (BA Political Science ’02) was named partner in the Miller Simons O’Sullivan firm in Turks and Caicos. She serves as a member of the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association, the Intellectual Property Caribbean Association and the Law Society of England and Wales.
Ashley Murphy (BSB Finance ’02, JD ’05) and Kami Huddleston (BFA Graphic Design ’03) recently expanded their company Wed Society, formerly Brides of Oklahoma. They help engaged couples simplify their wedding planning in Oklahoma, North Texas, Austin and Houston.
Alice Azumi Iddi-Gubbels’s (BA Prior Learning & University Studies ‘03, ME Early Childhood/ Montessori ‘04) PAMBE Ghana store benefitting her school in Ghana opened Nov. 1 in Oklahoma City.
Ben McBride (History/Political Science ‘03, JD ‘06) received the Ozarks Technical Community College’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni award during its commencement ceremony. He is the executive director of nonprofit organization I Pour Life and a municipal judge for the city of Republic, Missouri. He previously owned and operated his own law firm, McBride Law.
Maya Raviv (BM Vocal Performance ’03, MM Music Composition ’07) is offering Psalms project meditation sessions for free for bereaved families, survivors and others impacted by recent wars at mayaraviv.com. She has released three albums of prayers: “To The Eagle” (2004), “Echad” (2017) and “Tfilati” (2019). Raviv also became the first woman to sing prayers at Israel’s National Memorial Day ceremony in the National Memorial Hall in Jerusalem in 2022.
Rick Rose (JD ’03) was recently appointed as director of the Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services. He previously served as the chief of staff and senior counsel for House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka.
Melissa Ford (BPA Dance ’04) was appointed as the chief advancement officer at Park University in Missouri. She previously served as the director of
philanthropic giving for the University of Missouri –Kansas City School of Science and Engineering.
Brandon Long (JD ‘04), employee benefits attorney and director at McAfee & Taft law firm, was inducted as a fellow of the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel at their 24th annual meeting and induction ceremony. He is one of only four Oklahomans to be inducted into the counsel. He has been recognized in the Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Oklahoma Super Lawyers and The Best Lawyers in America
Lamont Nguyen (BSB International Business ‘04) has been appointed to California’s Emergency Medical Services Commission. He is a member of the California State Firefighters’ Association and the Long Beach Firefighters Local 0372 while serving as a Long Beach Fire Department firefighter and paramedic since 2018.
Beau Jennings & the Tigers will soon release their album “American Stories Major Chords,” recorded, produced and mixed by Michael Trepagnier (BA Liberal Studies ’04). He is the founder and chief executive officer of Cardinal Song Recording Studio. He previously served as an instructor for the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Central Oklahoma and has worked with artists such as Coldplay, Counting Crows and more.
Kate Dodoo (JD ’05) received the 2024 Leadership in Law Award presented by the Journal Record and the Oklahoma County Bar Association as well as being elected a shareholder of McAfee & Taft law firm. She has been named in The Best Lawyers in America in commercial litigation and as one of The National Black Lawyers Top 100 along with being recognized as an “Oklahoma Shero” by the State of Oklahoma. She leads the firm’s appellate
group and immigration and compliance group and previously served as the assistant city attorney to the City of Enid and an assistant chief counsel in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.
Oklahoma State Senator Carri Hicks (BA Broadcasting/Political Science ’05, MLA ’09) was
Class Notes
named a recipient of the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ Elected Women of Excellence Award. She has worked as an adjunct professor for OCU and was named a Gaylord-McCasland Education Fellow by the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2019.
Schuyler Adkins (MM Music Theater ’05) was named executive director of fine arts for Claremore Public Schools. Within the school district, he was previously principal of Westside Elementary and assistant principal of Claremont Elementary.
John Cunningham (JD ’07) was appointed as a judge to the State Court of Coweta County in Georgia. He serves as a municipal court judge for the City of Franklin and as a partner for the Newnan firm of Thompson, Wallin & Cunningham. He serves on the board of Joseph Sams School.
Hollye Hunt (JD ‘07) was appointed as the University of Oklahoma’s new vice president of executive affairs and chief of staff. She previously worked as OU’s chief government affairs officer and the vice president of external affairs at OU Health City of Yuma, Arizona.
