foc us Fall 2014 okcu.edu Alumni Magazine of Oklahoma City University
On Pointe
Cultivator
Under Par
Community Dance Center advances teaching skills and provides arts access.
Rick Hall invigorated the OCU experience and developed student opportunities.
Women's Golf nabs seventh national title, and Elia Folch vaults into high honors.
Elemental Updating the chemistry labs would open up experimental—and educational—possibilities.
Contents Robert Henry, President Susan Barber, Provost
Administrative Cabinet Jim Abbott, Assistant Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Kent Buchanan, Assistant Provost Joey Croslin, Chief Human Resources Officer Liz Donelly, Dean of Students and Acting Vice President for Student Affairs Gerry Hunt, Chief Information Officer Mary Jenkins, General Counsel Craig Knutson, Chief of Staff Donna Nance, Chief Financial Officer Charles Neff, Vice President for University-Church Relations Marty O’Gwynn, Vice President for University Advancement and External Relations Sandy Pantlik, Senior Director of University Communications Elizabeth Sheppard, Assistant Vice President for Development Kevin Windholz, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Alumni Cary Pirrong, BS ’87, JD ’90, Director of Alumni Relations Jeff Riles, BA ’09, President, Alumni Board
Editorial Staff Sandy Pantlik, Senior Director of University Communications Leslie Berger, BA ’02, Editor of FOCUS and Director of Public Relations April Marciszewski, Art Director of FOCUS and Graphic Designer
Writers Mary Benner, Director of Academic Services and Study Abroad Overseas Program Rod Jones, MBA ’12, Assistant Director of Media Relations Terry Phelps, Professor of English Mandy Heaps, BA ’03, Director of Development Rich Tortorelli, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications
Photographers and Illustrators Josh Robinson, Web Content Coordinator Kevin Miller, Creative Director / Brand Manager Lauren Hanson, Graphic Designer Ann Sherman, Ann Sherman Photography Jerry Hymer, Hymer Photography
F O C U S A l um n i M aga z i n e 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493 (405) 208-7000 Focus is produced semiannually by the Communications and Alumni departments for alumni, parents and friends of Oklahoma City University. Email alumni news to alumni@okcu.edu and any story ideas to focus@okcu.edu. // Oklahoma City University pledges to recruit, select and promote diversity by providing equality of opportunity in higher education for all persons, including faculty and employees with respect to hiring, continuation, promotion and tenure, applicants for admission, enrolled students, and graduates, without discrimination or segregation on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap or disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status. // The Chief Human Resources Officer, located in Room 108 of the Clara E. Jones Administration Building, telephone (405) 208-5075, coordinates the university’s compliance with titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. // Printed on recycled paper.
On the Cover
Chemistry Solutions OCU chemistry students continue to excel, even as the department seeks answers for outdated facilities. Pag e 6
Features
Departments
Mike Turpen Raises Clara Luper Scholarship Funds
10
Community Leaders Honored at Commencement
11
Professors Exemplify Servant-Leadership
12
Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor Visits OCU
26
Rick Hall Fosters Leadership Among Students
33
President's Message
1
Letters
2
Update
3
Office Space
15
Giving
16
Alumni
19
Class Notes
21
Athletics
28
In Memory
31
Stay Up-To-Date Between Issues: okcu.edu // Read the Archives: okcu.edu/focus
from the pResident
Ties That Bind As I spent a few weeks this summer recovering from surgery I had in July to repair a leaky heart valve I inherited, I was reminded of the importance of connections. Jan and I are so grateful for the letters and emails we received from alumni, students, faculty and staff, friends of the university, and many others. These well wishes from around the world brought to light the strong community that exists around this wonderful university. These are the connections that enable us to open a new law school home in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City; create new science labs; have a sitting Supreme Court Justice visit our campus; be ranked as a standout university by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report; raise more than $160,000 for the Clara Luper Scholars Endowed Fund with one amazing event; and create job opportunities for our graduates across the globe. This issue of FOCUS is full of these stories and more that provide testament to what we can accomplish together for our university, our students, and the world. You will notice an emphasis on our connection to the liberal arts and sciences in the following pages. Dean President Robert Henry, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, of the Petree College and OCU First Lady Jan Henry. of Arts and Sciences Mark Davies and I share a vision to expand OCU’s potential in science education. Our students already excel, with 90 percent of our 2014 OCU science graduates being accepted into their professional school of choice. Just think what they will accomplish with updated facilities. In November, we will officially celebrate our connections with Homecoming festivities. As alumni return to campus to visit, it’s not the buildings they are here to see. It is the special people – professors, fellow students, mentors – that bind them to OCU. We have exciting times ahead of us. As always, OCU will celebrate the Christmas season with our famed dance, theatre, and music performances. I am thrilled this year’s Vespers has been moved to the First Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City to increase our audience capacity. In January, classes will begin in our new downtown law school building. This historic milestone is sure to bolster OCU by strengthening the bind to our thriving city, and creating opportunities for growth on campus. Be sure to watch your mail and email to learn about the activities planned around the grand opening.
Mike Turpen and President Robert Henry recreate their cover of the Oklahoma Gazette at the event that raised money for Clara Luper scholarships.
Please keep the cards and letters coming! We try to share as many letters as space allows in FOCUS, but luckily we always have more letters than space. If you would like to read more from your friends and fellow alums, please go to FOCUS online at okcu.edu/focus. Again, Jan and I are so thankful for each and every one of you. We wish you a beautiful autumn and joyful holiday season. Best Regards, Robert and Jan Henry
Hello President Henry,
I would just like to thank you so much for your work to get Justice Sonia Sotomayor on campus. I was able to snag a ticket, and it was truly a life-changing and awe-inspiring moment for me. Seeing someone so knowledgeable and wise yet so humble was humbling for me. I have always had an interest in government and have enjoyed studying the Supreme Court, specifically. I am sure it was quite difficult to get Justice Sotomayor on campus, but I am so thankful for your work in doing that. I would also like to thank you, again, for your continued willingness to participate in all of the silly things that the Student Activities Council does, especially Homecoming! I know students love seeing you, and our events are always a great hit when you’re involved. Sincerely, MaryAnn Grover Marketing Junior Vice President of Student Activities
Tweet the President: @RobertHenryOCU // 1
LetteRs
Well Wishes
The Key to Chemistry
(President Henry received many cards wishing him well during his recovery from heart surgery this summer, including a note from Retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Following is a note from Alumnus Terry Baransy. See more at okcu.edu/focus.)
(Editor’s Note: Alumnus Newell Darner, chemistry ’42, donated a membership key to the university this year and sent the accompanying letter. The key was one of just a few awarded to charter members of Sigma Gamma Nu in 1941.)
Dear President Henry,
Thank you for your recent note telling of this year’s many accomplishments at OCU and by its alums. I was especially pleased to see the wide array of student fields of interests and studies represented. While we are always delighted to see our performers and athletes succeed, it is gratifying to note the impressive achievements of scholars and other professionals. It is yet another reminder of the pride we take in our academic heritage. I also want to wish you well in your forthcoming medical procedures. I, too, had open heart surgery to replace a valve. While these procedures are well-established and not uncommon, they are straightforward to everyone but the person preparing to undergo them. Mine occurred five years ago, and I have successfully run almost forty marathons since then. I can help you plan which forty you want to schedule once you are out of cardio rehab. Seriously, I know you will quickly return to full levels of health and I look forward to your return to the helm of OCU. Sincerely, Terry Baransy BA ’62
A Supreme Visit (President Henry and First Lady Jan Henry received the following note from Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Beverley McLachlin, following her visit to Oklahoma City University in June.) Dear Robert and Jan,
The alpha chapter of the honorary chemistry fraternity Sigma Gamma Nu was founded at Oklahoma City University on Dec. 16, 1941. From left, (first row) Ripp Branyon, James McMillian, Dr. Sherman Lesesne; (second row) Jack Perry, Sam Kakil, John Ennis, Bill Reynolds; (third row) Mac Mollison, Tom Wiggins, Newell Darner, E.W. Foster.
To the Editor:
This key is one of just a few that were awarded to the charter members of the OCU Chapter of Sigma Gamma Nu. All of this took place during the last of 1941 and early 1942. The chapter sponsor was chemistry professor Dr. Sherman Lesesne, assisted by Dr. B.C. Brous of the physics department. The permission to originate this fraternity was given by Dr. C.Q. Smith, university president. The driving force behind this fraternity was James McMillan. I am certainly glad you feel my small amount of old OCU history might be helpful. Sincerely, L. Newell Darner Chemistry ’42
Words cannot express how privileged Frank and I felt to have had the opportunity to spend a few days with you in Oklahoma City. It truly was a time we will remember for the rest of our lives. The honours and gifts you bestowed upon us were extraordinary, but less tangible moments endure — I have been reading Momaday’s poetry with enormous pleasure and have already used one of them in a speech. Once again, with affection and gratitude, Beverley McLachlin Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada
2 // Focus Fall 2014
OCU Board of Trustees Chair Ron Norick, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada Beverly McLachlin, Kandy Norick, and OCU First Lady Jan Henry.
UniveRsity update
Screenwriting Masters Oklahoma City University has added a new Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting program that is one of just a handful of its kind in the country. Classes are set to begin in January for the Spring 2015 semester. The low-residency program will focus on theory and application of the screen narrative. It will include five residencies — four on the OCU campus and one in Los Angeles — over the course of four terms. Fritz Kiersch, chairman of the Moving Image Arts Department, said the program is designed for people who require a flexible learning schedule, yet desire a close student-mentor relationship with their professors. “Students will be able to continue working while completing the program, with just two required intensive residency sessions per year,” Kiersch said. “We want to ensure that our students receive a high-caliber education preparing them for a successful career.” Class sizes are limited so that professors can develop strong mentoring relationships with the students. Starting in the first term, students will begin to create practice and research journals to track their learning and to provide accounts of their creative development, their class work, two major narrative works, and their theses. The first three residencies are held at OCU as 10-day intensives in January and May. The fourth residency meets in Los Angeles for a two-week residency after the fourth term of study, where students learn from working industry professionals in film institutes and at major production facilities. Kiersch, whose many film credits spanning 20 years in the industry include directing the original “Children of the Corn,” utilized many of his Hollywood contacts to enhance the learning experience. Kiersch said the screenwriting trade is important in careers beyond movies and television shows. “Moving images have become a primary global means for communicating values. As technologies continue to develop, cultural and individual reliance on visual and aural texts will only increase,” he said. For more information about the Screenwriting MFA program, contact Kiersch at (405) 208-5570 or fkiersch@okcu.edu.
Energetic Savings Oklahoma City University’s energy savings initiatives continue to yield positive results as the university continues the path to becoming one of the most energy-efficient schools in the nation. The Facilities Department has partnered with THG Energy and OCU Green Team committee members to improve sustainability. Total energy cost savings during the past year totaled more than $114,000.
OCU dance and arts management students during rehearsal.
