Oklahoma City University FOCUS Alumni Magazine Spring 2019

FOC US SPRING 2019

ALUMNI MAGAZINE of OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY

Create, Lead, Serve Living Out OCU’s Mission

OKCU.EDU

CONTENTS Martha Burger, President Kent Buchanan, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

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

ALUMNI RELATIONS Megan Hornbeek Allen, BA ’03, Director of Alumni Relations John Riesenberg, BBA ’11, MS ’14, President, Alumni Board

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

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS Josh Robinson, Photographer/Videographer Ethan Cooper, Photographer/Videographer Assistant

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

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

The Chief Human Resources Officer, located in Suite 205 of the Clara E. Jones Administration Building, telephone (405) 208-5075, coordinates the university’s compliance with titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. Printed on recycled paper.

A Mission that Matters From creating music, a political career, and a business in Washington, D.C.; to leading aspects of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and development initiatives for Broadway Cares; to serving the state of Oklahoma and the 643,000 residents of Oklahoma City—OCU alumni are making their mark on the world. Three shining Stars are paving the way for the future by carrying forward the OCU mission to Create, Lead, and Serve.

PAG E 5 On the cover: Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt at the OCU Law Station stop with one of the new OKC streetcars. Mayor Holt presided over the recent restoration of streetcar service to OKC for the first time in 71 years. Photo by Josh Robinson

FEATURES Nursing School Adds 16 New Undergrad, Grad Scholarships

DEPARTMENTS 2

President’s Message

1

University Update

2

First Fraud, Forensics Program in Region 2

Students

15

Sophomore Embodies OCU Mission

15

Faculty

16

PA Grad Provides Education, Preventative Care to Rural Patients

22

Staff

18

Alumni

22

‘Orange is the New Black’ Author Speaks on Criminal Justice Reform

26

Athletics

23

Giving

27

Alumna Returns to OCU Family to Build Community, Outreach

27

Class Notes

30

In Memory

34

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

ac h i e v ing our m i s s ion

GREETINGS ALUMNI AND FRIENDS,

At OCU, we are on a mission to continue our 115-year legacy of scholarship and service. Our charge is to Create, Lead, and Serve. In this issue of FOCUS, you will find stories that reveal the unique ways in which our alumni, students, faculty, and staff are creating, leading, and serving, right here on campus and far beyond.

To help us fulfill our mission to the greatest extent, we have launched Bright Society, which includes a network of alumni and friends who are passionate about the future of Oklahoma City University. Now is the time to build on our legacy and shape the future of OCU. Three priorities will be identified each year for Bright Society. During this inaugural year, scholarships, faculty and staff recruitment and retention, and educational technology are our top priorities. You can read more about Bright Society on pages 28–29.

We are wrapping up an exciting academic year! I hope to see you soon at one of our events, either in Oklahoma City or with our network of alumni across the U.S. and around the globe.

PRESIDENT MARTHA A. BURGER

UNIVERSITY UPDATE

‘Kramer Way’ Scholarships Launching This Fall Oklahoma City University’s Kramer School of Nursing recently received a gift creating “The Kramer Way” scholarship, which will provide $400,000 for 10 new Bachelor of Science in Nursing students and $90,000 for six new Master of Science in Nursing students over a two-year period starting in fall 2019.

The scholarship is named for the school’s commitment to its core values of caring, kindness, and respect.

In addition to helping students earn their first degree, the school’s BSN program allows those who have a degree in another field to earn a BSN in 18 months.

“The scholarship is critical because many candidates exhaust their financial assistance while earning their first degree, but this will allow them the financial ability to become a nurse,” said Lois Salmeron, dean of the Kramer School of Nursing.

Salmeron also indicated that scholarships for graduate study are rare, further making this opportunity unique.

The school’s MSN program features distance learning and a low-residency model, which helps nurses living in communities outside of Oklahoma City to successfully complete their degrees.

Kramer School of Nursing building exterior. Photo by Shevaun Williams

Fraud, Forensic Program Meets Growing Worldwide Need

THE SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS installed a new

sculpture, “Shooting Star,” by artist-in-residence Morgan Robinson, on campus near the Norick Art Center in February.

The metal sculpture is the official blue of the university, and its name reflects the OCU nickname, the Stars.

Several other pieces by Robinson are on exhibit around campus and at the downtown School of Law building. The Norick Art Center will host a solo exhibit of his work in the spring. His sculptures will adorn the Hulsey Gallery from April 3 to May 9. Robinson is an artist from Stillwater who works primarily with wood and metal.

Photos by Ethan Cooper

2 // FOCUS Spring 2019

Morgan Robinson

Oklahoma City University became the first university in the region to offer a master’s-level certificate program in financial fraud and forensic accounting, a niche program only a handful of universities in the nation offer. The program began in fall 2018.

The certificate program focuses on the development of student competencies in white-collar crime prevention and detection, including forensic and investigative principles/practices in accounting, economics, finance, and digital devices. Students will be prepared for other internationally recognized professional certification testing in fraud examination, forensic accounting, and business valuation.

Spearheading the development of the fraud and forensic program is Eddward Herron, associate professor of accounting at the Meinders School of Business.

Before earning his Ph.D. in accounting, Herron worked for 22 years in regulatory auditing, banking supervision, fraud examination, and bank consulting—both domestically for the Federal Reserve and internationally for the International Monetary Fund. He says the specialized branch of financial fraud investigation is critical to protecting the interests of society.

“The national and international financial systems are complicated, and fraud is possibly the fastest growing industry in the world,” Herron said. “Schemes are only limited by the ingenuity of people who want to steal from others, so it’s important to have more people who can root them out.”

The 15-hour master’s-level certificate can be completed in one year, and the program offers evening classes.

UNIVERSITY UPDATE

International Flair with Interdisciplinary Approach Oklahoma City University has added an international studies minor.

The program is offered within the Petree College of Arts and Sciences under the direction of political science professor Mohamed Daadaoui, who is from Morocco and specializes in Middle Eastern affairs. Daadaoui designed the interdisciplinary program to use existing fields of study at the university, including liberal arts, cultural arts, business, and law.

“The international studies minor engages students globally and prepares them to contribute knowledgeably and responsibly to a vastly interconnected world,” Daadaoui said. “Students acquire multiple global perspectives through a broad interdisciplinary curriculum, while also focusing on specific world regions

Mohamed Daadaoui

and international issues. The program enables students to pursue further study and careers in globally oriented fields.”

The minor consists of 21 credits. Courses include comparative politics, world religions, global security, and international economics, along with cultural studies such as music and film. Students may also study abroad.

For more information, contact the OCU admissions office at 405-208-5050.

OCU Sees the Forest and the Trees Oklahoma City University was honored with 2018 Tree Campus USA recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to effective urban forest management.

“Tree Campuses and their students set examples for not only their student bodies but the surrounding communities, showcasing how trees create a healthier environment,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Because of the school’s participation, air will be purer, water cleaner, and students and faculty will be surrounded by the shade and beauty the trees provide.”

The Tree Campus USA program honors colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. OCU achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and student service-learning projects.

“Oklahoma City University is committed to maintaining a park-like campus within our urban setting,” said OCU President Martha Burger.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the country plant

The Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel and Gold Star Memorial Building.

thousands of trees, and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities invested more than $51 million in campus forest management last year.

Physics Professor Celebrates 50 Years

Klaus Rossberg

Physics professor Klaus Rossberg was recognized for 50 years of teaching excellence during a faculty recognition meeting in February.

Rossberg began teaching at Oklahoma City University in 1969. He became physics chair in 1978 and then mathematics chair.

He has taught 35 different subject areas, including acoustics, astronomy, physics, and math. He published a textbook, “First Course in Analytical Mechanics,” in 1982.

Rossberg was born and raised in Germany during the Nazi era and the early Communist years. His family lived next to the river that became the first dividing line between East and West Germany after the war.

Rossberg attended one of the top high schools in East Germany with a broad range of subjects. Of the 33 members of his graduating class, 30 earned advanced academic degrees and became physicians, scientists, engineers, lawyers, teachers, and professors. He continued his studies at the Free University in West Berlin. A professor he met there invited Rossberg to join him at the University of Arizona to earn a Ph.D. After earning his doctorate, Rossberg took a teaching position at Michigan Technological University.

Rossberg became a U.S. citizen in 2000. He shares several traits with Albert Einstein. Both physicists came to the U.S. from Germany, played the violin, and are sons of talented pianist mothers. Rossberg is known to incorporate music and other arts into his course teachings.

HOT OFF THE PRESS: okcu.edu/nova // 3

UNIVERSITY UPDATE

OCU Mission Returns to Belize

BY CHARLES NEFF

Clockwise from top left: Giorgia Patterson teaches the OCU star hand sign to children from Camalote Village. OCU team selfie while trekking through the rain forest to St. Herman's Cave. Megan Poole reads to children during the literacy day camp. Kade Wilson, Blake Bulger, Andreas Nowag, and Elizabeth Horton-Ware stain the exterior of a home under construction in Camalote Village. Photos courtesy of Charles Neff 4 // FOCUS Spring 2019

Located three miles northwest of the Belizean capital of Belmopan, the small village of Camalote has dirt streets and minimal public services. Small cinder block homes are painted with bright Caribbean colors while most wooden homes are built up on stilts to help them survive the rainy season in the Central American nation.

Since 2015, OCU has sent teams to Belize over the winter break to participate in ongoing school construction projects.

Overall, it was OCU’s seventh international mission trip since 2015.

In 2017 and 2018, the university expanded its efforts by also sending a community health team from the Kramer School of Nursing. In 2018, the OCU team offered a three-day literacy day camp for the village children ages 4 to 11. The camp was so successful that it was the central focus of this year’s trip. Just as in the first year, nearly 80 children participated in the camp, which included music, sports, scripture lessons, art, and reading rotations. This year’s team consisted of 18 students, faculty, staff, and family members and included six returnees. In addition to the day camp, the team also worked on completing two homes in the village.

OCU is already making plans to return to Camalote Village in the winter to offer the day camp again and continue home construction in the community. In the intervening months, the university is sending a team to assist with reconstruction efforts in Puerto Rico.

These university-wide annual mission opportunities are a component of the school’s overall commitment to teach and model service in the community and world.

c r e at e

lead

serve

C R E AT E

MICHELLE MILLBEN

BY LESLIE BERGER WHEN MICHELLE MILLBEN’S ROLE as White House

liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives neared its end, she knew her next endeavor would be in a “right-brain field.”

The musician-turned-lawyer spent her career in public service during the Obama administration feeling challenged to be creative and entrepreneurial in her work on behalf of the people.

Millben (BM Music Business Administration ’05) has since launched Explanation Kids LLC. Like several other major life decisions for Millben, she founded her company as a response to great tragedy and injustice in America. After watching

individuals and youth in crisis. In one particular case, Millben became acquainted with an African American youth who was working to turn his life around, but ultimately received a harsh prison sentence for a first-time drug offense. The sentence was drastically harsher than punishments she had seen white classmates in her Oklahoma high school receive for the same offense.

