The
Connection Oakland City University Alumni Association
Volume LXVI | Number 1 | Winter 2014
The new campus cross underlines our commitment to offer a faith-based education to a needy world.
Founded by General Baptists in 1885
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Connection
Volume LXVI | Number 1
Inside This Issue 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 16 17 19 20 23 24
2013 Alumni Association Members Alumni News Living Oak Lifetime Members New Rockport & Plainfield Locations Dr. Carl Shepard’s Violins A Legacy Lost OCU Hall of Fame Inductees Request for Contributors Alumni Membership Drive Award Nomination Form and Criteria At The Cross Catching Up With The Rays Alumni Family Day Passages Soul Fest Coming Events
Membership Drive Issue In previous years, the Alumni Office has sent out a major mailing soliciting payment of annual alumni dues. In order to be good stewards of our resources, we are including the membership information in this issue of The Connection. Our hope is that you will send your alumni dues in the enclosed postage paid envelope or pay them online at www.oak.edu. The dues year runs on the calendar year, January 1 through December 31. If you have paid your dues in November 2013 or December 2013, it has been credited to the 2014 calendar year. The next issue of The Connection will list all 2014 dues payments since November 1, 2013. The listing in this issue is the final listing for 2013 payments. I want to thank each of you for your faithful support of the Alumni Relations Office. Your dues payments, cards, letters, emails and visits are very important to us. Without you, we could not carry on the work of this office. If possible, would you consider increasing your dues to the next level? Also, we still offer a beautiful watch as a special thank you to our alums that become Lifetime Living Oak members at the $1000 level. Please prayerfully consider supporting your alma mater with your annual dues payment.
Just The Facts Total Number of Living Alumni: 12,438 Total Number Receiving The Connection: 8,364 Total Number of 2013 Dues Payments Receipted: 264* *Includes singles and couples payments
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Volume LXVI | Number 1
2013 Alumni Association Memebers SILVER ACORN Judy Ainscough Rita M. Allen Robert L. Allen Jeanne L. Angermeier Betty R. Ankenbrandt Jon M. Barclay Charlotte C. Barnard Derek K. Barton Doris A. Beckerman Nancy B. Bell Charles M. Bellamy Wayne M. Benton Gary R. Bolin Stephen E. Bottoms Pat M. Boyer Mary V. Brown Noel J. Brummage Virginia L. Bryant Don E. Burroughs Eldon R. Butcher Nancy Lee Byrns Larry Casson Carole Ann Chapman Mark L. Christian Janice L. Craig Roger F. Davis Roy M. Day James L. Dean Mary K. Denneau J. Mike Dietrich Carrie J. Dillon Mary Lou Douglas Michael O. Elaman Carrol E. Ellington Ashley Engler Robert W. Erwin Hugh A. Eskew Joseph Paul Evans Owen W. Fair Connie Ford Rev. Dr. Wayne & Hazel Foust Virginia K. Gardner Robert A. Gentil Judy K. Griesemer Nancy J. Griffith Daryl L. Hale Heidi M. Hamilton Rosemary S. Harbison B. Eugene Hardin Byron L. Harting John W. Helsley Paul Henager Evelyn G. Hilbert Helen B. Horton W. Lester Howard Dr. Dawn Hunnicutt Stan Jochum Teresa D. Johnson Thomas L. Johnson Carol M. Judd
James E. Julian Dennis W. Kirkman Harry Knotts Kenneth E. Lagrange L. Diane Lawyer Joshua B. Lee Vickie Legg Edna M. Mahon Richard D. Mathena Robert W. Maxey Carl Rex May Judith K. McGillem Margaret R. McGirt Shannon J. McKinney R. Virginia Meier Robert E. Meier Elaine Meyer Carl T. Montgomery Harold J. Moody Gary L. Morton Paula Nossett John W. Oexmann Sherryl L. Osgatharp Joanne Parke Marlene Pennington Michael R. Pollum Dorothy E. Powers Mary M. Pyle Valada J. Raber Lois J. Raisor Chasity M. Reising Charles E. Ridenour Thomas M. Roberts Rhonda E. Robling Donald L. Rogers James G. Ruggles Hugh S. Schaeffer Tammy Sue Scheller Mark Scherschel Jon Seifers Jack L. Simmons Timothy E. Simmons Mary C. Simone Marjorie Simpson Richard N. Smith Karen E. Snyder Del L. Steinhart Norma E. Stephenson Opal Lee Stephens Chelsea D. Sullivan Keith A. Sullivan Jerry Taylor Melissa R. Terwiske Charles E. Tevebaugh Dr. Jacquelyn Thomas-Miller Mary Tubbs Janet Wagner Anthony A. Wigand Steven W. Williams Elvis O. Wilson Stanley W. Young Harriet Zweifel
GOLDEN ACORN Peggy L. Albin Thomas Andrews Barbara J. Block Antrim Lee & Bonnie Ayers Reba C. Benson Ronnie & Sandy Black Dwight & Brenda Bland Arvil Callis Ronnie D. Cary Willa Mae Dickey Ray & Marie Doud Leland R. Duncan Dianne J. Elmore Ronald C. Fuhrman James O. Funkhouser Tamula K. Gaiter Ronald W. Galyen Bonnie L. Gentry C. Keith Gore Carl S. Haley Curtis R. Hall Kenneth D. Hall Donald R. Hazelton Lucille Head-Hammond Rev. W. Lester Howard Carl D. Hulfachor Harold & Janie Hughes Timothy L. Kendall Ellen K. Lamb James A. Lindauer Carolyn Listner Jeffrey M. Lynn Carolyn A. Malin Douglas J. Marczak Darrel & Deborah Martin Gloria J. Mason Ivan W. Mason Donald R. McCartney Louie Medlin Jessica L. Mehringer Charles E. Mills Robert J. Moore Billie Jo Murphy Sandra F. Nixon Dr. Patrick & Patricia M. Austin Odom Joanne Parke Dr. Kenneth & Kathy L. Perkins William F. Ping Mike Poehlein Jarvis J. Reed Ray K. Roesner Ronald N. Russell Ronald W. Shaw Betty L. Shirley Stan & Vicki Shoultz
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Stephen & Gil Smeltzer Dr. Glen & Margaret Spence Ron & Joyceann Underwood Melvin R. Vaughn Gay M. Weir Betty Jean Wilgus Cherissa L. Williams Linda L. Wilson L. Ray Winkler Philip W. Wirthwein Gordon D. Wright
PLATINUM ACORN Carrie E. Bellamy Bettye J. Black Jan M. Blackburn Charlie & Judy Brauser Dawnelle E. Brown Norma M. Callis Robert R. Carr Tim & Peggy Chancellor John R. Cochren Rev. Ed Collins Wilford E. Copeland Martha B. Crafton Vernon C. Deutsch Billie J. Duncan Carl M Fowler Iona Froman Jann B. Graves Charles W. Hall Kenneth R. Hall Larry & Beverly Harper Roger & Ilene Heckler Tonya S. Heim Peggy S. Jenkins Drs. Patrick & Patricia O’Brien Ray & Jill Phelps Russell W. Reeves Marvin L. Roeder Daniel J. Ryan John O. Sloan Robert E. Thacker Joe Todrank Brenda Waddle Eric Walden
SILVER OAK James Robert Reed
GOLDEN OAK Billie J. Sakel John & Kathy Stroud Donald W. Townsend
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Volume LXVI | Number 1
Alumni News Larry Davis ’74, President of Internet Revenue Specialists, shared this news item with the Alumni Office. He and his wife, Alta ’72 Davis reside in Florida.
