Vision - Spring 2020

VISION THE WORLD AWAITS YOUR STORY

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BIOTECH I N C U B ATO R

WE ARE I N N OVAT I V E

THE BRANCH

Dr. Henry Shin Signs Research Deal

OC’s Brand Founded in History

New Cafeteria Energizes Students

SPRING 2020

V I S I O N STA F F President John deSteiguer

Chief Advancement and Alumni Relations Officer Alan Phillips (76)

Chief Communications Officer Risa Forrester (96)

Editor Sarah Horton (90)

Contributors Mandolin Skipworth (19), Kim Reiter (91) and Jim Stafford

Designers Jonathan Curtis (03), Tessa Wright (12)

Photographers Hayley Bentley (16), Steven Christy (01) and Judson Copeland (02)

POSTMASTER Send address changes to: VISION Magazine PO Box 11000 Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100

VISION Alumni Magazine of Oklahoma Christian University (USPS 405-420) Volume 21, No. 1, Spring 2020

Š Oklahoma Christian University 2020 Oklahoma Christian University admits students of any race, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, handicap, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.

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STORY FROM THE PRESIDENT

The look of OC is changing! This all-new Vision magazine is a part of the comprehensive rebranding of the university. The story featuring alum Scott Hill tells of how the brand allows us to boldly state who we are, a university that is missional, personal, innovative and challenging.

Speaking of fresh, the all-new cafeteria is now the most popular spot on campus. The Branch, named for Alfred and Judy Branch, has students leaving their apartments and dorm rooms, gathering in this beautiful community space and enjoying the elevated menu.

We must adapt to the needs of a changing student body and an advancing workforce, but I want to tell you what has not changed. OC is deeply committed to our Church of Christ roots. The spiritual development of our students is fostered by daily chapel services, deep academic study in Bible classes, spreading the gospel through global missions and the invaluable mentorship of faculty. Faculty lead students to become Christian engineers, video game designers who make a positive impact, missional nurses and professionals who operate from a deep sense of integrity and work ethic.

OC is committed to academic rigor through quality instruction. The level of learning that happens on our campus feels normal until our students absolutely sweep award categories at competition or place near the top against larger, richer schools who diminish us in every other way, except what counts most; the results. Our students who experience research opportunities at other universities and alumni in graduate schools report back that they are very well prepared.

OC remains committed to our residential learning community. We are a place where students learn together and live together to create a community around friendships and shared experiences. Technology has dramatically changed personal relationships compared with the earlier days of the university. Our social service clubs, music and theater groups, professional academic societies and athletic events strongly promote the formation of lifelong friendships.

I personally invite you to visit OC to eat in the new Branch cafeteria, see the new logo throughout campus and even check out the latest clothing in the bookstore.

I hope you will also notice what is the same since you were a student by attending chapel and catching up with your former professors. Without a doubt, OC is home to innovative alumni.

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26 DR. JOHN MAPLE RETIRES WITH I N S P I R AT I O N A L L EGAC Y

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J E A N E T TA S I M S

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JOINS OC’S BOARD

CALIFORNIA TO

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OKLAHOMAGAIN 12 BIOTECH I N C U B ATO R 16 WE ARE I N N OVAT I V E 22 NBC NEWS FOR GEN Z 24

NEW CLINICAL SKILLS L A B & S I M U L AT I O N CENTER

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THE BRANCH 32 EAGLES ON THE MOVE

Sisters Trevy Rauch (90-92), Stacey Wolfe (94) and Gaymarie Williamson (86-88) cut the ribbon to open the Dave & Shirlie Ellis Skills Lab & Simulation Center with mother Shirlie Ellis, President John deSteiguer, Dean of the College of Natural & Health Science Dr. Jeff McCormack (83), Associate Dean Dr. Jennifer ( Jackson 77) Gray and Chief Technology & Operations Officer John Hermes (93) to advance technology for the School of Nursing.

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ANDY & DEBBY BENTON

HOMAGAIN OC.EDU

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YOUNG ANDREW K. BENTON ( 74 ) I M AG I N E D A F U T U R E A S M AYO R O F A K A N S A S T O W N , L I K E LY W I T H A L A W O F F I C E O N M A I N ST R E E T.

No one in Andy’s family had attended college. His hardworking, faithful church-going parents encouraged Andy’s desire for law school, but Andy would need to find a way to pay for it.

He worked his way through freshman year at the University of Kansas in his hometown of Lawrence. The 100-yearold, Collegiate Gothic style campus did not challenge or satisfy Andy.

