Focus magazine fall 2017

FOC US FALL 2017

ALUMNI MAGAZINE of OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY

OKCU.EDU

STORIED CAREER

‘CRAZY EX’

TROPHY CASE

Bert Seabourn’s art has crossed paths with the military, presidents, and the Smithsonian.

Dance alumna Gabrielle Ruiz doesn't let stardom stop her from staying grounded.

Athletics awarded Directors’ Cup for allaround success, four U.S. titles in one year.

One to Watch The School of Visual Arts Paints a Vibrant Future Under New Director

CONTENTS Robert Henry, President Kent Buchanan, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

ADMINISTRATIVE CABINET Jim Abbott, Assistant Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Amy Ayres, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Leslie Berger, BA ’02, Senior Director of University Communications Joey Croslin, Chief Human Resources Officer David Steffens, Assistant Provost Dennis Hunt, Interim Vice President for University Advancement Gerry Hunt, Chief Information Officer Catherine Maninger, Chief Financial Officer Charles Neff, BA ’99, MBA ’11, Vice President for University-Church Relations Marty O’Gwynn, Vice President for Community and Corporate Engagement Casey Ross, BSB ’00, JD ’03, MBA/JD ’03, General Counsel Kevin Windholz, Vice President for Enrollment Management and University Communications

ALUMNI RELATIONS Cary Pirrong, BS ’87, JD ’90, Director of Alumni Relations Chris Black, BME ’00, MBA ’10, President, Alumni Board

EDITORIAL STAFF Leslie Berger, BA ’02, Senior Director of University Communications Rod Jones, MBA ’12, Editor of FOCUS and Associate Director of Public Relations Kim Mizar, Communications Coordinator April Marciszewski, Art Director of FOCUS and Senior Graphic Designer

WRITERS Terry Phelps, Professor of English Rich Tortorelli, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ON THE COVER

ART NOUVEAU OCU’s School of Visual Arts—encompassing studio art and film—is breaking out of the quiet art school mold, expanding into contemporary realms, and inviting the public—and alumni—to join in.

PAG E 6 Cover: Holly Moye took the helm of the School of Visual Arts in January, and her ideas have burgeoned ever since, giving students more opportunities, exposing them to new ideas, and integrating the school with the local and the art communities. Above: A visitor takes in “ON (oxygen and nitrogen—earth’s most common elements) Box” by beadworking artist Molly Murphy-Adams at the Spring Equinox show opening in OCU’s Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery. The exhibit highlighted Native American art in Oklahoma.

Photos by Josh Robinson

Josh Robinson, Photographer/Videographer Ethan Cooper, Photographer/Videographer Assistant FOCUS ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493 (405) 208-7000 Story Ideas: focus@okcu.edu Alumni News: alumni@okcu.edu FOCUS is produced semiannually by the Communications and Alumni departments for alumni, parents, and friends of Oklahoma City University.

Oklahoma City University pledges to recruit, select, and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all persons, including faculty and employees, with respect to hiring, continuation, promotion, and tenure, applicants for admission, enrolled students, and graduates, without discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap or disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

The Chief Human Resources Officer, located in Room 108 of the Clara E. Jones Administration Building, telephone (405) 208-5075, coordinates the university’s compliance with titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Printed on recycled paper.

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Dance Ranked Best in Country

3

President’s Message

1

Total Makeover, Dorm Edition

5

Correspondence

2

Dance Grad Makes Leap to TV

11

University Update

3

Happy 400th, Shakespeare

15

The Business of Theatre

16

Athletics

Softball Wins 10th National Crown

18

19

Class Notes

21

Women's Golf Scores Eighth NAIA Championship

20

In Memory

25

Family Creates Business Scholarship

30

Alumni

11

Faculty

16

Honor Roll of Donors 27 Events

33

Stay Up-To-Date Between Issues: okcu.edu // Read the Archives and Extra: okcu.edu/focus

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Photo by Shane Bevel

Strengthening Community Ties SOME OF THE THINGS I HAVE ENJOYED MOST about Oklahoma

City University are our deep connections with the Oklahoma City community. Some of our connections are historical, extending back to our founding in 1904. Others are much more recent.

What I am particularly excited about right now are the new connections we are developing and the many opportunities that lie ahead as our university and our city continues to rise.

As you’ll see in this issue, our School of Visual Arts is expanding into new realms and inviting the community for front row seats to exhibits, film screenings, workshops, and more.

Just as Oklahoma City has been climbing in the rankings as a top city for living and working, OCU continues to receive high honors from U.S. News & World Report, coming in at No. 27 on the Best Regional Universities in the West category this year. Our phenomenal dance program surpassed Juilliard and New York University this year as the No. 1 ranked BFA dance program in the country, according to OnStage. Our music, arts and science, and nursing programs just received national acclaim in College Factual’s 2017 ratings. These are just a sampling of our recent accolades.

We are also expanding our visibility in the Oklahoma City community with a new reputational campaign highlighting both our history and the many alumni who are actively giving back to our community.

These local connections are strengthened and enhanced by our global partnerships.

This year, we have students participating in programs in more than 10 countries. We are also finding new ways to connect with alumni in Taiwan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and elsewhere around the world.

As I have visited with alumni and colleagues in Oklahoma City, across the United States, and around the globe, I have found that our legacy of servant-leadership is alive and well. It brings me great joy to help find new ways for Oklahoma City University to light the world.

okcu.edu // 1

CORRESPONDENCE

President’s Post Hundreds of letters come across President Robert Henry’s desk every semester. Following are excerpts of what friends of the university have to say.

DEAR DR. HENRY:

Oklahoma Blood Institute would like to extend our sincere appreciation to you and Oklahoma City University/Kramer School of Nursing for hosting a blood drive March 21. We thank you for being a strong community partner and helping to further our life-saving mission.

Sarah Hallett (a senior BSN nursing student) was especially instrumental in organizing the blood drive and worked closely with our team to put on a successful drive. Fifty-two people were willing to give blood, and, of those, 42 were able to donate. Considering each blood donation saves as many as three lives, these generous contributions make an extraordinary difference in our community.

As Oklahoma Blood Institute celebrates 40 years of saving local lives, we truly value your continued partnership and compassion for patients in our state.

DAVID CRAWFORD Oklahoma Blood Institute account consultant

DEAR JUDGE & JAN,

Thank you so much for our OCU shirt, sweater, bear, and book about George Washington. We named the bear Henry and like to call him Henry Bear. Your generosity and love meant so much to us! We enjoyed meeting you, and mom and dad said we are going to try to come back for a visit this summer and stay with you!

In the meantime, we will have a Henry Bear and represent OCU here in Wichita.

Love you both!

VICTORIA AND THEODORE Children of Alex Swainsbury (BSB ’11) MR. PRESIDENT!

I hope you are doing well! You and your better half popped into my head today, and I thought it appropriate to drop you a line of gratitude. I don’t know how often you get thanked for the work you do and the impact you make, and that is simply unacceptable.

Please know that the Holder family is profoundly appreciative of you and Jan for everything you have done for OCU and our state in general.

I hope you all pass on some gratitude to someone else today, as I think that everyone needs a bit of encouragement every now and then.

ANDREW HOLDER (BA ’12)

Magazine Harkens Back to Ideal College Days DEAR EDITORIAL STAFF AND WRITERS OF FOCUS:

Thanks for an incredible publication! Thanks for excellent writing, rarely seen or heard anymore. Thanks for glowing, positive, inspiring information about people proud of achieving and not a single word of criticism or the negative bad-mouthing that surrounds us in everything else we read or hear today.

You sent pages full of goodness about the wonderful place I remember from 1956 when we felt pride, enthusiasm, support for each other, friendly environment, and the strong academic setting that sent us out ready to tackle the world, find our places, and do something to represent the quality of our alma mater.

Your reporting triggered my memories from days when we operated the old California job press in the journalism shop on Blackwelder. I have often thought of Miss Boyle from freshman

2 // FOCUS Fall 2017

English and imagine she would succumb a second time to learn what has happened to grammar. I still refer to my Strunk writing techniques book and wonder how Val Thiessen from creative writing classes would tackle the state of today’s writing.

I recall his warning that we would fail his class if we used “was held” in our writing. “Find a way to avoid saying it, or fail the class,” he clarified on the first day. I used the same threat when I taught journalism.

Thank you for the delightful inspiration. I am so proud of your evidence confirming that OCU is still pursuing excellence. Keep producing excellence on your pages, in the classrooms, on the campus, and around the world.

PAULA JEAN (HUCKABY) BRASHEAR BA English ’56

UNIVERSITY UPDATE NATI O NA L N O D

OCU Repeats as Top School U.S. News & World Report again has ranked Oklahoma City University among the best colleges in the country. The list has OCU ranked No. 27 in the Best Regional Universities in the West category, the highest rank of Oklahoma universities in this category.

The regional category is made up of universities that offer a full range of undergraduate and master’s programs.

Along with the regional overall list, OCU is one of only two schools in the state on the West regional universities A+ Schools for B Students list, and is on the Most International Students list.

Schools on the A+ Schools for B Students list are noted for accepting outstanding applicants whose scores are not “A.” The colleges and universities included in the list see great potential in these students and help them achieve their goals.

For the Most International Students list, the report cites its significance as promoting an environment that helps the entire student body learn about different cultures. “In a global culture, befriending and learning to collaborate with students from other countries can be rewarding personally and professionally,” according to the list’s introduction.

According to the report, the U.S. News ranking system “rests on two pillars.

The formula uses quantitative and qualitative measures that education experts have proposed as reliable indicators of academic quality, and it is based on our researched view of what matters in education.”

U.S. News & World Report bases its rankings on various factors including graduation and retention rates, peer assessments, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, and alumni giving.

Regional universities are placed into one of four geographic categories. The West region includes Oklahoma, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Jo Rowan, chair of dance, with dance students. Photo by Josh Robinson

Kicking the Rankings DAN C E P ROGRAM RAN K E D N O. 1, AHE AD OF J UILLIARD, NY U

Oklahoma City University’s Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment was named the best BFA dance program in the country for 2017–18

by OnStage, a national media outlet covering the performing arts. Contributing factors to the rankings are costs, scholarships, curriculum, performance opportunities, facilities, experience of faculty, and career support.

“We are pleased to be included among the very best dance programs in the nation and to be recognized for the comprehensive education, training, and experiences we provide our students to prepare them for a large range of employment opportunities in the global entertainment industry,” said Dance and Entertainment Dean John Bedford.

OnStage noted that the dance performance degree at OCU is “focused on developing employable dancers for the entertainment industry. The program focuses on tap, jazz, theatre dance, and ballet as used in musical theatre. Dancers develop technical and professional skills necessary to have lifelong careers in the industry. Students are offered 10 levels of instruction in each technique and rotate through four to five teachers within each discipline every semester to expose students to multiple styles of instruction and choreography.”

RE P UTAT ION ON T HE RISE

OCU Begins New Marketing Campaign Oklahoma City University launched a new marketing campaign intended to promote the university’s reputation within the wider community.

Working with the Staplegun advertising agency in Oklahoma City, the university developed a concept and strategy to increase its image in the metropolitan area.

The new reputational marketing strategy will run concurrently with a separate marketing campaign to recruit new students. It will feature historical photos of campus and its place in the central part of the city, and messages about OCU’s many partnerships and community improvement projects off campus, and it will carry the tagline “Educating OKC since 1904.” The campaign also features alumni who have contributed to the community.

CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS: okcu.edu/1904 // 3

UNIVERSITY UPDATE Law Dean Returns to Class I NTER I M D E A N A P P O I NT E D

Valerie Couch stepped down as dean of the Oklahoma City University School of Law with plans to return after a one-year sabbatical to become a member of the faculty.

Law Library Director Lee Peoples was appointed July 1 to serve as interim dean.

“To say that time flies would understate the warp speed of my experience at OCU Law,” Couch said. “These years have formed the most captivating, compelling, and rewarding chapter of my career.”

Couch served as dean at the School of Law for five years.

“I greatly appreciate Dean Couch’s leadership,” President Robert Henry said.

“She presided as dean over a momentous time in the history of the Oklahoma City University School of Law. I am delighted to have her return to the classroom.”

During Couch’s tenure, the school moved downtown to its historic building and launched the Murrah Center for Homeland Security Law and the Norick Municipal Law Research Clinic.

Peoples formerly served as director of international programs, where he developed the law school’s Certificate in American Law program. He was

Doctors Get Down to Business with Healthcare Management The Meinders School of Business started a graduate certificate program in healthcare management this fall.

The school partnered with the Oklahoma State Medical Association to design a program tailored to those working in the medical field.

“As governmental and insurance-based regulations become more complex, quality of care is no longer judged by medical knowledge alone,” said Dr. Kevin Taubman, OSMA president. “Physicians need to be forearmed with new elements of knowledge that will help them stay current in this complex environment to protect their patients and practice. With the newly formed Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Practice Management, the Oklahoma State Medical Association in collaboration with the Meinders School of Business will

The Doctor is In PSYC HOLO GY P H. D. SE T TO BEG IN

Oklahoma City University will begin a clinical psychology doctoral program in spring 2018.

The program will prepare students to provide psychological services in a variety of settings to address a range of client mental health needs, including in rural settings and with underserved populations.