Vance ‘71 and Shari ‘71 Hays celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in October 2013. Vance has been teaching music at Pike Central HS for 40 years.
On Thanksgiving Day, our company Internet Revenue Specialists, launched a new travel portal; www.favoritehotelscollection.com. Although far from being complete, this site will eventually become a one-stop, interactive travel site driven by social media and client interaction as we add new elements to the website each week. Most of the familiar travel websites simply list any and all hotels on their sites, hoping that you will book one of their listed hotels. They really don’t care where you stay as long as they collect a hefty commission from any hotel. Our approach is much different. We have carefully researched the top travel destinations in the world and offer those hotels as the “favorites”, by destination based on customer feedback, professional publications and industry experience. As our clients complete their travel, we ask them to share their experiences with us so future clients can book their travel with confidence.
Six alumni returned to campus in October to play against the current Mighty Oaks team. Unfortunately, they could not out score the younger guys. Left to right: Greg Wright, Adam Lubbehusen, Jeremy Aigner, Nathan Schumacher, Josh Pearson and Chris Sandifar. Hope to see you back next year with a few more!
We are able to access hotel, bed & breakfast, homes, condo and villas from around the world. In addition, our clients can book airfare, a rental car, attraction and entertainment tickets, sporting events, concerts, Broadway shows and all inclusive packages through our current five featured destinations; Florida, Orlando, The Caribbean, New York City and Hawaii. We are adding new travel and advertising partners weekly but travel can be booked now. We invite your readers to visit the site and give us feedback in any area or contact me directly at larry@irsinternet.com or 407-284-0900.
The Connection of Oakland City University USPS 07– 4880 VOLUME LXVI NUMBER 1 PRODUCED FOUR TIMES ANNUALLY BY THE OCU ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE 138 N LUCRETIA ST. OAKLAND CITY, IN 47660 812 749 1226
Les Coomer ‘70 and CJ Beckett were married 7/13/13 at Allen Memorial UMC in Athens, TN. OCU was well represented by alumni pictured with the couple here. Vada ‘68 (Creasey) and John Ferry; Diana ‘67 (Balmer) and Ron ‘70 Galyen; CJ and Les Coomer; Jeanie and Ted (att) Winberry; Nancy ‘72 (Clayton) and Bill ‘70 Moore; and Kay and David ‘70 Youngblood. Pictured on the computer screen is Les’ daughter, Becky Coomer ‘02 who attended via FaceTime from her home in Hong Kong. Page 4
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Volume LXVI | Number 1
Living Oak Lifetime Members Deena J. Ahaus-Lewis
Carol J. Graf
Dennie Oxley
Jerry L. & Pam Aigner
Dr.& Mrs. Darroll & Savanah Hargraves
Janet A. Parrish
Jeannie Anson
Dr. William Hasselbrink
Dr. Gary L. Phillips
Mr. & Mrs. Brian Baker
Dr. Donna S. Hazelwood
Mrs. Judy Black Phillips
Dr. & Mrs. Ray Barber
Norma Sue Hazelwood
Dr. James & Mrs. Kristina Pratt
Robert A. Bean
Cynthia A. Helton
Gary & Donna Vilet Pruett
Patricia M. Berbeco
Dr. & Mrs. Darrell W. Hillhouse
Becky T. Richeson
Angela (Shelton) Blackburn
Kelly Wilder Hopper
Arvin & Rosina Nance Roberson
Anthony & Belena Brantley
Dr. Carol Davidson Horne
Dr. Cecil J. & Lois Robertson
Rev. Fred J. Brittain
Sen. Lindel O. Hume
Coaina M. & Rod Rosenbury
Drs. Wayne & Edna Brumfield
Dr. & Mrs. T.R. & Amelia Hunley
Diana Sablan
Phillip & Sharen Buyher
Robert & Bette Jo Georges Hunt
Michael & Nancy Scherschel
Lewis R. Clark
Marion R. & Janet S. James
Rev. Billy Secoy
Wendy J. Colglazier
Dr. Leroy Jolly
Russell & Judith Stephens Simpson
Laura Conklin
Dr.& Mrs. James & Eddi Marie Evans Julian
J. Eloise Stockinger Smith
Terry L. Crane
Charles & Rita Knight
Jeanette Turner Smith
Todd E. Culley
Mathew J. Konkler
John Snyder
Mr. & Mrs. Wendell Daugherty
Rev. C. Glen Lashley
Larry L. Sparks
Daniel D. Ditzer
Janice Loveless
Bill & Sharen Spencer
Dr. Bob & Norma Doane
Antonia Babauta Lyzenga
Dr. Patricia A. Swails
Dr. & Mrs. Leland Duncan
Dr. Riley & Violet L. Mathias
Joshua Steele
Dr. & Mrs. Wallace Duncan
Mr. & Mrs. Melvin & Janice Menke
Rev. Michael W. Tooley
Mrs. Lennetta Burl Ellis
Lou R. Meuche
Elaine Trafton
Charles Howard Ellis
Gerald W. & Betty W. Montgomery
Floyd & Karen Vieth, Jr.
Terry & Marilyn Enlow
Dr. Rae Murray
Dr. & Mrs. Charles R. & Carolyn M. White
Joe Fielden
Jean Carnahan Murray
Richard Whiting
A. J. Ford
Michael J. Murray
Drs. Don K. & Mary Ann Wilder
Rose Gwaltney Fritz
Mrs. Marlene S. Nalley
Dr. & Mrs. Curtis Yarbrough
Wanda J. Gardner
Glenn B. Nulty
Mrs. Joy Yeager
Drs. Charles & Jean Glasgow
Marsha Orth
Dr. Robert Yeager *Designates a new Living Oak Member added since the last issue.
