UCOOldNorthSPRING2021

MAGAZINE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

FAMILY MATTERS

A UCO NURSING STUDENT ADMINISTERS A COVID-19 VACCINE AT ONE OF CENTRAL’S ON-CAMPUS VACCINE CLINICS WITH PASSPORT HEALTH.

ON THE COVER

“Family Matters” – as people begin to come together once again, after more than a year apart, this issue of Old North reflects on the concept of family, whether by blood or by personal choice, and its impact on the most influential moments of our lives. Pictured, a UCO student attends spring 2021 commencement in her personalized regalia.

OLD NORTH STAFF

UCO President

Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar

Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs

Adrienne Nobles (MPA ’19)

Editor

Sarah Neese (BA ’15)

Art Director

Craig Beuchaw (BA ’92)

Photographic Services

Daniel Smith (BA ’77, MEd ’93)

Alumni Records

Wendy Lackmeyer

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A VACCINE CLOSE TO HOME

A father and his nursing student son share a longawaited moment of hope.

ACROSS THE STAGE

Old North (USPS 098-220) is published twice a year by the University of Central Oklahoma, through the office University Communications, 100 North University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034-5209.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Old North, University Communications of the University of Central Oklahoma, 100 N. University Drive, Edmond, OK 73034-5209. In compliance with Title VI and Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of The Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, The Civil Rights Act of 1991, and other Federal Laws and Regulations, University of Central Oklahoma does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, handicap, disability, status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures; this includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

This publication, printed by Southwestern Stationery & Bank Supply, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK, is issued by the University of Central Oklahoma as authorized by Title 70 OS 1981, Section 3903. 500 copies have been prepared or distributed at a cost of $2,774. 6/2021

A BRIDGE TOWARD

PROGRESS

Central’s first all-Black cast performs a celebratory musical revue.

BETWEEN TWO COUNTRIES

A father and son duo from Cyprus take the stage during the spring 2021 commencement.

CENTRAL ALUMNUS EMBRACES REAL ESTATE

Jay Evans partnered with the UCO Real Estate mionr for brighter futures.

FROM OKLAHOMA TO ALASKA

One

UCO student Han Seth Lu speaks out on behalf of Myanmar and its citizens. ALUMNI

LONG-AWAITED ACCOLADES

Central hosts its first in-person commencement ceremony in more than a year.

16 18 22

NOTES / IN MEMORY

...a magazine published by the University of Central Oklahoma for its alumni and friends.

TO OUR READERS,

Much as winter has given way to spring and now early summer, the nation and the state are slowly giving way to a brighter day following the worst of a global pandemic. People are coming together once again, albeit tentatively, to celebrate missed life events and make new memories together.

This issue drives home the importance of community and, most importantly, family – comprised of those we keep closest as we carry on in life, whether they be by blood or of our own choosing.

For the first time in more than a year, Central graduates gathered with family to celebrate the earning of their degrees in an outside ceremony, many gratefully embracing the opportunity to walk across the stage, something not possible just six months ago.

This semester, a student walked alongside his father at commencement, as another administered a life-changing COVID-19 vaccine to his father. One student, separated from his family in Myanmar, decided to speak out on their behalf, while a group of students forged the bond of family as the first all-Black cast in Central musical theatre history.

One Central alumnus turned a house into a family home, and another helped change what it means to be safe within a family.

Family, whatever that term may look like for each of us, is the glue that held us together during a period of trial and isolation. The promise of tomorrow, to be with those we hold dear, has kept many of us going, and as we emerge into a new normal, we’ll continue to walk alongside one another, as part of a Central family.

Sarah Neese Publications Editor

FROM THE PRESIDENT

GREETINGS,

Spring has arrived with verdant abundance in Edmond, Oklahoma, which reminds us of the immense potential for nature to repair itself following its unexpected injury from the ravages of ice storms. As I reflect on that ice covering lush branches heavy with leaves and objects left outside, frozen in time, waiting for the thaw, I am filled with a sense of rebirth and emerging hope. Although the winter was especially harsh, new growth is bursting from its slumber with wonderful vibrance. This is what the University of Central Oklahoma represents for our community.

The university has navigated the precarious waters of disruption this year, with the skill and confidence that comes from a cohesive and focused dedication to our mission and each other. This year has been an exercise in flexibility and responsiveness as we made a bold investment in our classroom technology ahead of the fall semester. At a time when some universities chose to hunker down, UCO leaned in and transformed our campus with virtual full access in a matter of weeks. This has expanded the possibilities for how we teach and reach students going forward. Our LX Studio is helping us lead the state in the advancement of micro-credentials for workforce development, and our iterative design process enables us to increase and adapt our offerings continuously. Thoughtful innovation in addressing educational, economic and social issues will be our hallmark. We are a place designed for impact, and we are committed to the work necessary for transformation within and around us.