“It is the continued mental health needs, lack of mental health providers, and the push to integrate mental health professionals within primary care that prompted the creation of this program to address those needs,” said Melissa Hakman, associate professor and chairperson of the Psychology Department, and director of the child advocacy training program at OCU. “Graduates from this program will be able to work competently within the changing face of mental health care,” Hakman said.

The 120-hour degree program consists of four years of coursework in theory, 4 // FOCUS Fall 2017

appointed as law library director in 2010.

His research and scholarship are focused on comparative law and on the impact of technology on legal research, the judiciary, and the law. He has published articles, books, Valerie Couch Lee Peoples and book chapters on these topics. His work has been cited by appellate courts, in the leading comparative law casebook, and in several treatises.

Law Professor Paula Dalley assumed the position of associate dean, succeeding Eric Laity, who will return to the OCU Law faculty.

The university appointed a search committee to conduct a nationwide search for the next dean, co-chaired by Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Gary Homsey and emeritus professor of law Art LeFrancois. The committee includes university trustees, faculty members, and members of the Oklahoma City community.

work to fill these voids for the physicians of Oklahoma.”

The certificate is a one-year online program. Students will earn 15 credit hours toward a Master of Business Administration upon completion. Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of healthcare work experience. The program is designed to help students meet competency benchmarks established by the National Center of Healthcare Leadership and the Healthcare Leadership Alliance.

“The input provided by members of the OSMA Board and House of Delegates has been invaluable in designing the curriculum to bring leadership and management education, together with financial, marketing, and healthcare law coursework and instruction to the medical community,” said Steven Agee, business dean.

evidence-based practice of psychology, and practicumbased experiences. The program also has a full-time, yearlong predoctoral internship the fifth year, along with numerous applied clinical practicums both in the community and in-house in the psychology training clinic. The program is designed in accordance with American Psychological Association accreditation guidelines.

Melissa Hakman “Students who come through our program will receive a significant amount of attention and mentoring from faculty given the low student-faculty ratio,” Hakman said. “While there are required courses, students will also be able to select coursework that matches their interests and allows them to prepare for their future career path.”

“Our program will provide students with skills in supervision, interdisciplinary consultation, foundational skills in mental health care administration, program prevention/evaluation and rural mental health,” said Hakman.

UNIVERSITY UPDATE Bloomberg Terminal Lab Takes Stock After First Year In its initial year, the Bloomberg Terminal computer lab has proven itself an important tool for teaching finance and economics.

The software system, considered the most advanced information and analysis tool in the field of finance, has been used in a unique way at the Meinders School of Business.

“Our dedicated lab, paired with the latest educational tools, has changed the way I teach my courses,” said finance professor James Ma, demonstrating a combination of ways to use the Bloomberg Terminal and the two chalkboard-sized screens in the lab. “It has also improved the effectiveness and efficiency in the way students learn finance and economics.”

The Bloomberg subscription service features the most up-to-date Meinders School of Business Professor stock market information from around James Ma teaches a class with the world. Users can track stock Bloomberg Terminals in the Financial prices of publicly traded companies, Resource Center. Photo by Shane Bevel values of international currencies, and news stories about industries, and they can gather financial data on almost anything available for public disclosure.

The school’s dream computer lab became a reality after Dean Steven Agee secured gifts from the Chickasaw Nation, and Sue Ann Arnall provided the financial resources to create the Financial Resource Center, which includes 12 licensed Bloomberg Terminals and two oversized monitors.

Walker Hall, Made New The Walker Hall student housing building is under renovation, with the top floor complete and the sixth floor in progress. The university plans to renovate the floors from top to bottom, with hopes of finishing the first and second floors by the end of 2020.

Housing Director Michael Burns noted that student housing is an important element to recruitment but is often overlooked when it comes to finding willing donors. At OCU, 95 percent of freshmen live on campus.

Furniture is steel-constructed, bathrooms are tiled, and the general construction is intended to make for easy maintenance. For instance, floor tiles are easily replaced if they are damaged.

Wherever possible, the university’s maintenance department is completing the renovations, including carpeting, painting, plumbing, and electrical work.

While Walker Hall is the current focus, the designer is also under contract to do a model room in Banning Hall.

Photo above by Josh Robinson; photos below by Michael Burns

BE FORE

Assistant Provost Named Music professor David Steffens was recently named assistant provost.

Steffens has an extensive background in higher education and 20 years of experience at OCU. He joined the music faculty in 1997 and most recently served as director of the percussion program. He received the 2014 Outstanding Faculty award, the highest faculty David Steffens honor bestowed at OCU. He has served on more than a dozen university committees, including the University Budget Committee, which he chaired from 2013 to 2016.

Steffens has performed with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra since 1997 and has served as principal percussionist since 2005. He also has performed with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra since 2007.

He holds a Bachelor of Music from Central Michigan University, a Master of Music from Michigan State University, and a Performer’s Certificate and Doctor of Musical Arts in Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester.

Steffens fulfilled the role of assistant provost on an interim basis from August 2016 to July 2017.

AF T E R

HELP US BUILD: okcu.edu/give // 5

School of Visual Arts Expands Definition of Art, Invites Students and Public to Explore New Realms

Emerging

Art School

BY APRIL MARCISZEWSKI

Holly Moye’s speed is a million miles a minute.

Since becoming director of the School of Visual Arts in January, she has begun assembling an advisory board, added a new film professor and two artists-in-residence, reworked the spaces students inhabit, and built a stronger community at the school and with the city. And she’s just getting started.

“She is constantly energized by her work and sees opportunity everywhere,” said Amy Cataldi, dean of the Petree College of Arts and Sciences.

“Best of all, Director Moye is solely focused on enhancing the art experience for all our constituencies.”

Cataldi sees the School of Visual Arts as a vehicle for engaging with the community through gallery exhibits, film screenings, workshops, and summer camps. “This invites a larger Oklahoma City audience to campus,” she said, and “becomes an opportunity to showcase the wide spectrum of offerings across our disciplines.”

Moye, with a master’s degree in art history, came to OCU from the executive director post at

Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, where she was in constant conversation with arts leaders across the state, paving the way for a natural transition to leading the art school at OCU, she said.

“We’ve always had really strong teaching,” said Bryan Cardinale-Powell, associate professor of film, who started at OCU in 2008. “We haven’t been as good in the past at promoting ourselves.”

Full-time faculty have, instead, focused on students, he said.

“I’ve had a lot of people say, ‘I didn’t even know you existed,’” Moye said, but now with active social media accounts and community outreach, the public realizes how much is happening at the school.

Current momentum builds on the “long, vibrant history” of the school, programs established by Brunel Faris and Fritz Kiersch; enhanced by successful alumni including Kiona Millirons (BFA ’96), Trent Lawson (BFA ’02), and Nathan Gardocki (BFA ’10); and supported by such donors as the Norick family and Nona Jean Hulsey, Cataldi said.

That history is paving the way for immense growth.

Right: Shakurah Maynard, a studio art sophomore, glazes pots in the ceramics studio. Photo by Josh Robinson 6 // FOCUS Fall 2017

“We are looking Greenwood (BFA to position ’97). Joe Slack (BFA ourselves as the ’01) presented a solo premier ‘Oklahoma show in January.

Contemporary Art Moye also sees the School’ that not gallery as a venue for only offers a strong emerging regional and traditional practice national artists. but also provides The renewed opportunities to contemporary focus at explore and learn the gallery “is a drastic newer artmaking turn,” Moye said. methods and “To me, that’s really theories,” Moye said. exciting. It’s about Moye wants to incorporating new “get outside of the ideas and new means conventional way of practicing, not only of thinking about for our students but Chickasaw and Ponca Nations of Oklahoma artist Brent Greenwood demonstrates his techniques at the how a school runs,” also for the public to Spring Equinox exhibit, which focused on Native American art in Oklahoma. Photo by Josh Robinson she said. “We want experience.” our students to Tracey Bewley explore artmaking (BFA ’94) and Rick here, but we also Bewley, who make up encourage them to Art Fusion Studio in There's quite a vibrant art scene in Oklahoma City. Our students be involved in the Oklahoma City, will should be actively involved in all of that growth. many exciting things create a glass and light happening in the installation for the —HOLLY MOYE local arts community. gallery in 2018. It will School of Visual Arts Director That means as an be their first solo show institution, which in 15 years as artists. prides itself on service “It’s given us a and leadership, we need to do more to invite in the public and focus and a reason to work on big pieces,” Tracey Bewley said. “It’s provide services for Oklahomans.” really exciting.”

The school launched the Art(ist) Series in the spring, providing They’re looking forward to the rewarding process of exploring free workshops to students and the public and offering artist lectures their own artistic interests and feeding their creativity by expressing and demonstrations. themselves, they said. At the culmination of their work, the Monthly workshops have included such diverse offerings as art exhibition will provide an opportunity to show their art to therapy, mixed media beadworking, and art publishing. More are local friends and collectors. The show could affect them “pretty planned for the fall, including indigo dye, watercolor, and behindsignificantly,” she said. “We’re going to be inspired to push ourselves the-scenes film workshops. even more.”

Jarica Walsh, the school’s 2017 artist-in-residence, is “really Moye hopes the same for students as the school expands its arts enjoying having a front-row seat” to the art school’s growth, and curriculum and adds a New Forms class, which teaches installation art she has particularly appreciated the community workshops. She’s and digital material. Drawing and painting students will be able to add gone to every one, taking in new ideas, meeting new people, and illustration to their repertoire by learning digital media, Moye said. expanding her art community. From the school’s perspective, Moye The school brought back the graphic design minor this fall, and the said, “it’s really important for us to give back to the community.”

2018 artist-in-residence Danny Joe Rose will focus on graphic design.

The Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery, donated as a contemporary art Students will also explore the intersection of studio art and film. space, provides another avenue for community outreach. The “They’re going to get a more well-rounded education in terms Spring Equinox show highlighted Native American artmaking of where they can take their work when they leave here,” Moye in Oklahoma and included pieces by alumni Bert Seabourn (’63 sad. “That’s going to give our students more career options and undeclared, ’97 Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters) and Brent potentially open doors to graduate programs.”

‘‘

8 // FOCUS Fall 2017

‘‘

It's been not only a welcoming place but a place where people are constantly very inspired and learning about the things they're passionate about.

—MARY MCLAIN Film Junior

Cheryl Price, an art junior and administrative assistant for the School of Visual Arts and other programs, sees the school’s expansion as appealing to a broader range of students and as helping students—including herself—grow.

“I have a much better sense of the business side of art, thanks to what I’ve learned at Oklahoma City University,” Price said. “I see myself as not just an artist, but as a business professional, and that’s how I expect the world to see me. I have much bolder expectations for myself now.”

Art school is a chance for students to hit reset on their ideas about art formed by pop culture, said William Palumbo, the school’s new visiting assistant professor of film. Students get to innovate and explore art forms, he said, and they’re invited to reflect and think critically about art in ways that don’t happen elsewhere in society.

Cardinale-Powell remembers when film and studio art were separate departments. Combining them as the School of Visual Arts made them collectively stronger, he said, because “the center of it is artistic thinking—looking at the world from a creative perspective.”

OCU offers a unique film program in Oklahoma with a focus on the art of filmmaking, Moye said. OCU teaches production skills and dives deep into theoretical practices. The department changed its name from “moving image arts” to “film” this fall for easier recognition. In July, MovieMaker magazine named OCU’s film department as the Outstanding Film Editing Training program in the Southwest on its “Best Film Schools in the U.S. and Canada 2017” list.

The university’s liberal arts education gives film graduates an edge, Cardinale-Powell said. They may start as movie or TV crew members, but in five to seven years, they begin to be recognized for their ideas, not just their technical skills, and they advance as creative leaders—as producers, writers, and directors. For example, the Cannes film festival selected the short film “Still” by Bryan Cook (MLA ’10) for its catalog this year; Cook works in London as a director of photography.

“Good films are made by thoughtful filmmakers,” CardinalePowell said. “You don’t make thoughtful films without being aware of all the ideas swirling in culture, and that’s what a liberal arts education is about.” He said Moye is cultivating the liberal arts at the School of Visual Arts by bringing in multiple visiting artists.

Walsh, an Oklahoma City ceramicist, offered workshops in April and will continue to work in the School of Visual Arts studio as

Venessa Nkurumeh, a nursing student, joined one of artist-in-residence Jarica Walsh's spring ceramics workshops. Photo by Josh Robinson

the artist-in-residence until the end of the year. Because of her residency, students have tried out hand-building and throwing clay on pottery wheels and learned about her artistic path, she said. She has shared opportunities and warned students about career pitfalls.

Moye has recruited various Tulsa Artist Fellowship participants, with national and international art and teaching experience, to visit several class sessions each, work with and critique students, teach them their processes, and discuss how to be a working artist.

Megan Mosholder, a Tulsa fellow and a visiting artist to OCU’s New Forms studio art class this fall, said gaining exposure to a professional, working artist while she was a graduate student was “transformational.” Mosholder, at the time a painting student, studied abroad in France, where she worked with prominent installation artist and sculptor Teresita Fernández, who told her: “You’re not a painter—you’re a sculptor, and you’re working way too small.” Now Mosholder creates large-scale, site-specific installations.