If your name is appearing incorrectly, please call 812-749-1226 with the correction for the next issue. Page 5
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Volume LXVI | Number 1
Adult & Extended Learning Classes Relocate to New Facilities in Rockport & Plainfield
Rockport, Indiana Facility
On July 31st, The Adult & Extended Learning program in Rockport relocated to a new facility at 954 N St Rd 66 in Rockport. OCU has been hosting classes in this area since 2003. Enrollment has continued to grow and administration opted to move out of the former high school building to a facility with more space and visibility to the public. Pam Bolen is the recruiter for this site and can be reached at 812 649 2200.
Plainfield, Indiana Facility
Oakland City University’s campus in the Indianapolis area changed its location to 905 Southfield Drive, Suite 145, Plainfield Indiana, on July 15, 2013. Classes began at the new location on July 18th. “Team Plainfield” consists of Dr. Karen Bevis, Associate Dean and Associate Professor of the School of Education; Justin Searcy, Criminal Justice Recruiter; Jeanne Girtz, Academic Program Coordinator, Site Director, and Admissions Representative; and Sandy Mulinaro, Administrative Assistant. The Plainfield Center of OCU held a successful Open House/Ribbon Cutting event in connection with the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce on November 20, 2013. Several people attended from campus including Dr. and Mrs. Barber, Dr. and Mrs. McNabb, Betty Burns, and Carol Taylor, along with Pam Bolen from the OCU Rockport campus. The Plainfield Center is looking forward to serving Hendricks County and the surrounding area with Associate, Bachelor, Master, and Doctorate programs, as well as various certificate programs and seminars. People in the area are quite excited to have Oakland City University programs available face-to-face and OCU alumni stop by as they learn of The Plainfield Center. Page 6
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Mrs. Carl Shepard Donates Presidential Violins
Dr. Carl Shepard ‘42, president of OCU from 1965-1968, passed away on October 10, 2010. His wife, Joan Shepard, ‘62 recently presented the university with a unique gift. Dr. Shepard was a self-taught violin maker. Through the years, he made several of these instruments, many of them concert quality instruments. Mrs. Shepard donated seven of the custom violins to the university. She said she felt that by giving them to the University they both loved, it was like “sending them back home.” Mrs. Shepard had previously given a painting by Dr. Shepard and some of his books to the school. We are indeed grateful for these wonderful gifts in memory of Dr. Shepard. Currently there are plans to have an exhibit of the violins in the Dunn Memorial Gallery in 2014. At the time of his passing, an endowed scholarship was established in honor of Dr. Shepard. Anyone wishing to contribute to the scholarship may do so online, by mail, or by calling the OCU Advancement Office at 812 749 1228. Anyone wishing to give an in kind gift of memorabilia may also contact OCU at the same number. We are always pleased to receive historical pieces. Please check back on the OCU website, www.oak.edu and facebook for upcoming events involving these violins.
128th Founders Day ~ November 1 On Founders Day 2013, two honorary degrees were presented to Wayne and Edna ‘68 Brumfield. Wayne Brumfield received the Honorary Doctor of Business and Edna Brumfield was presented the Honorary Doctor of Education. Mrs. Brumfield is a member of the OCU Board of Trustees. Founders Day Speaker was Randy Moore, local television anchor. The University choir performed and a luncheon in honor of the Brumfields was served in the SLC Dining Hall.
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Volume LXVI | Number 1
A Legacy Lost
By Glenn Nulty ‘98
Back in 1969 I graduated high school. The United States and the world was a very different place for an 18 year old kid in Brooklyn, New York. I wasn’t “college-material” as they would say, so young men either went to college or were drafted into the military. I wasn’t ready for the military so I followed in my father’s foot-steps and became an Apprentice Ironworker for Local 40 of the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, and Reinforcing Iron Workers, www.ironworkers. org. New York City was alive with new buildings going up, or as we would say in the business, “lots of holes in the ground”. I worked several small jobs as an apprentice before I landed the “Big Daddy” of them all, The World Trade Center. It was a very exciting time for an 18 year old making $4 and change per hour. Minimum Wage was $1.60 per hour, I was in tall cotton.
Ironworking trade and never looked back. I spent 30 years in the military, I really enjoyed it and it is how I learned about and earned my Bachelor of Science Degree from Oakland City University. It was now 1998. Then September 11th, 2001 happened, A Legacy Lost. Where were you? I know you remember, I had recently retired from the Army and was trying my best to fit into civilian life, I was working for the Indianapolis Airport Authority and shortly thereafter went back to work for the Federal Government as a civilian.
When I finally retired from the Federal Service with 41 years under my belt, 30 military and 11 civil service, the calendar “Then September 11th, 2001 read 2011; not one being able I reported to the South Tower, #2 World Trade to sit still, I became involved Center, in late July 1969. The tower was still happened, A Legacy Lost. in one of the local elementary in the ground, about 10 stories down below Where were you? schools as a volunteer and the street surface. I worked with many Native I know you remember.” with my Town of Brownsburg Americans and other people from around serving on commissions and America, what an education for me as I was brought up in a close knit neighborhood of Brooklyn. I just trying to give back. One of the Town Councilmen learned continued on the World Trade center for one year after which I was an Ironworker on the Trade Center. We talked for a long I went out as a Journeyman Ironworker having learned the time and he finally told me the town was getting ready to erect trade; I can still remember my hourly pay, $8.18 per hour, a 911 Memorial and that a artifact beam had been in town the cotton was getting taller. During my time working on the almost 10 years. It seems a Brownsburg Firefighter named “Trade-Center”, as we called it, and as an Ironworker, I slowly Jim Miller, applied for and was granted permission to pick became a man. Then the military caught up with me. I left the up an artifact beam salvaged from Ground Zero. Would I like
Glenn pictured working on the South Tower of the World Trade Center during 1969/70.
The South Tower at about floors 3 or 4 of 120.