“His life was ruined over a firsttime offense. I was angry; it seemed so unjust,” she said. “I decided that I could try to be famous (as a

the violent events unfold in Charlottesville in 2017, Millben began doing one of the things she does best, developing a plan to change the world. Explanation Kids officially launched in November 2018 with the goal of providing resources for parents and teachers to answer tough policy questions from kids about racism, violence, immigration, war, and more.

“I wouldn’t be an entrepreneur if I wasn’t part of the creative class,” Millben reflected, “and my time in the White House working under President Obama’s leadership got me back in the entrepreneurial spirit.”

The incident that spurred Millben’s decision to attend law school 13 years ago also was born of a deep desire to see change. As a youth pastor, she led several mission trips to Los Angeles’ Skid Row, interacting with homeless

musician) or try to go help people.” wasn’t part of the creative class, At that point, for the first time since age 8, Millben set aside her and my time in the White House dreams of a musical performance working under President Obama’s career and enrolled in law school. leadership got me back in the She studied law at the University of Oklahoma and Georgetown entrepreneurial spirit.

University, graduating in 2009. At Georgetown, Millben delved deep into poverty law and policy, and her interest in politics grew.

“When I saw a way to change lives for the better by making necessary changes to some of our laws, my heart lit up and I was able to be myself,” Millben reflected. “It was then I knew a career in public service was where I wanted to

‘‘

I wouldn’t be an entrepreneur if I

ON A MISSION: okcu.edu/main/about/mission // 7

‘‘ When I saw a way to change lives for the better … my heart lit up. go. Billable hours in a law firm were not going to be my cup of tea.”

Shortly after graduation, Millben extraordinarily entered her career on Capitol Hill as an adviser and counsel to the House Judiciary Committee. She covered voting rights and a range of other subjects. She went on to serve as the congressional director for the White House’s Presidential Personnel Office, attorney advisor for the U.S. Department of Justice, and special assistant to the president in the White House.

She served at the forefront of policy discussions during the Justice Department’s continued oversight of the deaths of Michael Brown in 2014 and Freddie Gray in 2015 as race relations and 21st century policing became more of a national focus, and as Congressional inquiries around the nation’s immigration crisis increased.

“The work was intense,” Millben noted, “yet it was a time to be inspired. The president believed in us, challenged us to look through an innovative lens at the needs of the country, and find ways to be responsive to the pressing issues.”

Millben has long found inspiration in

8 // FOCUS Spring 2019

challenging times and has found that creativity lends itself to perseverance.

“Creativity lifts the claustrophobic sense that boundaries give you,” she said. “To me, creativity means looking over boundaries for the betterment of other people. When your goals are noble, and higher than you, and about others, then creativity becomes quite instinctive.

Our creativity and our imagination can be catalysts for change.”

During her time in Washington, D.C., Millben has kept up with her love for music, practicing the violin and piano regularly, playing in her church’s worship band, and performing with the American Family Singers for the Kennedy Center Honors. Her choir involvement led her to sing background vocals for Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, Garth Brooks, and others.

Millben has now found herself in another time of change. After receiving full and nearly full scholarship offers to Harvard, Yale, Columbia’s Union Theological Seminary, and Boston University, Millben accepted a full-tuition scholarship to Harvard Divinity School last April.

However, she ultimately decided to put her next higher educational pursuit on hold to care for her mother, who recently fell ill.

“God has a timing for all things in our lives, and this just wasn’t the season for me to blend my company, my educational pursuits, and caring for my mom. My mother deserved my focus and support during this time,” she said.

“The administration at Harvard Divinity School is amazing. They were incredibly understanding, and thankfully, Harvard will still be there when my mom is back to 100 percent. My mom is a force of nature, and I thank God for her, as all of my outcomes are a result of her upbringing and her lessons on focus, devoting yourself to doing your very best, and serving others.”

Millben said that eventually, earning a divinity degree will advance her policy focus and will further her continued lifestyle of servantleadership­—one that has remained part pulpit and part public service.

Above, right: Michelle Millben speaks at the 2017 commencement ceremony at OCU. Photo by Josh Robinson Page 6: Millben in Washington, D.C. Photo by Eli Turner

LEAD

SAR AH C A R DIL LO

SAR AH C A R DIL LO

BY KIM MIZAR ALUMNA SARAH CARDILLO (BS Dance

‘‘

Management ’08) played a leadership role in one of the most iconic events in the United States as the event operations coordinator for Macy’s Parade and Entertainment Group. For almost two years, she helped coordinate the logistics and operations side of Macy’s Inc. annual Leadership is not about always being events, including the right or being the loudest voice in the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Fireworks room. It is about collaboration, respect,

Spectacular, Santaland/ Puppet Theatre, and the Herald Square Flower Show.

Cardillo has made a career out of giving back. She is now a senior development officer for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which gives her the opportunity to create, lead, and serve in her daily professional life.

Cardillo said fundraising is all about relationshipbuilding.

“I am always looking for ways to deepen my relationship with our existing major donors and their

communication, and listening to your peers and colleagues so that decisions are thoughtful and goals are clear. A leader never stops learning.

10 // FOCUS Spring 2019

relationship to Broadway Cares by connecting their interests and passions with our mission. I am also responsible for identifying potential new donors and cultivating those relationships so that they hopefully become major donors,” she said.

Cardillo oversees the major gifts team and works with the leadership council to achieve fundraising goals. She has been in her position for about a year and with the organization for seven years. She started as a production associate with Dancers Responding to AIDS, a Broadway Cares fundraising program.

“The best thing about my current position is that I get to know people from all different industries, backgrounds, and interests and find ways to help them make the world a better place. People are often looking for a way to create positive change in the world, and I help them do that,” she said. “By supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, they are supporting more than 471 social service organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Together, we are able to ensure that those struggling with a life-threatening illness or a personal crisis are able to get access to the medication, meals, financial assistance, counseling, and overall support they need to get back on their feet and live a full life.”

‘‘ I always try to pay it forward with others that I meet.

At Macy’s, Cardillo’s Each of Cardillo’s jobs responsibilities included has been a milestone tracking operational because each has expenses, negotiating shaped who she is today vendor contracts, and led her to where she ensuring a volunteer is now, she said. Her job database of more at Macy’s was her first than 4,000 people corporate job where she was up-to-date, and got to negotiate her first working with New York contract, implement City partners to ensure new strategies, and events ran smoothly. see those strategies Her day would include come to life. Macy’s anything from walking was also where she Above and Page 9: Sarah Cardillo in Times Square, New York City.

Photos by Ali Wonderly (BA Music ’17) the parade route with met her husband and the New York City Police made lifelong friends.

Department, pointing “I left Macy’s to pursue out which street lamps would need to be rotated to keep the route safe for a nonprofit career that began at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland. the parade balloons and spectators, to managing group reservations for There I found my love for fundraising and passion for utilizing the arts to visits with Santa Claus. Macy’s events are some of the most iconic events create positive change,” she said. in the U.S., and Cardillo said it was thrilling to be part of the behind-theAt Imagination Stage, she managed her first silent auction and had her scenes magic. first record-breaking gala. Following her time at Imagination Stage, she “One of the best things about working at Macy’s was when I got to be discovered Dancers Responding to AIDS and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights in the boat, tugging one of the fireworks barges during the fireworks show, AIDS. At Dancers Responding to AIDS, she helped create a new event, working directly with our pyrotechnic team and the boat captains,” she Hudson Valley Dance Festival, which just celebrated its fifth anniversary, said. “To be that close to the action and to see how all the steps leading up and she teamed up with one of her friends to create Broadway Run as to the big finale take shape right before my eyes was truly remarkable.” a new way to engage the theatre and fitness community. It has raised Cardillo’s leadership beliefs developed from a very young age. “I have $150,000 for Broadway Cares. been blessed with great role models and mentors throughout my life who She also managed her first host committee, with more than 40 people, have shown me that anything is possible if you work hard enough and have for Fire Island Dance Festival and helped it reach an all-time fundraising integrity. My parents were always leaders in their fields and showed me record. While she was working in her role as development officer at Dancers that was possible for me, too. I also had great professors and colleagues Responding to AIDS, she gave birth to her daughter Natalie, who just turned who taught me so much about what it means to be a leader and how to 3. “This was not only a personal milestone but also had a large impact on avoid the common pitfalls that many people face along the way. my career as I became a working mother. I helped initiate a new parental “Leadership is not about always being right or being the loudest voice in leave policy, advocated for improving our short-term disability plan, and the room. It is about collaboration, respect, communication, and listening negotiated a new work schedule that provided work-life harmony,” she said. to your peers and colleagues so that decisions are thoughtful and goals are Her efforts not only helped ease the transition as a new working mother clear. A leader never stops learning. I learn every day from my colleagues but also helped pave the way for future parents. In her current position last and our donors. Everyone is bringing something to the table that is valuable, year, her team raised almost $2.5 million for Broadway Cares to support and I try to recognize that, support them, and foster those relationships.”

The Actors Fund and more than 471 social service organizations. okcu.edu // 11

SERVE

D A V I D HO L T

BY TERRY PHELPS SCHOOL, WORK, OR SERVICE? For several years,

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt (JD ’09) has synchronized the three.

Holt’s commitment to service began at Putnam City North High School on the student council, where he realized “I wanted to be one of the people who influenced the world we live in.” He attended George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where his mother had earned a degree en route to becoming a social worker. He minored in English (which his father taught for 30 years in Putnam City schools), majored in political science, and began interning

office. “When I think about that in retrospect, I could never do it,” he laughs. In his last semester, he finished his last final exam, drove home and took his wife, Rachel (a graduate of the University of Oklahoma School of Law), to the hospital to deliver their first child. “I scheduled a little time between law school and becoming a father,” he jokes.

After completing law school, he waited a year to take the bar exam because he was campaigning for the state Senate. To prepare for the bar,

in U.S. Congress after his first semester—“the ultimate extracurricular experience,” he says.

By his senior year at GWU, he was a full-time executive assistant for the Speaker of the House and then worked in the White House. “By my last year in college, I spent more time on Capitol Hill than in school.” He returned to Oklahoma City in 2004 and worked with President George W. Bush’s re-election campaign. In 2006 he became chief of staff for Mayor Mick Cornett and started law school at OCU. Invited to a White House Christmas party, Holt had to decline because of a law exam.

He was glad OCU had a night program, unlike many law schools. He was a student from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday for 3 1⁄2 years, working days in the mayor’s

he returned to OCU’s Conquer the Bar program, which includes courses, essay-writing preparation, multiple-choice testing strategies, lectures, and practice exams.

Holt was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate in 2010 and in the next eight years, authored 72 bills that became law, including legislation to increase government transparency, combat domestic violence, enable online voter registration, create a state savings account to minimize future state budget shortfalls, authorize charter schools in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, and ensure the use of police body cameras and accessibility of videos to the public.

ADVOCATING #1OKC: twitter.com/davidfholt // 13

‘‘ I hope to set up the next generation for success. including the Legislative Champion award by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Sunshine Award by Freedom of Information Oklahoma, the Guardian Award by the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, and the Child Abuse Prevention Leadership Award by Parent Promise.