She advises students to find artists doing what they want to do ART(IST) SERIES AND MORE: facebook.com/OCUSchoolofVisualArts // 9

Left: Teran Columbus pulls a print from his carved and inked block using a press in the printmaking studio.

Photo by Ethan Cooper Right: While Ashley Kinard and Collin Salmonowicz operate the camera, Bailey Chandra and Mary McClain record sound on a recent film project. Caleb Holmes operates the dolly, while Meredith Funkhouser takes notes in the back. All are film majors. Photo by Josh Robinson

‘‘

Holly (Moye) has a strong education in art and art history and is a tireless advocate for art and artists.

—AMY CATALDI Dean, Petree College of Arts and Sciences

and ask them for an internship or mentorship. In the classroom, she tries to pass along the advantages she’s been given, such as grantwriting insights, and lessons she’s learned. Before supporting herself through art, Mosholder earned a master’s in education and taught high school for four years. Now, “my career is dedicated to making things,” she said. “I think that brings a unique perspective to the table because I have to solely depend on myself for everything.”

Mosholder also brings new viewpoints as an out-of-state artist from Atlanta. Fresh ideas about art can shake up the local scene, allow conversations to broaden, and encourage local artists to expand their own practices beyond their comfort zones—ultimately making their careers sustainable, she said.

“I think a lot of the intimidating part of going into the arts is the feeling that it will be impractical or that it is an unstable life choice to make,” said Mary McLain, a film junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “The thing I’ve learned—if this is what you’re passionate about, if this is what you love to talk about and to practice, you should just go full speed ahead and trust that you’ll find something fulfilling in it.”

Shakurah Maynard, a studio art sophomore from Atlanta, for instance, was surprised to discover artists are often behind product design. Now she wants to design movie sets and props.

Maynard has a work-study job at the art school, so Moye will often pop over to her desk, tell her about an opportunity, and say, “You’re going to apply for this.” Maynard laughed and said she and other students will complain about the extra work—Moye 10 // FOCUS Fall 2017

encourages all of them to apply—but later, they thank Moye for the great opportunities.

This fall, about half a dozen students were accepted to work with professional artists on the “Symbiotic” exhibition, slated to open in February in the gallery. The installation art will examine the relationship between art and community. “The work will be driven by community involvement,” Moye said. “This type of collaborative practice around installation-based works is a contemporary way of thinking about art, and it’s a new idea being introduced to students.”

Moye is nurturing community by providing students 24-hour access to the art center and hosting monthly meetups for students to create and work on shared goals.

She worked over the summer to make the Norick Art Center more student-friendly, donating old furniture and storage, bringing in bright and colorful pieces, and transforming the building into a flexible space that students can rearrange and adjust to meet their ever-changing needs.

“I want to make this an open, welcoming space where students can be here all the time,” Moye said. “It should be a place for them to experiment and try new practices without the worry of failure.”

Within the next five years, Moye would like to start planning and raising support to add a second story to the art center to bring the film program into the same space as studio art to foster learning, collaboration, and community among students.

“Ultimately,” she said, “we want to give them the tools to practice art for a lifetime.”

ALUMNI

Q&A: Gabrielle Ruiz Broadway, Television, and the Importance of Giving

BY RYAN BARRETT

Gabrielle Ruiz graduated with a dance performance degree from the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment in 2007. She has gone on to make a name for herself, performing in the Broadway productions of “In the Heights” and “If/Then,” as well as starring in the CW’s musical comedy show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.”

Just moments after finishing a Television Academy event rehearsal in Los Angeles, Ruiz gave an hour-long interview that covered advice for aspiring artists and lessons she learned while at OCU. Growing up in Edinburg, Texas, and attending college in Oklahoma City, did you experience any culture shock shifting to life in New York City and Los Angeles?

The culture shock was a lot more prominent when I moved from Texas to Oklahoma City, oddly enough.

I say that because we don’t have snow in south Texas! I had no idea that the beanie on my head was created for warmth; I thought it was just fashion!

What I love about our dance program at OCU is that our school is extremely national. All of the fellow students from Ohio, Denver, and New York— they taught us Southerners how to drive in the snow.

Transferring from Oklahoma City to New York really wasn’t that terrible. I feel like I wore my dance clothing, my ballet tights, until 10 p.m. every night at OCU. And you had to pack for the whole day and eat right the whole day—not just eat three big meals.

While at OCU, among other things you were a member of the American Spirit Dance Company and numerous musicals, both onstage and backstage. How closely did these productions mirror your Broadway productions?

I would have to say that everyone’s favorite class—and I say that extremely sarcastically—was stagecraft lab. … When I was there, it felt like it was half of the week, just in stagecraft lab ….

The amount of teamwork that I learned and was able to exercise at school definitely was helpful and similar to Broadway.

The number of hours that we would dance and rehearse, in addition to having to make grades and study—those hours are rather similar to the Broadway schedule.

Does your experience on Broadway help you on camera, or are those completely different?

That’s a great question, because the answer is both.

There is subtlety and simplicity when it comes to TV

acting versus Broadway acting. An up-close shot of someone’s face is a lot bigger than their normal face on stage. Commercial auditions are a completely different experience than auditioning for a Broadway show.

But my theatre experience did come in handy, especially with “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.” When I booked Season 1 of the show, I was able to be a part of the first table read, even though at first I was a guest star. The CW executives were there; the CBS executives were there. Essentially, everyone with a vested interest was there to see the product. They wanted to see what they were investing in.

The pressure of an opening night on Broadway is comparable to that feeling. So I was already used to people watching me perform. When a table read happens, it’s basically a live performance.

What are a few childhood/college dreams you have achieved, and what are some you are still chasing?

Broadway. Broadway, since I was 12 has always been the dream. I think a lot of us training at OCU share that dream. Our dance program feeds a lot of alumni into the Broadway world. And we’re able to embody and represent what OCU taught us and spread that in New York City, which I love and am so proud of.

We have a strong alumni program in New York.

We give back to students that are currently in school while they are on spring break, which is one of my favorite things to volunteer for. I match students to alumni to let them sleep on their couches.

How have the skills that you acquired at OCU manifested themselves in your career?

The mental stability to be a professional performer is not only strict, but it’s demanding. To love what you do and make a career out of it, those skills started as a freshman. The skills to not just dance, but take regular collegiate classes and be responsible, those skills have helped me to have a balanced lifestyle as well.

Photo provided by Ruiz

I had the privilege of being part of the international tours while I was at OCU. We went to Taipei, Taiwan, twice. And, because of Dean John Bedford, I am a very good packer. I remember that day my freshmen year, he sat us down and had about an hour-long lecture on how to pack, and without that, I would probably still be that girl with too much clothing, with three luggage bags for a weekend trip. Our careers take us on the road a lot, almost half of our life; whether you are married, have kids or not, you’re on the road, and one of the most demanding skills when it comes to traveling is to be a well-prepared traveler.

How would you describe Jo Rowan and the impact she had on your career path?

Not only toward the art of dance, but toward the art of life … her aesthetic on the discipline of our craft is something I still, to this day, strive to achieve, and I don’t know if I ever will.

Jo Rowan in my life was confirmation that I belonged in show business; because I saw where she was in her life and how she still cared every day 1,000 percent about her craft, for her students, and for any person that she has an encounter with. … If she can still get up and do that to this day, then I can still get up and do that to this day. I can still change people’s lives, whether it’s about dance or not.

GABRIELLE, CONTINUED: okcu.edu/dance/q-a-gabrielle-ruiz // 11

ALUMNI

For Bert Seabourn, It All Started with a Cartoon

BY TERRY PHELPS

What do the Vatican, the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Moscow University, the American Embassy in London, and China’s National Palace Museum in Taipei have in common? They all have art by OCU alumnus Bert Seabourn—as do many other museums, buildings, and hundreds of individuals.

Seabourn was born in a small town in southwest Texas, and at about age 5, he knew he wanted to be an artist. During his eighth grade year in Purcell, Oklahoma, in 1946, he sold his first cartoon to King Features Syndicate. His cartoon showed a penny with Abraham Lincoln’s image, sitting in a barber chair, saying, “The man shaved his money.” He recalls making about $10.

In high school during rodeos, he would paint bull riders and cowboy roping scenes on store windows. He did artwork for the

12 // FOCUS Fall 2017

school paper and annuals. Purcell High School had no art classes, but on weekends Seabourn would hitchhike or hop a freight train to Oklahoma City to view art at the Oklahoma Museum of Art. Bert graduated from high school in 1950 and married Bonnie Jo Tompkins the same month. The Korean War broke out in 1950, and in 1951, he joined the U.S. Navy. After boot camp, Seabourn was stationed at Camp Elliot, California. There he and a Navy friend painted an 80-foot long mural in the mess hall. Seabourn was stationed next at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, then at Naval Air Squadron VR8 at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu.

There he worked as a journalist/artist doing art for magazines and television, promoting the Navy. He also drew Navy cartoons and a comic strip featuring Navy life. He painted a 20-foot mural at Hickam where a SCUBA diving club met and two large murals in a downtown Honolulu restaurant. A Honolulu magazine featured 20 cartoons monthly, and Seabourn made “Aloha” designs for shirts, skirts, and bathing suits for a silk screen company. He also sold cartoons to U.S. magazines.

At Pearl Harbor, he made Navy-related cartoons, a series called “Navy Heroes, Little Known Facts About Your Navy,” and another series called “Your Fighting Ships.” About 1,500 weekly U.S. newspapers published the cartoons and series to promote the Navy.

In 1955, Seabourn received an honorable discharge, and he and Bonnie headed for Oklahoma City. His first job was with Semco color press as a paste-up artist. Then he became a draftsman for Oklahoma Gas & Electric. Semco later offered him a job as art director, and Seabourn turned in his resignation at OG&E. The last day of his two-week notice, OG&E said, “If you stay here, we will create an art department for you.” Seabourn stayed. As art director and artist, he worked on the company magazine, newspaper and magazine ads, indoor and outdoor posters, and illustrations in company brochures.

In fall 1955, he enrolled in night school at OCU, where he received his first art instruction. In seven years, Seabourn’s 24 art courses included watercolor, commercial art, figure drawing, ceramics, oil painting, design, and graphic art. Art classes met in a tin Quonset building, about the same location as the current Norick Art Center. His teachers were Nan Sheets, Roger White, Ed Kanwischer, and George Hershey. White’s abstract paintings influenced Seabourn’s work.

Seabourn received his certificate of arts from OCU in 1962. In 1964, he took a correspondence course in commercial art from the Famous Artist School, completing it in three years, while still working 40 hours a week as OG&E's art director and artist.

ALUMNI

Left and above: Bert Seabourn has lived in his Warr Acres, Oklahoma, home for decades, and while there, he has produced all of his work from this third-floor studio.

Here, he paints “Council Meeting” with acrylic on canvas. Photos by Josh Robinson

In 1975, his watercolor “Legend of Kicking Bear” was added to the Vatican's collection in the Museum of Modern Religious Art, a gallery that includes works

by Van Gogh, Rodin, Gauguin, Picasso, and Dali. The museum only contains 150 paintings, rotating to display half of the collection every six months.

Also in 1975, President Gerald Ford and First Lady Betty Ford stopped in Oklahoma City for a reception, where Seabourn presented his painting “Night Hawk.”

Later, Seabourn received a thank-you from the president, along with photographic proof of the presentation. The painting is now in the Gerald Ford Library Collection in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Seabourn left OG&E after 23 years

to become a full-time fine arts painter.

Already recognized nationally as a major artist, he was designated a master artist in 1976. Governor George Nigh awarded him the Governor’s Art Award in 1981.

In 1988, he was one of four artists invited to paint wooden eggs for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Traditionally, some of these are cataloged at the Smithsonian, in egg cartons with the lids open. His eggs were added to the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

In 1994, Seabourn made another presidential connection, this time with former President George H.W. Bush in Oklahoma. A Tulsa Boy Scout troop had asked Seabourn to paint a watercolor, and they planned to take it to Washington,

Bert Seabourn draws the cover of Trans Pacifican magazine. Photos of his wife and daughter hang above his drafting table. Photo courtesy of Seabourn

A PAINTING A DAY: okcu.edu/bertseabourn // 13

ALUMNI

Above: “Oklahoma Saturday Night.” Right: The room of Seabourn’s house dedicated to his own artwork. A miniature version of his sculpture “Wind Walker” is on display behind the couch. Photos by Josh Robinson

D.C., to present to the president. The Boy Scouts chartered a bus to take the whole troop to D.C. for the presentation, but when they arrived, the president had left on an emergency. About a year later when Bush was visiting Oklahoma, the troop, Seabourn, and the president converged on Poteau to present him with the watercolor.

Asked if the painting would go in his library collection, the president said, “Only when Barbara and I get tired of looking at it.”

In 1986 Seabourn made his largest work, a 23-foot tall bronze sculpture, “Wind Walker,” which now stands atop a pool outside the Oklahoma Attorney General Office Building. The sculpture depicts a red-tailed hawk above the three-foot face of a Native American with a five-foot feather in his hair. Southwestern Bell originally commissioned the piece as one of nine small-scale sculptures by different artists. Judges chose Seabourn’s work to be made as the large-scale sculpture.

