ISION OC IS HOME
OC GROWS
OC IS MISSION
www.oc.edu/alumni
BRINGIN IT HOME HOMECOMING 2017
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HOMECOMING 2017 Mark your calendars now! Spread the word to your friends on social media! Come home to OC and join us on campus November 3-4 for the 2017 Homecoming Musical, “Anything Goes,” our Alumni Banquet, Homecoming Chapel, parade, picnic lunch, Eagle and Lady Eagle basketball games, and more! We’ll also honor this year’s 50-year class of 1967. And ... if you’re an alum from the 1980’s decade, we’ll have a special reunion for you. It’s the 80’s Barn Bash 2.0! Your 80’s planning committee includes Joanie Gieger, Robert Gregg, Rob Harmon, Janell Huntsman, Tonda Stafford, Bob Wheeler, and Tina Winn ... so you know it’s going to be good! Hot on the heels of a new student-generated philanthropy effort that raised $7,082.55 at Spring Sing for Stanley Hupfeld Academy at Western Village, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in the 2017 Homecoming Philanthropy project. Funds will benefit the International Student Council, a new organization fostering growth within OC’s international student community while building and strengthening relationships between international students and the rest of the student population. Come Home to OC November 3-4. Don’t miss it!
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• K appa Sigma Tau (Judd Theatre) • P si Epsilon (Garvey Center) • T heta Theta Theta (Gaylord University Center) • D epartmental Student/Alumni Breakfast • E ngineering Reunion Breakfast (Gaylord University Center)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
7:30 pm
Anything Goes Hardeman Auditorium For more info and to purchase tickets, go to oc.edu/musical, or go to the Box Office (405.425.6310) 11:30 am-1:00 pm, 4:00-6:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Use your alumni discount card to get 50% off one or two tickets.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3
11:00 am 11:30 am
Great Songs Student Chapel (Class of 1967 will be recognized) Judd Theatre Reunion Lunch Lunch for Class of 1967 Bartlesville Room Lunch for Bartlesville alumni Gotcher Room
2:00-3:00 pm Donna Smith Reception 4:00 pm
Alumni Academic Department Awards Garvey Center, Recital Hall
4:45 pm
Reception for Alumni Honorees
5:30 pm
Alumni Banquet Gaylord University Center Tickets can be purchased online at oc.edu/ alumnibanquet. Honorees: Distinguished Alumni Award - Dr. Bill Pink (90), Lana Reynolds (81); Distinguished Young Alumnus - David Bowden (10); Missions Award - Mark and Sherrylee (Johnson 94) Woodward; Honorary Alumna - Lois Hill
7:30 pm
Anything Goes - oc.edu/musical Hardeman Auditorium
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4
8:00-9:45 am Complimentary Continental Breakfast for all Homecoming Guests McIntosh Conservatory (Garvey Center)
Club/Alumni Breakfasts • A lpha Gamma Omega (WBC 128) • C hi Lambda Phi (Edmond C of C) • D elta Gamma Sigma (Home of Robert Elliott, 2001 Morning Star) • G amma Rho (Memorial Road C of C) • I ota Kappa Phi (Gaylord University Center)
10:00 am
Homecoming Chapel Hardeman Auditorium Devotional/Program by Kent Risley Comments by President deSteiguer 50-Year Class Spotlight by Bud Ross OC Chorale Performance with Alumni
11:20 am
Homecoming Parade
11:30 am
Complimentary Picnic Lunch Gaylord University Center
11:30 am
Bartlesville Alumni Lunch Gaylord University Center, Gotcher Room
11:30 am
1987 Vienna Studies Reunion Sponsored by Gary Shreck & Robert Gregg Gaylord University Center, Bartlesville Room
1:00 pm
Lady Eagle Basketball vs. York (NE) Payne Athletic Center
2:45 pm
Homecoming King/Queen Coronation Payne Athletic Center
3:00 pm
Eagle Basketball vs. Central Christian (KS) Payne Athletic Center
5:00 pm
Alpha Chi Omega Softball Game
5:00 pm
1997 Vienna Studies Reunion Dinner Sponsored by Brad Robison Gaylord University Center, Harper & Morrilton Rooms
5:00 pm
1992 Vienna Studies Reunion Dinner Sponsored by John Fletcher Gaylord University Center, Bartlesville & Cordell Rooms
5:30 pm
80’s Decade ‘Back to the Barn Bash’ Dave Smith Athletic Center (The Barn)
6:00 pm
New Reign Reunion Concert Judd Theatre
7:30 pm
Anything Goes - oc.edu/musical Hardeman Auditorium
SCHEDULE UPDATES: www.oc.edu/homecoming 3 WWW.OC. E D U
DR. BILL PINK STUDENT- FOCUSED LEADER TAKES PRESIDENTIAL POST In a recent three-week span, Dr. Bill Pink (90) hosted a governor and two United States cabinet members at Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan. These visits gave Bill, GRCC’s new president, the opportunity to advocate for needs in higher education and in his college. But most of all, it gave him the opportunity to advocate for his students. “I believe all students can learn,” said Bill, one of two Distinguished Alumni honorees at OC’s Homecoming this year. “We must provide them with the tools and experiences to be successful learners and critical thinkers. No matter what we think students need, the experience of college is truly up to our students to help us dictate. If we do not pay attention to their voices, they will go somewhere else.” With this philosophy in mind, Bill tackles the challenge of making sure GRCC remains relevant and responsive in a constantly changing societal landscape. He also stays focused on finances and funding, and the opportunity to forge relationships with officials like Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta, and Michigan governor Rick Snyder all help to that end. “All three of them met students, faculty, and staff, and learned more about what we do for our students and our community,” Bill said. “We are grateful to have high-level folks who visit our college and are repeatedly impressed.” Bill says his experience as an OC education major kindled his desire to work in higher education. After graduating from Oklahoma Christian, he coached basketball and tennis at York College in Nebraska, then served as athletic director, assistant to the president, and head men’s basketball coach at Cascade College in Oregon.