When Andy transferred to Oklahoma Christian College, he had never visited the campus but soon met a 4 foot 11 inch bundle of effervescent joy named Debby Strickland (74). Debby easily made friends and Andy enjoyed her courageous nature.

Debby came from an oil industry family who frequently relocated.

Changing gyms and coaches didn’t prevent Debby from becoming an elite gymnast pursued by the top gymnastics schools in the country. She flew through the air with grace and strength as a specialist on the uneven bars until she received an arthritis diagnosis that ended her collegiate athletic dreams. She had visited OCC as a junior high school student when her family lived in Oklahoma City and decided to make OCC home.

Debby helped Andy quickly find his way around campus. He took advantage of opportunities to use his musical and leadership talents

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traveling with the Windstorm Singers to energize stages with rock music, directing Songfest, enjoying the club camaraderie and competition of Spring Sing back when performers stood on risers, and he liaised between students and administrators as president of student government both his junior and senior years.

Debby and Andy both loved being students at OCC and surely grew to love each other. Love led to a proposal which resulted in marriage, then they needed jobs. OCC President J. Terry Johnson had witnessed Andy’s leadership, organization, dependability and drive and invited Andy to work with him.

“I kind of put him off for a while. I didn’t take him seriously because I didn’t know what I was going to do. I knew law school was in my future, but we couldn’t afford it right away,” said Andy.

Debby double majored in elementary and physical education. Her heart was in the classroom, but Cathy Rigby and Nadia Comaneci had made gymnastics a very popular sport.

Putnam City schools hired Debby and purchased top of the line gymnastics equipment. Debby coached while Andy became assistant to the president. He joined a group of great colleagues who worked long hours

and succeeded at raising funds to advance the school.

Debby offered private coaching in the summer. Her summer job quadrupled her teaching salary while she worked only half the amount of hours! The Bentons discovered the solution to paying for law school. Andy reduced the hours he worked for the president and enrolled in Oklahoma City University’s School of Law. He graduated in two-and-a-half years with no debt!

In the next few years, Andy practiced law while continuing to work with OC. The young couple welcomed their first child, daughter Hailey, into their family, and in 1983, Pepperdine University asked Andy for help with some legal and regulatory matters.

Moving to Malibu, California was a bold and courageous move that came easily for Debby. She encouraged Andy to take the risk on the short-term position to see where it might lead.

Thirty-five years later, President and First Lady Benton resigned from the longest tenure presidency in Pepperdine history!

Known as the “Students’ President,” Andy taught 35 constitutional law classes, ate lunch in the cafeteria every day that he was in town, attended home sporting events and

referred to their residence as the students’ clubhouse, hosting Bible studies and annual events for all freshmen and seniors.

The couple had their second child, Christopher, in Malibu and juggled raising a young family with the high level demands of university administration. They managed by viewing their responsibilities as a fun adventure and learning to work together as a team. Upon entering a room, Debby went straight to the center where she found the liveliest action. Andy migrated toward the outskirts where those with a more shy nature tended to hang out, and by the end of the evening the couple had spoken with nearly everyone.

“Debby is a supreme friend and served as a wonderful ambassador for the university,” Andy said. “She traveled with student groups on service projects, taught relationship and etiquette classes and regularly hosted groups at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.”

Under Andy’s leadership, Pepperdine experienced growth and recognition.

Andy announced his vision as president in his 2000, inaugural address titled “Promises to Keep.” He kept his promises by increasing the university’s endowment to $1 billion, building new campuses, expanding

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ANDY INSPIRES THE BEST IN OTHERS & M OT I VAT ES THEM TOWARD EXCELLENCE. IT’S A GIFT! programs and increasing Pepperdine’s global presence. He built a greater sense of community, increased ethnic diversity and deepened ties to the institution’s Church of Christ heritage.

Andy established Pepperdine as a leader in higher education by serving as chair of the American Council on Education and National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities as well as numerous state organizations.

“Andy inspires the best in others and motivates them toward excellence. It’s a gift! He used it well at Pepperdine,” said Debby.

Always motivated by advancing the university, Andy and Debby’s work has placed them on the back deck at the Bush compound in Kennebunkport,

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Maine, enjoying Barbara’s chicken salad while George nervously peered through binoculars to keep an eye on his boat that he had loaned out. They met Margaret Thatcher in London, shared dinner with Carol Burnett and developed a great friendship with acclaimed film composer John Williams. (Andy politely excused himself during the interview for this story so that he could accept a phone call from Ken Starr.) The Bentons introduced many powerful and influential people to Pepperdine.