Holt has served on numerous community boards, including the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, Allied Arts, the Oklahoma City Arts Council, the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation, the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation, the Ralph Ellison Foundation,

Page 12: Holt outside City Hall. Photo by Josh Robinson Page 13: Holt reads a proclamation declaring Indigenous Peoples’ Day for Oklahoma City on Oct. 8 during an event at OCU. Photo by Ethan Cooper Above: David Holt and his son, George, participate in the Fiestas de las Americas parade in the Historic Capitol Hill district in September. Photo provided by the City of Oklahoma City

At OCU in 2012, he team-taught a course called “Hot Topics in Politics” with then-President Robert Henry. “Each week, we took a deep dive on a relevant state, federal, or local issue and then had speakers visit the class,” Holt says. “We had everyone from Sen. James Lankford to legislators to the city manager.” That year, he was one of seven Republican members Oklahoma sent to the Electoral College.

Also in 2012, he published “Big League City: Oklahoma City’s Rise to the NBA,” a book detailing the arrival of the former Seattle Supersonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) of the NBA, which he calls “the most significant positive development in the city’s history since the Land Run of 1889.” He had begun researching in 2006 when the Hornets preceded the Supersonics. His college experience as sports editor for the GW Hatchet student newspaper was helpful.

During his tenure in the state Senate, he received numerous honors, 14 // FOCUS Spring 2019

and Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park.

Thirteen days before taking office as mayor last April, he cast the deciding vote as a state senator to raise Oklahoma teacher pay, abruptly leaving an evening Q&A at OCU Law to cast the vote. He became the youngest mayor of Oklahoma City since 1923 and the youngest current mayor of a U.S. city with more than 500,000 residents. A month after taking office, he was named one of the “Ten Outstanding Young Americans” under age 40 by JCI USA (the Jaycees).

An Osage, Holt is the first Native American mayor of Oklahoma City.

In September he declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day in Oklahoma City, celebrated on Oct. 8 in OCU’s Chickasaw Sculpture Garden, where he read the first Indigenous Peoples’ Day in OKC Proclamation. The celebration included the Honor Song by OCU alumnus Brent Greenwood (Ponca/Chickasaw); remarks by President Martha Burger, OCU Trustee David Wilson (Choctaw), and Choctaw Chief Gary Batton; and a panel discussion in the McDaniel University Center.

As mayor, Holt says he must build coalitions, “to bring together the different leadership structures of our city—city government, school districts, the business leadership and the non-profit leadership—the four pillars—to come up with a strategic vision for public education in our city. For example, MAPS for Kids in 2001 was the result of all those same sectors of the community coming together when the crisis was school buildings. Kids couldn’t learn with water falling on their heads. I hope to set up the next generation for success, getting us to a unified vision for public education while also continuing commitments to quality of life like MAPS, and continuing to help our community transition into a more diverse future.”

Holt’s wife, Rachel, is chief operating officer of the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs, which coordinates the state’s juvenile justice and delinquency prevention services. Together, David and Rachel synchronize school, work, and service.

BOB BY ‘ TR AE ’ T ROUSDA L E

BY KIM MIZAR

What does “create, lead, and serve” mean to you?

BOBBY “TRAE” TROUSDALE, a sophomore communications major, takes to heart Oklahoma City University’s mission to create, lead, and serve. His goals for his time at OCU as well as his long-term goals all revolve around those three principles. “Making our campus the best it can be (with) all groups, all schools, one goal—to be a strong community,” he said.

In March, Trousdale was elected Student Government Association president for 2019–20. He served as director of civic engagement in the Student Affairs office until his term started in April. Upon graduation, he plans to go to law school and would like to focus on tribal sovereignty and tribal law.

Trousdale is a member of the Potawatomi Nation and was one of 10 students selected from across the country to attend the Potawatomi Leadership Program in 2018. He is vice president of Interfraternity Council and the Student Civic Engagement Committee director and in 2018, was named Outstanding Freshman.

CREATE “Creating that safe place and circle of safety for students, faculty, and administration. We must have that because our campus has so much. We have to create an environment that’s enjoyable where people can have the interpersonal relationships that are so necessary.”

Above: As a sophomore, Trae Trousdale is already getting leadership experience at OCU to work toward his gubernatorial goals. Photo by Josh Robinson

LEAD “I don’t believe I was put here to be a perfect 4.0 student. I was put here to lead. I want to develop my leadership and build leaders around me, as we are all community leaders.”

SERVE “I try to lead through service on and off campus. Because of the location of our university, we’re serving on an impactful level, not just adding to the noise. Students serve all over OKC, and we are making a difference. There are opportunities for every student to serve.”

STUDENTS IN ACTION: okcu.edu/nova // 15

FACULTY

The Plot Thickens:

BY APRIL MARCISZEWSKI

When his writing ideas aren’t panning out, novelist and faculty mentor Lou Berney says he’s glad to have a nice place to work—in his case, Cuppies & Joe coffee shop down N.W. 23rd Street from OCU. Photo by Josh Robinson

16 // FOCUS Spring 2019

If “The Long and Faraway Gone” brought Oklahoma City to life for readers nationwide, “November Road” may catapult the author himself, faculty mentor Lou Berney, into the public eye.

As “November Road” hit bookshelves in October, Oscar-nominated screenwriter, director, and producer Lawrence Kasdan acquired the film rights to the novel for six figures, Deadline Hollywood reported. Kasdan has written many of the “Stars Wars” screenplays, along with “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “The Big Chill,” which he also produced and directed.

John F. Kennedy’s assassination sets off the action in “November Road,” spurring a mob fixer into flight after realizing he is a loose end to be eliminated, while a poor Oklahoma mother and wife of an alcoholic also takes to the road with her young children, realizing if not even the death of a president will change her life, she’ll have to do it on her own. The Washington Post declared it Berney’s best novel to date and deserving of “the wide, appreciative readership it seems likely to find.”

Accolades continue to rack up as Berney hammers out his next work, a contemporary psychological suspense novel. He won the prestigious Edgar Award for mystery writing for “The Long and Faraway Gone” in 2016 and merited starred reviews from the four major trade journals for “November Road,” which has also been named a mystery/thriller finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

Meanwhile, Berney keeps his head down and his fingers flying across his keyboard, writing his next novel.

FACULTY

Professor Sells Movie Rights to Crime Novel “At the end of the day, it’s always the next thing,” he said. “You’re working on the next book, and that’s not done yet. You stay grounded that way. You can never have too much ego as a writer because there’s always so much failure involved.”

Berney earned his master’s from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and had a literary short story collection published before he graduated. But he didn’t write his first novel until he’d taught college for more than a decade and written screenplays in Hollywood for half a dozen years. During the 2007–08 screenwriting strike, Berney had an inkling of a story he wanted to write. The resulting crime novels “Gunshot Straight” and “Whiplash River,” starring the mob getaway driver Shake Bouchon, gave him writing momentum and a hungry audience. The series finale, “Double Barrel Bluff,” is set to come out in 2020.

“I love writing in the crime genre because it’s so wide open,” Berney said. “I get to be as experimental as I want to be, and I get to change what I’m doing from book to book.”

When Jeanetta Calhoun Mish, director of Oklahoma City University’s Red Earth Master of Fine Arts program, downloaded “The Long and Faraway Gone” to her iPad, she thought she would read a chapter or two that first night. “Instead,” she said, “I read the entire novel, then wrote him a gushy fan-girl email at 2 a.m.”

Elizabeth Diefenderfer Fleming read that novel with a different kind of builtin suspense—Berney had written her Oklahoma City cupcake and coffee shop, Cuppies & Joe, into the story. He had promised not to stage a fictional murder amidst the cupcakes in his book, but he did set an important scene in the shop, a charming old bungalow less than a mile from OCU.

‘‘

His students are fiercely loyal to him because he’s such a great teacher.

—JEANETTA CALHOUN MISH Director of the OCU Red Earth MFA in Creative Writing

Berney has written four novels at Cuppies, having made a habit of spending his mornings with a latte and his laptop.

“We think the world of him,” Fleming said.

“He’s really become a fixture in our shop.”

When Fleming and her mother, Peggy Diefenderfer, opened the coffee shop, they dreamed an up-and-coming author would write breakout novels there.

“When we talk about how he’s our local celebrity who visits our shop, he just laughs,” she said. “You can tell it embarrasses him a little. He’s very humble.”

Berney said he loves teaching creative writing at OCU and enjoys seeing students grow into their dreams for themselves— sometimes dreams they’ve had for decades, as they’ve worked through other careers.

“It’s great for me, too, because I’m teaching them things that I’m reminding myself to do in my own work,” he said.

He advises his students to figure out what they’re better at than anyone else, determine their voice and sensibility, and do it as well as they can. It’s a continuous process—even for him—and not a one-time epiphany, he said. “I definitely think I’m getting better and better at realizing, ‘This is me.’”

The longer he writes, the less he panics when writing doesn’t go well, he said.

“Each novel is a brand-new thing, so it’s unchartered territory each time.”

Berney starts with characters, learns who

they are, and determines the plot from there. “A lot of it is putting them in action on the page and seeing what happens. If it doesn’t feel right, you throw it out. Writing in general is just a lot of trial and error.”

He loves when characters surprise him in good ways, such as when the teenage driver for a hit man in “November Road” kept asserting himself on the page and insisted on becoming a well-rounded character.

Berney joined OCU’s MFA in creative writing in its infancy in 2011. Former OCU English professor Dr. Danita Berg hired him, and “I was immediately struck by his thoughtfulness, his knowledge of craft, and his humility, despite his obvious writing talents,” Berg said. “In the program, he was an affable, intelligent faculty member and obviously cared deeply about his students, who seemed to like him quite a bit. The program is much better for having him in it.”

Berney mentors five or six graduate students a semester in the low-residency program. Students and faculty get together twice a year for workshops and readings. The rest of the school year, they communicate one-on-one in custom classes that are less like distance learning and more like tutorials and mentorships, Mish and Berney said.

The Red Earth MFA differs from other programs in that it provides professional training, teaching students how to submit their work to journals and magazines, build a writer’s platform, teach composition and creative writing, and edit for literary publication, Mish said. Red Earth is also genre-friendly, nurturing students who specialize in crime writing, young adult, science fiction, and more.

“As Lou Berney says, ‘There are only two kinds of writing: good writing and bad writing,’” Mish quoted. “‘Do good writing.’”

HITTING THE ROAD: louberney.com/events // 17

What excites you about working at OCU? OCU impressed me so much when I started five years ago that I bought a house and planted roots in my hometown.

I believe strongly in education, and I love helping students get top-notch degrees and preparation for their future.

Anyone can make a difference at OCU. My bosses have let me co-chair the United Way campaign on campus, lead our outreach at the local arts festival, contribute to OCU’s collaborative and growth-oriented atmosphere on a performance management committee, help throw OCU’s employee recognition party, and serve in increasing roles on Staff Council.

I’m a graphic designer here, but I also get to contribute the skills from my previous career as a newspaper journalist covering higher education. You might call those my scrappy, big-picture, and detail-oriented skills. OCU is a place where not only students but also employees can thrive. We can all wear many fun hats!

How have you served on Staff Council?

Staff Council wanted to build community at the university, so two years ago, I started and continue to produce a monthly newsletter featuring a “Hidden Star,” a staff member others might not know. We hope these profiles shed light on how different departments work, spark ideas, and advance the university.