The stories shared in this edition of Old North may remind you of the abundance in your life awaiting its own thaw. From the anticipation of life returned-to-closeness post-COVID-19 to the movement that frees the prisoners of tyranny to the fulfillment of a life-changing dream – hope for abundance is inspiring. UCO proudly stands on the horizon of our metropolitan area as a beacon of that hope that lights the journey for others. Let us all be lightkeepers.

Best wishes to you,

Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar President

A VACCINE CLOSE TO HOME

WRITTEN BY SARAH NEESE, PHOTOS BY KT KING

WITH MORE THAN A THIRD OF OKLAHOMANS having received the COVID-19 vaccine, many residents are experiencing a sense of relief as vulnerable loved ones are gaining protection from a virus that rapidly swept through the globe.

As a current medical worker and senior nursing student at Central, Link Zheng is one of many feeling a renewed sense of hope brought on by the vaccine. Working as a nurse technician during the pandemic meant Zheng occasionally took care of COVID-19 patients when there were shortages of nursing staff.

“I could not go back home to visit, because I was afraid of inadvertently bringing home the virus to my parents and grandmother,” Zheng said, though he lives just 15 minutes from his family.

While Zheng received his first dose of the vaccine in December, he still feared for the safety of his parents and grandparents, specifically his dad, who works in the food service industry.

“My dad never went to college; I am the first in the family to go off to college and get degrees,” he said.

“He works at a restaurant, and though he is not familiar with college, he supports me whenever he can.”

During the spring semester, the UCO Department of Nursing partnered with Passport Health to offer vaccine clinics for Central faculty, staff and community members. The clinics were staffed by

UCO nursing students, including Zheng, under the supervision of nursing faculty.

“One moment, I was taking care of COVID-19 patients, and in a blink, I was administering the COVID-19 vaccine to members of the community,” Zheng said.

Admittedly, Zheng was nervous to administer the vaccine, but pushing nervousness aside, he recalled an overall sense of something bigger and more important.

“Before the vaccine, the only shots I did were for insulin during clinicals and maybe a finger stick at most. After a while, I quickly learned and got over the nervousness, because [patients] were nervous, and that was before factoring in needles,” he said. “Nervousness aside, it felt surreal to be witnessing and being a part of history.”

However, that history became more meaningful when a special patient sat down in his chair to get the vaccine – his dad.

“I was more nervous than previous times, from fear of messing up,” Zheng said. “It was like those moments where you do something a thousand times, but in this particular instance, you [think you] will mess up. Luckily, I did not.”

Once the vaccine was administered, Zheng walked his dad to the waiting area and sat down to wait with him, a sense of calm falling over the pair.

“I felt a sense of relief to see my dad get the protection he needs,” he said. “It means so much to me – someone who worked with COVID-19 patients and saw how much suffering there was.”

Having made it through a global pandemic, Zheng still has his sights on continuing to serve the community through medicine. Set to graduate in December 2021, he hopes to work in an emergency room where he can spend more time with patients.

As of this issue’s publishing, more than 850 faculty and staff and nearly 2,000 students had self-reported receiving the vaccine.

A BRIDGE TOWARD PROGRESS

CENTRAL’S FIRST ALL-BLACK CAST PERFORMS HISTORY

WRITTEN BY SARAH NEESE, PHOTOS BY LAUREN BIERI AND KT KING

NEARLY 100 YEARS AGO, AT THE HEIGHT of the Harlem Renaissance, the music of Thomas “Fats” Waller floated through any number of venues. As one of the most popular performers of the era, Waller’s music and performances laid the groundwork for modern jazz piano. The first African American songwriter to compose a Broadway musical seen mostly by white audiences, Waller was known for his big personality and joyous performing style.

Waller’s style isn’t easily replicated, but the cast of Central’s production of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” managed to embody the essence of his testimony of the Black experience through their powerful performances on stage.

UCO musical theatre students Caleb Barnett, Erica Burkett, Jaylon Crump and Caprie Gordon were joined by UCO alumna JaLeesa Beavers as they performed the musical revue as the first all-Black cast in Central’s history.

Central’s production featured direction from UCO alumna Erin Clemons, an actress who has performed on Broadway in roles such as Éponine in “Les Misérables” and as each of the Schuyler sisters in “Hamilton.”

Named after a Waller song of the same name, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” opened in 1978 in New York City. During the show, five performers

sing a selection of songs that encapsulates the various moods of the Harlem Renaissance era and reflects on Waller’s view of life – a journey for both pleasure and play.

The music in the show is complex and requires performers to sing their own parts on top of one another, with perfect harmonies, within a small cast. But beyond mastering the challenges of the music, this run’s cast navigated the unique experience of being the first all-Black cast at UCO and what that meant for each of them.