Andy hopes his legacy illustrates good decisions. A university goes through a two or three year cycle to know if a decision is good. Will students enroll in the new programs? Will they travel to the foreign campuses?

“The trick is staying nimble enough to walk away from a bad decision.

We never hesitated to get out of something that didn’t work,” Andy said. “People decide if they are willing to follow you by the way you handle crisis. They want to feel your passion.

They want to see you pray.”

As president, Andy experienced just enough crisis to illustrate his leadership. He made the hard decisions needed to stabilize the university through the recession of 2008, inspired his community with a speech after 9/11, managed six

different wildfires that threatened campus and led through a mass shooting that occurred at a local entertainment venue killing a Pepperdine student along with 14 others. The key was starting each morning praying for the university.

After working with his board to fashion a succession plan that would leave the university in a position of strength, Andy announced his retirement as leader of Pepperdine University. Then July 31, 2019, Andy became President Emeritus, and it was time for the Bentons to return home, to the place where they met and fell in love.

Debby began researching Real Estate in Edmond back in 2016, as Andy was contemplating his succession plan.

Early on, they discussed retirement plans with their children, expressing a desire to be part of a strong church where faith is deep and profound.

Andy spoke of his passion for middle America and experiences traveling Route 66. Oklahoma represented comfort and NO TRAFFIC! All of that sounded really good to their daughter, who was practicing law in California.

Hailey, husband Jason Thomas and son Jackson didn’t need a three year succession plan! They transitioned their careers and home to Oklahoma while regularly checking in with Mom and Dad Benton.

THE LEGACY OF OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN U N I V E R S I T Y M U LT I P L I E S ACROSS NUMEROUS COLLEGE CAMPUSES WITH “You’re still moving to Edmond, right?” she would ask.

Yes, Andy and Debby are home!

“Andy is recognized as the model of an outstanding university president, and Debby an equal partner, in the Benton legacy at Pepperdine,” said President John deSteiguer. “The Bentons have always been generous with their support, encouragement and wisdom for their alma mater. I am thrilled they have returned home and given me access to Andy’s insight within a short drive.”

Currently, the Bentons sift through moving boxes, in between trips back to Malibu, while adjusting to local allergens and playing with little Jackson. They hope son Christopher feels a pull to Oklahoma some day.

For now, he remains in California where he is in wildfire training.

When asked how life is different from what they expected, Andy reflects on his aspirations of small-town mayorship and says, “Debby is the brave one. She believed things I couldn’t fathom.”

OUR ALUMNI LEADING AS PRESIDENTS IN HIGHER E D U C AT I O N AC R O S S T H E N AT I O N .

Some who previously or currently served in this position are:

Alfred Branch (84) Oklahoma Christian University Andrew K. Benton, J.D. (74) Pepperdine University Allison Garrett, J.D. (84) Emporia State University

Patti Neuhold-Ravikumar, Ph.D. (95) University of Central Oklahoma Mike E. O’Neal, J.D. (68) Oklahoma Christian University

William P. Goad, EdD (79) Cascade College

Bill Pink, Ph.D. (90) Grand Rapids Community College

Stan Helton, Ph.D. (88) Alberta Bible College

Lana Reynolds (81) Seminole State College

J. Terry Johnson, J.D. (64) Oklahoma Christian University

Harold Shank, Ph.D. (72) Ohio Valley University

Kevin Jacobs, J.D. (82) Oklahoma Christian University; Cascade College Gary W. Kirkendall (90) Magnolia Bible College

Ronald D. Wright, Ph.D. (69 deceased) Cincinnati State Technical and Community College; Delgado Community College

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THE BEGINNING OF A BIOTECH I N C U B ATO R Henry Shin’s (10) journey to Oklahoma Christian University began in 2007, like many other undergraduates whose parents were foreign missionaries. He came to OC from the mission field on Fiji Island in the South Pacific, some 2,800 miles east of Australia.

That’s where Henry’s story takes an unusual turn.

Henry and his family are natives of South Korea, and his parents were Presbyterian missionaries to Fiji.

Henry (his Korean name is Younghwa) learned English while living on the island as a high school student.

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“I went to my first year of high school in South Korea, and at that time my parents decided to move to Fiji for missionary work,” he said, while sipping a cup of hot tea in The Brew coffee shop on the OC campus in early December. “So, I went to Fiji for the remaining years of high school.”

Today, Henry Shin is an OC alumnus with a degree in biology who went on to earn his Ph.D. in physiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC).

Now, he’s back on campus as an entrepreneur and co-founder of a company called Excitant Therapeutics, which is focused on developing vision

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R saving drugs for eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Henry’s first steps down the entrepreneur’s path have taken him full circle back to OC and the Christian campus that welcomed him here more than a dozen years ago.