Tops for Triple Threats The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management, under the direction of Dean John Bedford and Dance Chair Jo Rowan, again has received national recognition. Dance Magazine, a national magazine for dance professionals, has named OCU’s dance and arts management school one of the best schools in the nation for college students interested in becoming “triple threat” entertainers with a strong foundation in singing, dancing, and acting. It was featured in the magazine’s July edition. The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management was noted for its 193 dance majors studying for one of three degrees: the Bachelor of Performing Arts in dance performance or Bachelor of Science degrees in dance management or dance pedagogy.
Handled with Care Doctoral students from Oklahoma City University’s Kramer School of Nursing gave presentations this spring in Aqaba, Jordan, at an international conference on nursing. The presentations compared Jean Watson’s Theory of Human Caring with Sandra Lovering’s Crescent of Care, a Muslim approach to caring. The three-day conference was held to provide a forum where nursing professionals could discuss issues of global significance in nursing practice and theoretical applications. The five students from OCU Professor Elizabeth Diener’s class were Sadeq Alfayyadh, Hayder Al-Hadrawi, Nelda Hobbs, Staci Swim and Vanessa Wright.
Write for the Big Screen: okcu.edu/visualart/film/degrees/mfa-screenwriting/ // 3
UniveRsity update
Princeton Review Pick Oklahoma City University was named one of the best colleges in the western region of the country by The Princeton Review. The list is intended to help prospective college students select the schools they would like to attend. Colleges that make the list are considered “academically outstanding and well worth consideration in your college search,” according to The Princeton Review’s website. “Collectively, these fine schools represent an outstanding cross section of colleges. Though they differ in size, campus culture and other aspects, all offer excellent undergraduate programs.” Colleges making the list must pass reviews for academic excellence based on surveys and on the firm’s staff and guidance counselors’ opinions. The Princeton Review also uses independent surveys of students in the colleges. OCU was named a Best Western College in the review’s Best Regional Colleges category. The listing is divided into four regions in the U.S. —Western, Midwestern, Southeastern and Northeastern. The Western region includes Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, Alaska and Hawaii. OCU is also listed in the top tier of the regional, master’s-level university category by U.S. News & World Report and in Forbes’ Best Christian Colleges and 100 Best College Buys.
The OCU community garden was in full bloom when Miss Oklahoma Kelsey Griswold, acting ’14, stopped by this summer. Fall planting is under way. 4 // Focus Fall 2014
President Robert Henry is flanked by Dr. Tawfik and Mrs. Siham Ramadan with members of the Ramadan family at the dedication of the Dr. Raniyah Ramadan Interfaith Prayer Center on May 1. Dr. Tawfik Ramadan, a respected pediatrician, has worked with families in Pontotoc County for 35 years.
Fami ly, Students Ini ti ate Interfai t h C e n t e r
A Prayerful Dedication The university celebrated the opening of an interfaith prayer center in May that will be open to students around the clock. The center was proposed by OCU student government leadership as a way to meet the needs of the university’s thriving religious community. The center is sponsored by Dr. Tawfik and Mrs. Siham Ramadan of Ada, Okla., in memory of their daughter. OCU President Robert Henry, student leaders, and members of the Ramadan family spoke at the opening celebration. “This is a great opportunity for us to affirm our commitment to diversity and liberal arts education,” Henry said. “We are grateful to the Ramadan family for establishing the center and providing a resource for students of all faiths that will help them learn and grow in our increasingly globalized society.” The prayer center includes reading resources for various faith groups. The Student Government Association provided financial support for the project, and the university has received gifts from several members of the local community to support the overall effort. Dr. Raniyah Ramadan earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree in public health, and doctorate in neuroscience from the University of Oklahoma. She also completed a post-doctoral research fellowship in ophthalmology and visual sciences at Case Western Reserve University. She worked as a research scientist specializing in neuroopthalmology. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 34. Working in Oklahoma and for Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in New York, Ramadan worked on ocular disease models and initiated the protocol for animal models of ocular inflammatory diseases that affect about 2 million Americans. The Ramadan family established the Dr. Raniyah Ramadan Memorial Scholarship at OCU in 2012.
UniveRsity update
Campus Welcomes Star Faculty, Staff Brian Parsons Associate Dean Brian Parsons moved this summer from Shropshire, Great Britain, to join the faculty of the School of Theatre. Parsons has directed award-winning productions in the U.S. and U.K. at Aquila Theatre Company, Tisch School of the Arts, Franklin Stage Company, Bristol Old Vic, the Royal Court Theatre, and the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain. He has led undergraduate and graduate programs at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (University of London’s Drama Conservatoire), and the University of Southern California. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy of England. KaRen Youmans Karen Youmans began her new position as Honors director in August. She previously served as an English professor and Honors program director for Oklahoma Baptist University. In a statement on her teaching philosophy, Youmans expressed her objective to become a “persuasive example of life-long learning” by being involved in the learning process with her students. Youmans has been an active participant in the National Collegiate Honors Council for many years, serving on the organization’s Small Colleges Committee. BRadd Brown Chief of Police Bradd Brown joined OCU in April. Brown has more than 25 years of law enforcement experience and is a retired captain from the Oklahoma City Police Department. He served in key leadership positions with the OCPD including information technology, inmate, air support, and planning and research units. ChaRles Neff The Rev. Charles E. Neff, BA ’99 and MBA ’11, joined the university this summer as vice president for university-church relations and dean of the chapel. Neff served as senior pastor of the First United Methodist Church of McAlester for seven years, which included a merger of two congregations in 2008-09 and construction of a $2.4 million campus in 2012. Neff was the associate pastor of Christian education and adult ministries at Faith United Methodist Church in Tulsa before transferring to McAlester. While attending seminary, he was a student pastor at Green Valley Chapel United
Methodist Church in Ohio. He began ministry as a youth minister with stints in Blanchard and Oklahoma City, and then was appointed as an assistant to the senior pastor in establishing the Edmond Acts 2 UMC. In addition to his OCU degrees, Neff holds Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies degrees from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a Doctorate of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Neff was a Bishop's Scholar at OCU. He was ordained an elder in full connection by the Oklahoma Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church in 2005, and he has served on the Ministerial Recruitment and Nurture Taskforce, the Annual Conference Council and is secretary of the Conference Committee on Finance and Administration. He has been a member of the McAlester District Committee on Ministry and has served as president and vice president of the McAlester Ministerial Alliance. Elizabeth SheppaRd Assistant Vice President for University Development Elizabeth Sheppard joined the advancement office this fall. Sheppard has more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership and resource development experience. She was most recently vice president for advancement at Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Ga., where she also served as executive director of its college foundation. She previously served as director of institutional advancement of Itawamba Community College in Fulton, Miss. In addition to resource development, Sheppard is accomplished in staff and organizational development, strategic planning, endowment building, alumni relations, communications, publications and special event management. She has attained the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, which represents the global standard for the fundraising profession. Russ Tallchief The university recently welcomed Russ Tallchief as the director of student engagement, inclusion, and multicultural programs. Tallchief serves on the boards of directors for the Oklahoma City Ballet, Race Dance Company, and the Osage Nation Foundation. Since 2000, he has served as the art galleries editor for Native Peoples magazine, and has contributed articles primarily on visual and performing arts to various publications. He has taught writing at area colleges and wrote the theatrical storytelling, “The Jacobson House, 1930.” He has also curated exhibitions of art and cultural materials for the past 10 years. He served as Head Man Dancer for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian opening powwow of the museum’s New York City facility, and went on to work in both the education and public affairs departments of the museum. okcu.edu // 5
The chemistry of
Success By Rod Jones
The last time OCU’s chemistry labs were renovated, carbon nanotubes had not yet been discovered. There were 103 named elements on the periodic table. Now there are 114. Some of the original furnishings and cabinets in the Dawson-Loeffler labs are still in use from when the facilities were added to the building — before man had even walked on the moon and before pulsars were found. But that's about to change.
Landon Beathard, chemistry freshman, completes a class assignment in the chemistry lab.
At other schools, the labs are the first things they show (prospective students). Having good labs shows that the college believes that
science is important. —Chemistry Chair Stephen Prilliman
Chemistry students work with a professor in the early days of the lab. From the OCU Archives
“T
hey looked pretty much the same as how I remember them,” said chemistry alumnus James Thaddeus Coin, BA ’73, talking about a recent visit to his alma mater. What would normally be considered a wistful, fond reflection is more of a statement of necessity when it comes to hopes for modernized chemistry labs. This fall, OCU is finalizing plans for a major renovation of the lab spaces. Even without state-of-the-art facilities, the chemistry program continues to have exceptional graduates. In the last year, 90 percent of science students were accepted into their professional school of choice, and among recent biochemistry graduates 100 percent who applied to pharmacy school have been accepted. Much of that has to do with the quality of the instruction. Dr. Coin, who went by Thad during his time at OCU, offered just such an assessment. “It looks like the key to a good education there now is the same thing OCU offered back then — small class sizes with a more personalized education,” he said. Coin said that during one of his semesters as an undergraduate, his work schedule conflicted with his class schedule. Dr. David Hart, a professor and the chemistry department chairman, agreed to meet with him outside of class so that he could help the student finish his requirements. Then, after graduation, the faculty allowed Coin to continue using the labs to work on his project studying neurotransmitters. That early lab work led to a successful career in neurology. Coin now has his own neurology and electrodiagnostics practice in North Carolina. He continued his science education at Rice, where he earned his Ph.D., and then a post-doctoral fellowship at Cornell before earning an M.D. from Duke. He has extensive experience in large schools and small schools, and understands the priorities for professional laboratories. “The most important thing is safety. After that, you need excellent lab instructors,” he said. 8 // Focus Fall 2014
Faculty
The Chemistry Department faculty is perhaps the main competitive advantage at OCU. Stephen Prilliman, associate professor and chair of the Chemistry Department, uses a new technique called POGIL inquiry-based instruction. Instead of doing a lecture first and lab experiment to follow up, POGIL (short for Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning) uses student-centered inquiry-based instruction. Prilliman is part of a group that is working nationally to help teachers and professors implement POGIL in their classrooms. Last summer he gave a presentation at the National Meeting of the POGIL Project. His project was titled “Development of a question sorting assessment for general chemistry.” The department also includes John Nail for organic chemistry and David Engebretson for advanced chemistry and nursing chemistry. Dedicated to making the most of their present facilities, the faculty have been doing a lot of the general lab upkeep to keep the facilities in compliance and operational. They’ve done everything from hood maintenance to replacing ceiling tiles. Updating the labs has been on the campus wish list for several years. Prilliman said the old labs don’t allow for a lot of demonstrations he’d like to include in his curriculum. For lab improvements, “our biggest concern is air exchange. To do the experiments we’d like to do, the air needs to flow from the hallways into the labs, then exhaust to the outside.” Having better labs would mean more than better experiments. It would also allow for better results in student recruitment. “At other schools, the labs are the first things they show them,” Prilliman said of school-shopping students. “Having good labs shows that the college believes that science is important.” The chemistry faculty anticipates having significant renovations start next spring. Prilliman said one of the first projects would be a classroom to adjoin the main chemistry lab. That would allow the professors to do demonstrations without having to interrupt classes by moving to a different part of the building. Such a room modification would also allow the students to have private discussions during experiments.
