FOC US SPRING 2018
ALUMNI MAGAZINE of OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY
Much Ado About
Robert The Renaissance Man Rounds Out His OCU Days
OKCU.EDU
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, Vice President for Human Resources and Chief HR 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 and MBA ’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 Lauren Stradinger, Director of Law School Marketing and Communications Rich Tortorelli, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
PHOTOGRAPHERS 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 Suite 205 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.
ON THE COVER
CURTAIN CALL More than eight years after becoming OCU’s president, Robert Henry is hanging up his hat for a renewed focus on law and writing, and, after a yearlong sabbatical, a return to teaching law and humanities at OCU. MILESTONES • TRIBUTES • AND MORE
STA RTIN G ON PAG E 1 Cover: “To thine own self be true.” The Renaissance man in President Robert Henry comes out even more prominently during his last months in office. Photo by Josh Robinson Clockwise, from top left: Henry heads the 2016 OCULeads group. Henry speaks at OCU’s spring 2017 commencement ceremony. The president passes out Bedré chocolates to student carolers at the 2017 Holiday Gala event for top university donors. Henry was a trailblazer—and caretaker—of OCU’s community garden. First three photos by Josh Robinson; center photo by Rod Jones
FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
Dr. Jan Henry Charts Her Own Course 9
President’s Message
Donor Creates Business Fellowship
10
University Update
10
50th Birthday Festivities Planned for Chapel
15
Students
18
Alumni
20
Giving
22
Athletics
24
Class Notes
27
Iraqi Law Student Soaks Up Education 18
1
Geology Alumnus Thrives at 98
20
Powerhouse Guitar Quartet Returns
22
In Memory
31
OCU Sweeps Individual National Titles in Cross Country
24
Correspondence
32
Office Space
33
Stay Up-To-Date Between Issues: okcu.edu // Read the Archives and Extra: okcu.edu/focus
“If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; if not, why then, this parting was well made.” —Julius Caesar
University Strengthened During Henry’s Tenure Brightest Days Still Ahead President Robert Henry, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and Dr. Jan Henry in fall 2014. Photo by Ann Sherman Photography Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe spoke on campus in fall 2015. Photo by Josh Robinson
As I write this final column as president of Oklahoma City University, I am humbled and grateful. Jan and I have cherished our time with all of you, and these past eight years have been some of the best years of our lives. We have made new friends and renewed old ones; we have met so many students and shared dreams with them. OCU has the brightest, most talented students and alumni. You are carrying our mission to create, lead, and serve around the world, and you truly are inspiring to Jan and me. Likewise, OCU faculty and staff care deeply about our students, alumni, the university community, and our state and nation. This issue of FOCUS highlights the activities and accomplishments that we have been so honored to work on together with colleagues, students, and friends of OCU. We have hosted distinguished guests including Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, journalist and political commentator Bill Moyers, poet and novelist N. Scott Momaday, humanitarian and heroine Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, and Interfaith Youth Core Founder and President Eboo Patel, the Rev. Adam Hamilton, and New York Times columnist David Brooks, to name a few of many. We opened a new chemistry lab and an innovative new nursing simulation center. Our School of Law relocated to downtown Oklahoma City, freeing space for new programs and expansion of older ones. We opened a remarkable physician’s assistant program, launched a
Doctor of Psychology program for this coming fall, we are working toward opening a program in physical therapy, and we are considering the possibility of an occupational therapy program. We welcomed four new remarkable deans in business, law, nursing, and arts and sciences to join our outstanding deans in the fine arts. We also completed an extensive resource reallocation plan to put the university on sound financial footing, and employed the highly regarded Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation to manage our growing investments, now at their highest level. I have valued the university’s long-standing relationship with the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference; I have enjoyed speaking and teaching Sunday school in United Methodist and other churches; and I have particularly enjoyed welcoming Bishop James Nunn to Oklahoma and to the OCU Board of Trustees in 2016. I believe OCU’s best days are ahead of us. We are a remarkable university family with extraordinary potential. I look forward to supporting OCU after my term as president, and look forward to returning to the classroom in the future. Many thanks,
PRESIDENT ROBERT H. HENRY
President Henry
“He reads much, he is a great observer, and he looks quite through the deeds of men.” —Julius Caesar
President Reflects on Leading OCU Cast and Crew
By Rod Jones There have been many monumental changes since Robert Henry was named the 17th president of Oklahoma City University in 2010, not only for the campus but also for the man himself. The law school moved downtown into a historic building, allowing other programs to stretch out their wings a bit more. Two new gardens and an arboretum have improved the OCU landscape, a new chemistry lab gives students a state-of-the-art learning environment, and new locker rooms at the soccer field save Right: President Henry speaks at his installation ceremony in April 2011. Photo by Shevaun Williams
“Thou art a scholar.” —Hamlet
2010 2018
President Henry
“Knowledge the wing wherewith we fly to heaven.” —Henry VI
President Robert Henry hams it up with students in spring 2010. Photo by Shevaun Williams and Associates
student-athletes a trip across the street in cleats. Renovations have touched dorms, classrooms, the chapel, and the Alvin’s dining area. It’s been a busy decade for the president, too. Aside from dayto-day administrative duties, President Henry hosted dozens of dignitaries including one current Supreme Court justice, one retired Supreme Court justice, a baroness twice, and the leader of the Hubble telescope mission, just to mention a few. He taught classes and traveled on goodwill trips around the world. Henry served on the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the Devon Energy board, a task force to ease jail overcrowding, the Rotary Club, and taught Sunday school classes. Not to mention undergoing two heart valve surgeries and a third related surgery, handing an OCU degree to his son on graduation day 2012, and moving into a new residence—twice. As he approached his final days in the president’s suite, Henry sat down to reflect on his time as president and the legacy he’ll leave.
Ron Norick (BSB ’64, Honorary doctorate ’90) Chairman of the board of trustees
“He’s going to be remembered as a brilliant mind, as a Renaissance man. I hope he’s remembered as a president who really loved our university, because he did.”
2010 2018
“I’ll note you in my book of memory.” —Henry VI
Ro b e r t H . H e n r y
Endowed Chair in Humani
The Board of Trustees
tie
s&
L aw
of Oklahoma City University is establishing the Robert H. Henry Endowed Chair in Humanities and Law. This distinguished honor is a tribute to the academic lifelong interest of Robert Henry—Humanities and Law and their relationship. The holder of the chair will serve jointly the Petree College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law. Securing the funds for the endowed chair is progressing and more announcements regarding the successful achievement of the funding goal will be forthcoming. Individuals who would like to honor Robert Henry with a gift should contact Judy Reyes-Henderson, assistant vice president for development, at 405-208-7000 or jareyeshenderson@okcu.edu.
Among his favorite moments was receiving a citation of gratitude from the Student Government Association in early 2011. “That was a special group of students for me because it was the first group of student officers I’d have the pleasure of working with. We all began our administrations together, and I feel like we really worked well together,” he said. President Henry hosted dignitaries, prominent scholars, entertainment superstars, and more at his Wilson House residence with a frequency that could rival a television talk show. It seemed on many occasions that one guest would depart just as another would enter. Perhaps his theatrical penchant played a role in keeping all the moving parts in sync. But he is more impressed by how his wife, Jan, gracefully multitasked. “Especially in the early days, when she was working full time running her dental practice, we would have guests five nights a week sometimes, getting to know people or honoring them for their achievements,” he said. “Many was the day she would get home at 5:30 and wanted to set the table herself. Then she would run back to the bedroom, change clothes, and become the elegant hostess. I was in awe of her grace.” The guest book at the Wilson House entrance is a record of the many esteemed guests. Among the names in the book are: M. Scott Momaday—“One of our greatest national and cultural icons.” Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and retired Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Michael Sandel—“One of the most gifted teachers in Harvard’s great history. It was great to see an overflow crowd to hear a philosopher.”
Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe—“Her heroic actions in Uganda are an example of courage we could all learn from.” Kenneth Cooper—“As the founder of aerobics, he caused a paradigm change in how we think about exercise.” Egyptian Ambassador Nabil Fahmy—“The interfaith work here has been a blessing. The friendships amongst the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities here on campus are an example for the world.” Also, alumni Kristin Chenoweth, Kelli O’Hara, Mason Williams, and many more. Among his few regrets are that he wasn’t able to teach more. He somehow made time to teach a political science class with alumnus David Holt, who was a state senator at the time and recently won the election for Oklahoma City mayor. He also taught a law and literature class with Honors Program Director Karen Youmans. He hopes to teach the subject again after his sabbatical next year. President Henry started during a difficult time for private colleges, and OCU wasn’t an exception. A faltering national economy and a challenging financial situation required a reevaluation of the university’s budget in a process that became known as prioritization. “Those were some dark days, but it was necessary in order to maintain the health of the university as a whole. I hope we’ve created a situation that will help OCU continue its excellence for the long term,” he said. In retirement, Henry plans to publish papers, practice law, and teach law and undergraduate humanities classes at OCU following his year-long sabbatical. Until then, we reflect on the President Robert Henry tenure.
President Henry
JANUARY Named the 2013 OKCityan of the Year by the Oklahoma City Friday newspaper
JANUARY Named the 17th president of OCU, succeeding Tom J. McDaniel MAY Gave the keynote address at the undergraduate commencement ceremony
APRIL
Inauguration
NOVEMBER Receives the Jasmine Award from the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum in Seminole
FEBRUARY Awarded the Vincent S. Dalsimer Dean’s Award from Pepperdine University School of Law.
JANUARY Received the Native Son award from the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. The award is presented annually to a native Oklahoman who has achieved greatness in their career.
presidential
Year
2010
2011
2012
2013
university SPRING Master of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership program begins MARCH Partners with former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on iCivics initiative
OCTOBER Devon Boathouse, home of OCU rowing and canoe/kayak on the Oklahoma River, is christened
APRIL Dedication of new Kramer School of Nursing building SUMMER Red Earth MFA program begins SEPTEMBER Chickasaw Garden dedicated
El Sistema Oklahoma, children’s music education partnership with St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, begins
2010 2018 AUGUST “Turpen Time” fundraising event for the Clara Luper Scholarship fund, hosted by Pres. Henry and Bob Blackburn in honor of Mike Turpen
FEBRUARY Receives Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service from Leadership Oklahoma
MARCH Receives Award of Distinction from the OU Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education
JANUARY Received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Dialogue Institute of Oklahoma City
SEPTEMBER Inducted into the Oklahoma Scenic Rivers Hall of Fame
APRIL Inducted as an honorary member of the Kiowa Tribe at the OCU Native American Society Powwow
APRIL Received Scribes Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Legal Writers
NOVEMBER Received the Light, Leadership and Legacy Award from the Oklahoma Israel Exchange
OCTOBER Received the 2016 Water Pioneer Award from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board
JUNE 30, 2018 Retirement from Oklahoma City University presidency
MAY Received an honorary degree (his third) from the University of Oklahoma, and gave the keynote commencement speech OCTOBER Inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame NOVEMBER Received the Outstanding Civic Leader award from the Asia Society of Oklahoma City
2014
2015
AUGUST School of Law moves downtown OCTOBER Dedication of renovated chemistry labs
2016
JANUARY Physician Assistant program begins
2017
FALL Master’s Certificate in Healthcare Practice Management program begins NOVEMBER Nursing Simulation Center dedication
2018
SPRING Clinical Psychology doctoral program begins
President Henry
“Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow.” —Romeo and Juliet
Susan Barber Former Provost & Biology Professor
“He has great wit. That is one thing working for him — he can make you laugh. He can turn things that I wouldn’t think are necessarily funny into funny. He’s a very, very smart man and has great intellect. Because he has that intellect, the wit comes along seemingly naturally. Just to observe it, you’d think it’s easy for him.”
