FOC U SALUMNI MAGAZINE of OKLAHOMA CITY UNIVERSITYFALL 2015 OKCU.EDU

MINISTRY PROPSThe Rev. Charles Neff sheds light

on his mysterious collections.

HOME ADVANTAGEAlumni employ Broadway, touring experience

to create professional theatre in Oklahoma City.

No. 1,458Softball coach Phil McSpadden claims

record wins to lead four-year schools.

Legendary professor celebrates two Tony Award-winning alumnae

The

Bird Lady

Robert Henry, President Kent Buchanan, Interim Provost

and Vice President of Academic Affairs

ADMINISTRATIVE CABINETJim Abbott, Assistant Vice President

of Intercollegiate AthleticsAmy Ayres, Vice President for Student Affairs

and Dean of StudentsLeslie Berger, BA ’02,

Senior Director of University CommunicationsJoey Croslin, Chief Human Resources Officer

Jason Foreman, Acting Assistant ProvostGerry Hunt, Chief Information OfficerDonna Nance, Chief Financial Officer

Charles Neff, BA ’99, MBA ’11, Vice President for University-Church Relations

Marty O’Gwynn, Vice President for University Advancement and External Relations

Casey Ross-Petherick, BSB ’00, JD ’03, MBA/JD ’03, General Counsel

Elizabeth Sheppard, Assistant Vice President for DevelopmentKevin Windholz, Vice President for Enrollment Management

ALUMNI RELATIONSCary Pirrong, BS ’87, JD ’90, Director of Alumni Relations

Mike Slack, BA ’07, MA ’12, President, Alumni Board

EDITORIAL STAFFLeslie Berger, BA ’02, Editor of FOCUS

and Senior Director of University CommunicationsApril Marciszewski, Art Director of FOCUS and Graphic Designer

Rod Jones, MBA ’12, Assistant Director of Media Relations

WRITERSTerry Phelps, Professor of English

Rich Tortorelli, Assistant Athletic Director for Communications

PHOTOGRAPHERJosh Robinson, Web Content Coordinator

FOCUS A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73106-1493

(405) 208-7000Story 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 Room 108 of the Clara E. Jones Administration Building, telephone (405) 208-5075, coordinates the university’s compliance with titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

Printed on recycled paper.

CON T E N TS

FEATURESSummer Camp in Taiwan 3

Alumni Rack Up Accolades 12

with Regional Theatre Company

Dance Alumnus Wields Stage Skills 15

for Retail, Residential Business

Reverend Returns Home to OCU 18

School of Theatre Ushers in 40

a Golden Age

DEPARTMENTSPresident's Message 1

Letters 2

University Update 3

Alumni 12

Athletics 16

Class Notes 19

In Memory 23

Honor Roll of Donors 25

Calendar 41

O N T H E CO V E R

TEACHING THE LEADING LADIESLegendary voice professor Florence Birdwell recently visited her students Kelli O'Hara and Kristin Chenoweth on Broadway leading up to the Tony Awards. Both stars were nominated this year for best leading actress in a musical.

PA G E 6

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

Cover: Professor Birdwell revels in New York City outside American Airlines Theatre. Photo by Josh Robinson. Above: Alumna Kelli O'Hara and Birdwell on the OCU campus. Photo by M.J. Alexander.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

CREATIVE PERFORMANCES: okcu.edu/ticketoffice // 1

A Culture of CreativityFall is an exciting time at Oklaho-ma City University. A promising academic year is well underway and some of our best community-wide events are just around the corner.

Oklahoma City University is a hub of creativity. On this campus, we nurture visionary minds and passionate performers, and we encourage our students to grow into successful servant leaders.

Creativity in the SciencesOur newly renovated chemistry labs are giving science students enhanced learning opportunities and opening new doors for incoming students. We continue to lead the way in sending science graduates to their professional schools of choice.

Creativity in the Liberal ArtsInterim Dean Amy Cataldi is spearheading a promising initiative

to pair arts and sciences students with area nonprofit agencies. Our students will gain valuable professional experience while living out the OCU mission of servant leadership.

Creativity in the Performing ArtsThis issue is chock full of the amazing accomplishments of our music, theater, and dance alumni. Our alumni are at the top of their fields and proudly represent OCU around the globe. You can catch the Stars of tomorrow during our popular Christmas performances. Tickets are available now at okcu.edu/ticketoffice.

Creativity in NursingOCU’s Kramer School of Nursing is on the forefront of

continuing education initiatives and provides valuable opportunities for health care professionals in the surrounding community. The nursing school recently hosted its annual Caring Across Cultures Conference with keynote speaker Paula Davis Scimeca, a registered nurse who wrote “Unbecoming a Nurse” and detailed the problems of addiction in the healthcare industry.

Creativity in BusinessInnovations are always underway at the Meinders School of

Business. Dean Steve Agee, who is one of just a handful of deans anywhere who teaches an academic course, has brought in guest lecturers from many of Oklahoma City’s leading energy companies to speak to his master’s-level students. These include GE Global Research Centers Manager C. Michael Ming, Chesapeake CEO Doug Lawler, Sandridge Energy CEO James Bennett, OG&E CEO Sean Trauschke, and Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Dana Murphy.

Creativity in LawIt has been a banner year for OCU Law with our move to the historic Central High School building in downtown Oklahoma City. Our school is bucking the national trend in declining law enrollment by posting increases, and that is directly related to the personal learning scenarios and professional opportunities that come with an OCU Law education.

Creativity in AthleticsOur athletics program continues to hold more national championship wins than any school in the NAIA. OCU has 59 national championships and was recently recognized as a Champions of Character Five-Star Institution by the NAIA. Our program was selected for our commitment to character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion.

I am also proud to report the university jumped ahead two spots to No. 23 in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of master’s-level universities in the West. We are the top school in Oklahoma in this category and a leading university nationwide.

This is a tremendous testament to the creative culture that pervades our campus, and we invite you to take part in these exciting times!

Best regards,

ROBERT AND JAN HENRY

President Robert and Dr. Jan Henry Photo by M.J. Alexander

2 // FOCUS Fall 2015

Mounting ThanksThank you very much for visiting Mount St. Mary High School. We appreciate that you came and spoke to us, sharing your knowledge and insight on politics and the economy. We enjoyed your visit immensely, and we hope you come again!

MR. JOHN BALDRIDGE AND THE STUDENTS OF MOUNT ST. MARY HIGH SCHOOL

Supremely WrittenThe Sandra Day O’Connor letter opener is a fine reminder of Wednesday’s celebration. Your comments about Sandra were as witty as they were wise. I so enjoyed listening to you.

With appreciation for a gift to treasure,

JUSTICE RUTH BADER GINSBURGSupreme Court of the United States

Chartered ChatThank you for taking time to share your thoughts with us about the Magna Carta. I really enjoyed your comments, and I had others comment as well. I appreciate your service to our state.

Sincerely,

CHRIS BENGEOklahoma Secretary of State

Legal BriefingThank you for coming to speak at the Holloway Inn of Court Wednesday night. The discussion was very entertaining and informative. We are grateful for the instrumental role you played in our new law school.

STUDENTS OF THE HOLLOWAY INN OF COURTOklahoma City University School of Law

Moment of HonorI was pleasantly surprised yesterday in returning to my office to find a handsomely framed remembrance of my commencement experience on your campus. This is a special treat and I will cherish this memento for years to come.

But well-framed paper pales in comparison to the swell of honor that I experienced in the receiving of a doctorate from Oklahoma City University and the “moment” of addressing the graduates of your bastion of learning. It was a day that I will never forget and I only wish that my life’s experiences were of greater impact on a larger host so that I might feel deserving of such recognition.

I am humbled and appreciative for what the Cherokee would describe as “oo le he la ste” … (an honored welcome).

JAY HANNAH, PH.D. (HONORARY)Executive Vice President of Financial Services BancFirst

In RemembranceIt is with deep gratitude that we thank you for the gift given in Michael’s memory to the Michael Schafer Endowed Scholarship. Michael was able to attend Oklahoma City University due to a similar scholarship and we hope through this endowment scholarship that deserving students will be given the same opportunity.

Michael’s time at OCU was a wonderful and enriching experience, and he received an excellent education. Michael loved so much about OCU, and we know educators as well as students loved him. We miss him deeply, but we hope this is a way to keep his memory alive and bless others.

Thank you for your kind and generous donation.

In Christian love,

EDDIE AND ROCHELLE SCHAFER

P.S. Yours was the first gift we received. Thank you for blessing us this way, and in turn blessing other students. OCU will always have a special place in our hearts.

PRESIDENT’S POST

Hundreds of letters come across President Robert Henry’s desk every semester. Following are excerpts of what friends of the university have to say.

SEND STARS ABROAD: okcu.edu/academics/studyabroad/give // 3

UNIVERSITY UPDATE

Teaching in TaiwanSixteen students, accompanied by James Ma, finance professor, and Carrie Sauer, assistant director of annual giving, visited Taiwan July 7-21 as part of the inaugural OCU-Doers Taiwan Cultural Exchange Program. The team, alongside Taiwanese college students, led summer camps for underprivileged grade-school children in several locations, in addition to traveling and learning about Taiwanese culture.

The team included students from each of the university’s schools and colleges: Liz Ramirez, Kelsey Ricks, Brooke Crutchfield, Katey McMahan, Joe Wathika, Jennifer Treloggen, Lizzie Forman, Lauren Duroy, Kyle Wardwell, Hope Wiggs, Sophia Hackney, Misael Martinez, Felicity Owens, Brade Bradshaw, Sydney Hughes, and Paty Lopez.

Dr. Wei-Hsien “Wilson” Lin, Honorary Doctor of Business ’14 and founder of the Doers Cultural and Educational Foundation, made a donation to establish the annual trip.

Top: Group members explore the historic Cihou Fort in Cijin District, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Left: Children who attended summer camp with OCU students at the XinYi Children’s Home in Yunlin County. Right: Volunteers from OCU and universities in Taiwan at Taroko National Park. Bottom: New friends Max Lin and Sydney Hughes at Cihou Fort in Kaohsiung. Photos by James Ma

Fresh Ayres and Student AffairsAmy Ayres joined the OCU community in July as vice president for student affairs and dean of students. In this role, she oversees counseling services; career services; the dean of students office; housing and residence life; student engagement, inclusion, and multicultural programs; student conduct; the Behavioral Intervention Team; Greek life; Student Government Association; and other engagement opportunities.

Ayres holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s in higher education from the University of North Texas. She has a doctorate in higher education from UNT.

Most recently, Ayres served as senior director for involvement and engagement at the University of Texas at Arlington. Previously, Ayres served the UNT community for 15 years, much of that time as associate dean of students.

“I am beyond blessed to have the opportunity to join the OCU family,” Ayres said. “As a native Oklahoman, it is so good to be ‘home’ after nearly 20 years in the Lone Star State. I look forward to working collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff on ways in which Student Affairs can further build community and seek to remove barriers to academic success.”

To Your HealthThe Campus Health Center has opened in a newly renovated section of the Kramer School of Nursing West. The center provides physician assistants and a physician to assist students and employees and their dependents with primary healthcare needs.

Center hours are 9 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Mondays and 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. For more information, call (405) 208-5090.

4 // FOCUS Fall 2015

UNIVERSITY UPDATE

Barber Leaves Lasting LegacyOklahoma City University Provost Susan

Barber retired June 30 after a 32-year career

with the university. Barber served as a full-time

biology professor for 20 years. As provost, she

was instrumental in the new renovations to the

chemistry labs, the creation of the Physician Assistant program, and

the downtown location for the School of Law.

“A lasting legacy of Susan’s will be our beautiful campus,” said President

Robert Henry. “Throughout her time here, she has been heavily involved

in grant requests to beautify our campus by planting trees.”

Assistant Provost Kent Buchanan was named interim provost and

vice president for academic affairs effective July 1. A national search

process is underway to fill the position.

Cataldi Fills Interim Dean PostAssociate Arts and Sciences Dean Amy Cataldi,

MA ’98, was named interim dean of the Petree

College of Arts and Sciences July 1 following

Dean Mark Davies’ decision to return to the

classroom as the Wimberly Professor of Social

and Ecological Ethics.

Cataldi joined the OCU faculty as a

psychology professor in 1997, became chair of

the psychology department in 2011, and served

as associate dean of the college from 2012 to

2015. A national search for a new dean is underway.

Cataldi holds a BA from Boston College and an MS and Ph.D.

from the University of Oklahoma.

Amy Ayres

Amy Cataldi

Susan Barber

High HonorsJohn Richels, retired president of Devon Energy and OCU board member, visits with President Robert Henry during a dinner May 8 for recipients of honorary doctorate degrees. Richels received an Honorary Doctor of Laws.

Also honored this spring were Gov. Bill Anoatubby, Honorary Doctor of Business; Dr. Brent Beson, BS ’95, Honorary Doctor of Science; Susan Barber, Ph.D., Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; D. Jay Hannah, Honorary Doctor of Business Administration; Chris Harrison, BA ’93, Honorary Doctor of Fine Arts; Judy Love, Honorary Doctor of Humanities; and George Tseng, Ed.D., Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

ALUMNI HAPPENINGS: facebook.com/OCUalumni // 5

UNIVERSITY UPDATE

Squinting ModifiersBY TERRY PHELPS, PH.D.(Editor’s Note: Phelps’ book, “Grammar Upside Down,” will soon be available at Amazon.com.)

Do you see any problems with the sentences below?

1 Dee Linquent decided eventually to pay off the note.2 The proposal that was considered last week apparently will

be accepted.3 Interest accrues on new accounts only on the first of the month.

The problems are subtle and consequently often go unnoticed, sometimes with negative results. If you didn’t see any problems, check the sentences again for ambiguity. Then look at the different interpretations below:

1a Dee Linquent eventually decided to pay off the note.

1b Dee Linquent decided to eventually pay off the note.

2a The proposal that was considered last week will apparently be accepted.

2b The proposal that was apparently considered last week will be accepted.

3a Interest accrues on new accounts on the first of the month only.

3b Interest accrues only on new accounts on the first of the month.

In the original sentences, the adverbs “eventually,” “apparently,” and “only” are called squinting modifiers. If the writer of such sentences is lucky, the reader reads it the way the writer intended. If the writer is less lucky, the reader doesn’t know which way to

interpret the sentence. If the writer is even less lucky, the reader interprets the sentence wrong.

Squinting modifiers are ambiguous adverbs or adverbial phrases or clauses, which might refer to what precedes or follows them. A squinting modifier can usually be eliminated by moving it to different positions in the sentence.

Sometimes a squinting modifier may be a phrase or a clause. Examine the sentences below:

1 The CEO said before the meeting he would consider all options.

2 She said when the speech ended she wanted to nap.

Depending on the meaning, the sentences could be restructured as below:

1a Before the meeting the CEO said he would consider all options.

1b The CEO said he would consider all options before the meeting.

2a When the speech ended, she said she wanted to nap.

2b She said she wanted to nap when the speech ended.

Practice finding vague referents below.

1 The movie that appealed to Rana tremendously bored Max.2 The council advises patients regularly to check

prescription dates.3 He was certain by October he’d get a job offer.4 The way she silenced the class completely amazed me.5 Writing clearly increases readability.

Join the Inaugural Alumni Book ClubRelive your liberal arts college days by reading “Happy City” by Charles Montgomery and joining a lively discussion on campus during All-Alumni Weekend April 22-24. This nonfiction book by a Canadian journalist examines history, neuroscience, urban design, and the psychology of happiness in a quest to uncover what makes a happy city. “Is urban design really powerful enough to make or break happiness?” Montgomery asks in the book. “The question deserves consideration because the happy city message is taking root around the world.”

For OCU alumni, serving as community leaders around the world, the questions could be particularly relevant. For more information, visit okcu.edu/alumnibookclub.

THE

BIRD

LADY

THE

BIRD

LADY

GIVES STUDENTS WINGS ACROSS EIGHT DECADES, CELEBRATES SECOND TONY AWARD-WINNING ALUMNA

BY LESLIE BERGER

NEW YORK—Three weeks before the 2015 Tony Awards,

legendary Oklahoma City University voice professor

Florence Birdwell, BFA ’45 and MAT ’69, embarked on a

1,500-mile journey to Broadway that celebrated perhaps

the most significant milestone of her 67-year career.

Birdwell has produced stars who have performed on the

world’s most famous stages, from La Scala to Broadway,

and this year she became one of the world’s only

professors to have two alumni nominated for a Tony in

the same category in the same year.

Kristin Chenoweth, BM ’91, MM ’93, and LHD ’13, and

Kelli O’Hara, BM ’98, who coined Birdwell’s affectionate

nickname, “The Bird Lady,” earned Tony nominations this

year for best leading actress in a musical.

Above: Kelli O'Hara and Florence Birdwell catch up on Broadway. Photo by Josh Robinson. Left: Alumnae O'Hara and Kristin Chenoweth with their teacher, Florence Birdwell. Photos courtesy of Birdwell.

8 // FOCUS Fall 2015

There were three other nominees, but as Birdwell so aptly noted, it was never about competing with others. “They only have themselves to compete with,” she said. Similarly, when O’Hara sat down with FOCUS in May, she recounted how comforting it was to run into Chenoweth at Tony events.