“I feel like this is a bridge towards progress. I don’t feel like we’re all the way there yet, but I feel like this is the bridge,” Crump said.

“We’re grateful for this opportunity. I feel like because it’s such a small cast, it gives us all a chance to be showcased in a sense where people can see us as individuals. I feel like at least everyone in our cast is getting a chance to showcase their talents in ways that other shows may not be able to let us showcase them.”

As an alumna, Beavers became a clear mentor for the rest of the cast.

“The biggest thing I’ve gotten from JaLeesa is wisdom,” Crump said.

“I feel like literally every single thing that comes out of JaLeesa’s mouth I just soak it up like a sponge. She’s so wise. I feel like she has a spirit of an 80-year-old Black woman.”

“It just helps to have an alumni,” Gordon added. “There aren’t many

Black alumni [in the program], so we really appreciate JaLeesa is here for us and willing to share her experience and talk about her time here and the changes she’s seen.”

Since her time at Central, nearly ten years ago, Beavers feels that changes have been made in the industry but that there’s still room to grow.

“When I left, I honestly never thought anything like this would happen. It wasn’t a possibility then,” she said.

“My concern always is, as someone who is out in the professional world and goes into audition spaces and casting spaces and seeing how often Black artists are marginalized within spaces, just for them to be able to have an experience like this, before they go out into the world. My hope and prayer has always been that this would be a healing experience for them and a healing experience for me, as someone who did struggle being a speck in a sea of white while in school and who is still often a speck in a sea of white within the industry.”

For Crump, these connections with Beavers and Clemens, the production’s director, are invaluable.

“I think it’s just inspiring just talking to JaLeesa and Erin. Like me, just as a college student, looking at professionals who are people of color who have made their way in this business and know the ins and outs and know all kinds of things about the business as people of color,” he said. “I feel like it’s very inspiring for me to look at them.”

Burkett was quick to echo Crump’s sentiment.

“I feel like having JaLeesa here gave us all this invisible anchor, and it kind of let us know that we had somebody there for us who understood what we feel,” she said. “Having her here has just really been comforting and consoling because I can talk. I can speak.”

According to Beavers, this type of mentorship and open dialogue is the key to introducing and upholding equity in performance spaces.

“So often, especially for Black folks, we don’t know how to go out into the world and be able to speak to things. In the industry, there are so many opportunities for people to traumatize you, for people to abuse you,” she said.

“How do we create a safe space as actors and as performers to be able to rally together collectively and say, ‘No. This is not acceptable. This is not allowed. We will not work in these kinds of environments.’ I think the only way to be able to do that is for mentors who have been in the business to be able to reach to people and say, ‘Come on. Take my hand. We’re halfway there. Let’s just figure this out together.’ Everybody can feel as safe as possible, and everyone can work together.”

While the cast notes there are challenges that come with making this kind of history, they also recognize the joy the show represents.

“The show, in general, is not all about the bad,” Crump said. “I feel like this show celebrates the joy of the Black experience. It’s not all oppression and bad. People had fun. People went out to jazz clubs. There are so many different story lines throughout the show, because it’s a musical revue. Each song tells a different story.”

And that story deserves to be told.

“Now is the time and the place for us to speak up and say the things that need to be said and things need to be done for the people after us to have a better experience than we did,” Crump said.

“One thing we’ve learned throughout the process is to not be victims. Even when we don’t want to do it, even when we’re at our wit’s end, we all learned how to not be victims, and I feel like that’s something that we’re going to carry through us throughout our lives.”

JUSTICE AT HOME

WRITTEN BY SARAH NEESE, PHOTO BY UCO PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES

FOR UCO ALUMNA AND STAFF MEMBER Mackenzie Masilon, advocacy is an essential part of her professional career.

“I was drawn to sociology as an undergraduate student, because I wanted to dive into the root cause of societal issues and really work on helping to change some of the systemic problems our communities face,” Masilon said.

Masilon’s work primarily focuses on the systemic problems of domestic violence and sexual assault. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, about one in four women, and nearly one in 10 men, have experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported some form of intimate partner violence.

Beginning as an intern at the YWCA-OKC, the trajectory of Masilon’s career continued in the direction of raising awareness and prevention of intimate partner violence, as she served the next five years at the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (OCADVSA).

Through her work at the coalition, Masilon recently helped bring new legislation to light, HB2666, aimed at broadening the reach of sexual assault convictions. The bill states that someone can be sexually assaulted “within or without the bonds of matrimony.”

“HB2666 updates the marital rape law in Oklahoma by removing the requirement of force or violence to occur within spousal rape,” Masilon said. “It was important to make this change, because as victim service providers, we recognize that over half of intimate partner violence survivors report experiencing sexual assault at the hands of their partners. Often times, there is no force or violence used. We wanted the law to reflect what we see in our work.”