John Riesenberg BSB Economics ’11 MS Energy Management ’14 Former SGA President & Rower
“I think what made him great at that job was connecting with students. He would sit down with a group of students in the cafeteria, and within two or three minutes, they would be sitting there in awe listening to him tell a story.” “He was also a visionary. He would see what was needed, then help people get behind his vision.”
Kirsten Holder BA ’11 Former SGA Communications Director
“A lot of us had in our mind what we thought a typical ‘judge personality’ might be, (but) he put me at ease right away. He’s very interested and interesting. Immediately, you feel like you can have something in common with him. And you probably do, because he has a million hobbies, he knows something about everything.”
Rev. David Wilson Conference Superintendent for the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference United Methodist Church
“We knew he loved learning, loved academics, loved students. Students will tell you he’s personable and easy to approach. Many of my colleagues will say we can sit there and listen to Robert for hours. His knowledge of literature, the arts—just everything. When he was chosen, I knew OCU would be a great place for him.”
Virtuous Videos
Left: President Henry’s informal introduction to the campus community came during a tour of several departments
through the eyes of its beloved mascot. Starsky’s campus-wide visit included a kickline at the dance school, a painting class in visual arts, a staged rendition of Hamlet holding a skull, and more. Spoiler Right: Unscripted and alert—it was President Henry as Starsky the whole time. shot in one take, President Henry was joined by theatre professor D. Lance Marsh for an April Fools’ prank on the campus. The two “sampled” some of the new items coming to the Caf for its revamped menu. “We’re going back to ’50s food, and it’s going to be a pleasant journey.” The new menu featured “lots of Spam.”
“Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments.” —Sonnet 116
First Lady Sets Professional Example for Students BY KIM MIZAR
Dr. Jan Henry modernized the role of first lady at Oklahoma City University. She wanted to be true to herself and be an example of a contemporary woman to the other women on campus. “I talked to Molly Boren, Ann Hargis, and Brenda McDaniel,” Henry said, referring to other current and former university first ladies. “I had three first ladies at my fingertips, and I talked to each and every one of them to try to get a sense for how I would fit the role because I was not planning on quitting my job. I went to school late in life and wasn’t near ready to give up my career.” Henry had a thriving dental practice and no plans to retire when her husband, Robert, took on the role of president at OCU. She faced a question so many women deal with—how to find the perfect life balance. “More than half of our population here at OCU are women, women who are pursuing careers for themselves,” she said. “Why would I quit?” She and President Henry attended a national conference for new university presidents and their spouses, thinking it would allow her to speak with other women about the dual role. Of the 33 new presidential spouses, two were men. “In that group, only three of the spouses continued to work—me and the two men. I couldn’t believe it. Not one single woman kept her career, and they were lawyers, nurses, teachers. I was stunned.” Henry understood she was not going to fit the traditional role of first lady and relished the idea of changing that perception. “I have the greatest respect for all women that pursue their degrees. If what I chose to do inspired any of the young women on this campus, then I will have done everything I wanted to do as first lady.” Her love for the university and commitment to the students, the community, and her husband are evident in the things she has chosen to champion. “It’s all about the students,” she said. “Each year, there’s always one student who becomes a more special part of my life and that is absolutely the best part, to watch what happens in that student’s life and see who they become.”
OCU First Lady Dr. Jan Henry amidst the art and book collections in the couple’s home. Photo by Josh Robinson
She mentored several students at her dental practice, including Jordan Pierce (BS ’15) and Minh Ton, who is expected to graduate this year. “Getting to know the students outside of campus and in a personal setting, to me, was a unique and special experience.” She looks forward to the next adventure with President Henry, even though she is not sure what that will entail. Their love of travel and new experiences will continue to shape their future. “I’m wide open; I’ve only been retired for eight months, and I love the independence from the schedule,” she said. “I didn’t retire until 70 because I couldn’t define myself as a non-working professional. You work toward a goal, and you achieve it, and that becomes who you are. I discovered that it’s not that big of a deal, it wasn’t that hard when I finally did it.”
2010 2018
UNIVERSITY UPDATE
Donor Establishes Business Leadership Fellows Program Major Scholarship to Recruit Exceptional Undergraduate Students Herman Meinders, an Oklahoma City University alumnus and trustee, made a multi-million-dollar commitment to the Meinders School of Business to fund a unique Business Leadership Fellows Program. Commencing in the Fall of 2018 and annually thereafter, students who are accepted to the Meinders Business Leadership Fellows Program will receive a full-tuition scholarship for up to four years combined with co-curricular learning enrichment and leadership development opportunities. The scholarships will fund up to 18 students per year. Meinders said he established the scholarship program to assist in the recruitment of exceptionally high-quality students interested in business and leadership, and provide these students with an innovative and high-engagement learning environment unlike any other undergraduate experience. Meinders asserted, “The AACSB-accredited and highly regarded business school at Oklahoma City University is the right educational environment for these types of students.” The business school at OCU was named the Meinders School of Business in the 1980s. Meinders funded the new building’s construction, which opened in 2004. Since then, Meinders has continued to support the school through mentoring, encouragement, and several additional gifts, including backing an Investment Club project with $200,000 nointerest loans as seed money each school year.
Herman Meinders with business school Dean Steven Agee at the nursing school’s simulation lab reception in June. Photo by Josh Robinson
Meinders founded American Floral Services, an international flowers-by-wire service based in Oklahoma City, in 1970. AFS began in a garage apartment and initially consisted of 137 subscriber florists. From that beginning, AFS grew to become international in scope and ranked as one of the largest floral wire services in the world. In 2000, AFS merged with Teleflora.
Alumna Named Police Chief Jennifer Rodgers recently was named chief of police for Oklahoma City University. Rodgers assumed the role Jan. 3, following a lengthy career with the Oklahoma City Police Department. Rodgers is an alumna of Oklahoma City University and a former adjunct professor in OCU’s criminal justice program. Jennifer Rodgers Rodgers most recently served as a lieutenant in the operations bureau of the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Springlake Division. She has also held positions with the department in communications, investigations, and administrations. Rodgers holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and law enforcement from Texas State University and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration from OCU. 10 // FOCUS Spring 2018
Meinders School of Business Dean Steven Agee traveled to Malaysia to meet alumni and reconnect with patron Tan Sri Dr. Lim Wee Chai. The leaders of the Malaysian Alumni Association are Marc Wong, Michael Yek and Dato Dr. Chua. Photo provided by Steven Agee
UNIVERSITY UPDATE PA Student Headed to Yale Hospital Senior physician assistant student Sarah Campbell was accepted into the Yale New Haven Hospital PA Residency program in emergency medicine. Only two positions are offered annually for the prestigious 18-month program. The residency provides intense training in emergency medicine and procedures at a Level 1 trauma center. Campbell is a member of the inaugural OCU Physician Assistant class. She is expected to graduate May 5, will take the national certifying exam shortly after, and begins her advanced emergency medicine training in Connecticut on May 28. She will gain training in actual working settings at the Yale hospitals, she said.
“They have an interesting patient population,” Campbell said. “It’s a busy area that works with many pediatric patients and a lot of underserved patients.” After completing the residency program, Campbell hopes to teach others either in Oklahoma or on the East Coast. OCU’s program anticipates graduating Sarah Campbell 35 students this spring. The Class of 2019 started clinical rotations in January, and the Class of 2020 is three months into its didactic training. OCU has about 100 clinical sites all over Oklahoma. Many are in Oklahoma City, but the program also has rural rotations.
H EAT SE E K E R
Biology Student Explores Climate Change through Permafrost Oklahoma City University biology major Laura Jardine participated in an environmental science research project in Alaska in the spring and summer of 2017. Jardine and a team from the Woods Hole Research Center based in Massachusetts traveled to Alaska to study the thawing of permafrost in Arctic regions as a result of climate change. The Polaris Project was featured in a special report in The New York Times in August. The Woods Hole Research Center is a private, nonprofit organization. As a part of the project, Jardine lived in Falmouth, Massachusetts, and worked at WHRC for several weeks. The Polaris Project ran throughout the month of July. Jardine spent time in Anchorage and Bethel, Alaska, for several days before flying out to the field site. “Once I held a piece of permafrost, I had so many questions, and they haven’t stopped since,” she said. “You look closely and see these stunning ice lenses and intact grasses and sedges. It’s amazing to think about all of the cycles of life and death necessary to form that piece of frozen ground. “On the other hand, it’s terrifying to think that we are in the process of losing so much of it because of climate change. The permafrost we sampled was so dark, just like the rich potting soil you might grow flowers in. This is because it is chock full
Left: Biology major Laura Jardine in the Polaris Project helicopter in Alaska. Right: The Polaris Project team poses for a photo. Photos courtesy of Laura Jardine
TO THE CORE Read a Q&A about Jardine’s research trip at okcu.edu/focus.
of organic matter. Once this organic matter is no longer frozen, microbes can go to town. Like us humans, they respire, releasing carbon dioxide and sometimes methane into the atmosphere, exacerbating the climate change that led to the original thawing.” Jardine presented her research at the American Geophysical Union conference in New Orleans in December. She hopes to publish her work with some of the other Woods Hole scientists and is planning to attend graduate school while continuing to study permafrost thaw and arctic ecosystem vulnerability. MEET THE FIRST BUSINESS FELLOW: okcu.edu/businessfellows // 11
UNIVERSITY UPDATE
Above: Dignitaries prepare for the ribbon cutting by Kramer School of Nursing Dean Lois Salmeron, fourth from right. Photo by Josh Robinson
Kramer School of Nursing Dedicates Simulation Center The Kramer School of Nursing held a dedication ceremony and open house in November for its new Meinders Nursing Simulation Center. The center includes seven fully equipped simulated hospital rooms, each of which has an anatomically correct simulation manikin ranging in age from newborn to adult. The manikins are
used to simulate actual patient medical scenarios to prepare students for real-life situations, without risk of harming an actual human. Each simulation manikin is assigned a medical history for students to administer critical treatments and medications, and the manikins respond to the treatment.
