This year’s Homecoming celebration is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of our university’s name change from Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma. A golden anniversary is a rare and cherished occasion, reminding us of the incredible journey we have taken together. Our shared history includes the trailblazing women of the Oklahoma College for Women, whose pioneering spirit continues to inspire, and the first co-educational classes of OCLA, who helped shaped the incredible institution we know today. These foundations have built a legacy of learning, creativity, and community that lives on in each of us.
As we look forward to this historic celebration, we warmly invite you to “come home” to your alma mater. Join us in honoring the past, celebrating the present, and looking to a future filled with promise. In the words of our beloved college hymn, “For thee our love and praise shall ever be,” let us come together to remember, reconnect, and rejoice in all that makes USAO truly extraordinary. We can’t wait to welcome you back and share this memorable weekend with you!
President Kayla Hale President of the University
Welcome home!
On behalf of the USAO Foundation, I express my appreciation for the effort you have put forth in maintaining your affiliation with this special university. Your presence matters to us and we are so glad to have you back on campus.
Returning to Chickasha for Homecoming 2024 says something about you. It speaks to the unique connection that you have with your alma mater. It also demonstrates that you value the friendships and experiences that this university has provided you.
As you enjoy the exciting activities throughout the weekend, please know that we truly celebrate the role that you have played in building a tradition of success. Since 1908, whether it be OCW, OCLA, or USAO … we have endured. All of us, together.
Finally, thank you for the variety of ways that you help move us forward. Thanks also for the contributions that you have directed our way. Whether it come in the form of involvement, volunteerism, or financial support, we are immensely grateful.
Sincerely,
JP Audas Senior Vice President
NOVEMBER 1-3
Monday, Oct 28
Stargazing & S’mores at Habitat 6:30 PM
Student Life “Make Your Own Merch” 11-1 and 5-6:30 (student center)
Men’s BBall vs Texas College at 6 pm with Ring Presentation at halftime
Choir Concert 7:30 PM, Te Ata
Wednesday, Oct 30
Volleyball vs OKC at 7pm
Thursday, Oct 31
Women’s Basketball at 5 PM with Costume Contest at halftime
Creature Feature Halloween Costume Contest & Runway, Artwrecker, doors open at 6:30 PM
Monster Mash After Party – Ballroom at 9pm
Friday, Nov 1
Golf Scramble – 9 AM – 2 PM, Winter Creek
Downtown Registration & Reunions 4:30 – 9 PM
Vollyball at 7 PM, Senior Night
Day of the Dead Movie “Coco” 9 PM, Lawson Court
Saturday, Nov 2
Hall of Fame Brunch 9 – 11 am, Ballroom
Board Meeting 11:30 – 1 pm, Regents Room
Tailgate 11-5 pm, Student Center
Women’s Basketball at 2pm, Jadyn WallisUSAO Athletics Hall of Fame presentation at halftime
Men at 4:30 pm - Homecoming court presentation at halftime
Legacy Alumni Art Show at 4 pm, Davis 3rd Floor Gallery
After Party 7:30 PM, Legends Pubhouse & Venue
Sunday, Nov 3
Memorial 9:30 -10:30 AM, Chapel
Mimosas & Charcuterie 10:30 – 12 PM, Alumni House
Thank You Sponsors
Awards Awards
Brunch Brunch Brunch
Prelude USAO Students
Welcome & Introductions
Eugene Earsom, USAO Alumni Association
President Brunch
Greeting
President Kayla Hale
Special Recognition Willowbrook
Special Recognition State of Oklahoma Citation presented by Rep Dick Lowe
Honor Class Roll Call
Presentation of Awards
Eugene Earsom, USAO Alumni Association
President
Athletic Hall of Fame
Jadyn Wallis
Alumni Hall of Fame
Dr. Linda McElroy
Announcements & Closing Remarks
Whitney Palesano, Association Executive Director College Hymn
USAO Music Students
NOVEMBER 2, 2024 • 9:30AM
USAO BALLROOM
Jadyn Wallis
2024 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Jadyn Wallis became the USAO softball coach prior to the 2013 season, and in that time, she has built the Drovers into a softball powerhouse. During Wallis’ time at the helm, she has a 509-150 (.772) win-loss record, 2018 NAIA National Championship, one NAIA National Coach of the Year award, four SAC Coach of the Year awards, five SAC Championships, nine NAIA National Tournament appearances, and achieved the longest win streak in NAIA history (59 games). Wallis has also led the Drovers to three thirdplace finishes at the NAIA Softball World Series (2019, 2022,2024).
