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OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITY Record of Events | 2015-2016
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ! LETTER FROM SGA PRESIDENT
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ACADEMICS
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PERFORMANCES
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ATHLETICS
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RELIGIOUS LIFE
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MULTICULTURAL EVENTS
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GREEK LIFE
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HOMECOMING
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES
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A LETTER FROM SGA PRESIDENT ! Campus Community,! As I reflect on all we have accomplished this past year, I become more optimistic about the future of this institution and those affiliated with it. ! To the students, I want to thank you all for engaging me with your concerns and sharing your ideas on how to improve the quality of life on campus. I am proud of the progress we have made on issues like food services and recycling, but more than that, I am proud of the processes student government established this year so change can hopefully come more quickly in the future. Serving you this past year has been the greatest honor of my life, and I owe you all a tremendous debt of gratitude for allowing me the opportunity. ! To the faculty, I think I speak for all students in expressing my appreciation for the unwavering encouragement and instruction that you provide. The character of our students is a testament to the quality of our educators. ! To the staff and administrators, your work this past year has been inspiring. You have cultivated an environment that is conducive to learning and growth and done so in a difficult climate for higher education. Thank you for allowing me, and consequently students, to participate in those efforts. ! I would like to congratulate everyone on a year well spent. As I prepare to leave this place, I want to wish my fellow graduates the best of luck in their future endeavors. To those of you remaining at OCU, I hope you can continue to build on the progress we have made, and I look forward to returning soon. ! Best Regards, ! Chance Johnson ! Student Government Association, President 2015-2016
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ACADEMICS OCU Dedicates New Science Labs Oklahoma City University held a ceremony to officially open its newly renovated chemistry labs. The celebration included science demonstrations by chemistry majors, a formal recognition of donors and a ribbon cutting to officially open the 7,400-square-foot space. OCU raised money for a $2.2 million renovation of three adjacent labs that took place over the summer. The labs include the most modern amenities available for science and are designed to promote continuity between classroom and lab learning experiences. Chemistry professors worked with architects and engineers to design the labs. “Students collaborate a lot in our courses,” said Stephen Prilliman, chairman of the Chemistry Department. “They’re not just experimenting now. They’re learning how to be scientists, and the new facilities are going to help them do that.” Prilliman said the renovated labs would help his faculty and students continue advancements in chemistry. 2015-2016
New PA Program Opens with White Coat Ceremony The new Physician Assistant program at Oklahoma City University opened with a white coat ceremony -DQ .! During the ceremony, 36 students took an oath of service and received their uniform lab coats. The ceremony was led by program director Daniel McNeill with a keynote presentation from Dr. George Selby, a professor and program director at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.! McNeilO said white coat ceremonies are used by many medical, physician assistant, dental, pharmacy and allied health schools in the U.S. and other countries to welcome first-year students as colleagues dedicated to patient care. The concept originated at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in 1989 with the first full-fledged ceremony being conducted in 1993 at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.! OCU’s PA program is only the third institution in the state to offer a PA program, joining OU Health Science Center programs in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. ! OCU’s program has a strong emphasis on providing primary care in community hospitals and clinics.! 5
Oklahoma City University
OCU Awards Honorary and Conferred Degrees in Commencement Ceremonies
Duncan Regional Hospital Partners with OCU for New Nursing Program
Oklahoma City University awarded four honorary degrees and conferred bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees to more than 800 students during two ceremonies May 7.!
Oklahoma City University has
Bart Conner, businessman and Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics, gave the commencement address during the undergraduate ceremony. Chemistry professor Stephen Prilliman, winner of this year’s OCU Outstanding Faculty Award, gave the address during the graduate commencement ceremony.!
hospital beginning in Fall 2016.