Top: Nursing students demonstrate working with an infant manikin.. Center: Herman Meinders and his wife, LaDonna, inspect technology at the new nursing simulation lab. Bottom: The center is complete with technology, supplies, and medicine carts. Photos by Josh Robinson Left: Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, speaks during the dedication ceremony. Right: Robert Meinders, one of the center’s donors, poses with the manikin that was created to look like him. Photos by Josh Robinson
12 // FOCUS Spring 2018
UNIVERSITY UPDATE
Students perform a sold-out show at the Tianjin University of Technology in June as part of the Tianjin May Music Festival. Photo provided by Dean Mark Parker
Music School Recruits in China
Nursing school students demonstrate a manikin in the Meinders Nursing Simulation Center. Photo by Josh Robinson
Rauh Named Duncan Program Coordinator The branch nursing education program in Duncan named Cindy Rauh as program coordinator. Rauh, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer for Duncan Regional Hospital, coordinates the joint program between the Kramer School of Nursing and the hospital. Rauh has served in her role at DRH since 2004. Prior to that, she held other positions at the hospital including director of acute care services, director of the Chisholm Trail Hospice, and intensive care unit nurse. She was also a nurse for several years in New Mexico. She helped DRH earn the Thompson Reuter’s Top 100 Hospitals status for three out of its four years and was involved in helping the hospital achieve top percentile quality scores. She also helped establish the hospital’s Outpatient Imaging Center, Wound Care
Center, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services, Comprehensive Rehab Unit, and cardiology services. Rauh holds a doctorate in nursing practice and a bachelor’s degree in Cindy Rauh nursing from OCU, along with a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Oklahoma. The OCU-DRH Bachelor of Science in Nursing program began in 2016. It includes the nursing school’s BSN and RN-to-BSN programs. The Duncan Regional Hospital Health Foundation provides up to 15 competitive scholarships awarded at the start of each academic year.
Bass School of Music Dean Mark Parker concluded his 16th educational outreach tour to China last summer with a lecture at Northwest Minzu University in Lanzhou, Gansu province. The university’s student body of 29,000 includes representation from each of China’s 56 ethnic groups. The school helps identify and preserve distinctive characteristics of the nation’s cultural heritage. In May, eight OCU music theater students performed with students from Tianjin Conservatory of Music during the grand finale of a two-week music theater intensive led by David Herendeen and fellow Bass School faculty Autumn West, Corey Melaugh, and Brian Cowing. In October, Parker led a team of faculty on the Bass School’s first-ever Chinese audition tour. The nine-city itinerary—the most ambitious music outreach in China by a U.S.-based university— included reunions with Bass School alumni including pianist Victor Duan, who co-hosted OCU auditions in Tianjin Concert Hall, and trombonist Sun He, founder of the Beijing chamber group Ultimate Brass.
KNOW A FUTURE NURSE?: okcu.edu/nursing // 13
UNIVERSITY UPDATE
School of Visual Arts Honors High School Filmmakers
Photos by Ethan Cooper
The School of Visual Arts hosted a regional film festival in January. Out of a pool of more than 150 submissions, the jury panel selected 14 works to show at The Venue in the Plaza District as part of the OCU takeover of LIVE on the Plaza. High school students from Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas were invited to submit films to the competition. All 14 of the selected filmmakers were awarded $5,000 per year, renewable up to four years, to attend OCU’s film program. The event was sponsored by the Petree College of Arts and Sciences at OCU; NGP Productions, which provided a $500 cash prize to the Official Jury Selection; and deadCenter Film Festival, which provided bags and T-shirts to all participants and an All-Access Pass for the Audience Award winner to attend the 2018 festival.
Stars Take Second While Hosting Cheer, Dance Nationals Oklahoma City University hosted the NAIA Competitive Cheer and Dance National Championship in Abe Lemons Arena the past two years. OCU hosted 12 cheer teams and 12 dance teams this year, totaling approximately 400 athletes plus coaches and fans. This year, the Stars placed second in cheer and only 1.03 points behind first-place Missouri Valley; and second in dance, just 0.5 points behind national champion St. Ambrose (Iowa). The Stars had 15 members of their cheerleading and pom/dance squads make the 2018 NAIA Competitive Cheer & Dance allAmerica teams. “The performance as a whole was phenomenal, and I couldn’t be prouder of the fight the team showed,” OCU cheer head coach Alicia Bailey said. OCU won the first-ever NAIA Competitive Cheer National Championship in 2017. 14 // FOCUS Spring 2018
The Stars cheer squad huddles before its final competition March 10. Photo by Josh Robinson
Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe (Honorary DHL ’15), director of the Saint Monica Girls’ Tailoring Center in Uganda, spoke in the chapel in fall 2015. Photo by Josh Robinson
C E L E B R AT I N G
YEARS of Renowned Architecture BY ROD JONES
ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC BUILDINGS ON CAMPUS WILL TURN
50 years old this spring. The Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel, designed by renowned architect Pietro Belluschi, was officially consecrated on May 9, 1968. The chapel is notable for many things—its four-gabled, steeply angled roofline, directionally intentional stained glass windows, and massive pipe organ, just to name a few—lending a place of profound introspection to the university community since its dedication ceremony. From weddings to funerals, from celebrations in times of jubilation to solace in times of sorrow, the chapel has been a beacon for the city along N.W. 23rd Street. The chapel’s namesake was honored for his service to the Methodist faith and higher education that covered a quarter of a century and spanned the world. Smith advanced Methodism in India, Burma, Hong Kong, Brazil, and other countries. The chapel spire, at 151 feet high, is “recalling Mont St. Michel off Brittany’s coast with its finger pointed heavenward,” according to the dedication ceremony program. The building was part of the university’s Great Plan, a 25year, $25 million campus improvement project that included the construction of the Student-Faculty Center (featuring a cafeteria and bowling alleys), a girls’ dorm, and a steam plant. GOLDEN YEAR: okcu.edu/chapelfifty // 15
correspond to their cardinal direction, such as how the north windows impart blue hues for coolness. The materials, called “old cathedral glass,” were imported from Germany. Other Kepes designs graced the Time-Life building in New York City, the Grand Center at Harvard University, and many other churches. Some of his works reside in permanent collections in the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and the Arts Institute of Chicago.
The Pipe Organ
Kelli O’Hara sings in the chapel and speaks about life, faith, and her career path in the Martha Jean Lemon Speakers Series in November 2016 to an audience of about 500 students and guests. Photo by Josh Robinson
The Architecture Pietro Belluschi earned degrees from the Graduate University of Rome in Italy and Cornell University in New York. OCU awarded him an honorary degree, and he gave the commencement address in 1968. In his chapel design, Belluschi hoped for something that would call for “art and science, in their own unique ways, would search for truth.” The Encyclopedia Britannica described his designs as “models of elegant simplicity, sympathetic scale, and carefully considered natural lighting.” Acoustical consultants noted that the sanctuary’s high vaulting provides the ideal reverberation time for music. The height of the roof is equivalent to an eight-story building.
The Glass Gyorgy (Gregory) Kepes, designer of the chapel’s famous stained glass windows, won the American Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal for Fine Arts the same year the chapel opened. He was a professor of visual design at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Kepes said he wanted the colors of each distinct window to 16 // FOCUS Spring 2018
The Holtkamp organ was built in Cleveland. The instrument combines four organs into one: great, positive, swell, and pedal organ. Described in the 1969 OCU Report as “arresting to the eye even when silent, the four major divisions of the instrument are placed so that total design encompasses the needs of student and community worship.” The organ is said to have the range and power of a 70-piece orchestra. The organ itself took over a year to build and six weeks to install. Its dedication was in February 1969, with Bishop W. Angie Smith presenting the sermon. Arthur Poister, the organist from Syracuse University, performed the prelude and postlude.
Renovations Ongoing renovations that began in 2016 are focusing on three areas: Infrastructure—Bridge leading to front entrance rebuilt to prevent deterioration of brick and concrete, front entrance rebuilt to strengthen against strong winds, and boiler room enlarged. Functionality—Pews replaced with chairs to provide greater flexibility for events including worship, music, lecture, theater, or liturgical dance performances. Sanctuary can be configured to seat up to 500. Steinway grand piano was donated by friends of President Henry. Kitchen upgraded with stainless steel sink, work table, and hot water tank. Upstairs copy room restored to a restroom. Appearance—Glass doors replaced heavy wooden entrance to lower level. Wood-paneled walls downstairs replaced with drywall and paint to brighten space. New interior signage. New flooring in student lounges and kitchen, new furniture in common areas, and new A/V in Watson Lounge.
Left, above, and right: The chapel and pipe organ in various stages of construction. Photos provided by OCU Archives
BETTER WITH AGE OCU will celebrate the chapel’s 50th birthday with several events. Visit okcu.edu/chapelfifty for more information.
‘‘
Bishop Paul E. Martin urged the congregation to consider “a world characterized by a Christian motivation. … Thus, the world must be free from racial discrimination …, true brotherhood free from misunderstandings and hatreds. … A sense of social responsibility is therefore one of the essential objectives of the Christian college.”
May 26, 1966 Groundbreaking One of Oklahoma’s
“10 Best Buildings” —American Institute of Architecture, 1983
$1.2 million
Construction cost of the chapel
Sept. 8, 1968 First Sunday worship service, featuring the Rev. Bill Oden from Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Del City
20,043
square feet covered by the building
1968 OCU President John F. Olson
started a guide service because of the high volume of visitors who wanted to see the chapel. The guides wore peacock blue and gray plaid shirts and silver gray satin blouses with blue velvet vests.
