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A MOM EN T IN T IME
Our Many Thanks
OKLAHOMA CIT Y UNIVERSIT Y ANNUAL REPORT
2020–2021
Oklahoma City University
Positioned for Growth Oklahoma City University finds itself at a pivotal moment in time. The next generation of college students is smaller than previous classes, increasing competition within the academic sector. Students learn in different ways than even five years ago. The pressing issues of the day are all represented on the college campus. As a private, liberal arts institution, OCU is perfectly aligned to adapt to a changing student body and evolving world needs. You tell the OCU story—how small classes and tailored opportunities give students the chance to thrive, and how despite a pandemic, professors refuse to sacrifice the quality of education they provide—and we see pride blossom across our communities. Together, we cultivate relationships, and prospective students see their future at OCU. Our university, in turn, positions students as well-equipped leaders across an array of disciplines. Your gifts provide the tangible: classroom technology that places OCU on the cutting edge, scholarships that make OCU financially accessible to students, and even transportation to athletics competitions that bring about championships and forge leadership characteristics. We retain our competitive edge as a liberal arts university through digital modalities of education, augmenting our strong and intimate classroom experience that creates space for intelligent dialogue. Your support places OCU as a leader on every issue we have the expertise and courage to tackle: health care, economic and urban development, training and research for businesses and industries, analytics, the education of children in economically challenged areas, and more. As our faculty invest in local organizations as researchers and creators, students gain real-world, cross-disciplinary experience, and OCU makes a meaningful contribution to the people and communities around us. At its best, a university stimulates students to make a difference in their lives, and OCU accomplishes that daily. Education doesn’t stop at the individual. Service remains a strong component of our curriculum, with psychology students assisting with therapy for veterans and juveniles, business students providing tax assistance, the law school committing thousands of hours of pro bono work, and the music school empowering youth through artistry. We will continue to reinvent our curriculum to meet students’ needs far into the future so our graduates challenge the status quo, ask and investigate intelligent questions, and go on to transform their industries. OCU is poised to grow into its greatest potential. Every day, we see new possibilities to better equip students, empower professors, and serve our communities. We invite you to join us in these exciting endeavors, and we thank you for your vital assistance. With you, we have carved new pathways of leadership, and with you, we will lift students and the global and local OCU community to new heights.
Dr. Kenneth R. Evans, Oklahoma City University President
Table of Contents 1
Trustee Letter
2
University Snapshot
8–13
3
University Finances
14
Endowment FAQ
Endowment Reporting
15
Gold Star Society
4–6
6–7
New Endowments
16
Community Impact
Donors Making a Difference
17
Giving Day 2021
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“Your gifts are
impacting lives
for the long term and shaping the future.”
Enabling Exceptional Education Thank you for your generous gifts supporting Oklahoma City University and our endowment. We are pleased to share this year’s OCU annual report. As a leader and partner in our mission to prepare all learners to create, lead, and serve, we hope you are as encouraged as we are by the impact made possible through gifts to OCU, particularly our endowed funds. The information that follows provides an institutional snapshot of OCU and the recent performance of OCU’s endowment, the impact of which cannot be overstated. Endowed funds are vital to the strength of the institution and play a fundamental role in the continued growth and sustainability of Oklahoma City University. Your support helps ensure that generations of OCU students will experience an exceptional education with global reach and reputation. It is clear that our world is forever changed as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has imposed loss, hardship, and disruption like never before. While the pandemic has and will continue to impact so many in our community, we are encouraged and optimistic about the road ahead for OCU, thanks in large part to the ongoing generosity of so many alumni and friends like you. Your endorsement instills a sense hope and excitement at Oklahoma City University. Thank you for investing in OCU students. Your gifts are impacting lives for the long term and shaping the future on all levels. Through classroom instruction, experiential learning, internship opportunities, and extracurricular activities, your gifts continue to enable OCU students to shine. We remain committed to honoring your generosity through effective investment strategies and stewardship of donations, which you can read more about in this report. On behalf of the Investment Committee, Resource Development Committee, and the entire Board of Trustees, we thank you for your extraordinary support. All the best, Richard Parry Jenee Lister Investment Chairman Development and Strategic Planning Chair
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Oklahoma City University
University Snapshot 1,437
637
485
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Law Students
Established in
1904
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
100%
90%
2,388
of Classes Taught by Professors, Not Graduate Assistants
of Students Receive Academic, Merit, Performance, or Need-Based Financial Aid
Students Received Academic, Merit, Performance, or Need-Based Financial Aid, Fiscal Year 2021
70+
20+
5
22
Undergraduate Majors
Graduate Programs
Doctoral Programs
Varsity Intercollegiate Sports Competing in the NAIA
Consistently Ranked
A Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings
Among the Best
Top College
National Universities by U.S. News & World Report
in 2022
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University Finances
•
Fiscal Years 2020 & 2021
2,129 Donors
$9.04 million
$7.4 million
Gave to OCU in Fiscal Year 2021
Average Annual Donations and Pledges to OCU, Fiscal Years 2019–2021
Donated or Pledged to OCU by Bright Society members, Fiscal Years 2019–2021
Unrestricted Gross Operating Revenues
Endowment Growth
$102.58 million • FY20*
Millions of dollars Clockwise from top of graph: Tuition and fees (gross) • 79.0%
$150 $140
Other sources (including net assets released from restriction) • 15.2%
$130
Return on investments designated or distributed for operating activities • 0.3%
$110
Contributions (unrestricted private gifts and grants) • 0.2% Auxiliary enterprises • 5.2%
Operating Expenses $105.5 million • FY20*
$160
$120
$100 $90 $80
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Net Assets Clockwise from top of graph:
Millions of dollars
Salaries and wages • 40.4% Financial aid • 30.9%
$215
Recruiting and advertising • 1.0% Interest • 4.1%
$205
Supplies • 2.5% Traveling and training • 1.2% Occupancy (leases and utilities) • 3.7% Depreciation and amortization • 7.6%
* The fiscal year 2021 audit is in progress; audited financial information for fiscal year 2021 will be posted to www.okcu.edu.