Lab oratory Learni ng
PA Program Preps for First Class
Stephen Prilliman, associate professor and chair of the Chemistry Department, talks with chemistry student Emily Webster. Photo by Josh Robinson
“Right now, they go out to the hallway for post-lab discussions,” he said. In the labs themselves, Prilliman would like the benches designed and laid out differently to encourage collaboration. He would also like to have each station set up with tap water, natural gas outlets and deionized water faucets. The students currently have to fill up plastic containers with deionized water and set them on the benches near their work stations. The labs were added to a building that opened in 1954 and formerly housed the School of Engineering and Technology, which was discontinued in 1962. The most recent and thorough renovations came in 1987 and 1988. Those renovations added classrooms, acoustical ceilings, handicap accessibility, climate control, an exhaust system and a device called a spectrophotometer. Last year, OCU started new biochemistry and pre-pharmacy programs aimed at helping pre-pharm students prepare for admission and success in pharmacy school. Prilliman pointed out that having new labs would benefit the university as a whole, not just the chemistry majors. All of the science majors use the chemistry labs during at least one of their semesters. The chemistry department also teaches one of the courses for the nursing school, and there are general education chemistry and pre-med programs that make use of the labs. With a storied history in science education, having contemporary laboratories will help OCU be prepared for new discoveries, and will allow the university to keep focusing on a “more personalized education.” At right, a molecular model Professor Stephen Prilliman uses in chemistry classes. Photo by Josh Robinson
Along with the chemistry lab renovations, the early stages for the new Physician Assistant program are in the works. The graduate program will make use of Dawson-Loeffler Science and Mathematics Center labs in addition to adding a new lab in the science building. Dr. Dan McNeill, who is helping to develop the program set to begin classes in January 2016, is working on adding a cadaver lab to the first floor of the Dawson-Loeffler building. “It’s good to see the sciences strengthened here by improving the facilities,” McNeill said of the science building’s chemistry lab improvement plans. “This should help us recruit good students into the sciences.” He hopes to have the cadaver lab ready in time for a national continuing education conference in February. He said hosting the conference will elevate OCU’s image in the healthcare industry. For those who get squeamish at the thought of a cadaver lab in the building, McNeill says to rest easy: “Cadaver labs have changed quite a bit in the last 25 years or so. They’re not as malodorous as before. They use less formaldehyde in the embalming process out of concern for chemical safety.” The lab is an integral part of the program, he said, because understanding the internal structures of human anatomy is critical to graduating competent medical practitioners. OCU is only the second school in the state to offer a PA program. The program is being created to address a critical need for more highly trained medical providers throughout Oklahoma. The U.S. Labor Department projects a 30 percent increase in employment for PAs over the next seven years, the highest average rate for all occupations. Approximately 90,000 PAs practice in the U.S., with 1,200 working PAs in Oklahoma. McNeill is a longtime medical educator who is bringing with him two decades of experience as former director of the PA program on the OU Health Sciences Center campus. He was hired as a neuroscience researcher at OU in 1988 and became director of the PA Program in 1994, a position he held until retirement in 2013. McNeill taught a clinical decision making course at OCU last spring and is teaching an introduction to pharmacotherapeutics course this semester. okcu.edu // 9
ScholaRships
Mike Turpen displays his Honorary Doctor of Laws degree, presented by, from left, OCU Provost Susan Barber, OCU School of Law Dean Valerie Couch, and OCU President Robert Henry.
Dr. Bob Blackburn, (left), Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director, hosted the overflow event at the Oklahoma History Center. He is pictured with Turpen and Gov. Bill Anoatubby of the Chickasaw Nation, presenting sponsor for the event.
Mike Turpen gathers OCU friends
‘Wit and Wisdom’ Benefit Clara Luper Scholarships More than 400 friends of Oklahoma City University celebrated former Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Turpen and his new book “Turpen Time: The Wit and Wisdom of Mike Turpen” with a roast/toast Aug. 15 at the Oklahoma History Center. The event raised more than $160,000 for OCU’s Clara Luper Scholars endowed fund, named in honor of the Oklahoma City civil rights icon. The scholarships provide opportunities for academically accomplished and community service-oriented students from underrepresented areas. Hosts for the evening were President Robert Henry and Oklahoma Historical Society Executive Director Bob Blackburn. Speakers included Polly Nichols, Judy Love, and Brian Davis, with Jay Hannah serving as emcee. 10 // Focus Fall 2014
Second row, left: Gov. Mary Fallin visited with Turpen and Judy and Tom Love. Second row, right: Tom Price and former Gov. George Nigh are pictured with Turpen. A total of five elected governors were present at the event. Third row, left: Gary Homsey, right, OCU Board of Trustees Vice Chair, and his wife, Sue, greeted Turpen at the event entrance. Third row, right: Former Oklahoma Governor David Walters and his wife, Rhonda, are pictured with Turpen’s television show colleague and former Oklahoma City Mayor Kirk Humphreys.
Video, Photos & MoRe okcu.edu/turpentime
At left: President Henry with OCU Trustees Jane Jayroe Gamble and Jerry Gamble. Photos by Jerry Hymer
Pomp & Circumstance
Commencement Celebration Oklahoma City University awarded four honorary degrees and conferred bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to more than 900 students this spring. Former Governor George Nigh gave the commencement address during the undergraduate ceremony and music professor David Steffens, winner of this year’s OCU Outstanding Faculty Award, spoke to graduate students. The university awarded honorary degrees to Nigh, Oklahoma County Commissioner Willa Johnson, Bishop James E. Dorff, and the Rev. Margaret A. Ball, BA ’67. This year’s Servant Leadership Award was presented to Cathy Busey, ’77, and Phil Busey, BA ’74 and JD ’77. FoRmer GoveRnor George Nigh Nigh received an Honorary Doctor of Public Administration. He served four terms as a state representative, four terms as lieutenant governor and was sworn in four times as governor, including two consecutive terms. He became the youngest member ever elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives and the youngest lieutenant governor in U.S. history. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 1989 and received the Jim Thorpe Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 1992. Oklahoma County Commissioner Willa Johnson Johnson received an Honorary Doctor of Public Administration. She was elected Oklahoma County Commissioner in 2008 after representing Ward 7 on the Oklahoma City Council for 14 years. She was the first African-American woman elected to the Oklahoma City Council and has served the public for more than 20 years. Johnson founded the First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City junior golf program, and has worked to provide historical plaques to the Deep Deuce district and in placing Edwards Addition on the National Register of Historic Places. Bishop James E. DoRff Dorff was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity. He serves as bishop of the Southwest Texas Conference of The United Methodist Church. Prior to his election as bishop, he served for 36 years as a pastor in the North Texas Conference. He was elected to the episcopacy in July 2008. Dorff serves on the Council of Bishops and is currently a member of the council’s executive committee.
Above: Accounting graduates share their OCU pride just prior to the graduate ceremony. Above, left: President Robert Henry awarded Honorary Doctorates to Johnson (second from left), Dorff (third from left), Ball (fourth from right) and Nigh (third from right).
The Rev. MargaRet A. Ball Ball, who received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity, retired from OCU this year as vice president of university-church relations after 10 years of service. Ball, BA ’67, has served in ministry for 30 years. She was ordained an elder in the Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church in 1988. Ball came to OCU from Bartlesville where she served as district superintendent for The United Methodist Church. Previously, she served as associate director of Skyline Urban Ministry, chaplain at Integris Baptist Medical Center and minister of care at United Methodist Church of the Servant, all in Oklahoma City. Ball was elected as a clergy delegate to the last four General and Jurisdictional Conferences of the United Methodist Church. Cathy and Phil Busey Cathy and Phil Busey have led philanthropic efforts for OCU and community organizations for several years, including establishing the El Sistema Oklahoma inner city children’s music program. Cathy Busey is a participating co-owner of Delaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLC (DRG) and the Busey Group of Companies with her husband, Phil. She oversees banking relationships and finance, and she contributes to daily operational decisions and corporate administration. Phil G. Busey has practiced law regionally and nationally for 25 years with expertise in Native American, commercial, corporate, government, public finance, and contracting law. He received the U.S. Small Business Administration Oklahoma Business Person of the Year, and last year he received the Chairman’s Award from OCU’s Meinders School of Business and was inducted into the Oklahoma Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor. He serves on several boards of directors and is active in civic and church organizations. okcu.edu // 11
Phyllis Bernard and Dann May
B alance Each Other, OCU By Terry Phelps, Ph.D. // OCU Professor of English
S erv i n g in Ta nde m As Phyllis Bernard and Dann May boarded a flight to Monrovia, Liberia, a British Airways security agent looked askance and said, “A lawyer and a philosopher? How does that work out?” May responded cheerfully, “I keep her ethical,” and Bernard added, “And I keep him relevant.” Married for 21 years, May and Bernard help balance each other and bring balance to OCU and beyond. Bernard is the Robert S. Kerr, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Law, and May is an adjunct professor and director of OCU’s Vivian Wimberly Center for Ethics and Servant Leadership. They came to OCU (in 1989 and 1994 respectively) because of the university’s commitment to servant leadership. Bernard says, “We teach from a very OCU-compatible philosophy: the entire community, economy, and our increasingly diverse and interconnected world prosper when education encourages curiosity, thoughtful compassion, and disciplined problem-solving. We are committed to serving our students by preparing them to thrive in a 21st century global market, able not only to make a living, but to make a life worth living.” Their 2006 trip to Liberia forged new levels in their partnership as spouses, scholars, teachers, and trainers in alternative dispute resolution. Beginning in 1998, Bernard laid the intellectual and practical foundations for a global collaboration among women of color to bring human rights to the grassroots level in conflict zones of Africa. Funded by the U.S. State Department and the American Bar Association, Bernard led multiple Rule of Law Projects pro bono in Nigeria and Liberia. Her project in Rwanda — replacing the devastated civil justice system with a mediation-arbitration process that protected the rights of genocide widows and orphans — was funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In all of these projects, Bernard says May has frequently provided the systematic understanding of non-Western religion and sensitivities in conflicts among orthodox and evangelical Christian sects that are at the heart of much communal violence. May and Bernard’s insights gained from those experiences shaped later OCU seminars on alternative dispute resolution and on human rights, emphasizing analogies with juvenile gangs and trafficking in the U.S. The experiences also inspired a course they taught jointly between the School of Law and the School of Religion: Global Perspectives on Law, Ethics and Religion. Bernard’s early career included work as a transactional lawyer, litigator, and lobbyist, with clients including publicly traded health care corporations, non-profit corporations, public hospitals, and national trade associations. During the Reagan administration, she was a federal appellate administrative judge on the Provider Reimbursement Review Board, overseeing major institutional claims OCU Professors Dann May and Phyllis Bernard during a visit to Beijing in 2011.