Under her direction, the program has produced three NAIA Pitcher of the Year awards, one NAIA National Championship MVP, three SAC Player of the Year award winners, eight SAC Pitcher of the Year award winners, 96 All-SAC selections, and 18 NAIA All-Americans. Furthermore, Coach Wallis is especially well known for her pitching prowess, with the USAO pitching staff earning SEVEN consecutive SAC Pitcher of the Year awards (5x Emily Cerny 2018-22 | 2x Sophie Williams 2023-24).
Wallis has produced winning campaigns in each of her 12 seasons, including three seasons in which the team reached the 50win plateau. The Drovers own a .772 win percentage under Wallis’ lead.
In the Summers of 2023 and 2024, Wallis has added another impressive feat to her resume as she is the first pitching coach in the history of the OKC Spark (professional softball). Additionally, in 2023 one of her former players, Emily Cerny, became the first former NAIA player to ever appear in the WPF (Women’s Professional Fastpitch), playing alongside some of the game’s greatest players in the world.
Wallis, a native of Newcastle, and played collegiately at the University of Oklahoma under legendary coach Patty Gasso. Wallis pitched for the Sooners from 2005-2008 where she had a career record of 9-4 in 57 appearances, with 10 starts. She pitched a total of 110.1 innings and struck out 84 batters. The Sooners as a team combined for a 192-60 record (.773) winning percentage) during that time.
Wallis graduated from OU in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She returned to her hometown and was an assistant coach at Newcastle High School in 2009 and 2010. She later served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma Baptist University in 2011 and 2012 before joining the USAO program.
She and her husband, Greg, have four daughters, Marlie, Kennedy, Conner and Swayze.
Jadyn Wallis Head Softball Coach
Linda McElroy
2024 ALUMNI HALL OF FAME
Dr. Linda McElroy has loved THE COLLEGE since she was a child! She graduated Summa Cud Laude from OCLA in 1970 with a degree in Vocational Home Economics, returned to USAO in 1985 to add teaching certifications, was a parent of alums (daughter Lisa McElroy Wright in early childhood and elementary; son Greg McElroy in music education, daughterin-law Kelli Tiller McElroy in deaf education with an emphasis in math). She came to OCLA as the recipient of the Greater OCLA Scholarship, and served as a student member of committees in developing Interdisciplinary Studies Courses. She returned to become a faculty member at USAO in 1995, teaching a variety of courses in teacher education and Interdisciplinary Studies. She became a full professor and received the Regents’ Award for Superior Teaching.
She spent her childhood in Grady County, started first grade at Grand Elementary in Chickasha, then moved to a farm near Verden as a fourth grader, and graduated from Verden High School. She was active in school activities and 4-H Club. She was named to Grady County 4-H Hall of Fame, was named a National 4-H Safety Winner and a State 4-H Leadership Winner, served as State 4-H VicePresident and Secretary, won numerous state contests in public speaking. She moved to Purcell and was active in community activities and the First Baptist Church of Purcell, became a 4-H Leader, Girl Scout Leader, and Cub Scout Leader. She
taught in the public schools in Wanette and in Lexington for ten years. She completed a Master of Education degree as a Reading Specialist and a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum (Literacy Education), both at the University of Oklahoma.