Excitant Therapeutics was launched in the fall of 2019 as the first startup to be incubated on the OC campus in space provided in Herold Science Hall. The company occupies two small offices and a lab bench in OC’s Undergrad Research Laboratory.

Henry explained the unlikely circumstances that began his journey to OC and brought a native of South Korea to Oklahoma by way of the islands of Fiji.

“I did not know anything about Oklahoma or American colleges in general,” he said. “I just wanted to continue my education in English, and an American missionary friend I met back in Fiji talked me into considering private Christian colleges in America.”

Henry’s older brother, Young-suk Shin, recommended OC to him among several other Christian colleges.

“That’s how I ended up at Oklahoma Christian.”

Despite his Asian heritage and cultural roots established on a South Pacific island almost 6,700 miles from Oklahoma, Henry found his place on the OC campus, both in the classroom, among fellow international students and spiritually with his deep-rooted Christian faith.

“I hung with the international community a lot, because we all came from somewhere else,” he said with a laugh. “That sense of minority brings us together.”

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I BELIEVE SCIENCE I S O N LY A TOOL TO U N D E R STA N D & A P P R EC I AT E T H AT T H E R E IS A DIVINE POWER.

He also played intramural sports and was an honorary member of a social club.

“I was in Omega,” he said. “Though I wasn’t a full member, the club allowed me to play ping-pong, tennis and pool for the club.”

Henry excelled in the classroom as he pursued a difficult academic regimen.

OC faculty nurtured his academic growth and helped him determine his direction after graduation.

“All the faculty members in my department were very helpful,” he said. “Each professor contributed in a unique way into my thinking about graduate school.”

How did his spiritual values mesh with his pursuit of knowledge in science?

“I personally haven’t had too many dilemmas that mix religion and science into a quandary,” he said.

“If there’s anything, learning about the wonders of science and how

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complex life can be – and there’s so much more to learn about this world, it just blows my mind – it only points to one thing, that there has to be an intelligent designer. I believe science is only a tool to understand and appreciate that there is a divine power.”

After his OC graduation, Henry pursued graduate education at OUHSC and ventured into eye research under the mentorship of Dr. Jian-Xing ( Jay) Ma, laureate professor and chairman of OUHSC’s Department of Physiology. Ma founded Oklahoma City’s Charlesson, LLC, and its subsidiary company, EyeCro, a health care contract research firm.

After earning his Ph.D., Henry immersed himself in a diabetic retinopathy research project in collaboration with Drs. Ma and Adam Duerfeldt, a chemistry professor at OU. The three are co-founders of Excitant Therapeutics and created the company when they saw the potential

of the compound on which they were working.

“We based our scientific approach on two large clinical trials that tested a drug therapy intended to reduce cardiovascular events in Type II diabetic patients,” he said.

“The therapy wasn’t so successful for cardio, but there was a robust effect on diabetic retinopathy instead.”

Henry’s goal with Excitant is to develop an oral drug to treat the eye disease rather than current standard of care, which typically requires painful and expensive shots administered in the eye on a regular basis.

So, how did the creation of a new health care research company lead Henry Shin back to the familiar surroundings of the OC campus?

That’s where Jeff McCormack, Ph.D (83), dean of OC’s College of Natural and Health Sciences stepped in. An OC graduate himself, McCormack

had returned to Oklahoma from Nashville, Tennessee, in 2014 to help establish the College of Natural and Health Sciences.

A serial entrepreneur who founded two health care-related companies while living in Nashville, McCormack first connected with Henry about four years ago when he persuaded Shin to represent OC in a Christian Scholars Conference in Abilene, Texas.

The conference brings together Christian scholars from all academic disciplines.

“I met Henry, and he presented his eye research that he was doing at OU at this conference,” McCormack said.

“Henry and I just stayed connected afterward. We would talk. I talked to him about teaching a class for us; just different conversations.”

Eventually, the conversations turned to the company that Henry was cofounding and its need for space to advance its research.

“We talked for several months and looked at the lab,” McCormack said.

“Henry said ‘this would work.’ So, we negotiated a lease agreement and set up shop downstairs using our Undergraduate Research Lab.” The goal not only is to help Excitant Therapeutics advance its therapeutic, but also provide potential employment for OC students and also show them a career pathway to consider, McCormack said.

Turns out, while Excitant Therapeutics may be the first company birthed in OC’s “biotech incubator,” it probably won’t be the last, McCormack said.