$195
$185
Professional fees and contracted services • 4.8% Other expenses • 3.1% Special events • 0.7%
$175 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 *
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Oklahoma City University
Endowment Our endowment has maintained strong financial growth through your generous support and positive investment results. The market value of endowment funds, including endowments held by other entities for the benefit of OCU, was $151,329,815 as of June 30, 2021. This report highlights those funds directly managed by OCU trustees through the Oklahoma Methodist Foundation: $96.4 million in fiscal year 2021. Our generous and faithful donors continue to provide a significant margin of excellence for students and the faculty, staff, and programs that support them. Their philanthropy makes a profound, positive impact and continues to help make Oklahoma City University the best educational institution possible. Many of our donors choose to direct their gifts toward endowment. OCU’s endowment, including endowment held by other entities for the benefit of OCU, is made up of 659 individual funds designated to provide perpetual financial support for scholarships, faculty professorships and chairs, the various schools, library resources, and other endowed programs. Of these funds, 570 are held by OCU, 67 by the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation, and 22 by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation.
Total Endowment
Endowment Assets by School/Department
$151.3 million • FY21*
$96.4 million • FY21* OCU Endowment Managed by the Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation • 63.67% Oklahoma United Methodist Foundation Endowment for the benefit of OCU • 31.95% Other Private Foundations • 4.38%
Endowment Assets by Purpose $96.4 million • FY21*
Clockwise from top of graph: Alumni • 0.11% Arts & Sciences • 9.98% Athletics • 2.18% Business • 17.85%
Scholarships • 56.61% Academic Professorships & Chairs • 13.83% Other • 29.56%
Dance & Entertainment • 1.76% Law • 16.64% Library • 0.50% Music • 15.82% Nursing • 1.94% Religion • 10.35% St. Paul School of Theology • 0.12% Student Aid • 14.29% Theatre • 1.19%
* The fiscal year 2021 audit is in progress; audited financial information for fiscal year 2021 will be posted to www.okcu.edu.
University-Church Relations • 0.61% Other • 6.66%
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Management & Strategies Oklahoma City University is committed to prudent, time-tested investment strategies and fiscal policies. The Board of Trustees Investment Committee is charged with overseeing its funds and measuring the returns they produce against nationally recognized standards and metrics for investment performance.
Broad Asset Allocations OCU Endowment • $96.4 million • FY21*
The Board of Trustees Investment Committee actively monitors the financial markets to control risk and evaluate exposure for all asset classes. The Oklahoma Methodist Foundation serves as the advisor and record keeper, and Wespath Institutional Investments serves as investment manager to the Board of Trustees Investment Committee. In managing the endowment, the university seeks to balance the dual objectives of enhancing the future purchasing power of endowment funds and meeting current spending needs. The endowment is invested with a long-term horizon to ensure that it will grow at a rate above inflation, while providing a stable stream of income to support the purposes for which its funds were created. Endowment growth is due not only to the generosity of thousands of alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations through the years, but also to the careful stewardship provided by the Board of Trustees.
Equities • 62.9% Fixed Income • 35.6% Alternatives • 1.5%
Asset Class Overview
Detail Asset Allocations
OCU’s directly managed endowment portfolio of $96,360,984 was composed of these asset classes as of June 30, 2021. The guiding principle of OCU’s consolidated endowment program is that funds should be managed so that a gift today will fund a donor’s objective in perpetuity.