364 holes bored into the communion rail to hold communion cups
60 Size of the choir as intended by the allotted space (although in later years, thanks to clever logistics, the Christmas Vespers concert squeezed in a choir and orchestra of 250+)
3,633 pipes in the organ
500
Weight, in pounds, of each bronze door
Allegro Giocoso By Handel: First song played on the organ
650 Seating capacity of sanctuary in 1968
HALLELUJAH: okcu.edu/chapelfifty // 17
Iraq’s Tumultuous Past Drives Law Student to Help Immigrants BY LAUREN STRADINGER Contributing Writer
Top: Jonathan Jackson and Rigien BagekanyJackson, now married, got engaged in 2014. Above: Bagekany-Jackson as a law student. Above right: Bagekany-Jackson as a baby with her parents and older sister. Opposite page, clockwise from lower left: Jonathan and Rigien Bagekany-Jackson with their son, Adam, in July 2017. BagekanyJackson in her mother’s lap in Kurdistan. BagekanyJackson, at left, in her Iraq school uniform. Bagekany-Jackson in her hometown of Koya, Iraq, in spring 2013. Bagekany-Jackson with her mom and siblings in Duisburg, Germany, in December 2013. Photos provided by Bagekany-Jackson 18 // FOCUS Spring 2018
“I fell in love the first time when I was 6. It was the year my parents bought my siblings and me real milk chocolate from the black market in Iraq. I had never had anything like it before.” Before age 6, Rigien Bagekany-Jackson thought date fruit was chocolate due to the strict international sanctions on Iraq. Growing up in the late 1980s and early ’90s in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, BagekanyJackson couldn’t help but take an interest in current affairs. During this time, major political issues rocked the region, including the power struggle between the two main Kurdish parties and the “international no-fly zone agreement,” which protected her family and other minorities from being bombed by Saddam Hussein. Bagekany-Jackson’s newly discovered love for milk chocolate didn’t help her escape the political, social, and moral turmoil that seemed to be happening everywhere around her, even at her family dinner table. Intense discussion was not surprising in a society suffering from decades of political conflict, wars, and sanctions.
During her adolescence, BagekanyJackson’s school closed frequently due to nearby warfare. Life in Kurdistan was all about survival, and school was deemed a luxury. In total, she missed three full years of school. Her parents strongly desired a better future for their children—one where they didn’t have to be concerned daily for their safety—and knew this would not be possible at that time in Kurdistan. Her parents decided to become refugees and began to seek shelter in Germany. When the family finally arrived in the city of Leipzig, 13-year-old BagekanyJackson sat in the back of a courtroom and anxiously awaited her fate. According to the United Nations 1951 Convention on the status of refugees, Bagekany-Jackson’s family was granted asylum in Germany. “I will forever be grateful for that 20-minute court session in Germany that began my journey of education, emancipation, and self-confidence, which helped me deal with my past trauma. Looking at the judge I thought, ‘He has so much power.’ It is incredible that a 20-minute court session decided what would become of me.” Once officially allowed to stay in the
was still traumatized and had not dealt with the distress of being born in a war-torn country, growing up with devastation all around, and fleeing her home. When she returned to Europe, she volunteered for a public broadcast radio program in Duisburg, Germany. “The Voice of the Kurds in Duisburg” addressed the large Kurdish population in that city and their experiences in a war-torn country. Bagekany-Jackson co-produced and co-presented the program with a colleague in Kurdish and German for an audience of more than 4,000 listeners. The program helped her cope with past trauma and the obstacles of integrating into country, Bagekany-Jackson resumed German society. school. She spoke Arabic, Kurdish, and During her undergraduate education, Turkish, and yet learning another language Bagekany-Jackson studied abroad for a seemed a step too far given the huge year in Brisbane, Australia. Her stay in syntactical difference between Middle Australia further strengthened her English Eastern and European languages. But she and inspired her to started challenging herself apply for a master’s by answering questions in degree program at short, incorrect sentences It is incredible that the University of St and soon became Andrews in Scotland. a 20-minute court unstoppable. She found Her 15,000-word herself ranked eighth out session decided what master’s dissertation of 300 students. would become of me. examined the politics The biggest turning of oil and gas in point in BagekanyKurdistan and Iraq and its impact on Jackson’s life came the summer of 2007 Kurdish autonomy. after receiving her German citizenship. She After graduation, Bagekany-Jackson decided to use her newly gained freedom to received a job offer as a supply chain visit her birth country. It was nightmarish. coordinator for a Norwegian oil company Every street, every corner, every smell and operating in Kurdistan. She chose to sound reminded her of the horror of the accept the offer to help her country with war. She became mentally and physically reconstruction after years of war and exhausted. Bagekany-Jackson knew she
‘‘
turmoil and to prove to herself that she had dealt with her childhood trauma. During the two years she worked in Kurdistan, she met her husband, Jonathan, an American, and together they moved to Oklahoma City. There, Bagekany-Jackson visited an immigration lawyer to begin the green card process and experienced flashbacks to the Leipzig courtroom. This time was completely different, though, because she held German citizenship and had married an American citizen. Bagekany-Jackson vividly remembered that at the age of 13, she wanted to be a person who advocated for others, helping them to realize their legal rights so that they could build a future for themselves and their families. This dream drove her to gain the education she missed in early adolescence. She decided to pursue a law degree so she could work in immigration law. Her journey at the OCU School of Law started in 2017, as did her new adventure as a mom. She is excited about her time at OCU Law and says, “We need lawyers in Oklahoma who understand immigration law and who want to give back.” law.okcu.edu // 19
ALUMNI
Geology Alumnus Stays Active, Positive at 98 BY APRIL MARCISZEWSKI
Wilbur Thorsen doesn’t have a secret to making it to 98. But every day, he checks his stocks. On Mondays, he plays piano in a hospital cafeteria. And just about every afternoon, he hits up the deli at Buy For Less for lunch. “A lot of people ask my age. I don’t tell them, or I tell them I’m 39,” he says, laughing. Thorsen still drives and lives in the home he and his wife, Lenora, and their two adopted children, Greg and Gaye, shared near Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City. Catch him on a Monday morning, and he’ll be at Integris Baptist Medical Center, playing piano and singing in the basement cafeteria. He’s been a musical volunteer for more than 15 years. “He’s a treasure here,” said Denny Hulse, an outpatient IT troubleshooter. Thorsen’s repertoire includes classics and hymns; his favorite—his hero—is Tony Bennett.
Wilbur Thorsen spends Monday mornings playing piano and singing standards—especially by Tony Bennett— in the Integris Baptist Medical Center cafeteria. Photo by Josh Robinson
Many families tell him he has played just what they needed to hear, says Richard Hornsby, an Integris conference center associate. After a breakfast of eggs, sausage, and toast,
Thorsen opens his well-worn songbook, chooses the melancholy “Autumn Leaves,” and moves his fingers lithely along the keyboard. His feet tap the pedals, and his voice hits the notes with clarity.
Rhetoric Professor Traces Roots of Career to OCU BY TERRY PHELPS
Doug Coulson (BA ’94, MLA ’96) is part of an Oklahoma City University legacy. His father, the late Richard Coulson, was an OCU law professor for 36 years, and his mother, Marilyn, and sister, Mary, are OCU alumni. He is now an associate professor in the Rhetoric Division of the English Department at Carnegie Mellon University, where his research and teaching focus on legal rhetoric and writing, argumentation, and the history and theory of rhetoric. He recently published his first book, “Race, Nation, and Refuge: The Rhetoric of Race in Asian American Citizenship Cases.” Coulson earned a law degree at Tulane University and practiced business and commercial litigation in the Houston office of a large national law firm. Then he earned a Ph.D. in rhetoric from the University of Texas. He has published scholarly articles in the Yale Journal of Law and the Humanities, in Rhetorica: A Journal of the History of Rhetoric, and in the Journal of the Association of Legal Writing Directors. He authors annual updates to legal practice guides regarding business and commercial litigation. “Oklahoma City University has always remained an important formative influence for me,” he says, “particularly the writing and philosophy courses I 20 // FOCUS Spring 2018
Doug Coulson and his novel. Photo provided by Coulson
took most frequently. I was also particularly influenced by two courses I took dealing with Native American history, one an art history course and the other a legal history course. In many ways, my work as a rhetorical scholar today draws on my backgrounds in writing, philosophy, and law.” Coulson is working on a second book that examines the complex publics imagined in legal discourse, particularly the ways in which legal discourse fosters social cohesion and persuades publics to accept and internalize legal rules. When not writing or teaching, Coulson is a frequent traveler.
ALUMNI He hurt his left arm a year ago, so instead of playing a full set these days, he pops a CD into a portable player to sound his music into the cafeteria. Thorsen took piano lessons as a child but didn’t pick music back up again until retirement, when he took one semester of classes. Does he have a favorite song? “Most all of ’em,” he says, smiling, and breaks out in “Dream.” “Dream, that’s the thing to do,” he croons. “… Things never are as bad as they seem, so dream, dream, dream.” Thorsen is the youngest of seven children. He grew up in Montana in a home without indoor plumbing, attended a business college in Washington, and worked for the U.S. Forest Service for a year before joining the air corps in World War II. He trained as a pilot and made the infamous—and treacherous—jumps over “The Hump,” the towering Himalaya Mountains between India and China. Chinese ground forces had been cut off from supply routes, and flying became the only option to deliver ammunition, food, and clothing, he says. If Japanese troops were near, Thorsen would circle around the drop zone and kick out the cargo to parachute down. The flights intimidated Lt.
English Professor’s Craft and Story Lauded Nationally BY TERRY PHELPS
Brandon Hobson’s latest novel, “Where the Dead Sit Talking,” received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, saying, “Hobson’s narrative control is stunning, carrying the reader through scenes and timelines with verbal grace and sparse detail. Far more than a mere coming-of-age story, this is a remarkable and moving novel.” These are the latest accolades for Hobson (BA English ’92), who credits his OCU professors for much of his success. He later earned an M.A. in English from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Ph.D. in English with a creative writing emphasis from Oklahoma State University. Hobson has written three other small-press novels: “The Levitationist,” “Desolation of Avenues Untold” and “Deep Ellum.” The latter was included
‘‘
He’s a treasure here. —DENNY HULSE Integris Outpatient IT Troubleshooter
Thorsen every time, he says, but he received the Distinguished Flying Cross from the U.S. Armed Forces and a personal commendation from the Chinese Air Force for his work. In 1944, Thorsen married Lenora Short, who became a longtime, award-winning Latin teacher in Putnam City. After the war, Thorsen worked for Exxon. While there, he attended night school at Oklahoma City University for seven years. In 1955, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in geology to bolster his career at the oil company. In the Exxon geology department, “those guys were looking at rocks through microscopes,” he says. “I kept thinking I didn’t want to do what those guys were doing most all day.” So after 20 years at Exxon, he took a job at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, buying right-of-way land, primarily to widen roads. The job let him visit land owners,
in Dawn Raffel’s “The Best Short Books You’ll Ever Read” in Reader’s Digest, saying, “Hobson’s recently published 120-page novel, about a troubled son’s return home to his troubled mother, is deceptively simple, with a powerful emotional afterburn. Hobson has a remarkable ability to travel deep into a very dark place and come out plausibly on the side of light.” His numerous short stories and essays have appeared in such magazines as The Believer, The Paris Review Daily, Conjunctions, NOON, and Post Road. In 2016, he won a Pushcart Prize for his short story “Past the Econolodge.” He has taught workshops for the Red Earth MFA Program at OCU including one in January, “Urgency
businesses, and farmers all over the state and beyond for 27 years. Much like during his career, he continues to make regular stops, and he has friends everywhere he goes. Judy Watson of Bethany met him about eight years ago when he was playing piano at AllianceHealth Deaconess, and now they talk daily and get together three times a week. “He goes on his rounds regardless of the weather,” Watson says. “I think that’s what keeps him going.” Thorsen has outlived his wife and children but has a cousin in Billings, Montana; another in Idaho; and a nephew in Arizona. Thorsen is “a nice man, and he’s very determined about his discipline,” Watson says. “He used to go and shoot hoops not very long ago at the YMCA.” He also has frequently won golf tournaments in his age bracket, she says, and he and his wife sang in the First Presbyterian Church choir. “He’s pretty active!” Watson says. “That is a huge accomplishment to be that age and that active. He’s in a rare group.” Thorsen admits he tries not to think about that too much. Ninety-eight years: “It’s hard to believe, really.”