under the $45 billion annual Medicare Part A program. During the Clinton administration, Bernard served as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health. When she returned to Oklahoma, the governor appointed her as a commissioner on the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission, hearing appeals of workplace disputes and moving forward the commission’s first ethics code and rules to implement alternative dispute resolution to largely replace litigation processes. Bernard is the founding director of OCU’s Center on Alternative Dispute Resolution, a program recognized for high quality skills training supported by rigorous research and field studies on legal ethics, power dynamics, and cultural issues. ADR focuses on mediation, arbitration, settlement conferences, We are committed negotiations, and to serving our students other alternatives to traditional court by preparing them to litigation. She teaches thrive in a 21st century corporate governance global market, able not and practice, administrative law, and only to make a living, regulatory practice, but to make a life and the emerging law of globalization. worth living. She has served on the governing councils for three American Bar Association national groups: the Section of Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice, the Section of Alternative Dispute Resolution, and ABA Africa. In 2012, Bernard was named a Fellow of the National Association of Corporate Directors, the highest credential for corporate directors and corporate governance professionals. The NACD recognized her for the 10 years she has served on the Board of Directors for Southwest Power Pool, Inc., chairing the Human Resources Committee and serving on the Oversight Committee responsible for monitoring the security and integrity of the electric grid of 10 states. In addition to the public service, this experience has been excellent background for her teaching corporate law. May has taught 28 different courses at OCU in philosophy, religion, and geology. He has master’s degrees in philosophy and geology, specifically in paleontology and paleoecology. Before teaching, he worked as an
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okcu.edu // 13
exploration geologist with Standard Oil Company. His wide range of knowledge has brought him numerous speaking engagements around the U.S. on religions, service-learning, geology, and ethics. Examples of the latter include presentations “Business Ethics Is Not an Oxymoron” for the Public Relations Society of America and “What Do You Do When No One Is Looking?” for the Council of Petroleum Accountants Societies. May stays current on geology and recently made a presentation in Port Angeles, Wash., on fault lines in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, where he and Bernard are building a second home. Their Oklahoma home is on 11 acres south of Norman, where he’s developing forest gardening (permaculture) and alternative energy projects — manifestations of his interest in environmental issues and sustainable living. He has been a board member of Sustainable Oklahoma City. He also has been a board member of Interfaith Alliance of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma United Nations Association. In addition to presentations on numerous religions, he has published articles in journals and in one book, “Revisioning the Sacred: New Perspectives on the Bahá’í Theology.” Mark Davies, dean of OCU’s Petree College of Arts and Sciences, says, “Dann has contributed profoundly to interfaith understanding and dialogue on campus both in and out of the classroom.” Davies praises him for helping develop “an award-winning servicelearning program at OCU that is the most comprehensive in the state and second to none in the region.” May coordinates OCU’s Service-Learning, which enables students to apply what they learn in class through community service. He approves, schedules, and assesses classes, and works with faculty and community partners. Since the spring of 2002, OCU instructors have taught more than 500 servicelearning courses, and students have given the community about $1 million worth of labor to such diverse places as Positive Tomorrows 14 // Focus Fall 2014
Vivian Wimberly Center for Ethics and Servant Leadership Director Dann May is pictured with OCU students during a trip to the Buddha Mind Monastery this summer.
SeRvice -LeaRning at OCU has contributed about $1 million worth of labor to the community since 2002. It enables students to apply what they learn in class through community service. and other Oklahoma City schools, the Oklahoma City National Memorial, Buddha Mind Monastery, the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, and state agencies such as the Department of Environmental Quality. Nature and nurture shaped Bernard and May. Her father’s family is from Martinique, her mother’s family is from Jamaica, and her great grandfather founded Jamaica’s first private boarding school for nonwhites. Her parents met in medical school, came to Oklahoma to practice, but eventually dedicated their careers to academic medicine and public health. In 1963, right after the Civil Rights March on Washington, D.C., 9-year-old Bernard desegregated Casady Lower School. This was also when she began viola and piano lessons at OCU, later playing in the OKC Junior Symphony. “I can still feel a twinge of tension near the practice rooms, and a thrill when near the auditorium — especially backstage and on stage,” she says. Many of May’s ancestors were theologians and ministers, including a British major who came to America on the second Mayflower. Both his parents had horticulture degrees from Cornell University, and his grandfather was a civil engineer. Dann’s love of nature grew from experiences as an Eagle Scout and a member of Future Farmers of America, as well as from his parents’ greenhouse. Serving nature or humanity, May and Bernard epitomize servant leadership.
Office Space
Steve Agee, Meinders School of Business Dean By Sandy Pantlik
With a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Kansas, Steve Agee began his career as a professor in the early 1980s. After more than 30 successful years in both the oil and gas, and banking industries, he became dean of OCU’s Meinders School of Business in 2011. “My education, business, and life experiences led me to this special place. I’ve come full circle.” Dean Agee says the students are the best thing about his job — he teaches several classes, is a professor of economics, and mentors students in many areas. He has built the prominence of Meinders School of Business much in the same way he found success in business:
by forging strategic partnerships, raising the school’s visibility among business leaders, and sharpening its competitive edge. Thriving programs in energy management, energy legal studies, and computer science are setting the school apart. Last summer, Meinders School of Business achieved a milestone by earning accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), ranking it among the world’s top business schools. “I am excited and invigorated about the possibilities ahead of us. I am where I am supposed to be.”
Family Ties
Energy Boost
Achievements & Dreams
Dean Agee’s father was a Radioman Third Class in the U.S. Naval Reserve. This framed tribute contains the Purple Heart his father was awarded after being wounded in action in the South Pacific, and his letter of honorable discharge.
Agee attributes the always-present supersized containers of Atomic Fireballs and Double Bubble gum to driving and running. “When I run or exercise, I chew gum. The Atomic Fireballs keep me alert on long drives.”
“Energy has been a dominating force in my life and has given me many connections that I have been able to use for the benefit of the business school.” The alcove is lined with awards and recognition from business, energy, and civic organizations. The Frederic Remington bronzes are from the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board honoring his three years of service as chairman. And the National Geographics on the top shelf? “I guess someday I will go back and look at them to see where I’ve been, where I still want to go, and what’s left on my bucket list.”
Candid Conversation In one of his favorite photos, Agee talks with Ben Bernanke, then chairman of the Federal Reserve. Agee served six years on the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City’s Oklahoma City Branch Board, three of those as board chairman.
Favorite Son Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin presented Agee with this bronze Will Rogers statue to recognize his work coordinating the 2012 Governor’s Conference on Energy. The conference, which began in 2011, grew from an energy speakers’ series Agee started at Oklahoma City University.
Arts Currency One of Agee’s favorite things is this collection of pieces created by sculptor Glenna Goodacre as she designed the Sacagawea dollar that entered circulation in the U.S. in 2000. “Through my experience here, and my time spent with President Henry, my appreciation for the liberal arts has deepened. This piece reminds me of that.”
Bullish: twitter.com/OCUMSB // 15
Giving Dan c i n g for J oy
Community Dance Center Spreads Culture, B By Mandy Heaps
The Oklahoma City Community Foundation recently named the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management as a recipient of the iFund Opportunities for Children grant for the school’s Community Dance Center. Open since 2008, the Community Dance Center provides a unique and valuable service: quality dance education available to those unable to afford or access traditional dance classes. A typical year of tuition at a dance studio costs, on average, more than $500. The Community Dance Center is able to provide much-needed scholarships and offer classes for $60 annually to qualifying applicants. What makes the CDC even more unique is that its dance classes are taught primarily by students enrolled in the dance pedagogy program at OCU. Student instructors become master teachers before they graduate while providing quality dance education and training to an underserved population. Gwynn Loud, a pedagogy senior, recently began her second year as an instructor for the CDC. “The Community Dance Center has given me the chance to give back to the community by taking the knowledge I have gained in my courses and applying it to the dance classroom,” Loud said. “The center has given me the chance to instill a safe space for children to expand their creativity, gain selfconfidence, and improve their physical health.” “The Community Dance Center allows our school to meet two critical needs,” explained Jo Rowan, founder of OCU’s dance program. “First, we are providing the opportunity for our undergraduate pedagogy students to teach in pragmatic learning situations. Our student teachers learn how to teach beyond a syllabus to truly get through in a meaningful way to the students in their class. Second, and most importantly, we are providing a safe place where kids from our community experience many different styles of dance while learning important values such as teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence.” The iFund grant significantly enhances the CDC’s scholarship program which was started several years ago by faculty member Nikki Singer. In a spirit of generosity and with concern for the community, Singer generously supported the CDC with scholarship funds to make dance classes available to the community. The iFund grant now allows the CDC to expand its mission and increase its impact by attracting new students with additional scholarships. Approximately 70 percent of the CDC’s students receive scholarship support and the center has a waiting list of students hoping to enroll but in need of additional financial assistance. Tiffany Warford, associate professor of dance, serves as director of the CDC and has seen firsthand the benefit of scholarship support for families. “Scholarships are incredibly important to our program,” Warford said. “They alleviate 16 // Focus Fall 2014
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We are providing a safe place where kids from our community experience many different styles of dance while learning important values such as teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. the financial constraints on families and allow for additional relief as parents know their kids are in a safe place, taking part in dance classes that will be both challenging and rewarding. Our parents are always pleased to see the values and discipline learned at the CDC impact their child’s behavior at home and at school.” The CDC offers classes in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip-hop to students, ages 3 to 18, of all levels and abilities. The classroom atmosphere mirrors that of the collegiate experience with an equal emphasis on learning, expression, and discipline. Students are taught to attend class on time, wearing the proper attire. Attention is given to the student’s attire because uniformity in appearance helps to distinguish movement of the body without distraction and students develop pride and confidence in their appearance in the classroom. The classroom is also a place where students learn to appreciate and celebrate their peers. Students applaud throughout their class which teaches them to show appreciation for themselves, each other, and their instructor. This atmosphere of encouragement and support builds self-esteem amongst the more shy or reserved students.
Giving
Builds Character Among Under-Served Youth
Left: American dance teacher student and CDC instructor Katie Dudzik helps a ballet student. Above: American dance teacher student and center instructor Mary Bro works with children during a class. Photos by Josh Robinson
“There is no better place for the Community Dance Center than at Oklahoma City University,” Rowan noted. The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management is the first of its kind in higher education. The school is recognized on a national level for the uniqueness and rigor of its academic programs as well as the talent and professionalism of its graduates. This reputation comes from years of preparing graduates to be successful in what Rowan refers to as
“the business of show business.” Rowan and her team have dedicated their careers to ensuring that their graduates are prepared to thrive and succeed on stage, behind the scenes, or in their own dance studios. It’s because of real-life experiences, like those gained at the Community Dance Center, that dance education and appreciation for the art of dance will continue to develop and thrive in dance studios around the country. 5, 6, 7, 8: okcu.edu/community-dance-center/ // 17 Text: text // 17
Giving
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I think most of my assumptions about living here were shattered, and so I think I know less about this place than I thought I knew before I came here. —Ryan Bartnick BS ’13
DeEtta Cravens, bottom row in royal blue, celebrates with students at Maerim Wittayakom School and Lanna International School in Thailand during a weekend exchange program.