“We’ve had so much fun with it,” O’Hara said. “I think the best part about it is that we both want the best for each other. I think Kristin and I have the same feeling that we hope one of us can thank (Birdwell) this year. It’s not a smackdown. Kristin’s helped me so much in my life; she’s a generous person, and she’s my friend. We’re just celebrating the fact the two of us are here and able to shed some light on this woman.”

O’Hara got the chance to thank Birdwell on June 7 when she was announced as the Tony Award winner.

“Thank you with all of my heart,” O’Hara said to begin her acceptance speech. “I love what I do and I don’t need this, but now that I have it, I’ve got some things to say. I come from a place far away and there’s a little teacher there, and two of us tonight, Kristin and I, share her. Florence Birdwell, thank you.”

O’Hara went on to thank her parents for giving her roots, Birdwell for giving her wings, and theater director Bartlett Sher for teaching her to fly. O’Hara literally danced off the stage, exuding joy to conclude her speech, which ranked first in a Broadway.com poll of viewers’ favorites.

O’Hara portrays Anna Leonowens in “The King and I,” which won this year’s Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical. In a casual

chat with Birdwell about the musical, O’Hara told her, “You know I’m playing a teacher, and I have one inspiration in that department.”

Of Birdwell, O’Hara says: “It has to do with so much more than voice lessons. She’s been my life teacher. She’s gotten me through everything. I owe her everything. She just changed me. She’s built me up.”

Chenoweth, co-host of this year’s Tony Awards ceremony, winner of a previous Tony, and leading lady Lily Garland in “On the 20th Century,” echoed similar sentiments about Birdwell during a recent interview with FOCUS.

“I didn’t know what I didn’t know,” Chenoweth recalled, “and that’s why she was the right teacher for me.” She said Birdwell taught her the importance of listening, particularly to others.

“Don’t listen to yourself too much because that means you’re not into the moment,” Chenoweth said. “She really did teach me to be a better listener, mainly to the audience.”

She said Birdwell also taught her to be generous with other actors, a lesson she continues to carry with her.

“Florence did a lot of talking with her hands, and with her thumbs in particular and her fingers, and I saw this hand come at me so many times,” Chenoweth remembered. “She had such a love and energy that came from her hand — it sounds really funny to say — I could tell if she was happy, mad, sad, (if) she was furious with how I was singing, or enthralled — I could tell with a finger, a lift. And she just exudes love. And realness, realness. So what I always got from her was the truth, whether I liked it or not. I still get it, in fact, and I still want it from her.”

Left: Chenoweth catches Birdwell after a performance in “On the 20th Century.” Chenoweth says Birdwell taught her how to sing technically better, from her heart, and with meaning, in addition to life and career lessons. Photo by Josh Robinson

STAR POWER: okcu.edu/Tonys // 9

Center: O'Hara and Birdwell talk in O'Hara's Lincoln Center Theater dressing room about their shared OCU history before O'Hara performs in “The King and I” on Broadway. Right: Birdwell hams it up in Times Square. Photos by Josh Robinson

2015 Tony Awards

Birdwell’s alumni are part of a vast network of Oklahoma City University graduates working in the performing arts. The

university has three of the nation’s top-ranked performing arts programs in higher education. The music, dance, and theater schools have

produced more than 60 graduates who have performed on Broadway and many more who have taken their talents to famous venues around

the world. For more information, visit okcu.edu/Tonys.

Performances during the 2015 Tony Awards ceremony included several alumni:

Richard Riaz YoderBPA ’06

“On the 20th Century”

Kelli O’Hara BM ’98

“The King and I”

Kristin ChenowethBM ’91 and MM ’93

Tony Awards co-host and “On the 20th Century”

Chip AbbottBPA ’03

“On the Town”

10 // FOCUS Fall 2015

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique.

And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is nor how valuable nor how it compares with other expressions.

It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep yourself open and aware to the urges that motivate you.

Keep the channel open. ... No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer

divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.

—MARTHA GRAHAMDancer & Choreographer

‘‘

Lifelong TeacherThe work that led to this epic year for Birdwell began in 1946 when she began teaching at OCU. Shortly before, Birdwell, a promising opera performer, contracted a throat infection and lost her ability to sing. Devastated, she asked her own vocal instructor what she should do. “She looked at me and said, ‘Remember this, you may not be able to sing, but you can certainly talk!’” And Birdwell’s teaching career was born.

Birdwell then taught continuously at OCU until 2013. She continues to refer endearingly to alumni as her students and quickly corrects anyone who labels them as former students. “They are students until they get another teacher, and they haven’t,” she quips.

Backstage at “The King and I” on May 16 at Lincoln Center Theater, Birdwell caught up with O’Hara, offering words of encouragement and praise — and a little advice to her student, “I like your hair long; don’t cut it.” O’Hara replied, “I won’t; I usually take your advice.” As O’Hara lovingly pushed Birdwell in a wheelchair down the hall, she leaned in and told her teacher, “You’ve been pushing me for my whole life.”

One evening earlier, Birdwell waited eagerly to go backstage after “On the 20th Century” at American Airlines Theatre. The crowd had cleared, and Chenoweth walked into the house. Overcome with emotion, she approached Birdwell at her chair, collapsed at her feet and cried. By the time she composed a smile and looked up at her mentor, Birdwell happily told her: “You have your show. You were wonderful.”

While in New York City, Birdwell reconnected with about a dozen other OCU alumni during a master class at Shelter Studios in Midtown Manhattan. Although already successful performing artists, participants gladly absorbed the respected professor’s critiques and advice.

“It’s so much fun to teach people who are in the business,” Birdwell commented. “It’s so much fun to remind them of what we all forget. It was wonderful to work with them.”

Birdwell’s legacy is something that lives in the hearts of her numerous students. Each graduate also receives a visual reminder of some of her more important lessons — a framed quote by dancer and choreographer Martha Graham. Birdwell even keeps a copy of the quotation — centered on the gifts of uniqueness, creativity, and motivation — prominently displayed in her home. It reads:

Oklahoma City University’s tradition of producing graduates who perform on the world’s most famous stages is stronger than ever. Alumni from the Wanda L. Bass School of Music, School of Theatre, and the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment performing in recent, current, or upcoming productions include:

Chip AbbottBPA ’03“On the Town”

Belinda AllynBM ’12“Allegiance” (Opens Nov. 8th)

Heather BottsMM ’12“Doctor Zhivago”

Kristin ChenowethBM ’91, MM ’93“On the 20th Century”

Jeremy HaysBM ’03“The Phantom of the Opera”

Sasha HutchingsBPA ’11“Hamilton”

Colby Q. LindemanBPA ’05“Wicked”

Lauralyn McClellandBPA ’05“Matilda”

Matt McMahanBM ’09“Les Misérables”

Manna NicholsMM ’09“Allegiance” (Opens Nov. 8th)

Kelli O’HaraBM ’98“The King and I”

Nathan PeckBPA ’97“Kinky Boots”

Brian ShepardBA ’10“Something Rotten”

Jonathan WarrenBPA ’02“Wicked”

Richard Riaz YoderBPA ’06”On the 20th Century”

Alumni On Stage

SPOTLIGHT ON BIRDWELL: okcu.edu/birdwell // 11

“I just love teaching voice. … Sixty-seven

years, you say? Well, I wish it were 70.”

—FLORENCE BIRDWELL

Clockwise from top left: Professor Florence Birdwell poses with a close friend. Birdwell sings in a 1979 performance at OCU. Birdwell gives an interview in her home earlier this year in celebration of her 67 years of teaching and her students' Tony nominations. “An Evening with Florence Birdwell” presented by KOCU in 1992. A March 1989 performance at OCU. Photo at center right by Josh Robinson; photo at bottom right by Terry Zinn; remaining photos courtesy of Birdwell

12 // FOCUS Fall 2015

ALUMNI

Spanning

Stagesthe

By ALEXANDRA BONIFIELD

ALUMNI

STAGE MAGIC: cityrep.com // 13

You might call them the Three Musketeers of Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre. You won’t find them striding about in hip-high boots, buckling swashes while wearing brocaded hats adorned with extravagant feathers, unless they get cast in roles that call for that costume.

On normal days, you’ll find Founding Artistic Director Donald Jordan, BA ’80; Co-Founder and Resident Artist Jonathan Beck Reed, theater ’83; and Artistic Associate Michael Jones, theater ’81, attired in work duds, employing a wide array of creative, communication, and business skills to make CityRep the award-winning professional Equity regional theatre company it has become. One major thing they have in common — they all attended Oklahoma City University.

“Don and I share 44 productions, which includes being in each other’s weddings!” Jonathan Beck Reed met classmate Donald Jordan at OCU, when he transferred in as a performing arts major in 1979. The day before school started, he headed off to audition for OCU’s “The House at Pooh Corner,” a production led by world-renowned OCU Children’s Theatre faculty member Claire Jones. “I met this big guy in blue overalls — Don Jordan — crossing the street. He led me to the auditions, and it was like we had been life-long friends. More than 35 years later, we have never lost that close friendship.”

Jordan played God and Reed played the devil in OCU’s “J.B.” before Jordan went on to Music Theatre of Wichita, Missouri’s famed Mule Barn Theater, and finally, the Dallas Theater Center. Their careers as full-time, professional actors and singers launched, but they still managed to maintain contact in an era prior to cell phones and

Internet. Ten years passed. All three men racked up impressive résumés for performance in prominent shows and tours but only worked together once, on a production of “Guys and Dolls” at Oklahoma’s Lyric Theatre in the mid-1980s. Then divine intervention stepped in.

Reed recalls fondly: “After I appeared in the national revival of ‘The Music Man’ as Harold Hill, I moved on to ‘42nd Street.’ As things do happen, a fine actor cast in the comic role in the show backed out at the last minute, leaving the show on pause and its director furious for the costly, brief notice. I arrived in his office for a meeting just as he received the news. He snapped at me, ‘Do you know anybody who can play this role well, not just a buddy, but someone who can really play it?’ I knew exactly who to recommend: that same big guy who led me across the OCU campus to my first audition a decade earlier, Donald Jordan. During 1988 to 1989, we performed together in the Broadway tour of ‘42nd Street,’ logging hundreds of performances across the U.S., Canada, and even touring to Israel.”

On the road, they shared many dressing rooms and late-night dinners, talking non-stop. They dreamed aloud about starting their own Equity theatre company that would represent the arts well, where they could apply the craft and professionalism experienced on Broadway and in the big-time touring league. They dreamed of opening this company on their alma mater’s turf. Time passed with many more pro gigs, as well as an increasing array of awards and honors for both men. Finally in 2002, that dream became a reality.

“Pick your friends wisely in college because they will haunt you

OCU Friendships Lead to Equity Theater Company

Clockwise, starting at left: OCU alumnus and CityRep co-founder Jonathan Beck Reed, OCU professor Hal Kohlman, OCU alumnus and CityRep co-founder Marcellus Hankins, OCU professor Lance Marsh, OCU student Jordan Jacobs, and Matthew Brown in the CityRep/OCU Oklahoma premiere co-production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.”

Photo by Wendy Mutz, Mutz Photography

14 // FOCUS Fall 2015

the rest of your life,” quips Jordan. They launched CityRep during 2002-03 with a tight, appealing season of three Oklahoma premieres: “The Leading Ladies,” “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” and the original social commentary work, “I Am A Teacher.” Since then, a carefully orchestrated and sensibly developed process merges artistic value with audience appeal, on a fastidiously tended budget.

Few loose ends mar a CityRep production. One local critic recently wrote, “CityRep now sets the standard for Oklahoma City theatre.” Growing every year, in spite of economic challenges, CityRep produces engaging, quality entertainment to spark the imagination and please the visual palate. The company mounts shows in three major theatre spaces in the city: the first two in the Civic Center Music Hall in a proscenium theatre that seats 250, and the third in an intimate basement black box that seats about 88 patrons.

“We are also proud to co-produce major works yearly at OCU in the Burg Theatre in conjunction with the School of Theatre, as well as occasionally with the School of Music in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium,” Jordan said. “Part of our dream and our mission is to give today’s OCU students the chance to work with successful, professional artists from across the country even before they graduate.”

CityRep has garnered national honors since 2002 as its seasons have expanded and attendance has increased. Recognition includes winning the Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Award; a national award from the organization that produces the Tony Awards, the American Theatre Wing; and a special proclamation from the national Actors’ Equity Union for excellence in professional production. In 2014, PBS/Oklahoma Educational Television Authority produced the documentary “Back in Time,” commemorating the 75th anniversary of Steinbeck’s novel “The Grapes of Wrath,” which featured the CityRep/OCU co-production of the stage adaptation. In 2015, the documentary won an Emmy Award in the Arts/Entertainment—Program/Series/Special category.

“I wanted to move to New York City and be in the chorus of a Broadway show,” remarked Jones. He entered OCU in 1977 on a music scholarship. He knew Reed from Lyric Theatre, where he ushered in high school. When he got cast in “J.B.” at OCU, he met Jordan and Reed. The Three Musketeers friendship was born.

Jones later toured in “Pacific Overtures,” starring Mako, and “Sugar Babies,” with Eddie Bracken. He moved to the West Coast, working in nonprofit development and establishing a national reputation as a stage and television director, for which he won an Emmy in the mid-1990s. During a trip home from Seattle, he saw that CityRep was coming together. Jordan immediately asked him to direct “I Am A Teacher.” Taking a leap of faith, Jones returned to Oklahoma.

What makes the three-way partnership flourish and endure life’s challenges? Reed answers without hesitation: “Maintaining open and honest relationships is key. We don’t always agree on everything, but we

have high standards and constant communication. As a small Equity theatre, we manage to pull together winning shows on tight budgets because we work together well, always a team, always focusing on the art.” Jordan adds: “I value the gift of their friendship, and I am still, after all these years, dazzled by the depth and breadth of their talent. Jonathan and Michael are two of the finest artists it has ever been my pleasure to work with. Between us, we’ve now done thousands of performances of hundreds of plays together, and how many friends get such a gift? I am very grateful.”

Jordan reflects on their time at OCU: “I know I speak for Jonathan and Michael, as well, when I say how critically important the outstanding professional training, encouragement, and mentoring we received at OCU was in providing the foundation for success we have all enjoyed in our careers, together and separately. A strong,

focused grounding in professional standards, ethics, and procedures, as well as a diversity of experiences in performing, directing, design, and management helped prepare each of us for successful careers. We owe so much of that to OCU and its committed professors and mentors. Gratitude for such exceptional mentoring is part of what motivates us to give back and mount a show with OCU every season.”

The Oklahoma premiere of “Peter and the Starcatcher,” the latest co-production and the multiple Tony award-winning musical fantasy prequel to “Peter Pan,” ran September 18-27 on the OCU campus. Jones, a longtime “Peter Pan” fan, directed; Jordan produced; and Reed starred as an energetic, lovable, tongue-tied pirate chief. After more than 35 years of artistry, friendship, and the OCU standard of servant-leadership, the Three Musketeers of CityRep and OCU joined forces again to work their unique and celebrated stage magic.

Part of our dream …

is to give today's OCU

students the chance to

work with successful,

professional artists

from across the

country even before

they graduate.

—DON JORDANBA ’80

‘‘

OCU students Jordan Jacobs as Peter and Olivia Cinquepalmi as Molly in the CityRep/OCU Oklahoma premiere co-production of “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Photo by Wendy Mutz, Mutz Photography

Life’s a Dance

JO KNOWS: Download her wisdom at okcu.edu/focus // 15

Puskas Pursues Prolific PassionsBY ROD JONES

It’s not too far a leap from the dance studio to designing store window displays. They’re both creative outlets for self-expression. Both are visually artistic and attract large audiences, at least when there’s a high enough degree of talent involved.

And for Alec Puskas, BPA ’87, elements of both disciplines were necessary in his first job out of college at the Pollard Theatre in Guthrie.

“I was hired because I could perform on stage and run a table saw,” Puskas explained. “It was a brand new theater company so we all had to have multiple skills.”

Puskas now owns a design company in Seattle called Visionart. He specializes in staging new homes, retail merchandise displays, and storefront windows. Among his many clients is the Space Needle, which includes a famous Christmas tree display.

“It’s fun knowing that hundreds of people take photos in front of that tree every year,” he said.

With the type of design he is known for, the Christmas season is his busiest time.

“Some people think of the holidays as a very stressful time, but I love it. People just seem happier, more spirited, and more willing to treat each other with respect. I love that time of year,” he said.

Puskas opened his own design firm after working for the Nordstrom retail store company for 10 years. There he designed and built window displays and floor displays, and spent many years setting up new stores around the country. His first job at Nordstrom was in the scenic shop, where crews build handmade, hand-painted decorations for stores around the Pacific Northwest.

Puskas got into decorating at a young age. During a celebration of one of his more recent birthdays, his mother recounted a story about his propensity for decorating his room.

“I didn’t have clothes in my closet,” he said. “Instead it had a bunch of brown grocery bags full of decorations I made for my room. I kept changing my decor and saved everything I thought I might use again.

“When my dad redid my room after I moved out, he said he didn’t realize what a mess I was making. There was all this tape stuck to the ceiling and walls — it was tough to clean it off.”

Puskas grew up in the Detroit area. He would take family trips to Chicago during Christmas breaks from school and remembers being inspired by the many unique, creative, and intricate store window displays on State Street downtown.

His mother sang opera, so Puskas grew up around performance stages. His father taught woodshop in high school, so he also grew up around craftsmanship.