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“I wanted to coach college basketball and teach. I was blessed to do both,” said Bill, who earned NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors as an OC basketball player. “The people who made up the faculty and staff at OC have always been, and remain, instrumental pieces of who I am today. I still value the many lessons I learned in the classroom and on the basketball court.” Bill returned to his alma mater in 1998 for a six-year stint teaching in OC’s Department of Education before Sherri (Buben 87) Coale hired him as director of basketball operations at the University of Oklahoma. Bill went on to serve as an associate dean at the University of Central Oklahoma and vice president of academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City before joining GRCC as vice president and dean for workforce development. He became president last November. “I hope to bring a positive culture and atmosphere to my campus, along with a sense of shared governance across the institution,” Bill said. “I’m honored and humbled to serve in this way, and I’m grateful to the institutions that played a role in my development as a person and as a leader.” Bill’s development includes playing on Coach Dan Hays’ winning basketball teams, taking Bible classes with Dr. Avon Malone (Bill says, “I still don’t believe he ever looked at his Bible as he ‘read’ scripture!”), and being an on-air personality at KOCC. The memories – and their magnitude – live on. “OC is home to me because I met amazing people there who are still my family today – from faculty, staff, and coaches to teammates and classmates,” Bill said. “I may go for weeks and months without speaking to many, but I know that once I see them, we pick up where we left off. Sounds like home! By Wes McKinzie (98)
LANA REYNOLDS DISTINGUISHED GRAD NAMED SEMINOLE STATE PRESIDENT Lana Reynolds (81) has lived and worked near Seminole, Oklahoma, for most of her life. However, the four years she spent at Oklahoma Christian gave her the foundation to become one of the state’s premier leaders in higher education. At Homecoming, OC will honor her as one of our Distinguished Alumni for 2017. Reynolds grew up in Little, Oklahoma, where her family ran a grocery store. Reynolds thought she would follow her siblings to a state college. But a young OC graduate started preaching for the Little Church of Christ when Reynolds was in high school. “Phil Sanders (74) took our youth group to visit OC a few times, and he just really molded my thinking about needing to go to a Christian college,” Lana said. She found her calling at Oklahoma Christian, majoring in English and minoring in journalism. “I loved journalism and studying under Lindy Adams,” Lana said. “It was great to learn about it in a Christian environment. I felt very prepared to enter the workforce and start graduate school.” She spent many late nights working on the Talon newspaper with other students like Howard Leftwich (‘), Julie Norton (‘) and Tom Norton (84). “The Talon made college fun,” Lana said. “It was interesting, and I had a great understanding of what was happening at Oklahoma Christian.” Not too long after graduating, Lana made her way back to Little to help her family run and then sell the grocery store. She started master’s classes at the University of Oklahoma and started teaching and working in public relations at nearby Seminole State College.