Brandon Hobson and his new novel. Author photo by Ian Hobson
in Fiction.” He teaches English composition, creative writing, and literature at Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa. He lives in Ponca City with wife, Kay, and two sons, Ian (10) and Holden (4).
CURL UP WITH A SHORT STORY: brandonhobson.com/fiction // 21
GIVING
Meet the Office of Development Staff Like all private universities in the country, it is critical to the future of Oklahoma City University to secure the private resources necessary to provide students with the education they need to pursue and fulfill their dreams. Among OCU’s most critical needs is to increase the university’s endowment. To reach that goal, University Advancement works with alumni, faculty, staff, trustees, and friends to ensure OCU’s second century will be as successful as the first. J UDY R EY ES HEN DER S O N Assistant Vice President for Development
Reyes-Henderson has served in her role since May 2016. She began as director of development Judy in October 2015. She has Reyes-Henderson primary responsibility for fundraising and engagement through corporate and foundation relations, planned giving,
and major gifts. Previously, she was director of corporate and foundation relations at Langston University for more than a year and development manager at the University of Central Oklahoma for seven years. • BS Journalism—UCO • Greater OKC Hispanic Chamber member • UCO Latino Faculty/Staff/Alumni Association charter member and co-founder • Latino Leadership Class I—Greater OKC Hispanic Chamber; OKC Connects Class 8— OKC Area Chamber of Commerce; Non-Profit Management Certificate program—Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits • Regional Food Bank and United Way volunteer BRYAN BAX TER Development Officer
Baxter is the University Advancement liaison to the Petree College of Arts and Sciences and the Kramer School of Nursing and has primary responsibility for fundraising and engagement through alumni and individual gifts.
‘The Royal Family of the Guitar’ Brings Classical Strains Back to OCU The Wanda L. Bass School of Music will host the fifth year of the Romero Guitar Institute at Oklahoma City University. Celedonio Romero, a composer, guitarist and poet, and his three sons—Celin, Pepe, and Angel— founded the world-renowned classical guitar quartet “Los Romeros” in 1958. The Romero Guitar Institute provides 36 students with the opportunity to be taught by the Romero family in a week-long classical guitar program. Students from all over the world will immerse themselves in the Romero way of music and life. Each student will receive private lessons, master classes, and chamber coaching June 24–July 2. Many of OCU’s guitar students need financial assistance to attend the program. Sponsors are invited to attend the final concert with the Romeros. The concert will be at 7 p.m. July 2 in the Petree Recital Hall. Selected students will be asked to perform alongside the Romeros. TO SPONSOR A GUITAR STUDENT Contact Christi Jeffreys, development officer, at 405-208-5436 or cdjeffreys@okcu.edu. Celino Romero, at left, and from back to front, Pepe Romero, Celin Romero, Lito Romero— the second and third generations—make up the quartet today. Photo by Sandy Scheller via Columbia Artists Management Inc. 22 // FOCUS Spring 2018
Previously, Baxter served four years as the director of regional development at Clarks Summit University in Pennsylvania. Before moving into development, he served as an Bryan Baxter admissions counselor at CSU. Baxter formerly worked for AT&T in sales, where he received numerous awards for customer service and was a top sales performer. In Pennsylvania, Baxter served as chairman of the board for Summit Christian Academy and is credited with putting into place a strategic plan to regrow the school and restore its relationships within the community. He, along with his wife, also started an outreach to college students that provided meals and conversation to more than 50 students each week through their home. • BS University Studies (emphasis in sociology and recreation management)—
GIVING Oklahoma State University • MS Organizational Leadership— Clarks Summit University • Certificate in Fundraising Management— Lilly Family School of Philanthropy CH RISTI JEF F R EYS Development Officer
Jeffreys is the University Advancement liaison to the Wanda L. Bass School of Music, the School of Theatre, and the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, and Christi Jeffreys has primary responsibility for fundraising and engagement through alumni and individual gifts. Prior to OCU, Jeffreys served as the director of marketing and communications for Canterbury Voices and helped OCU alumna Lisa Reagan Love launch her album “Realm of Dreams.” Jeffreys’ love and passion for dance, music, and the arts make her a perfect fit for fundraising in OCU’s performing arts schools. When not at work, she
sings for friends on special occasions and enjoys making memories with her family. She can be found attending musical theatre, going to concerts, or enjoying an inspiring sunset. • BA Mass Communications, MA Nonprofit Leadership—OCU
have a daughter and newborn son. • BA Psychology—Loyola University Chicago • MA Nonprofit Leadership—OCU • Oklahoma City chapter of Young Nonprofit Professionals Network founder and chairwoman
C A R RIE SAU ER Director of Annual Giving
JO RDAN PARS O NS Development Officer
Sauer has served in this role since October 2013. She has enjoyed working in University Advancement since 2011, arriving as an Carrie Sauer administrative assistant and working her way up to a director position. As director of annual giving, she manages all university direct mail and online fundraising campaigns, as well as Phonathon, faculty and staff giving, and donor recognition societies. Sauer is an active community volunteer with organizations such as United Way of Central Oklahoma and the OKC Midtown Rotary Club. She and her husband, Jesse Sauer (MA ’16 TESOL),
Parsons is the University Advancement liaison to Athletics and has primary responsibility for fundraising and engagement through alumni and individual gifts. Jordan Parsons Previously, Parsons served as director of development services and grants at St. Gregory’s University and worked with various nonprofits in the state. She has a passion for Oklahoma and for working with others who give of their time and treasure to help young people succeed. She is married to Kyle Parsons, and together, they have two children, Hudson and Andie. • BS Journalism, Public Relations—OSU
OCU Heroes to Connect at Planned Veterans Resource Center Oklahoma City University is planning and raising funds to create an on-campus Veterans Resource Center. More than 600 veterans have graduated with a degree from OCU. Retired Maj. Gen. Rita Aragon and the Oklahoma City nonprofit Honoring America’s Warriors are leading the charge to bring this vision into a reality for the university. Rita Aragon “It’s exciting to have the chance to be a part of the planning for the Veterans Resource Center,” Aragon said. “Veterans are strong, proud members of our student body who find solace and comfort in other veterans. This center will offer a great place for like-minded heroes to share their OCU experiences and connect with each other.”
WELL-CONNECTED To support OCU heroes by giving a gift to this project, please contact Christi Jeffreys at 405-208-5436 or cdjeffreys@okcu.edu.
After funding is secured, a first-floor area of the Dawson-Loeffler Center will be renovated to house the center. It will feature card-key access, a computer station, tables, personal lockers, a television, and a coffee bar. Once established, the Veterans Resource Center will serve as a base for the veteran community on campus to seek educational resources, career assistance, and counseling services if needed. It will also serve as a study lounge and a place for fellowship, and it will be equipped with a computer, printer, television, and lockers for students who commute.
ADVANCING OCU: okcu.edu/give // 23
ATHLETICS
Left: Aminat Olowora lapped her competition in the 3,000-meter run, placing first at the Broncho Open. Above: Olowora makes strides on the course and off, advancing many causes through her foundation. Photos by Josh Robinson
Olowora, Shaw Win National Crowns STORIES BY RICH TORTORELLI AND JOSH ELLIS
Top-ranked Oklahoma City became the first school since 2007 to have both NAIA men’s and women’s cross country individual champions when Aminat Olowora collected her second straight NAIA women’s cross country individual title and Mark Shaw captured the individual men’s championship. Olowora and Shaw swept the 2017 national and South Central Region men’s and women’s athlete of the year honors as awarded by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association, as well as the men’s and women’s individual Sooner Athletic Conference crowns. “I think Aminat will go down as the greatest runner in NAIA history,” OCU head coach Matt Aguero said. “She’s amazing.”
‘‘
I think Aminat will go down as the greatest runner in NAIA history. She’s amazing. —COACH MATT AGUERO
Olowora, a senior from Lagos, Nigeria, ran the 5,000-meter race in 16 minutes, 50 seconds—30 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. The Stars finished third place, putting them among the women’s top four for the first time in school history. Shaw, a sophomore from Middlesbrough, England, completed the 8,000-meter race in
24 minutes, 9 seconds, earning the first men’s individual national title in OCU history. In 2016, Olowora broke the NAIA women’s championships record by 17 seconds, running a time of 16:24:28. She ended her cross country career at OCU with 10 wins in 10 career races. She was the first in school history to win the women’s individual title, becoming a two-time allAmerican and a four-time NAIA national runner of the week. Olowora also won two Sooner Athletic Conference individual titles, was named SAC runner of the week six times, and recently earned a second South Central runner of the year honor. Olowora only ranked behind a runner once for the Stars, in 2016, but still won her race at that meet. Oklahoma City’s men’s and women’s team combined for the second-best score in the NAIA.
Running Shoes Serve a Higher Purpose BY ROD JONES
When Aminat Olowora isn’t breaking records on the track or studying, she’s hard at work with the charity she started in memory of her mother. The Aminat Olowora Foundation started as a rice distribution effort to feed the hungry in her hometown of Lagos, Nigeria. While in the U.S., Olowora has collected running shoes from her teammates at the end of each season to send to Nigeria. 24 // FOCUS Spring 2018
“I noticed we wear our shoes maybe two semesters, then get a new pair,” she said. “I said if you’re not going to use your shoes anymore, just give them to me and we can help people who will appreciate them. They’re going to cherish them so much, because they need them so much.” For more information about these and other charitable efforts, visit the foundation’s website at www.aoloworafoundation.com.