Deputy attorney Rodney Short (JD ‘07) was selected as a Flinn-Brown Fellow by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation. He is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, member of Caballeros de Yuma and serves on the board of directors for the Yuma Community Food Bank.
Briggitte Biffle (JD ’09) was appointed chief public defender of Oklahoma County. She has worked at the Public Defender’s Office for more than 12 years and was named interim chief in January 2024.
Anthony Bullock (BFA Theatre Design and Production ‘09) was the production stage manager for the world premiere of “Hester Street” at Theater J in Washington, D.C. He has worked as an actors equity association stage manager for more than a decade and the resident production stage manager for Theatre J for the last four seasons.
Naif Edrees (MS Accounting ’09) was promoted to partner in the audit division for KPMG Saudi Arabia, a tax and audit advisory service. He has worked with KPMG for 15 years and is a TAQEEMcertified valuer.
Charlie Ludden (BSB Marketing ’09) was named director of development for Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. He previously worked as the development manager for Oklahoma City Ballet and development manager for Court Appointed Special Advocates of Oklahoma County.
Heath Satterfield (MBA ’09) will be inducted into Oklahoma State University’s Management Science and Information Systems Cloud of Honor. He currently serves as the chief information officer at
Class Notes
Devon Energy and is on the boards of Goodwill of Central Oklahoma and Special Care Inc.
Sean Spivey (JD ‘09) joined the Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP law firm as a partner for the Washington, D.C., office. He previously served as senior policy advisor in the Office of Spectrum Management at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. He also worked as chief of staff and senior counsel of the Federal Communications Commission broadband data task force.
2010s
Oklahoma Bar Association Executive Director Janet Johnson (JD ’10) was honored with an Oklahoma Bar Association President’s Award. She previously served as the director of educational programs for the state bar association and as an attorney for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.
Brett Butner (JD ‘11) has been appointed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt to be a district judge for the state’s 22nd judicial district. Previously, he served as an associate attorney at Colclazier & Associates, specializing in civil litigation, criminal defense and family law. Additionally, since 2018, he was an associate judge in Seminole County.
Alix Orza (MBA ‘11) has been promoted at SeneGence, a manufacturer of beauty products, to senior vice president of human resources. She previously served in various HR positions at Heartland, Chesapeake Energy and Target.
Fareshteh Hamidi (BS Kinesiology & Exercise Studies ’12) joined the business litigation practice group for Steptoe & Johnson PLLC’s Oklahoma City office. She serves on the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s moderns board and the Oklahoma Bar Association’s diversity committee. She is a member of the Robert J. Turner American Inn of Court.
Adam Rainbolt (MBA ‘12), senior vice president for BancFirst Insurance, was ranked third in OKC Friday’s Most Powerful Young Professionals poll. Clay Taylor (JD ‘14), principal lobbyist for the Taylor Group, is tied for fourth. Rainbolt previously served as a legislative correspondent for Senator James Inhofe and as a community relations representative at SandRidge Energy. Taylor is a member of Rotary Club No. 29 and serves on the boards of Infant Crisis Services and the Men’s Dinner Club.
Elhrick Cerdan (JD ‘13) takes on a new role as assistant special agent in charge for Homeland Security Investigations. At HSI, he previously served as resident agent in charge and national program manager.
Daniel Gerber (JD ‘13) joined the Champion law firm’s corporate transactions group in Dallas. He is a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and the Society of Human Resources Management. Gerber previously served as associate general counsel of Ventra Health.
Joshua Hughes (BME Vocal Education ’13) recently performed in the Opera Southwest production of “Matilde” in Albuquerque. He previously played Masetto and the Commendatore in “Don Giovanni” for West Bay Opera in California.
Elizabeth Isaac (JD ‘13) joined the Spencer Fane LLP firm as counsel attorney in the intellectual property practice group. She is the president of Oklahoma Bar Association intellectual property law section. She previously served on the board of directors for the Oklahoma County Bar Association young lawyers division.
