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that includes six years of hearing him at dinners, recruitment events and staff breakfasts, has been awe-inspiring. That might sound dramatic, but it’s true,” said Janelle Warlick, OCU alumna and assistant director of student success and retention for the Petree College of Arts and Sciences. “He has the innate ability to make someone feel like they are the only person in the room. I don’t know anyone who possesses the ability to make people feel so special. He is such a treasure and I’m not going to think about him leaving until the last possible moment that I have to. I will definitely be in tears.” Rick Hall, OCU vice president for student affairs, said McDaniel is generous and supportive of the university community. “Goodness knows he and Brenda break their necks to be at every
McDaniel Folkisms President Tom McDaniel is well known for the folksy phrases he likes to use when discussing strategy or just to bring a little comic relief to the table. A few include: n Take another kick at the can. n We are at the lick log. n Ooch and scooch. n Even a blind squirrel sometimes finds a nut. n Get the ox out of the ditch. n Milk the easy cow first. n Call in Red Adair.
event and to learn every name and to commit themselves to individual programs and activities that students remember,” Hall said. “I have never seen anyone as good at remembering names and faces— and Oklahoma high school mascots. The students love it but so does everyone else.” McDaniel has brought the campus community together and inspired true school spirit. “It is obvious that the life of a university has its ups and downs, but no one over the last 10 years has been more reliable or dependable in terms of setting expectations and the course for our future than Tom McDaniel,” Hall said. “He has incredible ability to make folks believe we are heading in the right direction and they want to go with him. He generates confidence. Many people are committed to and invested in OCU because of confidence in leadership. Those folks are not limited to donors: this applies to staff, students and faculty as well. Everyone has choices and Tom has helped make OCU a good choice for us all.” McDaniel has ushered in a new renaissance at OCU. OCU’s annual Head of the Oklahoma Regatta, introduced under McDaniel’s tutelage in 2004, has attracted tens of thousands of spectators every year. Rowing News Magazine has even given the event
OCU Construction
Projects During the McDaniel Era P r e s i d e n t T o m Mc D a n i e l has overseen unprecedented growth during his tenure at OCU and fundraising has totaled more than $150 million. Projects include: n Wanda L. Bass School of Music n Meinders School of Business n Centennial Residence Hall n Devon Boathouse, home of OCU Rowing n The Edith Kinney Gaylord Center at the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Arts Management n Lacy Stadium n Aduddell Center n Steve and Suzan Knight Strength and Conditioning Facility n Jim Wade Stadium n Kerr McGee Centennial Plaza n Renovation of the Tom and Brenda McDaniel University Center n Renovation of the OCU wrestling headquarters n Renovation and expansion of the Norick Art Center n Renovation of the Dulaney-Browne Library n Renovation and expansion of the Lacy Visitor and Admissions Center n Expansion of the Kramer School of Nursing n Multiple campus beautification projects