Thanks for taking a moment to check in with Honors at OCU and see some of our fall 2023 – spring 2024 highlights. It’s been a busy year with a new cohort of first-year students, a new slate of HSC officers, and a new student assistant director in the Honors Hall. You will get to meet all of them in the pages ahead. You’ll also see highlights from our trip to Chicago for the NCHC annual conference where our student representatives made the most of our four days in the city.
We always love to hear from alumni and other friends of the program. If you haven’t done so in a while, visit our pages on the OCU website okcu.edu/honors, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or drop by the Honors Hall in Gold Star if you’re on campus!
Karen Youmans, Ph.D. Honors Program Director
With the arrival of the new school year, the Honors program welcomed the Cohort of 2027, consisting of 38 new students. They were introduced to campus by the friendly faces of our seven honors mentors including Makayla Tillet, Preston Hunt, Jamison Ko, Francesca Savone, Jordan Iwuchukwu, Erica Austin, and Becca Wendt. After having a chance to settle into their dorm rooms, the students and their parents were invited to the Honors Welcome Dinner. There, they were introduced to a few of the honors professors and our mission statement. The following morning, students learned what it means to be a part of OCU’s Honors community and bonded with fellow students during the customary Escape Room event. The Honors community pledges their continual support to these new students and wishes them well in their college journey.
Katy is a senior Musical Theatre major from Minneapolis. As a returning HSC member, she says she wanted to, “create a better sense of community within the Honors Program and be able to lead activities and service for Honors students to participate in.” Katy is also a member of OCU Out of the Box, OCU STRIPPED, OCU Improv, and Gamma Phi Beta. After graduation she plans to perform and assistant direct, then pursue an MFA in Directing.
ASHLEY NGUYEN
Ashley is a senior Cell and Molecular Biology major from Edmond, Oklahoma. As a returning HSC member, she says her favorite thing about the Honors program is the close community. Ashley is also involved in Tri-Beta, Best Buddies, and the Student Government Association. She was 2023’s Undergraduate Research Day Overall Winner and served as a presenter at the Oklahoma Academy of Science Technical Meeting. After graduation she plans to attend medical school.
KAYLA NGUYEN
Kayla is a sophomore majoring in Cell and Molecular Biology from Edmond, Oklahoma. Her favorite thing about the Honors Program is the “community of likeminded, driven individuals. Being a part of the Honors program has allowed me to grow as a person, student, and leader.”
Kayla also holds leadership positions in the Student Government Association, Best Buddies, and Tri-Beta. She was a member of both groups that won Undergraduate Research Day of 2023 and 2024. After graduation she plans to go to medical school to pursue a career as a physician.
Tess is a sophomore Design and Production major with an emphasis in Scenic and Prop Design from Aurora, Colorado. She says she joined HSC to, “be more involved with the Honors program, and build stronger connections with people outside of my major.” Tess states her favorite things about the Honors program is the flexibility of the courses and the support from fellow students. She is also involved with USITT-OCU. After graduation, her goal is to become an art director for film or TV, or tour with a Broadway show. Tess was chosen to be the props apprentice for Theatre Aspen and created her first scenic design for the Children Theatre’s “Cat in the Hat.”
ARNAV GUSTAV
Arnav is a sophomore Cell and Molecular Biology major from Norman, Oklahoma. He states he wanted to be a part of HSC to, “help serve my fellow honors students.” His favorite thing about the Honors program is the close community. Arnav is also a part of Tri-Beta, a biological honors society that discusses various career paths and research topics. After graduation he plans to apply for medical school and become a physician.
PHOEBE WILLIAMS
Phoebe is a sophomore Dance Universal major from Kingsburg, California. She says her favorite thing about the Honors Program is, “being surrounded by people who help me grow intellectually while still being so fun to hang out with!” Phoebe is also a member of We Are Queens and Students of Arts Management. She plans to perform for cruise ships and other businesses before transitioning to the behind the scenes of the entertainment industry, and eventually run a dance studio.