During the undergraduate ceremony, the university will bestowed honorary degrees to Bob Blackburn, James Couch, Jerry Vannatta and Conner. In the 2015-2016 academic year, OCU awarded honorary doctorates to Sister Rosemary 1\LUXPEH, Florence Birdwell, and Kelli O’Hara. Nadia Comaneci will receive one later in 2016.! The University also presented the Servant Leader Award to Gerald and Jane Jayroe Gamble during commencement ceremonies.!
partnered with Duncan Regional Hospital to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at the The hospital will provide up to 15 scholarships annually for students who enroll in the program and agree to work at DRH following graduation. “We are pleased to bring our baccalaureate nursing program to Duncan Regional Hospital and look forward to growing the availability of accessible, professionally delivered nursing care in the community,” said Lois Salmeron, dean of OCU’s Kramer School of Nursing. “Our mission has long been to prepare graduates to practice professional nursing in a variety of settings in rural or urban areas.” A member of the OCU faculty will reside in Duncan to teach classes and labs. The program will also utilize an innovative Polycom Communications online platform so that students in Duncan will be able to participate and interact with classes in Oklahoma City in real time.
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OCU PERFORMANCES TheatreOCU presented the following main stage performances during the 2015-2016 academic year:
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Peter and the Starcatcher! ! ! ! ! ! Sept. 18-27! ! (co-produced with CityRep)! Oxygen! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Oct. 23-25! Festival of Solo Performance! ! ! ! ! Oct. 28-31! The Man who Came to Dinner! ! ! ! ! Dec. 4-12! The Giver! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Feb. 5-13! (co-produced with Oklahoma Children’s Theatre)! The Last Days of Judas Iscariot! ! ! ! ! Feb. 28-28! As You Like It! ! ! ! ! ! ! Apr. 7-10!
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Wanda Bass School of Music presented the following main stage musicals and operas during the 2015-2016 academic year:
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Rent! ! ! Nine! ! ! Don Pasquale! The Magic Flute! Jackie O.! ! Evita! ! !
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Oct. 2-4! Oct. 9-11! Nov. 20-22! Feb. 19-21! Mar. 4-6! Apr. 22-24!
The American Spirit Dance Company presented the following performances during the 2015-2016 academic year:
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Home for the Holidays! Spring Show!! ! 2015-2016
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Oklahoma City University
ATHLETICS
OCU Rowing Brings in Victories at Oklahoma Regatta Festival Oklahoma City University pulled in victories in the men's open single and open double night sprints as well as the men's open lightweight double and collegiate four on the first day of the Head of the Oklahoma Regatta Oct. 1 at the Oklahoma River.! The Stars took second place in the men's open single, open double and collegiate eight races. OCU finished third in the open collegiate eight in the night sprints. ! Oklahoma City University earned victories in the men's collegiate single, open pair and open four Sunday in the Head of the Oklahoma Regatta.! Yassine Berrehouma of OCU prevailed in the men's collegiate single, where teammate Mark Couwenhoven finished second and the Stars' James Francis took third.! The Stars' Derek Martin and Erik Wierenga teamed for the win in the open pair. In the open four, OCU's crew of Francis, Hunter Bingham, Marshall McCabe and Matt Nelson won.! Leigh Smith of Oklahoma City University posted third-place finishes in the women's open single night sprint and the open lightweight single Oct. 1. OCU also finished second place in the open double petite night sprint.! Oklahoma City University posted a second-place finish in the women's open four Oct. 2. The Stars also took third place in the event. OCU's Leigh Smith finished fourth in the women's collegiate single.! 2015-2016
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! Stars Win Three Titles at NCA/NDA College Nationals Oklahoma City University nabbed its third consecutive National Cheerleading Assocation small coed cheerleading title in addition to a National Dance Alliance small dance team championship and the NDA Division III hip hop title Apr. 8-9 in the NCA/NDA College Nationals at the Daytona Beach Band Shell and Ocean Center in Florida. The Stars also received the innovative choreography award. Oklahoma City has won 13 NCA/ NDA titles coupled with three NAIA cheer and dance titles.
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Bahreini Competes in U.S. Olympic Trials Arya Bahreini from Oklahoma City University posted a 38th-place showing in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials marathon Feb. 13. Bahreini, a senior from Edmond, Okla., became the youngest qualifier in the field at age 22 when he met the qualifying standard Jan. 3 in the Jacksonville Bank Marathon. "Arya has made the jump to the top of his game now running with the best runners in America," OCU coach Conor Holt said. "What a great race he had today, to finish 38th out of 167 athletes. I am very excited to see Arya's future in the sport."