Though she no longer works for the coalition, Masilon continues to serve as a contract legislative liaison for the agency and conducts their policy initiatives at the state level.

“I act as the liaison between OCADVSA program members and the capitol, via a contract lobbyist, to ensure our priorities are carried out in the form of legislative action,” she said. “With HB2666, we were able to find support from Rep. Jon Echols, where he agreed to author our bill to help provide justice for all victims of sexual assault in Oklahoma.”

Gov. Kevin Stitt signed the bill into law April 27, 2021, with the law going into effect Nov. 1, 2021.

In addition to her role as OCADVSA legislative liaison, Masilon currently works at Central as a prevention and outreach specialist in the Center for Counseling and Well-Being. She acts as the adviser to the UCO Peer Health Leaders and helps plan programming initiatives on campus that focus on mental health and suicide prevention, intimate personal violence prevention and substance abuse prevention.

“Our office is committing to making UCO and our community a healthy one and utilize students to get that messaging across,” she said.

While she’s made it her career, Masilon believes that everyone can become an advocate.

“I think it’s super important to understand that we are all constituents and have the ability to reach out to our respective lawmakers to support or oppose measures being authorized by the legislature,” she said. “I also think it’s helpful to have a general awareness of how our session works and the process a bill takes to become law. In general, remembering that your voice matters is key.”

COUNTRIES: A VOICE FOR EDUCATION

WRITTEN BY RACHEL BAUGH, PHOTOS PROVIDED

IN THE EARLY HOURS OF MONDAY, FEB. 1, Myanmar armed forces staged a coup against the government and declared a state of emergency for the nation, shutting off access to the internet and capturing predominant government leaders. The coup came as a result of the country’s national election, with high-level military officials making claims of widespread election fraud and seizing power.

Following the takeover, Myanmar’s citizens erupted in protests, with thousands of people publicly opposing the coup and holding demonstrations daily. To counter protesters, the military imposed a number of restrictions, including curfews and limiting the number of people who can gather together at one time. Opposing forces also responded to protesters with water cannons, rubber bullets and, in some cases, live ammunition. At the time of this story’s publishing, more than 700 people were killed as a result of the conflict, and more than 3,900 people were arrested, charged or sentenced.

More than 13,000 miles across the world, Central student Han Seth Lu would check his phone every morning before class, searching for updates on the current situation in Myanmar, his home country. Often, days or weeks would pass between message exchanges with his parents, who fled their home due to conflict in the region. Since February, the early childhood education major juggled continuing his regular coursework with navigating a new role – international advocate for his family and friends back home.

“It has been one of those moments where you really think about your ethical standing – do I stay silent for the safety of my family and myself, or do I speak up for what is just, and I have decided to speak,” Han said.

The recent coup comes just a decade after the country ended another period of military control. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, spent nearly half a century under strict military junta control, following two coups to overturn election results in 1962 and 1988.

“Growing up during the military regime, there are no private institutions or private schools; the only schools are state schools. And the only curriculum in schools is written by the government, so wherever you go in the country, it’s the same thing,” Han said.

He remembers having assigned seats from the time he entered kindergarten through high school and most learning only taking place by memorizing and reciting items from a book.

In 2011, the National League for Democracy (NLD) party obtained control of the country and restored democracy to the Burmese people, opening up opportunities such as access to the internet, renewed foreign relations and study abroad initiatives for university students. It was under these lifted restrictions that Han was able to first pursue his passion for international education by traveling to the United States. In 2014, he joined the Burma Youth Leadership program, a four-week leadership and civic engagement program at Indiana University, where he shadowed teachers in public school classrooms as part of his education studies.

“I vividly remember walking into that elementary classroom in Indiana and they were learning chemistry; they were learning about the environment,” he recalled. “I finally made the connection that you can start learning any subject at any age.” The experience inspired him to

on hold, indefinitely.

Han’s future also hangs in the balance, as he made the decision to publicly speak out against the military regime – an action that is not currently welcome in Myanmar.

“At this point, if we cannot restore the democracy back home, everything that I have worked for will be terminated,” he said. However, there is a silver lining.

Since Feb. 1, Han has been involved with numerous international virtual panel discussions, podcast discussions and YouTube videos featuring Burmese citizens speaking out against the regime. He also led several rallies, in partnership with other Burmese Americans, at the Oklahoma State Capitol, to bring local awareness to the

to Myanmar and begin a nonprofit education center in his hometown, with the assistance of colleagues from the youth leadership program, to work with local students. It was through this that he realized he was not ready to follow his family’s dream of attending medical school. He wanted to become a teacher.