Students’ Global Perceptions Shift During Studies Abroad By Mary Benner Director of Academic Services
Oklahoma City University acting majors performed scenes from Shakespeare’s plays within a stone’s throw of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon. Dance performance students danced on the stage of an ancient amphitheater as part of the History of Rome: From Ancient to Baroque course, and two American Indian Scholars spent a semester in Kyoto, Japan, studying intensive Japanese. Each of these experiences was the result of OCU’s Study Abroad program. After history major Andrew Wasson traveled to Germany and visited Dachau, he wrote: “Anyone who goes to Dachau will be traumatized. That’s a good thing. After you see something like that, it’s practically impossible to forget what happened.” When German Martinez, BA ’13 and MA ’14, a bilingual Clara Luper Scholar, returned from his semester in Spain, he reflected: “I thought that I would be happy to see 24-hour stores and to have the luxury of air conditioning, but I often find myself missing the emphasis that the Spanish culture puts on family. Those Sundays where most stores were closed provided me time to catch up on my week, talk to family, and just relax.” Stormy Vandeplas, an Oklahoma native who hopes to be a marine biologist, spent last summer with a whale research team off Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Other students took laboratory science at a research station in Costa Rica, where they studied primates and helped with reforestation. Nursing students recently
concluded experiences in Honduras and Argentina and at Cambridge University in England. All returned with new perspectives about public health, healthcare, and patient interaction. An environmental science alumnus, Ryan Bartnick, BS ’13, spent fall of his junior year in Amman, Jordan, where he lived with a Muslim family, studied Arabic, and interned with a desalinization project created to address Jordan’s severe water shortage. His final blog post, written just before he left Jordan, expresses a view commonly held by students nearing the end of their programs: “Overall, I think most of my assumptions about living here were shattered, and so I think I know less about this place than I thought I knew before I came here. It was a good time breaking down all my perceptions, and I’ll leave here not knowing much, but also knowing a great deal.” As an undergraduate, DeEtta Cravens, BA ’13, of Stillwater, studied in Chile and received a Boren Scholarship to study Portuguese in Brazil. There, she applied for and received a Fulbright Fellowship to teach English in Thailand after graduating from OCU. “I learned that forming close, interpersonal relationships is the most effective way to promote mutual understanding, and I will apply this lesson in my career as a public diplomacy officer in the U.S. Foreign Service,” Cravens explained. This fall, she began her master’s in public policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government on a Charles Rangel Graduate Fellowship that fully funds her studies along with two summer internships with the U.S. Department of State — one in Washington, D.C., and a second at a U.S. embassy abroad.
Study Abroad Day of Giving To help more OCU students experience the transformative power of studying overseas, a Day of Giving aimed at raising scholarship funds for study abroad will coincide with International Education Week in November. Opportunities to contribute to scholarships and to share personal experiences of studying abroad will be available through the OCU Facebook page during the week of Nov. 16. For more information, contact Carrie Sauer at (405) 208-5873 or csauer@okcu.edu.
okcu.edu/studyabroad 18 // Focus Fall 2014
Alumni
Now Starring Lora Anderson, BS ’97 Da n ce M a n ageme n t
Lora Anderson is one of nearly 50 dance and arts management alumnae who has worked with the Radio City Rockettes. During nine years with the world-renowned precision dance company, she never missed a show and never sustained an injury. Anderson attributes her strong health to her training in the Pilates method and now owns four Pilates and Movement studios in Los Angeles and Austin. “OCU challenged me and created a spirit of excellence and follow through in everything I approach in my life,” she said. “I am still amazed at how much the teachers cared about the education I received. OCU felt like a family to me and allowed me to grow into a productive adult while I was still exploring who I was.” Favo r it e OCU M e mor i e s
Dancing with the American Spirit Dance Company and being part of an incredible dance program, being involved with Gamma Phi Beta, staying up late studying with friends, and supporting fellow artists by attending productions all the time. Ca r eer S naps h ot
Anderson’s performance career has taken her around the world. She has performed at Disneyland, Universal Studios and in numerous musicals including “A Chorus Line,” “The Will Rogers Follies” and “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
LoRa AndeRson A prof esso r's love and fi ness e
“We have some work to do.” Watch Kelsey Griswold, acting ’14, reflect on her studies with Music Professor Brenda Holleman. After her year as Miss Oklahoma 2013, Griswold recently moved to New York City to pursue her performance career dreams.
“My favorite OCU memory is the lasting friendships I made and the memories we share having lived together for four years.” —2014 Alumni Survey Response
Alumni Profiles See more at www.okcu.edu. Click on Alumni Outcomes.
Snapshots of success: okcu.edu/admissions/alumni-success/ // 19
Alumni
Alex Swainsbury, BSB ’11
Will Mann, BM ’06
F i na n ce
Musical T heatre
Alex Swainsbury acquired unique skills that help him in his role as a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual through close interactions with local business leaders, made possible by Meinders School of Business faculty. Swainsbury was named one of the Top 50 Emerging Financial Advisors for Northwestern Mutual and was part of Leadership Tulsa Class 49. “I could not be more thankful for the preparation and relationships I was equipped with by attending OCU,” he said. “OCU bridged the gap and made me marketable to Fortune 500 financial firms, a personal success I could have never experienced on my own.”
Will Mann made his Broadway debut in 2011 with the role of Bobby Dupree in “Memphis.” He performed that year at the Tony awards with the cast of the musical. Mann credits legendary OCU Professor Florence Birdwell with helping him find his voice. “She got me out of the way of my voice,” he explained. “I put so many tricks and affectations on myself to sound a certain way. She stripped away all the junk and gave me the truth.” Mann said he learned the value of versatility and confidence at OCU, and that both have helped him excel.
H ig hl ig hts f rom OCU
Attending the World Business Forum in New York City and watching classmates win the Governor's Cup at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Favo rite OCU Ex periences
Learning from the best and watching peers grow into stars in their own right.
Homecoming Set for Nov. 7 to 9 OCU will celebrate its 110th year and pay tribute to the classes of 1964, 1989, and 2004 during Homecoming festivities Nov. 7 to 9. Events include a 50th reunion luncheon, distinguished alumni dinner, alumni picnic, alumni band concert, and chapel service. The muchanticipated Lip Sync event begins at 7 p.m. Nov. 8 in the Freede Center. For more information, visit www.okcu.edu/alumni or call (405) 208-7000. Virginia Berry (second row at left), a sophomore in 1925, with Phi Phi Phi members.
Reuniting on the Campus
Berry Establishes Art Scholarship in Mother’s Honor
Gamma Phi Beta alumnae from the late 1980s and early ’90s gathered in Oklahoma City for a summer 2014 reunion. Members came from near and far, including Nigeria and the East Coast for the weekend-long event. As part of the celebration, the group toured the OCU campus. Anyone interested in organizing a group reunion is encouraged to contact the office of alumni relations at (405) 208-7000.
A new endowed scholarship will assist students pursuing degrees in studio art. Howard Berry Jr. established the Virginia Berry Endowed Art Scholarship in honor of his mother, liberal arts ’28. Recipients can receive a four-year award through the scholarship program based on academic performance.
Thunder Nights The OCU Alumni Association will host events during two Oklahoma City Thunder games this year at the U.S. Cellular Thunder Box. Gatherings will be Nov. 14 when the Thunder face the Detroit Pistons and March 15 when they match up against the Chicago Bulls. Tickets are $80 and will include a buffet meal. Watch your email for registration information. 20 // Focus Fall 2014
Class Notes
1967 graduate Charlie Hunter
Enoch Kelly Haney
1955
The Oklahoman ran a tribute to baseball and geology alumnus Harold Wolaver, BA ‘55. 1959 University of North Texas psychology professor and alumnus Lyndal Bullock, BA ’59, received the outstanding leadership award from the Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders. 1961 Electrical engineering alumnus William H. “Bill” Payne, BS ’61, who started the Oklahoma Academy of Broadcasting and owns nine radio stations in the state, was inducted into the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Opera in the Ozarks in Eureka Springs, Ark., held a tribute concert for Jim Swiggart, BM ’61, who announced his retirement as general director of the organization. 1964 Barbara McAlister, BM ’64, who teaches voice for the Cherokee Nation, was honored at the Oklahoma Hospitality Club’s community service banquet. 1965 Enoch Kelly Haney, BA ’65 & Doctor of Laws ’93, was named Red Earth Ambassador of the Year.
Former basketball player Charlie Hunter, BA ’67, organized a reunion for some of the best basketball players and coaches from south-central Kentucky.
Focus ExtRa Read more about those featured, view more photos, and see alumni in the news at okcu.edu/focus
Mike Mayberry, ’67, retired as deputy court administrator for the Oklahoma Supreme Court. 1968
1966
The TV special “Oklahomans and Space: The Oklahoma Influence” includes an interview with Ed Root, MBA ‘68.
Wayne Ray, BA ’66, and his wife, Carolyn, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
The Glasgow Daily Times in Kentucky ran a tribute to former basketball player Jerry Lee Wells, BA ‘68.
1967
1971
The Tulsa World ran a tribute to J.R. Pearman, JD ’67, former Osage County district judge.
The Tuttle Times dedicated a “Founding Citizens” profile to sociology alumnus Ron Marlett, BA ’71, a clinical social worker in Tuttle. Class Notes Archives: okcu.edu/focus // 21
Class Notes
Edgar Cruz
Krizzo Meadows, BSB ’84 & MBA ’86, former OCU basketball player and pastor at Christ Temple Community Church in Oklahoma City, volunteered at the Midnight Basketball outreach program for inner city children. 1985
David Holland
1972
1979
The Seminole Producer ran a tribute to Edmond Andrew Harjo, BA ’72, who was the last remaining Seminole Code Talker.
Mike Sheriff, MBA ’79, gave a presentation in Edmond about early day law enforcement in the Indian Nations of Oklahoma Territory.
1973
1983
Ann Clayton, BA ’73, retired as music instructor at Frederick Public Schools after 30 years.
David Holland, BA ’83, had an art show titled “Portrait of a Thunderhead” in Lawton.
Ross Sanchez, JD ’73, retired as district court judge of the 2nd Judicial District Court in New Mexico.
1984
Terry Runnels, BM ’73, was honored at the Hennessey Hometown Hootenanny. 1974 Lois Faye May, BS ’74, was interviewed for a feature story in The Oklahoman about Martin Luther King Jr.’s death. 1976 Justice Douglas Combs, JD ’76, was inducted into the Shawnee Educational Foundation Hall of Fame.
22 // Focus Fall 2014
The Oklahoman ran a Q&A about Tony Shinn, MBA ’84, Oklahoma City market president for Bank of America. Paul Woodward, JD ’84, was voted as presiding judge of the northwest administrative district in Oklahoma.