DAISY MONTOYA
Daisy is a sophomore Film Production major from Oklahoma City. She states she joined HSC, “to find a community on campus and connect with students.” Daisy is a member of the Hispanic Student Association. She has plans to become a movie producer/director. This past summer she finished an internship with Prairie Surf Media where she had the opportunity to meet the CEOs and see how to run a studio.
Hello all, my name is Katelynn Murphy, and I am pursuing a Cell and Molecular Biology degree as a Pre-Med student. As the student assistant honors director, I serve to be the liaison between the faculty and students while also assisting in the day-to-day operations of the Honors Department. My favorite part of the program is its interdisciplinary approach to reaching a deeper understanding. The Honors Department creates a space for students and faculty to collaborate and share their perspective on various topics. This practice promotes well-rounded students better equipped to handle the intricacies of real-life problems. I have loved becoming more involved in the program and aiding fellow students in their academic and intellectual journey. If you have any questions about the Honors Program, I will happily help to answer them.
This year’s 58th annual National Collegiate Honors Conference was held amongst the towering skyscrapers and home of the deepdish pizza, Chicago, Illinois. Songwriters, storytellers, and lecturers Reggie Harris and Greg Greenway set the tone of the conference with their keynote performance entitled “Deeper than Skin,” discussing topics of race and unity in the human spirit.
Jamie Welsh, junior cell and molecular biology student, presented her research on Spectrophotometric Analysis of Vicinal Diketone Metabolism by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using a UV-vis Spectrophotometer, Jamie analyzed the presence of certain fermentation byproducts in beer, collectively called vicinal diketones. From the assay, she was able to increase quality control and maintain the flavor/character profiles of beers from a local Oklahoma brewery.
Also in attendance at the conference was Honors Student Council President Katy Manderfeld, Vice President of Programming Kayla Nguyen, and Student Assistant Honors Director Katelynn Murphy. All four students participated in the City as Text program, a half-day event designed to have participants explore the conference host city and its culture. This year, the students had the opportunity to adventure through Millenium Park, Chinatown, the Chicago History Museum, and the Riverwalk.
This year’s Undergraduate Research Day was held March 8. It featured three posters, one performance and 16 presentations. Much appreciation goes out to all the students and faculty who participated and supported the quest to further knowledge and encourage understanding of the world around us. Here we highlight the winners of each category:
CATEGORY
Posters
Kayla Nguyen, Connor Broeker, Bao Cao, Korbin Cardoza, Shady Khader, Falak Maarouf, Ashley Nguyen, Makayla Tillett, Morgan Wells, Savannah Whitten, and Austin Worley
The Healing Power of Dandelions: Exploring Antibacterial Properties of Dandelion Seed Extract
Dr. Christina Hendrickson
CATEGORY
STUDENT(S)
Costumes & the Theater Avony Green Complimenting
Strangers: Exploring the Confirmation Bias and Spotlight Effect Through Fashion
Dr. Natalie Flaming
Musicological Studies
Social Science, Political Science, & History
Women in Literature, Religion, & the Arts
Sophia Dollenmayer
Emma Vance
Woody Guthrie: The Dust Bowl Troubadour
Unraveling the Relationship Between Homelessness and Crime Rates
Skyler White Monotony in Musicals
Dr. Natalia Starostina
Dr. Jacob Dearmon
Prof. Kelli Stevens
GRAND PRIZE WINNER: Kayla Nguyen, et. al., The Healing Power of Dandelions: Exploring Antibacterial Properties of Dandelion Seed Extract
GRANT BABER, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in economics with a minor in mathematics. Grant is a two-year member of the University Ethics Team that placed first in the Colorado Rocky Mountain Regional Tournament and advanced to the national tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the starting heavyweight for the OCU Wrestling Team his junior year, twice placing fifth at the conference tournament. Grant has also played piano for the OCU Wind Ensemble. His favorite honors memory was his creative project and presentation (a news/variety show on Virgil’s Aeneid) in Mythic Journeys. After a gap year, Grant plans to pursue a Ph.D. in economics.