“I had not realized how great it was to do PR for a college,” she said. “I saw how lives were changed and how great our product was. I loved advocating for it.” That passion soon became evident to those who worked with her, and Lana was regularly promoted to higher executive positions in her 30 years at Seminole State. In July, she began serving the college as its highest-ranking executive. Reynolds is just the fourth president in the college’s history, and she is the first female to serve in that role. “Because of my position, people are always watching, and I want to do my best to as a Christian,” Lana said. “My faith is something I always go back to when judging decisions. One lesson I learned at OC was to be open to new opportunities and to take them.” Lana is on the advisory board for the University of Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, and she has served on numerous leadership boards in Seminole and across the state. Lana’s former professors say her many successes are consistent with the kind of student she was at OC. “Lana was a young woman of intelligence, focus, and integrity who possessed great poise and wisdom beyond her years,” Adams said. “I know Seminole State will be blessed by Lana’s quality and informed leadership in every way.” Retired professor of language and literature Dr. Bailey McBride, a friend and mentor who worked with Lana during her post-college stint at the Christian Chronicle, agreed. “She was more mature as a freshman than most people are at 30,” McBride said. “She never considered any task too lowly for her. And she was the kind of editor who turned a pig’s ear into a silk purse. She will be a wonderful college president.” By Josh Watson
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DR. MARK & SHERRYLEE WOODWARD FOUNDERS OF LET’S START TALKING EARN MISSIONS AWARD Let’s Start Talking is one of the most successful missionary programs among churches of Christ. It all started on the OC campus with alumni Dr. Mark and Sherrylee Woodward. Let’s Start Talking (LST) is a global ministry enabling groups of missionaries to share the gospel through English lessons. LST teachers study with more than 5,000 people in more than 60 countries per year, using the Gospel of Luke to teach English to students. Mark participated in mission campaigns every summer in college, and Sherrylee’s college years were when her desire for missions grew stronger. “I always wanted to do mission work after college,” Sherylee said. “I wanted to spend time sharing the gospel overseas.” Mark and Sherylee (Johnson) met on a campaign to Scranton, Pennsylvania. After that, hey wrote letters, visited each other, fell in love, and married in 1971. Mark had already committed to be a part of a mission team in Germany. They left the U.S. only four months after they were married. But it was a perfect situation for the newlywed missionaries. “I fell in love with a man, a mission team, and a mission all at the same time.” Sherrylee said. After serving in in Germany for eight years, they moved to Oklahoma Christian, where Mark took a job teaching English, German, and Literature. Sherrylee spent two years finishing her degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, graduating in 1993. They both cherished their time at OC. “Everything was different, the atmosphere, the personal relationship you could have with the faculty, their care for your mind, body, soul and spirit,” Sherrylee said. “It was a wonderful 6 VI SI O NFALL2017
place to be, and a wonderful place to raise your family.” The Woodwards began taking a few students back to Germany with them each year. God used those efforts to seed something bigger. “We didn’t know we were starting Let’s Start Talking. God started it, we just figured out what he wanted us to do,” Mark said. “The way it spread to other countries was through alumni like John (91) and Kelly (Brewster 90) Osborne, who went to teach English in Japan. They started to talk with the church there, and suddenly we had an invitation to Japan.” Eventually, there were students all over the world who were inviting LST workers to come join their ministry. The most powerful lesson they learned on the mission field? “God will do the work of converting people,” Sherrylee said. “He has the power. It’s our job to tell the story.” By Paige Adams
DAVID BOWDEN GRAD USES POETRY AND VIDEOS TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OC alumnus David Bowden (10) is a multi-book author and world-renowned performer whose videos have been viewed by millions. The impressive career of OC’s 2017 Young Alumni Award recipient started in his dorm room. “OC is where I learned to do poetry every Monday night with Taylor Walling (10),” David said. “My first performance was at a Wishing Well charity event.” OC Professor of Bible Dr. Dudley Chancey saw David and invited him to perform at Winterfest. “That was really catalytic to being validated in my art form in front of so many people,” David said. “It started a long string of providential appointments in my life that were not my doing. It was all God’s work.” Shortly after that first Winterfest, another OC connection helped David. Chase Layman (08) worked on the video staff for LifeChurch, and he invited Bowden to create a video for Valentine’s Day. That video was followed by another for Easter titled “Sting in Defeat.” It now has more than two million views. Soon, many more churches and organizations wanted Bowden to perform his spoken word poetry. “I was being invited by multiple groups in the United Kingdom to speak to schools and churches, sharing the gospel with people who had never heard of it,” David said. The positive reception led David to write a poetry book and produce CDs and DVDs of his work. All are available on his website, www.spokengospel.com. Just a year ago, he created the kleerseries.com video curriculum for young, post-church people in the U.K. The project coincided with his first non-poetry book, “When God Isn’t There.”