“I finally reached a deal with my parents that if I could find a college and get a scholarship within one year, I would be allowed to go and study education,” Han said.

He sealed the deal when he applied for and received a President’s Leadership Council scholarship at Central. Since arriving at UCO in 2017, Han has remained active in many student organizations on campus, winning the title of Mr. UCO International in 2019 and serving as the president of UCO’s International Student Council. Through his work, his dream always remained to return to Myanmar after graduating to help reform its education system. Even during a global pandemic in summer and fall 2020, he led virtual education trainings for Burmese teachers every Saturday, teaching new strategies and curriculum ideas.

But his goal of education reform in his home country has been put

situation. And despite the difficulty of the past few months, Han has found a new interest in international relations and advocacy and is considering a career that will pair his love for education with public service or politics.

For now, Han will continue to speak out on behalf of those who do not have a voice in Myanmar, even if it means never being able to return home.

“Because I have so much freedom here, and as much as I feel powerless to not be in the country with my people striking or protesting, at the same time I know there are a lot of liberties that I can do that people in Myanmar cannot right now. That is why I decided to take up this role,” Han said.

“Sometimes, you come to a point where you know you have so much more privilege than people of your own community, and words are just empty unless you act on it. I’ll keep speaking up.”

LONG-AWAITED ACCOLADES

WRITTEN BY SARAH NEESE, PHOTOS BY LAUREN BIERI, KT KING AND DANIEL SMITH

AFTER BOTH THE SPRING AND FALL 2020 commencement ceremonies were canceled, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many Central students missed out on their opportunity to walk across the stage. However, as vaccines were administered and the proverbial skies began to clear, the university announced its plans to host an in-person ceremony, one that looked different from any that had come before it.

In addition to spring and summer 2021 graduation candidates, Central invited spring, summer and fall 2020 to join the Class of 2021 in celebrating their achievements, side by side with their peers.

Spaced out according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, graduates sat on the field of Wantland Stadium, awaiting their turn to cross the stage in front of their family and friends in the stands. While masks were required, graduates were permitted to remove their masks once onstage, pausing for a photo, a wave and to flash a maskless smile. The stadium radiated energy and a renewed sense of hope, overflowing onto campus and touching those in attendance with a tangible buzz of excitement. Commencement often is marked by a sense of beginning rather than an end, and this year’s ceremonies held true, welcoming in not only a new season of life for Central graduates but symbolizing a new season of life for us all.

CENTRAL COMMENCEMENT DRAWS NIGH

AS HE TOOK THE PODIUM TO SPEAK during Central’s spring 2021 commencement ceremony for the College of Education and Professional Studies and the College of Fine Arts and Design, former UCO President and Oklahoma Gov. George Nigh looked as comfortable as ever. Nigh has given numerous commencement speeches over the years. As Central’s president from 1992-97, Nigh spoke at each commencement ceremony, giving well wishes to all those graduating from the institution, which he helmed.

Preceding his time at UCO, Nigh served as a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives before going on to become a two-time lieutenant governor (1959-63, 1967-79) and a two-time governor (1963, 1979-87) in the state – his lengthy political career providing myriad speech opportunities. And even prior to that, Nigh’s time as a teacher in McAlester Public Schools in McAlester, Oklahoma, afforded him a front-row seat to commencement ceremonies each year.

This ceremony, however, marked Nigh’s 73rd commencement address. His pointed words directed graduates to take their lives to the next level, to take their degrees and continue their stories.

“Put an exclamation point in your life and make it exciting!” he said, his voice ringing out across Wantland Stadium.

Delivering 73 commencement speeches is quite the feat for anyone, but at age 94, Nigh has spoken out to graduates over several decades, his words culminating in an audience of thousands of students, earning thousands of degrees – a legacy that spans generations.

SPACED SIX FEET APART, STUDENTS AWAITED THEIR TURN TO WALK ACROSS THE STAGE IN WANTLAND STADIUM, SOME HAVING WAITED FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR TO HEAR THEIR NAMES RING OUT DURING THE CEREMONY.

ACROSS THE WORLD, ACROSS THE STAGE

WRITTEN

BY SARAH NEESE, PHOTOS PROVIDED BY UCO PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES AND NASOS THALASSINOS

FOR THE MAJORITY OF GRADUATES, COMMENCEMENT punctuates

an endeavor spanning a few years and offers the opportunity to hear their names announced in recognition of their achievement. However, for alumnus Savvas Thalassinos, walking across the stage at a Central commencement ceremony was thirty years in the making and came just in time for his son, Nasos, to also walk across the stage. In fall 1991, Savvas completed his UCO master’s degree in business administration.