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Three OCU Wrestlers Take National Titles Natalia Hinojo, Becka Leathers and Cody Pfau of Oklahoma City University snagged individual titles in the Women's College Wrestling Association Championships Feb. 13 at Abe Lemons Arena.! The second-ranked Stars finished as national runner-up with 190.5 points on the strength of nine all-Americans.! Other Stars placing were Margaret Douma, the 143-pound runner-up; Cassidy Jasperson, who took fourth place at 123 pounds; Shelby Morrison, who snatched fourth at 116; Rachel Archer, the fifth-place individual at 116; Monica Mason, who grabbed seventh at 191; and Rachel Young, who picked up eighth at 136.! Pfau, a junior from Parachute, Colo., took tournament outstanding wrestler and WCWA wrestler of the year.! Leathers ended the season 30-2 and No. 1 at her weight. "It's truly an amazing experience," Hinojo said. "I feel like I've come a long way since my freshman year, and my coaches and my teammates helped me get to this spot."
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RELIGIOUS LIFE
Chapel Services Move to Different Locations on Campus This year, Religious Life leaders decided to move the weekly Chapel service around campus in the fall semester. Rev. Charles Neff said of the decision, “We discovered that there are indeed many venues across our beautiful campus that can be easily transformed into worship spaces. Our intent is to use these spaces again in the future for special worship experiences outside of the weekly Chapel services on Thursday afternoons. We also learned that attendance was steady at these other venues, with neither a significant increase or decrease. The overall feedback that we received was positive.”
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Religious Life and Study Abroad Celebrate International Education Week Dr. Charles Kimball, religious studies professor at the University of Oklahoma, gave a presentation titled “A Muslim-Christian Dialogue” in the Gold Star Building Nov. 18. OCU Religious Life invited him as part of their interfaith events during International Education Week. He spoke on the origins of Islam, its history in the West, and his international experiences as a religion scholar.! Other interfaith events throughout the week were Mediterranean cuisine during Wednesday at the Wesley and a special interfaith Thanksgiving service in the campus chapel. The Study Abroad Office, which hosted International Education Week, also put on its own series of events throughout the week. They planned a traditional Moroccan tea party with visiting professor Dr. Latifa Daadaoui in celebration of Moroccan Independence Day, partnered with Sodexo for an international food show in the cafeteria, and held a study abroad photo contest.!
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Kappa Phi Hosts Beauty Week on Campus Kappa Phi, OCU’s women’s Christian fraternity, hosted its annual “Beauty Week” from Feb. 22 to 26. Events of the week included recognition at the weekly Evensong worship service and a movie night in the Methodist Hall Theatre. Miss Oklahoma 2014, Alex Eppler, spoke on the topic “Finding Your Worth,” and the work of the Oklahoma Eating Disorders Association. Kappa Phi finished the week by handing out free sno-cones to students outside the University Center.
Wesley Center and Better Together Present Better Together Week The Wesley Center at OCU and Better Together OCU expanded annual “Love Not Hate Day” into a larger “Better Together Week,” celebrated Apr. 3 to 7. Events included a World Religions Expo, a photo activity and social media push, a special interfaith Wednesday at the Wesley, and an Islam and Interfaith Panel Discussion. Love Not Hate Day was celebrated at the University Center with free T-shirts to tiedye, free meals, and a performance by OCUpella.
Rev. Charles Neff Leads Student Mission Trip to Belize In January, Rev. Charles Neff led a student mission team from OCU to Belmopan, Belize, on an eightday construction mission trip to help build the second story of the Belmopan Methodist High School. The team of 11 students, three family members, and Rev. Neff also helped feed the poor and mentor girls at a local children’s home.