The book addresses how people may feel God is distant. It emphasizes that God chooses to come near to His children through Jesus. David wrote it after a difficult time in his life early in his ministry. “I hadn’t learned how to revel in Christ, to enjoy God yet,” he said. “Through the book and my ministry, I try to encourage people to make sure we’re always making Christianity about Christ.” David’s former Bible professors aren’t surprised by his whirlwind of faith-led success. “Anyone who meets David is immediately struck by his creativity, independence, and confidence about what God could do with his life,” Professor of New Testament John Harrison said. “He imagines what could be and invests in that to make it happen.” Professor of Bible Jim Dvorak agreed. “He was always attentive and had a lot of discipline,” Dvorak said. “He desperately wants to teach the Word of God, and he wants to teach people in meaningful ways, whether through the spoken or written word.” David says he always loved learning, and he’s now pursuing a master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a consultant with the Seed Company, a Bible translation organization, and serves as artist-in-residence at Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City. “It is almost too good to be true that I am paid to do what I do,” he said. “The way God has used my relationships from OC is immeasurable.” By Josh Watson 7 WWW.OC. E D U
MILESTONES KEEP UP WITH MILESTONES ONLINE AT WWW.OC.EDU/ALUMNI
LOIS HILL HONORARY ALUMNA BELOVED FOR SERVICE TO STUDENTS “I love my job, and I love my students. I love coming to work every day.” That statement reflects Lois Irene Hill, OC’s newest honorary alumna. Lois is the cashier for U Dining at Oklahoma Christian, working the breakfast and lunch shifts. She stumbled upon her job by accident nearly 20 years ago when her friend Diane asked her to fill in one afternoon. What began as a favor for a friend developed into years of service and countless smiles and laughs for students. “She needed someone to fill in an hour one day,” Lois said. “I said ‘OK’ and I’m still here!” Lois had a long history in the medical field before coming to OC. She worked in a doctor’s office for 25 years and served as an operating room nurse. She loves to live life to the fullest. She has many hobbies, including spending time with family, fishing, traveling … and skydiving. “Whether she is telling me stories about her dog (Little Man) or about her skydiving adventures, Lois can always brighten my day,” Student Government Association president Tyler Clark said. Lois brings many fun things to the workplace, including a
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stop/go sign for the “after chapel rush,” as well as insisting on letting ladies go first in line. Whenever anyone tells her to “have a good day,” she replies, “Have a gooder one!” “She is always kind, even when she isn’t having the best day,” senior Dawson Waugh said. “She always seeks joy.” U Dining president Kurt Hermanson said, “She’s like everybody’s grandma. She has a way with the students. She has a few special students who will talk to her for hours a day. She loves to give hugs. She is just a special, special lady.” And students and staff alike love to show Lois how special she is to them. “My favorite memory of Lois is on her 80th birthday,” Kurt said. “We took 80 helium balloons to Hardeman Auditorium for students to give to her. The whole cove above her register was filled with 80 balloons for her birthday.” Lois’ sense of humor and her beloved students keep her young. Her friendly face and her friendly words bring comfort and warmth to students at their home away from home. “If students are new here, I want to make them feel welcomed and tell them I’m here for them,” Lois said. “I love my students. They keep me going. They are the reason I get up in the morning.” By Paige Adams
CONDOLENCES KEEP UP WITH MILESTONES ONLINE AT WWW.OC.EDU/ALUMNI
DR. HAROLD FLETCHER (1923-2017) Dr. Harold Fletcher, a legendary professor of music and philosophy at Oklahoma Christian University, died May 27, 2017, at the age of 93. The very first faculty member hired by this missional institution, he was revered and loved by students – from his first day in 1950 until his last class in December 2014. One of the longest tenured professors in the nation, Dr. Fletcher was born Dec. 4, 1923, in Hamlin, Texas. He and his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary Helon McAnulty, met as music students at Abilene Christian and married August 16, 1944. Together, they raised four loving children, and Mary Helon enthusiastically and joyfully supported Harold’s work. She preceded him in death in 2001. Dr. Fletcher left college to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II and attended Midshipmen’s School. After the war, in 1948, he earned a bachelor in music degree and a bachelor of arts degree, both in music theory, from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. He also received a master’s degree in music from Hardin-Simmons. Later in his career, he returned to school, and in 1988 received a Ph.D. in the philosophy of education from the University of Oklahoma. In 1950, Harold and Mary Helon made a commitment that endured their lifetimes. Dr. Fletcher was the first and ultimately the longest serving faculty member at Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City (originally Central Christian College in Bartlesville). Dr. Fletcher composed the university’s alma mater, was the first director of the Chorale, and composed and directed many of the school’s original musicals, entitled “Songs America Sings.” He was the first recipient of OC’s Gaylord Chair of Distinguished Teaching in 1975, was named a Professor Emeritus in 1991, and in 2003, was among the first inductees into the OC Master Teacher Hall of Fame. The university named him a distinguished honorary alumnus during Homecoming in 2004. In 2005, OC established the Harold and Mary Helon Fletcher Center for Music to honor their founding and pivotal influence on music and music students at the university. His interests were boundless. A gifted composer, pianist, conductor, teacher, historian, musicologist, theologian, philosopher, scholar, gardener, and craftsman, he wore well the mantle “Renaissance Man.” In the 1970s, he won a competition for “Songs of Oklahoma” by the Oklahoma Heritage Society and the Oklahoma Broadcasters Association with “The Oklahoma Set,” six songs commemorating the Land Run and Statehood. In 2009, the Oklahoma Legislature adopted the song “The Oklahoma Run” as the state’s official song for April 22, 1889, Land Run Day.
In 2008, the prestigious Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame inducted him as a member, and in 2015, the Oklahoma Legislature honored him for his contributions to higher education. Memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Music at OC. Gifts may be made online (www.oc.edu/ friendsofmusic) or mailed to the Oklahoma Christian University Music Department, P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136. Many alumni from the OC Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Ken Adams, returned to use their musical gifts in tribute to Dr. Fletcher at his memorial service. You can download live recordings from the service at oc.edu/ haroldfletcher.