He worked on the sculpture for nearly a year at the Shidoni Foundry and Gallery in Santa Fe, and then trucked it to Oklahoma City. Governor Nigh spoke at the unveiling next to the Southwestern Bell downtown office, where it stood until the Arts Council of Oklahoma City took possession of the sculpture and moved it to its present location.

Also in 1986, the Hilton Hotel in Sacramento, California, commissioned Seabourn to create a 10-by-6-foot painting for $8,000. Pleased with the painting, the hotel gave him a $2,000 tip.

Several years later the hotel closed, and the painting sold in Las Vegas for $20,000.

14 // FOCUS Fall 2017

Seabourn is one of several artists across the U.S. who show in the “small works GREAT WONDERS” art sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum annually in November. His work is in permanent collections there and at OCU, Oklahoma State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Museum of Art, Oklahoma State Capitol Art Collection, and the Oklahoma Supreme Court Justice Building.

Seabourn credits Bonnie for her wrapping, packing, shipping, bookkeeping, travel arrangements, and other work behind the scenes, as well as being a great mother for their three daughters, Connie Seabourn, Angela Webb, and Denise Seabourn. Connie is a full-time artist with works across the country and was recently featured at OCU’s Nona Jean Hulsey Gallery.

Seabourn has contributed prints of his work to raise funds for many programs, including the Putnam City Schools Gifted and Talented Program, the Department of Human Services, Junior Achievement, and the Mental Health Association. Putnam City Schools has a Seabourn Learning Center to acknowledge his contributions.

OCU awarded Seabourn an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree in 1997.

He says: “My art is like the Oklahoma wind, ever-changing.

Some days I want my art to be more abstract, and other days more realistic. I find myself constantly growing and finding new directions. This stylistic diversity is what keeps my life, and hopefully my art, interesting. I love to paint, and I hope it shows.”

CELEBRATIONS

Theatre Supporters Transported to Shakespearean Times In April, friends of OCU Theatre joined together for a belated commemoration of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's passing. OCU students and faculty presented several Shakespearean scenes within the home of Bill Cameron and Lymari Nadal, who hosted the fundraising evening. Guests enjoyed an array of foods while celebrating Shakespeare's influence across the centuries.

Above left: Students Alyssa Pearson, Dawson MacLeod, Jordan Cobb (top center), Emily Diaz, and Caroline Hawthorne.. Above right: Theatre professor Tim Fall calls the guests together for a performance of "Elizabethan Who's On First," adapted by Head of Performance Lance Marsh. Right: Dr. William and June Parry, and Gayle and Richard Parry. Below left: Scott Stone, Erica Fallot, Amy & Keith Mitchell. Below right: David and Jane Thompson, Bill Cameron and Lymari Nadal, Brenda and Tom McDaniel. Photos by Jerry Hymer

okcu.edu // 15

F U T URE S TAGE MANAGING THE

BY KIM MIZAR

JEFF COCHRAN CAME TO OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF THEATRE with a mission to create professional partnerships

within the Oklahoma City community. Through his endeavors, he has forged relationships with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, the OKC Ballet and the Oklahoma City Children’s Theatre, which have helped his students receive real-world experience as well as professional credits.

“The program is not just about training artists, but training people who will stay and work in all aspects of the industry,” he said. Students in the production class experience a hands-on program that embraces the liberal arts teaching methods.

Cochran personally wrote every class in the curriculum.

“The stage and production management degree is the only one of its kind in the U.S., and the students are learning the business side 16 // FOCUS Fall 2017

of theatre,” he said. “We are teaching what the industry needs. We think of it all in terms of business.”

In addition to partnerships in the local area, Cochran has fostered relationships with Rose Buford in London; the Edinburgh Festival in Edinburgh, United Kingdom; and the Kennedy Center of America College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C.; which all have participating students from OCU.

CATEGORY

T H EA T R E

ALUMNI AT WORK

STAGE MANAGERS

Left: Jeff Cochran stands on the Oklahoma City Civic Center stage, where he has worked with the Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Ballet, and OCU. Above: Cochran meets with students and faculty to discuss the production of the Bass School of Music's Sister Act. Photos by Josh Robinson

Lookingglass Theatre Company | Chicago Playwrights Horizons | New York Afterglow | New York Goodman Theatre | Chicago Cirque du Soleil | Las Vegas Lantern Theater Company | Philadelphia Princess Cruises Touring Walt Disney World | Orlando NYU Graduate School | New York Freelance Artist | California Lyric Theatre | Oklahoma City

Cochran says the partnerships provide students with productive feedback and professional skills.

“Students exhibit their work in lighting and costume design and receive a level of acknowledgment from prominent members of the theatre community,” he said.

The unique experiences students receive in the program broaden their options upon graduation, Cochran said. Students who have graduated from the program include Liz Larsen (BFA ’17), who works for the Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago, and Laura Collins (BFA ’15), at Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas.

“We have students working in this industry all over the country, and they were hired because they understand the business side of theatre,” Cochran said.

SETTING THE STAGE Jeff Cochran is an associate professor of stage and production management. As head of the program, Cochran oversees both the academic and production components for the School of Theatre and the Bass School of Music.

Besides his work at OCU, Cochran stays active in the industry.

Serving as the production stage manager with Lyric Theatre of

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Eugene O’Neil Theater Center | Waterford, Connecticut Boston Univ. Graduate School | Boston Carnegie Mellon Univ. Graduate School | Pittsburgh Cirque du Soleil | Las Vegas Purdue Univ. Graduate School | Indiana Chicago Magic Lounge | Chicago Freelance Artist | California Feld Entertainment | Touring Theatre Memphis | Memphis Corey’s Audio | Oklahoma City Kansas City Rep | Kansas City Theatre Memphis | Memphis

Oklahoma, he has worked on productions ranging from “The King and I” to “Sweet Charity” to Disney’s “Tarzan.”

Through the partnership with OCU and Lyric Theatre, Cochran has served as the mentor for his students when he worked as stage manager for productions including “Spring Awakening” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” In addition to the many shows with Lyric Theatre, Cochran was excited to serve as the production stage manager with Oklahoma City Ballet’s production of “Nine Sinatra Songs: A Triple Bill.”

Prior to his time at OCU, Cochran was an active member in the Dallas-Fort Worth arts community. He has stage managed for such companies as WaterTower Theatre, Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, the Greater Tuna Corporation, and Dallas Black Dance.

In addition to his background in stage management, Cochran has served in a variety of roles in the performing arts. As an arts administrator, he served as the director of the Murchison Performing Arts Center at the University of North Texas. In 1996 he served as a lighting designer during the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta. Cochran is an active member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology, the International Association of Venue Managers, and Actors Equity Association.

BACKSTAGE PASS: okcu.edu/theatrebiz // 17

ATHLETICS

Abbott Garners Director of the Year

Athletic Director Jim Abbott, third from left, accepts the NAIA Directors’ Cup. Photo courtesy of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics

OCU Captures Directors’ Cup

BY RICH TORTORELLI

Oklahoma City University’s recent national championships propelled the athletics department to a first-place finish in the Learfield Directors’ Cup NAIA standings in June. The Stars took national titles last year in women’s basketball, competitive cheerleading, women’s golf, and softball.

The Directors’ Cup honors institutions maintaining a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men’s and women’s.

Each NAIA institution is awarded points in 12 men’s and women’s sports for the school year. The overall champion is the institution that records the highest number of points in the Directors’ Cup standings.

This marks the university’s first time to receive the prestigious award.

Athletics Accolades • OCU won four national crowns in one school year for the third time in school history. The Stars collected five national titles each for three consecutive years in 2011–14.

• OCU has taken at least one national title per year for 24 years dating back to 1993–94.

• The Stars finished runner-up in the Directors’ Cup standings four times in 2000–01, 2001–02, 2013–14, and 2015–16.

• OCU finished in the top 10 for the fifth consecutive year.

• The Stars tallied 982 points to finish 177 points ahead of runner-up Lindsey Wilson (Ky.), which won the 2015–16 Directors’ Cup.

Van Aswegen Nabs pga tour Spot for Fourth Straight Year Tyrone Van Aswegen (BSB ’04) clinched a spot in the 2017 PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoffs and secured his PGA TOUR card for the upcoming year.

Van Aswegen earned his PGA TOUR playing privileges for the fourth consecutive year by finishing among the top 125 players in the FedExCup standings. The top 125 gain full PGA TOUR status for the following year.

Van Aswegen tied for 28th in the Wyndham Championship on Aug. 20 at Sedgefield Country Club. In the Wyndham Championship, Van Aswegen posted a 71–66–65–69–271. With the finish, Van Aswegen moved to 112th in the FedEx Cup standings with 407 points.

18 // FOCUS Fall 2017

Tyrone Van Aswegen

Jim Abbott was named NAIA National Athletic Director of the Year for the second time for outstanding accomplishments in athletics administration and service to the NAIA. Abbott oversees Oklahoma City’s 21 intercollegiate athletic programs including more than 300 student-athletes. He will be presented with the award during the NAIA national convention in April. Abbott previously received the honor in 2008–09. He was also named Sooner Athletic Conference athletic director of the year for the second consecutive year.

OCU has won 66 national championships in all sports—44 under Abbott’s guidance in 15 years.

Abbott serves as vice chairman of the NAIA Hall of Fame selection committee and staff sponsor for the OCU Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle, and he is a member of the NACDA Executive Council, NAIA Membership Committee, Jim Thorpe Association Executive Council, and more.

Abbott has worked in athletic and higher education administration for more than 25 years, including a stint as assistant athletic director from 1991 to 1994.

Abbott earned a master's of science degree in sports administration from the University of Oklahoma and bachelor's degrees in business administration and physical education from Huntingdon (Ala.) College.

Bonhomme, Goodin Named Top Students OCU recognized Terence Bonhomme as its male student-athlete of the year, while Caroline Goodin garnered the female athlete of the year for the second consecutive year in the 2016–17 Jim Wade Awards on April 30 at the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel.

Goodin became the first Star honored as the female Jim Wade Award winner twice. OCU’s cheerleading team took acclaim as the team of character among several honorees.

Jim Wade Award winners are chosen annually

by OCU’s athletic department as those who best represent the Stars both on and off the field of competition and reflect the spirit of the award’s namesake, General Jim Wade.

ATHLETICS GOI NG NATI ONAL

Brewers Pick Delgado

Soccer coach Brian Harvey was recognized during Oklahoma City Energy FC’s home opener in April for his tireless promotion of the game throughout the state, including the youth soccer camps he has led for more than 25 years. Harvey has coached the OCU men’s and women’s teams for 32 years and has recorded the most wins of any coach in NAIA soccer history. Photo by Rod Jones

Roberto Delgado was chosen by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 28th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

The Brewers selected Delgado, a junior right-handed pitcher from Killeen, Texas, with the 834th overall pick in the draft.

Oklahoma City has produced 73 Roberto Delgado baseball players taken in the MLB Draft.

Delgado supplied the Stars a 10-2 record, 3.49 earned run average and 97 strikeouts in 80 innings pitched.

Delgado contributed to the Stars’ tie for third place in the NAIA World Series, their first World Series appearance since 2012, OCU’s 15th World Series trip overall and their first 50-win season since 2010.

OCU has sent 155 into the professional baseball ranks.

Stars Snare 10th Softball Crown Since 1994 Top-ranked Oklahoma City University secured its second consecutive national championship and 10th title in program history with a 4–1 victory over Corban (Oregon) on June 1 in Clermont, Florida, in the NAIA Softball World Series.

Georgia Wall scattered 10 hits and a walk and allowed one run, while Madison Ellis belted a home run to subdue 14th-ranked Corban.

Wall garnered tournament most valuable player for the second consecutive year. She became the third two-time World Series MVP in NAIA history.

Kali Pugh grabbed NAIA player of the year, becoming the sixth national softball player of the year from OCU. Jaci Smith became the fifth NAIA catcher of the year from Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma City (68–1) boasts national crowns won in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2007, 2016, and 2017.

The Stars racked up 68 wins to fall one win shy of equaling OCU’s 1999 team for the most wins in program and NAIA history. OCU reached the national final for the 15th time and improved its NAIA-record number of World Series victories to 124.

Phil McSpadden moved his coaching record to 1,613–367 in 30 years as Oklahoma City’s coach.

McSpadden notched his 1,600th career win with

Photo courtesy of the NAIA

a 7–1 victory over USAO on April 25 in Chickasha, Oklahoma. McSpadden leads college softball in wins among four-year schools. He became NAIA coach of the year for the 10th time, and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association awarded OCU the coaching staff of the year for the sixth time.

OCU ran its winning streak against NAIA competition to 70. The Stars’ lone loss of the season came 7–3 on April 18 at West Texas A&M, which was ranked sixth in NCAA Division II at the time. OCU started the season 47–0 and set an NAIA record with a 52-game winning streak.

PLAY BY PLAY: ocusports.com // 19

ATHLETICS

Swinging Another Victory Women’s Golf Collects Eighth NAIA Title

BY RICH TORTORELLI

OCU wrapped up its eighth NAIA women’s golf championship May 26 at the Squire Course at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The third-ranked Stars kept fourth-rated Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) at bay to win by eight shots. Oklahoma City fired a 308-312-305–925 on the par-72, 6,013-yard course.