EDWARD BENNETT, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in game design and animation with a minor in mass communications. Edward was a member, and later president, of the OCU Esports team that won nationals in 2023. As a member of the Speech and Debate team, he went to nationals as captain of the Limited Prep and Platform Speaking category. His senior capstone has been on display in the OCU art gallery this semester. His favorite honors memories are all the wildly creative ideas students would come up with for class presentations. Edward is beginning a master’s degree in business this year.
HAZEL BRADY, from Memphis, Tennessee, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree in music theater. She has performed in several Bass School of Music productions, including “Sweeney Todd” and “Suor Angelica” this past year. Her favorite honors memories are the impromptu Banning Hall karaoke sessions freshman year. After graduation, Hazel will move to New York City to pursue a career as a professional actor.
MCKENNA BRYE, from Fargo, North Dakota, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree in music theater and vocal performance. McKenna has performed in several Bass School of Music productions, including “Legally Blonde” and “The Magic Flute,” her first ever opera! Her favorite honors memory is getting
to know everyone during orientation. McKenna will move to New York City in the fall to pursue her dream of performing professionally in musical theater.
ANDREW CELEDON, from Lawton, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a double major in economics and finance. Andrew is a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity and recipient of the Chris Harrison National Leadership Award. He is most proud that his fraternity won the overall OCU Homecoming Award this past year. He is currently finishing a major research project on Sports Hedging and Economic Feasibility under the direction of Professor James Ma. His favorite honors experience (besides meeting McLain during orientation and still being friends today) was participating in last fall’s OSLEP seminar on Humor in Ancient Greece where he worked with Stanford University Classics Professor Dr. Hans Bork. Andrew plans to begin a master’s degree in finance at Southern Methodist University in the fall.
KATHRYN CLINE, from Edmond, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. Kathryn has served as president of the OCU Investment Club and has completed five different internships during her time at OCU: two tax (public), one banking, one audit (public), and one financial accounting (corporate.) Her favorite honors memory is participating in the panel for prospective honors students and having the opportunity to share how the OCU honors program pushed her to get the most out of her education. After interning with Ernst and Young this summer, Kathryn will begin the Master of Science in Accounting program at Southern Methodist University in the fall.
KAROL COOLEY, from San Antonio, Texas, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree in music theater. Karol has performed in various Bass School of Music productions, including the role of Pirelli in last fall’s “Sweeney Todd.” His senior recital last week included three pieces he wrote, composed, and orchestrated himself. His favorite Honors memory will always be Funky Monkey Monday, Sept. 20,
2020, an evening of reverie inspired by Honors LAS: Mythic Journeys. IYKYK. He cherishes most the many relationships he made over his years at OCU. In the immediate future, Karol plans to move to Atlanta to teach, sing, and record his own music. After completing a post-baccalaureate degree in philosophy, he will consider graduate school possibilities.
GLORY CURDA, from Chicago, is completing a Bachelor of Music in music theater and a Bachelor of Arts in English. Glory has been involved in many Bass School of Music productions and had the opportunity to assistant-direct [show] their junior year. They won their category at Undergraduate Research Day in 2023 for their paper, “KPop and Soft Power.” This past year they served as president of OCU C.A.R.E. Their favorite honors memory is speaking to honors freshmen about their experiences with URD and OSLEP seminars. After graduation, Glory plans to continue applying for jobs and go home for a while to say hi to their dog.
RAE DAVIES, from Edmond, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in cell and molecular biology with a minor in chemistry. Rae has been an active member of her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega and served as vice president for new member education. She’s also a member of Tri Beta honor society, serving as chapter treasurer. One of her proudest accomplishments during her time at OCU is winning the Homecoming Service Award. Her favorite honors memory is stepping into her first honors class with her fellow honors students and immediately feeling at home. Rae will be attending OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in the fall.