“We are having conversations with another startup right now,” McCormack said. It’s a great resource for us. We’ve got the laboratory space, and I’m a huge advocate for maximizing the use of our facilities.”

proposals in the works. If bigger research grants are awarded, Excitant Therapeutics could make a real impact for OC’s student population, Henry said.

“We could be hiring students to help with simple tasks around the lab or hire an intern in the summer to actually conduct research with us,” he said. “We are mainly considering summer research opportunities so OC students can have a devoted block of time and really get their hands on bench-top science and see how that can be relevant to real-life applications.”

For Henry Shin, Ph.D., the return to the Oklahoma Christian University campus has been something of a homecoming.

“It feels like déjà vu, for sure,” he said.

Excitant is funded with a Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research grant and has a couple of other funding

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OC’S NEW BRAND STAT ES WHO WE ALREADY

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SCOTT ALLEN HILL (08) JUMPED INTO THE RIGOROUS GRAPHIC D ES I G N D EG R E E P L A N AT OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY AS A TRANSFER ST U D E N T. H E G R A D UAT E D WITH A COMPREHENSIVE PORTFOLIO SHOWCASING H I S TA L E N T S T H AT S E RV E D A S A G AT E WAY TO H I S CAREER. AFTER WORKING FOR AN OKLAHOMA CITY A D V E R T I S I N G A G E N C Y, SCOTT RETURNED TO OC AS A DESIGNER IN THE UNIVERSITY’S MARKETING D E PA RTM E N T.

OC’s fast paced environment required Scott to work quickly. The marketing team received an average of 120 design projects each month. The wide variety of campus needs could range from one sign to a 32-page magazine to a stage backdrop. Producing a high-quality product with an eye on budget, while also understanding the needs of individual clients within the context of the university, proved to be a challenge. Developing these skills helped to prepare Scott for entrepreneurship.

Scott launched his design studio in Denver, Colorado. Local coffee roasters and corporate clients soon

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expanded to include Realtors from Beverly Hills and educators from Sydney, Australia. At the peak of the design studio’s success, Scott’s work had also reached a climax. His leadership role did not provide the mentorship and growth he craved.

Scott took a counter-intuitive career move and offered himself as an intern to Original Champions of Design (OCD) in New York City. Recognizing Scott as far more than an intern, they accepted him as a design director.

“OCD specializes in strategic brand identity systems. That became my new playground for challenge, risk-taking and professional growth,” Scott said.

While at OCD, he refined his design and client relation skills working with clients like the NBA, MTV, New York Times Magazine and led a major rebranding project for Dartmouth University.

In 2017, Scott returned to Oklahoma City with wife Ashlee and daughter Sylva, re-engaged with OC as an adjunct professor and took on the career title of design director for Switch, a branding agency headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

“As a student, Scott had the potential to be successful,” said Professor of Graphic Design Michael O’Keefe. “He

Scott Hill & Tessa Wright

stayed committed and teachable.

Professionally, he had the courage to take risks and grew to become nationally recognized for his creativity.

He is a natural fit as an instructor.”

Scott’s return to campus combined with his experiences pushed him to passionately pursue a rebranding project with OC. Driven by a love for his alma mater, he initiated conversations with Chief Communications Officer Risa Forrester (96).

“I was familiar with Scott and knew working with him would be big time,” said Risa. “We were looking for ways to be more efficient and effective

in our work, our brand had become scattered and unfocused, the timing was perfect. Then we got the huge bonus of Kimi!”

Switch Founder and Creative Director Kimi Dalman, granddaughter of faithful OC donors, Bobby Roberson and Life Trustee Millie Prince Roberson, had a high level of interest in the OC project. Kimi personally prioritized leading the rebrand team.

“Our process honors institutional foundations. Rather than attempting to find out who OC should be, our goal was to creatively articulate who OC already was,” said Kimi.

That process began with targeted focus groups. Kimi and Scott immediately discovered the project would be more far reaching than they anticipated. The focus groups took on a depth and direction beyond logos and signs to include social and racial issues, the role of women on campus, the state of the Church of Christ and what OC would represent moving forward. The scope of the project expanded to include more than 80 hours of interviews with over 100 individuals from 34 departments and student groups.

“There was a lot of pressure! Our nonprofit, faith-based clients are very

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important to us. I wanted to make Kimi proud as I represented her company.

This was a deeply personal project, and I wanted to get it right,” said Scott. “The difficult conversations that centered on race and gender caused me to reflect on my time as a student.

As an individual, did I contribute to making these issues better or worse?”