OCU led throughout the tournament, but eighth-ranked South Carolina Beaufort briefly went ahead during the morning of the final round. USC Beaufort trailed the Stars by three strokes entering the last round.

OCU’s eight national crowns tops NAIA women’s golf as the Stars own national titles won in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013, 2014, and 2017.

Melissa Eldredge, Anna Mikish, and Savannah Moody of OCU

Golf Championships Come to Oklahoma City

BY TREVOR LININGER NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced that the 2019 and 2020 NAIA women’s golf championships will be hosted by OCU. The 25th and 26th annual championships will be played at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City May 14–17, 2019, and May 12–15, 2020.

This will be Oklahoma City and Lincoln Park’s first time hosting the NAIA women’s golf championships.

The Sooner Athletic Conference women’s golf championships will take place at Lincoln Park on April 27–29, 2018, when the event will return to the course for the first time since 2012.

20 // FOCUS Fall 2017

Photo courtesy of the NAIA

clinched all-tournament accolades by finishing among the top 15 individuals. Marty McCauley has led OCU to three national titles in seven seasons as head coach. McCauley became NAIA coach of the year for the third time.

Marathon Championship

BY DOUG WATERS OCU Sports Information

Michaela Werner of OCU’s women’s track and field team took the national marathon title in the NAIA Outdoor Championships on May 27 at Mickey Miller Blackwell Stadium in Alabama.

Werner, a junior from Grove, became a four-time NAIA track and field All-American after completing the 26.2-mile race in 3 hours, 3 minutes, and 41.60 seconds.

Werner finished more than five minutes ahead of the second-place finisher and bested her runner-up finish in the marathon in her freshman campaign. Werner followed up the Stars’ Arya Bahreini winning the NAIA men’s marathon the previous three seasons.

Michaela Werner runs for the national title in Gulf Shores, Ala. Photo by Rocky Chen

CLASS NOTES

deadCenter FILM FESTIVAL Several Oklahoma City University alumni participated in the 2017 deadCenter Film Festival.

Ashton Arnoldy (BFA Film Production ’16) presented a video art film called “Princesshood” that screened continuously at IAO Gallery.

Nathan Gardocki (BFA Film Production ’10), who owns Oklahoma’s largest film equipment rental company, NGP Productions, was the unit production manager on the feature film “The Scent of Rain & Lightning.”

The deadCenter Film Festival is led by Executive Director Lance McDaniel (MLA ’07).

Left: Fleeting Light film poster. Right: (Left to right) Julie Karr, Zachary Burns, and Mary Wilburn share a moment in the Fleeting Light photography class at NewView Oklahoma’s Oklahoma City offices.

Photo courtesy of NewView Oklahoma

Left: Gilbert documentary poster by Future You Pictures. Right: Neil Berkeley films Gilbert Gottfried. Photo by Arlene Gottfried

Jacob Burns (BFA ’10) and Zach Burns (BFB ’10) had two films in the festival: the short comedy “Let the Bodies Hit the Floor” and the documentary “Fleeting Light” (pictured above).

Neil Berkeley (BA Broadcasting ’98) presented his latest documentary feature “Gilbert,” which was honored as the Special Jury Documentary Feature. Berkeley was also a guest in a panel discussion about directing films.

Why I Run” feature. Baransy, 76, ran his 200th marathon during the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon.

Steven Kuykendall (BSB ’68), R-Calif., gave a presentation titled “What Explains the Discord in Washington and What Can Be Done to Restore Bipartisan Cooperation?” as part of the Congress to Campus program at St. Bonaventure University in Allegany, New York.

Terry Baransy (right) with alumnus Cary Pirrong at the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. Photo courtesy of Cary Pirrong

1960s

The Oklahoman included a brief about Terry Baransy (BA ’62) in its “OKC Memorial Marathon:

Jim Atha (BA ’69) took second place in photography in the Las Vegas Cultural Affairs Arts Commission’s Celebrating Life! 2017 juried fine art competition in the photography category. His photo titled “Double Identity” is on display in the Las Vegas City Hall Gallery for the remainder of the year.

Clark Lemons (BA ’69) retired this year after teaching English at Oxford College of Emory University for 35 years.

1970s Kensington Golf & Country Club in Naples, Florida, dedicated a tennis court in honor of OCU Hall of Fame member Karl Coombes (BA ’73).

The Oklahoman featured former professional bull rider Joseph C. Biscone (JD ’74), who became a lawyer after suffering an injury as a rodeo performer.

Joe Siano (BS ’76) joined BOK Financial Securities Inc. as a vice president in its public finance investment banking department. Siano was formerly the superintendent of Norman Public Schools.

James Barwick (JD ’77) was appointed to the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Franklin Keel (JD ’78), the first American Indian commissioned as a foreign service officer, was inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame.

MORE CLASS NOTES: okcu.edu/focus // 21

CLASS NOTES

National Honors for Theatre Alumni Two alumni (BFA ’17) recently won awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C. Bradley Taylor won the Barbizon Award for Excellence in Lighting Design and the O'Neill Playwrights’ and Music Theatre Conference Design Fellowship for “The Crucible” this year. Julianna Reese won the Award for Excellence in Costume Design for “The Giver” in 2016.

Bradley Taylor poses with a display of his lighting work at the festival. Photo by Jeff Cochran

Andrew K. Benton (JD ’79), Pepperdine University president, was elected chairman of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities board of directors.

1980s Florence Lyons (MPA ’80), professor of speech at Albany State University in Georgia, was named director of the university’s Honors Program.

Jim Clark (MPA ’81) retired as managing director of Lutcher Theater in Texas.

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development named Janie Simms Hipp (JD ’84), director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas School of Law, the 2017 Tim Wapato Public Advocate of the Year.

Mike Conti (MBA ’85) was named a regional sales manager of residential and commercial building services for Wilo USA, a provider of pumps and pump solutions.

Cindy Wu Williams (MLA ’86) was named Associate Faculty Member of the Year at John Wood Community College in Illinois.

Gerald Steichen (BM ’86) was the musical director for the national tour of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I.” Stephen Black (MBA ’86) was named interim dean of the University of Central Oklahoma College of Business.

Marshall Miles (MBA ’87) was named CEO of 22 // FOCUS Fall 2017

Inventronics, a Hangzhou, China, company that designs, manufactures, and markets LED driver products used in lighting.

Cary Pirrong (BS ’87, JD ’90), OCU’s director of alumni relations, was re-elected as president of the Uptown23rd District Board. He was also elected secretary of the Plaza District Board.

JoAnn Marsh Clark (BSN ’88) was featured in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare by the International Nurses Association.

Aderemi O. Akinsete-Chidi (BSB ’89) was appointed alternate director of R.T. Briscoe (Nigeria) PLC., a provider of automotive products, industrial equipment, and real estate.

1990s Jill Campbell (MBA ’90) was named Cox Enterprises’ executive vice president and will assume leadership of the human resources, enterprise security, corporate services, corporate communications, and administrative services functions in 2018.

Elizabeth Montgomery (BM '90) released an EP titled "Life in Pink." Montgomery's performances include the Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas; with the Denver Philharmonic; and singing the national anthem at an Oklahoma City Thunder game.

Christine Mueller (BM ’91, MM ’98) was named a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year. Mueller was a district teacher of the year in Moore.

Kristin Chenoweth (BM ’91, MM ’93, DHL ’13)

is starring as Skystar “My Little Pony: The Movie” coming to theaters in October.

Brig. Gen. Percy “Sonny” Hurtado II (MCJA ’92) retired after 33 years in the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

Woodward commissioner John Meinders (JD ’92) was voted into the mayoral seat.

Greg Meacham (MBA ’92) was named chief financial officer of Commuter Air Technology.

Lynda K. Russell (JD ’93) was the grand marshal for the 2017 Timpson Frontier Days Parade in Texas.

Lawyer and stand-up comedian Yale Hollander (JD ’93) participated in the pun competition Punderdome in St. Louis and was profiled in the St. Louis Jewish Light publication.

Chris Harrison (BA ’93) returned as host of the Miss America competition.

Jennifer Morrow (BS ’94) was named executive director of secondary education for the Bentonville School District in Arkansas.

Karen Munyon (MBA ’94) was appointed to the Tennessee Radiologic Imaging and Radiation Therapy board of examiners.

James P. McCune (JD ’94) has joined St. Louisbased civil defense law firm Brinker & Doyen as an associate.

Theresa Hefner-Babb (BA ’95), Lamar University librarian, was named 2017 recipient

CLASS NOTES of the Outstanding Service in Library Instruction Award from the Texas Library Association Library Instruction Roundtable.

Jeffrey Meek (BS ’95) was costume designer for “Disney’s When You Wish” production at the Civic Center Music Hall.

Lana Ross (BS ’95) was named head softball coach at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas.

James Lynn Britton (MBA ’96) was named chairman of the board of trustees at Webster University.

Sin Chi Keung (MBA ’96) was appointed chief financial officer of Major Holdings Limited.

John Hennessey (MCJA ’97) was promoted to commander of Troop A of the New Hampshire State Police.

Col. Kerry E. Norman (BS ’98) took charge of the largest Army Reserve installation and the seventh largest post in the nation, becoming Fort Hunter Liggett’s newest garrison commander in California.

Kelli O’Hara (BM ’98, DHL ’15) was cast in the second season of the hot-button Netflix show “13 Reasons Why.” Also, O’Hara will lead the inaugural honorary board for the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital in Bethany, Oklahoma.

David R. Fox (MBA ’99) was appointed COO of Baxter Regional Medical Center in Arkansas.

2000s

Erick Worrell

Former baseball player Gabby Delgado (BSB ’01) developed a program called Max Exposure USA to help young players find college scholarships.

Hiram Sasser (JD ’02) was guest speaker for a Federalist Society of Orange County event with a presentation about religious liberty for businesses.

Sasser, deputy chief counsel for First Liberty Institute, was also a guest on the

Michelle Lory

“Point of View” radio talk show.

Timothy Grant Elrod (JD ’03) is a featured attorney on the Local 8 LawCall show on WVLT in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Mark McCormick (BS ’04 Criminal Justice and JD ’07) was sworn in as a special district court judge for Oklahoma County. He was sworn in by state Supreme Court Associate Justice Patrick Wyrick (political science ’02), who was one of McCormick’s teammates on the OCU baseball team.

Missouri Congressman Jason Smith (JD ’04) gave the commencement address for the Central Methodist University graduation ceremony.

Keith Hines (BM ’07) played the role of Four Seasons band member Nick Massi in a Los Angeles production of “Jersey Boys.”

Traci Bair (BM ’08) starred as Sarah Brown in “Guys and Dolls” at the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival. Fellow alumna Suzi Bonnot (Dance Management ’08) was the stage manager.

Ashley Sword-Buster (BFA ’09) was named head coach of Life University’s women’s wrestling team.

Katie Goffman (BM ’09) is the writer, director, and a star of the web video series “Wisco Queens.”

Manna Nichols (MM ’09) was cast as Tuptim in the “The King and I” at the Orpheum in Minneapolis.

The Monthly Leaders magazine in Korea ran a profile on Oh Seo Hee (MA ’09), CEO of the Monte Milano fashion brand.

Paige Williams (BPA ’09) joined the Broadway cast of “Aladdin.”

Takesha Watson (BS ’04) was named an assistant coach of Barton Community College women’s basketball team in Kansas.

Rev. Lori Walke (JD ’09) was a guest speaker at the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History with a presentation titled “A Thirty-Something in the Pulpit.”

David Janssen’s (BM ’05) work was performed during “A World of Music,” Middlesex Community College’s spring concert series.

Deven Kolluri (BM ’09) was cast as Unknown Man in the Abingdon Theatre Company production of the New York premiere of “The Boy Who Danced on Air.”

Lauralyn McClelland (BPA ’05) was in the ensemble in the Broadway revival of “Sunset Boulevard.”

The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition named Krystle Brewer (BFA ’09) as its new executive director.

Kim Tran (JD ’06) was added to the litigation practice of the Fellers Snider law firm.

Aaron Brown (BM ’09) directed the Waco Independent School District/Waco Civic Theatre collaboration of “Hairspray” in Texas.

Richard Yoder (BPA’06) opened in Bette Midler’s “Hello Dolly” on Broadway.

2010s

Jacob (BM ’06) and Andra Conger (MA ’07), who run the Pitchfork Kitchen & Bakery food truck, were selected to operate a new café at the Myriad Gardens in Oklahoma City.

Saxum, an integrated marketing communications agency, hired Erick Worrell (BA ’07) as senior director of business development and Michelle Lory (BS ’09) as integrated project manager.

Kory Kirkland (JD ’07) was appointed district judge of Grady and Caddo counties in Oklahoma.

Desiree Dillon (BM ’10) played Winifred in the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater production of “Mary Poppins The Broadway Musical” in Fort Myers, Florida.

Michaela Hutchison (BS ’10), women’s wrestling assistant coach at McKendree University in Illinois, was inducted into the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame.

Armand McCoy (BA ‘10) was named president of Trifecta Communications.

Tram Nguyen (BS ’10) became a physician assistant for Variety Care. okcu.edu // 23

CLASS NOTES Kutner (BA ‘13) was accepted into Villanova University’s Ph.D. program in philosophy.