OCU Endowment • $96.4 million • FY21*
Assets & Distribution Policy* Assets Under Management
100
Millions of Dollars
80 Clockwise from top of graph: Cash • 2.3%
60
U.S. Equity Funds • 34.4% International Equity Funds • 28.5%
40
2018
2019
2020
2021
* The spending policy for OCU’s Endowment is 5% of the average market value of the endowment for the previous 20 quarters (five-year rolling average). This rolling, multi-year average helps to provide more predictable spending budgets. Distribution for the 2020-21 fiscal year was $3,232,150.
Fixed Income Funds • 24.3% Inflation Protection Funds • 9.0% Alternatives • 1.1% Mineral Interests • 0.4% * The fiscal year 2021 audit is in progress; audited financial information for fiscal year 2021 will be posted to www.okcu.edu.
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Oklahoma City University
OCU Endowment
30
Lipper Median
25
35% S&P 500 Index / 25% MSCI EAFE Index / 40% BC US Aggregate Intermediate Index
% 6.6 8% 7.4 4%
8.3 2
11. 59 % 9.3 0% 9.9 0%
12
.10 % 9.9 8% 10 .68 %
27 .35 % 23 .69 21. % 37 %
Investment Performance
20
Percentage
15 10 5 0 1 Year
3 Years
Net of Fees • As of June 30, 2021
Notes
The historical returns presented herein represent the actual historical returns of the OCU Endowment, which reflect the deduction of fees charged by third parties.
1
The information in this document was obtained from sources believed to be reliable; however, accuracy is not guaranteed. Historical returns are not indicative of future performance.
2
New Endowments Our generous donors established these endowments in fiscal year 2021.
Patty and Donald Drake Endowed Scholarship Fund This scholarship came to fruition in spring 2021 after siblings and alumni Terry B. Drake and Susan German made plans for the fund
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5 Years
7 Years
Lipper Median returns from the Lipper mutual fund universe for balanced funds in the asset class category. As of 6/30/21, the universe consisted of 4,391 peers. Source: Wilshire Associates, Lipper, and Wespath. Historical returns are time-weighted. Returns greater than one year are annualized. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns.
in 2018 to honor their late parents, who were both OCU graduates. The scholarship will pay for educational expenses of computer science and business majors who have financial need and a grade point average of at least 3.0. Don Drake owned and operated Drake’s Jewelers in southern Oklahoma for more than 50 years. Patty Drake was a longtime volunteer with the First United Methodist Church's clothes closet ministry. With this scholarship, the family honors Don and Patty’s faith in God, their commitment to their community, and their conviction in the value of education.
Why I Support OCU
Ron Norick Chairman Emeritus, OCU Board of Trustees
“When I enrolled at OCU in 1960, my educational skills were less than average, and if I was going to be successful, I would need guidance. That help came to me through Dean Willis Wheat, the Business School dean. He not only mentored me, but he cared about me as a person. I graduated in 1964 from the Business School, making the dean’s honor roll, which in 1960 would have
seemed impossible. Because of his kindness, Dean Wheat and I became lifelong friends, talking often until his passing. The small class sizes and the individual attention given to not only me but to all students by the professors is OCU’s strongest asset. “My mother and grandmother were both artists and appreciated the professors for their skills but realized the art school at OCU needed to be replaced for the benefit of the staff and students. Because of their love for the graphic arts, that’s the reason the Norick family has always supported OCU’s art school.”
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New Endowments Our generous donors established these endowments in fiscal year 2021.
Dancy Endowed Energy Law Scholarship
and non-physical disabilities. Miller used a wheelchair throughout her life and maintained a strong connection to OCU.
Established in fall 2020 by alumni Joe and Vickey Dancy, the scholarship will provide recognition and assistance each year to an OCU law student who has completed at least two energy law classes. The Dancys are passionate about OCU Law. With a distinguished career in oil and gas, Joe Dancy has taught energy law and wants to encourage the next generation to enter the field.
Elms Family Scholarship Fund Luke and Autumn Elms established this annual scholarship in spring 2021 to honor their family’s legacy at OCU and to meet educational expenses for students who also receive the Randall Great Plan Endowed Scholarship. The Elms Scholarship will pay for room and board, books and fees not covered by the Randall Great Plan Scholarship.
Meinders School of Business VITA Accounting Center Endowed Fund Meinders School of Business Dean Emeritus Steve Agee kicked off fundraising for this endowment in spring 2021 to pay for a new Accounting Center, which will include a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site, a low- to moderate-income tax clinic overseen by a professor and staffed by students and volunteers. When fully established, the fund will provide financial assistance to operate the accounting center, covering technology and materials purchases and payment for student interns, mentoring services, and the salary of a center coordinator.