He took tap dancing classes throughout high school and helped design and build scenic designs for plays. He said he was torn between pursuing theater tech work and performing for a living.

A family member had heard about the dance program at OCU, and Puskas said a visit convinced him that he should make the move to Oklahoma. It was 1983, and Jo Rowan, chairwoman of the dance department, had recently started traveling the country on recruiting trips for her new dance program.

“Jo and John (Bedford, dean of the school) were so influential to me. They not only excel in teaching dance, but also in preparing you for life,” he said. “Jo had all of these little sayings she would use, little lessons that translate into any field you want to work in. They conveyed a way of life, a way of thinking that put me where I am today.”

For example, before his interview for a job with Nordstrom, he said he went out and bought new clothes so that he would look the part to his future employer.

“I went in and did everything I thought it would take to work at a company like Nordstrom, and it worked out for me.”

His advice to students preparing to graduate from college is similar to what he learned at OCU: “Follow your passion, no matter what it is — dance, painting, music. You’ll be your best if you’re doing something you like to do.”

Alec Puskas

ATHLETICS

16 // FOCUS Fall 2015

OCU’s Phil McSpadden owns the most wins against four-year competition of any college softball coach. Photo by Rich Tortorelli

OCU was ranked No. 2 and claimed the national title for the third time in four years. Photo courtesy NAIA

OCU Stars in Director’s Cup StandingsOklahoma City University’s three national championships fueled a third-place finish in the final 2014-15 NAIA National Association of College Directors of Athletics Director’s Cup standings.

The Stars won national crowns in women’s basketball, cheerleading and men’s cross country during the academic year. OCU made its third consecutive appearance in the Director’s Cup standings top 10.

After an 11th-place finish in the NAIA men’s track and field championships, the Stars finished with 802.75 points — 51.75 shy of first place — while garnering points in 13 sports. OCU had a fifth-

place finish in the NAIA wrestling championships, plus a sixth-place showing in the NAIA women’s golf championships and an eighth-place finish in the NAIA men’s golf championships.

Oklahoma City owns 59 national championships in all sports. OCU has won a national crown in each of the past 22 years. Since 1996-97, OCU has posted 14 top-10 finishes and 18 consecutive top-13 finishes in the Director’s Cup standings.

Off the field, the Stars boasted of a 3.096 combined grade point average to have at least a 3.0 GPA for the 13th year in a row.

N U M B E R 1 ,4 5 8

McSpadden Shatters National RecordSoftball coach Phil McSpadden collected a milestone victory in the Stars’ 13-1, 8-0 sweep of Southwestern Assemblies of God (Texas) on April 10 before a record crowd at Ann Lacy Stadium that included many OCU softball alumnae who contributed to those wins over the years.

McSpadden reached win No. 1,458 to move ahead of NCAA victory leader Margie Wright to hold the most wins against four-year schools of any college softball coach. The OCU coach finished the season with a 1,478-361 record in his 28th year.

Women’s Basketball Nets Repeat ChampionshipBY RICH TORTORELLI

The Stars powered their way to an 80-63 victory over Campbellsville (Ky.) to repeat as NAIA Division I national women’s basketball champions March 24 at the Independence Events Center in Missouri.

Second-ranked Oklahoma City (30-2) captured its third national title in four years and eighth overall national crown to lead NAIA women’s basketball. OCU reached 30 wins for the 11th time in 15 years.

Rateska Brown, a senior from Alvin, S.C., boosted Oklahoma City with 29 points, eight rebounds, five assists and three steals. Brown provided OCU with 19.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 steals a game during the tournament to earn first-team all-tournament accolades.

OCU’s Yvonte Neal pitched in 11 points and five rebounds. Neal took tournament most valuable player as she posted 18.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.0 thefts a contest during the Stars’ championship run.

FOLLOW THE CHAMPIONS: ocusports.com // 17

TA K I N G OV E RTO N

Stars Welcome Basketball Coach

OCU officials have selected Bo Overton as the head coach for women’s basketball. Overton returns to his home state after spending the past few years coaching for teams abroad. During that time, he served as an assistant coach for the Chinese national team in the 2012 Olympics.

Overton’s last coaching stint in Oklahoma came during an ultra successful run as Sherri Coale’s assistant at the University of Oklahoma. During that time, the Sooners advanced to the 2002 NCAA championship game.

The Stars were 85-10 with two national titles and three conference regular-season championships in three seasons under Latricia Trammell, who left to become an assistant at NCAA Division I Georgia State.

T E N T H TA K E

Cheer Adds National Title

Oklahoma City collected the cheerleading national title in the NAIA Cheer and Dance Championship Invitational on March 14 at the Midland Event Center in Fremont, Neb. The Stars have captured 10 national championships in cheerleading and pom/dance the past four years.

OCU won the NAIA large coed and large pom/dance championships in 2011, the NAIA all-girl and large coed crowns in 2012 and the NAIA all-girl and pom/dance titles, the NCA Division II coed championship in 2013, the 2014 cheer and dance NAIA titles and now the 2015 small coed championship.

OCU finished in first place with a total score of 90.4 points. The Stars finished 0.8 points ahead of runner-up finisher Concordia (Mich.). St. Ambrose (Iowa) finished third, followed by St. Gregory’s.

Baseball Scores New Endowment

The Denney Crabaugh Endowment for OCU Baseball has been established to aid student-athletes. The endowment will be invested permanently to benefit OCU baseball and provide funds toward the program’s needs including scholarships, equipment, and travel.

To make a gift to the endowment, contact OCU athletics at (405) 208-5309.

For the past 27 years, Crabaugh has guided the OCU baseball program as head coach, building a 1,314-407-2 record with a national championship in 2005. He has become a member of the Oklahoma Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, OCU Athletics Hall of Fame, NAIA Hall of Fame, and the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

The Stars gave Crabaugh his 1,300th career win April 17. Crabaugh guided OCU to the 2015 SAC Tournament title 7-5 over Oklahoma Baptist on May 4 on Connor Lynch’s ninth-inning grand slam.

McCarty Wrestles for National TitleOCU’s Ricky McCarty became the NAIA 165-pound national champion March 7 in the NAIA wrestling championships at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka, Kan.

McCarty triumphed 7-2 over Michael Nord of Jamestown (N.D.) for the 165-pound national title. McCarty made the national final by winning 13-3 over Brock Picard of Great Falls (Mont.) in the semifinals. A sophomore from Lawton, he joined Kevin Hardy as national champion wrestlers from OCU. Hardy took the 165-pound crown in 2012.

The Stars equaled their finest team finish ever at fifth place with 71 points. OCU also had its most all-Americans ever with five.

The Stars’ Aaron LaFarge finished as 125-pound national runner-up. OCU’s Zach Skates finished fifth at 157 pounds to become a three-time all-American, while Derek Sivertsen reeled in fifth at 184. Adrian Gaines of the Stars notched a sixth-place finish at 133.

Ricky McCarty of OCU celebrates winning the NAIA wrestling 165-pound championship on March 7, 2015. Photo by Austin Bernard

ATHLETICS

18 // FOCUS Fall 2015

OFFICE SPACE

BY SANDY PANTLIK

For the Rev. Charles Neff, returning to the OCU campus after being appointed vice president for university-church relations in 2014 has been a homecoming.

As an OCU undergraduate, he arrived on campus as a Bishop Scholar after receiving a call to the ministry when he was 14 years old. During his freshman year as a work-study student in the chapel, then under the direction of Dorothy Graham, he was inspired to do more. “Notices would come across Dorothy’s desk for youth ministers, and I decided to answer one,” Neff said. Proving he was a natural at university-church relations, he drove to the small town of Blanchard to the church requesting help and on the spot became their youth minister.

After an invitation from Bishop Robert Hayes Jr. in 2014, the now-Rev. Dr. Neff accepted his current job when the Rev. Maggie Ball retired. When he is not in the chapel or visiting churches across the state, Neff is in the church relations office tucked away on the somewhat mysterious fifth floor of the historic Jones Administration Building, with its own semi-private elevator and staircase. The window-lit space overlooking the campus reflects Neff ’s journey back to OCU, his commitment to his faith, and his dedication to teaching, tradition, and learning.

“My teaching style is reflected throughout this office. Whether it is Sunday School or college classes, I always try to use visuals to highlight different ideas and themes, and to give another dimension to teaching.” Many items have been collected from his travels, such as a Yamaka from a visit to the Western Wall in Israel and several oil lamps from the Middle East that serve as a reminder of the many sayings about light in the Bible.

1 Purchased on eBay, the helmet usually makes an appearance around Holy Week to serve as a reminder that the people living at the time of Jesus were practicing their religion in an occupied territory under the rule of an oppressive foreign government. “Imagine going to worship in your most holy place with armed troops stationed in the balcony and around the perimeter.” When teaching, Neff uses the helmet to symbolize how the Roman army created an illusion of strength and power over the followers of Jesus.

2 The ossuary, or bone box, is a scale replica of what would have been used in the first century when, after a year, families would remove the bones of a deceased loved one from a tomb and place the bones in the box. Neff uses the box as a teaching tool to show how archaeology and the Bible can inform each other.

3 The John Wesley bobblehead, which stands guard over a collection of early Methodist resources, is not a permanent fixture in the office, but Neff hopes it will be there another year. He earned the whimsical traveling trophy after winning the Young Clergy Fantasy Football League last year.

Charles Neff // Vice President for University-Church Relations and Dean of the Chapel

1 2 3

okcu.edu // 19

CLASS NOTES

1964

Barbara McAlister, BM ’64, is a voice instructor for the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah.

1967

Jill S. Hunt, BM ’67, played her final organ concert at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest in Illinois after being part of the music ministry staff for two decades.

1970

Paul Brogan, BSB ’70, was appointed director of West Texas Resources, Inc.

1974

Joe Biscone, JD ’74, received the Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction award.

Demetra George Mustafoglu, music ’74, D. Music ’07, received the Ambassador’s Award for Cultural Diplomacy from the U.S. ambassador to Cyprus, John Koenig.

1975

Michael Decker, BA ’75, JD ’78, is director of the Office of Administrative Proceedings for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and received the 2014 Eugene Kuntz Award for Leadership in Natural Resources Law and Policy. He received the award from the OU College of Law in recognition

of his distinguished career as an energy sector professional whose contributions have had a major impact on energy law and policy.

1979

Virgil Gant, MBA ’79, won re-election to the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees.

1984

Jon Downard, JD ’84, was elected to the board of directors for Bank of Sullivan in Missouri.

1985

Attorney Bryce Johnson, JD ’85, of Johnson & Biscone, P.A. was recognized by the American Academy of Trial Attorneys as one of the Premier 100 trial attorneys for Oklahoma.

1987

OCU Alumni Relations Director Cary Pirrong, BS ’87 and JD ’90, was named vice president/president-elect of the Uptown 23rd District in Oklahoma City.

1988

Sandra Mitchell, JD ’88, was named deputy commissioner-general of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Mark S. Thetford, JD ’88, joined the Savage O’Donnell Affeldt Weintraub & Johnson firm in Tulsa.

1991

Dennis Calloway, MBA ’91, released his science-fiction novel “Return to Earth.”

Brian Carney, JD ’91, was appointed to the board of directors of Sanchez Energy Corporation.

Kristin Chenoweth, BM ’91, MM ’93, won a Drama Desk Award for outstanding actress in a musical for her role in “On the Twentieth Century,” and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Dave Ross, MLA ’91, was the featured speaker at the Red River Toastmasters Open House in Altus. Ross, now a professional speaker and life coach, was the Toastmasters International World Champion of Public Speaking in 1991.

Don Wood, MBA ’91, announced his retirement as executive director of the Norman Economic Development Coalition after serving the Norman community for 18 years.

1992

Ron Bussert, JD ’92, was honored as Citizen of the Year at the Bixby Metro Chamber of Commerce Awards annual gala.

Cathy Hayes, secondary education ’92, became the Oklahoma City Fire Department’s first female district chief.

Felix Yip, MBA ’92, is a senior lecturer and program director at Hong Kong Baptist University. Yip is also the president of Hong Kong People Management Association, a human resources professional organization; and chairman of the Hong Kong Baseball Association, a national association promoting baseball in Hong Kong.

Cathy Hayes

20 // FOCUS Fall 2015

CLASS NOTES

1993

David Lee, MBA ’93, was promoted to senior assurance officer of the HoganTaylor public accounting firm.

John Sawyer, BM ’93, put together his first cabaret show for the Broken Arrow PAC’s Up Close concert series.

1994

Patrick H. Hayes Jr., JD ’94, was appointed as a district court judge in Colorado.

1996

Chad S. Aduddell, MBA ’96, was named interim market CEO for Catholic Health Initiatives — St. Vincent in Arkansas.

Heather Griswold, BA ’96, was named deputy chief of staff for state schools by Superintendent Joy Hofmeister.

Jenny Fullington Johnston, BPA ‘96, received the Community Service Award from Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebee. Johnston has been doing choreography for community theaters in the central Arkansas area for the past five years.

Tom Marchese, JD ’96, is leading the new Tallahassee, Fla., branch of the Chartwell Law Offices.

1997

Sarah Miller, JD ’97, was appointed general counsel of the Williams natural gas company in Tulsa.

Rev. Trevor Smith, BA ’97, was named pastor of the Nichols Hills United Methodist Church.

Steve Turk, MBA ’97, was appointed executive vice president and COO of SandRidge Energy.

1998

Carolyn Boyd, JD ’98, released her book, “The Langston Saga.”

Danielle Ezell, MBA ’98, was named executive director of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition.

Scott Forest, MBA ’98, was elected to the Madison International Trade Association board of directors in Wisconsin.

Longtime Assistant District Attorney Doug Pearson, JD ’98, joined the Hendersonville, N.C., law firm of Gillett Stallings.

Jonathan Powell, MBA ’98, was named to the FCC’s Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council.

Brett Riley, music theater ’98, released his first comedy CD, “I’m An Idiot.”

1999

Judge Sharon Holmes, JD ’99, became the first female black district judge in Tulsa County.

2001

Frank Collamore, BSB ’01, designed Fan Medal, a promotional necklace for athletic teams by sports novelty company Teamo.

Peter Markes, BME ’01, led the youth Summer Symphony Strings Camp in Oklahoma City, with help from fellow alumnus Gary Keller, BME ’99, as guest conductor.

2002

Grant Chenok, BPA ’02, a co-founder of Flow 40 Dance Workshops, taught master classes for children to help celebrate National Dance Week at a studio in Fort Wayne, Ind.

2003

Chip Abbott, BPA ’03, is assistant choreographer, dance captain and swing for the Broadway revival of “On the Town.” Abbott is featured in the March 2015 issue of Dance Magazine.

Don Eben, MBA ’03, is CEO of TXW Solutions and was a guest speaker at the COMPTEL PLUS Business Expo 2015 in Florida.

Jonathan Jared Ihrig, JD ’03, was promoted to chief compliance officer for the Credit Union National Association.

2004

Ashly Cochran, BM ‘04, was hired to be an assistant principal at Horn High School in Mesquite, Texas.

Takesha Watson, BS ’04, was named an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Loyola University Ramblers women’s basketball team. Watson is a member of the OCU Athletics Hall of Fame.

Board of Trustees Chairman Ron Norick, Alumnus Peter Markes, and OCU President Robert Henry

okcu.edu // 21

CLASS NOTES

2005

Amanda Portie Bass, BS ’05, performed in the movie “Pitch Perfect 2.”

2006

Mike Cheong, BA ’06, was named communications manager for CNBC Asia Pacific.

Jennifer Finley, MBA ’06, joined the office of Grant Thornton LLP as a manager in its business advisory services practice.

Bat-Or Kalo, BM ’06, and her trio KALO made the semifinals in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., beating out nearly 70 other bands from across the world.

Henry P. Stampfl, BM ’06, appeared on “The Real Housewives of New York City” on Bravo.

Alan R. Woodland, JD ’06, was appointed as a special municipal judge for the municipal court of record for Oklahoma City.

The ensemble for “On the Twentieth Century,” which includes alumnus Rich Yoder, BPA Dance Performance ’06, won The Fred and Adele Astaire Award for Outstanding Dance Ensemble. Yoder was also nominated for Outstanding Male Dancer.

2007

Keith Hines, BM ’07, is playing the role of Nick Massi in the touring production of “Jersey Boys.”

Joon-sun Yoon, MBA ’07, was appointed as associate director, business development in charge of the Korean Desk of Savills Viet Nam.

2008

Heather Anderson, BA ’08, a teacher at Stillwater Junior High School, was named one of the top three finalists for district teacher of the year.

Rachel Pappy, JD ‘08, managing attorney and vice president at the Law Offices of Roderick H. Polston, co-wrote a book titled “Get in the Game: The World’s Leading Entrepreneurs and Professionals Reveal how You Can Get off the Sideline and Start Improving Your Health, Wealth

and Lifestyle!” On the day of release, “Get in the Game” reached best-seller status in seven Amazon.com categories, reaching as high as No. 1 in three categories: Direct Marketing, Marketing for Small Business, and Business Marketing.

Ashley Rivers, BPA ’08, wrote “Rockettes Revamp,” an article published in the March 2015 issue of Dance Magazine.

2009

Erika Hebron, BPA ’09, was cast in the national tour of “42nd Street.”