Switch compiled all of the data collected and returned an 85-page reflection report including a thorough analysis of the former brand, an audit of OC’s marketing department and consensus from the interviews.

OC Creative Director Tessa Wright (12) leads the university as brand

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guardian. She worked closely with Scott to determine what it would mean to roll out a new brand.

Her institutional knowledge of OC equipped her to manage the massive undertaking.

“I interned as an OC student then received a job offer. That eventually grew into a management role. I’ve had an amazing and formative career at OC, but not as much outside perspective,” Tessa said. “I learned simple things from Scott, like building detailed presentations. I also gained bigger things like the jolt of inspiration that fueled our whole team as we undertook updates all across campus.”

Both Switch and the OC marketing team researched other universities and companies who experienced a comprehensive rebrand. The risks were great. Some new brands had been categorically rejected by constituents.

“We are careful with what we put in front of clients because if we push them too far outside their comfort zone we will lose their trust. With Risa, we had her support and assurance that if we remained true to our process and produced our best work, she would stand behind it, implement it and defend it,” said Scott. “It was super empowering.”

THE WORLD AWAITS YOUR STORY Moving forward with the security of client trust, Switch leaned heavily on groundwork and the results of extensive research. The team uncovered some interesting facts like, Eagles do not describe their pride in the same way that alums from many other universities do, especially those hailing from large, flagship publics.

But, incredible pride is found in very specific relationships and connections.

Stately columns, football tailgates and sorority houses do not grace our campus. However, incredible individuals root for one another daily through honest relationships and an innovative, creative spirit.

At most universities, people want to be attached to the brand. At OC, our people defined the brand. Switch brought forward a brand that is unlike any university, but illustrated OC’s uniqueness.

The bold OC logo is simple, clear, open and to the point. It pays homage to the architectural style of OC’s midcentury campus, ever moving forward, seeking growth and innovation. It’s pragmatic and meant for everyone, whatever your story may be.

Scott teaches students that a brand must always stand on its own. You can’t be there to defend it or explain

the research and the data. While he would really like to speak to each person about all of the things he discovered and highlight the motivation for every detail, he will just leave this here for you to interpret for yourself.

An expanded version of the story with research findings can be found at OC.EDU/NEWS

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NBC NEWS TA R G E T S G E N Z W I T H I N N OVAT I V E CONCEPT

MEAGAN HARRIS MAKES THE NEWS Misinformation and snap conclusions permeate journalism. And, as younger generations rely more on information delivered via social media, it’s important that news media creates engaging, relevant, objective content that draws in young people to inform this audience accurately.

of their own. Meagan leads her team with the mindset that they are simply people writing for people about people. LX writes and produces every story from a local, inspired, connected, important and personal angle.

Enter alumna Meagan Harris (02) and NBC Universal. In 2019, Meagan left her job as News Director for First Coast News, Jacksonville, Florida to innovate an all-new approach to news delivery, NBCLX.

LX represents exponential storytelling.

The network redefines local news with stories, rather than sensational headlines, that focus on depth and context. LX broadcasts stories that can help Gen Z and millennials feel connected and encouraged to shape the world around them.

The new program presents reporters as real, genuine people with stories

Meagan and her team aspire to engage the audience with a

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personal style of journalism. Instead of speaking as if detached from a situation, reporters will talk in first person as if conversing with the viewer. They would say things like, “So let me walk you through this neighborhood,” or, “I can smell the smoke here. I can feel how upsetting this is to the people. The firefighters look exhausted.” Speaking empathetically brings the viewer into the weight of the situation.

As an OC student, Meagan searched for degrees that fit her niche. An athletic scholarship for softball drove her college priorities before the natural storyteller discovered the

A S A J O U R N A L I ST, I H AV E A L A R G E MEGAPHONE AND THE ABILITY TO R E A L LY I M P A C T L I V E S .

electronic media degree. Meagan learned AP style writing, journalism and television production. She gained experience in front of the camera and behind the scenes with studentproduced newscasts. She dedicated late-night hours to writing, only to have Dr. Larry Jurney’s editing pen tear through her words.

“Now, looking back in my career, I can see why he did it,” Meagan said about Dr. Jurney’s critiques. “He saw something in me, and he wanted to push me to be better and stronger…

[I’m grateful for] even being able to talk to him about God. He was a big mentor in my life.”

With the ability to accept direction and critique, Meagan became a news producer for KXII in Sherman, Texas.

The tough love she received prepared her for the highly demanding news world. Her work earned 13 Lone Star Emmys, numerous regional Edward R Murrow awards and the National Service to America award. While working and living in north Texas, OC’s North Texas Alumni Chapter honored Meagan with their Lawson Award, their top alumni recognition.