ARIANA FERCH, from Spokane, Washington, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree with a double major in music theater and vocal performance. Ari has performed in numerous Bass School of Music productions, including “Children of Eden,” “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Bright Star,” “Apollo & Hyacinthus,” and “Merry Wives of Windsor.” She also had the honor of performing for Kelli O’Hara
during her masterclass on campus. As a double major, Ari performed two recitals this past year — a classical recital featuring works from Strauss, Rachmaninoff, and Puccini, and a music theater recital featuring works from her favorite musicals and artists. Her favorite honors memory is Dr. Erik Heine’s LAS lectures on musical motifs and character themes in Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.” Ari plans to move to New York City to be near her older sister and to pursue a career in musical theater.
PRESTON HUNT, from Wichita, Kansas, is completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in design and production with minors in lighting design and technology and film and digital media. Preston has participated twice in Undergraduate Research Day, winning his category in 2023. He was elected to the student and early career interest advisor position for the USITT Lighting Commission. Over the past couple of years, he has produced three short films that were entirely student created. His favorite Honors memories come from both years he served as a peer mentor welcoming the new Honors cohort to the university. Preston will continue to pursue his craft as a lighting designer professionally. His next apprenticeship will be with either the Production Reserve Group in New Jersey or Seattle REP in Washington.
JORDAN IWUCHUKWU, from Edmond, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in gaming and animation with a minor in digital film production. Jordan has served two years as OCU’s Black Student Association executive. He’s also been a member of the track and field team and Sooner Athletic Conference shotput champion. Last year, Jordan presented one of his first 3D sculptures at Undergraduate Research Day. He also served as an honors peer mentor this past fall. His favorite Honors memories were all the Honors classes he took safely in person during the first year of COVID. After taking a year off from school, Jordan plans to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree in arts, technology, and emerging communication.
JULIA KAHMANN, from Oklahoma City, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance with a minor in social media. Julia was chosen as a junior marshal for the Bass School of Music and played as principal clarinetist in the university orchestra for several semesters. During her time at OCU, she’s had the privilege of premiering more new works than she can count. Her favorite honors memory was any class she took from Dr. Heine. (There was never a dull day!) After graduation, Julia will enroll in the Master of Music degree in multiple woodwinds here at OCU. In the future, she hopes to play for film orchestras and teach at the college level.
KATY MANDERFELD, from Minneapolis, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree in music theater. In addition to performing in several Bass School of Music productions, Katy also directed OCU Stripped’s production of the musical “Baby” and served as the artistic director for Out of the Box’s 2023-24 season. Katy served multiple years on Honors Student Council, including this past year as president. She is also a two-time honors peer mentor. Her favorite honors memories come from the 2022 and 2023 NCHC conferences in Dallas and Chicago where she had so much fun traveling and bonding with her fellow OCU Honors students and meeting new people from all over the country. After graduation, Katy plans to move to New York City to pursue a career in musical theater, directing, and teaching.
IAN MCENTIRE, from Duncan, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Business Administration in economics and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Ian has been an active member of the OCU Ethics Bowl for several years, during which time the team swept regionals and advanced to nationals. He has also served as president, vice president, and treasurer of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha, and as executive director of the Student Civic Engagement Committee. His favorite Honors memory is meeting his small group on the first day of Honors orientation and the peace of mind it gave him. Ian will be enrolled this fall in the JD program at the University of Oklahoma College of Law.
MADILYNN STELZER MCCONNELL, from Keller, Texas, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance. Madilynn participated in various School of Music productions, including playing the role of Eurydice in “Orpheus in the Underworld.” In addition, she managed OCU OPERAtions for two years. Madilynn married fellow Honors music alum Rafe McConnell in December of 2023. Her favorite honors memory is Dr. Heine’s Shakespeare and Film seminar and how much she learned about her love of film and literature. Madilynn will begin graduate study in vocal performance and pedagogy this fall with the intention of completing her doctorate as she prepares for a career in higher education or professional voice instruction.