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to get involved? “Yes sir” I said, you couldn’t keep me away! lot of miles to find it’s final resting place. I look at the artifact This was July 2011. now and memories and feeling of the way “it use to be” flood over me, they give me goose-bumps!. I am not a rich man At first there was a handful of us working on the project. A web in regards to money, I am rich person as I have a wonderful page was developed and written, accounts were established wife, family, and friends. What will you leave behind when you for donations, marketing ideas were kicked around and tried, finally leave this earth and join the Lord? My Dad left many research into that tragic day was legacies around New York City, Madison Square Garden, on going. We had a long way the Unisphere at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, the “I look at the to go and the clock was ticking Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. For me, it was going to be the artifact now as we wanted to dedicate the World Trade Center - A Legacy Lost and memories memorial on September 11th, 2012. We didn’t make it! and feelings
of the way ‘it use to be’ flood over me”
Please review our web site: http://www.brownsburg911memorial.org It was developed to educate you, bring out your emotions, and remember the heroes and victims of September 11th, 2001.. And if you feel it is a worth will project, please donate. All the Heroes of September 11th, 2001, thank you. I am happy to report our 911 Memorial is now materializing. It was too big a project for the few people we had working diligently on it. Once again, as they did on that tragic day in September 2001, firefighters came to the rescue. Our own Brownsburg Fire Territory.
We have a nice location in Williams Park, there are some donations of professional services and materials but a full “The mission of the 9-11 Memorial at Williams Park is to establish a solemn memorial to reflect fledged fund raising campaign is underway.
the historical importance of September 11, 2001
The memorial is targeted to be dedicated on September 11th, through education, emotions, and dedication to 2014. I have traveled a lot of miles since walking “The Iron” those heroes and victims who bravely gave all of the Trade Center, just as the artifact beam has traveled a
and continue to give all.”
Glenn ’98 and Angie Nulty, visited campus in December to attend the Choir Christmas Concert and view the beautiful 9 ft tree they donated to the Dunn Memorial Gallery.
Nulty and Firefighter Jim Miller, with the Artifact, who is responsible for bringing the Artifact Beam to Brownsburg, IN for a memorial.
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Honors Two to be inducted into the OCU Intercollegiate Hall of Fame on January 18, 2014
OCU graduate Dr. Darrel Bobe is named District VII Superintendent of the Year
Kenneth “Tot” Nelson ‘48 and Amy Belden Meyer ‘03 were selected to be inducted into the OCU Intercollegiate Hall of Fame this January.
Kenneth “Tot” Nelson
Amy Belden Meyer
Kenneth “Tot” Nelson 48, Winslow High School Alumni Class of 1939, formerly of Winslow, now living in Chandler and Lady Oaks softball standout Amy Belden Meyer of New Albany, IN will be enshrined on Saturday, January 18, 2014 when the Lady Oaks and Mighty Oaks host Ohio Mid-Western in a 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. basketball doubleheader in Johnson Center. They will be introduced on the playing floor at halftime of the men’s game (approximately 3:30 pm) and inducted during the evening’s Hall of Fame banquet in the Bower Suhrheinrich Student Center.
OCU Graduate Dr. Darrel Bobe ‘01, superintendent of North Knox School Corporation, is the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents 2014 District VII Superintendent of the Year. Bobe earned his master and doctoral degrees from Oakland City University. Winners are selected for their qualifications, Dr. Darrel Bobe accomplishments and instructional leadership in a time of limited financial resources. The district now operates under a balanced budget. Simultaneous to the budget cuts, the district added positive instructional programs, increased IREAD test scores to 99.9 percent, and end-of-course assessment (ECA) test scores for high school students improved 16 percent in English and 43 percent in biology in the past year. The district also increased its graduation rate to 90 percent in 2013 -- a 12% increase from the previous year. He formerly worked as executive director for financial services in Vincennes Community School Corporation.
Thanksgiving at Indiana’s Women’s Prison is About Serving Others Oakland City University’s Prison Ministry helped make a happier Thanksgiving for those less fortunate. IWP sent out the following press release: Indiana Women’s Prison (IWP) offenders continued its long practiced tradition of assisting with preparing food for Thanksgiving to those less fortunate, thanks to the approval of Superintendent Steve McCauley and Oakland City University staff Barbara Auman ‘04 and Lydia Stephens. This practice has occurred for over twenty-three years and began and continues with a former Indiana Girls’ School now retired employee by the name of Thelma (Momma) Turner. OCU Indiana Re-entry Educational Facility (IREF) Culinary Arts Teacher Mr. Dennis Brady worked diligently three days November 25-27th from early morning to late in the evenings with the assistance of 8-12 offenders and a few IREF and IWP staff to complete this monumental task. Approximately 285 turkeys and 100 large pans of dressing were prepared and cooked for the Annual thanksgiving event that occurs at the Watkins Family Community Center. This annual event grows larger each year and the support and assistance Ms. Vaughan, Aramark Supervisor, Mr. Brady (IREF) Culinary Arts teacher and IREF and IWP staff give is overwhelming. The sincere gratitude and appreciation that the offenders express for having had an opportunity to be a part of this event is phenomenal! This year The Watkins Family Community Center was able to provide meals to over 6,100 individuals at the Watkins Community Center and three church locations all thanks to the donations and assistance of volunteers. Page 10
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Topics For The Next Issue Are You a Business Owner? In an upcoming issue of the Connection I will be highlighting successful OCU entrepreneurs and business owners. Have you started a business since you graduated? Are you a partner in a business? Article Requirements:
Length should be 800 -1200 words (must be emailed to ssullivan@oak.edu).
Photos of you and your business (action shots, too).
Tell how you got started, where you are today and how your education at OCU helped with this business.
Contact information that can be included in the article, in case other alums would like to ask questions or purchase your products, if applicable.
Tell Us Your Story Several years ago, Judy Whitten, former Alumni Director, put together a booklet entitled “A Few Among the Many” that highlighted several of our alumni. These men and women had gone on to successful careers following their graduation from OCU. It has been a popular handout. I hope to update the booklet with information about even more of our successful alumni. Our Admissions department would like to use this booklet as a recruiting tool and we would also like to include some alumni testimonials. I need your help to make this happen. Have you been successful in your career path? Have you won awards, written a book or published articles? Have you planted churches, served as a missionary or been in school administration? Have you taught in private or public school making a difference in the lives of students? Have you invented something, designed something or supervised a major project in the public or private sector? Did your degree from OCU encourage you to seek more education for your chosen field? Have you coached? Have you been a dedicated volunteer? Have you built your own business? Everyone has a story. I hope you will let me tell yours. You may submit your information by mail or email to the addresses listed below. Include a photo of yourself. I would especially like to highlight how OCU contributed to your success. Sometimes it’s hard to “toot our own horn” when looking back on our successes. Please know that your story may inspire a potential student to come to OCU. Word of mouth is the very best advertisement along with real-life stories. Don’t be shy about your accomplishments! Addresses for stories: ssullivan@oak.edu or OCU Alumni Relations, 138 N Lucretia St, Oakland City, IN 47660. Thank you for your time, I hope to hear from many of you! Also, thanks to those of you that have already sent your stories in response to an earlier email. Page 11
Laci (Watson) Tucker ‘07 pursued her OCU degree in Graphic Arts by starting a design company, partnered with Adam’s Computers in 2009. In 2012 she purchased the other half of the business and brought it home to Oakland City to raise a family with her husband John Tucker ‘09. You can find Geared Media on the corner of Morton St. and Alfrell St. Monday-Friday 8am-4pm by appointment. Geared Media specilizes in: • Graphic Design • Web Design • Branding • Search Engine Optimization
• Printing • Copies • Promotional items • and more.