She has been a leader in the Oklahoma Literacy Association, serving as state Chair, Chair-Elect, and coordinator between the state Association and the International Literacy Association, member of the Board of Directors, then advisor to the Board. She taught professional development sessions for an International Literacy Association conference in Sweden, several ILA and Oklahoma Literacy Association Conferences, and helped lead the Grady County Reading Council. She served for 17 years on the planning committee for the annual Reading Conference presented by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and served as a keynote speaker at one of their conferences. She served multiple terms on the USAO Alumni Association Board of Directors. She served for many years as the Faculty Advisor for the USAO Baptist Collegiate Ministries. She attends most campus activities such as music performances, symposia, student groups, etc., and celebrates with students. She loves staying in touch with alums!
Linda McElroy Professor of Education
OCW - OCLA - USAO Hall of Fame
1972 Te Ata
1972
Gladys (Anderson) Emerson
1973 Hazel Frost
1973 Claribel Buford (Baird) Halstead
Carma Russell (Zimmerman) Leigh
Margaret Free Miller
Clarice Tatman
1974 Barbara (Crouch) Lies
Virginia Embree
Frances G. Felton
1975 B. Geraldine Lambert
Edna Mae Wilcox
1976 Jeane (Porter) Hester
1977 Kimiko (Hatta) Dugan PH.D.
Sarah Emily Ellis
1978 Betty Pat Gatliff
Polly (Lewis) Murphy
1979 Margaret (Echols) Moore
1980 Marjorie (Lenochan) Dougherty
1981 Rose Marie Smith
Wyvona (Alexander) Lane
1982 Billye Ann Cheatum
1983 Bonnie Bell Buchanan
Marjorie Garrison
1984 Dorothea (Seaton) Looney
John Crump
1985 Myrtle (Chandler) Stevens
Elsie Null
1986 Valda (Dowdy) Kester
1987 Ruth (Glover) Spencer
1988 Linda Mae Johnson M. D.
Bonnie L. Pride
1989 Kathryn Elizabeth (Duncan) Empie
1991 Gainor Chambless (Laing) Jones
Geneva Helm
Esther (Phillips) Williams
1992 Loyce Willett
1993 Evalu Russell
1994 Helen (Ross) VonFeldt
1995 Themla (Ball) Wood
Brendaa (Stanfill) Crammer
Linda Poolaw
1996 Lillian (Canon) Boland
Bill Jaxon
Patricia (Cooper) Percy
Sally Schott
1997 Dr. Coeta (Grimes) Evans
Lois Gillis Hall
Josephine (Edwards) Taylor
1998 T. Ray Faulkner
Annabelle Lee
Marilyn Murphy
1999 Juan Granados
Doris (Hinson) Pieroth
Betty Jean Sanders
Londa Lee (Moore) Shaw
2000
Betty Jean Brannan
Loretta Y. (Blunt) Jackson
Vestal (Litton) Nobbs
2001 Mary Jayne (Nash) Montgomery Looney
Ruth M. Arrington
Flavia (Brown) Bare
2002 Pearl Opel Thorpe
Angus Kent Lamar
Ellen Taliaferro
2003 Mo Anderson
Jerrie Cobb
Kelly Johnston
2004 Virginia Voigt Wenger
Lance David Henson
2005 Claire Clemons Cowan
Angelina Merenda O'Bar
Alecia Keahbone Gonzales
2006 Betty Remy Burns
Ann Marie Hooper Harrison
2007 Paula Ruth Loop
Mary Scrogin Wade
2008 Nan Nabors Reynolds
Bill and Carol Wallace
Bradford Edward Ableson
2009 Vicki Easley
Emma Jean Smith Stover
2010 Ron Anderson
Barbara Sue Benton
Eugene Earsom
2011 J. Annette Dake
Robert Eugene England
Margaret McConnel Singer
2012 Vincent Hazelton
2013 Dr. Lotsee Patterson
2014 Dr. Dorothy "Dot" Marrotte
Dr. Ric Baser
Robert Heidlage Jr.