Matthew McMahan, BM ’09, was accepted into the Teach For America program to teach in the New York City region.

Jillian Nelson, MA ’09, presented “Power, Honor, and Shame: Implicating Herod’s Guests in the Beheading of John the Baptist” at the Southwest Commission on Religious Studies regional meeting in Texas.

Kristin Van Nort, MLA ’09, of The CARE Center, was named to the Journal Record newspaper’s Achievers Under 40 list.

2010

Rocky Chavez, BSB ’10, of Blueknight Energy Partners, was named to the Journal Record newspaper’s Achievers Under 40 list.

J. Warren Mitchell, MM ’10, was named a winner of the 2015 Kammeroper Schloss Reinsberg Competition.

Brian Shepard, BA ’10, was in the cast of the Broadway musical “Something Rotten!”

2011

Nathaniel Harding, MBA ’11, was named one of the Journal Record’s Most Admired CEOs in Oklahoma.

John Reisenberg, BSB ’11 and MS ’14, was named president of Uptown 23rd District in Oklahoma City.

David Scott, BSB ’11, was promoted as interim executive director for the Oklahoma Democratic Party.

Stephanie Wood, BPA ’11, performed in a production of “9 to 5” in Fredericksburg, Va.

2012

Heather Botts, MM ’12, made her Broadway debut in “Doctor Zhivago.”

Sarah Fagan, BPA ’12, was cast in the national tour of “42nd Street.”

Chadwick Holeman, JD ’12, of Devon Energy Corp, was named to the Journal Record newspaper’s Achievers Under 40 list.

Kelly Waggoner, BS ’12, joined Focus Federal Credit Union’s senior leadership team as vice president of information systems.

Helen Ann Woodard, BPA ’12, joined the Honey Bees cheer squad for the Charlotte Hornets basketball team.

2013

Kelsey Dolphin, BS ’13, accepted the position of national events coordinator at USA Triathlon in Colorado Springs, Colo. She has previously been the national events coordinator at the OKC Boathouse Foundation.

Jarin Giesler, JD ’13, and his Giesler Sports World-Wide organization started a program to develop players for American-style football in New Zealand.

performingartsphotos.com

22 // FOCUS Fall 2015

CLASS NOTES

Constance Langhorst, MFA ’13, had an essay accepted for publication in the book “Creative Composition, Inspiration and Techniques for Writing Instruction.” Langhorst’s essay is titled “A First-Timer’s Approach to Teaching in a Non-Traditional Setting.”

Alicia Jin Newcom, BPA ’13, was cast in the national tour of “42nd Street.”

Michael Palmer, BSB ’13, won a second IGT Tour title in the RAW Golf School Classic in South Africa.

Katy McDonald Rush, BS ’13, returned to OCU to serve as the coordinator for external affairs for the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment. Katy met Trevor Rush, BSB ’13, during her freshman year and they married in April. Trevor is a treasury analyst for Love’s Corporation.

Dakoda Smith, English ’13, received a teaching assistantship at Oklahoma State University in his MA in Literature program. Smith will be focusing on two tracks: American literature and women’s and gender studies.

Drew Wright, political science ’13, is a corporate wellness specialist for Fit Rev 24 in Oklahoma City.

Kasey Yeargain, BM ’13, played Jud Fry in the Lyric Theatre production of “Oklahoma!”

2014

Alley Agee, BA ’14, OCU alumna and admissions counselor, helped prep and judge two OCU debate teams for National Parliamentary competitions.

Isaiah Bailey, BM ’14, played Javert in the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre production of “Les Miserables” in Michigan.

Adam Black, BS ’14, made his professional debut with the Tulsa Roughnecks FC team in the United Soccer League.

Mollie Craven, BFA ’14, performed in the Mind the Art Entertainment NY production of “Whiskey Pants: The Mayor of Williamsburg.”

Ricardo De Bem, BA ’14, signed to play for the Macae professional basketball team in his native Brazil.

Tami Hines, JD ’14, was awarded the prestigious Student Writing Award of the American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers for her Quarterly Report article “MERS: Sometimes Agent, Sometimes Principal, Often Misconstrued.” Hines was editor-in-chief of the Law Review while at OCU and is working at the Hall Estill law firm in Oklahoma City.

Miss Crescent City New Orleans April Nelson, BM ’14, was named Miss Louisiana 2015 and third runner-up in the Miss America competition.

Lizzy Olsen, JD ’14, director of operations for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, was crowned Miss D.C. USA.

Tabitha Rooney, BFA ’14, assisted with the Cañon City School District’s summer music theater program in Colorado.

Megan Spradlin, DNP ’14, became an advanced practice registered nurse at Mercy Clinic Primary Care in Edmond.

Kyle Tully, JD ’14, joined the Funds For Learning E-rate management company.

2015

Sheryl Buckner, DNP ’15, was selected for the ninth class of fellows for induction into the prestigious National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education. She also received the 2015 Midwest Nursing Research Society/NLN Doctoral Dissertation Grant Award for her work, “The Effects of Attention on Academic Performance.” Buckner will be recognized during the National League for Nursing Education Summit in Las Vegas in October.

Dustin Cook, biology ’15, was drafted by the New York Yankees.

Katie Dudzik, BS ‘15, joined the cast of SandCastle Dinner Theater in Guam. Jordyn Poston, BS in Dance Management ‘15, joined the cast of SandCastle Dinner Theater in Saipan. SandCastle, managed by the Baldyga Group, specializes in presenting Las Vegas-style productions in Pacific island resort settings in both Guam and Saipan.

David L. MayD E C . 2 5 , 1 9 5 0 - M A R C H 2 1 , 2 0 1 5

Dr. David L. May, of Oklahoma City, passed away March 21, 2015, after a gradual progressive decline from frontotemporal degeneration.

David was a professor of economics, chairman of the Department of Economics and Finance, and the Henry J. Freede, M.D., Endowed Chair in Teaching Excellence.

David was a loving husband to Nancy, devoted father to son and daughter Corey and Ellie, and proud grandfather to Grace, Bonnie, Noelle, Coltrane, and Emmett, all of Atlanta, Ga.

David attended Putnam City High School in Oklahoma City and graduated in 1969 from Arlington High School in Texas. He spent time in the Army Reserves as a helicopter repairman and then went on to graduate with his BBA in finance in 1974 from the University of Oklahoma.

After a successful career in the oil business, he returned to school, graduating in 1996 with his Ph.D. in economics from Florida State University. He then returned to Oklahoma, becoming a professor of economics at OCU.

David was an avid golfer and hunter and enjoyed teaching abroad in England and China. He was a superb teacher, receiving numerous awards in teaching excellence. He will forever be cherished, treasured, and greatly missed by his family and many friends.

okcu.edu // 23

IN MEMORY

Dr. Billie Earlene Brundage McElroyAU G . 2 7, 1 9 3 2 - J U LY 2 9, 2 0 1 5

Billie McElroy was born Aug. 27, 1932, to Sarah Mae and Orphus Art Brundage in Tribbey, Okla. She passed away July 29, 2015, in Ardmore.

During her tenure as a professor at Oklahoma City University, she received the Teacher of the Year Award.

Billie grew up at the Triple B Ranch in Tribbey with her family. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. Billie graduated from high school in Tribbey and went on to college at Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha. She met a sailor named Jack McElroy and they were married Dec. 30, 1950. Billie and Jack have three children: Robert McElroy, Vicki McElroy Gelona, and Mark McElroy.

Billie was a homemaker until she went back to school to pursue her bachelor's degree in elementary education at Oklahoma Christian College in 1965. She received her master’s in education from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Doctor of Education from Oklahoma State University. Teaching was her gift and calling. She taught in Edmond Public Schools and Oklahoma City Public Schools as a teacher, principal, and director of curriculum. Following her retirement and move from Edmond to Ardmore, she tutored at Oak Hall Episcopal School and tutored privately in her home.

Billie loved children and was an advocate for many children in her years as an educator. She touched many lives and hearts with her love of learning.

Ernestine ScottA P R I L 2 3 , 1 92 6 - M AY 7, 2 0 1 5

Ernestine Scott, 89, passed away May 7, 2015. She was born to Dora and E. Luther Holmes in Pampa, Texas, on April 23, 1926.

She moved to Oklahoma City to pursue studies at Oklahoma City University and later attended the Eastman School of Music in New York. As an adjunct professor at Oklahoma City University, she pursued a prolific professional teaching career instructing students from every part of the United States and abroad.

Her musical interest and talent began as a child, and by age 11 she had her own weekly local radio program, featuring her live performances on the piano, organ, and accordion.

Although she had the talent and ability to pursue her own performing career, she chose instead to spend her talent nurturing young people to discover their talent, to love and create music, and for many, to find their own careers in music.

As a longtime member of Oklahoma Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association, she led her students to top honors on every level. Her students have won critical acclaim and have performed with major orchestras and in recitals throughout the world. In addition to guiding and caring for her students, Ernestine (known as “Teenie” to her husband and close friends) poured out her love on her many dogs, numbering 13 over the course of her adult life. Other passions included using her talented hands to produce roses in her backyard, and driving her 1966 yellow Stingray Corvette, which she owned from 1966 until recent years.

Michael Shane SchaferAU G . 1 , 1 9 9 1 - J U N E 9, 2 0 1 5

Michael Shane Schafer, 23, passed away June 9, 2015, in Dallas. He was born Aug. 1, 1991, in Hawkins, Texas, to Eddie and Rochelle Schafer.

He graduated from Denton High School and Oklahoma City University with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance. He married Jillian Gottlieb on May 29, 2015, in Plano. He had moved to Chicago to pursue his Master of Music at DePaul University before returning to Texas for cancer treatment.

Michael was a proficient musician with a tenor voice and a love of conducting. He had natural talents for cooking, woodworking, and chess and loved adventurous outdoor activities, particularly fishing and snow skiing. Michael’s life was truly a testament to a quote from his favorite movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life” — “No man is a failure who has friends.”

By age 11, she had her own weekly local radio program, featuring

her live performances on the piano, organ, and accordion.

24 // FOCUS Fall 2015

IN MEMORY

Pamela Sue Raetz SullivanJA N . 2 3 , 1 9 6 4 - A P R I L 24 , 2 0 1 5

Pamela Sue Raetz was born to Raymond Stanley “Buddy” Raetz and Martha Jean (Biggs) Raetz Cantrell in Weatherford, Okla., Jan. 23, 1964, and passed away April 24, 2015, after a sudden illness.

After graduating from high school in Hydro, Okla., in 1982, Sullivan went on to receive undergraduate and master’s degrees in opera voice performance from Oklahoma City University. After teaching voice as an adjunct professor at OCU for nearly a decade, Sullivan taught voice from her private studio at home for nearly 10 years while being a dedicated mom to her son, Logan.

For the next three years, she served as middle and upper school vocal music director for Crossings Christian School, where she fostered lifetime relationships with faculty, staff, parents, and students. Her “kids” were her passion, her pride and joy. After her time at Crossings, Sullivan resumed her private practice. She was an encourager, a mentor, a friend. Sullivan’s love for music went well beyond her vocation — it was her lifelong passion.

She was a member of Crossings Community

Church congregation choir and chapel choir. She was also a devoted alto of the Canterbury Choral Society. She not only served as a vocal coach to many successful Miss Oklahoma pageant students, but was also a registered judge with the pageant system for more than 20 years.

Introduced by mutual friends in 1987, Pam met Steve Sullivan on a blind date and married him in 1989; they celebrated their 25th anniversary in 2014 by returning to their honeymoon destination in Banff and Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

1 94 6

Dorothy L. Howard

1 94 7

Bernice Wey

1 94 9

Ernestine ScottKenneth E. Hazen

1 9 5 0

Jerry A. PotterLeymond A. BowlbyEdmund G. Rotzinger

1 9 5 2

Jean B. KelneRobert R. SpearsMary E. Fariss

1 9 5 3

Marjorie Harrigan

1 9 5 4

Allen D. Mitchell

1 9 5 7

Bill G. OlsonTravis T. Benson

1 9 5 8

James P. Schones

1 9 6 0

Victor E. Bailey

1 9 6 2

Richard H. Walton

1 9 6 4

Gorst H. Duplessis

1 9 6 5

Dale JarvisJerry H. Holland

1 9 6 6

Jean B. Kelne

1 9 67

Margaret T. Coin

1 9 6 8

Betty J. BrooksRobert L. Barr

1 9 69

Michael R. GreenJerry D. Parker

1 97 3

T. Logan Brown

1 974

Jerry D. ParkerLewis H. TewHelen V. Harrison

1 976

Barbara B. Doty

1 9 8 0

Page P. MorganFrank C. Ray

1 9 8 1

Paul J. Lane

1 9 8 4

Wilbert H. Henderson

1 9 8 6

Pamela S. Sullivan

1 9 87

Gary W. Briggs

1 9 92

Douglas E. Paris

1 9 9 3

Gene B. RussellCarolyn M. Yearwood

2 0 0 1

Neil A. Clark

2 0 02

Stephen E. Booker

2 0 0 4

Leo F. Blades

2 0 07

Jacob Decker

2 0 1 1

Jeremy B. Cumbie

2 0 14

Michael S. Schafer

C L AS S O F C L AS S O F C L AS S O F

SHE COACHED MANY SUCCESSFUL MISS OKLAHOMA PAGEANT STUDENTS.

SUBMIT MEMORIES TO FOCUSEmail focus@okcu.edu

okcu.edu/give // 25

Since the founding of our University in 1904, this enterprise of United Methodist higher education has been sustained by donors who realize they are investing in the future by supporting our students. Oklahoma City University is privileged to recognize our donors for the 2014-15 year, and we invite you to join us in honoring them for their generous support of the University. These individuals and organizations are as diverse as the student population they support with their contributions, yet they have a common goal of sustaining a mission which has resulted in thousands of exceptionally equipped servant-leaders for our community and our world.

Our staff has worked carefully to ensure that this list of donors who have made cash gifts, pledges, and pledge payments of $1,000 or more between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015, is as accurate as possible. If you know of an error or omission or have questions regarding this information, please call the OCU Office of University Advancement at (405) 208-7000.

COMPLETE LISTING

For a comprehensive list of our overall 2014-15 Honor Roll of Donors, please visit okcu.edu/focus.

s Member in memorium « OCU employee

Annual support provides a vital source of institutional momentum, allowing OCU to enhance learning opportunities, provide financial assistance to students, meet emerging needs, and take advantage of new opportunities. The university is pleased to be able to recognize those who have shown exemplary support through their gifts between July 1, 2014 and June 30, 2015.

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

26 // FOCUS Fall 2015

CUMULATIVE GIFTS OF $1 MILLION OR MORE

Founders are an exceptional group of donors who have earned a place of distinction through their commitment to Oklahoma City University and their remarkable generosity, which continues to advance the university’s mission. Each has made cumulative gifts of $1 million or more.

Ann Simmons AlspaughAnadarko Petroleum CorporationWanda L. Basss

Martha Burger Clays and Eleanors CarrithersChesapeake Energy Corporation, Inc.The Chickasaw NationJeroldine Zacharitz Clarks

Marvins and Enas DawsonDevon Energy CorporationThe Luther T. Dulaney FamilyJosephine W. FreedeJerry Gamble and Jane Jayroe GambleGaylord FamilyHarris Foundation, Inc.Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, Inc.