This school year, we started a quarterly professional development series for employees to grow in their careers. This is my fourth year on Staff Council, and I realized we can do just about anything we can dream of to build up staff members.

�pril �arciszewski

I am working hard to be inclusive and open, to foster communication, and to help pave the way for growth— for students, staff, faculty, and the university as a whole.

STAFF COUNCIL PRESIDENT 2018–19, SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Photo by Josh Robinson

“I’m constantly brainstorming new ideas and thinking about how to improve what we do at OCU. It’s such a gift to be able to dream big in ways that benefit students and in turn, the community.”

18 // FOCUS Spring 2019

Sharing the OCU Spirit

Off Broadway Alumni Sarah Fagan (BPA Dance ’12) and Richard Riaz Yoder (BPA Dance ’06) returned to campus to teach a dance master class while on a touring production of “White Christmas” in November. Photo by Josh Robinson

OCU Family Ties Left: From left, student Rodney Thompson, Assistant Director of Student Engagement Haley Stiles, student Trae Trousdale, and Director of Student Engagement Levi Harrel welcome parents and families to campus for the President's Reception in the University Center in December. Right: Parents and Family Day included a welcome reception buffet and an advisory committee meeting. It was open to all family members of current OCU students. Photos by Josh Robinson

okcu.edu // 19

PSYCHOLOGY CHAIRWOMAN Dr. Melissa Hakman is looking to fill a void that stretches on for miles in all directions. With no other Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology program in the region with a heavy practitioner focus, Hakman found a hole in the educational needs of the area.

“We have had students apply to the program from across a multistate region,” Hakman noted, pointing out that students from Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma were selected for the inaugural class. “It is the continued mental health needs, shortage of mental health providers, and the need for more practitioner-focused doctoral programs that prompted the creation of this program.”

Further differentiating the OCU Psy.D. program is its emphasis on rural areas.

“Once you get outside of the metropolitan area, access to mental health care is significantly reduced. Mental health needs to be addressed everywhere,” she said.

Perhaps no one in the program understands that better than Sandra Burpo, a member of the first cohort who has been providing mental health care in rural areas for the past seven years. Burpo is 20 // FOCUS Spring 2019

a licensed professional counselor based in Elk City who covers a 10-county area.

“A lot of people are two hours away from adequate services,” she said. “Therapy is in high demand in rural areas. My goal has always been to provide the highest level of services out there because it’s too often very hard to find.”

Burpo has interest in helping children in Melissa Hakman trauma situations, which happens to be an emphasis of Hakman, the director of Child Advocacy Studies at OCU. Furthering her education in evidencebased practice drew Burpo to the doctoral program. Burpo said she is impressed with the quality of the faculty, too.

“Each professor brings a particular expertise, and I find that very valuable,” she said.

The Psy.D. program provides students advanced training in the scientific practice of professional psychology. Graduates of the program will be able to provide evidence-based psychological assessment and therapeutic services in a variety of settings to address a range of client mental health needs.

Opposite page: Psy.D. students, from left, Hannah Zafuta, McKenzie Sprowls, and Camryn Sanders study for a test. Left: Sprowls and Sanders practice their test administration skills.

Right: Psy.D. student Daryl Onwuchuruba.

Photos by Josh Robinson

MEETING MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS

First Cohort Looks to Fill Regional Void

BY ROD JONES

Graduates from the program will be able to work competently within the changing face of mental health care. The 120-hour degree program consists of four years of coursework in theory, evidencebased practice of psychology, and practicum-based experiences.

The program also has a full-time, yearlong pre-doctoral internship during the fifth year. Although students will earn master’s degrees along the way, they agree upon their acceptance to continue all the way to their doctorate, Hakman said.

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

Students complete required courses in three core areas, including general psychology, research, and clinical. Students also receive applied clinical experiences through numerous practicums, both inhouse in the psychology training clinic as well as off-campus in the community.

Most of the classes take place in Walker Center for Arts and Sciences and in the Sarkeys Center, which now has a psychology

training clinic for students to perform psychological testing and evaluations.

Camryn Sanders is another member of the first cohort. Sanders initially came to OCU from McAlester to get a degree in biomedical science. She earned her bachelor’s degree last year. Her original plan was to pursue a career in medicine, but after taking a psychology class, her career goals changed.

“I liked it so much that I took another psychology class,” she said.

“It’s just such an interesting field.”

The cohort size is small, which she said is one of the program’s advantages.

“We’re becoming like a family, getting to know each other and learning how to work together,” she said.

Sanders hopes to stay in the Oklahoma City area and eventually open a private practice. No matter what she decides to do, finding a job should be easy.

“There’s a huge demand for psychological services in the area,” she said. “When I first looked into it, I learned that some people in certain areas were booking appointments six months out. That shows how much demand there is.”

ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH: okcu.edu/psyd // 21

ALUMNI

Early PA Graduate Brings Health Resources to Rural Communities

BY LESLIE BERGER

The first Oklahoma City University Physician Assistant graduates have begun fulfilling one of the program’s primary missions—improving primary care in rural Oklahoma hospitals and clinics.

“With Oklahoma ranking near the bottom of states in access to primary care and in metrics of health status, a more robust PA workforce is a vital need for our citizens,” said Dr. Jerry Vannatta, medical director for the program.

Larry Burns, PA, is a 2018 graduate of the OCU program, which enrolled its first class in 2016. He practices general medicine at Hugo Medical Clinic in southeastern Oklahoma and recently chatted with FOCUS about his career and his hopes for the future of rural medicine.

Q: What do you enjoy about being a rural

OCU graduate Larry Burns, PA. Photo by Ethan Cooper

health care provider?

A: One of the things I enjoy most is being

able to serve my patients. They are so appreciative of the care they receive that it makes serving their needs that much more enjoyable.

‘‘

The ultimate driving force was a calling from God to go and serve others from rural areas where health care services are hard to come by.

Q: Why did you decide to become a PA, and how did you pick the OCU program?

from God to go and serve others from rural areas where health care services are hard to come by. OCU was a program that emphasized the desire to train high-quality PAs with a desire to help these high-need areas, and it was that mission that helped me to choose OCU.

care they need in these areas, and this leads to severe medical conditions that could have been prevented with just a little early recognition. OCU is training individuals to reach out to these patients and to help provide them with resources necessary to aid in the treatment and prevention of these chronic conditions.

Q: What needs do you see relating to rural

Q: What do you think makes the OCU

health care, and how do you think OCU’s PA

program stand out?

program is addressing them?

A: The format of the curriculum—using a

A: There are too many needs to name in

systematic approach to learn—is definitely one of the biggest standouts. Being able to learn everything related to cardiology at one

A: The ultimate driving force was a calling

rural health care. A majority of patients do not have the resources to get the health 22 // FOCUS Spring 2019

time and seeing how it all works together provided a great benefit to learning.

Q: What misperceptions, if any, do you think people in larger cities have about rural health care?

A: I feel the biggest misperception is that

people in rural areas don't care about their health. In reality, the people in rural areas are not as educated on basic health and medicine as those in larger cities. They also don't have the same resources as those in larger cities. There is just a huge discrepancy in the availability of education and resources between the two.

ATHLETICS

OCU Collects Fourth National Cross Country Title

BY CHRIS MAPLE

Top-ranked Oklahoma City University seized its fourth NAIA men’s cross country championship Nov. 16 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

This was Oklahoma City’s 68th national championship across all sports. OCU won a national championship for the 26th year in a row to continue a streak that dates to 1993–94.

The Stars tallied 116 points, while national runner-up Indiana Wesleyan posted 143 points.

Max McNeill and Oscar Kipkoros turned in top-10 showings to seize all-American honors for the second year in a row.

OCU coach Matt Aguero reeled in NAIA coach of the year for the first time. He was an assistant coach when the Stars won their last two national titles.

Oklahoma City has been No. 1 in the past six NAIA polls. The Stars were the last NAIA team to run the entire season atop the ratings in 2014.

“I’m really proud of this group of young men,” Aguero said. “They have worked hard all year, and

Photo by Kyle McKinley

it’s great to see the season end with a national title.”

McNeill, a junior from Uphall Station, Scotland, finished ninth with a time of 24 minutes, 44.6 seconds for his best time at the national meet. He

is a three-time national meet qualifier.

Kipkoros, a junior from Iten, Kenya, collected 10th place by completing the 8,000-meter race in 24:47.9. Kipkoros averaged a time of 4:59.3 per mile.

Longtime Soccer Coach Harvey Honored at Sports Spectacular

BY RICH TORTORELLI

Brian Harvey was recognized for his efforts in promoting soccer throughout the state at the OCU Sports Spectacular in March.

Harvey collected the 2018–19 Abe Lemons/Paul Hansen Award for Sports Excellence, which goes to an individual who has significantly contributed to the growth of sports in Oklahoma.

“Brian is perhaps the most significant contributor to the development of soccer in the history of the state of Oklahoma,” athletic director Jim Abbott said. “His legacy is apparent on youth soccer fields across the state and certainly in the men’s and women’s programs that he started and successfully runs today at Oklahoma City University.”

Harvey is the only head coach the OCU soccer program has ever had since the men’s program began in 1986 and the women started in 1994.

Harvey holds membership in the NAIA Hall of Fame, Oklahoma Soccer Association Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma City University Athletics Hall of Fame.

Left: Brian Harvey. Right: OCU soccer alumni with coach Brian Harvey at an Oklahoma City Energy FC soccer game. Photos by Hugh Scott

‘‘

Brian (Harvey) is perhaps the most significant contributor to the development of soccer in the history of the state of Oklahoma.

—JIM ABBOTT, ATHLETIC DIRECTOR GO STARS: ocusports.com // 23

ATHLETICS

McCauley to Lead Both OCU Golf Programs OCU’S WINNINGEST WOMEN’S COACH WITH 24 TOURNAMENT TITLES.

BY RICH TORTORELLI

Marty McCauley has accepted the head coaching job for Oklahoma City University’s men’s golf, adding to his leadership of the women’s golf program.

Andy Crabtree was named associate head coach to assist McCauley with the OCU programs. Crabtree previously coached at UNLV, Old Dominion, Texas A&M, and the University of Tulsa. Crabtree guided the Old Dominion women’s golf program as head coach from 2013 to ’16.

McCauley began his coaching career as an assistant to Kyle Blaser, who recently stepped down as OCU men’s golf coach.

McCauley aided the Stars to two national championships and two Sooner Athletic Conference titles in 2002–04 before becoming an assistant at Texas Tech. Blaser led Oklahoma City to 11 national championships and 20 SAC Marty McCauley crowns in 23 years as head coach.

For the past nine years, McCauley has led the Stars’ women’s golf program as head coach. McCauley has guided Oklahoma City to three national crowns and six conference titles. He has become OCU’s winningest women’s coach with 24 tournament titles.

McCauley has been instrumental in bringing the 2019 and 2020 NAIA women’s golf championships to Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City.

McCauley has garnered NAIA women’s coach of the year three times and SAC coach of the year four times. He has guided 30 all-Americans, two four-time all-Americans, the 2013 NAIA individual champion, the 2013 and 2014 NAIA individual runner-up, 21 all-conference performers, three SAC individual champions, two league players of the year, and three SAC freshmen of the year.