Michael Simpson, JD ’85, earned a doctor of philosophy degree in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona. Nikki Leach, JD ’85, was sworn in as Noble County Associate District Judge. Stacey Logan, BM ’85, starred as Beatrice in Oklahoma City Repertoire Theatre’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” 1986 Marshall Smith, MBA ’86, was named CFO for Occidental Petroleum’s subsidiary, California Resources Corporation. Edgar Cruz, BM ’86, headlined the City of Chandler’s 15th Annual Chandler Ice Cream Festival. Bill Orendorff, JD ’86, and Matt Orendorff, JD ’08, a father-son duo, have had a law firm in Sequoyah County for more than 25 years. 1988
Rick Best, JD ’84, was inducted into the Seminole State College Alumni Hall of Fame.
Sheila Stinnett, BA ‘88 & MPA ’90 & MA ’01, was named assistant executive director of the Edmond Family Counseling agency.
Vicki Behenna, JD ’84, has joined the Crowe & Dunlevy law firm as a director.
1989 Sean Jones, MBA ’89, is owner of the Oklahoma City Football Club; DeBray Ayala, BA ’91 & MLA ’93, is managing partner of the team.
Class Notes 1990 Robert Paiva, MBA ’90, was named to the Tri County Technology Center Foundation Board of Directors in Bartlesville. Elizabeth Montgomery, BM ’90, organized a summer creative arts camp in Vinita. Ronnie Irani, MBA ’90, is on the board of directors of Seventy Seven Energy, Chesapeake’s oilfield services business spin-off. Debra Bailey, MPA ’90 & MLA ’11, was named director of the Performing Arts Department for Chickasaw Nation Arts and Humanities. 1991 Edmond Public Works Director Herb Blomquist, MBA ’91, was awarded the American Public Works Association public works executive credential.
The Oklahoman did a feature story about the volunteer work of Carolyn Leonard, BA ’91. Kristin Chenoweth, BM ’91 & MM ’93, received the Annie Oakley Society Award from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in June. Chenoweth was selected to host the 2014 PBS Arts Fall Festival recently. She was inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.
Counseling alumnus and former OCU staff member Alan D. Herndon, BS ’91 & ME ’93, was named president and CEO of the Kansas Area United Methodist Foundation. 1992
1994 Keri Coleman-Norris, BA ’94 & JD ’97, was elected to the Oklahoma Heritage Bank board of directors. 1995
Anita Schlaht, ME ’92, was named executive director of the Edmond Historical Society and Museum.
James Sloan, MBA ’95, was appointed to the 20th Judicial Circuit Court in Florida.
Attorney R. Robyn Assaf, ’92, was asked to review proposed changes to medical liability law in Jordan. Assaf presented on the pending revisions to Jordanian law, including a comparison using the American Experience in Medical Liability Tort Reform.
1996
1993
The artwork of Brent Greenwood, BFA ’97, was featured in the Chickasaw Visitor Center in Sulphur.
The Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra in Chicago performed a song composed by Mike McFerron, BM ’93, composer-inresidence at Lewis University. Eddie Wyant, JD ’93, gave the commencement address at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Beth Dukleth, BPA ’96, and Kari Levassar updated their year-old pilates studio in Austin. 1997
Jennifer Smith, MBA ’97, joined the Keesee & Co. law firm in Nichols Hills. The City of Wilcox, Ariz., renewed its contract for city attorney Ann Roberts, JD ‘97. 1998 Kelli O’Hara, BM ’98, performed in the PBS Independence Day celebration. She will appear in NBC's Dec. 4 live performance of “Peter Pan.” Bob Looney, BS ’98, was hired as director of safety and security for Aerodynamics Inc. 1999 Shelley Myatt-Studebaker, MBA ’99, joined ChappelWood in Edmond as office administrator. Robyn Hilger, BME ’99, was named executive director of El Sistema Oklahoma. Law alumnus and professor Mitchell McCarthy, JD ’99, joined Hall Estill’s Oklahoma City practice. 2000 Tanya S. Bryant, BS ’00 & JD ’04, was named general counsel for the Oklahoma City Human Resource Society.
Vicki Behenna
okcu.edu // 23
Class Notes 2001
2005
Bobby Stem, JD ’01, a partner at the Capitol Gains government relations firm, was named a distinguished alumnus of Rose State College.
Vocal education alumna Rebecca Upshaw, BME ’05, directed “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” the season-closing production for Stage Door in Yukon.
Jin Song, ’01, retired as managing director and executive director of the Chinese People Holdings Company. 2002 Kyle Dillingham, BM ’02, headlined the Journal Record’s Achievers Under 40 ceremony.
Todd Lamb, JD ’05, gave the Tulsa Community College commencement address. Robyn Huizinga, BA ’05, was hired as a teacher in the Paris Community Theatre in Texas.
2003
Theater alumna Leslie Hensley, BA ’05, is the leader of the entertainment wrestling group Balthazar’s Ladies of Wrestling.
Chip Abbott, BPA ’03, is a member of the ensemble of the national touring production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
Kelly Beamish, BPA ’05, toured with the Curtis Adams Magic that Rocks Show and was an instructor at the North East Independent School District dance intensity in San Antonio, Texas.
Shannon Ferrell, JD ’03, was named an associate professor of agricultural law at Oklahoma State University.
2006 Ursula Lundberg, MSA ’06, was promoted to senior manager at Cole + Reed in Oklahoma City.
2004 T.W. Shannon, JD ’04, was the keynote speaker at the Rogers State University Foundation’s Scholarship Banquet.
2007 Zack Zudhi, MBA ’07, was named head of the private banking business sector of JPMorgan Chase in Oklahoma City. Erin McCracken, BM ’07, starred as Patsy Cline in the Ocean State Theatre production of “Always … Patsy Cline” in Rhode Island. Roxanna Morrow, BSB ‘07, and Christopher Morrow, BA ‘09, moved to Honolulu, Hawaii. Christopher is a captain in the U.S. Army, serving with the 25th Infantry Division. Since their arrival to Hawaii, he has been to the Philippines and Thailand. Brandon Jackson, MBA ’07, was in the Musician’s Spotlight in the Stillwater NewsPress.
T.W. Shannon
Bob Cehelnik, MBA ’04, was hired as COO of CASECO truck manufacturing in Oklahoma City. Kurtis Ward, JD ’04, joined the board of directors of REI Oklahoma. 24 // Focus Fall 2014
Maggie McClure
Jeremiah Downes, MM ’09, was appointed assistant professor of musical theater at Emory & Henry College in Emory, Va. Brett Knight, BSB ‘09 business administration, has been director of youth support for the Chickasaw Nation since June 2013. He and his wife, Lucy Knight, BS ‘10 biology, had their first child, Wayne. Jennifer Floan, MB ‘09 music business, is currently working on her MBA at OCU. She served in the Marine Corps Band for five years and became a coach and coxswain at the Oklahoma City Boathouse. 2010 Adam Shahan, BA ’10, associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Moore, led a memorial service in the OCU chapel for Terry Myrks, a homeless man. Tracy Halso Gap, performing arts in dance performance ‘10, and her husband opened a studio in Grosse Pointe, Mich.
2009
John Corn, BA ‘10 liberal studies, is chief of police in Yukon.
Maggie McClure, BM ’09, released her album “Time Moves On.”
Nathan Gardocki, BFA ’10, produced the film thriller “Light from the Darkroom.”
Morgan Beauchamp, BSB ’09, was named a member of the tax staff for CCK CPA firm in Tulsa.
Desiree Dillon, BM ’10, performed in Valdosta State University’s (Georgia) Peach State Summer Theatre season.
Class Notes Ben Harrell, BM ‘10 composition, completed his master’s at Boston Conservatory. He works in New York as a music director and freelance jazz performer. 2011 Jared Hooley, BS ‘11 cell and molecular biology, served with the Peace Corps in West Africa as a high school science teacher. Kaben Smallwood, JD & MBA ’11, became certified as an NFL agent. Ryan J. McAdory, MS ’11 criminology, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps last year and will be moving to Okinawa, Japan, in October to serve as an adjutant in the 1st Marine Air Wing (1stMAW). 2012 Tiffany Goldwire, BS ’12, was named women’s basketball recruiting assistant at the University of Iowa. Kaimee Kellis, JD ’12, was promoted to advanced staff at Cole + Reed in Oklahoma City. Heather Botts, MM ’12, was in the cast of “For Tonight” at the New York Musical Theatre Festival.
Amanda Lee, BS in entertainment business ‘12, is serving as a law clerk in the office of the Attorney General of Texas. Emme White, BS in entertainment business ‘12, has been appointed as a junior agent at BMG Models and Talent in New York City. Elyse Davis, BS ‘12 sociology, has been aquatics director of the Midwest City YMCA since December 2012. Elyse participated in cross country, track, and rowing at OCU. 2013 Hailey Holloway, BA mass communications ’13, is a reporter at the NBC and CBS affiliate in Gainesville, Fla. Holloway has worked on national stories and assisted with a piece for “Dateline” about the high-profile Pedro Bravo trial. Katie Archer, MBA ’13, was the guest speaker at the Cheyenne Educational Foundation annual academic banquet.
Kate Adams, BBA marketing & BA ‘14, accepted a position as HR manager with Target.
Lena Khader, BS ’13, started “Making HERstory,” a program that encourages young adults to discuss concepts pertaining to social issues and find ways to better their communities.
Mark Anderson, BBA finance ‘14, is a business analyst with Koch Industries.
2014 Breanna Hughey, BFA design and production ‘14, accepted a senior production manager position with Princess Cruise Lines.
Law alumni Matt McCombs, JD ’12, assistant vice president and property manager, joined the staff of MidFirst Bank in Oklahoma City.
Kaleb Smith, BBA finance ‘14, accepted a marketing position at UMB in Kansas City.
Lt. Kristin Strickler, BBA economics ‘14, joined the U.S. Army.
Neilee Wood, BS ’13, earned a fellowship from the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.
DeEtta Cravens, BA ’12, earned the Rangel International Affairs graduate fellowship to pursue a master’s degree in international affairs at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
James Irwin, BBA finance ‘14, accepted a position at Isabella Royalties.
Michael J. Amend, JD ’13, joined the Holmes, Yates, and Johnson firm in Ponca City.
Kristen Bailey, BSN ’13, developed new safety sign project at Mercy Hospital.
Heather Botts
Elyse Davis
Jeff Sherwood, BFA design and production ‘14, accepted the resident sound designer/sound engineer position with Totem Pole Playhouse in Fayetteville, Pa. Chris Cox, BBA marketing ‘14, was named marketing coordinator for OCU. Cody Booms, BBA business administration ‘14, is working at McCord Testing in Oklahoma City.