Inasmuch FoundationClara Edith Joness

Lou Kerr/The Kerr Foundation, Inc.Kerr-McGee Corporation, Inc.Kirkpatrick FamilyAnn Lacy and James Alexanders

Kurt and Cathy LeichterHaskell L. Lemon FamilyTom and Judy LoveThe J.E. and L.E. Mabee FoundationMcLaughlin Family Charitable FundCharles E. Mehrs

Herman and LaDonna MeindersThe Meinders FoundationGary M. MooreThe Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation

Families of Henry NorickRon and Kandy NorickOklahoma Conference of

The United Methodist ChurchOklahoma Gas and Electric

Company Foundation, Inc.The Robert A. Parman FoundationPetree FamilyRobert & Ruby Priddy

Charitable TrustSarkeys FoundationDick and Jeannettes SiasJeanne Hoffman SmithVivian Wimberlys

Flora Rouse Winters

Distinguished Stars Benefactors$100,000 & ABOVE

Anonymous63 Grand, LLCG.T. and Libby BlankenshipPhil and Cathy BuseyChesapeake Energy Corporation, Inc.The Chickasaw NationDelaware Resource Group of Oklahoma, LLCE.L. and Thelma Gaylord FoundationThe William Randolph Hearst FoundationInasmuch FoundationThe J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation, Inc.McLaughlin Family Charitable FundBill MeeCharles E. Mehrs

Herman and LaDonna MeindersThe Meinders FoundationRon and Kandy NorickOklahoma City Community FoundationOklahoma Conference of the United

Methodist ChurchRay and Pat Potts

Premier Assets, Inc.George Scott Family TrustDick SiasSous Family Foundation, Inc.Ziad SousWCM Investment Company

Stars Benefactors$10,000-$99,999

Ad Astra FoundationSteve Agee«

Ann Simmons AlspaughAhmed and Ola Nawar AmayemAmerican Fidelity FoundationAnonymousAnschutz Family FoundationThe Ayco Charitable FoundationBancFirstWanda L. Bass Foundation, Inc.Charlie and Cassie BowenCharles and Cassandra Bowen

Charitable FoundationDennis« and Chris BoxJohn BroganHenry W. Browne

Martha BurgerBob and Chimene BurkeCommunities Foundation of OklahomaJoe and Valerie« CouchCresap Family FoundationJoe and Sherry CrosthwaitCrowe & DunlevyCrowe & Dunlevy Foundation, Inc.Sam and Bushra DahrPhil H. Deschners

Dexter Johnson Education TrustDavid DonchinDick and Cynthia DuggerDrew and Linda EdmondsonEl Dorado CorporationMatthew and Jill EppersonClyde R. Evans Charitable TrustJose FreedeWilliam Scott GallagherWilliam Scott Gallagher, P.L.L.C.General Board of Higher Education

& Ministry of the UMCSteve and Carol GoetzingerHarry Goldman and Jettie PersonGoodin Family FoundationKenneth and Janet Goodin

Harris Foundation, Inc.Nicholas HarrozThe Nick Harroz Jr. Familly FoundationHartzog, Conger, Cason & Neville, LLPGretchen HartzogHC Financing LLLPLarry« and Gay HellmanRobert Henry« and Jan Ralls HenryGary and Sue HomseyKevin HoosIntegris Health, Inc.Jexal Foundation, Inc.Bill and Stacy JunkFarouk and Noha KanaaSteven and Carrie KatiganLou C. Kerr/The Kerr Foundation, Inc.Linda Petree LambertLarason Blue Ridge Rams, LLCTimothy and Linda LarasonDuke and Linda LigonGreg and Lisa LoveTom and Judy LoveLove's Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc.John MackechnieJason and Carly MadererKarl F. and June S. Martin Family Foundation

okcu.edu/give // 27

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Steve MathisMcAfee & TaftPhilelle D. McBrayerGlynn and Sandy McCauleyTom and Brenda McDanielBud and Marilyn MeadeMidtown HC, LLCJeaneen NaifehNorick Investments, Inc.Christian O'DonnellOklahoma United Methodist Foundation

Ted and Frances OneyThe Robert A. Parman FoundationPhillips 66Jeffry and Julie PuryearTom QuinnGene RainboltGeorge and Mary Ellen RandallRobert Glenn Rapp FoundationGeorge and Nancy RecordsRecords-Johnston Family Foundation, Inc.Sarkeys Foundation

Satori Productions LLCAnne L. SchneiderStuart and Pamela SchroederSchwab Charitable FundAnn M. ShawBill and Pam ShdeedSimmons Charitable FoundationRichard and Norma SmallRichard P. and Norma T. Small FoundationJeanne Hoffman SmithSSM Health Care of Oklahoma

Richard and Glenna TanenbaumTrust Company of OklahomaTrust Company of Oklahoma — TulsaSteve and Marsha TurnerVanguard Charitable Endowment ProgramJerry and Melinda VannattaVillage of Woodland Hills, LLCLew and Myra WardWatson Family FoundationWesley Foundation Board of DirectorsFrank and Carol Williams

President’s Partners is Oklahoma City University’s annual giving recognition society showcasing the generosity of those who contribute $1,000 or more during the year. Such loyal donors, whether they make unrestricted gifts or gifts designated toward their areas of interest, inspire others to make a difference for the university at a leadership giving level each year.

GOLD$5,000-$9,999

Access MLP Operating, Inc.American College of Bankruptcy FoundationAnonymousRobert and Nancy AnthonyTerry BaransySusan Barber and David NagleBeasley Oil CompanyAndrew and Debby BentonJoel and Jackey BieberDavid BohnertVivian Bonifields

George W. and Louise W. Brown Memorial Trust

Bob and Karen BrowneThe Burbridge FoundationButterfield Memorial FoundationTom and Toni CassoRoy and Pat ChandlerWallace H. and Emogene G. CollinsCompliance Technology Group, LLCBill and Mary Ann CorumCrossroads District of the OK Annual

Conference UMCJim and Mickey DanielsDesign+Build Group, LLCTricia EverestPaul and Debbie FlemingFrankfurt-Short-Bruza Associates, P.C.Jerry Gamble and Jane Jayroe GambleMichael Gibson«

Jack GolsenRobert and Debra GrayRobert Dean Gray, PCChris HarrisonGwen Harrison

Keegan HarrozHC Services, LLCHeritage HallDan and Sarah HoganConor Holt« and Camille HerronMichael and Sydney HomseyCliff and Leslie HudsonIBM International FoundationJames and Phyllis JacksonNiles Jackson and Barbara ThorntonSheryl JacobsGeorge Kaiser Family FoundationKennedy Consulting Team, LLCJohn KennedyKimray, Inc.King Family Properties, LLCRobert KingKirkpatrick Foundation, Inc.Eric Laity«

Bobbie Burbridge LaneArt« and Betsy LeFrancoisKurt and Cathy LeichterHarrison and Elaine LevyLance LodesMcDaniel Family FoundationVicki Miles-LaGrangeBob and Margaret MillsBob Mills FurnitureAli MoussaPhillips Murrah, PCDolores NeustadtKeri Coleman Norris and Ty NorrisOklahoma Bar Foundation, Inc.Oklahoma City Boathouse FoundationOklahoma City National Memorial

FoundationOklahoma County Bar FoundationJake Pfarr and Jana Wingo-Pfarr

Jane Jayroe Gamble and Jerry Gamble attend the inaugural Holiday Gala, a benefit of membership in President's Partners. Photo by Jerry Hymer

28 // FOCUS Fall 2015

James PickelThomas and Lisa PriceTom and Lisa Price Charitable FoundationThe Professional Basketball Club, LLCPaul and Kim SandersRebecca SchneiderChris and Jeanie« SholerSmith & Pickel Construction, Inc.Hatton W. Sumners Foundation, Inc.Art SwansonBarry and Rebecca SwitzerTheatre Arts, Inc.Cullen and Bonnie ThomasLinda TuckerTy and Lori TylerJustin VogtWal-Dot FoundationWilliams Box Forshee & Bullard, PCBrent Foster and Keri Williams FosterPaul and Linda WoodyHub Worrell

SI LVER$2,500-$4,999

Scot AkinsPhil and Jo AlbertSue Ann ArnallAnonymousGlen and Kolee BaileyBrian and Julia Bakeman

Bank of OklahomaBank of Oklahoma FoundationRonald and Debbie BarnesMarc and Amie BostianDavid Brown and Ann Noble BrownBob and Barbara BunceJack BushRod and Peggy CampbellSteven and Taolo CargillDoug and Rose CarlsonCentral Liquor CompanyChamberlain Medical, Inc.Jim Ditmars and Cathy ChristensenCathy M. Christensen, P.C.Dougherty Family Charitable Trust Fund

of Triangle Community FoundationDennis and Nancy DoughertyGreg DownsEchols and AssociatesJalal FarzanehMohammad FarzanehChristopher and Jacqueline FiegelFirst National Bank of OklahomaGeneral Electric CompanyGranite Fiberglass Pools and SpasMo and Jacque GrotjohnBradley GungollIrene HamJohn Q. Hammons Two, LPCarol M. Hansen

James and Jean HartsuckKim and Suzette HatfieldBrad and Kim HenryHenry-Adams CompaniesRandy HoganEric and Kami HuddlestonJohn and Janet HudsonInterfaith Youth CoreInternational Bank of CommerceJohn K. JohnsonLaurie L. Jones«

Stephen JonesKhichi FamilyAnn LacyThe Ann Lacy FoundationDavid LeeLSB Industries, Inc.Marathon Oil CorporationRobert and Marty MargoAubrey and Kathleen McClendonGregory and Kathy McCrackenGreg McCracken & AssociatesPat McGarrity and Leroy BallLiz McLaughlinMercy Accounts Payable Shared ServicesMelvin and Jasmine MoranJim and Lou MorrisKyle and Ashley MurphyBob and Carol NaifehBrad and Valerie Naifeh

OG&E Energy Corp.OGE Energy Corp. Foundation, Inc.Marty«and Deborah« O'GwynnOklahoma Energy Resources BoardOklahoma Natural Gas CompanyRichard and Gayle ParryMarsh and Debbie PitmanPuterbaugh FoundationRalph A. Sallusti, PCRalph and Sandy SallustiMeg SalyerJames SchmidtTony and Phyllis ShelbyRoger and Barbara SimonsElliott Fenton and Lu SimpsonCraig Stinson and Krista JonesJames and Elizabeth TolbertTriangle Community Foundation, Inc.Deb Tussey«

University of Oklahoma Foundation, Inc.Gail VinesJim WadeKirk WofordMark and Gale WoodJohn M. Yoeckel

BRONZ E$1,000-$2,499

611 Construction7-Eleven Stores

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Caroline GoodinAccounting Junior

OCU has had a huge impact on my life. Not only have I been blessed with teammates as

best friends for life and a coach who helps us improve our golf games every day, but I’ve

made strong connections with business leaders in Oklahoma City through my professors.

‘‘

AC T I V I T I E S• Women’s Golf Team member• Student Athletic Advisory Committee• NAIA Association of Student Athletes• Alpha Phi Director of Finance and

Statistics Chairman• Student Accounting Society

• Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society

AC H I E V E M E N T S• NAIA Golf National Championship• Chesapeake Presidential Scholar• SAC Freshman of the Year• NAIA First Team All-American• Jim Wade Award Finalist

PL A N S• Work in the sports business industry

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

okcu.edu/give // 29

Jim« and Annetta AbbottDavid and Kathie AelvoetRhodly and Betty AldenRobert D. AllenJerome and Judy AltshulerAmerican Fidelity Assurance CompanyAnonymousWalker ArensonCharles Ashley and Nancy Coats-AshleyAmy L. BankheadMichael and Julia BarberMichael and Anita BarlowEd BarthHamden and Robyn BaskinJim and Kay BassChris BayouthDavid and Laura BealMark« and Teena BelcikLance and Linda BenhamJean BennerMary Benner«

Loyd and Judy BensonSteves and Sally BentleyKevin BerryNorwood BeveridgePaul and Colleen BicketTravis and Elise BlalockMike and Rita BlaserBlue Cross/Blue Shield of OklahomaJames and Dianna BonfiglioJim and Jo BooherJoellyn BrownJim and Betty BruceNorman and Karen BryantKent« and Lauri BuchananDoug and Rhonda BucklesBill and Billie BucklesWilliam R. and Billie Dean Buckles

FoundationBrandon and Kimberly BurtonLinda ByfordCarol ByrdMary Gilmore CaffreyAnders and Terry CarlsonJoe and Kristin CarsonKyle and Susan ChambersWade Christensen and Mary FallinDonald and Karen ClewellLawrence« and Chris CobbSteve ColemanConklin Family FoundationThomas ConklinConocoPhillips, Matching Gift ProgramRay CornelisonCotton Consulting LLCArt and Sandy CottonJ.W. CoyleBarbara S. CrandallBrian CravenDuane CummingsVivian DaleMark and Jackie DarrahMark Davies« and Kristin Alex Davies

Kyle Dean«

Al and Rita DearmonMichael DeckerPete and Karen DelaneyPeter and Karen Delaney Family FoundationPatricia R. DempsPaul DerbyDerryberry & Naifeh, LLPRobert DoengesBill and Liz« DonnellyMark and Jennifer DoremusMatthew and Christina DowellCarole J. DrakeFrederick DrummondDW Trucking, LLCThe Economic Club of OklahomaEddie Foundation, Inc.Phyllis EdsonJames A. Egans

Robert and Nancy EllisBarbara L. EskridgeLance EvansEventures, Inc.Jim and Christy EverestClay and Jamie FarhaBrad and Celine FergusonJoe and Marti FerrettiFidelity Charitable Gift FundFirst Commercial BankFirst United Bank and Trust CompanyDenise Flis«

Charles and Carla FlournoyTimothy FoleyFoundation Management, Inc.Four Par Properties LLCBert and Peggy FrancisKenny and Melba FrazierGray and Karen FredericksonGerald L. Gamble Company, Inc.Robert and Paulette GordonWarren and Jill GotcherVicki GourleyGrace Dental DesignSandra GraceMatt and Hallie GrantNate and Linda GranthamKyle GravesGreat Plains Coca-Cola Bottling CompanyGreater Oklahoma City Chamber

of CommerceGreater Saint Louis Community FoundationMark GuethleRochelle GuinnJim and Shelley HambyHomer and Treva HancockTheodore HansMeredith and Helen HardgraveJane HarlowHealth Care Service CorporationJohn and Melvena HeischDavid« and Lucy HerendeenHeritage Trust CompanyBrian and Laura Hobbs

HoganTaylor, LLPJohn and Claudia HollimanGlede and Teresa HolmanJ.R. and Patsy HomseyJoe R. Homsey, Attorney at Law, PCHenry and Laura HoodKaren Howick Ronald HowlandHunzicker BrothersTom and Ann HunzickerRonnie and Shahnaaz IraniScott JacksonJenco Roofing CompanyRobert and Mary« JenkinsDennis and Cheree JeterJo-Dex Group, Inc.Barry Johnson« and Melissa Smith-JohnsonCarroll JohnsonDavid JohnsonTom Johnson Investment Management , LLCBill and Ann JohnstoneJ.T. JonesTom Jones and Leslie TregillusDonald JordanYvonne KaugerMark and Gayla KellyNancy KenderdineMichael and Shirley KendrickJohn and Jane KenneyAlan and Angela KenningtonMichael and Candace KiehnSandy KimererCraig and Julie KnutsonLois and Stanley KruschwitzLambert Company, LLCLambert Investment Company, LLCMindy LambertDan and Phyllis LarsonLazy K PropertiesCindy LeeThe Lewis and Butler FoundationSyd LewisFoster and Judy LindleyDarren Lister and Jenee Naifeh ListerDan LittleDonald« and Sandra LongcrierDave and Lana LopezJanis LoveEdward« and Marie LyonsMA+ ArchitectsDonald and Barbara MacPhersonChetan MangalwedheEd and Kathy MartinMichael MassadMichael P. & Eunice M. Massad

Foundation Inc.Massey Family FoundationJohn MasseyMcClintock Heritage CollectionRick McKeeLarry and Rozia FosterBurrel and JoAnn McNaughtDan McNeill«

Jerry MeekRobert MeindersJoel and Nikki MilibandJason and Cindy MillerGlen and Yvonne MillerCal and Eleanor MoserBlair and Stephanie NaifehBernard NashKenneth NashNicole NelsonPete and Virginia NelsonNorthcutt Law FirmMarc NuttleOklahoma Bar AssociationOklahoma City Repertory TheatreOklahoma Employees Credit UnionDavid OoleyOrthopedic Associates, Inc.Michael« and H. Anne O'SheaGunay OzturkPanhandle Oil and Gas Inc.Sandy PantlikMark Parker«

Brian« and Dana ParsonsBill and Barbara PaulHomer PaulJerry and Charlette PerrymanJames PetersonArnaud PhamDionne Phelps«

Joseph PhillipsDavid PitzerPitzer's Lawn Management, Inc.Paul and Bridget Poputa-CleanFord and Sheryl PriceGeorge Proctor and Nancy DumoffProsperity BankQuail Creek Golf & Country ClubDavid and Kim RainboltRonald Raines and Dona VaughnSteven and Julie RaneyGhazi and Hoda RayanStephen and Sue ReelREES Associates Inc.Linda A. RiceRiverwind CasinoJustin and Allison RobinsonJohn RobinsonWyatt and Joni RobsonJ.D. and Patricia RohrerJ.D. Rohrer, PCPat and Marianne RooneyCasey R. Ross-Petherick«

James and Sharon RowanShannon B. RundellWes and Suad SalousGary and Carol SanderShane and LaDonna SandersShelly SandersPete Serrata«

Gary and Anne ShanerStephanie ShanorRandy and Elizabeth« Sheppard

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

30 // FOCUS Fall 2015

Ann C. ShermanAnn Sherman PhotographySMGBill and Jean SmithCharles and Rayvon SmithLee Allan and DeAnn SmithShelby SmithW.M. Smith Energy LLCDarrell and Margaret SmokewoodSooner Beer CompanyDouglas Sorocco«

Cynthia Sparling

Bob« and Pam SpinksAndrew« and Ellen SpiropoulosIrwin and Kelley SteinhornScott StoneVictoria K. Swinney«

Marvona and Michael TavlinClayton and Marnie TaylorAuda M. ThomasJerry ThomasonTinker Federal Credit UnionWindle and Shirley TurleyElaine R. Turner

Frosty and Gayla TurpenUMB Bank, NAUnited Methodist Higher Education

FoundationRobert and Sharon VarnumVastRandi Von Ellefson«

Joseph and Cynthia WalkowskiWarhawk LegalWeGoLookTerry WestEllen Jayne Wheeler

Martha E. WhiteChuck and Renate WigginLarry and Ashlie WilhelmWilliams Companies FoundationJohn and Beverly WilliamsJohn Michael and Kathy WilliamsWoodland Products Inc.Evelyn Wynell Woodruffs

Lawrence and Sheryl Young

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

“Nebula,” the material from which stars are formed, is an appropriate description of this generous group of donors whose investment in OCU is essential to creating stars from each generation of OCU students. Nebula Society donors make unrestricted gifts of $1,000 or more annually , providing flexible resources to meet unexpected challenges or take advantage of exciting opportunities.