AVANELLE BAIRD (1919-2017) Mary Avanelle Elliott Baird, the second First Lady in Oklahoma Christian history, passed away August 7, 2017. Avanelle served as Oklahoma Christian’s First Lady for 20 years. Her husband, Dr. James O. Baird, accepted the presidency of then-Central Christian College in 1954 and helped move the school to Oklahoma City in 1958. He served as Oklahoma Christian’s president until passing the mantle to Dr. J. Terry Johnson in 1974. Avanelle and James, who were married for 51 years, always had a passion for missions. Many summers were spent in mission fields, and their Edmond home had an upstairs apartment built to house visiting missionaries. Avanelle’s work with missions and Oklahoma Christian made her well-traveled, and she enjoyed visiting six continents and 49 states. When Avanelle was no longer able to travel, she became active in working with the International Class at Memorial Road Church of Christ. People from all over the world have been impacted by her desire to share God’s love. Avanelle did not believe in being idle and kept herself busy as a wife and mother, Bible scholar and teacher, First Lady, author, missionary, prayer warrior and counselor. She was always gracious and hospitable – having learned those values early from her parents. Avanelle had high expectations for herself and worked hard to accomplish her goals. She loved her husband, James, and was always a credit to him. Avanelle was devoted to her family and enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Avanelle is survived by her children – Harriet Estep; Lynn Jones and husband Jerry; Frances Epperly and husband Bob; Jim Baird and wife Yodie; and Morrow Beth Forrester – plus many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to the Oklahoma Christian General Scholarship Fund.
MACIE JACKSON (1925-2017) Macie Jackson passed away August 30, just four days after her 92nd birthday. She served OC in various roles from 1985 to 2015, including event hostess, special projects coordinator, study abroad sponsor, and landscape designer. Macie loved children and was an excellent Bible teacher. She loved to travel, and every trip was a learning experience. She was preceded in death by her parents (Merle and Sadie), her two older sisters (Lessie and Josie), and her husband Carl. She is survived by her four sons: Andy, Pat, Chris, and Doug and their families; including six grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. Memorial gifts can be made to The Macie Jackson Memorial Fund, c/o Oklahoma Christian University, P.O. Box 11000, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73136 and/or The Village of Hope, P.O. Box 670394, Dallas, Texas 75367 (or online at www.thevillageofhope.com).
CARL PHELPS (1952-2017) Carl Phelps, who became part of the OC family this year as he struggled with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease), passed away September 8. Carl and his wife Janice were featured in Vision ’s Spring 2017 cover story (available at oc.edu/visuals). Early in 2017, the Phelps met OC engineering students who were working on VisuALS, which features eye-tracking technology and text-to-speech functionality that allows ALS patients to communicate again. When he tested OC’s VisuALS system, the first thing he said to Janice was “I love you.” In late January, the team installed the system at Carl’s home in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Using VisuALS to “type” his thoughts, Carl said, “This literally gave me a lift in life. It was a lifesaver. I love this class and I thank God for them.” Janice said OC’s system was a timely, precious gift after Carl lost the ability to use other communication aids. Carl and Janice were on the OC campus just days before he passed away. Using the system, Carl gave a speech as part of VisuALS’ official launch as a fullfledged entrepreneurial startup on August 31. Memorial contributions can be made to VisuALS Technology Solutions, the Tipton Children’s Home, or the Carl and Janice Jennings Phelps Scholarship at Oklahoma State University.
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MILESTONES KEEP UP WITH MILESTONES ONLINE AT WWW.OC.EDU/ALUMNI
1963
Jessica (Jackson) Olson was elected president of the Montana State Music Teachers Association in November 2016. She owns a private piano studio in Bozeman, where she lives with her husband, Matt (01), and 14-year-old twin daughters, Olivia and Sophia.
1993
2011 Nick Conley (pictured below) graduated from Meharry Medical College. He is completing a Family Medicine residency.
2012 Drew and Mandy (Hooper 13) Nevius announce the birth of their son, Cedar Michael Nevius, on April 25. He weighed 7 lb., 7 oz., and was 20.5 inches long.
The Crowe family
Lewis and Linda Armstron g
Lewis and Linda (Todd) Armstrong met at OCC in 1959-60 as freshmen and celebrated their 54th anniversary on June 1. They have published Todd Family and Friends Cookbook containing 430 recipes.
1971
Donna (Thompson) Crowe earned her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Central Oklahoma. She graduated with honors (4.0 GPA). She has accepted a position with Yukon Public Schools. Donna and Russell (92) celebrated their 20th anniversary last October. They are the proud parents of three boys: Ryan, Devin, and Brennen.
1996
Jessica (Jackson) Olson
2003
Ceda r Mich ael Neviu s
Clay and Tara (Lytton) Symes announce the birth of Trevor Scott Symes on December 15, 2016. The Symes live in Edmond.
2013 Bryan Willis graduated from Meharry Medical College. He is completing a residency in Pediatrics.
Tim Schwamb is retiring as a colonel in U.S. Air Force after 21 years of service.
1997 Steve n Wicker
Steven Wicker was recently re-elected as an elder at First Christian Church in Roseburg, OR. Ten years ago, he retired from 27 years of teaching high school history, English, and journalism. He also retired from seven years of work as editor of The Douglas County Mail .
Christopher and Maryjane Norcross announce the birth of their son, Cruz Allen Norcross, on April 23, 2017.
2000
2004
Trevo r Syme s
David and Chelsea (Staudinger 05) Sparks announce the birth of their son, Pierson, on June 15, 2017. His proud brothers are Kallan and Luke. The Sparks live in The Woodlands, Texas, area.