“Unfortunately, there was no commencement ceremony for master’s degree graduates in the fall semester back then,” he said. “I had to wait for the spring semester to walk, but the clock was ticking. I couldn’t afford to stay. I had to go back home to start working.”

Savvas returned to his home country of Cyprus, located in the Mediterranean, without walking across the stage. He began his career in banking, started a family and raised Nasos, who spent his childhood in Cyprus.

“I graduated from high school in Cyprus in 2016, and thereafter, my concern was to find an all-rounded fit for my undergraduate studies,” Nasos said. “Following my service in the National Guard of Cyprus, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be introduced to the University of Central Oklahoma by my father.”

Following in the steps of his father, Nasos pursued his degree in Central’s College of Business, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and insurance and risk management.

As Nasos and his family prepared to attend his commencement ceremony, Savvas had an idea.

“Thinking out of the box, I had this idea of requesting permission to attend the ceremony to graduate together with my son,” Savvas said. “Although, sounds like a ‘bizarre’ idea for most, what I have been taught by my UCO mentors and professors – there are no weird ideas, so think out of the box!”

Each dressed in their respective regalia, Nasos and Savvas both walked across the stage, their names ringing out across Wantland Stadium.

“We walked together on campus, visiting the various buildings and especially the College of Business, where [we took classes], sitting on the same chairs. The feeling is really amazing and indescribable,” Nasos said.

“It’s amazing!” Savvas echoed. “It is unique and one of the most emotional moments for parents to see their children graduating, especially from your alma mater after so many years. Edmond and UCO feel like home. They are home. This is where my academic roots are. I have done so many things in the last 30 years, and still, it’s like yesterday.

“UCO gave me good academic grounds and fundamentals supporting my efforts to climb the corporate ladder and to succeed. I strongly believe the same applies to Nasos, and this makes me really happy.”

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be introduced to the University of Central Oklahoma by my father.”

NASOS THALASSINOS, BBA ‘21

CENTRAL ALUMNUS FUNDS REAL ESTATE FUTURES

WRITTEN BY JACK PHILLIPS, PHOTOS PROVIDED

A partnership between Central’s College of Business and local homebuilder Two Structures Homes will fund scholarships for real estate students for years to come.

In 2020, Two Structures Homes began construction on a home, dubbed the Broncho House, with proceeds from the sale going toward the endowment of a scholarship for UCO real estate students.

The home, located near NE 10th Street and Classen Boulevard, sold in January 2021, providing more than $47,000 in funds to the endowment.

The idea behind the Broncho House came from Central alumnus Jay Evans, founder and owner of Two Structures Homes and longtime supporter of the UCO Real Estate program.

“Jay Evans, who owns Two Structures Homes, has been a wonderful supporter of the UCO real estate minor,” said David Chapman,

Ph.D., professor of finance and real estate at Central. “This latest gift is even more special because it was structured to include the students.”

Evans hired a Central real estate student as an intern to help along every step of the process, including construction, promotion and selling the home.

He also included the community in the project. Each week, as the home was constructed, Two Structures posted polls on its Facebook page to seek public opinion on features of the house, including paint colors, fixtures and doors. The public voted on three options with the winning option being used in the design of the house.

Central offers the state’s only minor in real estate. The 18-hour minor introduces students to the principles of real estate and prepares them to sit for Oklahoma’s real estate exam. Courses include real estate principles, real property management and real estate practice.

r Sitting just northeast of downtown Oklahoma City, the Devon tower-centric skyline makes for a striking backdrop to the Broncho House’s surroundings.

Features throughout the Broncho House, including paint colors, décor fixtures and doors, were chosen via Facebook poll, with the winning choices included in the house’s construction.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

WRITTEN BY SARAH NEESE

‘ADOPT-A-TEACHER’ PROVIDES FOR ALUMNAE

STUDENT OFFICERS FROM THE CENTRAL ASSOCIATION of Responsive Educators (CARE), a student organization in the UCO College of Education and Professional Studies, surprised four Central teacher education alumnae with new school supplies for their classrooms. As part of CARE’s annual Adopt-a-Teacher project, current students fundraise to provide books, school supplies and other much-needed learning materials to teachers within the Oklahoma City metro area.

This year’s recipients were Kristen Atchely (BSEd ’19), from Stone Ridge Elementary School, in Piedmont, Oklahoma; Tamesha Rayes (BSEd ’19), from Northwest Classen High School, in Oklahoma City; Angela Stephenson (BSEd ’20), from Capitol Hill High School, in Oklahoma City; and, Kitty Stuber (BSEd ’19), from James L. Dennis Elementary School, in Oklahoma City’s Putnam City Schools district.

Throughout the year, student participants of CARE focus on four specific areas to help promote their professional identity as teachers: service, advocacy, professional development and networking. The Adopt-a-Teacher project helps those who have not yet graduated from Central’s teacher education program to pay it forward to those who came before them, now working in the field.