GOLD$5,000+

Vivian Bonifield«

Robert Henry« and Jan Ralls HenryLinda Petree LambertOklahoma City Community FoundationGeorge and Nancy RecordsRichard P. and Norma T. Small Foundation

S I LV E R$2,500-$4,999

AnonymousTerry BaransyChristopher and Jacqueline FiegelJerry Gamble and Jane Jayroe GambleIrene HamKim and Suzette HatfieldNiles Jackson and Barbara ThorntonHarrison and Elaine Levy

Jeaneen NaifehMarsh and Debbie PitmanJames SchmidtTony and Phyllis Shelby

B RON Z E$1,000-$2,499

7-Eleven StoresWalker ArensonDavid and Laura BealLoyd and Judy BensonJoellyn BrownDoug and Rhonda BucklesBob and Barbara BunceMary Gilmore CaffreyVivian DaleKyle Dean«

Frederick DrummondRobert and Nancy EllisJim and Christy Everest

Tricia EverestJoe and Marti FerrettiJose FreedeNate and Linda GranthamJane HarlowTom and Ann HunzickerRonnie and Shahnaaz IraniCarroll JohnsonBill and Ann JohnstoneJ.T. JonesYvonne KaugerLou C. Kerr/The Kerr Foundation, Inc.Dan and Phyllis LarsonDuke and Linda LigonFoster and Judy LindleyDan LittleDave and Lana LopezTom and Brenda McDanielBurrel and JoAnn McNaughtDan McNeill«

Melvin and Jasmine MoranKenneth NashRon and Kandy NorickMarty« and Deborah« O'GwynnDavid OoleySandy Pantlik«

Gene RainboltSteven and Julie RaneyJohn RobinsonPat and Marianne RooneyShannon B. RundellGary and Carol SanderGary and Anne ShanerStephanie ShanorMarvona and Michael TavlinClayton and Marnie TaylorRichard Wansley and Meredith DavisonChuck and Renate WigginJohn Michael and Kathy Williams

The Gold Star Society recognizes donors who provide support for OCU through deferred or estate gifts. Such legacy gifts can touch OCU in a variety of ways. Some donors choose to have their gift applied wherever the need is greatest, while others support endowed scholarships, professorships, or chairs. Others direct their support toward a program or project that inspires them. Also among the members are donors who have established endowed funds with the university.

Marilyn Abercrombie-JoynerHelen Hinman Abernathys

Kay AdairJean M. Affeldts

Bess M. Aikenss

Victor F. Albert

Betty J. AldenRhodly L. AldenJ. Bart Aldridges

Geronimo AlexanderKatherine Alexanders

Stephanie B. Allisons

Nabhan AlnabhanAnn S. AlspaughJerome K. AltshulerJudy M. AltshulerAlan B. AndersonKalpa M. Andersons

William Ed Archers

Dorothy M. Atkinss

Joseph N. AtkinsJosephine E. AtkinsRaymond T. Ayerss

Troy E. Bailey

William S. Baileys

Julia BakemanT. Brian BakemanSusan C. BarberRoland K. Barkers

Linda C. Barnett

Marguerite P. Barretts

Clark Basss

James C. BassKay BassWanda L. Basss

Bruce L. Bates

okcu.edu/give // 31

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

R. Thomas BeadlesFloy S. Beans

Jean Frances Beattys

Gladys Beavens

George P. Bensons

Travis T. Bensons

Howard K. BerryFlorence Bettiss

Florence G. BirdwellRobert L. Birdwells

James H. Blossoms

Norma R. Blossoms

Caroline L. Blues

Johnny A. Blues

Kathleen Tucker Bones

Vivian A. Bonifields

Opal Bostons

Edna H. Bowmans

Loretta Kay BradleyEsther E. Brindleys

Alan B. BrookingAlbert H. Brookss

George W. Browns

Kleida W. Browns

Louise W. Browns

Henry W. BrowneEllen L. Bryans

Robert A. BryanLillian B. Bryants

Paul T. BryantTanya S. BryantBecky BuchananJames C. BuchananMary L. Buress

Martha A. BurgerBob G. BurkeClarence W. Burrs

James L. Burtons

Vince Busbys

Jack G. BushRobert ButkinM.K. ButlerHugh V. Bylers

Chester CadieuxDebbie CadieuxMabel Campbells

Bettie CareyJohn M. CareyJohn Hoyle Carlocks

Henry Carlsons

Lucille Carlsons

Eleanor Carritherss

Claudia Carroll-PhelpsRoy W. ChandlerB.C. Clarks

Jeroldine Zacharitz Clarks

Bard H. CoatsDonna R. CoatsCarol H. CochranMary E. CoffeyChristine CollinsElizabeth Herring Collinss

Jack T. Conns

Lois A. CoopriderDon E. CopelinGeorge D. CraigLelah P. Craigs

Catherine Crains

Nuell Crains

Pearl E. Crains

Lisa Crone-SheldonRussell Croochs

M. Joe CrosthwaitBessie B. Cunninghams

Curtis B. Cunninghams

A.S. DahrPhilip E. Daughertys

Herbert E. Daviss

Ena Dawsons

Marvin Dawsons

Michael L. DeckerPhil H. Deschners

Judith H. DillonPeter G. DillonWilliam C. Doengess

Catherine E. DoughertyDennis J. DoughertyNancy DoughertyPatricia J. DowningCleo Drabeks

John Prather Easts

Larry A. EberhardtEmmanuel E. EdemIrene EdemPhyllis K. EdsonOrville E. EdwardsSarah S. Edwardss

Jim A. Egans

Violet Egans

Pat EitzenRonald P. EitzenDonald G. EmlerJuel Emricks

Jill A. EppersonMatthew A. EppersonBroneta D. Evanss

LeVerda Evanss

C. Randolph EverestHarvey P. Everests

Ellis E. Fairs

Marjorie J. Fannings

Clifford E. FarmerEsther W. Farmers

Jalal FarzanehMohammad FarzanehSylvanus G. Felixs

Elliott C. FentonLee Findlays

G. Russell Fletchers

O.F. Folmers

Joe FoorSharon G. ForeTed Fosters

Paul A. FoxJosephine W. FreedeMilton H. Freelands

Robert D. FryNick L. GalesMarion B. Galloways

Gerald L. GambleMichael GardnerBarbara GarrettVelma Gillettes

Elizabeth Girtmans

Roger Givenss

Gordon D. GoeringJack E. GolsenJennie Goodson-Cannons

John S. GorrellDorothy M. Grahams

Drucilla L. GravesMary Greenshieldss

Kenna R. GriffinMary K. GrissoJacque GrotjohnMo GrotjohnNorma Rowe Gunns

Larry M. HaagColbert F. Hacklers

Attieson H. HalbrookLee P. HallRichard E. HallTreva R. HancockCarol M. HansenHerschel Willis Harders

Allen K. HarrisHelen O. Hartmans

Basel S. HassounRichard P. HastingsPatricia HatamyarGretchen L. HatleyMorris L. HatleyBeryl HawkinsElton M. Hendersons

Robert H. HenryElizabeth A. Hensleys

John G. Herveys

J.B. Hitts

Orina E. HokeTom R. HokeConnie HollandWayne HollandGary B. HomseyFrank L. Hortons

Karen A. HowardFlorence Hrons

Lyndall F. Hudsons

Darrell W. Hughess

Verna Hursts

Ronald G. JacobJane A. Jayroe GambleDixie S. JensenDonald F. Jensens

Baxter Johnsons

Dexter Johnsons

Patricia A. JohnsonClara E. Joness

Sybil R. JonesM. Farouk Kanaa

Nelma M. KarnsWilliam T. Karnss

Joseph W. KaufmanRoumaine Kearses

Iva B. Kelleys

Richard B. Kellss

Nancy I. KenderdineLou C. KerrKaren L. KirkpatrickSteve C. KnightEwald J. Kramers

Jim D. KutchMary J. KutchAnn Lacy

Grace D. Lamars

Sally J. Langstons

Margaret M. Larasons

Tim M. LarasonRuth G. LeebronCathy J. LeichterKurt LeichterHaskell L. Lemon Familys

Helen Lenns

W. Penn Lerblances

Frances Norick Lillys

Ona E. Loewensteins

Lloyd L. Longs

Janis S. Love

Fred R. Lynchs

Andrea L. MacMullinDonald W. MacPhersonMary N. MailmanElda Maniss

Harlene MarleySamuel E. MarrsJames L. Martins

Callie Jane Maschals

Michael P. MassadW.C. Mathess

Margaret G. Mathiss

Christopher A. MauldinDorothy Mayess

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Lauren UrsoMusic Theater and Vocal Performance Junior

My acceptance letter into OCU was the biggest blessing I received during my senior year in high school. Along with my acceptance letter, I was given scholarship money for my area of study and I instantly felt feelings of deep gratitude that not only was I accepted into the school of my dreams, but I was also wanted in my program. The scholarship money meant that I could worry less about the inevitable financial strain of my study and focus more on the work and joy of developing myself into the performer I had always dreamed of becoming.

‘‘

ACTIVITIES• Gamma Phi Beta member

ACHIEVEMENTS• Appeared in OCU

productions of “9 to 5,” “Bonnie and Clyde,” and “Rent”

• Master Choral Scholarship from Central Presbyterian Church

PLANS• Perform, teach, or be

surprised as an artist where the future leads

32 // FOCUS Fall 2015

Aubrey K. McClendonGene L. McCornackMariann McCornackJane M. McCreights

William G. McCreights

Brenda S. McDanielTom J. McDanielRichard F. McDivittDean A. McGees

John R. McInnisBurrel J. McNaughtJoAnn McNaughtDoloris A. McVayCharles E. Mehrs

Herman MeindersLaDonna MeindersL.D. Meltons

Nellie R. Meltons

Gene H. Midyetts

Patrick K. MilesFrances Milhouses

Paul W. Milhouses

Glenn E. MillardMary A. MillardBonnie L. MillerGlen O. MillerLewis Millers

Maudie M. MillerRetta MillerRoberta E. Millers

Yvonne MillerNannette E. Millesons

Frederick F. MischlerMargaret L. MoedtNile W. Montgomerys

Chloe J. MooreGary M. Moores

Helen G. Moores

Loy Morriss

Marian Morriss

Theresa L. Morriss

Eugene H. MorrisonFrederick J. Murnanes

Debbie Musick

David P. NagleJeaneen E. NaifehRaymond NaifehDennis B. NeffClara L. Neils

Gene A. Nelsons

Grace Nelsons

Charles Nesbitts

Margaret E. Newtons

Helen Nicholsons

Margaret NorickMarjorie J. Noricks

Ronald J. NorickJohn W. NormanTal OdenPatricia OrzaVincent F. OrzaNeva L. Osbornes

M. Lavell OwenRaymond H. Owens

Evelyn Parkers

Mark E. Parker

Richard H. ParryMargaret F. Pates

Bernie L. PattersonNell Pattersons

Marcella A. Pecks

Jane B. PelleyGeorge Pellingers

Brenda D. PenwellCharlette R. PerrymanJerry W. PerrymanF.M. Petrees

Margaret E. Petrees

Terry O. PhelpsRichard W. Pickenss

F. Warren Pixleys

Patricia J. PottsRay H. PottsPamela R. Prentice Parrishs

Winona S. Presleys

Emma Prices

Robert R. Prices

Aran R. Priddys

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Charles MehrBA ’43

Benefactor Charles Mehr has generously enabled dozens of OCU students to study the performing arts at Oklahoma City University and make their mark on the world. His endowed scholarships, made through a series of donations — including real estate, cash gifts, and planned gifts — support dance performance and music theater students and will continue to positively impact scholarship recipients for generations to come.

BAC KG ROU N DBorn in Claremore in 1919, Mehr enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1941. In the summer of 1942, he was commissioned as an Ensign and attended the Amphibious School at Camp Bradford in Norfolk, Va.

He was then deployed to England and participated in the invasion of Europe in 1944. In 1945, he transferred to Guam and became commanding officer of the U.S.S. LST 694. He also served on the U.S.S. Krishna, U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt, and U.S.S. Wren. He served in various roles on aide duty, including as aide and flag lieutenant to the military advisors to the joint chiefs of staff at the United Nations. Mehr completed tours of duty in Korea and Germany and worked at the New York Headquarters of the Military

DONOR DOLLARS AT WORK

okcu.edu/give // 33

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Betty Quinlans

George R. RandallMary Ellen RandallGhazi M. RayanJeanne Reeds

Ellen G. Reids

Margaret K. Replogles

Mary E. ReplogleRobert E. ReynoldsKathleen Rhodess

Helen A. Riddles

Esther A. Robinsons

Charles A. RockwoodWarren O. Rombergers

Casey R. Ross-PetherickFlora Rouse Winters

Erma L. Rouses

Maryetta H. Rowes

Dennis N. RubensteinRichard N. RyersonJoseph H. SahmauntArthur W. Salisbury

Orval J. Samss

Mary C. Sargents

Freeda M. Sarjents

George B. Saunderss

J.B. Saunderss

Michael D. SchagMerrill SchnitzerPamela B. SchroederStuart R. SchroederGeorge W. Scotts

Hugh W. ScottShirley D. ScottMinnie Sebas

Cheryl SeguineRobert W. SeguineRuth E. SeidemanGarvin SennJohn Shakelys

Pamela H. ShdeedWilliam F. ShdeedGeorge H. Shirks

Ruby Lu Simpson

Naomi L. SingerCarl W. Skinners

Ruth Skinners

Emma P. Smiths

Jeanne Hoffman SmithJessie C. SmithShelby L. SmithWilliam E. SmithAlberta W. Soloways

Ziad SousLynnie C. Spahns

Robert H. Spahns

Carol V. Spencers

Arlene Staatss

Barbara F. SteinbergGrace M. Stephensons

Irene StewartWalter Stillers

James R. StithCarl W. Stokess

J. Russell StoneWayne D. Stone

William R. StrainHope R. Strasners

Lemuell Summerss

Irene Swateks

Rosalinn H. Swinkas

Glenna G. TanenbaumRichard I. TanenbaumMarvona S. TavlinMichael J. TavlinDonald W. Tharps

Charles R. Thigpens

Mary E. Thigpens

Bette Thomass

Marge Edwards Thomass

Pete ThomasTom A. Thomass

Abbie Thompsons

Edith ThompsonKelly R. ThompsonMacKenzie C. Thompsons

Howard B. Thorntons

Peggy Thorntons

Sea Transportation Office. He retired from the Navy in 1964.

Mehr went on to work at AMETCO Shipping and International Carbon Company in New York. He later went into the inn and restaurant business in Massachusetts and Maine. He returned to Oklahoma City in 2006 and passed away in 2014.

C H A R L E S E . M E H R S C HOL A R S H I P F U N DMehr’s love for music, dance, and theater inspired him to establish several endowed scholarships at OCU for students in those disciplines. At the urging of his brother-in-law, Richard Poole, Ph.D., Mehr decided to establish the scholarships while living so that

he could interact with scholarship recipients. “I told him, ‘Don’t wait until you die because if you do it now, you’ll get to have a lot of interaction with it,’” Poole remembered. Poole continues to receive letters on Mehr’s behalf from past recipients who express deep appreciation for his support, encouragement, and influence.

Far Left: Charles Mehr served as a Navy Ensign in World War II.