1989
Will is Nic k Con ley and Bryan
Jacob and Kara (Ruff) Wayland announce their Li’l Eagle, Everly Belle Wayland, on January 30, 2017.
Krystal Bybee
Taylor and Connie Cave
Taylor Cave has been hired as the pulpit minister for South Walker Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. South Walker sponsored Taylor and Connie (Hanks 90) Cave is in her 15th year teaching kindergarten at Oklahoma Christian Academy.
Krystal (Rawls) Bybee was named president of the Fort Worth Chapter of the Society of Marketers of Professional Services. She also was certified as a Professional Services Marketer. Krystal is business manager for The Rios Group, Inc., an engineering firm.
2001 Three of Frank and Alecia Johnson’s children sang a cover The Temptations’ “My Girl” on NBC’s Little Big Shots in June. The Johnson family performs at venues across the southern United States.
2014 Piers on Spar ks
2008
Everly Belle Wayland
Tyler and Jamie (Sneed) Jones announce the birth of their daughter, Maggie Jones, on November 25, 2016.
Ryan James Morris was born July 15. He weighed 7 lb. and was 19.5 inches long. The proud parents are Josh (09) and Lindsey (Addington 08) Morris.
Magg ie Jone s
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WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OC?
Dena (ViDaurri 86) Bridgeman, Marquisette Bickford (87), Kate (Fisher 86) Haynie and Ellie Haynie (17). spotted at Tallgrass Christian Camp in Harveyville, Kansas.
The next time you take that vacation or mission trip to some famous or exotic location, do this! 1 2 3
Take some OC gear. Take your picture with you wearing it. Tell us where you are and what you’re doing.
Send your photo to alumni@oc.edu and it might appear in the next Vision. We look forward to seeing those pictures!
Clint (97) and Marilyn (Hinds 03), along with Wesley, Natalie, and Colby LaRue at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado.
Taylor (89), Connie Jean (Hanks 90) and Camille (19) Cave visiting Carley (Cave 15) and Kyle Keesee (14) in Australia, where Carley and Kyle worked with Campbelltown Church of Christ.
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KEEP UP WITH YOUR ALMA MATER AT WWW.OC.EDU/NEWS
OC WELCOMES NEW FACULTY OC’s newest professors bring academic accomplishments and professional experience to the classroom this fall. “The 2017-2018 list of new faculty is as impressive as our students – hailing from across the nation and around the world. They already are establishing their reputations in their academic fields and building impressive portfolios of Dr. Mike Fowler teaching to make successful graduates,” said Dr. Scott LaMascus, vice president for academic affairs. Dr. Mike Fowler (69) returns to Oklahoma Christian after spending the last 11 years as a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Lipscomb University. Before that, he taught for more than 25 years at OC as a distinguished professor of biology. Fowler also served as a dean at OC while maintaining contacts and research projects at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center and various hospitals in the metro area. His work in clinical laboratory medicine with a specialization in toxicology was nationally recognized. Dr. Alden Bass joins the College of Biblical Studies as Assistant Professor of Bible. He holds a Ph.D. from St. Louis University in Early Christianity, a Master of Theological Studies degree from Vanderbilt University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from Yale University. He also served as a minister for North St. Louis Church of Christ and on the Committee for Racial Reconciliation in the greater St. Louis area. Eric Colgrove will direct the Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra, and teach music appreciation, methods, and other music classes. From 2008 to 2017, he was director of bands at Widefield High School in Colorado Springs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Harding University and a Master of Music degree from Colorado State University. Dr. Paul House (94) joins the faculty as an associate professor to lead the launch of OC’s new Nutrition and Exercise Science program. He earned his doctorate from Oklahoma State University in 2009. Dr. House joins OC after experience at Deer Creek Schools and at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he earned teaching excellence awards. Dr. Jonathan Hunt (04) returns as an assistant professor in biology. He received his Ph.D from the University of Oklahoma in 2012. He is completing a postdoctoral research fellowship in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. At OUHSC, he
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was recognized with multiple awards for academic achievement. Wes McKinzie (98) has joined the College of Business Administration faculty after 15 years in marketing and communications leadership at OC. He is spearheading the launch of the new bachelor of business administration program in sports management. He owns a bachelor’s degree from OC and a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma. Savannah Phillips (08) returns to OC to serve the School of Nursing as lead faculty for the maternal child course and as clinical instructor for the mental health course. Phillips earned her master of science degree in nursing education from Fort Hays State University in 2017. She previously served as director of nursing and nursing instructor at Flint Hills Technical College. Dr. Sheldon Liang, a software engineer and architect, is a visiting professor of computer science. He is a past professor of computer science at Azusa Pacific University, Montana Tech, and Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China. He owns a Ph.D from the Institute of Software Chinese Academy of Sciences and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Christian Witness Theological Seminary. Dr. Lindsey Long (07) returns to Oklahoma Christian as a visiting assistant professor after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of New Mexico in the field of biochemistry. Long earned her doctorate from Colorado State University in 2014, and has numerous publications along with strong education and training.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS EARN NATIONAL RECOGNITION Christian Universities Online ranked OC’s accounting program fifth in the nation. CUO cited OC’s partnerships with several companies and the university’s award-winning Accounting and Finance Club, which won first place in a state contest three times in four years. In addition, Best Value Schools ranked seven OC programs among the best values in the country. OC’s major in chemistry was ranked second, accounting sixth, computer science sixth, electrical engineering sixth, mechanical engineering sixth, communication seventh, biology eighth, and pre-law 22nd. Best Value Schools uses variables such as faculty-to-student ratio, price, school environment through student clubs and organizations, and income expectations for a degree. “These rankings are a reflection of the dedication and scholarship that our faculty and staff demonstrate every day in the fields of science, business, liberal arts and engineering,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Scott LaMascus said.