Photo provided by Aminat Olowora
ATHLETICS DOUBLE TAK E
Two Two-Time All-Americans Rachel Watters set the pace for OCU in the Women’s College Wrestling Association Championships on Feb. 10, placing third at 170 pounds and seizing her second consecutive all-American nod. Five Stars finished among the top eight in their weights to collect all-American acclaim. Oklahoma City tallied 97.5 points to finish ninth. Watters, a sophomore from Ankeny, Iowa, defeated Missouri Baptist’s Dymond Guilford 10–2. Top-ranked among WCWA 170-pounders, Watters finished the season 23–1. Yvonne Galindo, a senior from El Paso, Texas, nabbed her second career all-American honor. Galindo won the fifth-place match 13–5 over Anna Naylor of Cumberlands (Kentucky). She finished her OCU career with a 92–41 record.
Winning Coach Takes Volleyball Helm The 1988 and 2018 women’s basketball teams and coaches meet during the reunion. Photo by Hugh Scott
OCU’s Debut National Champions Reunite Oklahoma City University commemorated its first national championship squad, the 1988 NAIA Division I women’s basketball team, during the Stars’ basketball games Feb. 3 at Abe Lemons Arena. All OCU women’s basketball alumnae were recognized during the event, and alumnae on hand met the current team. On March 21, 1988, OCU triumphed 113–95 over Claflin (South Carolina) at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. OCU established an NAIA Division I Tournament record for points scored in the title game. Patricia Ordonez lifted the Lady Chiefs by ringing up 38 points and an OCU single-game record eight 3-pointers in 14 tries. Ordonez buried three treys to break a 59–59 deadlock. Elizabeth Hinestroza tallied 20 points. Hinestroza and Ordonez collected all-tournament honors.
Hinestroza picked up second-team all-American, and Denise Hannah took third-team all-American acclaim. Oklahoma City captured the NAIA District 9 and bi-district titles. Bob Colon earned NAIA coach of the year with the victory. Colon became OCU’s winningest women’s basketball coach, going 258–195 over 15 years. Since 1998–99, Oklahoma City has averaged 31 wins a season. OCU has produced 12 30-win seasons, 25-win seasons in 18 of the past 19 years, and 20 consecutive NAIA Division I Tournament appearances while winning eight of the program’s nine national championships over the past 20 years. Oklahoma City has the NAIA’s longest streak of top-25 appearances with more than 240 consecutive rankings dating back to 1997–98. OCU recently collected the program’s 900th victory. Oklahoma City debuted in women’s basketball in 1979–80.
Freshman Wrestler Sets OCU Record for Speed in Missouri Valley Invitational Brian Buser highlighted Oklahoma City’s weekend in the Missouri Valley Invitational, setting a program record by pinning Benjamin DeJarnett of Ottawa (Kansas) in 10 seconds on Jan. 19.
Buser, a freshman from Tampa, Fla., wrestled at 184 pounds. He broke the previous record of an 11-second pin set by then-sophomore Bryson McGowan last season.
Santiago Restrepo was hired as Oklahoma City’s head volleyball coach after completing 14 seasons as the University of Oklahoma coach, leading the Sooners to the finest era in program history. He guided OU to a Santiago Restrepo 242–192 record with eight trips to the NCAA Tournament in nine years. In 20 years as a head coach, Restrepo owns a 368–261 record directing East Stroudsburg (Pennsylvania), Southern Mississippi, and Oklahoma. He garnered 2006 Big 12 coach of the year. In 2017, the Stars won both the Sooner Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament championships for the second consecutive year. Oklahoma City (23–7) advanced to the national tournament for the third time while collecting its fourth consecutive 20-win season.
Food Drive Garners 15,000+ Items OCU athletics supplied 15,828 food items to Skyline Urban Ministry through its annual Christmas food drive. Athletes have gathered 108,148 non-perishable food items for the needy of the community through 11 years of the drive, supporting OCU’s mission to develop servant-leaders. ocusports.com // 25
ATHLETICS Athletics Establishes STUNT Team
Jim Abbott, Tyrone Van Aswegen, and men’s golf coach Kyle Blaser at the OCU Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Photo by Rich Tortorelli
OCU has added STUNT as an intercollegiate athletics program and hired Mandy Gerszewski as the new coach. STUNT is a sport created from the fundamentals of traditional cheerleading with the goal of expanding participation opportunities for college athletes. Gerszewski came to OCU from St. Gregory’s University, where she had been the head cheerleading Mandy Gerszewski coach for the past four years. Gerszewski guided St. Gregory’s to the NAIA competitive cheerleading national championships for three consecutive years. Gerszewski led the Cavaliers to a ninth-place finish in the 2017 NAIA Championships and top-10 finishes in the NAIA Championships and National Cheerleaders Association Nationals in 2015–16. Eighty-two collegiate teams across the country compete in STUNT. It has proven popular in Oklahoma as more than 90 high schools in the state have the sport. The Stars competed in STUNT from 2013 to 2015, placing among the top four each year and taking NCA Division II runner-up in 2013.
Abbott enters OCU Athletics Hall of Fame OCU Athletics Director Jim Abbott became a surprise fifth inductee into Oklahoma City University’s Athletics Hall of Fame for 2017–18. This year’s class includes Abbott; former baseball standout Jeff McLaughlin; 2002 NAIA men’s golf individual champion and current PGA TOUR golfer Tyrone Van Aswegen; the late Basil Wilkerson, who stood out in football; and the 2001 women’s soccer team. Abbott oversees Oklahoma City’s 22 intercollegiate athletic programs including more than 300 student-athletes. During his 15-year tenure, the Stars have collected 44 of their 66 national championships in all sports and their first Directors’ Cup title in 2016–17. “Although Jim was surprised, it was no surprise how deserving he is of the honor,” OCU President Robert Henry said. “I know of no athletic director in the country who has led a program as strong as OCU’s. Scores of national championships and average GPAs above 3.0—nobody does it better than Jim Abbott and his coaches and athletes.” Abbott recently was named National Athletic Director of the Year by the NAIA for the second time.
Randall Reels in Academic All-American Acclaim Holly Randall, a senior from Edmond, Oklahoma, is OCU’s first volleyball player to receive the honor, having made a 4.035 cumulative GPA in her political science and Spanish majors. The College Sports Information Directors of America named her to the college-division academic all-America first team. In addition to playing as a middle blocker on the volleyball team, Randall has taken honors classes and served as an athletic senator, executive chief of staff, and vice president in student government. “It hasn’t always been easy,” Randall said. “I’ve had to learn the art of saying no and spending evenings in the library.” 26 // FOCUS Spring 2018
Top: President Robert Henry, Gray Frederickson, and Dr. Chris Frederickson unveil the historical marker on the site of Frederickson Field House, the 1959–2000 home of OCU basketball. The field house was named for longtime OCU trustee and Oklahoma City business and civic leader George Frederickson. Gray is his grandson, and Chris is his greatnephew. Bottom: Frederickson family members Cathy, Karen, Chris, and Gray. Photos by Marty O’Gwynn
CLASS NOTES 1950s Sociology and education alumnus Lyndal M. Bullock (BA ’59) was named a Marquis Who’s Who lifetime achiever. 1960s Retired professional golfer Susie Maxwell Berning (BSB ’64), the first woman to receive a golf scholarship from OCU and a three-time U.S. Open champion, was part of the inaugural induction class for the Oklahoma City Public Schools Athletics Hall of Fame. Enoch Kelly Haney (Art ’65) was one of three artist finalists from Oklahoma (and six overall) under consideration to design the National Native American Veterans Memorial for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. The Tulsa World featured Larry Aduddell (BA ’67), who directed the first Tulsa Run in 1978 and continued organizing it for years, firing the starting gun, running the race, and then passing out popsicles. Aduddell and city leaders planned for 800 runners, and more than 1,200 showed up 40 years ago, making it a “rip-roaring success,” he said.
Jonathan Beck Reed and Donald Jordan perform in CityRep’s “Greater Tuna.” Photo by mutzphotography.com
Sync, a publication about business technology, profiled Charles Osborn (BS ’67), vice president of enterprise technologies at Enable Midstream Partners, who advocated being a student of one’s industry and of leadership.
Mirabile Law Firm in Wheaton, Illinois, and an adjunct professor at Benedictine University, traveled to the Dalian University Medical School in China to teach international law and public health management.
Steven Kuykendall (BSB ’68), a retired member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California, was a guest speaker at Millikin University’s Campus Congress Program to inspire greater democratic participation.
Painted Sky Opera has gained recognition and media attention and is now well into its second season as an Oklahoma City nonprofit, co-founded by soprano Barbara DeMaio (BM ’76), executive director. The company performs in smaller venues and ended its first season with sold-out performances.
1970s Michael J. Tavlin (BM Ed ’70) was elected trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation and then appointed to the Alternative Asset Investment Committee of the $2 Billion Fund. Leona Mitchell (BM ’71, MM ’79) performed in a holiday concert with Oklahoma State University’s choral and vocal division in Stillwater. Pete White (JD ’73), Cathy Hedglen (BS ’83 and MBA ’87), and Rocky Chavez (BSB ’10) were inducted into the Oklahoma City Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in November. White also received the Pathmaker Award from the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society. Thomas Mirabile (JD ’75), attorney at
William Merrifield (BS ’77) released a book titled “Thoughts on Paul.” M. Franklin Keel (JD ’78) was inducted into the Chickasaw Nation’s 2017 Hall of Fame. Louise Goldberg (MM ’79), part of the musical duo Miss Brown to You, performed a concert to benefit a stroke victim. 1980s
The Oklahoman featured the return of Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre’s “Greater Tuna” comedy, starring two alumni: founding Artistic Director Donald Jordan (BA ’80) and CityRep cofounder Jonathan Beck Reed (’79 –’83).
SUBMIT GREAT PHOTOS & NEWS: alumni@okcu.edu // 27
CLASS NOTES
Stacey Logan and Ben Hall perform in CityRep’s “Heisenberg.” Photo by Bricquet Media
Stacey Logan (BM ’85) starred in the CityRep Theatre regional premiere of “Heisenberg” at Oklahoma City’s Civic Center. David Dobson (JD ’87) was elected to the board of directors of the Andrews Davis law firm.
The Minor Leaguers of 1990 blog site profiled former pitcher John Graves (BS ’90) in its “The Greatest 21 Days” series, telling how Graves has used his chemistry degree as an embryologist for years and has begun keeping the pitch clock for the Oklahoma City Dodgers.
Kathleen Widmer (MBA ’87), a president at Johnson & Johnson, was named to the Wounded Warrior Project board of directors.
The Afternoon Dispatch & Courier in India featured Gokul Das (MBA ’90), CEO of Mosaic, and his holistic workspace designs.
OCU Alumni Relations Director Cary Pirrong (BS ’87, JD ’90) received the Volunteer Service Award from the Paseo Arts Association.