Left: OCU administrators and deans of the performing arts schools greeted Dr. Richard Poole, seated at right next to President Robert Henry, when he delivered a $500,000 check in support of the Mehr Scholarship Fund in May. Photo by Rod Jones

34 // FOCUS Fall 2015

Gladys M. Tuckers

M. Kevin TullyPatricia R. TullyMelinda D. TuneAlireza VahabzadehRobert W. Van HouseNellie Mae Vandegrifts

Wilbur Vandegrifts

James Vanderpools

Jerry B. VannattaMarianne B. Vannattas

Betty L. Veatchs

George E. VickreyNadine Vincents

Mildred S. Voaks

James L. WadeLarry R. Wades

Mary J. Wades

C. Gene WalkerJerald C. WalkerVirginia K. WalkerDora Warnes

Warren K. Watsons

Herman Wegeners

Mary Wegeners

Miriam M. Wests

Helen L. Westervelds

Clarrissa E. Wheats

William H. Wheats

Ellen Jayne WheelerGladys B. WhetstineAlice B. Whittens

Spudds Wideners

R.A. Wildmans

Annette G. Wilkess

Norman G. Wilkss

Max V. WilliamsDrew WilliamsonLizette R. WilliamsonFlorence O. Wilsons

Raymond D. Wilsons

Owen Wimberlys

Vivian Wimberlys

Georgia Wintons

Jacqueline M. WiseCharles C. WislerFrances J. Wislers

Lisa M. WolfeBetty L. WoodenEvelyn Wynell Woodruffs

W.W. Woodworths

Rose Woodworths

Willis C. Worleys

Hubert R. WorrellCeline M. Wyatts

Euclid M. Wyatts

Kiyoko Yamamotos

Lisa YeMark YeBeverly A. YoungCarl W. YoungMary Wells Youngs

L. S. Youngbloods

Edna Zaspels

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Alumni Association

Alumni Legacy Endowed ScholarshipAlumni Lifetime Membership Endowment

Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment

American Spirit Dance Company EndowmentAmerican Spirit Dance Company Endowed ScholarshipPeg Leg Bates American Dance & Dance Management

Endowed ScholarshipJohn Hitt Endowed ScholarshipAnn Lacy and James E. Alexander Endowed ScholarshipTom and Brenda McDaniel Endowed Scholarship for Dance

and Arts ManagementCharles E. Mehr Endowed Dance ScholarshipLee Paramore Endowed Dance ScholarshipMarcella Patterson Endowed Dance Teacher ScholarshipRitz International Foundation Endowed ScholarshipJo Rowan Endowed Dance ScholarshipAlleyne F. Schweinle Endowed ScholarshipBetty Stockard Endowed Scholarship

Athletics

Denney Crabaugh Endowment for OCU BaseballMelvin Decker Memorial Athletic Endowed ScholarshipDevon Boathouse Quasi EndowmentEducation Athletic Endowed ScholarshipWilliam A. Grana Endowed ScholarshipPaul Hansen Memorial Endowed Athletic ScholarshipBrian Harvey Academic Soccer Endowed ScholarshipAbe Lemons Endowed Athletic ScholarshipEugene H. Morrison Endowment for Men's BasketballEugene H. Morrison Endowment for BaseballEugene H. Morrison Endowment for Men's GolfWilliam Nashert Endowed Scholarship

Hugh and Diane Scott Athletic EndowmentStar Elementary School Memorial Endowed ScholarshipGeneral James L. Wade Athletic Endowment

Dulaney-Browne Library

William & Romaine Bailey Religious Library Collection Endowment

Logan Cary Science & Engineering Library Book EndowmentDulaney-Browne Library EndowmentElizabeth Clark Gordon Memorial EndowmentB.D. Lack Endowment

General University

8000 for OCU Endowed ScholarshipPalmer C. Abercrombie Endowed ScholarshipAfrican American Endowed ScholarshipAFS Employee Dependent Endowed ScholarshipEmery O. and Bess M. Aikens ScholarshipAmerican Indian Alumni Endowed ScholarshipJames Noble Atkins Memorial Book EndowmentTroy Bailey Endowed ScholarshipBrian and Julia Bakeman Endowed ScholarshipErminda and Sophia Banning Endowed ScholarshipBruce & Marjorie Bates Endowed ScholarshipMcKinley Billy Endowed ScholarshipJames H. & Norma R. Blossom Endowed ScholarshipClyde & Evelyn Bowen Endowed ScholarshipHomer S. & Margaret Brauer Anderson Endowed ScholarshipEdward W. and Ethel Mae Brindley Endowed ScholarshipAlice Brown Endowed ScholarshipEllen L. Bryan Endowed ScholarshipJames C. Buchanan III & Becky Buchanan Endowed

Scholarship & Capital ExpendituresC. W. Burr Endowed ScholarshipCampus Beautification Endowment

H. Arthur Carlson & Mary Lucille Carlson Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Roy Chandler Endowed ScholarshipChapel Maintenance Endowment — Harris FoundationChinese Endowed ScholarshipChurch of the Good Sheperd Endowed ScholarshipClint Foundation Endowed ScholarshipStudent Senate Coffia Award Endowed ScholarshipCouncil for Excellence EndowmentHazel & Russell Crooch Endowed ScholarshipDevon Energy Clara Luper Endowed ScholarshipDistinguished Speakers Series EndowmentKamil Eddie, Sr. Memorial Endowed ScholarshipWalter N. & Alice K. Epler Endowed ScholarshipBroneta Evans Endowed Religion ScholarshipFair-Folmer Endowed ScholarshipGeorge D. Findlay Memorial Endowed ScholarshipGerald L. & Jane Jayroe Gamble Endowed Scholarship

& Capital ExpendituresRichard Gibbens Endowed ScholarshipJ. E. Hall Endowed ScholarshipRichard E. Hall Endowed ScholarshipPaul Hansen Endowed Scholarship for the Hearing ImpairedJohn & Martha Hardt Endowed ScholarshipMary E. Harris Endowed ScholarshipJudge Robert Henry Endowed ChairDan Hogan Endowed ScholarshipHolland Family EndowmentHomeland Endowed Scholarship for Native American StudentsHonda Native American Endowed ScholarshipHoopes Endowed ScholarshipFrank Horton Memorial Endowed ScholarshipIndian Misson Land EndowmentClara E. Jones Endowed ScholarshipPaul Jones Native American Endowed Scholarship

Endowment gifts serve as a meaningful way to support the university, not only providing for today’s needs but continuing to make a difference in perpetuity. A named endowment conveys values in a powerful way, creating a legacy that outlives the donor. An endowment, which may be established with an investment of $25,000, can build up over time, and even receive an ultimate gift through a donor’s estate. Oklahoma City University is grateful for our generous donors whose commitment will be carried into the future, impacting generations to come.

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

okcu.edu/give // 35

Iva B. Kelley Art & Law Endowed ScholarshipAnn Michele King Memorial Endowed ScholarshipLambda Chi Alpha Endowed ScholarshipClara Luper General Endowed ScholarshipOG&E Clara Luper Endowed ScholarshipFred & Margaret Lynch Endowed ScholarshipFred R. and Margaret Lynch Endowed Methodist ScholarshipWilliam D. Maril Memorial Endowed ScholarshipCordis Martin Endowed ScholarshipMichael & Eunice Massad Endowed ScholarshipD. & E. Mayes Endowed ScholarshipAnabell McConnell Memorial Endowed ScholarshipMcDaniel Endowed Leadership ScholarshipDean McGee EndowmentFlora H. McKay Endowed ScholarshipGenevieve Middagh Endowed ScholarshipBishop & Mrs. Paul Milhouse Endowed ScholarshipGene Nelson Endowed ScholarshipOikos Endowed ScholarshipJohn F. Olson Endowed ScholarshipJohn F. Olson Memorial Endowed LectureshipHarvey L. & Laura M. Parker Methodist Endowed ScholarshipRichard & Gayle Parry Endowed Fund for OperationsGertrude M. Patton Endowed ScholarshipJerry W. and Charlette R. Perryman Endowed ScholarshipF.M. Petree Endowed Book ScholarshipTerry & Lauren Phelps Endowed ScholarshipD.N. Pope Endowed ScholarshipOlen D. Presley Endowed ScholarshipC.L. & Aran Priddy Endowed Scholarships for American

Indian Students

Winnifred Reneau Endowed ScholarshipScottish Rite Endowed ScholarshipRotary Club Endowed ScholarshipBud & Ronald Sahmaunt Native American

Endowed ScholarshipA.C. Scott Endowed ScholarshipGeorge C. & Sara Scott Endowed ScholarshipL.E. Shackelford Endowed ScholarshipL.L. Shirley Endowed ScholarshipM.L. Simmons Endowed ScholarshipCharles E. Simpson Endowed Memorial ScholarshipRuth Ida Skinner Unrestricted EndowmentSloan-Fitzwilliam-Fanning Endowed ScholarshipWilliam H. Smith Endowed ScholarshipLynnie & Robert Spahn Endowed ScholarshipE.A. and Winnie Stewart Endowed ScholarshipLemuell Summers Endowed ScholarshipRosalinn Swinka Endowed ScholarshipEsther Taylor Endowed Memorial ScholarshipH. Emerson Thomas EndowmentTom A. Thomas, Jr. and Bette C. Thomas Unrestricted

EndowmentColonel William Thompson Endowed ScholarshipUnrestricted Endowed ScholarshipUnrestricted EndowmentJerald C. Walker International Endowed ScholarshipH.H. Wegener Endowed ScholarshipMiriam West Endowed ScholarshipLouis Allen Whitten Endowed ScholarshipDean Thomas A. Williams Memorial Endowed ScholarshipFlorence O. Wilson Endowed Scholarship

Florence O. Wilson House EndowmentFlora Rouse Winter Endowed ScholarshipJackie and Bill Wise Endowed ScholarshipBetty L. Wooden Endowed ScholarshipEuclid M. & Celine M. Wyatt Endowed ScholarshipEdna L. Zaspel Endowed Scholarship

Kramer School of Nursing

R.T. Ayers Family Endowed ScholarshipDenise Burton Endowed Nursing ScholarshipDavid & Barbara Green Endowed Nursing ScholarshipBrandon L. Hubbard Endowed ScholarshipKramer Nursing Endowed ScholarshipHarold & Edith Maris Memorial Endowed Nursing ScholarshipElaine Masters Endowed Leadership ScholarshipMSN Education Track Endowed ScholarshipNursing Endowed ScholarshipNursing Dean's Endowed ChairDaphyn Owen Endowed Scholarship for Kramer

School of NursingEd & Lorraine Reynolds Endowed Nursing ScholarshipRuth Kramer Seideman Endowed ScholarshipMarvel Williamson Endowed Nursing Scholarship

Meinders School of Business

American Floral Service Marketing Endowed ChairC.R. Anthony Endowed Chair in Competitive EnterprisesJeanne Reed Bowman Memorial Endowed ScholarshipAlan B. Brooking EndowmentMartha Burger and Donald Rowlett Endowed ScholarshipBurwell Endowed Chair

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Tanner PfluegerDance Performance Junior

Coming into my freshmen year, my

parents and I were very concerned

about how we were going to afford

tuition, but receiving help from

donors has really alleviated a lot of

the financial burden and I could not be

any more grateful. It means that I can

pursue my passion of studying dance.

‘‘ AC T I V I T I E S• Kappa Sigma vice president of

communications• National Society of Leadership and Success

AC H I E V E M E N T S• Ann Lacy School of American Dance and

Entertainment Most Promising Freshman • Charles E. Mehr Scholarship Recipient

PL A N S• Perform on Broadway, tours, cruise ships and

other venues

36 // FOCUS Fall 2015

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Chester Cadieux Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship in the Meinders School of Business

Chesapeake Energy Endowed ScholarshipB.C. Clark, Jr. Endowed Chair in the Meinders

School of BusinessCoca Cola Entrepreneur Speaker Series EndowmentJack Conn Endowed Chair in Meinders School of BusinessAnn Covalt Endowed ScholarshipWilliam C. Doenges Endowed ScholarshipB.D. Eddie Endowed ScholarshipHarvey P. Everest Endowed Business ScholarshipHenry James Freede Endowed ProfessorshipMichael Gardner Endowed Business ScholarshipGolsen Family Endowed Business Scholarship

J. Leland Gourley Scholarship in BusinessJames A. Graves Endowed ScholarshipMo & Jacque Grotjohn Endowed Business ScholarshipT.K. Hendrick Endowed Chair in Marketing & ManagementBill Hutton Memorial Endowed ScholarshipGeorge C. Jones, Jr. Endowed ScholarshipKerr McGee Business Endowed ScholarshipWilliam M. Leebron Endowed Business ScholarshipKurt and Cathy Leichter Business ScholarshipCharles B. Love Memorial Endowed ScholarshipTom J. McDaniel Endowed Scholarship Fund

in the Meinders School of BusinessDave and Jean McLaughlin Endowed ScholarshipMeinders School of Business Endowed Scholarship

(Brick Campaign)Meinders School of Business Enrichment EndowmentHerman Meinders Endowed Scholarship in Business

Kathryn Meinders Endowed ScholarshipMiss America Women in Business Endowed ScholarshipRobert Z. Naifeh Endowed Business ScholarshipSamuel Roberts Noble Foundation EndowmentNorick Endowed Chair in MarketingFamilies of Henry Norick Endowed ScholarshipVince and Patty Orza Endowed Business ScholarshipB. Claude Shinn Endowed Accounting ScholarshipWalter Stiller Endowed ScholarshipSwartz Endowed ScholarshipPeter Swartz Endowed Business ScholarshipRichard and Glenna Tanenbaum Endowed ScholarshipSam Tune Endowed Business ScholarshipWilbur & Nellie Vandegrift Endowed Business ScholarshipVerle & Lawrence Watson Endowed Business ScholarshipWarren K. Watson, Sr. Endowed Chair in ManagementC.W. Wisdom Endowed LectureshipWillis C. Worley, Jr. Endowed Scholarship

Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation

Jung Adair EndowmentErnestine Baker Memorial EndowmentClaude & Ollie Bell Scholarship EndowmentClaude & Ollie Bell Children's Center for the ArtsOllie & Claude Bell Endowment for Religious Life ProgramsOllie May Bell Religion ScholarshipElsie Blakeley Endowed ScholarshipBoyce Bowdon Award EndowmentW.E. & Ruby Bowers General Endowed ScholarshipRuth J. Brooks ScholarshipNeola Carpenter EndowmentEleanor Lou Carrithers Chair in Composition & WritingDuane Alan Carson Memorial EndowmentElizabeth Cowherd Memorial ScholarshipVirgil A. Cowherd Endowed ScholarshipJohn Crooch, Sr. Endowed ScholarshipRussell & Hazel Crooch Endowed ScholarshipFloyd & Doris Croxton Memorial Scholarship EndowmentElliott C. Fenton EndowmentJ. Edward Ford EndowmentRichard E. Gibbens ScholarshipElmer Graham Endowed ScholarshipGeorge Graham Endowed ScholarshipMary Evans Greenshields Scholarship EndowmentJohn & Martha Hardt Scholarship EndowmentVivian Head ScholarshipDe and Jean Hinckley ScholarshipHulet Family Scholarship EndowmentMildred Humphrey Endowed ScholarshipRobert & Linda Humphrey Scholarship TrustDwight R. & Ruth M. Hunt Endowed ScholarshipBetty Jean Jacobs Scholarship EndowmentJohnson-Rainwater Memorial MinisterialJessie Mae Jones Scholarship EndowmentKarns Memorial Endowed ScholarshipRobert S. Kerr, Jr. ChairPaul L. Kienholz FundTannie & John King Endowed ScholarshipLet's Get it Done CampaignDavid Long Memorial Endowed ScholarshipRetta Miller Scholarship FundMarvin & Kaye Nelson and Jean & Lowell Powers

Clergy Scholarship

OK Conf CTV OCU & CONG DevelopmentOK Conference Memorials ScholarshipOkeene First United Methodist Scholarship EndowmentOld Testament Endowed ChairAmos L. Osborne Memorial ScholarshipGlenda M. Pate ScholarshipMargaret E. Petree Music ScholarshipMargaret E. Petree Scholarships & AwardsRussell & Louise Rowley Scholarship EndowmentGene & Doris Russell Endowed ScholarshipCorinne L. Sare Scholarship TrustMorton Seigman ScholarshipDavid and Paula Severe FamilyEstelle Shepard Endowed ScholarshipOwen B. Skinner ScholarshipBess Smith Memorial Scholarship EndowmentD.C. & Ruth Smith Endowed ScholarshipAugusta Specht EndowmentPat Sprouls Endowed Memorial ScholarshipJim & Helen Taylor Scholarship EndowmentLouise Turner EndowmentUM Higher Education Foundation PartnerMartin & Ramona Voytko EndowmentDail & Frances West Religious Leadership ScholarshipMiriam West Endowed Scholarship

Petree College of Arts and Sciences

American Association of University Women Endowed Scholarship

Webster Lance Benham Endowed Memorial ProfessorshipTheo “Doc” and MarEllen Benson Endowed ScholarshipVirginia Berry Endowed Art ScholarshipJohnny Blue EndowmentAnn Carlton Book Endowed ScholarshipJean Boyle Endowed English ScholarshipRuth Jeanette Brooks Endowed Fine Arts ScholarshipJane Atwood Brown Memorial Endowed ScholarshipSarah Bernice Butkin Endowed Presidential Discretionary

Scholarship in the Arts & SciencesWilliam J. Coffia Memorial Endowed ScholarshipRobert P. and Betty Dennis Endowed ScholarshipDoers Cultural & Educational Foundation World House

Endowed ScholarshipOCU-Doers Taiwan Cultural Exchange ProgramEileen W. and Raymond J. Dougherty ScholarshipRoberta M. Eldridge Miller Endowed Art ScholarshipEndowed Chair in Islamic StudiesRobert Fink Endowed Chemistry ScholarshipGamble-Buchanan EndowmentGreat Plan Endowed ScholarshipBrooke Haley Memorial Endowed ScholarshipDennis Hawkins Memorial Endowed ScholarshipElizabeth Hensley Endowed Scholarship (Quasi)Homer C. Hyde Classical Studies ScholarshipArne V. & Louise Hunninen Endowed Biology ScholarshipRita Louise Kacey PL+US Endowed ScholarshipCallie Jane Maschal Norick Art Gallery EndowmentDean Nellie R. Melton Endowed ScholarshipSusan C. Barber and David P. Nagle Endowed ScholarshipClara Cates Neil Endowed ScholarshipMarjorie J. Norick & Frances Norick Lilly Endowed ScholarshipOCU Film Institute EndowmentRoberta Olson Great Plan Endowed Scholarship

okcu.edu/give // 37

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Outdoor Laboratory and Environmental Studies EndowmentPetree-Lambert Family Arts and Sciences Endowed

Honors ScholarshipPL+US Alumni Endowed ScholarshipDr. Raniyah Ramadan Memorial Endowed ScholarshipMary Ellen & George R. Randall Great Plan Endowed

ScholarshipBill Richardson Endowed Art ScholarshipEsther Robinson Endowed English ScholarshipRockwood Biology Endowed ScholarshipGeorge B. Saunders Endowed ScholarshipSingapore MDIS Endowed ScholarshipC.Q. Smith Memorial Endowed ScholarshipJeanne Hoffman Smith EndowmentDr. Elaine D. Smokewood Endowed ScholarshipArlene Staats Endowed ScholarshipGrace M. Stephenson Endowed ScholarshipMarjorie Nell Sussex Endowed Spanish Scholarship (Quasi)Edyth Arnold Swartz Endowed ScholarshipHoward & Peggy Thornton Endowed Mass Communications