CENTRAL

ALUMNUS NAMED A ‘TULSAN OF THE YEAR’

SIX MONTHS AFTER HE WAS SHOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY , Tulsa Police Officer and Central alumnus Aurash Zarkeshan was named one of Tulsa World Magazine’s 2020 Tulsans of the Year.

In June 2020, Zarkeshan was shot in the head during a traffic stop in Tulsa, Oklahoma, accompanied by his supervisor, Capt. Craig Johnson, who later died from his injuries. He spent weeks in the hospital during his recovery, fitted with a breathing tube and only able to communicate through hand squeezes. But even then, Zarkeshan knew he wanted to continue his work as a police officer. Originally, Zarkeshan planned to study architecture, but while attending UCO, he had a change of heart, switched to criminal justice and stuck with it, graduating with his degree in spring 2019. In November 2020, Zarkeshan returned to light duty with the Tulsa Police Department (TPD). Just a month later, he was named as a 2020 Tulsan of the Year for his service to the community.

“The way the community came together to support me, my family and Sgt. Johnson’s family – it just solidified the fact that I made the right choice in coming to Tulsa and TPD. I know that 100%,” Zarkeshan said, in an interview with Tulsa World Magazine for the award.

“I’m proud to be here in the field that I’m in and serving this community.”

FROM OKLAHOMA TO ALASKA

PHOTO BY KELLY WILLETT

CENTRAL ALUMNA KELLY WILLETT HAS MADE A HOME outside of the Lower 48. An Alaska resident since 2012, Willett works as an environmental compliance specialist for NorthStar Energy, a group of companies that provides fuel to remote and challenging terrains, such as Hawaii and Alaska. She started her life, however, in a drastically different environment.

After growing up on a small Oklahoma farm, Willett graduated from UCO in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She planned to continue her education, eventually attending graduate school to become a veterinarian. Along the way, her interests diverted. Willett took an internship with a landscape architecture firm in Alaska and never looked back.

Willett’s Alaskan life is anything but one-dimensional. She serves as a member of the Alaska Air National Guard, in addition to her career

at NorthStar, and has her pilot’s license. An airman first class, Willett works in public affairs for the 176th Wing, also known as the Arctic Guardians, where she takes photos and videos of training exercises, community outreach and other unit operations.

In her personal time, Willett is an avid cyclist, cycling 28 miles in 2020 at more than 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Similarly in the vein of adventure, she attempted to climb the summit of Mount Denali in 2019, climbing more than 18,600 feet up the mountain.

Although she no longer lives in Oklahoma, Willett uses the foundations of her UCO biology degree throughout her profession. Whether it be through her career, her work in the Air National Guard or her passion for cycling, she continues to display Central’s mission of being a productive, creative, ethical and engaged citizen.

ALUMNI NOTES

’87 Tammie Strobel, Ed.D. (MEd ’87) was named the new superintendent and chief executive officer of Tri County Technology Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Strobel originally joined Tri County Tech in 2000.

’93 Jay Cline (BS ’93) is the new athletic director of North Lamar Independent School District (ISD) in Paris, Texas. Previously, Cline served as an athletic coordinator at Creekview High School in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, where he also served as head football coach, defensive coordinator and outside linebacker coach.

’95 Vincent Bridges, Ph.D. (BS ’94, MEd ’95), became the new vice president for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC). Prior to his role as vice president, Bridges served as dean of the OCCC Department of Health Professions.

’95 Clay Callicoat (BBA ’95) was named the chief financial officer for RSource, a provider of revenue cycle management (RCM) services to hospitals and health systems. Callicoat has more than 25 years of experience in various operational finance roles and has previously served as CFO of two health care RCM companies.

’96 Jeremy Oller, J.D., Ph.D. (BBA ’96), now serves as the new dean of the UCO College of Business, after serving as its interim dean since January 2020. Oller previously served as the chairperson of the Department of Economics from 2012-20.

’96 Stacy Reeder, Ph.D. (MEd ’96), was named dean of the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education at the University of Oklahoma. Reeder served as a faculty member and administrator in the college for the past 16 years. She led as the interim dean of the college from February 2020 until April 2021, when she was named dean. Reeder also served as the chairperson of the college’s Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum.

’98 Darolyn Seay, Ed.D. (BS ’89, MEd ’98), recently was recognized as a recipient of the 2020 Teaching Excellence Award at the spring 2021 commencement ceremony for Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska. Seay is an associate professor of education at Peru State and teaches courses in educational psychology, teacher education and teaching science in elementary and middle schools.

’99 Jeremy Hise (BA ’99) was named vice president for Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) in Enid, Oklahoma. Prior to his new role, Hise served as Enid High School’s assistant softball coach, after working for NOC for 20 years.