MCLAIN MOSS, from Tulsa Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical science with a minor in Spanish. Mclain is proud to have made the Presidents Honors Roll seven out of eight semesters. She is also a member of the OCU soccer team and made Academic AllConference. Mclain will begin the OU/TU Physician Assistant program in June.
ASHLEY NGUYEN, from Edmond, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in cell and molecular biology with minors in Spanish, business entrepreneurship, and chemistry. Ashley was elected and served as the 2024 Tri-Beta South Central Region President. She was awarded first place overall at the End2Cancer Conference hosted by the University of Oklahoma Stephenson Cancer Center. Last year, she was selected as a junior marshal for the Petree College of Arts and Sciences. Her favorite Honors memory is attending the NCHC conference in Orlando with Elizabeth Gwartney, Kristen Olmsted, and Dr. Youmans, and learning about the interdisciplinary applications of honors, attending the City as Text event at EPCOT’s food and wine festival, and eating hotpot with new friends made at the conference. This fall, Ashley will begin the MD program at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine.
HOLLY PARKER, from Marietta, Georgia, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree in music theater and vocal performance. In addition to performing in various opera and musical theater productions in the Bass School of Music, Holly helped lead OCU’s mixed acapella group, Tonal Eclipse, and participated in OCU’s competitive dance team for three years. Her favorite Honors memories are all the engaging classroom discussions. Holly will perform in OCU’s NYC Showcase in May and then move to the city to pursue her professional performance career.
MADELEINE PUGH, from Houston, is completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in design and production with an emphasis in costume technology. Madeleine has been involved with USITT on campus and attended the national conference in 2023 and 2024. This spring, she worked as the cutter/draper for the OCU Theatre mainstage production “She Stoops to Conquer.” Madeleine was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society last year. Her favorite Honors memory is taking Mythic Journeys freshman year, getting integrated into the program by making friends with students from all different majors and being silly together. In January 2025, Madeleine will begin the Master of Arts program in historical costuming at the Arts University Bournemouth in Poole, England.
FRANCESCA SAVONE, from Detroit, Michigan, completed her Bachelor of Performing Arts degree in dance performance last December. In addition to performing in numerous shows with the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, Francesca was the marketing assistant and the student marketing manager for the school from 2021-23. She also choreographed the world premiere of “Peita” for the Bass School of Music in the fall of 2023. She presented twice at Undergraduate Research Day: a poster in 2022, “Effective Dance Education: Bilingualism and Multiple Intelligences,” and a choreographed performance in 2023, “Song for the Weary.” Francesca served as Honors Student Council director of marketing for 2022-23. Her favorite Honors memory was serving as a peer mentor for two years
and getting to organize orientation weekend for each new class of honor students. Francesca is moving to New York to pursue a career in live theatre, TV, and film.
NICHOLAS SAYEGH, from Oklahoma City, is completing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a triple major in accounting, economics, and finance. Nick is the founder and president of OCU’s chapter of Circle K International, the largest collegiate service organization in the world. He is the winner of the 2024 National Dennis Washington Leadership Graduate Scholarship. He is a current CPA candidate, having already passed two sections of the exam during his senior year. Nick’s favorite honors memory is creating a movie trailer for his favorite memoir, “How We Fight for Our Lives” in Dr. Tracy Floreani’s senior seminar. This fall, Nick will begin his career in public accounting as an auditor at the Oklahoma City Deloitte office while he continues his education in OCU’s Master of Science program in data analytics. In the future, he hopes to start his own data analytics consulting firm while striving to empower diverse, locally owned small businesses in OKC.
