Decade in Review
Building on Excellence
Building on Excellence
Decade IN Review
Governor dedicates Lawson Commons On a cold and windy March day in 2008, Oklahoma Christian University welcomed Governor Brad Henry and many other state and local dignitaries to the campus to dedicate Lawson Commons, which features the 100-foot Jose Freede Centennial Tower, the 8,000-square-foot Jack and Wanda McGraw Pavilion and extensive landscaping. During the dedication, Henry said he spent a lot of time during his freshman year of college in 1981 visiting his best friend, who attended Oklahoma Christian. The campus has only improved since then, he said. “This was a wonderful place to meet fabulous people,” Henry said. “It is so much more beautiful today.” Henry said private universities are a great complement to the public education system, and OC’s influence has spread beyond the campus into the world. “They provide an incredible economic benefit to our communities,” he said. “I cannot imagine the impact if Oklahoma Christian weren’t here.” The new three-tiered mall area connects facilities dedicated to learning, living, athletics, and social life – student residences on the west to the Mabee Learning Center on the east, and the Gaylord University Center on the south to the Payne Athletic Center on the north. Lawson Commons is named after two distinguished OC graduates, Richard (’66) and Pat Lawson (’67), who pledged $30
Student enjoys Lawson Commons.
million to the university in 2004, the largest current gift in OC’s history. The Lawsons applied what they learned at Oklahoma Christian to build a leading software company with global reach. More importantly, they recognized the value of their Christianbased education and have generously given back so future
generations can enjoy the benefits of a superb education from Oklahoma Christian. The Freede Centennial Tower at Lawson Commons, which now serves as a focal point on campus and the surrounding area, is named after Mrs. Jose Freede. Freede is a well-known Oklahoma City philanthropist and has raised millions of dollars for worthy causes around the world. She continues to volunteer her time and support to non-profit organizations, including Oklahoma Christian University. The McGraw Pavilion, named in honor of Jack and Wanda McGraw, serves as an outdoor space for events for students, alumni and friends of the university and was dedicated to the McGraws and their legacy of impacting young people at OC and beyond. Jack, a West Texas oil man from Midland, was a church elder for almost 30 years and served both as a director for the Midland Christian School and as a trustee for Oklahoma Christian University. He and his wife, Wanda, blessed literally thousands – missionaries, students, educators and the less fortunate – with their time, love and resources. “The Lawsons, McGraws, and Mrs. Freede are great examples of people who are helping Oklahoma Christian grow and prosper,” President Mike O’Neal said. “Their love and dedication allow us to continue to offer our students a strong education and more inviting campus.” Freede Centennial Tower
Ribbon cutting at Lawson Commons, March 28, 2008: James Pickel, Anthony McDermid, J. Blake Wade, Pat Lawson, Richard Lawson, Mike O’Neal, Governor Brad Henry, Jose Freede, Alfred Branch, Wanda McGraw, Lou Kerr, Don Millican, Lee Allan Smith, Larry Wallis, Ryan Smith.
10
President’s report
President’s report
11