Kathryn Schiro (BS ’13) earned a spot on a U.S. Senior and Para World Championship rowing team.

Lucinda Lepley (DNP ’14) joined Variety Care at the Norman Pediatric Clinic as a nurse practitioner in women’s health.

Trevor Harmon (BBA ’14) was named head coach of the Redlands Community College women’s soccer team.

Elliott Mattox (BM ’14) performed in the Broadway musical “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Broadway World interviewed Kayla Renee Smith (BS ’14), who played Ernie in “Sesame Street LIVE.”

Matthew Sipress (BS ’10) directed the Pollard Theatre Company production of “The Producers.”

ANB Bank in Colorado Springs appointed Laura Schmult (MBA ’12) as senior digital officer.

Lincoln Korver (Acting 2014–16) made his national TV debut as one of the leads in an episode of the Lifetime Network series “My Crazy Ex.”

Jessi Pingel Riesenberg (BS ‘11 & MA’14) was selected as senior director of development and outreach for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.

Eric Geibel (BPA ’12) and Kelsey Geibel (BS ’13) were choreographers in the Children’s Musical Theatre production of “Annie” in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Eryn LeCroy (BM ’14) is the new Johanna in “Sweeney Todd NYC,” joining fellow alumnus and cast member Colin Anderson (’08– ’13) at the Barrow Street Theatre in August.

Darius Wright (BM ’14), a veteran of the “Matilda The Musical” national tour, made his Broadway debut in “A Bronx Tale: The Musical.”

Nicole Woody (BA ’11), a four-time Women’s College Wrestling Association all-American and former Olympic Trials qualifier, was named assistant coach of Campbellsville University in Kentucky.

Robyn Bonin (BPA ’14) made the 2017–18 Orlando Magic Dancers.

Jeremy Johnson (BSB ’11) was named senior auditor at Arledge & Associates.

Brittany Glenn (BM ’11) sang the National Anthem at the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals between the LA Galaxy and the Sacramento Republic FC.

The Spokane String Quartet in Washington performed music composed by Katie Barrick (BM ’15) for its season finale in May. Barrick composed the energetic “Caffeine Smile” at the Chickasaw Nation Young Composers Recording Project.

Nursing professor Vanessa Wright (BSN '11, MSN '13) made the news for her heroics in saving the life of an automobile accident victim.

Russell McCook (BM ’15) played Henrik in “A Little Night Music” at Theatre Three in Dallas.

Savannah M. Owen (BS ’12) was named director of health and physical education for the Oklahoma State Department of Education.

Seth Sloan (JD ’15) joined the Dallas office of Kane Russell Coleman Logan as associate attorney of the firm’s litigation practice group.

Carissa Terry (Religion ’12) played a prominent role in Oklahoma’s Office of Management and Enterprise Services case study in the new book “One Mission: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams,” a guide to help organizations improve their management.

24 // FOCUS Fall 2017

Marlen Nahhas (BM ’12) became a resident artist for Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

Molly Rushing (BM ’12) performed in “Anastasia” at the Broadhurst Theatre on Broadway.

Political science/philosophy alumna Danielle

Kyle Wardwell (BS ’15) was awarded the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in South Korea.

Matt Redmond (BFA ’16) directed the “54 Sings 1776” Independence Day musical in New York.

IN MEMORY John Wesley Hardt JULY 14, 1 921 –J U N E 1 8, 20 17

Bishop John Wesley Hardt John Wesley was born in San Antonio, Texas, to the Rev. Wesley and Ida Wilson Hardt.

He died in Dallas.

Hardt was an Oklahoma City University trustee and bishop of the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church in the 1980s.

John Wesley Hardt His father was a preacher in the Texas Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, so he spent his boyhood in a succession of East Texas towns. He graduated from Arp High School and received an Associate of Arts from Lon Morris College in Jacksonville, Texas. At Southern Methodist University in Dallas, he received a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Divinity. He also studied in the graduate schools of Vanderbilt University and Union Theological Seminary. In 1965, Southwestern University awarded him the Doctor of Divinity degree.

Hardt served churches in the Texas Conference of the Methodist Church while still a student. His first appointment was to the Dekalb Circuit, which consisted of five churches in Bowie County. Next, he was appointed to the Alba Circuit in Wood County. His father died in April 1943 while serving Malakoff. Even though Wesley was a 21-year-old student, he was appointed to take his father’s place.

In September 1943, Wesley married Martha Carson of Malakoff, whom he had known since their days at Lon Morris. John Wesley was then appointed to Pleasant Retreat in Tyler, First Methodist Atlanta, First Methodist Marshall, and First Methodist Beaumont. In each of those appointments, he conducted building programs in addition to his pastoral duties. In 1977, he left the local church to become district superintendent the Houston East District. From that post in 1980, he was elected bishop of the United Methodist Church. He was assigned to the Oklahoma Area and provided episcopal leadership for the Oklahoma Conference and the Oklahoma Indian Mission Conference. In 1988, he became Bishop-in-Residence at Perkins School of Theology at SMU. He taught courses in Methodist polity, mentored students, served on committees, and provided counsel for the entire SMU

Ali M. Alli NOV. 7, 1 93 6–M AY 21, 2 0 17

Dr. Ali M. Alli was born and raised with his two brothers and three sisters in Alexandria, Egypt. He retired as an economics professor in the Meinders School of Business and was named emeritus in 2009.

Alli received his mechanical engineering degree Ali M. Alli from the University of Alexandria. Having been awarded one of only two graduate scholarships given to the top engineering students in all of Egypt, he came to the United States in 1963 and received his master’s and doctorate in industrial engineering at Oklahoma State University.

He had a passion for teaching and scientific research, authoring research

Above: Bishop Robert Hayes (left) and Bishop John Wesley Hardt at the 2014 Council of Bishops session in Oklahoma City. Photo by Holly McCray Left: Photo provided by Southern Methodist University

community. In 2000, he assumed emeritus status but retained an office in Bridwell Library so he could continue to play an active role in the Perkins School of Theology.

Wesley served on many committees and boards of the church at the conference, jurisdictional, and denominational levels. He attended every session of the South Central Jurisdictional Conference from 1956 to 2012. He was a delegate the General Conferences from 1960 to his election in 1980. He also attended sessions of the World Methodist Conference in locations as diverse as Nairobi and Brighton. He was devoted to the missions of the church and became especially involved in the work of the church in Indonesia and Zimbabwe.

In his retirement, he became a writer. His works include a history of Lakeview Methodist Conference Center, Marvin UMC in Tyler, and (with William C. Hardt) the Historical Atlas of Texas Methodism.

papers and contributing to textbooks, and he was involved in engineering research at NASA and Texas Instruments. He was a full professor at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas; University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; and Oklahoma City University. In his career, he taught more than 12,000 students in five different countries.

While at Oklahoma State, he met and married Nermine Zuhdi. Together they had three children: Susie, Deena, and Adam. His grandchildren are Caden, Ryan, Dean, Annalise, and Elaina. Alli was devoted to his family and had unwavering patience, deep generosity, and gentle kindness.

Donations may be made in Alli’s name to the MBA Endowed Scholarship at OCU. Checks may be mailed to the OCU Office of Advancement, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73106, with the memo Alli Endowment, or donations may be made online at okcu.edu/give under “Online Giving” or by calling (405) 208-5435.

HONOR ALLI: okcu.edu/give // 25

IN MEMORY Cecil Pirrong

Frank Bruno Jr.

SEPT. 16 , 1 928–J U LY 28, 2 0 17

NOV. 5, 1924–APRIL 24, 2017

Cecil Pirrong was born on September 16, 1928, to Clarence Jr. and Olivia Pirrong in Harrah, Oklahoma. He graduated from Classen High School in 1947 and Oklahoma City University in 1950 with a degree in mathematics. He served on the OCU alumni board including a term as president of the Alumni Association.

During a 35-year career at the Oklahoma State Department of Health, he served as Cecil Pirrong personnel director and chief of central services, retiring in 1987. After being retired for a month, Pirrong turned a lifelong hobby into a second career, opening Pirrong Autos.

He loved buying and selling classic cars and cars in general. He was a regular fixture at the Dealers Auto Auction in Oklahoma City, as well as the James Leake Auctions.

Pirrong loved OCU and was a lifelong Chiefs/Stars fan, rarely missing a home basketball game over the past 70 years. The only thing he enjoyed more than cheering for OCU was cheering for his grandchildren.

He grew up in the Oklahoma City First Church of the Nazarene and joined St. Luke’s United Methodist Church later in life, reuniting with friends and classmates from Classen and OCU. In lieu of flowers, it was Pirrong’s wish that donations be made to Oklahoma City University.

Frank Bruno Jr. was born in Archer City, Texas.

Oklahoma City University named him a Distinguished Alumnus in 2010. He played Frank Bruno football at OCU where he was known as “Golden Toe” and was inducted into the OCU Sports Hall of Fame.

While playing football at OCU, he met a cheerleader named Xochitl, and they married June 6, 1948, in the original St. Luke’s Methodist Church.

From his early days, he worked at the family grocery store alongside his mother, Sylva Lois Minton Bruno, and older brother James. After graduating from Central High School, Bruno entered the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He received an honorable discharge and returned to Oklahoma City to attend OCU. Frank and Xochitl Bruno were constant fixtures at St Luke’s, working with the church’s youth group, mission trips, annual UMC conferences, and church leadership. They helped found St. Luke’s Wedding Ring class for newlyweds.

Frank Bruno was best known in the community as the owner of Bruno’s Home Furnishings. The store was open for more than 50 years and served as an ad hoc meeting place for his fellow Central High School classmates.

John E. Shaw Sr. SEPT. 4, 1 925–SE PT. 24 , 2 0 16

John E. Shaw Sr., 91, of Maryville, Missouri, received his Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma City University in 1963. He attended night and Saturday classes for seven years, graduating magnum cum laude with a degree in mathematics and one course short of a degree in physics.

Shaw was born Sept. 4, 1925, to John C. and Marie Shaw in Parnell, Nebraska. He was an Army Air Force veteran of WWII. Shaw met his wife, Joan, at a New Year’s John Shaw Eve party in Omaha, Nebraska, and they were married on May 5, 1947.

Shaw worked for the Federal Aviation Administration and lived in many areas of the United States, retiring to Overland Park, Kansas, in 1985. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and Toastmasters.

Our Condolences 1930s Beth Manire-Short (’39) 1940s Alvin R. Cobb (’47) H. Dale Jordan (’48) 1950s Frank Bruno (’50) Cecil M. Pirrong (’50) Melvin L. Lee (’52) Leamon Freeman (’54 and ’64) Donald C. Herrmann (’54)

26 // FOCUS Fall 2017

Gene W. Collins (’55) Irl J. Trout (’55) William C. Page (’56) Conrad A. Keil (’57) Eule G. Gibson (’59) Dan Stephenson (’59) 1960s Charley W. Barton (’62) Frances L. Zisman (’62) Donald R. Hopkins (’63) Philip J. Smith (’63) Ira L. Gillilan (’64) Betty C. Horn (’67) Albert W. Malone (’67)

Rhonda L. White (’69 and ’74) 1970s Richard M. Howard (’71) Bill D. McCarthy (’72) William W. Choate (’73) Robert D. Winslow (’73) Franklin J. Kivel (’74) David R. Rogers (’74 and ’77) Herbert A. Johnson (’77) Hugh A. Manning (’77 and ’81) 1980s Robert J. Campbell (’80)

Mark T. Koss (’80) Harry B. Grindstaff (’82) Jim O. Grace (’83) Charles J. Migliorino (’84) 1990s Rodney E. Mulcahy (’97) Melissa S. Burget (’99) 2000s Charles F. Severns (’00) Heidi K. Sims (’00) Daniel L. Forman (’02) William J. Jarvis (’03)

HONOR ROLL of DONORS

CATEGORY

Tradition Lives at Oklahoma City University Since the founding of our university in 1904, this enterprise of United Methodist higher education has been sustained by donors who realize they are investing in the future by supporting our students.

Oklahoma City University is privileged to recognize our donors for the 2016-17 year, and we invite you to join us in honoring them for their generous support of the university. These individuals and organizations are as diverse as the student population they support with their contributions, yet they have a common goal of sustaining a mission which has resulted in thousands of exceptionally equipped servant-leaders for our community and our world.

Our staff has worked carefully to ensure that this list of donors who have made cash gifts of $1,000 or more between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, 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.

COMPLETE LISTING For a comprehensive list of our overall 2016-17 Honor Roll of Donors, please visit okcu.edu/focus.

s Member in memorium

27 // FOCUS Fall 2017

«

OCU employee

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

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 Alspaughs Gerald and Jane Jayroe Gamble Wanda L. Basss Martha Burger Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Inc.