Maria Paris Newill (JD ’90) was named one of the top workers’ compensation attorneys in the Delaware Today Top Lawyers survey.
Karen Bays-Winslow (BA ’90) was named director of the Cambridge City Public Library in Indiana.
The Charlotte Observer featured Kristin Chenoweth (BM ’91, MM ’93, DHL ’13) and her recent career highlights, including her performance with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli in Rome and her work to create a musical about Tammy Faye Bakker.
Nikki Presley Miliband (JD ’90) was named president of the Orange County Bar Association in California.
UMB Bank in Tulsa hired Eileen Paternostro (MBA ’92) as vice president, business development manager.
Elizabeth Montgomery (BM ’90) released a new album, “Life in Pink,” in the fall.
John Loiacono (MBA ’93), director of commercial services for the Enbridge Energy Co. Inc., was elected chairman of the Texas Pipeline Association.
1990s
Gaylon C. Hayes (JD ’90) joined the Expert Network, an invitation-only reputation management service that is dedicated to helping professionals stand out, network, and gain a competitive edge. 28 // FOCUS Spring 2018
Chris Harrison (BA ’93) was a special guest anchor on ESPN’s SportsCenter:AM.
Mark Williams (JD ’93) was named president of the Research Institute for Economic Development, a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting economic growth through the evaluation of business, job, and economic growth issues considered annually by the Oklahoma Legislature. Scott Rowland (JD ’94) was appointed to the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. Dato Eshah Binti Meor Suleiman (MBA ’94) retired from the board of directors of Bursa Malaysia, one of the largest stock exchanges in Asia. Grant Mathiews (BFA ’95) expanded his interior design brand to form a new company, Mathiews Todd Home. David Clark (BA ’95), a former OCU soccer player, co-founded a new restaurant group called GOALZ, scheduled to open 265 restaurants across 10 states in the next few years. Laura Corbin (JD ’96) was appointed associate district judge for Johnston County.
CLASS NOTES Observer & Eccentric Media featured Amy Emmett (BA ’96), who owns Next Step Broadway studio in Birmingham, Alabama.
Alex Yaffe (JD ’05) was appointed to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority board of directors. Jay Wadley (BM ’05) and Found Objects Music Productions won a bronze Clio Award for the original score of “Boston Bruins—In Our Blood.” Wadley is co-founder and creative director of the company.
Steve Turk (MBA ’97) was appointed executive vice president and COO of SandRidge Energy. Datuk Wan Nawawi Wan Ismail (MBA ’97) was appointed chairman of TDM Bhd, an oil palm plantation and healthcare services company in Malaysia.
Michelle Martin (BS ’06) became a nurse practitioner at the Valley Family Clinic in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.
Robert Ragan (MBA ’97) was promoted to executive vice president and CFO of Melton Truck Lines in Tulsa. Jennifer Dowd (MM ’97) started a Shreveport, Louisiana-based nonprofit organization called Songbook South to promote the “Great American Songbook.”
OCU Athletics Director Jim Abbott, alumnus Jeff McLaughlin, and baseball coach Denney Crabaugh at the OCU Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony Dec. 2. Photo by Rich Tortorelli
Yuliya Epifantseva (BSB ’97) published the book “The Routledge Campanion to Tax Avoidance Research.” Epifantseva is vice president and tax counsel at State Street Bank.
Timothy Winkeler (MBA ’01) was promoted to president of VIP Tires & Service, a chain of 56 stores throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.
ColumbusCEO profiled Tom Walker (MBA ’98), president and CEO of Rev1 Ventures.
Kyle Dillingham (BM ’02), “Oklahoma’s musical ambassador,” and Peter Markes (BM Ed ’01), who recently began pursuing music full time, performed concerts and participated in cultural exchanges throughout China in September.
Edward Herrman (BSN ’98) began his new duties as HaysMed’s new president and chief executive officer in Hays, Kansas. Kelli O’Hara (BM ’98, DHL ’15) was inducted into the Elk City Leadership Hall of Fame. Samonia Byford (BA ’98) was elected treasurer of the Friends of the Oklahoma History Center board of directors.
The Sun News of Nigeria wrote about the legal victories Edwin Nnabugwu Nwokocha (JD ’99) has achieved for families as a lawyer in Texas.
A major fundraiser for PAMBE Ghana, founded by Alice Azumi Iddi-Gubbels (BA ’03, ME ’04), moved to its most visible location yet for the 2017 holiday season. The Sieber Hotel Apartments in Midtown Oklahoma City hosted the annual fairtrade global market for free to benefit a school in Ghana, also started by Iddi-Gubbels. Tiffan Borelli (BM ’04, MM ’06) was cast as a singer and Elvis’ girlfriend Dyanne in the “Million Dollar Quartet” show in Tulsa.
Jeff McLaughlin (BS ’06) was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame. McLaughlin helped the Stars capture the 2005 NAIA baseball championship. Sarah Clough (BA ’06) exhibited at Mainsite Contemporary Art in Norman. Lori Rook (JD ’06), partner and managing member of Ozarks Elder Law in Springfield, Missouri, was featured in the Missouri Lawyers Weekly “Up & Coming” section. Dr. Adam D. Gardner (MBA ’06), M.D., joined the St. Anthony Healthplex North family medicine staff in Oklahoma City. Jacob Reeves (JD ’06) joined the Spencer Fane law firm’s environmental and energy practice groups. Tim Hausmann (BM ’06) was inducted into the Yankton High School’s 2018 Fine Arts Hall of Fame in South Dakota. Christopher Russell (BM ’07) starred in a production of the “The Wizard of Oz” at Valentine Theatre in Toledo, Ohio. Gabrielle Ruiz (BPA ’07) performed in the Lexington Theatre Company’s showcase “Concert with the Stars” in Kentucky.
Jessi L.K. Hall (JD ’99) was appointed as judge for the District Family Court of the First Circuit (Island of Oahu) in Hawaii.
Rebecca Rigdon (JD ’05) was named town attorney of New Milford, Connecticut.
Dance Magazine published an article by Ashley Rivers (BPA ’08) titled “These Dance Companies’ Revenue Streams Aren’t What You’d Expect.”
2000s
Lauralyn McClelland (BPA ’05) and Abby C. Smith (MM ’08) were cast in the ensemble of “SpongeBob SquarePants, The Broadway Musical.”
Kimberley Worrell (BS ’08) was promoted to director of development at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art.
Stephen English (MA ’05) became a faculty member at Sterling College in Kansas.
Michael Everett (BPA ’08) was an ensemble member in “Disney’s Aladdin” at Hollywood Pantages in California.
Norma L. Garcia (JD ’00), associate general counsel for international legal affairs at Rent-A-Center Inc., received the Dallas Hispanic Bar Association’s 2017 Corporate Counsel Diversity Award.
okcu.edu // 29
CLASS NOTES Godot” with Tennessee Shakespeare Company. Robert Watson (BM ’11) performed at the Kurhaus Bad Hamm in Germany with the Philharmonic Südwestfalen. Dita Wieser (BPA ’12) and Ethan Sartain (BSB ’12) got married at Wesley United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City on Labor Day 2017. Catharine League (Music Theater ’12) played a lead role in “Skatetacular Dreams on Ice” in Hope, Arkansas. Lori Lusted (MM ’12) was cast in the River Center Performing Arts Theater production of “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The National Wrestling Hall of Fame inducted Kristie Davis (BS ’12) into its 2018 class.
Zac Reynolds (MBA ’08) was promoted to executive vice president at the investment management firm Trust Company of Oklahoma. Trevor Pemberton (JD ’08) was appointed to fill the Office 13 district judge vacancy in Oklahoma County. Rev. Lori Walke (JD ’09) was a keynote speaker in the 35th Annual Day at the Legislature, hosted by the Oklahoma Conference of Churches. Hannah Leffler (BM ’09) was named one of four winners of the 2017 Frances Walton Competition for classical soloists age 20–35 in 19 Western states. 2010s The Oklahoma Gazette named two OCU alumnae to its 2017 40 Under 40 class. Lindsey Kanaly (JD ’10) is an attorney and a diversity and inclusion champion at Chesapeake Energy. Tara Roberts (MS ’17) is the founder of Eldorado Energy. Joshua Fahrenbruck (MBA ’11) was named COO of the E Foundation for Oklahoma, a nonprofit working to create long-range strategic planning to grow Oklahoma’s economy. Jeremy Fisher (BFA ’11) worked as lighting designer and technical director for “Waiting for 30 // FOCUS Spring 2018
BroadwayWorld ran an interview with alumna Heather Botts (MM ’12) about her role as Anna in “The King & I” tour. Nicole Lacy-Thompson (BS ’12) established a dance competition in the United Kingdom called Ultimate Dance Showcase, with Jeff Poulin (BS ’12) and Ben Lanham (BPA ’13) assisting. Pooja Bhayana (BA ’12), co-founder of Let’s Barter India, was a panelist at the Women Economic Forum at Vivanta in India.
James Marchesani (BBA ’14) won his first pro title at the PGA TOUR-China’s Clearwater Bay Open. Keslie Ward (BM ’15) played Liesl in the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre production of “The Sound of Music” in Indiana. Emily Laughridge (Theatre ’15) began a performance contract with Tokyo Disneyland. For the past two years, she performed various roles with Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld in Orlando. Paige Gullickson (BPA ’15), along with her sisters and mother, started an online store called Three Cords Boutique. Ariel Richardson (BFA ’16) made her Windy City Playhouse debut in “Southern Gothic” in Chicago. She also appeared in an episode of FOX Networks’ “Empire” and shot a co-star role on Showtime Networks’ “The Chi,” which premiered in January. Kaitlin Nelson (BS ’16) became the female swing/understudy for the new Off-Broadway musical “Friends! The Musical Parody,” which opened in New York City. Montray Fox (BS ’16) was promoted to first lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Megan Stone Rector (MS ’16), CPA, was named tax manager for Robison Gary Johnson & Associates, an Oklahoma City-based accounting firm.
Marlen Nahhas (BM ’12) was appointed as Lyric Opera resident artist in Kansas City.
Katie N. Wagner (JD ’17) was appointed to serve as part of Hall Estill’s litigation practice in Oklahoma City.
Charlton Jones (BS ’13) made the roster for the Kansas City Tornados, which opened the inaugural season of the North American Premier Basketball League.
Emily Green (JD ’17) joined the Dallas office of Kane Russell Coleman Logan as an associate attorney with the Employment Practice Group.
Luis Francisco Venegas (BM ’13, MM ’15) was a guest artist at the Kansas City Guitar Society’s Casual Concert Series. Trevor Harmon (BA ’14) was named head coach of the men’s soccer team at Southern Nazarene University. Alex Cooney (BPA ’14) was featured in the premier issue of Shoot it Up photography magazine in Guam.