She advanced through leadership roles in larger markets until NBC Universal presented her with the opportunity to help create a new age

of journalism, she leapt at the chance.

“As a journalist, I have a large megaphone and the ability to really impact lives,” Meagan said. “I believe in the positive impact of journalism.

Every word I write matters, and I can move someone I don’t know…

Sometimes the most impactful things are normal, everyday people who have amazing stories that remind you of your purpose.”

LX debuts in April 2020. With a focus on live programming, LX will be an over-the-air and streaming network.

Tune in to see the results of Meagan’s innovative work.

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THE BRANC E L E VAT I N G CUISINE IN HIGHER E D U C AT I O N OC has a tradition of one syllable names that started years ago with The Barn. It continued with The Nest, The Dub and The Brew. In this tradition, the name of the new cafeteria became obvious. We honor former OC President and First Lady Alfred (84) and Judy (85) Branch by naming the new campus cafeteria The Branch.

The couple deeply loves their alma mater and have expressed their affection through volunteering, leading, serving on the Board of Trustees and donating $2.5 million to the university in recent years. The Branches have met needs as small as a fresh coat of paint and as large

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as $1 million dollars to help advance OC’s School of Nursing to the fastest growing nursing program in the state.

dining room that will be filled with college students. It’s the perfect time to honor Aunt Jo Anne,” said Branch.

A pre-opening dinner honoring donors looked like a Branch family reunion.

This legacy family began with Sylvia Branch and Jo Anne North. Sisters from Florida who made OC home.

The Branch and North families have helped shape OC as administrators, trustees, donors, faculty, staff and students for decades. Alfred Branch dedicated the evening’s dinner to his Aunt Jo Anne, the consummate hostess.

The entire room, most who had experienced Jo Anne’s hospitality, erupted in a prolonged standing ovation. A matriarch of the OC family, the influence of Jo Anne North will forever be a part of campus.

“Jo Anne North taught us everything we know about hosting college students in our home. Nineteen years of Sunday, college student dinners for her children, me and all of my children totaled 621 meals. She often included our friends, roommates, boyfriends and girlfriends. She is a beautiful person and a wonderful cook who taught us the importance of gathering around the table together. Tonight we celebrate a brand new kitchen and

President John deSteiguer retraced the journey of completing the project. It began in 2015, with a check from Kurt and Debbie Hermanson and UDining for $1 million dollars. According to deSteiguer, Hermanson is the only person not employed by OC to win employee of the year. His 40 years on campus has earned him an honorary alumnus designation as a beloved member of the community. And now, deSteiguer revealed a beautiful sign in The Branch identifying Kurt’s Court.

Many of OC’s faithful supporters united to fund building the new cafeteria without using any tuition revenue. The best seats in the house

are in a corner named Lawson View overlooking the landscaped core of campus known as Lawson Commons, named for Richard (66) and Pat (67) Lawson. Big screens line the walls of the sports-themed room, Harry’s Place, named for Harry (67) and Brenda Patterson. An anonymous donor honored dear friends of hers by naming a special event dining room the Duncan Room for David (89) and Barbara (89) Duncan. A highly caffeinated corner of the serving area, The Brew Too, maintains a connection with the popular campus coffee shop and is the namesake of Trustee Chairman Mark and Beth Brewer.

Initial reactions from students on opening day included comments such as: “This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten on this campus. They made me a custom burger!”

“I wish I was a freshman so I’d have four years to enjoy it.”

“The orange chicken was super good.”

“I was surprised. It’s really nice and there are a lot of options.”

ABOVE Lee Branch (14), Cassandra (Partin 15) Branch, Judy, Alfred, Meagan (Branch 11) Lytton and Brock Lytton (09).

“I absolutely love it! It’s a great change that’s definitely worth my money.”

“It’s beyond my expectations.”

Community develops around dinner tables. The new dining room, filled with natural light and surrounded by beautiful views, is a place where relationships begin and grow.

Memories are made at The Branch.

An expanded version is available at OC.EDU/NEWS

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DR. JOHN MAPLE

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

After 46 years of teaching, Distinguished Professor of European History Dr. John Maple (72) retired at the end of the fall 2019 semester.

Ten years ago, Dr. Maple discovered he had multiple myeloma cancer. He refused to let cancer stop him from doing what he loves for as long as possible. After a leave of absence and four types of chemo, Dr. Maple’s doctor recommended that he retire as he enters new treatment.