GAMING & ANIMATION PROGRAM MAKES IMPACT OC’s gaming and animation program, recognized as one of the top programs of its kind in the nation, has gained more local prominence with a pair of recent events. In September, OC partnered with Cox for the Boys and Girls Club Cox Technology Center opening in Oklahoma City. As part of Cox’s initiative to give youth access to state-of-the-art equipment and educational software, OC put tools in children’s hands so they could experience virtual reality and other new technologies. Earlier this year, Cox chose OC’s gaming and animation program to demonstrate its virtual reality and augmented reality systems at a “Smart Home” event featuring high-tech products that will soon become staples in residential homes.
OC GRAD CHOSEN FOR PROMINENT MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM Abby deSteiguer (17) will be “in the room where it happens” at King’s College in London. She was accepted into the prestigious Master of Science in Global Mental Health program, jointly run by King’s College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. “I have a passion for psychology and Abby deSteiguer mental health,” deSteiguer said. “When I heard about the Movement for Global Mental Health, I knew I wanted to be involved. This program at King’s College and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has been at the forefront of research and education in this field. I was thrilled when I found out I had been accepted.” The QS World University Rankings ranked King’s College 23rd in the world while Times Higher Education named the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine as University of the Year in 2016 for its response to the Ebola epidemic. The London School is ranked sixth in the world by U.S. News and World Report in the fields of social sciences and public health. It also is ranked 25th for medicine in the 2017 QS World University Rankings.
BUSINESS STUDENTS EARN COVETED SCHOLARSHIPS OC’s Samantha Cowan was one of just 167 students from across the nation to receive a prestigious $10,000 scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The merit-based scholarships are intended to encourage students who demonstrate high ethical standards to pursue
careers in audit and accounting. Cowan is a junior accounting major from Tipton, Oklahoma. She is part of OC’s Honors Program and is a member of the Who’s Who in Colleges of Business. Jake Weith, a finance and accounting double major, won a Gerdau scholarship worth $2,500 and renewable for up to four years. The Arlington, Texas, native is one of two winners from Texas and one of 15 just winners from North America. The scholarship, open to children of Gerdau steel manufacturer employees, is offered to students who placed in DECA’s International Career Development Conference. Weith placed second in Personal Finance Literacy at the international competition in Orlando, Florida.
ALUMNUS ASSISTS NBA, MTV REDESIGNS In his work with The Original Champions of Design, a New York-based firm, Scott Hill (08) helped redesign the National Basketball Association logo and accompanying marks. The core logo, which debuted in 1969, remained essentially the same with an update to its font and color hues. But the project extended to various sub-brands, Scott Hill including the league’s worldwide broadcast entities, the NBA Summer League, and more. Hill has designed a variety of high-profile projects as a freelancer and in work for agencies around the country. He recently wrapped up his stint as art director for The Original Champions of Design with a redesign of MTV’s Video Music Awards logo. He now works for Switch, a firm based in Dallas.
WILBURN’S BUSINESS NAMED AMONG USA’S BEST OC trustee Shannon Wilburn was recently featured on the cover of Franchise Business Review. The magazine named her company, Just Between Friends, as one of the nation’s “Top Innovative Franchises” and “Top 200 Franchises.” Just Between Friends sponsors events across the country where people can shop for baby and children’s shoes, toys, Shannon Wilburn clothing, maternity, and baby equipment at 50 to 90 percent off retail prices. JBF also allows entrepreneurs to sell their own family-related products for profit. In addition, Just Between Friends partners with charities to donate items and goods to clothing closets, crisis centers, transitional emergency care, food banks, and other community services.
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SPORTS NEWS KEEP UP YOUR OC ALMA MATERATATWWW.OCEAGLES.COM WWW.OC.EDU/NEWS KEEPWITH UP WITH SPORTS
OC INVITED TO JOIN LONE STAR CONFERENCE
COSHOW RECEIVES YANKEES’ COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Oklahoma Christian will join the Lone Star Conference starting with the 2019-20 academic year. The Lone Star Conference, one of the nation’s best leagues, will become NCAA Division II’s biggest conference with 19 members. OC will continue to compete in the Heartland Conference before making the move in 2019-20. Current Heartland members Arkansas-Fort Smith, Dallas Baptist (Texas), Lubbock Christian (Texas), Rogers State, St. Edward’s (Texas), St. Mary’s (Texas), and Texas A&M International will join OC in the Lone Star. Current LSC members include Angelo State (Texas), Cameron, Eastern New Mexico, Midwestern State (Texas), Tarleton State (Texas), Texas A&M-Commerce, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Texas Woman’s, Texas-Permian Basin, West Texas A&M and Western New Mexico.