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MULTICULTURAL EVENTS ! ! ! ! ! OCU Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day Oklahoma City University President Robert Henry declared Oct. 12 Indigenous Peoples’ Day during a ceremony at the Chickasaw Warrior Garden on campus. The effort was initiated by students Sydney Wahkinney, Brianna Hillebrand, Kyle Wallace, Maryann Guoladdle, and the OCU Native American Society.! Henry made the declaration in support of Native American culture and campus diversity on a day that is traditionally observed as Columbus Day. The ceremony included a Choctaw hymn sung by Rev. Sharon Yeahquo of the Mary Lee Clark Memorial United Methodist Church in Del City, a drum song performed by Cortney Yarholar of the Sac & Fox and Creek nations and a speech from Henry. Rev. David Wilson, a member of the OCU Board of Trustees, provided the opening remarks.! “It’s important that we realize this isn’t just something to celebrate today, then forget about Native American contributions the rest of the year,” Henry said. “That is not what this campus is all about, and that is not what this day is all about.”! The OCU campus has several sites featuring Native American culture. The Dulaney-Browne Library featured Native American literature. The N. Scott Momaday reading room on the fifth floor of the library has a collection of his paintings and poems, and some Kiowa memorabilia. The Chickasaw Warrior Garden was created to be a welcoming place where students could sit, reflect and converse. The third floor of the Kramer School of Nursing boasts OCU alumnus and Chickasaw Nation member Brent Greenwood’s painting. A Cherry Laurel tree named for the late Chief Wilma Mankiller is near the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel. History professor Dr. Blue Clark, of Cherokee heritage, is one of the state’s leading authorities on native peoples. 2015-2016
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OCU Campus Invited to Native American Heritage Week The Native American Society presented various events for Native American Heritage Week from Nov. 16 to 20. The organization invited students to learn Hand Game, beading, and basket weaving at events throughout the week. They also invited Star Yellowfish, director of Indian Education for Oklahoma City Public Schools, and Sarah Adams-Cornell, leader of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day OKC initiative, to lead a panel discussion on Native American mascots. NAS also hosted a stickball tournament on the quad and had their regular Indian taco sale.
Native American Society Kicks off Powwow Weekend with Alumni Dinner OCU’s Native American Society provided a dinner on Mar. 31 to recognize alumni and head staff of the annual OCU Powwow. The event was held at District House in the Plaza District. Tickets were also sold for raffle items to contribute to the costs of the powwow.
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OCU President Robert Henry, pictured fifth from the left, dances with a group of Native Americans during a powwow April 2 in the Freede Wellness and Activity Center after he was named an honorary member of the Kiowa Tribe. Henry donated the cash collection from the ceremony to OCU’s Native American Society and Native American Scholars, and the powwow drummers. From left are Bruce Ceasar, Patterson Tahdooahnippah, Butch Tahah, William Tonemah, Henry, David Wilson, Bud Sahmaunt and Ron Sahmaunt.
OCU President Named Honorary Kiowa Member Oklahoma City University President Robert Henry was inducted as an honorary member of the Kiowa Tribe at the OCU Native American Society Powwow on April 2. ! Kiowa Elder Bud Sahmaunt, former athletic director for Oklahoma City University, and Trustee David Wilson, conference superintendent of the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, helped induct Henry. ! “I am deeply honored to be named an honorary Kiowa,” Henry said, “and to be recommended by Kiowa and OCU legend Dr. Bud Sahmaunt makes the honor even more special.” ! During the ceremony, Henry read Kiowa poet N. Scott Momaday’s prayer from “In the Bear’s House.” ! “We can all learn from the altruism of our great Indian nations, especially those in Oklahoma. As our greatest historian Dr. Angie Debo noted, the tribes have a ‘genius for collective effort.’” ! Momaday previously wrote a poem honoring Henry titled “To a Man Among Us,” which Sahmaunt read at the ceremony. ! The powwow, which helps signal the start of national powwow season, is an annual event that celebrates OCU’s commitment to Oklahoma’s American Indians. 2015-2016
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GREEK LIFE Alpha Chi Omega | Alpha Phi | Gamma Phi Beta | Phi Mu Kappa Sigma | Lambda Chi Alpha | Phi Gamma Delta
Phi Mu Invites Campus to Open House Phi Mu, the newest sorority on campus, hosted an Open House Sept. 13 to celebrate their new home on the Panhellenic Quad.
Kappa Sigma Hosts Military Heroes Week
They moved into the newly renovated building, formerly the office for Campus Health and Disabilities Services, in mid-July. Junior dance performance major Shannon Beshears, who is Phi Mu’s president, said, “Having the house has been very beneficial to our chapter in so many ways. Most importantly, it has strengthened our sisterhood because we all have a common area to hang out.” Students were able to visit Phi Mu’s house and spend time with its members.