Jake McGuire (JD ’17) was hired as a private banking adviser for Arvest Bank in Edmond. Cody Wilson (BFA ’17) won best documentary short for “Breathe,” his capstone short film, at the Norman Film Festival. “Becoming Healing Hands: Nursing Education in Touch-Driven Care” by James Hrncir (BSN ’17) was selected from more than 4,000 posters submitted for presentation at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
IN MEMORY Dolores Dean Rahill Homsey JULY 10, 1 927–O C T. 27, 20 17
Dolores Dean Rahill Homsey, beloved mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. She was born to George and Rumzy Rahill. She attended Hawthorne Elementary Dolores Dean School, Classen High School, and Rahill Homsey Oklahoma City University to study music. She and Benny Homsey celebrated 62 years of marriage before his passing in 2011. The couple was the life of the party, with Benny singing and Dolores playing piano to entertain guests. Together, they raised three children and had nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Sittie Dolores.” Homsey lived with joy and grace as she cherished her family and dedicated herself to her church. She was a lifelong member of St. Elijah’s Orthodox Christian Church and helped to promote the faith and serve the community. Her quiet strength, vogue beauty, and endless capacity for love of her family defined her. She was equally as kind and beautiful on the inside. She engaged her grandchildren with a zest for fun and happiness. Homsey set an example to all who knew her.
Neal Robert Kennedy AUG. 31 , 1 945–O C T. 1 3 , 20 17
Neal Robert “Nick” Kennedy was born in Oklahoma City to Dorothy Cornelia (Brown) and Garth Parks Kennedy. An adjunct professor of law at Oklahoma City University, he lectured on intellectual property matters for continuing legal Neal Robert Kennedy education programs and civic groups. He held a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma, a Master of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Arizona, and a Juris Doctor with honors from OCU. Kennedy was a registered professional engineer and was a member of Sigma Tau, Pi Tau Sigma, and Phi Delta Phi. He was listed in The Best Lawyers in America. Professional associations included the American Bar Association, the National Society of Professional Engineers, and more. He served as president of the Engineering Club, and as president of the Patent, Trademark, and Copyright Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association. Kennedy was a partner with the law firm of Dougherty, Hessin and Beavers, and of counsel with McAfee Taft law firm. He was chief engineer of the Corken International Corporation, where he held patents for several pump and compressor designs, and was an engineer with Idex Corporation. He was a member of the Oklahoma City Corvette Club.
Ronald Lyle Crawford SE PT. 28 , 1947– JAN . 11, 20 18
Ronald L. Crawford passed away at his home in Bend, Ore., after battling pancreatic Ronald L. Crawford cancer. Crawford was born in Santa Anna, Texas, to Lester Crawford and Doris Smith. He and his twin brother, Don, attended Oklahoma City University from 1966 to 1970, and Ron Crawford graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in biology. At OCU in a freshman biology class, Ron met the love of his life, Onie Thompson. They liked to joke that they “met over the dissection of a fetal pig.” They were married Dec. 30, 1967. Crawford grew up in Texas and Oklahoma. After graduating cum laude with the Gold Key from OCU in 1970, Crawford was accepted into the graduate program in bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin. Ron and Don Crawford attended graduate school together, while Onie Crawford worked as a teaching assistant in the bacteriology department. Ron Crawford received his Master of Science (1972) and doctorate (1973) from UW, and then accepted a postdoctoral research position at the University of Minnesota. In 1974, Ron Crawford went to work for the New York State Department of Health. In 1975, he accepted a faculty position at the University of Minnesota Freshwater Biological Institute, where he taught and researched in environmental microbial physiology until January 1987. Then he accepted the position of head of the department of bacteriology and biochemistry at the University of Idaho in Moscow. (Incidentally, this led to him becoming his twin brother’s boss. They had many funny stories to share about the various confusions that being twins caused.) At the University of Idaho, Ron Crawford became the head of the Environmental Biotechnology Institute, which he led until his retirement in 2010. He was appointed to the prestigious position of distinguished professor of microbiology. During his time at the University of Idaho, he directed graduate student research that led to many students receiving master’s and/or doctoral degrees, and he served on the thesis committees of many other students.
Our Condolences 1940s Michael P. Massad (’41) 1950s Helen R. Waite (’52) James D. Parker (’52) Clarence A. Feister (’56) Robert L. Spencer (’57) 1960s Donald R. Hackler (’60) Wallace B. Hooks (’63) Paul S. Fehr (’64) Jack B. Hammons (’64) Margaret A. Kelsay (’65 and ’67) Fred H. Bucklin (’66) Nelda J. Tebow (’66) John C. Power (’66) 1970s Vernon L. Monroe (’71) Faith D. Brown (’73) David S. Shelden (’73) Steve R. Steakley (’74) Kenneth F. Lundie (’74) Jack P. Pohocsucut (’78) 1980s Richard E. Roby (’80 and ’94) Michael K. Templeton (’82) Neal R. Kennedy (’82) Matthew O. Morris (’88) 1990s Andrew Cates (’91) William W. Curtis (’92) Rosemary E. Bachle (’94) Mark A. Enright (’97) 2000s Seth C. Murphy (’11) okcu.edu // 31
CORRESPONDENCE
President’s Post
Editor’s Note: Upon retirement, President Henry reflects on this letter he received at the beginning of his tenure in April 2011.
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 ROBERT,
So loved seeing you and being a part of the audience at the OCU Gala event. The food, the friends, and the amazing talent of all the students is so inspiring, and to know OCU is in your capable hands made it a perfect evening. We are blessed to have you as our leader. Again, thanks so much for including me in the festivities. LOU KERR Board of Trustees member, BS ’86, Honorary DHL ’91
Keep plugging away on the breathometer and stay hydrated— you’ll be back in good shape! Sending good wishes— TERRY BARANSY (BA ’62) Editor’s note: President Henry credits Baransy as an inspirational figure during his recovery from heart surgery. Baransy, who started running in 1989 to lose weight after he quit smoking, ran his 200th marathon last year at the age of 76. Editor’s note: Below is an excerpt of a letter from one of President Henry’s biggest fans. HONORABLE HENRY,
The main reason I’m writing you a letter is to explain how I find your work as 14th Attorney General of Photo provided by Matt Winick Oklahoma and as U.S. Circuit Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit to be very inspiring to me … Honorable Henry, I have autism with a learning disability. Having a disability is hard for me because I have trouble comprehending on learning advanced subjects. … Your commitment to be a strong supporter of civil rights, including people with disabilities, really inspires me to work hard on my disability. Sincerely,
First of all, this is to thank you for all you have done for the countless people who have been fortunate enough to come within your sphere of influence. In keeping with the principles of the Plains culture, you have demonstrated the ideals of bravery, steadfastness, generosity, and truth. As a man, a husband and father, a jurist, an educator, and a friend, you have been an example and an inspiration—the very model of a modern major man for all seasons. In the certainty that you will be more than equal to the challenges and deserving of the rewards of your new post [as OCU president], I wish you all the blessings and Godspeed. And because poetry is the highest form of language, I offer you these lines, a verbal badge for your lapel: May God and the bear be with you, And may the summit be in view. Yours with love and loyalty, SCOTT N. Scott Momaday, Kiowa writer of novels, short stories and poems
HELLO DEAN AGEE (Steven Agee, of the Meinders School of Business),
… It was wonderful to meet you at the OCU alumni dinner at Banker’s Club in Kuala Lumpur. … Recently I was asked to write about my musical activities and career for the International Alliance for Women in Music journal, and I included OCU. … I had perhaps the most focused time in my life in my two years at OCU. I could focus Yen-Lin Goh as a student on piano-playing and music-making in a with Bass School of Music Dean Mark Parker at a music smaller private university that provided honors award ceremony. a nurturing and safe environment— Photo provided by Goh exactly what I needed. … Having been attending and teaching at quite a few music schools now, I have to say OCU has one of the best music buildings and facilities I have seen. Best regards,
MATT WINICK Ann Arbor, Michigan 32 // FOCUS Spring 2018
YEN-LIN (MM ’08)
OFFICE SPACE
Whimsical Collections with Meaning BY ROD JONES
Melanie Shelley, associate dean in the Ann Lacy School of American Dance & Entertainment, collects interesting objects. Among them, in her ground floor office, are: Above left, Shelley holds a handmade frog given to her by a former student. The student made the frog with a painted rock and felt limbs while he was in kindergarten in 1981. Shelley said he originally gave it to his mother, but when she passed away, he gave it to Shelley.
“It’s one of the most precious gifts I’ve ever received.” Above right, the framed photos on the wall behind Shelley are of the school’s namesake, Ann Lacy. “She was clearing out her house and didn’t have a plan for them. I asked if I could have them, and she said ‘yes.’ I just thought they were such beautiful photos and belonged on my wall so I could be reminded of her generosity every day.” At right, some of her ceramic vase heads, made in the mid-1900s. “My husband thinks they look snooty, so I brought them to my office.” At bottom, photos of friends and family adorn the ground-level window sill. At left, Dean John Bedford distributed walkie-talkies to certain offices around the building to promote safety.
Photos by Josh Robinson okcu.edu // 33
2501 N. Blackwelder Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73106
During this year at OCU, my last as president, I am reminded frequently of the impact of estate gifts from such thoughtful and generous alumni and friends as Vivian Wimberly (DHL, ’90); Marvin and Ena Dawson, Wanda L. Bass (DHL, ’02); Mary Clary Sargent (BA, ’35); and Jeroldine Clark Zacharist. Their bequests to OCU, and the estate gifts of hundreds of alumni and friends, transformed the University and define the incredible student experiences and opportunities available to past, present, and future students. When added to the permanent endowment, the legacy of estate gifts live forever and provide academic experiences to generations of worthy students. Recently, I amended my estate plan to include another gift to OCU as a beneficiary and am proud to renew my membership and in so doing, joined more than 100 alumni and friends in the Gold Star Society, a recognition club created to honor individuals and couples who have provided for OCU in their estate plans. It’s a wonderful and satisfying feeling to provide a legacy gift to benefit future generations of worthy and deserving students—“… a permanent contribution to the welfare of humanity.” OCU mailed to more than 3,500 alumni and friends a brochure explaining the Gold Star Society in February. If you have included OCU in your estate plans, please inform the University and become a Gold Star Society member. If you have not, please consider amending your plans, as I have, and join me in the Gold Star Society. If you have questions, you may visit oculegacy.org or contact Judy Reyes-Henderson, assistant vice president for Development, at 405-208-7000.
Robert H. Henry PRESIDENT