Lindsey Miles (MS Energy Management ‘13), vice president of land and regulatory at Devon Energy, was appointed to the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board. She is the second vice president and chairman of the Landman Scholarship Trust for the American Association of Professional Landmen and the AAPL director of the Oklahoma City Association of Professional Landmen.
Livia Rusli (BA Liberal Studies ’13) is part of a duo launching Counsely, an online platform intended to help freelancers find work in Indonesia. She previously served as director of operations at Seaweed Sukses Sejahtera and the marketing development lead at GoWork.
Mark Auten (JD ’14) joined the Clark Hill law firm’s tax and estate planning team in Frisco, Texas. He was named a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and is on the leadership board for the nonprofit organization Altruistic.
OCU English professor James Cooper (MFA Creative Writing ‘15) recently released his debut
historical fiction novel “Moonlit Massacre” and was named “Rebel” grand marshal for the 2024 PrideFest. OCU trustee Lance McDaniel (MLA ‘07) was named “Legend” grand marshal. Cooper is an Oklahoma City councilman and a trustee on the Central Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Authority Board of Trustees. McDaniel is an Emmynominated filmmaker and the chief executive officer of McDaniel Entertainment.
Isaiah Bailey (BM Vocal Performance ’14) and Eryn LeCroy (BM Vocal Performance ’14) were guest performers in the St. Luke’s on Broadway production of “The Prince of Egypt” in August. Bailey has performed in the first national tour of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” the OffBroadway production of “Revelation: The Musical” and the national tour of “The Lion King.” LeCroy has performed as Martha Jefferson in “1776” at American Airlines Theatre, Christine Daae in “The Phantom of the Opera” at Majestic Theatre and Johanna in “Sweeney Todd” at Barrow Street Theatre.
Patrick McGough (DNP Nursing ‘15), chief executive officer and chief health officer of the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, has been elected as the vice president of the National Association of County and City Health Officials board of directors for the 2024-25 term. He has worked with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department since 2008 and became CEO in 2020. In 2017, McGough was named an Emerging Leader in Public Health by the Kresge Foundation.
Nate Graham (MS Energy Management ‘16) was appointed chief technology officer of Leeward Renewable Energy. He previously served as vice president of information technology and chief information officer at EnLink Mainstream. Graham also worked as chief information security officer at Enable Midstream Partners.
Jordan Jacobs (BFA Acting ‘17), Ryan Lambert (BM Music Theater ’17) and Meghan Rooney (BM Music Theater ‘21) performed in “Gotta Sing with Kenneth Gartman” in June at the Green Room 42 in New York City. Recently, Jacobs held the role of Charlie in “Kinky Boots” at Lyric Theatre. Lambert performed in the first national tour of “Funny Girl” and in multiple shows at “The Muny.” Rooney has been in regional productions of “Sweeney Todd,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” and “Courtship.”
Country artist Emily Myers (BM Music Business ‘17) recently released her latest single, “Olives,” following her debut EP in March 2023. She has released three other singles, “Wallflower,” “Skyline” and “Bare Feet.”
Solveig Neseth (BM Vocal Performance ’17, MM Opera Performance ’19) played the title role in Painted Sky Opera’s production and in London’s Brent Opera West Hampstead’s production of “Lucia di Lammermoor.” Additionally, she recently performed as the lead role in the world premiere of “The Vaudevillian” by Thomas Pasitieri.
Zack Travers (BBA Business Administration ‘17) joined the Hudson Ferris fundraising firm in New York as associate director of account services. He serves as the board chair of the New York City chapter of the Young Nonprofit Professionals Network and is an active member of the OCU Alumni Advisory Board.
Ali Funkhouser (BM Music Theater ‘18) is starring in the Green Room 42 production of “Knock ‘Em Dead!” in New York City. She has performed in regional productions of “Legally Blonde,” “Newsies,” “Something Rotten!” and more. She has directed “The Wolves” and “Tarzan” at the Franklin Performing Arts Company and “James Rose: Men I’ve Had” at 54 Below.
Jackson Paul Walker (BM Music Theater ‘18) is directing Kev Berry’s “We Had Not Ceased Desiring” at the Tank in New York City. He has previously directed “Plume,” “Constellations” and “The Baseball Play.” He is the associate producer of the Lyrics and Lyrists series at the 92NY.