Blaser Led Men’s Golf for 23 Years Kyle Blaser stepped down from his position as OCU men’s golf coach this year to take a job in the private business sector. He guided Oklahoma City to 11 NAIA men’s golf championships, more than any coach, and 119 tournament victories over the past 23 years.

Kyle Blaser He has been the NAIA national coach of the year 10 times, also the most ever by anyone, as well as Dave Williams NAIA coach of the year nine times. Oklahoma City won 20 Sooner Athletic Conference championships and 11 regional titles under Blaser.

In his time at OCU, Blaser coached five NAIA individual champions and national players of the year, 80 allAmericans, 53 GCAA all-Americans, 27 NAIA scholar-athlete award winners, nine CoSIDA academic all-Americans, eight all-Nicklaus selections, 13 conference individual champions and 13 SAC players of the year.

Blaser has been inducted into the OCU Athletics Hall of Fame, NAIA Hall of Fame and the GCAA Hall of Fame. He has twice guided the United States’ top junior players in international competition. Several former Stars, including Tyrone Van Aswegen (BSB ’04), have turned professional around the world.

Five OCU Wrestlers Named All-Americans

Watson and Cox Chosen for NAIA Hall of Fame

Margaret Douma, Cassidy Jasperson and Nkechinyere Nwankwo from Oklahoma City University secured fourth-place finishes in the Women’s College Wrestling Association Championships in February.

Raven Guidry of the Stars grabbed sixth place, while Destiny Lyng snagged seventh. Ninth-ranked OCU finished seventh with 115.5 points and five allAmericans. Douma and Jasperson took their third all-American nods.

Douma, a three-time all-American and senior from Napa, California, fell 7–2 while competing for third place at 143 pounds.

Douma has a 9-10 record in 2018–19.

Jasperson, a senior from League City, Texas, dropped the 116-pound thirdplace match 13–2.

Two-time national basketball player of the year Kesha Watson (BS Professional Law Enforcement ’04) and 2009 NAIA women’s golf individual champion Sydney Cox (BS Kinesiology & Exercise Studies ’09) have been selected for induction into the NAIA Hall of Fame.

Watson seized both NAIA Division I women’s basketball player of the year and Sooner Athletic Conference player of the year in 2003 and 2004 during a record-breaking career at Oklahoma City from 2000 to ’04. She grabbed Women’s Basketball Coaches Association NAIA player of the year in 2004. She became an OCU Athletics Hall of Famer in 2012–13.

“I am beyond grateful and appreciative of this prestigious award,” Watson said. “I thank the coaches who pushed me to my full potential, as well as my teammates who trusted me enough to allow me to be the player I was. Also want to thank those who took the time to nominate me and to be recognized out of everyone they could have chosen. All those hours I spent in the gym have paid off.”

She was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame prior to the NAIA Division I Tournament in March.

Cox collected three NAIA all-American honors while contributing to four national championship teams for the Stars from 2005–09. She will become the first women’s golfer in the NAIA Hall of Fame.

During her OCU career, Cox became a two-time NAIA Championships all-tournament performer, three-time allSooner Athletic Conference, two-time all-NAIA Region VI golfer and two-time NAIA scholar-athlete award winner.

Cox had four tournament victories, including in her college debut in 2005. Cox capped her college career with a 76.19 stroke average in 26 rounds as a senior in 2008–09. She is tied for the career record with four eagles.

She will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame prior to the NAIA Championships on May 14–17 at Lincoln Park Golf Course in Oklahoma City.

24 // FOCUS Spring 2019

ATHLETICS

Assistant AD Aims to Advance Athletics

BY ROD JONES

Chris Maxon had every kid’s dream job. He owned three gourmet ice cream parlors. Missing the excitement of sports and the importance of athletics, he switched to a different dream job.

“We did really well, but I wasn’t sure it was what I wanted to do forever,” he said of his ice cream shops. “I wanted to get back into athletics. I feel it’s very helpful in learning life skills and a great way for students to better themselves.”

Maxon grew up playing baseball, tennis, golf, football, and “just about everything that uses a ball.” From his hometown of Cashion, near the OKC metro, he kept up with OCU sports.

“I used to watch games at Fredrickson Fieldhouse and was always very aware of how OCU was doing,” he said.

Maxon graduated from high school and went to the University of Oklahoma, transferred to the University of Central Oklahoma to play baseball, then went back to OU to finish his degree. His first foray into professional life was as a journalist at The Oklahoman newspaper—of course, on the sports desk.

“The hours weren’t great, especially with children on the way. I decided to go into business and opened a Marble Slab Creamery in Norman where we live,” he said.

After meeting OU’s athletic director, Maxon started managing the Sooner Club stores and “met many great mentors who helped me learn what I do now.” He moved on to serve in other developmentrelated positions. Maxon was excited to learn he could work with another athletic director he admired, OCU’s Jim Abbott.

“It was an easy decision for me. Jim has done amazing things here,” he said.

His favorite parts of the job are working with the coaches and hearing their practice sessions outside of his office in Abe Lemons Arena.

“I like how everyone here works so well together to advance our cause,” he said. “You don’t see that in very many athletic departments.

Coaches often get jealous of the other teams, but here, there’s more cohesion where everyone is pulling in the same direction.”

Maxon is a member of the University Advancement team and works to raise funds for OCU’s athletics programs and athletics scholarships. One of his first tasks is to grow an endowment in the name of soccer coach Brian Harvey, this year’s Sports Spectacular honoree. Stars Field will be renamed this year in his honor.

Maxon is working on behalf of all the other coaches, too, so they can concentrate on their primary goals—recruiting top-notch student-athletes and winning games.

“The coaches already have their hands full in winning championships,” he said. “Just look at what they’ve done already.”

Chris Maxon inside OCU’s Abe Lemons Arena. Photo by Josh Robinson

OCU Creates Peterson Endowment The Jim and Sharon Peterson Endowment will provide funding for the greatest need of OCU Athletics. Jim Peterson is establishing the endowment in memory of his late wife, Sharon. The Petersons, the parents of Athletic Director Jim Abbott, have been longtime OCU fans.

To make a gift, contact Chris Maxon, OCU associate athletic director for development, at (405) 208-5431. Learn more about these and other OCU athletics endowments at ocuchampionsclub.com.

GIVE TO THE CHAMPIONS CLUB: okcu.edu/championsclub // 25

’Orange is the New Black’ Piper Kerman, author of the memoir “Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison,” visited campus in September. She spoke with students and gave a public presentation about incarceration rates and criminal justice reform.

“We know—the data has shown—that not all Americans are policed the same way, not all Americans are prosecuted the same way, and not all Americans are punished the same way.”

“The person wearing an orange jumpsuit today is more likely to be a woman, and it’s not because of a female crime wave.”

“The vast majority of women in the system are moms …. For families that are often living in poverty, the impact of losing a mother to prison or jail is seismic.”

Photos by Ethan Cooper 26 // FOCUS Spring 2019

GIVING

Alumni Engagement Director Comes Home

BY ROD JONES

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Megan Hornbeek Allen, and not just because it’s one of the major annual events she will be promoting as the new director of alumni engagement. About 15 years after earning a religion degree from Oklahoma City University, Hornbeek Allen has returned in hopes of getting her fellow alumni active with the university.

Hornbeek Allen originally intended to make a career out of Biblical teaching and research. After earning her undergraduate degree at OCU, she went to Boston University School of Theology for two graduate degrees.

“It was a big transition from smaller classrooms to the big-campus seminars at BU,” she said, noting how her passion changed from teaching to administrative work as a graduate student coordinator.

Hornbeek Allen earned a master’s degree in theological studies in 2005, then returned to the classroom to earn a master’s degree in higher education administration in 2011. While working on her second master’s, she became the youngest BU registrar when the previous registrar had to go on medical leave for six months.

“I was taking what I learned in class and applying it to my work in real time,” she said.

“I mostly trained myself how to do the job.”

After her brother started a family back home, Hornbeek Allen returned to Oklahoma and became an associate registrar at Oklahoma City Community College.

She later parlayed her higher education administration experience into leading successful endeavors for the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.

While at the foundation, Hornbeek Allen said she was approached by several people about the alumni position at OCU. “I didn’t realize I was even looking,

Connect with Megan Hornbeek Allen

Photo by Josh Robinson

(405) 208-5463 • mehornbeekallen@okcu.edu • okcu.edu/alumni

Ringing True The university is creating an alumni directory, and OCU representatives will be reaching out soon via mail, email, and phone calls to update your information. The directory will be available for purchase during the 2019–20 school year.

but after the fifth person mentioned it, I figured the universe was trying to tell me something,” she said.

One of those people was Alan Herndon, now the OCU director of planned giving through the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation, who recruited Hornbeek Allen to OCU during her high school senior year.

Herndon wasn’t the only familiar face at OCU. “One of the strengths of this place is how faculty connect with their students.

Our relationships are what makes this place so special,” Hornbeek Allen said. “People work here a long time, relationships are established, and many lives are touched.

Twenty years later, I’m back, and a lot of the same people are still here.”

In her new role, one of the common requests she’s heard from alumni is to

establish a mentoring program. She and OCU Career Services have been identifying places where several OCU alumni are working so they can meet with many mentor candidates at once.

She’s also been scheduling trips across the U.S. and the world to reconnect with alumni. Only a few months into the job, Hornbeek Allen has already organized trips to Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York City, and various stops around Asia.

Back home, one of her immediate goals is to update the alumni web page to make it a virtual place where people can reconnect with their alma mater, including a list of events in which they can participate.

“There is a lot happening on campus. It’s a vibrant place. It’s not just a memory, but a living, breathing place,” she said.

WELCOME HOME: okcu.edu/alumni // 27

GIVING

Scholarship Puts Song to Dreams

BY LESLIE BERGER Editor’s Note: The Brye Ashley McKenzie Scholarship honors Brie Ashley McKenzie. Her mother chose a variation of her name spelling for the scholarship to preserve the correct pronunciation of her name.

The legacy of Brie Ashley McKenzie will give voice to future Oklahoma City University Bass School of Music students.

McKenzie’s mother, SuzAnne Close McKenzie, through the estate of her brother, Jimmie Heatley Close, has established the Brye Ashley McKenzie Endowed Scholarship at OCU. The scholarship will provide annual recognition and a full scholarship to one junior or senior vocal performance major.

McKenzie established the scholarship at OCU to honor Brie’s singing talent. Though Brie earned her degree in hotel and restaurant management from Oklahoma State University, she went on to find success as a vocalist, singing karaoke in the Austin area, while also working full time for a wine distributor. After winning an Austin karaoke contest, Brie was offered a position as a karaoke director.

A year later, Brie moved to San Antonio and began working as an area sales director. As the next year approached, Brie planned to return to Austin and pursue living her dream as a vocal artist.

However, she never got that chance. She was tragically killed in a car accident at age 27.

Last year, SuzAnne, with instructions from her brother’s estate, sought to find a vocal music degree program that could benefit

from a scholarship honoring Brie. She remembered reading about OCU’s music school many years prior and decided to research OCU along with several other universities to find the right home for the scholarship.

SuzAnne McKenzie said the tremendous OCU faculty, outstanding graduates, and first-class facility of OCU’s music program made it stand out.