Phyllis Corean Miller Endowed Scholarship Lois Kathleen Kaufman and her late husband, Dennis Maxwell Kaufman, established this scholarship in spring 2021 to honor her late sister and alumna, Phyllis Miller, and to benefit students with physical
Why I Support OCU
Jo Rowan Professor & Chair of Dance Employee with the longest history of giving to OCU
In the 1980s, everyone wanted to learn to dance like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. With that inspiration, Jo Rowan set out to create a dance program unlike any other in the U.S.: a strong grounding in dance for graduates to make a living on their own, paired with an excellent arts and sciences education.
William & Pamela Shdeed Endowed Scholarship Established in fall 2020, the scholarship will benefit deserving students in the OCU School of Law. The Shdeeds understand graduating from law school is a great life achievement but one that can come with a financial burden. They want their scholarship to provide law school access to students who don’t have as many existing scholarship opportunities and are not necessarily at the top of their class. They envision their scholarship helping students achieve their dreams.
Purtell Family Endowed Memorial Scholarship Established in spring 2021 by 1997 graduate Dr. Clinton Purtell, the scholarship honors Purtell’s late parents, the Rev. Marsha Nan Purtell and the Rev. Vaughn Clinton Purtell, a 1950 alumnus; their passion for serving the underprivileged; and the military. The award will benefit business, education, and arts and sciences majors who are first-generation, low-income, or demonstrating financial need, and students who are servant-leaders, with preference given to dependents of deceased military veterans.
Bret Wheat Memorial Endowed Scholarship Established in spring 2021, this scholarship benefits accounting majors with a GPA of at least 3.25. Recipients will commit to working in the Meinders School of Business Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Center for one academic year, and they are eligible to keep the scholarship if they continue to meet the qualifications. The scholarship honors Bret Wheat, the youngest son of Ben M. and Maxine T. Wheat, who preceded them in death.
“I’ve always been for the common man,” said Rowan, professor and chair of dance. OCU’s Methodist ties provide students with the “connection with why they were put here” that centers students when they face the uncertainty of auditions. Rowan is OCU’s employee with the longest history of giving. “I have donated a lot to OCU to keep our budget in check for costumes and things like that.” She finds immense satisfaction in having prepared more than 4,000 people who are working in the dance field. And after 40 years at OCU, she still spends an hour and half at the barre every morning, the consummate dancer.
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Oklahoma City University
A Gift to Foster Critical Thinking and Relationships When Dr. Susan Barber became Oklahoma City University’s provost in 2012, the faculty gave a standing ovation for her interim-turnedpermanent appointment. “That was unprecedented,” said her husband, Dr. David Nagle. “She’d earned the credibility of everyone.” Former colleagues Drs. Lois and Stan Kruschwitz agreed. “She has such great administrative and people skills,” Stan Kruschwitz said. “She left a legacy both in the biology department as a professor and as an administrator.” All told, Professor and Provost Emeritus Barber spent 33 years at OCU, retiring in 2015. As Barber and Nagle talked about OCU, Nagle did the bragging, and Barber stuck to the explanations. In her five years as provost, Barber helped create the Physician Assistant graduate program, wrangled the academic budget, and oversaw OCU’s major academic re-accreditation review, along with working with the deans for accreditation visits for the law, music, and nursing schools, and acquisition of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation. For his part, Nagle also achieved emeritus status as a University of Oklahoma microbiology professor.
Their scholarship doesn’t provide students with a full ride, but it helps build them a package of financial aid and helps OCU compete for students, she said. “I wanted to contribute in some way.”
The couple established and have been contributing to the Susan C. Barber and David P. Nagle Endowed Scholarship for science students for more than a decade, along with including it in their estate plans. The Kruschwitzes have also contributed to the scholarship in appreciation of Barber’s teaching, they said.
Barber grew up in a small town in West Texas and thought she’d teach high school science. Her mentor during her undergraduate years “interacted with all of his students beautifully,” she recalled. She never wanted to make less than 100 on his tests, and one score of 99 drove her crazy. “I learned a lot of science in large measure because of him.”
It all goes back to Barber’s time as an undergraduate student at a liberal arts university in Texas, much like OCU. “Many students need a smaller environment where they can get to know their professors,” she said.
Nagle told how the mentor stood up at his retirement dinner and declared, “Barber, you’ve always been the best student I ever had.” Barber was so embarrassed: What about all of the other students present at the dinner?
“A lot of people could benefit from an OCU education, but many students can’t afford it. My parents were not well off, but I had an endowed scholarship and I worked at Pizza Hut.”
That mentor advised her to consider graduate school, expanding her view of her options, and she went on to get master’s and doctoral degrees in biology.
Giving Day 2021 Hero
Adam Ryburn Professor & Chair of Biology
“I give to help defray the costs for students. I’m a firstgeneration college student. I know it’s harder nowadays to get financial aid from the federal government. We’ll get students we’re trying to recruit who don’t have the means themselves,
and without scholarships, it’s tough to get them to come here. If we had more in our scholarship fund—if we could give out a lot more—we could guarantee students would be here. That's why I give.” Not only did Ryburn give during OCU’s second annual #TrueBlueOCU Giving Day in April, he also rallied other employees and helped the Petree College of Arts and Sciences secure more donors and raise more money than the Meinders School of Business in a friendly pie-in-the-face challenge.
