University of Central Oklahoma
THURSDAY January 18, 1996
The Student Voice Since 1903
And the King's saints go marching in... By Judy Simpson Staff Writer UCO's Multicultural Student Services' and the Black Student Association sponsored a day in the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Jan. 15 on the UCO campus. Tables in the University Center and the Administration Building were covered with buttons, pamphlets and T-shirts commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. At each table a documentary film was shown about the life and times of King. At 2 p.m. a reception was held in the Will Rogers Suite of the University Center. The keynote speaker, Dr. George Henderson, chairperson
of the Department of Human Relations at the University of Oklahoma, spoke about the importance of King's message and the responsibility of each generation to carry on his work. He said that everyone is affected by racism and King's message is not just for minorities. "There are no pure races, so let's help our relatives. We're all related," said Henderson. Presidents from various student organizations were also present and gave speeches in praise of King's contributions. Victor Armstrong, represented the Hispanic American Student Association. He said he was surprised to find that King's message is valuable to all people, not just African
Americans. "All of us have gained privileges from what Dr. Martin Luther King believed," he said. Jo Jo Takyi-Micah from the African Student Association talked about the struggles of the people in southwestern Africa and described King as the "black star" which is signified in the center of his country's flag. "That star stands up and shines for the nation of Africa to follow. Dr. King is such a star," said Takyi-Micah. The speeches were complemented with spiritual songs sung by UCO alumna Kim Jackson and Mr. UCO, Joacquin Stevens. Following the speeches, UCO alumna Kim Jackson leads participants during the Martin people marched in the traditional Luther King, Jr. Day celebration Jan. 15. Marchers started at the University Center (UC) and strode down Second Street V See King, Page 4 onto University Drive. ( Staff photo by Laurette Graham)
Campus hosts memorial service for professor By Gayleen Langthorn Staff Writer A memorial service will be held in honor of Dr. William D. Parker from 9:10 to 10:10 a.m. today in the Pegasus Theater. The UCO police responded to a call at 9:40 a.m., Jan. 8 and found Parker dead in his office from an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Parker was a professor at UCO since 1970 and assistant dean of liberal arts since 1985. He spent 39 years in the Marine Corps and retired in 1993 as a colonel. Parker was active in community affairs, serving as a planning commissioner and chairing Edmond's community oriented policing committee. He was also a member of the
National Academy of Criminal Justice Services and the board of directors for the Council of Law Enforcement Training. Parker, 61, was divorced and is survived by his son, Daniel Parker. What prompted Parker's suicide remains unknown. "No notes have been found," said Chief James Roberts of the campus police.
INSIDE TODAY INDEX Editorial
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Sports 7,8 Entertainment Around Campus
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Comics 11 Classifieds 12
MEMORY Friends share fond memories of UCO professor Dr. William Parker.
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SPORTS Former UCO wrestler inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame .
The Liberal Arts Building was closed Jan. 8 as a crime scene while police investigated the death. All intersession classes were canceled for the day. Dr. Parker's sociology class will be taught by R. Dan Loague and criminal justice practicum students will be assisted by Dr. Sidney D. Brown. Funeral services were held Jan. 11 at St. John's Catholic
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Church in Edmond. For the UCO memorial service, the dean of liberal arts, Dr. Clif' Warren, may proclaim that classes in that college be dismissed, said Dr. Richard Rettig, chairperson and professor of sociology. Until then, all classes wiil be dismissed at the discretion of individual professors.
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