“I hope to see scholarship recipients get a sense of financial freedom while pursuing their dream,” she said.

Asked what she hopes others remember about Brie, she explained, “She was so much fun to be with. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was the kindest of people.”

The scholarship also will be a lasting legacy of Jimmie Heatley Close, who taught business law, ethics, and accounting. He impacted many young people and assisted them with their business plans.

When asked what SuzAnne wants others to know about Jimmie, she said, “Jimmie always had a thirst for knowledge and just knew something about everything no matter the subject.” He had several lifelong friends and his interests included collecting matchbooks, which grew into an extensive collection. “He lived in Florida and had a backyard that backed up to a large pond that had an alligator in it,” SuzAnne remembered. “The yard had lemon trees, orange, banana, and grapefruit, which he called Alligator Orchard. He really enjoyed taking care of his property.” SuzAnne said she is pleased to honor Brie through a gift from his estate.

BOLD MOVES TO SECURE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR OKLAHOMA CITY’S UNIVERSITY. One of the most impactful ways to support Oklahoma City University is through Bright Society. Established in 2018, Bright Society is a network of alumni and friends who are passionate and committed to the future of OCU. Gifts to Bright Society provide key funding in areas determined by Presidential priorities, and members are engaged throughout the year in unique events and communications about how their gifts are making a difference.

To find out more about Bright Society or to become a member, visit okcu.edu/brightsociety or call 405-208-7000.

28 // FOCUS Spring 2019

GIVING

Meet Erik Rangel Sophomore finance and economics major A student in the Meinders School of Business and graduate of Casady High School in Oklahoma City, Rangel shares what his scholarship means to him.

What is a fond memory of your time as a student here at OCU so far?

I walked into the Meinders School of Business the Wednesday before freshman orientation week, hoping to find information on what makes a strong transfer scholarship candidate. As soon as I entered the Dean’s Suite, Director Maranda Kitchingham immediately welcomed me. Within five minutes, Dean Steven Agee joined our discussion.

Two days later, Dean Agee told me I had been given the opportunity to be the first member of the Meinders Business Leadership Fellows Program. It had been a dream of mine to obtain a scholarship since I was in first grade. As soon as this dream came true, I knew my life had been changed forever, and I was overwhelmed with gratefulness.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a summer camp in China. One of my grandmothers was born in China, so OCU allowed me to live another childhood dream of mine by covering just about every cost needed for me to visit the country where she spent the first 13 years of her life.

What do you hope is the result of your education?

I want to learn as much as possible during my time here. OCU has some incredible resources that students should take advantage of. As a finance student, I try to spend at least three hours per week using the Bloomberg Terminals. They are very powerful machines that help improve my understanding of financial markets.

I would like to own businesses. I am intrigued by the work of financial

Meinders School of Business Dean Steve Agee, Erik Rangel, and scholarship donor Herman Meinders. Photo by Josh Robinson

analysts. I can also see myself working in a job where I can interact with new people on a regular basis. I enjoy making friends. I also hope to spend time working in the nonprofit world. There are plenty of organizations that contribute in spectacular ways each day, and I’d enjoy being part of such a group.

Why do you think it’s important for people to give back?

Serving others is one of the keys to living a life that’s worthwhile. An act of kindness can significantly change someone else’s life. The impact Mr. Meinders has made on my life is an example of that. He’s opened many doors for me, and I’m excited to see where I’ll go in life. I believe it’s important to give what you can. As of today, I am not in a financial position that allows me to make large monetary contributions, but I am able to give my time and effort to support the community. In some cases, it’s possible for simple acts to make greater impacts than ones that involve large amounts of money. I hope one day to be able to give back in both ways.

SHANNON RICH: ‘The Sky is Truly the Limit’ OCU alumna Shannon Rich has had an incredible career and impact on the Oklahoma City community. As the president and CEO of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, she guided the organization through a complete renovation and reinvention with the successful opening of the Gaylord-Pickens Oklahoma Heritage Museum.

Education is important to Rich, as evidenced by the many educational outreach and scholarship programs available at the museum and more recently, her personal commitment to Bright Society at her alma mater, Oklahoma City University.

“It is such an exciting time to be an alumna of Oklahoma City University,” Rich said.

“Martha Burger’s enthusiasm and pride in the students, our campus, and the limitless future for OCU is contagious. I am honored to be part of Bright Society and appreciate the range of donor levels, making it possible for everyone to participate in achieving success for our beloved OCU. The sky is truly the limit—GO STARS!” Rich received her bachelor’s degree in Prior Learning and University Studies in 1997. She is a fifth-generation Oklahoman and lives in Oklahoma City with her husband, Kelly Kerr, and daughter, Mia.

BE BOLD: okcu.edu/brightsociety // 29

LETTERS & CLASS NOTES TO FOCUS:

I noticed in the last issue of FOCUS that no one from the ’50s was in Class Notes.

I thought you might like an update from a survivor of that era. I graduated in 1953.

I was a Banning scholar. After one year of teaching in Oklahoma City, I accepted a job as director of Children’s Ministry at First Methodist (not United yet) Church in Ada, Oklahoma, where I stayed for seven years. I was a pioneer in establishing nursery school and kindergarten programs in Methodist churches and eventually wrote two guidebooks for weekday programs in churches.

In my 50-year career as a director of Christian education specializing in early childhood, I worked on the staff of six local churches and three annual conferences.

I wrote numerous articles and curriculum units and taught many workshops and lab schools. I was in the first wave of certified lab leaders, a program from what was then the Board of Discipleship. I am now retired, living in Denton, Texas. My volunteer activities include reading to preschoolers three mornings a week and teaching adult Sunday School classes from time to time. Just thought you’d like to know that some of us from the ’50s are still around and making waves.

Gloria Thomas (Elementary Education ’53) 1950s Wynona Carol (McMillin) Brooks (BS ’59), the first woman graduate from OCU to pass the Certified Public Accountant exam, received the Pathmaker Award from the Oklahoma City/County Historical Society.

1960s Roger L. Liles (BA ’63) published his first novel, “The Berlin Tunnel.”

1970s Becky Switzer (BS ’76) and her husband, former University of Oklahoma football coach Barry Switzer, hosted a Passing of the Leash ceremony for trained rescue dogs at the Oklahoma City Memorial. The Passing of the Leash is a ceremony for Ground Zero-trained rescue dogs as they are matched with first responders in Oklahoma City and other communities across the nation.

Ron Kreiter (JD ’77) returned to the Oklahoma Insurance Department as deputy general counsel.

John Frederick “Fred” Kempf (JD ’77) was named a shareholder in the Hall Estill law firm’s Oklahoma City office.

1980s Julie Ballou (BA ’80) became executive director of the Metropolitan Library System, which serves Oklahoma City and Oklahoma County.

30 // FOCUS Spring 2019

Noel White (MBA ’82) was named president and chief executive officer of Tyson Foods.

Teri Bibb (BM ’82) played Abigail Adams in a California production of the Sherman Edwards and Peter Stone musical “1776.”

Several students and alumni were involved in CityRep Theatre’s “The Music Man” production in Oklahoma City, including music professor and alumna Molly Cason Johnson (’83), Jeana Gering (BM ’11), Barbara Fox DeMaio (BM ’76), Marcellus Hankins (BM ’85), Terri Bibb (BM ’82), Jack Boyd (BM ’18), and Jon-Philip Olson (BM ’93, MM ’97).

Barbara Gellman-Danley (MBA ’85), president of the Higher Learning Commission in Chicago, Illinois, was named an International Honorary Member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Jerry Steichen (BM ’86) was named conductor of the Longview Symphony in Texas.

Lt. Col. Jason E. McNully (BA ’87) graduated from the U.S. Air Force Air War College.

CLASS NOTES Angelo Fernandes (MBA ’89) was named chief strategy officer and executive vice president of revenue for Terranea Resort, a 102-acre oceanfront resort near Los Angeles.

LaVonda Jones (MBA ’89), executive vice president and chief operations officer at Vision Bank; Cindy Truong (JD ’01), Oklahoma County District Court Judge Office 7; and Brandy Semore (MBA ’12), president and co-founder of Oklahoma Women In Technology; were among the Journal Record’s “Fifty Making a Difference” list recognized during the 2018 Woman of the Year ceremony.

Alumni who won recent Oklahoma elections to lead and serve in their communities include Paul Woodward (JD ’84), who retained his judgeship for District 4 Office 2 in Garfield, Blaine, Grant, and Kingfisher counties; Scott Rowland (JD ’94), who retained his judgeship on the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals; Carri Hicks (BA ’05, MLA ’09) who won the District 40 Oklahoma Senate seat; Natalie Mai (JD ’09), who won the District 7 Office 5 judge seat for Oklahoma County; Brett Butner (JD ’11), who was elected associate district judge in Seminole County; and Kassie McCoy (JD ’12), who was elected associate district judge in Rogers County. Alumnus and film studies professor James Cooper (MFA ’15) won the most recent municipal election for Oklahoma City’s Ward 2 City Council seat.

Charles Gass (JD ’81) was appointed special judge for Canadian County. John David Luton (JD ’85) was sworn in as the new special judge in Wagoner County. Carman Rainbolt (JD ’03) became the assistant district attorney for Okmulgee and McIntosh counties in Oklahoma.

1990s Paul Kapsner (MBA ’90) was named global vice president of sales for CathWorks, a medical technology company.

the Oklahoma-based ACP Sheet Metal Company and managing partner of Midwest Fabricators LLC.

to be part of the Travois First Fridays visual art exhibition series in Kansas City, Missouri.

Timothy Long (BM '90) performed a concert on piano with Brian Mulligan at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., in September.

Nona Lee (JD ’95), chief legal officer for the Arizona Diamondbacks, provided advice for a story in SportsBusiness Journal headlined “Keys to Sports Law Success: Hard Work, Relationships.”

Erica Elliott (MBA ’97) joined the Grace College (Indiana) faculty as instructor of digital marketing.

The Rev. Alison Phillips Robuck (BA Humanities ’91) led a celebration service for the Central Christian Church’s 125th anniversary in Enid.

Kristin Chenoweth (BM ’91, MM ’93, DHL ’13) appeared in the Brilliant Lecture series at the University of Houston. Chenoweth was the featured artist with Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center and narrator at the Christmas concerts by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

Michelle Ball (BPA ’96) was a choreographer and performer for the New England Ballet Ensemble’s performance of “The Nutcracker” in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

Cherokee Nation citizen Joseph Erb (BFA ’97) was selected as one of nine professional artists

Mark Crenshaw (’97) was named Wimberly School of Religion’s Distinguished Alumnus for 2018. Crenshaw serves as the director of interdisciplinary training in the School of Public Health at Georgia State University and is a vocal advocate for persons with disabilities.

Sam John (MBA ’98), president of Innovative

The Texas governor appointed Christina Melton Crain (JD ’91), founder and president/ CEO of Unlocking DOORS, to the Trinity River Authority board of directors.

Brandon Hobson’s (BA English ’92) novel “Where the Dead Sit Talking” was long-listed for the National Book Award for Fiction.

The Dallas edition of Attorney at Law Magazine included a feature about George Milner (JD ’92) and his experience in rodeos.