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“Many students need a smaller environment where they can get to know their professors.” —Susan Barber Professor and Provost Emeritus
In OCU’s biology department, Barber advised many students, once shedding light on one student’s love of debate. What about law school instead of medical school? Now, he has served as a district attorney in two Oklahoma counties. “You cannot believe how many successful medical doctors, PAs, dentists, researchers, professors, attorneys, teachers, entrepreneurs, and other professionals there are from OCU.” As a self-described “reluctant administrator,” she learned to speak every constituent’s language and make connections. “She would get the right people in the right place, and they could do what was needed,” Nagle said. “I can just tell you how good she is at whatever she puts her mind to and how respected she was and how she thought things through. She listened to everyone.” As Barber and Nagle have made estate plans, they decided to foster critical thinking by supporting OCU, a small university where students and professors get to know one another. As Nagle said, starry-eyed at a lifetime of learning, “You get to learn something new every day when you’re around smart people like at OCU, and there’s no limit—there’s no limit.”
Giving Day 2021 Hero
Marty McCauley Head Coach, Women's Golf
This Giving Day, Coach McCauley issued a fundraising challenge to all of the other sports teams at OCU. Women’s golf supporters—including McCauley himself—rose to the occasion in a big way, garnering more than $30,000.
“People really like to help people,” he said. Contributions allow student-athletes to attend notable tournaments, providing them additional exposure and experience. “My wife and I don’t have kids, so these are like our kids. I’m fully invested in their lives from the time I start recruiting them to the day I’m not on Earth anymore.”
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Oklahoma City University
Returning the Favor of a Scholarship Florence Birdwell is widely regarded as one of the most renowned teachers of voice in America. Robert Birdwell’s contributions to his hometown of Oklahoma City are too numerous to list. For both, their professional success and marriage trace back to their Oklahoma City University scholarships. “Both of my parents came from very poor families,” shared their son, Brian Birdwell. The couple is also survived by their daughter, Robyn Birdwell. “They were both such bright and talented people but would never have had a chance for an OCU education—or even meet one another—if it weren’t for their scholarships.” Robert had to leave OCU to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II but came back to complete his degree. The Birdwells met while Florence worked toward a fine arts degree in voice. They were married in 1945.
From that point forward, the Birdwells used their considerable talents to serve and bring out the best in others: Florence, through her dedication to vocal performance, and Robert, through his constant service and quest to improve his hometown and his state. Their lasting accomplishment, though, is providing educational opportunities in perpetuity through an endowed scholarship at their alma mater. What's more, their legacy supports an academic area where Florence Birdwell became a national sensation and that Robert constantly—and proudly—promoted. “We cherish the legacy of Florence and Robert Birdwell,” said Brian Birdwell. “I don’t know how much students examine the history of a scholarship, but from it, she brought popular American music to the forefront here. I think many, many young people would appreciate that and recognize the importance of this scholarship to our entire family.”
Why We Support OCU
Paul and Kim Sanders Enthusiastic Fans
A fixture at nearly every OCU game, match, or meet, Paul and Kim Sanders love seeing—and hearing from—the student-athletes they support. Each varsity team benefits from the Sanders’ annual financial contributions, but they also serve as OCU’s
biggest fans. The small-school setting and rich athletic tradition are a perfect mixture of personal connections and shared celebrations. “We enjoy providing support, not only through our donations, but also just being at their events,” said Kim, a 1969 School of Business graduate. “Paul especially enjoys visiting with them, and we always feel closer reading so many wonderful notes of thanks and the in-person thanks we get.”