Jeroldine Zacharitz Clarks Communities Foundation of Oklahoma Marvin and Ena Dawsons Devon Energy Corporation E.L.and Thelma Gaylord Foundation Jose Freede Gerald Gamble and Jane Jayroe Gamble Harris Foundation, Inc. Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, Inc. Inasmuch Foundation Ronnie and Shahnaaz Irani Clara E. Joness Kerr-McGee Corporation, Inc. Ann Lacy Kurt and Cathy Leichter Larry and Susan Lemon

Martha J. Lemon Tan Sri Dr Lim Wee Chai Lou C. Kerr/The Kerr Foundation, Inc. Tom and Judy Love McLaughlin Family Charitable Fund Charles E. Mehrs Herman and LaDonna Meinders Marjorie J. Noricks Ron and Kandy Norick Norick Investments, Inc. OGE Energy Corp. Foundation, Inc. Oklahoma City Community Foundation Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education

Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation F.M. Petrees Margaret E. Petrees Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation Robert & Ruby Priddy Charitable Trust Mary Clary Sargents Sarkeys Foundation Dick Sias Jeanne Hoffman Smith The Chickasaw Nation The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc. The Meinders Foundation The Robert A. Parman Foundation The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Pete Wert and Lynette Lemon Wert Vivian Wimberlys

Emmanuel and Irene Edem Ellen Jayne Wheeler Rev. Trust Paul and Debbie Fleming Jose Freede Freede Family Foundation Meg Glime Kenneth and Janet Goodin Goodin Family Foundation Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Company Mo and Jacque Grotjohn Nicholas and Susan Harroz Hartzog, Conger, Cason & Neville, LLP Robert and Shannon Haupt Haupt Law, PC Brian and Tamera Hays Robert Henry and Jan Ralls Henry« Jeanne Hoffman Smith Gary and Sue Homsey

Integris Health, Inc. Dennis and Cheree Jeter Randy and Connie Jones Steven and Carrie Katigan Mark and Gayla Kelly Michael and Candace Kiehn Kurt and Cathy Leichter Darren Lister and Jenee Naifeh Lister Tom and Judy Love Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc. Claudine Schwetke Loyd Marjorie Norick Gift Fund McAfee & Taft, PC Glynn and Sandy McCauley Tom and Brenda McDaniel« David and Jean McLaughlin Bill Mee Robert and LaDonna Meinders

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, 2016 and June 30, 2017.

Distinguished Stars Benefactors

Stars Benefactors

$100,000 & ABOVE

Ad Astra Foundation Steve Agee« Ola Nawar and Ahmed Amayem American Fidelity Foundation Sue Ann Arnall Arnall Family Foundation BancFirst Clay and Louise Bennett Dennis and Chris Box« Broadhurst Foundation Phil and Cathy Busey Stan and Cindy Carter Carter Healthcare Challenge Funds Cheng & Co Foundation Clyde R. Evans Charitable Trust Cole Family Charitable Foundation Emogene Collins« Communities Foundation of Oklahoma Joe and Valerie Couch« Betty Crews Crowe & Dunlevy Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC Dexter Johnson Educational and Benevolent Trust Don E. Copelin Trust

Louise L. Bass Martha Burger Chesapeake Energy Corporation, Inc. E.L. and Thelma Gaylord Foundation Jalal Farzaneh Mohammad Farzaneh Gerald Gamble and Jane Jayroe Gamble Home Creations, New Home Builder Inasmuch Foundation Karl F. and June S. Martin Family Foundation Herman and LaDonna Meinders Ron and Kandy Norick Oklahoma City Community Foundation Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church Ray and Pat Potts Edward Schauls Estate of Glenn H. Slaughter Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum TG Medical USA Inc. The Chickasaw Nation Wanda L. Bass Foundation, Inc.

28 // FOCUS Fall 2017

$10,000-$99,999

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Midtown HC, LLC Nancy W. Moore Eugene and Jean Morrison Brad and Valerie Naifeh Gregory Naifeh Jeaneen Naifeh Stan and Bonnie Naifeh Naifeh Realty Company, Inc. Ron and Kandy Norick Norick Investments, Inc. John and Cecelia Norman Oklahoma Bar Foundation, Inc. Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation Orthopedic Associates, Inc. Rachel and Reji Pappy Pearl M. & Julia J. Harmon Foundation Premier Assets, Inc. Jeffry and Julie Puryear Tom Quinn Gene Rainbolt Ron Raines and Dona Vaughn Richard P. and Norma T. Small Foundation Robert Glenn Rapp Foundation John and Ruth Ruhl John and Lois Salmeron« Sarkeys Foundation Domer Scaramucci James Schmidt Schwab Charitable Fund Bill and Pam Shdeed Dick Sias Simmons Charitable Foundation Nikki Singer« Richard and Norma Small Marvona and Michael Tavlin The Ayco Charitable Foundation The Meinders Foundation The Robert A. Parman Foundation

Cullen and Bonnie Thomas Trust Company of Oklahoma Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program WCM Investment Company Drew and Lizette Williamson

President’s Partners is Oklahoma City University’s annual giving recognition society showcasing the generosity of those who contribute $1,000 or more during the year. Such loyal donors, whether they make unrestricted gifts or gifts designated toward their areas of interest, inspire others to make a difference for the university at a leadership giving level each year.

Gold $5,000-$9,999 7-Eleven Stores Robert and Nancy Anthony Atrium Finance II, LP - Oklahoma City Bank SNB Terry Baransy Ronald and Deborah Barnes Andrew and Debby Benton Brent and Wendy Beson Bob Mills Furniture Craig Boelte Brent A. Beson, M.D., P.C. Dan and Janis Burdett Jack Bush Steven and Dawn Camp

Central Liquor Company Sandy S. Chang, Esq. and Fonda B. Wu William and Mary Ann Corum Bill and Mary Ann Corum Robert and Mary Crain Crossroads District of the OK Annual Conference UMC Betsy F. Daugherty Pete and Karen Delaney Devon Energy Corporation Ann W. Doolittle Paul and Ann Doolittle El Dorado Corporation Robert and Nancy Ellis Enos and Hans Attorneys PLLC Nathan Enos Matthew and Jill Epperson Robert and Melinda Fitzgerald William Scott Gallagher General Board of Higher Education & Ministry of the UMC Michael Gibson Steve and Carol Goetzinger Irene Ham Eric and Kami Huddleston James and Phyllis Jackson Niles Jackson and Barbara Thornton Jexal Foundation, Inc. Lou C. Kerr/The Kerr Foundation, Inc. Stanley and Lois Kruschwitz Eric Laity Mary and Bill Layton Dan Burdett and Janis Love Melinda M. Maas Paul Matthews Eddie McCann Tim and Liz McLaughlin Bud and Marilyn Meade Bob and Margaret Mills Nancy Harlene Marley Trust Dolores Neustadt Keri Coleman Norris and Ty Norris Pat and Laura O’Hara Richard and Gayle Parry Peter and Karen Delaney Family Foundation Phillips Murrah, PC Pierce, Couch, Hendrickson, Baysinger & Green, L.L.P. George and Mary Ellen Randall George and Nancy Records Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc. Robert Reynolds Paul and Kim Sanders Sawyer Marglous Foundation William and Janey Scott Chris and Jeanie Sholer« Charles and Rayvon Smith Shelby Smith Tyrone and Cristin Van Aswegen Wal-Dot Foundation Wesley Foundation Board of Directors Larry and Ashlie Wilhelm« Hub Worrell

Silver $2,500-$4,999 Ackerman McQueen Phil and Jo Albert Ascent Resources Operating, LLC T. Brian and Julia Bakeman Brian and Julia Bakeman Jerry Bass Sherry and Lee Beasley Lee and Sherry Beasley Donald and Paula Beck Rod and Peggy Campbell George and Karla Cohlmia Barbara Cooper Cox Communications Joe and Sherry Crosthwait Mark and Jackie Darrah Dennis and Nancy Dougherty Dougherty Family Charitable Trust Fund of Triangle Community Foundation Marj Downing« Steve Eckroat Eide Bailly LLP Robert Z. Naifeh Fellers Snider Law Firm Hoby Ferrell Christopher and Jacqueline Fiegel Frank S. and Julia M. Ladner Family Foundation, Inc. Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP George W. and Louise W. Brown Memorial Trust Gilbert and Alena Gibson Jack Golsen Don and Shellie Greiner Brad Gungoll Carol M. Hansen James and Jean Hartsuck Rick Heine Heritage Trust Company Elizabeth Horton-Ware« Matt Houston Karen Howick Craig Stinson and Krista Jones Tom Ladner Art and Betsy LeFrancois« Harrison and Elaine Levy Luxe Construction Management, Inc. Patricia McGarrity and Leroy Ball Robin and Shawn Meyers« George Milner Robert Z. Naifehs Robert and Carol Naifeh Bob and Carol Naifeh Marty and Deborah O’Gwynn« Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum Oklahoma Independent Colleges and Universities, Inc. ONEOK, Inc. Ted and Frances Oney

okcu.edu/give // 29

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Slaughter Family Establishes Scholarship

BY KIM MIZAR

A new endowment fund has been established by the Slaughter family to create scholarship awards for students in the Meinders School of Business Kent Slaughter, 1960 Mark Slaughter, 1968 at Oklahoma City University.

The gift will provide annual recognition and financial assistance to a deserving student or students who do not meet the minimum requirements for academic, departmental or athletic scholarships.

The late Glenn Hoyt Slaughter established the endowment along with his son Mark Slaughter (BS ’68) in honor of his brother Kent Hoyt Slaughter.

“Dad had a fondness for this place and wanted to provide support to young people, he thought it would be nice to help others along,” said Mark.

The Kent Hoyt Slaughter Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established as a gift from the Glenn Hoyt Slaughter Trust in the amount of $373,361.82. The Slaughter family hopes this gift serves as a legacy to Kent and a way to assist students interested in pursuing a business degree.

“Dad was a simple guy who loved his family, valued higher education, and had a great work ethic,” said Mark.

Harish and Kokila Patel James Peterson Petroleum Club Progrexion Teleservices, Inc. Puterbaugh Foundation David and Kim Rainbolt Ralph A. Sallusti, PC Casey R. Ross« Ralph and Sandy Sallusti Mary Clary Sargents Stanford and Carol Sewell Tony and Phyllis Shelby Trent Smith Scott Tallent Triangle Community Foundation, Inc. Alan Trumbly Deb Tussey« 30 // FOCUS Fall 2017

Leslie and Donna Vaughn Wal-Mart Mary Westman John Michael and Kathy Williams Paul and Linda Woody

Bronze $1,000-$2,499 Abadan Properties LLC David and Kathie Aelvoet Jerome and Judy Altshuler« American Fidelity Assurance Company American Self Storage Andrew Gin, M.D., PLLC Charles Ashley and Nancy Coats-Ashley LuAnn Atkins

The Slaughter family visits OCU. Photo by Josh Robinson

LEGACY GIVING To learn more about this endowment or how to set up a legacy gift, please contact Judy Reyes-Henderson at (405) 208-5435 or jareyeshenderson@okcu.edu.

Mark Slaughter said his family wanted to build on the opportunities available to students at OCU’s Meinders School of Business while highlighting the importance of giving back to the community.

“This wonderful gift by the Slaughter family will provide material resources for our students who will become the future business leaders in our community,” said Steve Agee, dean of the Meinders School of Business.

Angela E. Bachman Henry and Pamela Lefler Backes Chris Baker Ballard Miller Foundation Bank of Oklahoma Susan Barber and David Nagle« Barbri Thomas and Kellye Bates Tom and Kellye Bates David and Laura Beal Dick and Leah Beale Mark and Teena Belcik« Richard Bell Mary Benner« Burl and Heidi Berry Norwood Beveridge« Paul and Colleen Bicket

Mike and Rita Blaser James and Dianna Bonfiglio Charlie and Cassie Bowen Bobby and Alejandra Boyanton Bobby Boyanton and Alejandra Boyanton-Cano John and Donna Brogan Robert and Karen Browne Kent and Lauri Buchanan« Doug and Rhonda Buckles Bob and Barbara Bunce Bob and Chimene Burke Bob Burns Linda Byford Carol Byrd Cameron University CJ Campbell«

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS Don Capras Pat Capra Steven and Taolo Cargill Benjamin and Eno Chang« Larry Chapin Charles and Cassandra Bowen Charitable Foundation Kristin D. Chenoweth Cimarron Construction Clements Foods Company Donald and Karen Clewell Lawrence and Chris Cobb« Commerce Bank Conklin Family Foundation Thomas Conklin Jim and Cathy Couch Cox Communications, Inc.-Tulsa Duane and Frieda Crabaugh Brian Craven Von Creel« John and Cindy Crittenden Brad and Patricia Curtis A. Brad and Patricia Curtis Paula J. Dalley« David and Nancy Darrah Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison Adam de la Garza Kyle Dean« Thomas and Rita Dearmon Al and Rita Dearmon Michael Decker Patricia R. Demps Paul Derby Luke and Meredith Dick DIVA Worldwide Entertainment, Inc. Mike and Juliet Dixon Robert Doenges Frederick Drummond Walt and Ann-Clore Duncan Eckram Development LLC Steve Eldridge Richard and Carla Ellis Enable Midstream Partners Barbara L. Eskridge Esther Women Brad and Celine Ferguson Joe and Marti Ferretti Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund First Liberty Bank First National Bank of Oklahoma Denise Flis« Timothy Foley Clyde Foster Foundation Management, Inc. Bert and Peggy Francis Gay A. Freeman Gaillardia Country Club Garfield County Bar Association Daniela Gencheva Gerald L. Gamble Company, Inc. Robert and Rebecca German Robert Gilliland and Ann Felton Gilliland Robert and Ann Felton Gilliland