Sy Stewart, BBA marketing ‘14, is a sales representative for BG Products (fuel additives). Trevor Harmon, BBA marketing ‘14, became a brand management intern at Sonic. Jacqueline Walter, MSCS ‘14, joined the Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office. Chun Fu “Jeff ” Cheng, MBA ‘14, became an instructor at Seminole State College. Britnee Byers, BPA ’14, joined the Livewire! Show in Hersheypark’s Music Box Theatre in Pennsylvania. Other Alumni Law alumnus Rodney P. Geer joined the Willis Law Group as a partner and chairman of its construction practice in Dallas. Hassan Nazari-Robati starred as Lumiere in the national touring production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” okcu.edu // 25
Law
J ud ic i a lly Sp e a k i n g
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor talks law, citizenship, 9/11 By Leslie Berger
U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor told OCU law students to remember that the legal profession is a service to people as she fielded questions from President Robert Henry and Law Dean Valerie Couch in the packed-to-capacity Kirkpatrick Auditorium on Sept. 11. About 1,100 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and university friends attended the Conversation in which Justice Sotomayor, the Supreme Court’s first Hispanic justice, discussed her humble beginnings, the impact education has had on her life, and her philosophies. She also recalled the “sheer terror” of 9/11, speaking on the 13th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Justice Sotomayor was just blocks from the World Trade Center that morning. She said the events that followed helped show what a united America is all about. “I watched people of every background, every color, people from around the world who live in America, see past their differences and find their commonality,” she said. “I wish we could take the lesson from the World Trade Center tragedy, and from the Oklahoma City tragedy, to remember how we felt like one community. We spend so much time seeing our differences and so little time rejoicing in the things that we share.” In discussing the Fourth Amendment and privacy, Justice Sotomayor said technology raises new questions. 26 // Focus Fall 2014
Sotomayor speaks Watch the full conversation with President Henry and Dean Couch on OCU's channel: youtube.com/user/OklahomaCityUniver “Many Americans I don’t think know that there are drones flying over the air randomly recording everything that’s happening on what we consider our private property,” she said. “That type of technology has to stimulate us to think about what is it that we cherish in privacy and how far we want to protect it and from whom. These are questions each of you are going to have to answer.” Justice Sotomayor wrapped up the hour-plus conversation with advice for all in attendance. “Laws don’t happen to us; laws are created,” she said. “The only way things change is if you get involved and change it. Whether you are a lawyer or not, remember that first and foremost we should all be active citizens.” During her visit to OCU, Justice Sotomayor met with law students and friends of the university, and toured the new downtown home for the OCU School of Law. Above: President Robert Henry, Law Dean Valerie Couch and Justice Sonia Sotomayor in conversation at Kirkpatrick Auditorium. Photo by Josh Robinson
Law
Justice Sotomayor visited with OCU School of Law faculty at a reception before her speaking event on the campus. From left, Professor Danné Johnson, Justice Sotomayor, OCU First Lady Jan Henry, and Professor Art LeFrancois.
Live Tweets from @OKCU #OCUscotus
• Justice Sotomayor: Loved being a prosecutor because it meant doing what was right. Deciding if cases should be tried. • Justice Sotomayor: People are intimidated in court by my glare; I’m glaring because I’m trying to understand you. • Justice Sotomayor: SCOTUS is only branch that fully explains their decisions. • Justice Sotomayor: Important for SCOTUS/ judiciary to be diverse not just in race/sex, but in experience and background. • Justice Sotomayor: Empathy was misdefined by some public figs as ruling leniently because you feel sorry for them.
Middle: Members of OCU’s President’s Leadership Class met with the Justice on campus. From left, President Robert Henry, Ken Williams, Quinn Weedon, Chandler Hardy, Justice Sotomayor, Monica Hiller, Caroline Harrist, Jennifer Treloggen and Joey Simpson. At left: Justice Sotomayor visited the Devon Energy Center following her OCU presentation. She was hosted by Devon Energy CEO John Richels and his wife, Charlotte. Top right: Justice Sotomayor. Photos by Ann Sherman Photography
• Justice Sotomayor: Empathy is every judge in every case understanding where defendants come from and why they do what they do. • Justice Sotomayor: SCOTUS concurrences & dissents show legal community that an issue needs examination. •
Justice Sotomayor: SCOTUS discussed when true animosity btw justices ended. Justice R. Ginsburg: “When women showed up.”
• Justice Sotomayor: We’ve realized the importance of compromise and open exchange. • Justice Sotomayor: 5-4 split SCOTUS decisions remain because they’re on fundamental questions. on Twitter: @okcu and @oculaw // 27
Athletics
NAIA 2014 Women’s Basketball National Champions 28 // Focus Fall 2014
Athletics L uc ky 7
Women’s Golf Adds National Championship By Rich Tortorelli
The OCU women’s golf team captured a seventh national title this year, carding a final-round 295 and defeating top-ranked Savannah College of Art and Design (Ga.) in a playoff to win its second consecutive NAIA women’s golf championship May 23 at Wilderness Ridge Golf Club in Lincoln, Neb. The Stars, ranked No. 2 in NAIA women’s golf, shot five-under par as a team on the 18th hole, led by Elia Folch’s eagle, to force a playoff with SCAD-Savannah. OCU outdueled the Bees in the playoff on the par-4 first hole to pick up the national title. The Stars finished with a final score of 302-309-303-295—1,209 on the par-72, 5,962-yard course. OCU carded 13 birdies in the final round and 41 on the tournament. Folch finished as individual runner-up for the second consecutive year. Folch sank four birdies
Star s F i n i s h st rong
Director’s Cup Runner-Up OCU Athletics added five banners
to the Freede Center this year en route to the runner-up finish in the NAIA National Association of College Directors of Athletics Director’s Cup standings.
The Stars captured national titles in women’s basketball, cheerleading, men’s cross country, pom/dance and women’s golf in 2013-14. OCU took second place in the national Director’s Cup standings for the second time ever. After a tie for third place in the NAIA Softball World Series, the Stars finished with 763.25 points while garnering points in 11 sports. OCU reeled in national runner-up showings in men’s golf and women’s wrestling, fourth place in men’s track and field and seventh in men’s indoor track and field this season. Oklahoma City owns 56 national championships overall. OCU has won a national crown in each of the past 21 years. Since 199697, OCU has posted 13 top-10 finishes and 17 consecutive top-13 finishes in the Director’s Cup standings. Off the field, OCU continued its streak of compiling a combined 3.0 grade-point average to 12 years in a row.
and an eagle in the final round of action and finished one shot behind individual titlist Alazne Urizar. Folch, Kailey Campbell and Caroline Goodin all landed on the all-tournament team. OCU coach Marty McCauley was named NAIA coach of the year.
OCU to Host 2015 SAC Tourney Oklahoma City University’s Abe Lemons Arena will be the host for the Sooner Athletic Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournaments March 4 - 7, 2015. Oklahoma City most previously had been the site of the SAC Tournament in 2011. The nation’s premier NAIA conference has staged its postseason basketball tournament at Abe Lemons Arena in 2003, 2004 and 2011. OCU also hosted the SAC basketball tournaments in 1996 at Frederickson Fieldhouse. Berths in the NAIA Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will be at stake in the SAC Tournament. The tournament champions secure their spots in the 32-team national tournament.
A Capitol Celebration OCU’s athletic department recently drew a citation from the State of Oklahoma House of Representatives on April 28 for its successful 2013-14 athletic year The Stars were honored for their national championships in women’s basketball, cheerleading, men’s cross country, women’s golf and pom/dance in 2013-14. Rep. Kay Floyd of District 88 presented members of those Oklahoma City University teams to the state floor in a special recognition. game Schedules, Accolades and More: ocusports.com // 29
Athletics
Baseball Stars Catch the Draft Three OCU players were selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in June including Michael Nolan, Chris Pike and Brad Wieck. The New York Mets selected Wieck with the 205th overall choice in the seventh round, while the Tampa Bay Rays chose Pike with the 277th pick in the ninth round. Nolan became an 18th-round draft choice and the 552nd overall selection by the Oakland Athletics. The Stars ranked fourth in the NAIA this year with 494 batters struck out with those three pitchers. Georgia Gwinnett, Oklahoma Baptist, Oklahoma City University and San Diego Christian led all NAIA StaRs institutions with three players selected each. The SAC Michael Nolan • Oakland Athletics Chris Pike • Tampa Bay Rays tied for the NAIA lead among conferences with the Brad Wieck • New York Mets Golden States Athletic Conference with six draftees each. On March 7, Pike hurled the 24th perfect game in NAIA history against St. Gregory’s at Jim Wade Stadium, then tossed a no-hitter at Southwestern Christian on March 14 at Dolese Park. OCU has had 70 MLB draftees and 149 former players who turned professional. OCU entered the season with the most victories in college baseball since 1991. Four Stars turned pro off the 2014 team, including Forrest Smith. Smith signed The New York Mets picked OCU with the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League on July 19. pitcher Brad Wieck Oklahoma City went 35-19 and reached the SAC Tournament title game and the during the FirstYear Player Draft. NAIA Championship Opening Round Jackson Bracket.
D isting u i s h e d D i rectin g
Stellar Leadership Brings Conference Award Home for Third Time Jim Abbott has been selected Sooner Athletic Conference athletic director of the year. Abbott, OCU assistant vice president of intercollegiate athletics, has previously been honored as conference athletic director of the year in 2007-08 and 2008-09. In addition, Abbott had been awarded NAIA athletic director of the year in 2008-09 by the NAIA Athletics Directors Association and NAIA Central Region athletic director of the year in 2009-10 by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. Abbott garnered the award based on achievements in budget development, department oversight, facility development, academic achievement among studentathletes, team success, service to the NAIA and Champions of Character initiatives. 30 // Focus Fall 2014
OCU Athletic Director Jim Abbott speaks to athletics supporters.
Within the NAIA, Abbott has been president of the NAIA Athletic Directors Association, chairman of the NAIA Hall of Fame selection committee, and a member of the National Administrative Council. Abbott serves as a member of the membership committee, Hall of Fame selection committee, NACMA advisory board, cheer and dance emerging sport committee, and ad hoc advisory committee. Abbott is on the SAC senior leadership team. He was recognized by the Oklahoma City Convention and Visitors Bureau at the Fifth Annual Hometown Heroes luncheon for attracting sporting events to the community to showcase Oklahoma City.
In MemoRy Jerry Lee Wells Former Oklahoma City University basketball all-American Jerry Lee Wells died May 26, 2014, “An All-AmeRican if theRe ever was one.” at 70. Wells earned a B.A. in physical education in 1968. Wells became an NCAA Division I All-American in 1966. Wells and his teammate and fellow Glasgow, Ky., native Charlie Hunter were the first African-American basketball players at Oklahoma City University. Wells led Oklahoma City in scoring his junior and senior seasons. Wells’ career averages were 18.9 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest. He made the All-College Tournament all-tournament team twice. From 1963-66, Wells led the Chiefs to three NCAA Tournament appearances, the 1965 All-College Tournament championship, two All-College Tournament runner-up finishes and a 60-26 record. Wells formed OCU’s Big Three alongside Hunter and James Ware. Abe Lemons guided the Chiefs to a 24-5 record in 1965-66. Oklahoma City’s 1965-66 team ended its season in the NCAA Tournament, falling to the eventual national champion Texas Western 89-74 in the first round. Texas Western, now known as Texas-El Paso, featured an all-black starting lineup and became the subject of the movie “Glory Road.” Lemons said of the 6-foot-1 Wells that he was a complete player “with a fine sense of balance, hits inside or out and can play 40 minutes without relief” as well as “an All-American if there ever was one.” Lemons also said of Wells that he was “for his size, as good a player as I’ve had in 10 years at OCU.” Wells was known for his leaping ability, like a “coil spring injection.” Wells joined the OCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1986. The Cincinnati Royals selected Wells with the 16th overall pick in the second round of the 1966 NBA Draft. Among Wells’ surviving family are his wife, Cecilia, and son Jerrord.