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Providing a
Pathway for
High-Achievers The Elms family has deep ties to Oklahoma City University. Drs. Luke and Autumn Elms, of Orlando, Florida, attended OCU in the early 2000s on academic and athletic scholarships, and they followed in the footsteps of Luke’s father and uncle, who were both music majors. Luke’s dad studied piano pedagogy, and his uncle focused on music and theatre (he later returned to OCU and was a longtime accompanist in the School of Music until he passed away in 2003). Luke’s brother, Destry, is also an OCU graduate. But it was really Autumn’s story that motivated Luke and Autumn to establish the Elms Family Scholarship Fund. “Autumn was originally planning on going to the Naval Academy, but unforeseen circumstances changed that plan, and at the last moment she didn’t have anywhere to go to school,” shared Luke, “I was already at OCU on an academic and basketball scholarship, so I went and spoke to the Dean of Admissions and OCU Soccer Coach (Brian) Harvey. They both saw Autumn’s high potential and promise and awarded her one of the first re-established George Randall Great Plan Scholarships, which really set her on her path.” Luke said that they became very close with George Randall over the years, and their relationship with Randall inspired them to create a family scholarship. “He instilled in us that we should go out and make
“We hope the scholarship will make a difference for many OCU students to come.” something of ourselves and then pay it forward,” Luke said. Luke and Autumn’s vision for the Elms Family Scholarship is to help Great Plan Scholars cover the costs of fees, books, and room and board, alleviating the financial burden for high achieving students like Autumn. The scholarship pays for the expenses that often get overlooked in financial aid packages but do just as much to enable students to attend OCU. After graduating, both Luke and Autumn
went on to medical school at the University of Oklahoma and residencies in the Orlando, Florida, area. They live in Orlando and practice in two of the top hospitals in the country (Luke, a surgeon, and Autumn, an OBGYN), and are raising two young children. They keep in touch with many of their OCU professors, coaches, and friends. “We are excited to see what this scholarship will be able to do over the long term,” said Luke. “We know there are tons of immensely qualified students out there, and we hope the scholarship will make a difference for many OCU students to come.”
A Moment in Time: Health Care • This year, OCU formed the College of Health Professions, incorporating the university’s physician assistant, physical therapy, and nursing programs. • Nursing students rotate through clinicals in 11 state hospital systems, both urban and rural. • OCU’s PA graduates—four cohorts to date—achieved a 99% pass rate on the PA licensing exam.
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Oklahoma City University
Professor Combines Passions to Advance Causes Music Theory Professor Dr. Erik Heine started piano at age 5, oboe at 10, and percussion at 13. He and his mom, Deb Heine, would drive around Chicago, listening to classical music and playing “name that composer.” But when he went off to a small liberal arts college, he followed in his grandfather’s footsteps by majoring in chemistry. In February of his second year, “I couldn’t make myself care about organic chemistry,” Heine recalled. “It took me two or three days to work up the nerve to tell my parents that I was going to major in music. I called and said, ‘I want to change my major to music,’ and it felt like it was about a two-minute pause. Then my mom said, ‘OK!’ I said, ‘OK— really?’ and she said, ‘That’s fine. You like music. You’ll be great at it.‘” In 2016, five years after his mother passed away, Heine established the Deb Heine Endowed Scholarshipby running a race—but more on that later. The scholarship will defray tuition and fees for undergraduate music majors who have completed at least five semesters and have at least one semester remaining. “When I switched my major, I had to race to get my classes done to graduate on time,” Heine said. “I want to help students who are nearing the end of their academic career—give them a little push to get to the end because that’s what my folks did for me.” “My hope is that I’ll be able to fund a scholarship of $1,000 to $1,500 a year,” he said. He continues to make contributions. “With an endowed scholarship, it is self-fulfilling annually. This will outlive me.” This fiscal year, Heine’s scholarship fund grew to 46% above its principal through management by the Oklahoma Methodist Foundation on behalf of OCU. An endowment will allow Heine to help students not just once but every year by using only the interest earned. Heine also wanted to give back to a school that took a chance on him as a professor, fresh out of grad school at age 27 in 2005. So in his 11th year of teaching, he approached Dean Mark Parker, “a big idea guy,” with a crazy notion: He’d run a 12-hour race to raise money for a scholarship. He ran 71.85 miles that day, blowing past the 50 miles he knew he could pull off, and he won the race. Soon, his passion for running converged with the beating heart of his life’s work: advocacy for his son, Stephen, who was born with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome, a genetic condition characterized by
cognitive and physical disability and health complications. This fall, Stephen returned to in-person school, but in the previous 18 months, father and son ran 2,500 miles together— Erik on foot and Stephen in a running wheelchair. In 2019, they completed their first running season as Team Hoyt Oklahoma, with pusher athletes and disabled athletes in chairs. Heine also gets “a huge amount of satisfaction” in coaching his Music Theory 3 students into new levels of understanding, he said. “Having that exposure to new ideas, new styles, new performers is extremely rewarding,” he said. OCU reminds Heine of his own undergraduate alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan University, with small classes taught by faculty,
A Moment in Time: Performing Arts • OCU boasts Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning alumni and 49 Radio City Rockettes. • Performing arts seniors participate in four showcases in NYC, LA, Dallas, and Chicago. • OCU serves as the creative partner to El Sistema Oklahoma, a pioneering after-school music program supported by PlayUSA, an initiative of Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute.