Mary Gilmore Caffrey Andrew Gin« Harry Goldman and Jettie Person Vicki Gourley Nate and Linda Grantham R. Nathan Grantham Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce Greg McCracken & Associates Barry and Renee Grissom Rochelle Guinn Kirk and Julie Hall Homer and Treva Hancock Jane Harlow Alvin and Beverly Harrell« Kim and Suzette Hatfield Robert and Deliliah Hayes Danny and Dana Heatly John and Melvena Heisch« Lawrence and Gay Hellman Larry and Gay Hellman« Heritage Hall Frank and Bette Jo Hill Dan and Sarah Hogan Glede and Teresa Holman« Joe and Patsy Homsey Ronald Hope Houston Financial Ronald Howland John and Janet Hudson Hunzicker Brothers IBM International Foundation Darrin and Alisa Ingram Investrust Anne Jacobs Verej Jazirvar and Sandy Grace Barry Johnson and Melissa Smith-Johnson« Bill and Ann Johnstone Laurie L. Jones« Tom Jones and Leslie Tregillus Yvonne Kauger Richard B. Kellss Michael and Sandra Kirk William and Melinda Knoche John and Jere Knox Ted Kruschke Donald and Eleana Kyle Linda Petree Lambert Greg and Erin Larson LASSO Corporation Cindy Lee Duke and Linda Ligon Dan Little Greg and Lisa Love« Donald and Barbara MacPherson Chetan Mangalwedhe Robert and Marty Margo Mary P. Tate Westman, PLLC Max Masters McCoy Dental Lab Gregory and Kathlene McCracken Kathy and Gregory McCracken Lew and Jennifer McGinnis

McIntyre Law Debbie McKinney Larry and Rozia Foster McLaughlin Family Charitable Fund Shawn and Gina McManigell« Burrel and JoAnn McNaught Dan McNeill« Kelly McNeill Phil McSpadden« MGS, LLC Sandy Milbourn Wesley and Sandy Milbourn Joel and Nikki Miliband Karen Miller and John Ballard Robert Mitchell Sassan Moghadam Kenneth Nash Malisa Nell Mike and Anne O’Shea« OG&E Energy Corp.

OK Shippers Inc. Oklahoma Attorneys Mutual Insurance Company Oklahoma City All Sports Association Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau Oklahoma County Bar Foundation Oklahoma Employees Credit Union Charles Oppenheim Laurel Ornish Frieda Outlaw Clay and Katelyn Parks Homer Paul Greg and Janet Peery Jerry and Charlette Perryman Mr. Corey Phillips James Pickel Pinnacle Design Group, LLC Pioneer Trucking, LLC David Pitzer Pitzer’s Lawn Management, Inc. Dick Poole Paul and Bridget Poputa-Clean Precision Builders, LLC Lew and Jennifer Price George Proctor and Nancy Dumoff Prosperity Bank Roshan Pujari Catherine Quinlan RAE Corporation Younes Rahmanzadeh Steven and Julie Raney Steve and Julie Raney Robert and Denise Remondino Remondino Family Foundation TR Linda Reynolds Mike and Carol Rhodes Michael and Carol Rhodes Richard Bell, Attorney, P.C. Douglas and Kelli Riddle John and Jessica Riesenberg« Jim Robinson John Robinson

Pat and Marianne Rooney RSM US LLP Ruth Ruhl, P.C. Bud Sahmaunt« Wayne Salisbury Gary and Carol Sander Shelley Sanders Hiram and Robbie Sasser Rosie Sauceda Saxum Strategic Communications, LLC Eddie and Rochelle Schafer Andy and Jennifer Schroeder Bonnie Seideman George and Margaret Selby Gary and Anne Shaner Stephanie Shanor Dave and Teresa Shiels Max and Gena Showalter Mallory Simpson Smith & Pickel Construction, Inc. Robert and Sharon Smith Darrell and Margaret Smokewood Bob and Pam Spinks« Andrew and Ellen Spiropoulos« Brian and Adria Sprigler Irwin and Kelley Steinhorn Rebecca Stough, M.D. Peter and Frances Swenson Victoria K. Swinney« Clayton and Marnie Taylor The Economic Club of Oklahoma The Professional Basketball Club, LLC David Thompson David and Harriett Thompson Jim and Beth Tolbert James and Elizabeth Tolbert George and Shirley Huber-Smith Trotter Linda Tucker Elaine R. Turner Tyler Broadcasting Corporation UMB Bank, NA Valliance Bank Maggie Vallion Barrett Jim Vallion Jerry and Melinda Vannatta Randi Von Ellefson« C. Eugene Walker Joseph and Cynthia Walkowski Gregory and Traci Walton Gary and Gloria White Chuck and Renate Wiggin Williams Box Forshee & Bullard, PC John Michael and Kathy Williams Russell Williams Gregory and Debra Wilson Joseph Wishnuck Mark and Gale Wood Nick Wu John M. Yoeckel Lawrence and Sheryl Young Zion Services LLC

okcu.edu/give // 31

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS Silver $2,500-$4,999 Phil and Jo Albert Terry Baransy Christopher and Jacqueline Fiegel Craig Stinson and Krista Jones Harrison and Elaine Levy Tony and Phyllis Shelby Marvona and Michael Tavlin Drew and Lizette Williamson Paul and Linda Woody

Bronze $1,000-$2,499

“Nebula,” the interstellar clouds where stars are often formed, is an appropriate description of this generous group of donors whose investment in OCU is essential to creating stars from each generation of OCU students. Nebula Society donors make unrestricted gifts of $1,000 or more annually, providing flexible resources to meet unexpected challenges or take advantage of exciting opportunities.

Gold $5,000+ Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Company Robert Henry and Jan Ralls Henry« Nancy Harlene Marley Trust Oklahoma City Community Foundation Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation Jeffry and Julie Puryear Robert Henry and Jan Ralls Henry George and Nancy Records Records-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc. Richard P. and Norma T. Small Foundation James Schmidt Schwab Charitable Fund Richard and Norma Small

32 // FOCUS Fall 2017

Charles Ashley and Nancy Coats-Ashley Angela E. Bachman Ballard Miller Foundation Clayton and Louise Bennett James and Dianna Bonfiglio Kent and Lauri Buchanan« Bob and Barbara Bunce Bob and Chimene Burke Don Capras Pat Capra Brad and Patricia Curtis A. Brad and Patricia Curtis Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison Adam de la Garza Kyle Dean« Paul Derby Frederick Drummond Richard and Carla Ellis Joe and Marti Ferretti First National Bank of Oklahoma Nate and Linda Grantham R. Nathan Grantham Greg McCracken & Associates Jane Harlow Kim and Suzette Hatfield Robert and Deliliah Hayes IBM International Foundation Niles Jackson and Barbara Thornton Yvonne Kauger Michael and Sandra Kirk Dan Little Greg and Lisa Love« Chetan Mangalwedhe Gregory and Kathlene McCracken Kathy and Gregory McCracken Burrel and JoAnn McNaught Dan McNeill« Karen Miller and John Ballard Homer Paul Mr. Corey Phillips Paul and Bridget Poputa-Clean David and Kim Rainbolt Ralph A. Sallusti, PC George and Mary Ellen Randall Steven and Julie Raney Steve and Julie Raney

Robert and Denise Remondino Remondino Family Foundation TR John Robinson Pat and Marianne Rooney Ralph and Sandy Sallusti Gary and Carol Sander George and Margaret Selby Gary and Anne Shaner Stephanie Shanor Brian and Adria Sprigler Peter and Frances Swenson Clayton and Marnie Taylor R. Cullen and Bonnie Thomas Cullen and Bonnie Thomas Jim and Beth Tolbert James and Elizabeth Tolbert Chuck and Renate Wiggin John Michael and Kathy Williams John M. Yoeckel

The Gold Star Society recognizes donors who provide support for OCU through deferred or estate gifts. Such legacy gifts can touch OCU 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 Rhodly and Betty Alden Jerome and Judy Altshuler« Joe Atkins Frank Atwater Susan Barber and David Nagle« Kay Bass Tom Beadles Kay Bradley Bob and Chimene Burke John and Bettie Carey Carl and Donna Cartwright Danny and Carol Cochran George Craig« Allen Sheldon and Lisa Crone-Sheldon Joe and Sherry Crosthwait Michael Decker Patricia J. Downing Larry Eberhardt« Phyllis Edson Orville Edwards Ronald and Pat Eitzen Randy and Faith Everest Sharon G. Fore Robert Fry Nick and Sue Gales Mary Grisso

Larry and Jeannette Haag Allen Harris Richard Hastings Patricia Hatamyar« Robert Henry and Jan Ralls Henry« Joe Higginbotham James and Joan Hirnisey Gary and Sue Homsey William and Karen Howard Ron Jacob Dixie Jensen Fred and Patricia Johnson Nancy Kenderdine« Jim and Mary Kutch Ann Lacy Timothy and Linda Larason Ruth G. Leebron Kurt and Cathy Leichter Claudine Schwetke Loyd Andrea L. MacMullin Donald and Barbara MacPherson Samuel Marrs Christopher Mauldin and Suzanne Tate Gene and Mariann McCornack Richard and Louise McDivitt John and Kathryn McInnis Burrel and JoAnn McNaught Herman and LaDonna Meinders Patrick K. Miles Glenn and Mary Millard Glen and Yvonne Miller Maudie Miller and Mike Hicks Bonnie L. Miller Margaret L. Moedt Paul and Jeanie Moore Jim and Debbie Musick« Sharon K. O’Roke Mark Parker« Ray and Pat Potts Casey R. Ross« Dennis Rubenstein Otis Schoonover Stuart and Pamela Schroeder Hugh and Shirley Scott Robert and Cheryl Seguine Bill and Pam Shdeed Shelby Smith Wayne Stone Marvona and Michael Tavlin Kevin Tully Clarence and Patricia Tully Robert Van House Jerry and Melinda Vannatta George Vickrey Jim Wade Ginny Walker Charles Wisler Lisa Wolfe and Fred Mischler« Betty L. Wooden Hub Worrell Carl and Beverly Ann Young

CALENDAR

FA L L

EVE NTS

2017

COOKIES WITH SANTA 4: 3 0 –7: 3 0 P.M . D EC . 9 Wanda L. Bass Music Center Atrium

Celebrate the season with Santa and cookies before the opening performance of “Home for the Holidays.”

Children are invited to decorate cookies. Expect special surprises during the evening. Children of all ages will receive a special OCU gift. Don’t forget your camera for pictures with Santa.

Set Your Sights on the Alma Mater Alumni Weekend AP R I L 20 –22, 20 1 8

Alumni Weekend will bring the entire Oklahoma City University community together on campus.

Don’t miss out—relive old times and make new memories with classmates, family, and friends.

For more information visit okcu.edu/aw18.

30 Under 30 DE ADLIN E : DEC . 3 1

The OCU Alumni Association’s second annual 30 Under 30 Award will recognize the outstanding accomplishments of young alumni. Each recipient must show exceptional achievement and significant contributions to his or her profession, community/society, or the university. The recipient must exemplify outstanding professional and personal development through traditional channels or innovative approaches. Please submit nominations to Alumni Relations at alumni@okcu.edu or (405) 208-5463 by Dec. 31, 2017. The winners will be recognized during Alumni Weekend in April.

AIDS Memorial Quilt Project In honor of the 30th anniversary of the inaugural AIDS Memorial Quilt, Oklahoma City University invites members of the campus community, alumni, and surrounding communities to help create a new quilt to serve as a memorial to those close to us that have died of AIDS. OCU’s quilt is unique in that the panels are square graphic files submitted in digital formats, such as JEPG, PDF, or TIF formats. The panels will be assembled by the OCU graphic design program and exhibited on the university’s website and social media.

A special event will be held on campus Dec. 1 to commemorate World AIDS Day. For more information, visit okcu.edu, or contact Russ Tallchief at trtallchief@okcu.edu.

FEATURED EVENTS: okcu.edu/events // 33

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

2501 N. Blackwelder Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73106

HELP

PERMIT #2164 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

for Dedicated Students

The Schoonover Legacy Otis Schoonover knows from experience what it's like to work full time while holding a full-time college course schedule. Five days a week with class in the morning, no lunch break, work until nearly bedtime, and even some weekend mornings. The rest of the weekend slumped over books, doing homework, or preparing for the upcoming test. With a schedule that tight, every minute of every day matters. That's the main reason Schoonover transferred to OCU from the University of Oklahoma in Norman: “It was a much shorter commute. I would go to class at 7:15 in the morning and went to work at 12:30 every day. ” Through a Revocable Trust, Otis wanted to set up a scholarship to honor his late wife, Billie, and direct the funds to future students who show a similar dedication to their studies but have a hard time affording college.

“I found the process of setting up a planned gift with OCU to be easy,” he says, “and if I can pay back for someone who has a strong desire for a degree, if they have that dedication but lack the funds, maybe this will be enough to get them over the edge.”

To learn more about how to give to OCU through an estate gift, life insurance policy, or revocable trust, please contact Judy Reyes-Henderson, Assistant Vice President for Development at (405) 208-7000, or visit oculegacy.org.