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Kappa Sigma hosted Military Heroes Week from Sept. 8 to 11. The fraternity gave away donuts in the mornings and sold philanthropy T-shirts and Kappa Sigma calendars in the University Center during lunch hours. They also hosted Penny Wars, a “Dive-In Movie” at the Cokesbury Pool, and a barbecue with a car bash. Throughout the day on Sept. 11, students payed to display American flags on the campus quad in memory of the 2001 terrorist attacks. Phillip Oliver, junior entertainment business major and Kappa Sigma’s Philanthropy chair, said of the week, “You realize that you are part of something great when you can all rally behind a good cause and dedicate hundreds of hours to benefiting other people.”!
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Alpha Chi Omega Celebrates 60th Anniversary The Gamma Tau chapter of Alpha Chi Omega celebrated their 60th Anniversary at OCU on Sept. 19. The sorority hosted campus tours, a lunch on the quad, a Past Presidents’ Tea, and an alumnae cocktail hour. They also held a dinner in the Great Hall with presentations from Gamma Tau President Nicole Wilwert, Rho Rho Alumni Chapter President Krystal Murer, and Regional Alumnae Chair Ashley Malone. Alumnae from as early as 1957 attended the festivities.
Panhellenic Plans Regular Midterms and Finals Study Parties OCU Panhellenic celebrated midterms and finals week with study parties in the Panhellenic Quadrangle open to all sororities. During midterms, Phi Mu’s house was open for relaxation and snacks, and Gamma Phi Beta’s house was dedicated to silent study. This is the second year in which Panhellenic has hosted a study party. 2015-2016
Gamma Phi Beta Hosts Building Strong Girls Week Gamma Phi Beta hosted their annual Building Strong Girls Week from Sept. 14 to 19 to benefit their national philanthropy, Girls on the Run. Events of the week included an “Amazing Race” competition, baking cookies and writing notes for Girls on the Run, and a round of “Jeopardy.” Students across campus also were invited to eat one night at Raising Cane’s, and a percentage of the proceeds went to their philanthropy. Gamma Phi Beta ended the week at their house with the annual Pancake Palooza, a night where students paid $5 and received unlimited pancakes. From the week, the sorority received more than $5,000 to contribute to their philanthropy.
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FIJI Hosts USO Week Phi Gamma Delta hosted their philanthropy week from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2 to benefit the United Service Organizations. The events of the week included a bake sale outside the cafeteria, a benefit night at Raising Cane’s, and “Red White & Spike” Volleyball Tournament. The fraternity also exchanged their usual spaghetti dinner for a new event, “Phi Gamma Melta Grilled Cheese Fest,” where students purchased all-you-can eat grilled cheese sandwiches.
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Alpha Chi Omega Promotes Domestic Violence Awareness Alpha Chi Omega presented their Domestic Violence Awareness Week from Oct. 5 to 10. The sorority planned a self-defense class, a benefit night at Big Truck Tacos, and their annual Have a Pie with Alpha Chi. They also hosted a “Take Back the Night” rally on the quad, where guest speaker Daphne Dahlem shared her story of experiencing domestic violence. Cynthia Bedford, dance management junior and vice president of philanthropy, said, “It was awesome to see so many students from across campus at Big Truck and at our events on campus. We really appreciate all the love and support we received!” The week’s proceeds were donated to the Oklahoma City YWCA to support survivors of domestic violence. 2015-2016
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Lambda Chi Alpha Fights Hunger Lambda Chi Alpha presented its Hearts for Hunger philanthropy event on Thursday, Feb. 11. The event was a mix between a talent show and date auction. Members of the fraternity performed their talent, then the audience was invited to bid on dates with each of them individually. This year, the fraternity decided to give winning bidders the option to request an act of service rather than a date. The fee to get in was $3. or three canned food items, and the proceeds were donated to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, Lambda Chi Alpha’s local philanthropy.
Alpha Chi Omega Encourages Healthy Relationships Alpha Chi Omega promoted domestic violence awareness through its Healthy Relationships Week from Feb. 15 to 19. Events of the week included an open mic night, a benefit night at Big Truck Tacos, a “No More Bad Boyfriends” workshop, and the annual “Sugar High with Alpha Chi.” At this final event of the week, members of the campus were invited to the Alpha Chi Omega house for all-you-caneat candy and baked goods. All proceeds were donated to the Oklahoma City YWCA, Alpha Chi Omega’s local philanthropy.