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This fiscal year, Heine’s endowed scholarship fund grew to 46% above its principal. encouragement outside the classroom, and volunteer opportunities. “Our students come in with great talent. We refine that talent,” he said. “They come in curious about one thing. We hope they leave curious about five.” As assistant director of the Honors Program, Heine thinks OCU lends graduates particular strength with its liberal arts foundation. “You can’t just know about your thing, especially if you’re a musician. You’re always going to have to get donations somewhere—you have to be able to carry on a conversation about sports, literature, current events … not just be in a practice room six hours a day. Particularly in OCU’s
Honors Program, the students are much more invested in a larger perspective.” After his mother died, Heine would reach for his phone to tell her about his work achievements and his life. Because she shared his love for music—founding handbell ensembles in Chicago and Philadelphia— “she was the one who would be most excited.” “I’d like to think that the things she did for me helped make me the person I am: the love of music and showing kindness to everyone, regardless of their situation.”
A Moment in Time: Business • OCU’s student Investment Club generated profits for the 15th year in a row, using this year’s earnings to upgrade all 11 Bloomberg lab and finance suite computers. • 100% of students who work in OCU’s Economic Research Policy Institute are employed when they graduate.
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Oklahoma City University
Endowment FAQs What is an endowment? Individual endowments represent the legacy of benevolent donors who invest for longterm growth. An endowment is timeless because the long-term aim is to conserve both the corpus and purchasing power. The investment income and gains earned from an endowment advance the strategic vision of the donor on a continual basis. Why are endowments important? Endowments build a legacy of support that spans generations. As a permanent legacy, they will continue to give educational opportunities to the most talented students long into the future. They also allow OCU to recruit and retain the best teachers to build programs and act as esteemed mentors to our students. What are the minimum endowment levels to establish a named endowed fund? The minimum gift required to establish a named endowment fund is $25,000. Endowment gifts can be pledged and paid over a period of up to five years. Some examples of minimum guides for named endowed funds are: Scholarship: $25,000 Professorship: $1 million Chair: $2 million Whose name is on the endowment? Donors are encouraged to name their
endowed fund in a way that is meaningful to them. Many donors establish an endowment in honor of a specific person — a family member, professor or coach — and name the fund accordingly. Endowments can also be named more broadly for the discipline they support or the group or individuals who establish them. Can I give to an existing endowment? Yes. Unless you state otherwise in your memorandum of understanding when the gift is established, the fund can be left “open” to future gifts from you or others who choose to support the fund. While there is a minimum of $25,000 to establish a new endowment, there is no minimum gift required for increasing the size of an existing endowment. Can I choose what my endowment supports? Yes. A number of donors to Oklahoma City University choose to restrict how their funds can be used. You can designate your gift to support a particular school or program, special initiative, library, or other opportunity at the university or establish an endowment whose income may be utilized at the discretion of the Board to meet strategic needs. How is an endowed fund invested? OCU adheres to investment policies intended to provide a balance of risk and return in the portfolio. The investment portfolio is diversified to keep volatility
within acceptable limits for the portfolio as a whole. This provides the greatest assurance that future generations benefit from the endowment as much as current students. When will an endowment begin generating payout that can be spent? Once the initial gift has been received, the minimum required funding levels have been achieved, and all required paperwork has been completed, initial payout of funds typically will become available after 12 months. Individual gifts in excess of 50% of the market value will become available after 12 months. How is the amount of annual payout determined and then distributed? The amount of payout allocated each year varies because it is based on the market value of the endowment portfolio for the last twenty (20) quarters. The Board of Trustees reviews and approves the spending rate annually. The average spending rate for the past five years has been approximately 5% of the endowment’s average market value. How does the endowment increase in value? While investment returns help to fuel the growth of OCU’s endowment, the addition of gifts is important over the long term. Recurring contributions are important because this allows for averaging the cost basis over time.
A Moment in Time: Arts & Sciences • New graduate computer science degree tracks—cybersecurity, mobile development, data science, and web development—are being introduced over the next year to meet industry needs. • An esports arena opened this year, following the 2020 introduction of OCU’s esports management degree that feeds the exploding industry.