Richard Hall (BS ’93) was named athletic director at Sheridan College in Wyoming.

Nathan Dills (JD ’95) was named president of

Left to right: Trustee David Wilson, Wimberly School of Religion Director Sharon Betsworth, honorees Larry Lemon and Mark Crenshaw, President Martha Burger, and Bishop Jimmy Nunn. Photo by Ethan Cooper MORE CLASS NOTES: okcu.edu/focus // 31

CLASS NOTES The Rev. Kayla Bonewell (BA ’02) received an Oklahoma Universal Human Rights Alliance Award at the state Capitol. Bonewell is the pastor of Church of the Open Arms UCC and Cathedral of Hope OKC. Hiram Sasser (JD ’02), general counsel for First Liberty Institute, gave a special presentation titled “First Amendment Pro Bono Opportunities” at the University of Chicago.

Manchu Lakshmi Prasanna (Lakshmi Manchu) (BA ’02), an Indian film actress, producer, and television presenter, was interviewed about the #MeToo movement on the Indiaglitz movie news site.

Products, took part in the judging panel for the Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program Awards.

Alice Wasson (JD ’03) joined the Gilmore & Bell, P.C., firm as lead compliance counsel for its Kansas City office.

Kelli O’Hara (BM ’98, Honorary DHL ‘15) was named spokesperson of the Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital’s inaugural honorary board.

The Rev. Julie Conrady (BA Religion ’03) preached her first sermon as minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, Alabama, in August.

Lucas Loh (MBA ’99) was appointed president of the China & Investment Management division of CapitaLand Limited.

Elisabeth Brodt (BM ’99) was named the first principal of the new Junior High #16 in Katy, Texas, set to open this year.

Shawn Jones (BM ’99) and the band he fronts, The Lovely Sparrows, released a new album titled “Shake the Shadow.” The band was part of a showcase at the South by Southwest music festival.

Tommy Riley (BS ’99) was named head coach of the Rose State College women’s soccer team.

Michael Harker (BA ’99), a professor at Georgia State University, is co-editor of a new book, “The Archive as Classroom: Pedagogical Approaches to the Digital Archive of Literacy Narratives.”

Joel Linares (JD ’07) became assistant city manager of Moab, Utah.

Erick Worrell (BA ’07) was named vice president of client service and creative strategy for Ghost, an Oklahoma City-based creative agency.

Worrell oversees the agency’s client relationships and copywriting, and helps guide the agency’s positioning and presence in the OKC market.

Danielle Estes (BM ’07) played Amneris in the Firehouse Theatre production of “AIDA” in Farmers Branch, Texas.

Las Vegas Weekly profiled Kady Heard (BPA ’08), the “Swiss Army Knife” of the Majestic Repertory Theatre.

Matthew Schultz (BA ’09), a financial adviser with Principal Financial Group, was a float competition judge for the Harvest of Harmony Parade in Grand Island, Nebraska. Schultz was elected as vice president of the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer Foundation board of directors.

Ryan Bradley (MBA ’03) was appointed to vice president of contact center operations for Selective Insurance Company of America.

Mascot Books published “The Amazing Adventures of Little Right Sock” for ages 3 to 8 by Brintha J. Gardner (MBA ’04).

Karilyn Ashley Surrat (BPA ’05), Richard Yoder (BPA ’06), and Sarah Fagan (BPA ‘12) appeared in the touring production of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas.”

Todd Pauley (JD ’06) was named director of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives.

2000s

Trae Gray (MBA and JD ’06), founder of LandownerFirm PLLC in Tulsa and Coal County, was selected by his peers for inclusion in the Best Lawyers in America for 2019 in energy law.

Ewa Plonka (MM ’09) made her debut with Finland's Oulu Symphony Orchestra as a soloist singing Richard Wagner's “Wesendonck Lieder” during an Oratorio Society Of New York concert.

Jamie Wade (BA ’00) joined the Norman Chamber of Commerce as vice president of membership.

Adam Maris (BS ’06), founder of the Spring Valley Rod and Gun Club in Arkansas, opened a new location near Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Amanda Cochran-McCall (JD ’09) was promoted to division chief of general litigation by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Shakenna K. Williams (MBA ’01) was named director of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Global Initiative at Babson College.

Andrea Bauer (BS ’07) was named public information director for Unified School District 428 in Great Bend, Kansas.

Peyton Crim (BM ’09) played Robert in the Cincinnati Series production of "The Play That Goes Wrong.”

32 // FOCUS Spring 2019

CLASS NOTES Summit Financial, was a finalist for the 2018 Outstanding Corporate Counsel’s General Counsel of the Year Award for a Small Legal Department.

Brian McQuade (BS ’16) was promoted to senior associate for BKD CPAs & Advisors, an Oklahoma City-based audit and assurance practice.

Emma Velez (BA ’13) published an article on the Women in Philosophy blog titled “Why the Decolonial Imaginary Matters for Women in Philosophy.” The article is about her experience of visiting liberal arts universities to encourage students of color to consider graduate study in philosophy.

Ariel Richardson (BFA ’16) made her Northlight Theatre debut in January as Sephronia in “Nina Simone: Four Women” in Skokie, Illinois.

Eric Waltman (BFA ’13) was named production operator for Oklahoma Educational Television Authority.

2010s Chaz Wolcott (BPA ’10) joined the faculty at Celebrity Dance and choreographed a production of Disney’s “Newsies” for the Franklin Performing Arts Company in Massachusetts.

J. Warren Mitchell (MM ’10) performed in the Painted Sky Opera Company’s season opening production of “Rigoletto” at the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City. Mitchell also gave a special performance at Illinois College.

Odessa American in Texas featured Karli McMurray (JD ’11) and her efforts to provide clean water to villages in Ghana through the One Love Worldwide charity.

Elliot Groves (BS ’12) won the Puttenham ProAm golf tournament in England.

Tyson Campbell (BS ’12) became head coach of the Fox High School wrestling team in Arnold, Missouri.

Brian Cowing (BM ’12) was a swing and ensemble member of the national tour of “Something Rotten!”

Nick Palmquist (BPA ’13) was interviewed for a story by a Russian choreography writers project called “No Fixed Points” while he was in St. Petersburg teaching master classes.

Daniel Gerber (JD ’13), general counsel of

Steven D. Powell (BS ’14) was appointed to the American Nurses Association Political Action Committee. Powell was also finalist for the Ed Klein Political Action Award at the national convention for the American Federation of Government Employees in Las Vegas, and he was team captain of the Quizzly Bears, which came in 11th out of 204 teams at the annual Challenge Entertainment National Trivia League finals in New Orleans.

Benjamin Rivera (BPA ’14) made his debut in a major televised production with January’s live broadcast of the musical “Rent.”

Darius Wright (BM ’14) was in the ensemble in the Broadway musical “Pretty Woman” and was a guest on the “Not Yet Famous” podcast.

James Marchesani (BBA ’14) and Hunghai “Matthew” Cheung (BS ’17) played against each other in the Clearwater Bay Open golf tournament in Hong Kong in October. South China Morning Post featured Cheung after he became the only Hong Kong player to make the cut in the Honma Hong Kong Open.

Eryn LeCroy (BM ’14) made her “Phantom of the Opera” and Broadway debut as the Christine alternate in November.

Dan Gatewood (MS ’14) was appointed to the board of trustees for Blinn College in Brenham, Texas.

John Willems (BBA ’15) joined the Dallas office of RE/MAX DFW Associates.

Former OCU wrestler Emily Webster (BS ’15) was named to the Sedalia Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in Missouri.

Ashton Parrack (BM ’17) was cast in FunikiJam World Music’s production of “Baby Likes to Rock!” Off-Broadway family musical. Parrack also played Agent Melody in “Rhythm Boom Boom” Off-Broadway and in the production’s 60city tour of China.

Michael Hodges (MS ’17) was appointed senior vice president of finance for Blue Ridge Mountain Resources in Texas.

Cora Grace Winstead (BM ’17) played the lead role in Theatre Three’s production of the musical “Once” in Dallas.

Kendra Comstock (BA ’17) performed in a charity concert in Vermont for Hartland Community Arts.

Lauren Branum (BS ’17) has been working to make Oklahoma State University-Tulsa into a zerolandfill public university as part of her graduate work.

Jamison Keefover (BA ’18) was hired as a TV news producer for KAPP/KVEW, the ABC affiliate in Yakima, Washington. Keefover was a member of the OCU Speech & Debate team.

Melissa Walker (MS ’18) joined the urology practice of SSM Health Medical Group of St. Anthony Hospital.

Morgan Haney (BM ’18) starred as Junie B. Jones in the Casa Manana Children’s Theatre production of “Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells.”

Casady School teacher Andrea Nesbitt (M.Ed. ’18) was selected for the American Montessori Society Emerging Leaders Fellowship Program. From a national application pool, Nesbitt was one of 14 selected. She will take part in professional development, experience in-depth mentorship, and collaborate monthly with the other fellows through video conferencing and online forums.

SUBMIT CLASS NOTES: alumni@okcu.edu // 33

IN MEMORY Frank Michael Pfaff

David Bryant Carmichael

AUG. 11, 1 94 7 – D EC . 1 8, 2 0 18

MAY 24, 19 3 9 – JAN . 1 6 , 201 9

Frank Michael Pfaff was born to Bonnie Patterson Pfaff and Michael Frank Pfaff. His wife, Judith Palladino, is a theatre professor at Oklahoma City University.

Pfaff served as professor, dean, and provost of OCU. He was the academic vice president from 1981 to 1993, when OCU's enrollment grew by 70 percent.

He later taught business management.

He was president of St. Gregory’s for five years, including during its change from a two-year college into a four-year university. He left in 2000 to become executive vice president and COO of Morgan Financial Group/CAC Financial Corp.

Pfaff helped establish the Liturgy and the Arts Frank Pfaff in the 1981 “Keshena” yearbook.

Committee of Central Oklahoma in 1999 to help clergy and lay members of congregations discover new ways for expressing their faith. The committee solicited assistance from OCU because of its strong programs involving worship, music, and arts.

David Bryant Carmichael had a career in academia with Oklahoma City University from 1994 to 2007. He retired as dean of the Meinders School of Business in 1999 and became professor of management and organizational behavior, a job he loved. He also had an MBA from OCU. Carmichael graduated from Druid Hills High School in Atlanta, earned a BBA from the University of North Texas, and completed a Ph.D. in adult and higher education at the University of Oklahoma.

Carmichael began a 32-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1962, starting as an air traffic controller in Miami. He retired from the FAA in 1994 as deputy director of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center. At the FAA, he entered a career development program that took him to the Alaskan and Southwest Regions as personnel officer.

Albert William (Bill) Martin Jr. JUNE 6, 1 93 0 – JA N . 9, 20 19

Albert William (Bill) Martin Jr. was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to Albert William Martin Sr. and Sallie Hairston Martin and passed away peacefully in Waverly, Ohio.

Martin was a religion professor at Oklahoma City University from 1981 to 1998, specializing in the New Testament. He served as chair of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee twice and was named chairperson emeritus upon his retirement. He served one year as acting dean of the Wimberly School of Religion and helped organize a chapter of the American Association of University Professors. In his retirement, Martin was named professor emeritus in the Wimberly School of Religion.