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Phi Mu Hosts Miracle Week Phi Mu held its Miracle Week from Nov. 16 to 20. Events of the week started with a benefit night at Raising Cane’s, then the sorority held an OCU-themed “Phamily Pheud” competition with answers from the campus community. The campus was also invited to a “Cookies and Crafts” event, where students were asked to make cards for patients in the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, Phi Mu’s national philanthropy. Phi Mu ended the week with “Miracle Mac with the Mus,” where students could pay for all-you-can-eat macaroni and cheese. All proceeds for the week went to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
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Gamma Phi Beta Raises Awareness of Ovarian Cancer Gamma Phi Beta held its National Ovarian Cancer Week Jan. 25 to 30. Events of the week included a week long bake sale, social media caption contest, service project night, and Cuppies and Joe benefit night. The sorority also asked the campus to wear teal on Thursday to raise awareness of ovarian cancer. The organization ended its philanthropy week by inviting students to the sorority house for the spring semester’s Pancake Palooza. The proceeds of the week went toward Gamma Phi Beta’s local philanthropy, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
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Alpha Phi Promotes Heart Health Alpha Phi’s Women’s Heart Health Week was held Feb. 22 to 26. The week began with a Kendra Scott benefit night on Monday, then continued with a karaoke event on Wednesday. The sorority also engaged Greek houses in penny wars and sold raffle tickets for themed baskets throughout the week. Finally, Alpha Phi hosted its annual King of Hearts pageant, in which men of Greek life entered as contestants to be crowned the King of Hearts. All proceeds were donated to the Alpha Phi Foundation, which promotes heart health and medical research of heart disease.
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HOMECOMING UNITE | 2015
MaryAnn Grover Comments on Homecoming Theme “When we were thinking about this year’s Homecoming theme, we looked to a number of events that occurred last year and saw the necessity of bringing the campus together. The theme is Unite with a kind of 1960s vibe with it. We put the two ideas together, first, to honor the class of 1965, who are having their 50th reunion this year. Secondly, we thought back to the idealized 1960s that centered on peace and love, and we saw that those ideas fit closely with what we were trying to achieve with the theme of Unite.! "We hope that the students will come away from Homecoming this year more united than ever, with an understanding that for the four years each student is here, they are an integral part of this campus, that they matter here. We want each student to realize how effective and great the campus can be when we look past our differences to be a unified body that comes together in good times and in bad times.”! MaryAnn Grover Marketing Senior Vice President for Student Activities 2015-2016
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Homecoming Kickoff
Spirit Structure
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Lip Sync
Kappa Sigma
Gamma Phi Beta
FIJI
DAX/Kappa Phi
Phi Mu 2015-2016
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Banner Submissions
Phi Mu Gamma Phi Beta
Kappa Sigma
DAX/Kappa Phi
Alpha Chi Omega FIJI 2015-2016
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Gamma Phi Beta Wins Homecoming Sweepstakes Homecoming was held during the first week of November, and organizations were invited to compete in a series of events under the theme “Unite.” The main events were Window Painting, Banner, Spirit Structure, and Lip Sync. After a winning basketball game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University, the results were announced. Valentino Valentin of Kappa Sigma was crowned Homecoming King, and Amanda Wright of Gamma Phi Beta was crowned Homecoming Queen. Alpha Chi Omega won Lip Sync People’s Choice and were awarded the Spirit trophy. Gamma Phi Beta, first place in each individual event, won the sweepstakes and took home the overall Homecoming trophy.!
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STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Division of Student Affairs Registers Students to Vote The Division of Student Aairs hosted a Voter Registration Picnic on Sept. 22 to encourage students to involve themselves in the political process. Students were invited to enjoy a picnic dinner on the quad and fill out voter registration forms.
Stress Relief Week Continues with Midnight Breakfast
Student Activities Council organized the annual Midnight Breakfast to kick off Stress Relief Week, a series of activities for students to relax during midterms. Students came to Midnight Breakfast and enjoyed breakfast foods, music, and a raffle for Oklahoma City Thunder tickets. Other Stress Relief Week activities included therapy dogs outside the cafeteria, a Walk-In Movie on the quad, and Netflix Night in the University Center. SGA also provided coloring supplies in the University Center throughout the week and free coffee outside Alvin’s after 1 a.m.