Geared Media is pleased to bring you the design of this issue of The Connection.
Geared Media 431 W. Morton St .
Oakland City, IN 47660
(812)463-3118 www.GearedMedia.com
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2014 Membership Drive MAIL YOUR DUES TODAY OR PAY DUES ONLINE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A $100 VISA GIFT CARD This year, we are including our annual Membership Drive in this issue of The Connection. We so appreciate those of you that promptly pay your dues. This year we would like to encourage even more of our alums to support OCU with their dues payments.
Our First Ever $100 Visa Gift Card Give-a-way
We will track all dues payments made in January, February and March 2014. We will draw one name from each month’s dues payers and that individual will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card. We will draw at the end of January, at the end of February and at the end of March for a total of $300. For those of you super prompt alums that have already paid your 2014 dues, your names will be included in the January drawing. Paying online at www.oak.edu >alumni & friends will also be eligible for the drawing in the month the payment is received online.
Have you paid your 2014 dues? Your support makes it possible for the Alumni Relations Office to function. Please mail your dues in today, or go to www.oak.edu > Alumni & Friends > Pay Alumni Dues. Use the form below and the enclosed envelope to send in your dues. Thank you so much! With a minimum gift of $25, you become an active member of the OCU Alumni Association. Here‘s how to get connected: Check one of the following categories of member-ship and return this form with Check or Credit Card information.
$25 Silver Acorn Society $50 Golden Acorn Society* $100 Platinum Acorn Society* $250 Silver Oak Society* $500 Golden Oak Society* $1000 Living Oak Society* *Can be Individual or Couple
Name: How do you want your name listed for publication? Class Year: Address: City/State/Zip: Check Enclosed Pay By Credit Card: Card #: Exp date:
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AMEX
DISC
VISA
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Why I Pay My Dues “I continue to support OCU because I believe in the academics learned there, the relationships built there, and the futures that start there. God has a plan for all of us…as I do not believe things “just happen”. I was very fortunate to attend OCU, graduate, start a career, and return for my Master degree. I’m so grateful that God’s plan for me included OCU! My son has high hopes of attending OCU in the future. It is awesome to see that even at such a young age, he sees how much OCU has to offer and is excited about his educational future! So, if God put’s OCU in your path, I know it will be a great experience and a benefit to you!” - Carrie Jean Dillon ‘98 & Master in ‘09 Senior Accountant Toyota Tsusho America, Inc. “If it’s God’s will, we get old. As we age, we remember the good times of the past. I often enjoy remembering my OCC experiences and I feel young again and imagine myself working on the Collegian, or acting in a play, or enjoying the company of a “dormite” at the Oaks. We can enlighten the future by illuminating the past, in memory. Being an alumni of OCU helps me stay young... mentally at least. Proud to be an alumni.” - John Helsley Sr. ‘57 “I am glad to pay my alumni dues each year as a way to continue my connection with OCU. It has been a win-win situation for the Alumni Office and me personally. By paying my dues I am able to go to Athletic and Fine Arts events by showing my key chain tag. WooHoo!” - Carolyn Malin ‘82
“I deployed to Iraq in January 2003 before I could complete my MHR BS degree. I was lucky enough to be able to complete my degree when I deployed and finished my last few requirements only weeks before our unit (76th INF Bde) went into Iraq with the 5th Special Forces Group. I need to thank all the people who made completing my degree at the last moment possible. I returned to Indiana in February of 2004. I am now currently working for a geologist but have enrolled as a graduate student in a MHA program. I am thankful for Oakland City University starting me down this career path, despite my age. I hope everyone is doing well and striving for their goals. Thank you!” - Miles Berkeley Craig ‘03 “OCU and me - I have been blessed through out my life with a fantastic family, a great following of friends, and a wonderful and happy professional life. The seeds for all these blessings were planted and nurtured at Oakland City University. By supporting my Alumni association, it is my wish to help keep the dream alive for the future generations. ‘Enter to learn, go forth to serve’ is a way of life and a powerful, positive affirmation.” - Mike Poehlein ‘61 Page 13
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Alumni Association Awards ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS NOMINATION FORM I NOMINATE ____________________________________________________________________ FOR THE 2014: _____ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR _____ SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD _____ SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD _____ TRUE BLUE MIGHTY OAK AWARD PLEASE LIMIT NOMINATION TO ONE CATEGORY PER FORM. FORMS MAY BE COPIED AND SUBMITTED FOR MULTIPLE AWARD NOMINATIONS FOR THE SAME PERSON. NOMINATIONS CANNOT BE MADE BY THE NOMINEE OR IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS. THIS PERSON IS AN ALUMNUS OF _____________ YEAR. THIS PERSON IS NOT AN ALUMNUS._________________ On a separate sheet of paper, please list your reasons for nominating this individual for this award. You may also include biographical information and letters of recommendations from others. Your Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ City/ST/Zip: _____________________________________________________________________ Email: _____________________________________ Phone: ______________________________ Nominations cannot be accepted without your contact information. To be considered for 2014 awards, the nomination must be received by May 1st. Nominations can be mailed at any time to: OCU Alumni Relations 138 N Lucretia St. Oakland City, IN 47660 Nominations will be kept on file for one year.