Martin was raised in Methodist parsonages in Arkansas. Martin graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1951 with high honors.

After one year at the Perkins School of Theology at SMU, he transferred to Union Theological Seminary in 1952 and graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity (now Master of Divinity) in 1954. Martin went on to graduate with an MA in 1961 and Ph.D. in 1971 from Vanderbilt University. While at Vanderbilt, Martin and his wife, Bea, participated in the sit-in movement in Nashville and helped organize the

34 // FOCUS Spring 2019

first student protest against the expulsion of James Lawson in 1960 for his role in organizing the movement in the city.

In the early 1950s, Martin was ordained a deacon in the Methodist Church and later became an elder. He was admitted to the North Arkansas Conference of the Methodist Church in the mid1950s and served as pastor or youth minister for various churches.

Martin taught at several Methodist or United Methodist-related schools, seminars, and colleges.

He worked for three different divisions of the Board of Missions of the Methodist Church, which later became the Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church.

Martin was one of the founders and early chairpersons of Amnesty International Chapter 238 in Oklahoma City, and he served as president of the Oklahoma Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. He and Bea received a lifetime service award from the coalition. Both were arrested numerous times and jailed on one occasion following demonstrations against the death penalty in Oklahoma.

Professionally, Martin was for many years a member of the Society of Biblical Literature. As a churchman, he actively supported the Reconciling Ministries Network and the Methodist Federation for Social Action, both unofficial United Methodist

Bill Martin, left, with OCU Vice President for University-Church Relations Charles Neff.

Photo by Audra Fogle (BA ’90)

organizations. This support included participation in committees at Epworth United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City and St. John’s United Methodist Church in Lubbock, Texas.

IN MEMORY John Curtis Branch OC T. 1, 19 3 4 – DEC . 6, 20 18

Dr. John Branch and Karen Hart, as pictured in the 1981 yearbook.

John Curtis Branch was born on the Branch farm near Buffalo, Oklahoma, to Ernest Samuel and Ethel Imogene (Parsons) Branch.

He died in Oklahoma City.

On completion of his doctorate in 1964, Branch accepted a biology professorship at Oklahoma City University, serving for a time as department head before retiring after almost 50 years. He John Branch, 1965 attended the OCU School of Law at night and completed his Juris Doctor in 1980.

He married Jacqueline Joyce “Jackie” Davis in 1960, and they had three daughters, Kim, Karla, and KayLynn.

Branch graduated from Buffalo High School in 1952. While in college at Northwestern in Alva, he joined the U.S. Army National Guard and enjoyed many adventures including two years of active duty service overseas. At 21, he held a top-secret clearance in the intelligence section of the Oklahoma National Guard during the Korean War, serving with the 7th U.S. Army 35th Field Artillery stationed in Swabisch-Gmund, Germany. After graduating from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry, he went on to complete his master's degree in preventive medicine and public health from the University of Oklahoma in 1963. He then accepted a research position with focus on parasitology at Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, graduating with a Doctor of Philosophy in preventive medicine. He became a founding partner in the Branch & Hurtt Law Firm, P.C. in Oklahoma City after getting his law degree.

Along with a long career as a professor, he accumulated more than 30 years' experience as an Oklahoma probate, estate, and trust attorney, practicing law in the municipal, state, and tribal courts of Oklahoma, as well as United States District Courts for Oklahoma. He continued in law practice, going to work every day up to the hospitalization of his last illness.

Gerald Duncan Weatherby

Beryl Elaine Hawkins

M ARCH 1 3 , 1 94 0 – D EC . 24 , 2 0 18

JAN . 8 , 1922 – DEC . 18 , 201 8

Gerald Duncan Weatherby was born to Howard Duncan Weatherby and Izil Elaine (Hayes) Weatherby in Neodesha, Kansas.

Weatherby served as chair of the Chemistry Department at Oklahoma City University beginning in 1981. He retired from the university in 1999.

Weatherby graduated from Neodesha High School in 1958. In high school, he was a star basketball player; an outstanding science student winning many honors at local, regional, and state science competitions; and a bass in the school's male quartet and honor choir.

Weatherby attended the University of Kansas, where he received a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1962 and graduated second in his class. He worked Gerald Weatherby briefly for Monsanto Chemical Company in East St. Louis before returning to the University of Kansas for a second baccalaureate in education. He taught chemistry at Parsons High School for two years before heading back to the University of Kansas—this time at the KU Medical Center in Kansas City—to complete a Ph.D. in biochemistry.

At the KU Medical Center, he met the love of his life, Francene Stepanich. They were married on Oct. 26, 1968, and had two daughters, Tracy Diane and Allison Ann. Gerald began his teaching career as an assistant professor of chemistry at Lake Superior State College (now University) in Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan. In 1981, the family moved to Oklahoma City for his job at OCU.

Beryl Elaine Hawkins was born in Spokane, Washington, to Arthur and Blanch (Wilsey) Stiles.

Hawkins was involved in the Oklahoma City University Scholarship program, the Red Cross, and Professional Personnel Managers Association.

She worked in the office of then-OCU President Dr. John F. Olson. She enjoyed walking, playing tennis, reading, singing, playing piano, swimming, and doing water aerobics.

The family kindly requests gifts in her memory be given to the John F. Olson Endowed Scholarship Fund, by check to the OCU Office of Advancement with “John F. Olson Endowed Scholarship Fund’ in the memo line and mailed to Oklahoma City University Office of Advancement, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK, 73106. Online donations may also be made in Hawkins’ memory at okcu.edu/alumni. okcu.edu // 35

IN MEMORY

Our Condolences

Betty Jo Lemons (Bills) J ULY 28 , 1925 – F E B. 4, 20 19

1940s Wilbarine Favre (’43)) 1950s Owen D. Austin (’50) Edward G. Spradling (’51) Richard W. Huser (’52) Kenneth A. Nash (’56) Kendal L. Hatch (’57) Yevonne Marie Shadid-Homsey (’57) Margaret Montgomery (’58) 1960s Lloyd A. Benson (’60) John A. Philbin (’61) Gwendolyn G. Zinn (’62) Ann G. Weathers (’63) Mayo D. Gilson (’64) 1970s Robert O. Stiner (’70) Karen L. Larson (’73) James V. Pertree (’74) Monte R. Ralstin (’74) Steven E. Lawson (’77) 1980s John C. Branch (’80) Robert A. Matasick (’82) Delveta A. Armstrong (’82) David B. Carmichael (’82) William R. Breese (’88)

Betty Jo Lemons

Yevonne Marie Shadid Homsey J U LY 19, 19 3 5 – JAN. 5 , 20 19

Yevonne Marie Shadid Homsey was born the youngest child of H.S. and Alexandra Shadid.

She received her Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma City University and taught at Britton and Burbank elementary schools. She was a lifelong resident of Oklahoma City and was educated in the city school system.

Starting at age 12, Homsey began a pen-pal relationship and wrote to Maureen Swift from Plymouth, England, every month. They visited each other three times and called each other sisters.

She married Harry Richard Homsey on Oct. 24, 1959, and they were together 48 Yevonne Marie Shadid Homsey years until the time of his death. They had five children and 16 grandchildren. Most recently, she became a great-grandmother of three great-grandsons.

Homsey was a devoted Orthodox Christian and a lifelong member of St. Elijah Orthodox Christian Church. She was a choir member, a Sunday School teacher for many years, a member of the youth group in her early years, and a member of the Ladies Aid Society. She baked holy bread for the Holy Communion every Sunday.

Another of her greatest pleasures was helping teach the children at Vacation Bible School how to bake holy bread. Every year for the St. Elijah Bake Sale Festival, she was proud to donate over 200 pounds of her famous Yevonne’s Peanut Brittle.

She was a member of the Double Talk Mothers of Twins Club and was a spokesperson for the Twin Club Style Shows. She was also a member of the Mothers of Twins Luncheon Group starting in 1970. She served as president of the Nichols Hills PTA and served on the City-Wide Board of PTA. She was active in the Helping Hands Program and taught remedial reading at Nichols Hills and Christ the King schools. She was a member of the Bonne Heure Club, a women's organization devoted to charitable enterprises and social activities. She was the first member to serve as president twice.

Following her husband's retirement, together they grew and managed HYH Property Company. For the past eight years, she had been a volunteer at the Integris Baptist Hospital Gift Store and served on the board for over three years. Because of her dedication and relationship with Integris, the hospital chose her as the spotlight of a lifelong example of dedication to the hospital in the Heritage Room.

Roxie Ann Brown

1990s

J UN E 25 , 1947 – N OV. 11, 20 18

Nello D. Gionta (’90) Joe S. Andrews (’93) Jed R. Jones (’94) Curtis C. Hinshaw (’95) Donald L. Rohr (’97) 2000s John E. Turner (’03) 36 // FOCUS Spring 2019

Betty Jo Lemons was born in Temple, Oklahoma, to Ellis and Arah Bills and died in Oklahoma City.

She married longtime Oklahoma City University head basketball coach Abe Lemons in 1945.

They traveled the world together, leaving a lasting positive influence on all who met them.

Lemons was a longtime member of the Mayfair Church of Christ. She was a member of the Wild Bunch, as Abe Lemons dubbed the group of five women who attended church and traveled together and formed a lifelong bond.

Roxie Ann Brown

Roxie Ann Brown was born in Oklahoma City to Geron and Verna Brown.

Brown lived in Oklahoma City and worked as the senior administrative assistant for the Enrollment Management and University Communications team at Oklahoma City University.

She attended Bethany First Church of the Nazarene. She loved the Lord and was adored by many, including her three children, six grandchildren, and great-grandchild.

The family has set up a memorial fund at MidFirst Bank to assist with medical costs associated with her grandson Davin’s battle against muscular dystrophy. Reference account number 8033 under Lori Alexander, Brown’s daughter.

A New Era Begins President Martha Burger speaks during her inauguration Nov. 1 in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium. Applauding behind her are trustee and alumna Jane Jayroe Gamble (BM ’69), Provost Kent Buchanan, and Mayor and alumnus David Holt (JD ’09). Photo by Josh Robinson

Good Tidings to All Left: Students Ashley Arnold and Braydon Williams perform a selection from “Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberly” during the annual Holiday Gala on Nov. 29. Above: Pat Potts and Sue Ann Arnall visit during the gala celebration. Photos by Josh Robinson okcu.edu // 37

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT #2164

2501 N. Blackwelder Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73106

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

homecoming 2019 welcome back!

THE OCU ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT OFFICE is eagerly anticipating the Homecoming events this fall.

From Oct. 25 to Nov. 2, we’ll have a variety of exciting events lined up, including: ATHLETIC SPECTACLES Cheer on the

Stars as they make the home crowd proud.

STARS ON THE PLAZA Mingle with a

mix of current students and fellow alumni in one of the hottest districts in OKC. LIP SYNC CONTEST Perhaps the greatest long-standing OCU Homecoming tradition.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS CEREMONY CLASS OF 1969 GOLDEN GRADS HONOR EVENT Has it already been 50 years?

A MULTIGENERATIONAL EVENT FOR OCU LEGACIES

Check back this summer for a list of events and celebrations on the Alumni website at okcu.edu/homecoming.