2015 Greg Johnson
Jeff Johnson
2016 Dr. Kathy Black
Joe Thomas
2017 Brisco McPherson
2018 M. Franklin Keel
Pauline Spangler
2019 Jackie Knapp
2020 Jerry Bennett
2021 Mike Ross
Dr. Toby Hamilton
2022 Lonnie Iannazzo
Chris Willard
2023 Dr. Stanley S Brown
Dr. Michelle Blake
Young Alum Award Recipients
1981 Larry Lietzke
1982 Christopher Ritthaler
1983 LaShelle Edmerson
1984 Mark Gish*
1984 Robert England
1985 Larry Vernon Simmons
1986 Georgette Brown Horse
1987 Peter M. Cochran
1988 Bradford E. Ableson*
1991 Faye Ellen Hawks
1992 Twanna R. Bivins
Robert W. Pelley
1993 Loretta Jackson
1994 Richard Boodle
Angela Long Jeffries
1995 Vicki Rexroat
1996 Diane Medders
1997 Todd William Stallbaumer
Dr. Roland G. Pourdavood
1998 David Alan Settle
1999 Linda Brinkman Willis*
2000 Reza Ross Pourdavood
2001 Stanford McConnell
2002 Sharon Shoemake
2004 Steven Patrick Sanders
2005 Larry Brandon Wood
2005 Susan Waitman Wyant
2006 Oisin Fagan
2007 Amy Young Paul Mays
2009 Andrea Wood Brock
2010 Grant Evans Brandon Pasley
2011 Christopher Price
2012 April Doshier Heiple
2013 Dylan Cavin
2014 Angus Lamar Jessica Mollica
2015 Sean Crowell Akash Patel
2016 Candice Hillenbrand
2017 Jacqueline Evans
2019 Natalie Ingraham
2020 Jacob Alexander 2021 Jarred Turner 2022 Reagan Elkins
2023 Scott Parkinson
“ “
Please join me in becoming a member of the 1908 Society. Your recurring gift will allow us to award more scholarships, enhance academic programs, and inmprove campus facilities. As a member of the 1908 Society, you’re choosing to become a vital part of USAO’s legacy while also helping to provide life changing opportunities for the future.
JP Audas
Senior
Vice
President for Ex ternal Relations
Executive Director of the USAO Foundation
Your support helps shape the future of USAO while honoring its rich history.
Alumni Alumni Association Inc Association Inc
Association Inc
Annual Business Meeting
Agenda
Call to Order
Eugene Earsom, USAO Alumni Association President
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of 2023 Minutes
Acceptance of Financial Report
Annual Impact Report
Installation of 2024 Board of Directors
Motion to Adjourn
NOVEMBER 2, 2024 • 11:30AM
REGENTS ROOM
Annual Business Meeting
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023
Board President, Heidi Walker, called the meeting to order at 1:08 p.m. Members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors present were Eugene Earsom, James Greenlee, Charlie Largent, Jennifer Shepard, Michelle Skinner, Ron Sullivan, and Heidi Walker. Alumni Association members present were Lynn Adams, Brenda Adams, Dr. Kathy Black, April Lawrence, Angie Lewis, Nicole McMonagle, Whitney Palesano and Sherry Sullivan. Also present were Dawn Brockman, Executive Director and Recording Secretary, Marissa Moore.
Meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Heidi Walker.
Review of Minutes: The minutes from the November 5, 2022, Annual Business Meeting was mistitled as the November 6, 2021 Business Meeting due to a program editing error. Approval of the minutes was therefore tabled to the 2024 meeting.
Review of Financial Report: There were no questions regarding funds contributed and dispersed as scholarships during Fiscal Year 2022-2023. Eugene Earsom moved to receive the financial report as presented and was seconded by James Greenlee. MOTION CARRIED.