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Each year, nominations are accepted for alumni awards that are usually presented at the annual luncheon. Any alumnus (with dues paid for 2014) may nominate an individual for an award. The awards and criteria are as follows: Alumnus of the Year Award Criteria: Any degreed graduate of the school; nominations may be made by any OCU alumnus or friend of the school, but not by the nominee or his/her immediate family; The person making the nomination is urged to solicit letters of support from others for the nominee. Nominations should be mailed to the OCU Alumni Office at 138 N. Lucretia St., Oakland City, IN 47660. In line with the motto - Go Forth to Serve, commendable service contributions in a profession or area of interest should be considered. The award acknowledges the achievements of individuals in the following suggested areas: Professional Accomplishments, Social and Community Service, Church and Religious Life; Oakland City University involvement. Consideration of high moral and ethical principles, indications of respect of family, social contacts, and the regard of fellow workers should be considered. Nominations will be presented to the Alumni Association Board who will recommend the recipient and an alternate in the event the recipient cannot be present. The selected nominee is expected to attend the Alumni Luncheon and respond to the honor given. Special Achievement Award Criteria Any degreed graduate of the school; nominations may be made by any OCU alumnus or friend or the school, but not by the nominee or his/her immediate family; The person making the nomination is urged to solicit letters of support from other for the nominee. Nominations should be mailed to the OCU Alumni Office at 138 N. Lucretia St., Oakland City, IN 47660. Though it may be, the Special Achievement Award does not have to be given every year. The Special Achievement Award should be given to someone who has excelled in his/her chosen field. The recipient does not need necessarily to demonstrate great involvement in church, civic or community affairs. The Special Achievement Award may be given to a person who may not have kept in close touch with the University since graduation because of professional involvement or geographical location. The Special Achievement Award is an additional avenue that may be used to recognize Special Service Award Criteria This award is presented to someone who has given special or long, devoted service to Oakland City University. The award is ordinarily given as a surprise. Nominees for this award may or may not be an alumnus of the school. Any degreed graduate of the school; nominations may be made by any OCU alumnus or friend or the school, but not by the nominee or his/her immediate family; The person making the nomination is urged to solicit letters of support from other for the nominee. Nominations should be mailed to the OCU Alumni Office at 138 N. Lucretia St., Oakland City, IN 47660. True Blue Mighty Oak Award Criteria The Purpose of this award is to recognize those who love, support, honor and bring positive attention to Oakland City University. It is not restricted to an alumnus or an athlete alumnus. Nominations can be made by any alumnus of the University whose dues are paid for the current nominating year. The person nominating must present evidence for the nomination in writing; including biographical information, accomplishments related to OCU and contact information. Nominations can be made at any time by submitting them to the Alumni Relations Office. The Alumni Board will select recipients based on nominations and will also select the event for the presentation of the awards. This may be Homecoming, Alumni Luncheon, or other event that the Board deems appropriate. This award will not replace any current award. Recipients of other alumni awards are also eligible for the - True Blue Mighty Oak award. Unlike other awards, the recipient does not have to be present for the event. Attendance is encouraged, but it is understood that all recipients may not be able to attend on the date selected for the presentation. The ultimate goal of this award is to recognize those who have contributed to OCU in a positive way that may or may not qualify for other awards presented by the Alumni Relations Office. Coupled with this goal, is the intent that honoring individuals and bringing them to campus gives us the opportunity to promote the true mission of Oakland City University. Page 15
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“At The Cross, At The Cross, Where I first Saw The Light...”
In October, Oakland City University installed a new cross on Franklin Street, in front of Provance Memorial Chapel. Made of approximately 2,000 pounds of stainless steel, the cross stands 20 feet tall and 13 feet wide. This is part of the ongoing upgrading and refurbishing of the chapel, which included a new roof, new landscaping, new restrooms and improvements in the foyer. Lighting for the cross is next on the list.
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Catching Up With Jody & P.K. Ray Two decades later, what one of my friends noticed not long after we graduated from college is as true today as it was then: “You should never write Jody’s address in ink!” My husband, P.K., and I were married in May of 1994 one week after he graduated from OCC. We had a well thought out plan for our life. P.K. was the associate pastor at the Christian Church in Winslow. P.K. would continue to work at the church and we would live in the parsonage while I finished my last year at OCU. Then P.K. would complete his masters and Ph.D. at The University of Chicago while I taught school. After that, he would teach theology at a university and we would start our family. Our life went according to plan for that first year. I remember sitting in our living room at the parsonage when P.K. told me he wanted to apply to the Master of Divinity program at Harvard. It sounded exciting. Before he mailed his application, we prayed over it. We asked God to show us if this was the direction we should take by first allowing P.K. to be admitted and second by allowing him to receive a full scholarship. He was admitted and he did receive a full scholarship. I graduated in May of 1995. P.K. and I packed our belongings and headed to Boston. While in Boston I worked as a nanny, a receptionist in the Admissions Office at Harvard Medical School and an office assistant for an advertising firm. One of my strongest memories of our time in Boston is longing to be back with our families and friends in the Midwest. P.K. finished his M.Div. in 1998 and took a position on staff at Lindenwood Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. I took a position teaching third grade in the Memphis City Schools. About six months after moving to Memphis, we found out we were expecting our first child. P.K. had been commissioned as an officer in the reserve component of the Navy in 1997 and we decided he would transition to active duty before the baby was born. We received orders to The Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, CA. We would arrive a month before the baby was due which would give us time to organize our new home. We had been in Twentynine Palms for two days before I had my first appointment with my new doctor. I was diagnosed with preeclampsia and was told I would be having the baby that day. Rachel was born at 4 pounds 14 ounces. We brought her home to the TLF (Temporary Lodging Facility) as we were still looking for a house. Rachel was almost six weeks old when we experienced our first major earthquake. It was a 7.1 on the Richter Scale. I
P.K. and Jody Ray
flew back to Indiana to visit our families until the aftershocks subsided. While I was there, I began to miss P.K. and had an overwhelming sense that I needed to return to California. I had met one of the other chaplains’ wives shortly after we moved to California. When she found out I had flown back to Indiana, she asked several other spouses to join her in praying for me. She had seen many young couples join the military only to have their marriages quickly dissolve. She did not want us to go down that path. I strongly believe her prayers were the catalyst for my strong desire to return to my husband. In November of that year, we found out we were pregnant again. That pregnancy soon ended in a miscarriage. God granted me great peace over the loss of that baby, but I was feeling very overwhelmed with the events of the past few months. In addition, we were renting a house off base while we waited to get into base housing. Twentynine Palms is a very remote area and I felt very isolated. I wanted to meet people, but I didn’t want to put forth the effort to build relationships. We had been attending chapel on base. Returning home after services one Sunday, God opened my eyes to what I was called to do regardless of where P.K. and I lived. Yellow roses have been my favorite flower since I was a child. The yard of our rental was well landscaped for a desert yard. I turned the corner of our house and there was one of the largest yellow rose blooms I had ever seen. The Lord told me if that flower could bloom out in the dry desert then I could too. The saying, “Bloom Where You Are Planted” may sound cliché, but I knew that was what I was to do in order to be
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Catching Up With Jody & P.K. Ray obedient from that time forward. It was acceptable to miss our family and friends, but holding onto the longing to return to the familiar was not where the Lord was leading. The Lord impressed that so strongly on my spirit that I immediately changed my attitude. I began to volunteer and became involved with a women’s ministry on base. We were able to move into base housing in February. P.K. was able to serve his Marines and Sailors and I was able to enjoy being a wife and mom. We loved living in Twentynine Palms so much that P.K. requested a second tour of duty there. Our son, Aaron, was born in 2001 and Hannah was born in 2003. In 2005 P.K. received orders to Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. We were sad to leave California, but the lesson had been learned and we put down roots once again this time determined to do the best we could from the beginning. After our tour in Great Lakes, P.K. went back to reserve status and we transitioned back to the civilian world. For five years P.K. was a chaplain with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Atlanta, Georgia. During this time P.K. had many opportunities to minister to service members as a Navy reserve chaplain. He deployed to Bahrain during the summer of 2011. God is still taking us in sometimes surprising directions. After feeling settled in Georgia, the Navy recalled us to active duty. This past August we left Georgia for Virginia where P.K. is currently stationed at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. This move was difficult for our children, but it has been a perfect opportunity for us to show them how important we believe it is to follow God’s calling and to do so with a
The Ray children: Rachel, Hannah and Aaron
positive attitude and expecting Him to do great things. P.K.’s orders in Portsmouth are only for one year, so next summer we will receive new orders and be on the move once again. We are looking forward to learning what God has planned for our family on this part of our adventure.