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SGA Spotlight: Chance Johnson Major: Political Science Hometown: Ardmore, OK Other Activities: Speech and Debate, Delta Alpha Chi (men’s Christian Fraternity), College Republicans, Phi Alpha Delta (pre-law fraternity), and the Honors Program Greatest Accomplishment in SGA: I am really proud of the work we have done on the food service resolution this year. Not only did we make a lot of substantive policy changes that will go into effect next fall, but we also established a more clearly defined process for future administrations to follow in pursuing policy changes. What I enjoy most about the Presidency: I really value the moments when I get to serve as a voice for students. I think quite often students get overlooked when it comes to formulating policy because the policy makers believe students will not be able to understand the context of a situation or lack the necessary wisdom and experience. I look forward to moments in which I can demonstrate the capability of our students when it comes to engaging with policy. Students just need effective representatives and an opportunity, and they can contribute in many substantive ways to our policy formulation as a university.
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Renowned Humanitarian Sister Rosemary Visits Campus Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People last year, visited Oklahoma City University Oct. 13. She discussed her efforts to help young girls rescued from the notorious and brutal warlord Joseph Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army. A public presentation was held in the Petree Auditorium in Bass Music Center.! Nyirumbe is the director of the Saint Monica Girls’ Tailoring Center in Gulu, Uganda. The school helps the girls learn life skills in order to support themselves and their families through such trades as sewing and cooking. She and the school are the subjects of the documentary “Sewing Hope,” narrated by Oscar Award-winner Forest Whitaker.! Nyirumbe, a member of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, has had close encounters with LRA guerillas, including some instances that nearly led to her demise, while helping victims of the conflicts raging in Uganda. Her story is captured in the documentary and in a book of the same name co-written by Oklahoma City attorney Reggie Whitten. All proceeds from the book are donated to the Saint Monica school.! “Sister Rosemary is like Mother Theresa, giving dignity, hope, and life itself to those most in need,” said OCU President Robert Henry. 26
Oklahoma City University
Campus Remembers OSU Tragedy Following the tragic car accident at the Oklahoma State University Homecoming Parade, OCU dedicated a special time of prayer for the OSU community in Stillwater. Orange ribbons were distributed across campus, and students were encouraged to wear orange on Tuesday, Oct. 27 to show solidarity for OSU and those affected by the tragedy.
OCU Sponsors Creation Station at Festival of the Arts Oklahoma City University sponsored the Creation Station at this year’s Festival of the Arts downtown. The activity booth, themed “Be a STAR!,” encouraged participants to write their dreams and attach them to a structure in the children’s area. The OCU Art Club and early childhood and elementary education majors volunteered at the booth throughout the week.! The station collected the crafts throughout the festival from April 19 to 24, with thousands of children participating.!
Campus Remembers Paris Attacks Following the attacks in Paris on Nov. 13, OCU dedicated a special time of prayer, “Black Ribbon Week,” to remember the French people. Black ribbons were distributed across campus to show solidarity for those affected by the tragedy. 2015-2016
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Blue Key Honor Society Hosts Spring Sing The Blue Key Honor Society held Spring Sing on Mar. 2 in Petree Recital Hall. Greek houses competed for first prize, chosen by a panel of faculty members. Each house created an original skit that members performed, along with live music, dancing and singing. In first place this year was Alpha Chi Omega. Alpha Phi won the People’s Choice, decided via online poll by audience members.!
Above: Gamma Phi Beta Below: Kappa Sigma
Above: Lambda Chi Alpha Below: Alpha Chi Omega
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OCU Campus Plans and Participates in Relay for Life Relay for Life was held overnight from Apr. 8 to 9 on the quad outside the University Center. During the event, which lasted 12 hours, students and members of the community gathered to raise funds for the American Cancer Society and walk for cancer awareness. The event was also an opportunity to celebrate and remember loved ones who have battled cancer. Relay for Life was organized and executed by a committee of OCU students, who worked throughout the year to host the event. Fundraising efforts prior to Relay for Life included “Coronation for a Cure,” an event that featured a bake sale, a dartboard with a canvas and paint-filled balloons, and a screening of "The Princess Diaries." The committee also set up a table outside the cafeteria periodically throughout the year to encourage teams to sign up for the main event. Relay for Life’s theme this year was “Paint my campus purple.” Participants were able to raise over $20,000 for the American Cancer Society this year.!
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