President Heidi Walker discussed the Impact Report, with 468 gifts given by Alumni with contributions of $211,784, awarding more than $112,003 in Alumni Scholarships to 107 students and how it is important part of the what the association does. Former Board Member, Linda McElroy, echoed her sentiment, recalling how they had to piece together scholarships when she was on the Alumni Association Scholarship
Committee, that often they could not cover everyone, and added how proud that at the 100th anniversary of the association there was a push to give out over $100,000 in scholarships and how proud that we are doing that annually now. Association member, Dr. Kathy Black, pointed out what a pivotal time we are at the university with a new president and that the Alumni Association should get behind President Hale to support her going forward. She added years ago there was a brochure that listed all the named scholarships, and she would like for us to encourage students to pay it forward in the future. Jennifer Shepard, a member of the Alumni Board of Directors, said a group of soccer alumni is planning to endow a scholarship and thanked Dr. Black for her encouragement.
Heidi Walker then introduced and conducted the installation of the newly elected members of the board of directors for 2024, including April Lawrence, Nicole McMonagle, and Whitney Palesano (Chris Willard is currently in California and will be installed in January). Heidi Walker then installed Eugene Earsom as Alumni Association President. Linda McElroy thanked the new board members for their willingness to step up and serve. She also thanked Heidi for her years of service as president. Dawn Brockman echoed her sentiments adding how people centered Heidi is and what a tool that is for bringing a group of people together to do great things. Dawn Brockman presented gifts to the outgoing board members that were present: Heidi Walker and Eugene Earsom. Heidi Walker then recognized those who were not present: Michele Caine, Marcie PriceJackson Gordona Snow and Past President, Chris Collins.
Adjournment: There being no further business and the agenda completed, Eugene Earsom moved, seconded by Charlie Largent, that the meeting adjourn. MOTION CARRIED and the meeting adjourned at 1:27 p.m..
Respectfully Submitted,
Marissa Moore
Recording Secretary
Fiscal Year by the Number
Dear Drover Family,
Welcome back to campus for this special Homecoming celebration! It’s always a great honor to see our alumni, fans, and supporters return to USAO. Your dedication to our university and Drover Athletics has been instrumental in the success we’ve achieved over the years, and we’re incredibly grateful for your continued support.
As we celebrate throughout homecoming week and weekend, I want to encourage you to stay involved—whether it’s attending our games, cheering on our student-athletes, or making a financial contribution to help us grow. Your involvement makes a lasting impact on our programs and the lives of our athletes.
Together, we can continue to build on the proud tradition of excellence here at USAO.
Thank you again for being part of the Drover family. Let’s keep the momentum going and make this an unforgettable year!
Best regards,
Mike Ross Athletic Director and 2021
USAO Hall of Fame Recipient
Welcome back to USAO!
This homecoming is especially meaningful for me—not only as an alum, but it’s also my first as the new Director of Alumni Relations & University Development. It’s truly a full circle moment to work at the university that I’ve always loved. There’s been incredible growth since my time on campus, and I’m excited for you to see all the new and exciting changes. Have you checked out the library or the newly renovated Jourdan House? There’s even a Starbucks now - both on and off campus!
This growth extends beyond campus to the city of Chickasha, which is why we’re thrilled to kick off our homecoming weekend in the historic downtown district. We can’t wait to showcase both the university and the vibrant community that supports it. I hope you can feel the excitement and promise in the air during your visit. Celebrating “The Golden Era of USAO” means honoring our achievements in the classroom and beyond, no matter what year you graduated. Thank you for joining us in this celebration!