Introducing Carley Ann Cavazos...Class of 2035? If Miss Carley Ann Cavazos follows in the steps of her mother, grandmother, great grandmother and uncle, she should graduate from OCU around 2035. Proud parents Angelena (Bolen) ‘08 and Travis Cavazos announce the birth of their daughter on 11/30/13. She weighed 7.3 lbs. and was 19 inches long. Welcoming her home are grandmother Pam Bolen ‘03, ‘07, Rockport Site Coordinator, great grandmother Dorothy Schroader Whitehead ‘06, and uncle A.J. Bolen ‘08. “Pam-maw” Bolen is proud of this beautiful buddle of joy! Page 18
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Alumni & Family Day
The first annual Alumni & Family Day was planned as an outdoor event. Unfortunately weather did not cooperate, but it did not dampen the spirits of the participants. Events, food and games were moved to the Student Life Center for a fun day of camaraderie with students and alumni.
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Passages... Remembering our Alums & Friends Bernard M. Marley, Ph.D., ‘66, of Huntingburg, Ind., completed his lifetime of service to others on Friday, October 18, 2013. Dr. Marley was a Professor of Education at Oakland City University in addition to being Vice President for Prison Education. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his sons, Shawn and Tony; daughter-in-law Amy; granddaughters, Macie and Emma. Charlene S. (Georges) Rosenfeld, Class of 1964, died September 10, 2013. Husband of Tom Rosenfeld, Class of 1966, and sister of Bette Jo (Georges) Hunt, Class of 1960. Arthur Hammond of Ft. Wayne, IN passed away October 23, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Anna Lucille Head Hammond ‘55, former OCU English teacher and former wife of the late Robert Head, OCU Religion professor. Rex R. Walters, ’66 of Freelandville, IN, passed away 10/29/2013. He was a graduate of Freelandville High School and was awarded a scholarship to Oakland City College for his baseball talents. He was an accomplished guitarist having played lead guitar for the Corvettes, Free Rein and Reunion. He also played the keyboards and played in other rock & roll bands in the area. He married Mary T. Weber on August 20, 1966 and they made their life together for 47 years.
Gary Alan Orth, ‘60, of Boonville, passed away Nov. 1, 2013. Gary received a basketball scholarship to Oakland City College and started every game (94) for 4 years. During his 4 year career, he averaged double/double each game. He was Mr. Basketball his Junior year. Gary started his teaching/coaching career in the fall of 1960. He retired in 1995 after “35 great years.” He was retired for 18 years and built 4 street rods. His garage, “Gasoline Alley” in Boonville, was a hangout for street rodders and friends. Gary is survived by his high school sweetheart, Marsha Goad. They were married for 55 years last August. You can make a contribution in memory of Gary to Disler Endowed Scholarship thru Oakland City University, 138 N Lucretia St., Oakland City, IN. 47660. Cards can be sent to Marsha Orth, 1833 Maple Grove Rd., Boonville, IN 47601. John Max Hochstetler ‘56, of Buckskin, IN, died August 20, 2013, in Punta Gorda, Fla. Mary Ann Slade, 77 of Evansville, IN, wife of Richard F. Slade ‘56, died August 30. Mr. David Wayne Hammer ‘86, of Farmersville died 11/26/13.
Alvin Lloyd Sisson ‘58 of Oakland City died August 18, 2013. He was a lifetime coal miner.
Dona Belle Hunley ‘52 of Winslow, IN, passed away May 22, 2013. Dona Belle was married September 15, 1946 to Kenneth Hunley ’52 and he preceded her in death on October 7, 2010. She entered Oakland City University in fall of 1949 and retired from teaching after 33 years.
Rev. Dallas Henry Holtsclaw ‘68, of Evansville, died 12/6/2013. He was a minister for 50 years. He preached at the Rescue Mission every Tuesday for many years. He also helped at Camp Brosend in Newburgh for children. He is survived by his wife, Neva Holtsclaw, children and grandchildren.
Robert Eugene “Tuffy” Anderson, of French Lick, passed away November 18. He was a 1955 graduate of French Lick High School and attended Oakland City College on a basketball scholarship. He taught for 26.5 years and was an avid golfer.
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Passages... Remembering our Alums & Friends Carolyn Jill Phelps, ‘62, of Traverse City, Michigan died December 15, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Rev. Dr. Ray Phelps ’61. She was a member of the Silvertone Trio during and after her college graduation. Later, she and her husband entered Southern Baptist Theological Seminary whereupon she earned a Master of Religious Education degree and became the first Youth Director for the General Baptist denomination. After earning a second Masters degree, she was a former associate professor at Oakland City University; former secondary education teacher at Princeton Community High School; former Director of Happy Times Nursery School and Happy Times Daycare at First G.B. Church, Princeton, IN; former teacher for 18 years at the Mott Adult High School, Flint, MI. She retired from teaching after 32 years. She was a missionary to Saipan Community Church and School, Marianas Island. Jill was also a full-time mother to her son, Corey Ray Phelps and a pastor’s wife for 45 years. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oakland City University or the General Baptist International Missions.