For the second straight year, OC alum Cale Coshow earned the Samuel J. Plumeri, Sr. Community Service Award from the Trenton Thunder, the New York Yankees’ Double-A affiliate. Coshow helped the Miracle League of Mercer County and Strikeout Hunger, a United Way event that made nearly 200,000 meals for local food pantries. Coshow is now with the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate in Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre. He is OC’s first former player to reach Triple-A.
OC JOINS RMAC AS AFFILIATE MEMBER FOR SWIMMING OC’s new men’s and women’s swimming programs will compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. OC began its inaugural season this fall with five-time Olympic medalist Josh Davis as head coach. Davis swam in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, winning three gold and two silver medals. Women’s swim teams in the RMAC include Colorado Mesa, Colorado Mines, Western State (Colo.), Colorado State-Pueblo, Oklahoma Baptist, California Baptist, Nebraska-Kearney and Adams State (Colo.). Men’s programs include Colorado Mesa, Oklahoma Baptist, California Baptist and Colorado Mines.
ANDERSON RETURNS HOME AS SOCCER COACH Meagan Anderson is OC’s new women’s soccer coach. Anderson played forward for the Lady Eagles from 2004 to 2007, starting 48 games and helping OC qualify for the NAIA Championship in 2004 and 2006. In 2006, she started for a squad that won the Sooner Athletic Conference title and went undefeated for 19 games while posting the best record in school history at 17-2-2. She has worked as the head coach at Edmond North since 2013, going 60-22 in five seasons and guiding the Huskies into the Class 6A semifinals in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017. “I’m excited for the challenge and the uniqueness I can bring to the program, having been in their shoes,” Anderson said. “The opportunity to come back, and give back, to the school and the program I once was a part of is something that stood out to me.”
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OC BASKETBALL CONTRIBUTES TOWARD HURRICANE RELIEF The OC men’s basketball program answered a call for help from its counterparts in hurricane-ravaged Houston. University of Houston men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson encouraged coaches around the nation to donate 20 of their school’s t-shirts and 10 pairs of shoes for distribution to people who lost homes and possessions to the hurricane and flooding. “Our prayers are for all those affected by this storm,” Coach Cory Cole said. “In times like these, it is a blessing to be able to help any way we can.”
STUDENT-ATHLETES HONORED FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS For the second straight year, OC led Heartland Conference schools with 66 student-athletes earning the Division II Athletics Directors Association Academic Achievement Award. OC also placed 167 student-athletes on the Heartland’s Academic Honor Roll for the spring semester, the second-highest total of any school. OC had the most honorees in four categories: baseball, men’s basketball, men’s golf, and men’s soccer. The women’s cross country team had the highest grade-point average of any Heartland Conference team with a 3.80 GPA.
OC SIGNS APPAREL DEAL WITH NIKE OC has signed a deal that will make Nike the official provider of apparel and footwear for all of our athletic teams. The five-year deal with Nike and BSN Sports will take effect next year. It is the first all-sport footwear, uniform, and apparel deal in OC history. “We believe this agreement will be extremely beneficial to our coaches and teams,” Athletic Director David Lynn said. “As we strive to be a premier NCAA Division II athletic department, it made sense to partner with absolute best brand in the business.”
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ANY AMOUNT. ANY PROJECT. YOU GIVE, YOU COUNT. Five years ago, OC grads (you!) started heading Homeward – and you haven’t stopped. Since the program’s launch in 2012, a whopping 3,731 grad givers have hopped aboard the Homeward train. “OC is Home” is just as true today as ever, and our grads continue to shout that Eagle pride from the rooftops. Every new grad givers helps raise our alma mater’s ranking in U.S. News and World Report, which means more partnership opportunities for faculty and students, more grant dollars for academic and service projects, and a higher-valued degree for our grads (you again!). Oklahoma Christian University has one of the life-savingest, kingdom-buildingest, world-changingest groups of people this side of eternity. And we’re ready to chase national domination…again! Any amount. Any project. You give, you count.
WHERE YOU’RE THE HERO AND EAGLES THRIVE!
Backyard Club Text Needed Five years ago, OC grads (you!) started heading Homeward – and you haven’t stopped. Since the program’s launch in 2012, a whopping 3,731 grad givers have hopped aboard the Homeward train. “OC is Home” is just as true today as ever, and our grads continue to shout that Eagle pride from the rooftops. Every new grad givers helps raise our alma mater’s ranking in U.S. News and World Report, which means more partnership opportunities for faculty and students, more grant dollars for academic and service projects, and a higher-valued degree for our grads (you again!).
W WW.OC.EDU/BACKYARDCLUB
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BOX 11000 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 73136-1100 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Visit www.oc.edu/alumni to update your name, address, email and other information.
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