Whitney Palesano Director of Alumni Relations & University Development
Memorial Program Memorial Program Program
Alumni Memorial Service Performers: Jack Fair & Isaiah Young
Alumni
Lucille M (Cox) Nelson 1944
Helen Maxine (Prather) Simpler 1944
Emma Jean (Smith) Stover 1950
Betty Whitney Wood 1951
Margie Gwen (Tow) Cox 1953
Norma Jean (Cruse) Harriman 1953
Mary Josephine (Shi) Stucker 1953
Wanda Fae (Ratliff) King 1954
Louise G (Bayless) Richey 1954
Geraldine (Suttle) Beavers 1955
Margaret Ann (Mood) Nichols 1955
Rose Carolyn (Hickey) Nissen 1955
Ruth Etta (McCormick) Griffith 1959
Agnes LouRue( Wilson) Crawford 1960
Arlene Tate Riddle 1960
Barbara Lee (William) Westerman 1960
Marilyn Marie (Barrett) Darnell 1961
Shirley Ann (Nicholas) Easeterling 1961
Judith “Judy” Ann (Lindsey) White 1961
Bessie “Be” Alleen (Webber) Fiegel 1963
Rebecca “Becky” (Roberson) Hook 1964
Geneva Lavelle (Nall) Dugger 1965
Ledora Ann (Winter) Ritchie 1965
Marilyn Joyce Barrington 1966
Delois “June” (Boggs) Elkins 1967
Jamey (Dennis) Hedgecock 1968
Opal Mary (O’Briant) Capshew 1969
Joan Maxine (Umsted) Koch 1970
Patricia “Pat” Lee (Bauer) Allen 1971
Patricia “Pat” Lee Allen 1971
Suzanne Marie (Jones) Snider 1971
Donna Colleen (Allen) Biggs 1972
LaDeana Jan (Ingold) Eaton 1972
David Gene Gardner 1972
Roy “Bill” William Powers II 1972
Jeannene (Corder) Wheeler 1972
John D. Lambert Jr. 1973
Anita Louise (McElreath) Burkey 1975
Freddie Ray McCathern 1977
Jackie “Jack” Ray McKay 1979
Larry Lloyd Weathers 1979
Toni Kay Caicco 1982
Margaret “Maggie” Ann (Dean) Griffith 1982
Connie Marie (Carrigan) Carrigan-Sandt 1983
Colleen Elizabeth (Eckert) Courtney 1983
Tony Lynn Kirby 1983
Yvonne Elaine (Judkkins) Raines 1983
Thomas “T” Everett Denney 1986
Sheri K (Bramhall) Mummau 1987
Elta Lewvon (Barnett) Byrom 1990
Danny Bartell Johnson 1990
Malea Marie (Morris) Smith 1990
Theresa Carol (Orum) Clift 1991
Allen Wayne Elkins 1992
Rodney Daryl Ball 1993
Rita Gail (Stewart) Hughes 1993
Mary Ann (Watkins) Bradley 1994
Donna Edna (Kibby) Hamilton 1994
Nancy Ann Simmons 1994
Kristin Lynn (Fox) Lydens 1997
Kevin Darryl Vinyard 1998
Jay Tearle Goombi 2000
Michael George Hubbard 2002
Miranda Rashell (Christy) Goff 2005
Chrystal Renee Neeb-Thomas 2015
Shayla Lynn Mayhugh 2018
Edna Mae Wilcox 1949 + Former Faculty
Former Student
Conita Ann (Hargraves) Bradford
Patricia “Pat” G (Whatley) Butterfield
Mary Sue (Balden) Caldwell
Norma Lee (Tate) Carroll
Evelyn Mae (Hays) Cassody
Marilyn Jean (Cole) Findley
Charlie Mae (Taylor) Fisher
Brandon Charles Forshee
Lynda Belle (Elliott) Fritts
Jerod Lee Frizzell
Evelyn Louise (Elms) Gantz
Roberta Ruth (Dowdy) Hooper
Beverly Ann (Alspaugh) Joyce
Charles Eldon Julius
Diane (Stryker) Laird
Lonnie “Babe” Layman
Marlon Lynn McBeath
Joann Laverne Nitzel
Patrick Wade Scott
Betsy Marilyn (Shockley) Steen
Banks Stevenson Jr.
Evelyn Rose (Dickson) Walker
Faculty, Staff & Friends of the University
Stuart Meltzer Fomer Faculty
David Crockett Cowan Jr Former Adjunct Faculty
Gary Edward Bryant Former Board of Regents
Sharon Olivia (Martin) Brickman Former Faculty
Dr. Dorothy “Dot” Mildred Marotte Former Faculty
Teresa (Ramirez) Massa Former Faculty
Carol (Forrest) Sites Former Staff
Stanley DeltonPadgett Former Staff or Faculty
Rosemary Katherine (Dehart) Powell Former Staff or Faculty