Jordan Kilgore (BFA Acting ’19) is starring as Prospero in the Fultontown Theatre Company production of “The Tempest” in Maryland. He also has performed as Cliff Bradshaw in “Cabaret,” Justin in “Heroes of the Fourth Turning,” and more.
2020s
Kaitlin Allen (JD ‘20) joined the Lai & Turner law firm as director of the criminal defense division. She has also served as an assistant public defender at the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office.
Debra Chandler (MFA Creative Writing ‘20) was appointed as executive director of the Creek County Literacy Program in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. She has published four books: “Bone Sliver,” “Nova Wake,” “Sacrifice” and “Weathered.” She is the owner of Twisted Candle Media LLC.
The Tank NYC premiered a comedy “Plume” in April, which was written by Adam LaPorte (BM Composition/Music Theater ‘20), directed by Jackson Paul Walker (BM Music Theater ‘18) and produced by Haley Fortune (BFA Acting ‘17).
Kelly Vincent (MFA Creative Writing ‘20) released the book “Ugliest” in August. They are the author of award-winning young adult novels and have released six books in total, including the trilogy of “Ugly,” “Uglier” and “Ugliest.”
Scott Campbell (MBA ’21) was named a principal management consultant at M2 Strategy, a project management firm based in Virginia. He previously worked as a senior program manager for the State of Oklahoma.
Emory Osborn (JD ‘21) joined the Balekian Hayes law firm in Dallas. She has previously worked as a full-time attorney at the Devadoss law firm and division hub as a licensed attorney in both Texas and Oklahoma.
Christian Rinehart (JD ‘21) has been named deputy general counsel and Megan Buchanan (JD ‘23) as associate general counsel for the Oklahoma Municipal League.
Class Notes
Allie McMurray (BA Philosophy/Youth Ministry/ Religious Education ‘22, MA Religion ‘22) was recently announced as the next director of children’s ministry at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa. She previously worked as the children’s ministry assistant director for First United Methodist Church.
Erin Smith (JD ‘22) joined the First Liberty Institute’s legal team as associate counsel. She has worked for the Oklahoma Department of Education and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office previously.
Jonna Vanderslice (JD ‘22) has joined the McAfee & Taft law firm as a corporate attorney for the energy and natural resources group. She was named in The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch and serves on the Oklahoma Hall of Fame’s second century board and the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City’s downtown district advisory council.
Katherine Witzig (BA Spanish ‘22) was selected as co-chair of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging’s task group for metadata related to Indigenous peoples of the Americas. They currently serve as the Oklahoma Library Association’s chair for the committee of tribal libraries, archives and museums.
Jess Eddy (JD ‘23) was appointed to the Metro Tech Board of Education. He is the co-founder and director of operations of the non-profit organization LiveFree Oklahoma City.
Tessa McQueen (BM Vocal Performance ‘19) was a 2024 national finalist in the Metropolitan Opera Eric and Dominique Laffont Competition and one of 14 vocalists from around the world selected for the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. She made her Met debut this season as Countess Ceprano in “Rigoletto,” Sing the Priestess in “Aida” and Cover Chloe in “The Queen of Spades.”
Joey Derby (BFA Acting ’22) performed in “Christmas in Space! A Holiday Cirque Spectacular” in December in Ontario, Canada. He previously performed as Billy Nolan in “Carrie: The Musical” and Roswell in “Scream’d: An Unauthorized Musical Parody.”
Paige Kemper (JD ’22) joined the Rose Law Group, Arizona’s largest woman-founded law firm, as an associate attorney in its litigation and equine practices. She received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Contract Law and Criminal Procedure. Additionally, Kemper has competed with the American Paint Horse Association and the Oklahoma State University Equestrian Team.
Nicholas Muery (PT ‘23) has been accepted into Oklahoma’s first onsite orthopedic physical therapy residency program at the Oklahoma City Veteran Affairs Medical Center.
Cody Walls (MA Nonprofit Leadership Arts Administration ’23) was appointed as artistic director for the Great Plains Theatre in Kansas. He previously served as the director of theater for the Community School of the Arts in Arkansas and has received the Gail Burns Theater Educator of the Year Award.