’03 Drew Montgomery (MEd ’03) became the new human resources director for the Manhattan-Ogden School District in Kansas. Montgomery previously served as the human resources director for the South Central Kansas Special Education Cooperative in Pratt, Kansas.

’07 Melissa Barlow (MEd ’07), principal of Yukon High School in Yukon, Oklahoma, was named the Oklahoma High School Principal of the Year by the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals. Barlow has served as principal at Yukon High for eight years.

’07 Heather Rouba (BFA ’07) was named the preconstruction director for Smith & Pickel Construction. She will lead business development initiatives, as well as focus on community relations. Rouba also serves as president for Brink Model Management, LLC.

’08 Bucky Dodd, Ph.D. (BA ’06, MEd ’08), became the assistant vice president for education strategy and innovation at UCO. Dodd began at Central in 2009 and has previously served as executive director of the UCO Center for eLearning and Connected Environments and as Central’s chief learning innovation officer.

’10 Brad Schatzel (MBA ’10) earned the title of Faculty Member of the Year at Seminole State College in Seminole,

Oklahoma. He has worked at Seminole State for nine years and is an assistant professor of business.

’11 Jeremy Frazier (MPA ’11) was named the new city manager of Fort Scott, Kansas. Frazier most recently served as the city manager for El Reno, Oklahoma.

’13 Sache Primeaux-Shaw (MPA ’13), a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, is the first Black president of the Young Democrats of Oklahoma chapter, the official youth chapter of the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

’14 Katie Brown (MS ’14) received the Emerging Dietetic Leader award from the Oklahoma Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Brown currently works at the Oklahoma City Indian Clinic as a diabetes prevention dietitian.

’16 McKenzie Hodge (BSEd ’16) was named the 2020-21 Oklahoma City Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Hodge teaches at the district’s Wheeler Middle School.

’18 Aunj Braggs (BFA ’18) is a featured artist in the Philbrook Museum of Art in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her paintings “Inseparable” and “Resilience.” Her work “Inseparable” also was featured as the cover image for Tulsa People magazine. Braggs is part of the Black Moon Collective, a group of Black creatives in Tulsa.

’18 Denny MedicineBird (BS ’18) was featured in President Joe Biden’s inauguration virtual parade, performing in traditional Native dress on Oklahoma City’s Skydance Bridge.

’19 Hanna Pavao (BEd ’19), a special education teacher at Edmond Public Schools’ (EPS) Heritage Elementary, was named the 2020-21 EPS Rookie Teacher of the Year. Outside of her work as a teacher, Pavao volunteers at the Regional Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity.

FUTURE BRONCHOS

IN MEMORY

ALUMNI

Scott Cornelius (BBA ’84)

Danniel Parker (BA ’14)

FACULTY AND STAFF

Gene ‘Al’ Allen Daily

James Alvin Bryan

Kathe Regina Eastman

Upton Bruce Henderson

Gavyn Clare (BS ’14) and Maegan Clare

welcomed their

Jace, in December 2020. As a strength and conditioning coach, Gavyn is getting Jace started early with his first baby dumbbell.

Robert “Bob” Louis Terrell Jr., Ed.D., UCO faculty emeritus, died April 12, 2020. Terrell taught at Central for 35 years in the College of Business as an accounting professor. He was beloved by his students, who lovingly referred to him as “Dr. Bob.” His classes were always full, as students fought to take him as a professor. Word of mouth among students over the years told of Terrell’s sense of humor and philosophy that “learning was fun.”

David Noel

Kathy Pritchard

David von Minden, Ph.D.

Danny Whitley

Laura Butler, Central’s legislative liaison, welcomed her daughter, Alexandra Vaughn Claussen, with her husband Lane Claussen, in December 2020. Alexandra is full of smiles and giggles and is already working on becoming a strong leading lady.

In 2008, the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education named Terrell as the Oklahoma Professor of the Year for his extraordinary dedication to undergraduate teaching. Throughout his time at Central, Terrell served alongside his wife, Katherene Terrell, Ed.D., professor emeritus of accounting, who chaired the UCO Department of Accounting and taught accounting at Central for more than 30 years. Following his retirement from UCO, Terrell spent time traveling with his family.

Sarah Neese writes Alumni Notes/In Memory. Want to highlight a birth, wedding, achievement or other important life event of Central alumni? Please send Alumni/In Memory notes, along with any accompanying photos, to University Communications, ucomm@uco.edu, with “Alumni Note” in the subject line.

(BBA ’15)

son,

PARTING SHOT

UCO President Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar prepares to distribute diplomas to graduates during one of Central’s three spring 2021 commencement ceremonies in Wantland Stadium.

Photo by Lauren Bieri.

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