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Gold Star Society Members The Gold Star Society honors alumni, donors, and individuals who have chosen to support the university through a deferred or estate gift, regardless of the amount. If you are not yet a Gold Star Society member, we have included a Confirmation Form to fill out and mail back to inform us if you have placed Oklahoma City University in your will or trust. To learn more, visit www.oculegacy.org, or don't hesitate to contact Alan D. Herndon, Director of Gift Planning, by email at adherndon@okcu.edu or by phone at 405-208-5454. Victor and Karen Kay Albert Betty Alden Judy Altshuler Frank Atwater Terry Baransy Susan Barber« and David Nagle Kay Bass Tom Beadles Terry and Pamela Bergdall Stephen Bird Kay Bradley Robert Bryan Martha Burger« Bob and Chimene Burke M.K. Butler John Carey The Rev. Carl and Donna Cartwright Danny and Carol Cochran George Craig« Allen Sheldon and Lisa Crone-Sheldon Joe and Sherry Crosthwait Mark and Jackie Darrah Michael Decker Catherine Dougherty Patricia J. Downing Terry Drake Larry Eberhardt« Phyllis Edson Orville Edwards Ronald and Pat Eitzen Donald« and Suzanne Emler Randy and Faith Everest Sharon G. Fore Robert and Susan Fry Nick and Sue Gales Larry and Jeannette Haag Attieson and Sharon Halbrook
Richard Hastings Patricia Hatamyar« Robert Henry« and Jan Ralls Henry Alan and Elisha Herndon James and Joan Hirnisey Gary and Sue Homsey Jeremy and Megan Hornbeek Allen« William and Karen Howard Ron Jacob Dixie Jensen Fred and Patricia Johnson Nancy Kenderdine« Jeffery Key Jim and Mary Kutch Ann Lacy Timothy and Linda Larason Janet Leadbetter Ruth G. Leebron Cathy Leichter Dan Burdette and Janis Love Andrea L. MacMullin Donald and Barbara MacPherson Daniel Majors Samuel and Sally Marrs John and Kathryn McInnis Burrel and Jo Ann McNaught Doloris A. McVay Herman and LaDonna Meinders Patrick K. Miles Glenn and Mary Millard Maudie Miller and Mike Hicks Glen and Yvonne Miller Margaret L. Moedt Jim and Debbie Musick«
Sharon K. O’Roke Mark Parker« Brenda Penwell Ray and Patricia Potts Scott Preston and Sheryl Herner Nancy Pryst Dr. and Mrs. George Randall Karen Rice Casey R. Ross« Dennis Rubenstein Michael and Kelcey Schag Charles and Jane Schneeberger Hugh and Shirley Scott Cheryl Seguine Garvin Senn Bill and Pam Shdeed Shelby and Adelaide Smith Wayne Stone Samuel and Deborah Suddarth Marvona Easley Tavlin and Michael Tavlin Kelly Thompson Kevin Tully Clarence and Patricia Tully Alireza Vahabzadeh Robert Van House Jerry and Melinda Vannatta Dr. Jerald C. and Mrs. Virginia K. Walker Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison Gladys B. Whetstine Charles Wisler Lisa Wolfe« and Fred Mischler Debra Worley Hub Worrell Carl and Beverly Ann Young
A Moment in Time: Student Life • OCU teams have won an athletic national championship in at least one sport every year for the past 28 years. • A weekly chapel service is open to all faiths and all OCU community members. • Students lead 80+ organizations.
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Oklahoma City University
Community Impact More than 12,000 hours of pro bono service by law students in 2020.
OCU Law houses the Oklahoma Innocence Clinic, the Center for Criminal Justice, and Bail and Bond Reform clinics.
OCU’s esports program is partnering with the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City on an esports youth league this fall.
An IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is launching in a new student accounting success center this fall.
Psychology doctoral students assist with outpatient therapy for 225–400 hours per week at Palomar, the Veterans Affairs hospital, and the Office of Juvenile Affairs.
World-class boathouse in OKC’s Boathouse District.
Career Services kicked off a Diversity in the Workplace series this year, giving students the opportunity to hear from professionals of color.
An Integris Health partnership allows senior nursing students to work as nurse techs, helping during the pandemic.
Psychology students have the opportunity to train in child advocacy related to child abuse and neglect—the only such program in the state.
Students in an undergraduate business capstone class tied for No. 1 in the world in a stock selection global simulation, the third time since 2012.
Advancing OCU Cash, securities, or planned gifts are excellent ways to build an existing endowment or establish a new fund. Office of University Advancement 405-208-7000 give@okcu.edu okcu.edu/give
Lynann Sterk-Brooks Vice President for Advancement 405-208-5132 lmsterkbrooks@okcu.edu
Koby Harrington Assistant Vice President of University Development 405-208-5435 kcharrington@okcu.edu
Alan D. Herndon Director of Planned Giving 405-208-5454 aherndon@okcu.edu
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OCU’S GIVING DAY
By the Numbers TOTAL DOLLARS RAISED
TOTAL DONORS
Donors Supporting
454
$246,858
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
502
REPEAT
Giving Day Donors
101
FROM 2020
93 GIFTS $18,106
30 52
GIFTS
PARENT
GIFTS
All in
States and 4 Countries
CLASS WITH THE
Arts & Sciences
275
153
(2010-2020)
DONORS FROM
MOST DOLLARS RAISED
AREA WITH MOST DONORS AND MOST DOLLARS RAISED (BESIDES OCU FUND):
Young Alumni
39
1984
TOTAL GIFTS
STUDENT
36
78
NUMBER OF GIFTS FROM
ALUMNI GIFTS
129
NUMBER OF
First-Time Donors
Thank You for supporting OCU’s most critical needs & student scholarships.
FACULTY & STAFF GIFTS
YOU ARE
#TrueBlueOCU
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Oklahoma City University
okcu.edu/give