ScholarshipBradley H. Wahnee Memorial Endowed ScholarshipDr. Lin Wei-Hsien Endowed Education ScholarshipDarbeth Whitten Endowed Chair in HistoryKen Yamamoto Endowed Memorial Art Scholarship

Saint Paul School of Theology at Oklahoma City University

Martha Jean Lemon Endowed Scholarship SPST OKCRichard and Johnece Ryerson Endowed Seminary Scholarship

School of Law

American Academy of Medical Ethics Endowed ScholarshipJohn Amick Endowed Law ScholarshipWilliam H. Bell Memorial Endowed ScholarshipFred A. Biehler Endowed ScholarshipVon Creel Endowed ScholarshipCrowe & Dunlevy Diversity Endowed ScholarshipPhil Daugherty Memorial Endowed Law ScholarshipMarjorie Downing Endowed Law ScholarshipFelix EndowmentTed Foster, Sr. Memorial Endowed ScholarshipFriedman-Lerblanc Endowed Law ScholarshipMelba R. Gaudin Law Library EndowmentRoger Givens Endowed ScholarshipHatton Sumners Law Endowed ScholarshipLloyd Henry Endowed Law ScholarshipJohn C. & Hallie Jean Hervey Memorial Endowed Law ScholarshipW. Feagin Hood Endowed ScholarshipWayne Eugene Johnson Memorial Endowed ScholarshipT. Hurley Jordan Endowed ScholarshipNancy I. Kenderdine Endowed ScholarshipKerr Challenge I EndowmentKerr Constitutional Endowed Law ChairRobert S. Kerr, Jr. Natural Resources/Environmental Law ChairLaw Scholars Endowed ScholarshipLaw Building EndowmentLaw Dean Position EndowmentLaw School Energy EndowmentDonald W. MacPherson Endowed ScholarshipTom and Brenda McDaniel Endowed ScholarshipBaker H. Melone Endowed Memorial ScholarshipLoy & Marian Morris Endowed Law Scholarship

Judge Raymond Naifeh Endowed Law ScholarshipNative American Legal Resource Center EndowmentCharles Nesbitt Awards EndowmentNorman & Edem Endowed ProfessorshipOAMA Endowed ScholarshipOCU Law General EndowmentJustice Marian P. Opala Endowed ScholarshipPate & Knarr, PC Commercial Banking Law Endowed ScholarshipRay Potts Endowed ScholarshipWayne Quinlan Memorial Endowed LectureshipAmy Rinehart Memorial Law ScholarshipSeize the Moment Endowed ScholarshipRichard and Jeannette Sias Art Preservation FundRoger Stephens Memorial Endowed ScholarshipHope Strasner Endowed ScholarshipDouglas M. Todd Endowed ScholarshipErnest L. Wilkinson Endowed Law Award

William M. Wilson Endowed Law Scholarship

School of Theatre

John & Helen Abernathy EndowmentMaybelle Conger Endowed ScholarshipMarianna Davenport Endowed ScholarshipTreva Hancock Endowed Drama ScholarshipClaire Jones Endowed ScholarshipCharles E. Mehr Endowed Theatre ScholarshipEllen G. Reid Endowment

University-Church Relations

Robert Adair EndowmentBarnett-Widener Ministerial Endowed ScholarshipHerbert and Marguerite Barrett Endowed Religious ScholarshipHerbert & Marguerite Barrett Mission Endowed ScholarshipFrank G. Blackwood Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship

38 // FOCUS Fall 2015

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Bishop Bruce P. Blake Endowed ScholarshipR. Fisher Blanton Endowed Religious Leadership ScholarshipKathleen Tucker Bone Endowed ScholarshipVirginia P. Bryant Endowed Religious ScholarshipClay & Eleanor Carrithers Endowed ScholarshipFlora & B.C. Clark Memorial Endowed ScholarshipMary Coffey Endowed ScholarshipBessie B. Cunningham Religious Leadership Endowed ScholarshipLulu S. Doenges Endowed ScholarshipJames & Violet Egan Memorial Endowed ScholarshipDonald & Suzanne Emler Religious Education

Endowed ScholarshipWesley UMC — Elliott C. Fenton Endowed ScholarshipGrace & Alma Garten Endowed ScholarshipJoyce & Gordon Goering Endowed ScholarshipDorothy Graham EndowmentA.R. Bert Larason Endowed ScholarshipLester W. & Mary E. Maddox Endowed ScholarshipElda A. Manis Endowed ScholarshipW.C. & Clarabelle Mathes Endowed Religious ScholarshipGlen O. Miller Endowed Ministry ScholarshipRetta Miller Religious Leadership Endowed ScholarshipDennis & Susan Neff United Methodist Endowed ScholarshipGladys Teter Nichols Endowed ScholarshipOklahoma United Methodist Conference Endowed ScholarshipDana Owen Endowed Scholarship

Horace & Evalyn Patton Memorial ScholarshipRobert & Emma Price Endowed ScholarshipRoy W. & Jeanne Reed Endowed ScholarshipWarren Romberger World Christianity Endowed ScholarshipColonel Thomas L. & Ruby L. Simpson Endowed ScholarshipBishop W. Angie Smith Memorial Endowed ScholarshipGeorge Sneed Memorial Endowed ScholarshipCharles & Mary Thigpen Endowed ScholarshipMackenzie C. Sr. & Thelma Thompson Endowed ScholarshipUnrestricted Church Gifts EndowmentWagoner United Methodist Endowed ScholarshipPhil Wahl Endowed Scholarship

Wanda Bass School of Music

Ann Simmons Alspaugh Music Endowed ScholarshipJosephine E. Atkins Endowed Music ScholarshipWanda L. Bass Chapel Organ EndowmentWanda L. Bass Music Endowed ChairWanda L. Bass Organ Endowed ChairWanda L. Bass Music Center EndowmentWanda L. Bass Piano Support EndowmentJean Frances Beatty Endowed Music ScholarshipFlorence Birdwell Endowed ChairRobert & Florence Birdwell Endowed Vocal ScholarshipEdna Hoffman Bowman Endowed Music

& Performing Arts Scholarship

Clarence Burg Endowed Music ScholarshipNaomi McCasland Burton and James L. Burton Student TravelPearl English Crain Endowed ScholarshipHerbert E. Davis Music EndowmentWilliam H. Dougherty Endowed ScholarshipJ. Emrick Endowed Music ScholarshipEsther Wessel Farmer Endowed Piano ScholarshipMyrtle S. Forsythe Endowed ScholarshipLoretta T. Freeland Endowed ScholarshipMarjorie Lee Germany Endowed ScholarshipMary Jean Hackler Endowed Music ScholarshipMorris Hatley Canterbury Choral Performing Arts EndowmentWilliam Randolph Hearst Endowed ScholarshipAnn Hundley Hoover Endowed ChairKurt & Cathy Leichter Endowed Music ScholarshipElizabeth Loewenstein Endowed Music ScholarshipEthelene Cindy Long Memorial Native American

Endowed ScholarshipMartin Mailman Endowed Band ScholarshipRuth Mayer Memorial Endowed Music ScholarshipPhilelle & Charles McBrayer Endowed Piano ScholarshipBrenda McDaniel Endowed Music ScholarshipCharles E. Mehr Endowed Music ScholarshipDarlene Milligan Endowed Music ScholarshipWit and Carolyn Music Endowed ScholarshipNellie J. Moss Endowed Scholarship

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

Laura JardineCell and Molecular Biology Sophomore

One of my favorite aspects of my time at OCU is the community

I have been gifted with. I get to study and live with such

intelligent, hardworking, and fascinating students. Their success

pushes me toward success, and they provide an environment of

camaraderie and encouragement. My professors and advisors

are brilliant and passionate, constantly going out of their way

to teach and guide. My professors and advisors supply me with

endless opportunities, wisdom, and generosity.

The monetary support of OCU has been instrumental in my

academic career. It has given me the freedom to prepare for a

future career rather than for a future that is focused on paying

off extraordinary student debt.

‘‘ AC T I V I T I E S• Kappa Phi• Honors Program• Beta Beta Beta Biological

Honor Society

AC H I E V E M E N T S• Fleming Scholar Program

at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation

• Oklahoma City University Fabulous Fifty Freshman 

PL A N S• Attend graduate or

professional school• Considering a career in

scientific research

okcu.edu/give // 39

HONOR ROLL OF DONORS

Music School Endowed ScholarshipRobert & Jeaneen Naifeh Meditation Garden Endowed FundFrances McMillan Oney Endowed ScholarshipOpera Society Founders EndowmentMark Parker Endowed ScholarshipMargaret Petree Endowed Music ScholarshipFrances W. Preston BMI Endowed Music ScholarshipNancy Laughbaum Ragsdale Endowed ScholarshipMargaret K. Replogle Endowed Music ScholarshipRoyal Sarjent Endowed ScholarshipInez Silberg Memorial Endowed ScholarshipWilliam Elza Smith Endowed Church Music ScholarshipForest and Gloe Stith Memorial Endowed ScholarshipWatkins-Soloway Music ScholarshipVerle & Lawrence Watson Endowed Music ScholarshipAleta Winkler Memorial Endowed Music ScholarshipGeorgia M. Winton Endowed Scholarship

Wimberly School of Religion

J. Bart Aldridge EndowmentMrs. Glen C. Archer Endowed ScholarshipWilliam E. Archer Memorial Endowed ScholarshipNova M. Atkins Endowed Religion ScholarshipWilliam & Romaine Bailey Endowed ScholarshipWilliam J. Bassett Memorial Endowed ScholarshipJean Frances Beatty Endowed Scholarship in ReligionOllie & Claude Bell Endowed Professorship in Church HistoryBettis, Bussell & Hunt Ministerial Endowed ScholarshipAustin and Marjorie Bizzell Ministry Endowed ScholarshipFred & Opal Boston Religious Leadership Endowed ScholarshipEdith Carlson Memorial Endowed ScholarshipA.R. Carpenter Endowed ScholarshipRay & Florence Carroll Endowed ScholarshipRuby Chase Memorial Endowed ScholarshipJ. Cecil & Elva Coover Endowed ScholarshipCowden-Epperson Endowed ScholarshipNuell C. Crain Endowed Religious Leadership ScholarshipF. Lahr & Blanche Einsel Endowed ScholarshipBishop & Mrs. Paul V. Galloway Endowed Scholarship

Barbara & J.M. Garrett Religion Leadership Endowed ScholarshipWilliam D. Greenshields Memorial Endowed

Religious Leadership ScholarshipNorma Rowe Gunn Endowed Religion ScholarshipMary Jean Hackler Endowed Religion ScholarshipVernon V. Harris Endowed Chair in Christian EducationHyde Endowed ScholarshipPaul Jones Religious Education Endowed ScholarshipRobert Jones Memorial EndowmentCarl Jung Seminar Endowment (Quasi)Kramer Ministerial Endowed ScholarshipMartha Jean Lemon Endowed LectureshipMartha Jean Lemon Endowed ScholarshipBlanche & Lloyd Long Service Endowed ScholarshipLydia Lukenbaugh Endowed ScholarshipLeroy Massengale Endowed ScholarshipBess & Calvin McGalliard Memorial ScholarshipPaul W. Milhouse Endowed Religion ProfessorshipGlenn E. & Mary A. Millard Endowed ScholarshipNile & Adena Montgomery Endowed ScholarshipBilly B. Nelson Memorial Religion Endowed ScholarshipOakerhater Endowed ChairBeverly Osborne Memorial Religious Leadership

Endowed ScholarshipRay & Lavell Owen Endowed ScholarshipF. Warren Pixley Endowed Religious ScholarshipW. Carroll Pope Memorial Endowed ScholarshipWinona Presley Endowed Religion ScholarshipMargaret K. Replogle Endowed Religion ProfessorshipGlen Rhodes Memorial Endowed ScholarshipHelen Riddle Church Leadership Endowed ScholarshipRiley Endowed Chair in ReligionVernon Roberts Endowed Religion ScholarshipNeal & Hazel Rock Memorial Endowed Religion ScholarshipMaryetta Rowe Endowed ScholarshipArthur W. and Joi D. Salisbury ScholarshipDon Schooler Memorial Endowed ProfessorshipMinnie M. Seba Endowed Ministry ScholarshipAlice Sincox Endowed Scholarship

Robert J. Smith Memorial Endowed Religious Leadership Scholarship

Leslie G. & Irene Stewart Endowed ScholarshipRussell Stone Endowed Religious Leadership ScholarshipBettie Ewert Stoneking Endowed ScholarshipClarence Sutton Religious Leadership Endowed ScholarshipNaomi Thomas Endowed ScholarshipClaude & Patty Todd Endowed ScholarshipUnited Methodist Women's Endowed

Religious Leadership ScholarshipHerbert Voth Endowed Religious Leadership ScholarshipOwen Wimberly Center for Continuing Education

Endowment (Quasi)Owen & Vivian Wimberly Endowed ProfessorshipVivian Wimberly Center EndowmentWimberly Chapel Endowed FundWimberly Endowed ScholarshipWimberly Religion and Ethics EndowmentWimberly Quasi-EndowmentWimberly VP University Church Relations EndowmentW.W. Woodworth Endowed ScholarshipRichard K. and Effie D. Wootten Endowed Scholarship

Oklahoma United Methodist

John and Sherri BrownJeannine GibbensJean HinckleyTommy KarnsDavid and Paula SevereShelby Lee SmithRex and Sacra Vaughan

40 // FOCUS Fall 2015

GRAND OPENING

School of Theatre Expands into Historic Gold Star Building

Top left: School of Theatre students and faculty gather in front of the Gold Star Memorial building Aug. 23 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its reopening. Above: Student Travis Huddleston prepares to give a tour. Far left: Laurena Sherrill, Bryan Bauer, Associate Dean Brian Parsons, Dean Mark Parker, Jeffery S. Cochran, Matt Redmond and Travis Huddleston cut the ribbon. Left: Student Joanne Hoch signs up for an audition.

The building became available after the School of Law moved to its downtown location. The Gold Star also now houses offices for the Wimberly School of Religion and the Honors program. Above: From left, Tim Fall, Luke Eddy, a guest, and Associate Dean Brian Parsons in one of the Gold Star Building offices. Right: Zach Payne, Dagny McCartney, Nick Mayes, Jasmine Richman and Brett Holleman in a student lounge area. All photos by Josh Robinson

SHINY & NEW: okcu.edu/calendar // 41

CALENDAR

Alumni Night at the OKC ThunderD E C . 1 6

Catch up with alumni in the Thunder Box and cheer on Oklahoma City as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers. Tickets are $95 and include admission and a complimentary high-end buffet. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the game begins at 7. alumni@okcu.edu • (405) 208-5463

Open Call for Nominations!The OCU Alumni Association's Inaugural Thirty Under 30 Award will recognize the outstanding accomplishments of young alumni. Each recipient must show exceptional achievement and significant contributions to his or her profession, community/society, or the university. The recipient must exemplify outstanding professional and personal development through traditional channels or innovative approaches. Please submit nominations to Alumni Relations at alumni@okcu.edu or (405) 208-5463 by Feb. 15, 2016. The winners will be recognized during All-Alumni Weekend in April.

E V E N T S

UNDER3030

HomecomingN OV. 6 - 8

Join us for Homecoming 2015! We will honor the Class of 1965. Graduates from 1965 are encouraged to contact Alumni Director Cary Pirrong: (405) 208-5463 • cpirrong@okcu.edu

Don PasqualeN OV. 2 0 -2 2

The Oklahoma Opera and Music Theater Company will present a main stage opera, “Don Pasquale,” in the Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center. okcu.edu/ticketoffice

D E C . 4 -1 2

TheatreOCU will usher in the Christmas season with the comedy “The Man Who Came to Dinner” in Burg Theatre. okcu.edu/ticketoffice

Home for the HolidaysD E C . 1 0 -1 3

OCU’s American Spirit Dance Company returns to the stage with “Home for the Holidays,” a riveting Broadway-style holiday extravaganza in the Kirkpatrick Auditorium. okcu.edu/ticketoffice

Christmas VespersD E C . 1 1 -1 2

OCU’s Symphony Orchestra and vocal ensembles, including more than 250 musicians, will give their 37th annual Christmas Vespers Concert at First Presbyterian Church in OKC. okcu.edu/ticketoffice

F A L L 2 0 1 5

Future Focus“ P L AY I N G P O LO W I T H W I L L”

President Henry, a nationally recognized Will Rogers scholar, arranged for a Los Angeles-area alumni event to watch polo at the Will Rogers Ranch in Pacific Palisades, Calif. His report will appear in the next FOCUS.

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #2384OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

2501 N. Blackwelder Ave.

Oklahoma City, OK 73106

Help OCU reach new heights with your gift of $100 or more and earn a trip to the top of the university’s most recognizable landmark. The OCU Alumni Association will lead a climb inside the historic Gold Star building the morning of April 23 for all donors who make their gift by April 22. Make your gift today to take part in this rare opportunity.

(405) 208-7000 okcu.edu/gsclimb

Take OCU to

New Heights