Carolyn J. Hill, ’69, Hazleton, Ind. passed away Friday, December 6, 2013, at her residence, after a hard fought battle with cancer. She was a graduate of Mt. Olympus High School, Oakland City College, and Indiana State University. She was a retired teacher from the Pike County School Corporation, teaching there for 27 years. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Vesper Hill ’60.
Riley M. Mathias, ‘65, of Poplar Bluff passed away Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013 at Oakdale Care Center in Poplar Bluff. Rev. Mathias served as a pastor for 15 years in General Baptist churches in Indiana and Tennessee. He then became Director of Christian Education for the General Baptist denomination and directed that ministry for 21 years. During these years he was instrumental in the building of the General Baptist World Headquarters and the Stinson Press Publishing House. He is survived by his wife Violet, children and grandchildren.
All-Campus Picnic Fun For All The first OCU AllCampus Picnic was held on Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013.
Corn Hole Tournaments were in full swing.
President Barber tried out the bouncy house experience.
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During the event, students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to fellowship and enjoy a good meal.
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From Out of The Past
The Inside Corner
By Bill Robertson
November 26, 1952 Evansville Courier & Press
Oakland City College, that hardy perennial among Indiana colleges, one of the country’s most vigorous exponents of basketball in its fundamental sweetness, will send its 1952-53 hardwood contingent to Evansville Thursday for the annual renewal of athletic relations with Evansville College. Victory over their more robust and better-manned Evansville adversaries is fast becoming something of a lost legend for the Gibson County college, but if rebuff were a venomous sting the sturdy Oaks might have given up the chase long ago. From an enrollment of fewer than 300 students, one of the smallest basketball colleges in Indiana, Oakland City has been producing worthy representatives for many, many years. In fact, proud alumni point out that Oakland City College was a live and vibrant educational beacon in Indiana almost 35 years before the first building arose on the Evansville College campus and has been one of the Hoosier pioneer institutions in both education and intercollegiate athletics. Although now confining its athletic endeavors to basketball, the school once sponsored a full four-sport program and from the venerable gym and once beaten football field on the Oakland City campus emerged some of the most sparkling athletic names in the southern Indiana sports galaxy. It is a fact, too, that in many years the little college was producing worthy football teams year after year the enrollment was never much larger than it is today. But it is more difficult to equip and operate a college football team in the current accelerated age, even though smaller schools like the Peru Teachers of Nebraska, which produced 53 football players from an enrollment of 275, and the Emporia Kans., Teachers (enrollment 290) won’t admit it. OAKS BECOME ILLUSTRIOUS COACHES One of Oakland City’s illustrious graduates is Herman Keller, Bosse basketball coach whose feat of fashioning successive state champions in 1944 and 1945 ranks among the most remarkable chapters in Indiana sports annals. While absorbing the basic facets to be later refashioned into successful teaching, Keller earned 11 letters as a sturdy Oak—four in basketball, three in football, two in baseball and two in track. The Keller imprint is one of the most glittering in the Oakland City story. But there are many other Oak-trained men in southern Indiana’s educational scheme. Most of them developed their energies and talents under Coach Brooks Pinnick, who was as much a part of college as the rustic gymnasium or the maple trees on the campus. Pinnick, an earlier coach at Petersburg (Indiana), usually kept four or five of his athletes at his home and some of them still chuckle at some of the little pranks they used to play on him. Pinnick now lives in Washington, Ind., and has been away from the Oakland City campus for more than 15 years. Ivan Hollen, present coach of the Washington Hatchets, is also an Oakland City graduate. After starring at Princeton
Submitted by Art Miley
High School, Hollen played four years as an end for Coach Pinnick and also doubled as a basketball star. One of his assistants, Eugene Smith, from the famous Smith family at Winslow, also played under the Oak banner. So did Ralph Cato, coach of the undefeated Spurgeon Cardinals, and his brother, Alva, coach at Oakland City High School. So did Kenneth “Tot” Nelson, affable Lynnville basketball coach and Ralph Kifer, former Lynnville and Petersburg coach whose 1940 Lynnville team was the last to crash through the Evansville regional basketball bastion. His Flora team won the Delphi sectional in 1942. Charles McConnell who coached Princeton’s Tigers through the Evansville regional and into the state tournament ion 1934 and 1935, was another illustrious Oak alumnus. Arvel Kilpatrick, assistant coach at Bosse, got his training there, too. Bill Weathers, capable football coach at Petersburg, was a varsity gridder at Oakland City from 1930 through 1934 and still remembers the 1933 season quite well for the Oaks defeated Evansville College that year, 22-7. THE LIST IS NEARLY ENDLESS Harold Loge, who contributed to the Boonville coaching chores for many years, was one of Oakland City’s most illustrious athletes after earning his freshman numeral at Indiana University. Like Keller, Loge participated in everything on the sports curriculum until sidelined with a broken leg during one of the grid seasons. Sam Kelley, former Princeton coach and now football coach and athletic director at Howe High School in Indianapolis, was still another. Marlin Kell, principal at Oakland City High and “father” of eight man football, played for the Oaks and later coached at the high school. Of the more recent graduates, Wayne Norrick of Mackey, Gene Cato at Chandler and James Coleman at Newburgh are just getting into the coaching swirl. Gil Hodges, the best first baseman in the National League, played two years for the Oaks. Current designer of Oakland City basketball fortunes is Delbert Disler, a hard working and level-headed gentleman who stepped into the role when basketball regenerated after its wartime dormancy. A graduate of South Side High School in Ft. Wayne, Disler migrated south a dozen or so years ago to become head coach at Owensville as successor to Ivan Hollen, who had transferred to Tell City. After serving as a physical training instructor during the war, Disler accepted a joint job as basketball coach at the college and football coach at the high school, an arrangement that seems to be mutually beneficial and satisfactory for everyone. “Prospects are just average with us,” he says. “Our biggest handicap, as usual is lack of height. As you know, last year we averaged 73 points a game but had a hard time keeping the other teams from scoring 80.”
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Oakland City University
Non Profit Org. US Postage Paid 30304 Permit # 6849
138 N. Lucretia Street Oakland City, IN 47660 Address Correction Required
Upcoming Events January 18, 2014
Hall of Fame Induction Banquet
February 8, 2014
OCU Homecoming and True Blue Mighty Oaks Awards
February 15, 2014
Soulfest (see page 23)
March 24 - April 17
Annual Phonathon
April 30, 2014
President’s Golf Classic
May 3, 2014
Graduation
June 14, 2014
Alumni Class Reunions and Luncheon
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