Mervyn M. Martin
Marcia Ann Roney Anderson
D ec . 18, 1 921 – F eb. 27, 20 14
Dec . 23 , 1941 – J uly 3 0 , 20 14
Mervyn M. Martin, 92, passed away Feb. 27, 2014, at his home in Greeley, Colo. He was born in Santa Ana, Calif, to Thomas and Marie (Johnston) Martin. Mervyn graduated from Oklahoma City University in 1957 with a B.A. in physics. He married Estelle Smith on Jan. 23, 1943, in Washington, D.C. They raised four children together and were married until her death in 1986. He later met Marian Billings, who was a loving companion for 25 years. She passed away in 2012. Mervyn graduated from high school in Waukomis, Okla. He enlisted in the Navy in 1940 and was serving at Pearl Harbor when it was attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. He received advanced radio training and qualified as an instructor, later helping establish a radio materiel school in Gulfport, Miss. He earned his commission as chief warrant officer and received an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1946. He began his career in Oklahoma with the Civil Aeronautics Agency, which eventually became the Federal Aviation Administration. In Washington, D.C., he rose to the position of chief of the Systems Maintenance Division. After accepting the position of regional director of the newly created Rocky Mountain Region in 1970, he moved to Aurora, Colo., where he retired in 1979. In 1982, he and Estelle moved to Greeley to be near their daughters. He was a 32nd degree Mason with the Pilgrim-Rock Lodge in Tulsa, Okla., and a member of the Scottish Rite Masons in Denver. He was a life member of the VFW and the Society of Airway Pioneers. He was also a member of the American Legion and NARFE and a friend of First Christian Church in Greeley. He was a devoted family man who stood for honor, integrity and fairness. He had a great sense of humor and enjoyed westerns, country music, golf, traveling, dancing, Oklahoma football and the Denver Broncos.
On July 30, 2014, Marcia Ann Roney Anderson peacefully departed this life surrounded by loving family and friends. Marcia was born Dec. 23, 1941, in Hutchinson, Kan., but spent most of her childhood growing up in Okmulgee, Okla. She graduated from Oklahoma City University and received her master’s degree in psychology after attending graduate school at the University of Arizona. Marcia then went on to an internship, continuing her career in child psychology with the Child Study Center for the next 30-plus years. In the early years of her career, Marcia was part of a team of colleagues doing pioneering work with autistic children. Many of the therapies they developed are still part of the regimen prescribed by professionals to this day. Marcia touched the lives of many young children during their early stages of their life, which she considered the most critical for behavioral development. She was also a very dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and extended her love to many others who became part of her life. Marcia was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Anderson Jr.; her parents, Erma and Lyle Roney; and brother, Curtis Roney. She is survived by her son Richard Anderson III and his wife Kimberly Smith Anderson; son Christopher Anderson and his wife Dawn Fruitticher Anderson; sister Marilyn Schick and her husband Al of Georgetown, Texas; and her sister-in-law Monnie Roney of Tulsa, Okla. She is also survived by her five grandchildren: Sean, Benjamin, Justin, Kaitlyn and Zachary. Marcia AndeRson Helped develop theRapies still pRescRibed for autistic childRen.
Alma Mater Hub: okcu.edu/alumni/ // 31
In MemoRy Edmond Andrew Harjo
Shannon Lea Hellman
Nov. 24 , 1 91 7 – M arch 3 1, 2 0 14
J un e 28 , 19 67 – April 21, 20 14
Edmond Harjo died in Ada, Okla., at the age of 96. He was the last surviving Code Talker for the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma. Edmond earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma City University. He was a U.S. Army Private First Class in World War II, assigned to Battery A of the 195th Field Artillery Battalion in Germany. He received a Good Conduct Medal and a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Service Ribbon with one Silver Service Star. Edmond graduated from Seminole High School. He taught in the Maud, Okla., school district and at several other schools. On Nov. 20, 2013, he attended a Congressional Gold Medal ceremony in Washington, D.C., that honored Code Talkers from 33 tribes. He was the only living code talker to attend the ceremony and he accepted the medal on behalf of the Seminole Photos courtesy U.S. National Archives. Lower photo by Tom Nation and the other tribes at the ceremony. Woods, April 9, 2014. Edmond was an accomplished pianist who played the piano for several gospel quartets and at the nutrition center in Maud. He was a member of Achena Presbyterian Church. He was born on the original allotted land in Maud that belonged to his mother, Yanna (Grant) Harjo.
Shannon Lea Hellman, 46, of Cary, N.C., passed away at her home Monday, April 21, 2014, after a long struggle with Young Onset Alzheimer’s disease. Shannon was born in Landstuhl, Germany, to Michael Frank and Judy McAlister Rundle. Shannon won the Miss Virginia National Teenager pageant in 1984, earning a full tuition scholarship to Oklahoma City University where she graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. degree in mass communications in 1989. She was very creative and worked as a graphic designer upon graduation until her children were born. She married Carl A. Hellman IV, her high school sweetheart and husband of 25 years. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Cary. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s North Carolina, Inc., at 1305 Navaho Dr. #101, Raleigh, NC 27609.
Richard Sawyer Jan. 15, 1 959 – M ay 26, 2 0 14
Richard Sawyer passed away peacefully at home from cancer. Richard was born in Akron, Ohio. He earned his juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University in 1993. Richard grew up in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. He enjoyed scouting, spending time with friends and playing hockey. Richard graduated from Ohio University in 1981 and went on to work for an insurance company. He transfered to an Oklahoma City office in 1984. At OCU's law school, he made friends who remained close. Later in life, Richard made another career change, becoming a registered nurse. At three different hospitals, his patients benefited from his special combination of knowledge, compassion, and gentle touch. On April 8, 2014, Richard married his longtime sweetheart, Sheryl Brown. In lieu of flowers, his wife requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Robert “Ed” Bryant Robert died at his Newcastle, Okla. home on Aug. 12, 2014, of an undetermined illness. Robert invested his last years at Oklahoma City University, where he enjoyed supporting the needs of faculty and students through inter-library loans. Robert was born in Tulsa, the son of Norman and Edythe Bryant. He graduated from Edison High School and attended Oklahoma State University. Many came to know Robert through his volunteer work for Carrie Dickerson, the celebrated anti-nuclear activist and founder of Citizens’ Action for Safe Energy. Robert served as the secretary of the organization for a time. In the 1970s, Robert volunteered for the presidential campaign of Fred Harris, U.S. senator from Oklahoma, and helped David Boren win the Oklahoma gubernatorial election. Later, Robert was selected to work at the Governor’s Mansion as a groundskeeper. Robert possessed many skills. He was experienced in newspaper production and graphic arts. He managed databases of various kinds. He was also very good at customer service, a trait that led him to employment in libraries. Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by brothers Norman Bryant of Broken Arrow and Bill Bryant of Oklahoma City. Survivors also include blended family members: Cinda Schaeffer of Okarche, JoLynn Admire of Tulsa, Richard Walner of Catoosa, Stacie Duke of Tulsa, and Toni Alley of Tulsa. Memorial gifts may be made to Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder, Oklahoma City, OK 73106. On personal checks, make a notation of “Ed Bryant,” and your gift will be designated for a student scholarship fund. To make an online contribution, please visit www.okcu.edu and look for the online giving option.
Pamela R. Prentice Parrish // Class of 1941
Gerald S. Payne // Class of 1975 & 1977
Harold W. Spradlin // Class of 1990
MacKenzie C. Thompson // Class of 1954 & 1982
Joseph L. Ruffin // Class of 1986
William J. Holloway // Class of 1991
Johnie A. Nolen // Class of 1962
Shannon Hellman // Class of 1989
Earlene R. Mitchell // Class of 1997
James R. Pearman // Class of 1967 32 // Focus Fall 2014
Student LeadeRship
H al l- m a r k Mom e n t
Students, Alumni Honor Longtime Vice President for Student Affairs Oklahoma City University Vice President for Student Affairs Rick Hall retired in June after a 14-year career with the university and 40 years in higher education administration. The campus community celebrated Dr. Hall’s career June 23 and renamed its student organization suite as the Richard E. Hall Student Leadership Center. In addition to Hall’s administrative role, he co-taught “Insights Into Executive Leadership” for five years, bringing local, state and national leaders together with students to explore civic and educational issues. He also founded OCULeads, the President’s Leadership Class for incoming freshmen who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential. The program has produced more than 300 student leaders. Several former student leaders spoke at the dedication ceremony, emphasizing Hall’s commitment to students and heart for mentorship. OCU President Robert Henry called Hall a legend in the field of student affairs. “Rick is known for his strong commitment to students and his exceptional ability to cultivate servant leaders,” Henry said. “He
has made a tremendous impact on OCU and in the lives of our students.” Henry noted that Hall established many new initiatives during his tenure at OCU. He introduced the Clara Luper Scholarship program and American Indian Scholars program to expand access to quality higher education among academically accomplished and community service-oriented students from underrepresented areas. He revitalized the Student Government Association, led the redevelopment of the McDaniel University Center, enhanced first-year experience activities for freshmen and oversaw the transformation of the university’s security department to a full police force. Many of the programs created under Hall’s leadership were the first of their kind at OCU. He created the first multicultural student affairs office and the first university center programming office. Hall also initiated the development and construction of the university’s newest dormitory, United Methodist Hall, and Aduddell Fitness Center, along with revamping OCU’s recreation services.
Top left: Student Government Association members Terrance Craft, MaryAnn Grover, and Beatrize Martinez present Dr. Rick Hall with the Legacy Award during the dedication of the Richard E. Hall Student Leadership Center June 23. // Top right: Jeff Riles, BA ’09, expresses his appreciation for Hall’s mentorship during the dedication ceremony. // Above: Hall and his wife, Lee Hall, OCU’s director of first year experience and student disabilities services, are pictured outside the newly dedicated Richard E. Hall Student Leadership Center inside the McDaniel University Center. okcu.edu // 33
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2501 N. Blackwelder Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73106
Oklahoma City, OK
The Oklahoma City University Difference 96%
of the University’s nursing grads pass the RN Licensure exam on their first attempt.
3 of 10
TOP RANKED
OCU’s dance, theatre, and music schools are in the nation’s top tier.
90%
95%
of Meinders School of Business seniors are employed by the time they graduate.
Three of the last 10 Oklahoma Teachers of the Year are OCU grads.
of OCU science students are accepted into their professional school of choice.
Listed as a Top 25 school in the 2015 U.S. News & World Report ranking of Best Regional Universities in the West.
PREPARE to
RISE.
All careers aren’t created equal, and neither are all degrees. Oklahoma City University provides the instruction, attention, and challenging academic programs to help students rise in today’s fastest growing careers. From software engineering to health care, and the performing arts to exercise and sport science, Oklahoma City University grads lead the way.
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