ALLY SETSER, from Fayetteville, Arkansas, is completing a Bachelor of Science degree in cell and molecular biology. She is proud to have been on the President’s Honor Roll every semester and to be a member of the 2023 National Champion OCU Competitive Dance Team. She has also been inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Her favorite Honors memory is making life-long friends during Honors orientation weekend. In August, Ally will begin the pharmacy program at The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
KAT SWEENEY, from Cincinnati, Ohio, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree with a double major in music theater and vocal performance. In addition to performing in several Bass School of Music productions, Kat also choreographed and assistant-directed several shows, including this spring’s production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” She was
a member of the OCU Pom Team and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, where she served as their new member educator. Her favorite Honors memory is hanging out, drinking hot chocolate, and painting ornaments at the holiday parties. After graduation, Kat is headed to New York City to begin her career as a working actor.
AMELIA UNGER, from Bedford, Indiana, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree with a double major in music theater and vocal performance. Amelia has performed in numerous Bass School of Music Productions, including lead roles in “Suor Angelica” and “A Friend of Dolly.”
EMMA VANCE, from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is completing a Bachelor of Business Administration in business administration with a minor in Spanish. Emma is the president of the Meinders Business Fellowship Program and Organization. She recently presented her statistical research paper on homelessness and crime rates at Undergraduate Research Day, winning the social sciences category. With her fellow Honors student Jennie Wheat, she wrote and produced a weekly Spanish-language podcast in the spring of 2023. Her favorite Honors memory is Mythic Journeys freshman year, especially banana day (see Funky Monkey Monday above) and Preston Hunt’s creative final paper that included every member of the class as a character in the story. After graduation, Emma is headed to OCU Law School.
SARABETH WALLACE, from Tyler, Texas, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree with a double major in music theater and vocal performance. Sarabeth has performed in various Bass School of Music productions, including “Legally Blonde,” “Orpheus in the Underworld,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “35mm: A Musical Exhibition.” She has also been very active in her sorority, Alpha Chi Omega, where she has served as vice president of finance, vice president of risk management, and Panhellenic delegate. Her favorite Honors memory was bonding with Honors friends in Banning Hall during the ice storm in October of 2020. Sarabeth plans to move to New York City after graduation to pursue a career in musical theater.
JENNIE WHEAT, from Oklahoma City, is completing a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting with a minor in Spanish. Jennie’s most significant accomplishments at OCU include achieving her goal GPA, studying abroad in Spain and earning her Certificate in Advanced Business Spanish, and leaving college confident in her ability to be a responsible and financially independent adult. Her favorite honors memory was indulging in Insomnia Cookies with fellow Honors students freshman year. After graduation, Jennie will begin her master’s degree in accounting while she continues to work at Eide Bailly and study for the CPA exam.
NOAH YOUMANS, from Oklahoma City, is completing a Bachelor of Music degree in music theater. Noah has performed in various Bass School of Music productions, including “Cabaret,” “She Loves Me,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “RENT,” and performed for Kristin Chenowith during her masterclass last fall. He’s also had the privilege of originating roles in two new works: “A Friend of Dolly” (President) and “Fallen Star” (Peter). His favorite Honors memory is debating the meaning and existence of color every week with Billy Palumbo in his colloquium last fall. Noah will perform in OCU’s NYC Showcase in May with plans to move to the city to pursue a career as an actor and musician in the fall.
The traditional Honors Senior Dinner held at local restaurant, The Press, recognized each of the graduating students and their commitment to the Honors program. While enjoying the delicious food and exciting atmosphere, students and faculty reminisced about their time at OCU and enthusiastically discussed their plans for the future. Three individuals were acknowledged and awarded for their exemplary efforts and involvement within the program. The Outstanding Honors Student was given to the Honors Student Council President and Head Honors Peer Mentor, Katy Manderfeld. The Distinguished Service Award was granted to Preston Hunt for his dedication to the Honors program, acting as Head Honors Peer Mentor. Finally, the Distinguished Honors Faculty was awarded to Dr. Karen Schiler for her passion within the classroom and dedication to creating an interactive environment for students.