“When I’m in the classroom I don’t have cancer. I’m me again,” Dr. Maple said. “I’m interacting with students, which I love to do. In the classroom, I don’t have incurable cancer.

I’m just professor Maple.”

Few embody their calling as Dr. Maple has. His students understand his courses require effort, but also that he makes their education a priority by teaching through his personal illnesses.

One of his greatest professional victories was leading the Tau Sigma chapter of Phi Alpha Theta to 24 consecutive Best Chapter awards. Dr. Maple was a charter member of the professional club, but he humbly credits his students’ hard work. Even so, his contributions have been noticed.

Donations are being accepted for the John Maple Endowed History Scholarship at OC.EDU/GIVE

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“The Executive Board unanimously approved renaming the Phi Alpha Theta Doctoral Scholarship to the John T. Maple Doctoral Scholarship,” said Executive Director

Wendy Tunstall. “This recognition is a small token of our appreciation for your decades-long, selfless dedication.

You have left an indelible mark on our society.”

Dr. Maple graduated from Oklahoma Christian College in 1972, joining the faculty in 1975. He recalls how OC changed in 40+ years during his transition from student to professor.

He met his wife, Connie, at a local church, and with no married housing, they lived in an apartment for $90 a month, excusing them from campus curfew. Social clubs were co-ed, and he reminisces about his time as a Berean, noting female students would change into jeans for intramurals. Dr. Maple recalls nearly all of the names of his fellow charter members of Phi Alpha Theta. And, he was the first student to graduate OC with a 4.0 GPA. As a professor, Dr. Maple traveled with students from 19872001, to Europe to help with summer Bible camps, noting how those adventures enriched him. He and Connie also sponsored two semesters in Vienna. Dr. Maple served as chair of the History & Political Science department for 22 years helping to shape the faculty.

He delights in his knowledge and opportunities he’s been given, but reacts with humility when asked about his impact. Students have no shortage of kind words.

“Jesus called us to sacrifice ourselves for the good of those we interact with every day,” said Turner Smith. “[Dr. Maple] has fulfilled that calling to an incredibly high degree.”

Dr. Maple’s dedication to education inspired students in their career.

“Dr. Maple was the most compassionate and inspirational professor I had at OC,” said Sheldon Yeakley (17). “He is the one who convinced me that I could be a college professor, and could make it at the graduate level.”

Despite his academic rigor, students noted his unique sense of humor. Justin McLeckie said Dr. Maple would regularly walk in the history office and say, “I need to grab my medicinal M&Ms for the day.”

His ultimate goal is for his students to be the smartest people in the room, to find their calling, to be shown humor and kindness. Dr. Maple beams with pride for his students’ accomplishments, hoping to become a better teacher.

“Oh my. How have I grown?” Dr. Maple paused. “I hope I’ve become a better teacher. I hope I’ve learned to better communicate with students. I hope I’ve grown in terms of presentation and material… in a way they find interesting.”

Dr. Maple isn’t defined by cancer, but rather by education and the relationships he’s built. He has created his own legacy that many will benefit from for years.

RETIREES Our hat goes off to the many other beloved faculty and staff who have helped shape the OC story. We will miss:

Kinney W. Bryant (76) Executive Director of Campus Operations Bob Carpenter, Ph.D. Professor of Bible Paula Hutton, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Music Larry Jurney, Ph.D. Chair, Professor of Mass Communication and Interdisciplinary Studies Paula Leaman (75) Personal Financial Counselor Phil Lewis, Ph.D. Dean and Professor of Business John Maple, Ph.D. (72) Distinguished Professor of History Wayne Whaley, Ph.D. Professor of Mechanical Engineering Steve Wynn (75) Director of Systems Administration

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DR. J E A N E T TA SIMS FRESH

PERSPECTIVE

FOR OC BOARD

In April 2019, Jeanetta Sims, PhD (93) brought a new perspective as the newest Oklahoma Christian University board member.

Dr. Sims leads the Jackson College of Graduate Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma. As the dean of the college, she oversees programming, marketing, admissions and retention of graduate students. Being an alumna of OC, and having served as both a faculty and staff member, Dr. Sims felt she could not refuse when President John deSteiguer asked her to join the OC Board of Trustees. Fueled by personal experiences with OC’s ability to change lives, Dr. Sims places confidence in her alma mater to continue inspiring students and alumni to positively impact the world.

“I think, in the landscape of higher education, there is such power in the world of Christian institutions,” Dr. Sims said. “To be a member of the board that assists the institution in retaining and staying true to its

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VISION

Christian heritage and institutional mission is a wonderful way for me to give back. I understand the landscape of higher education. I understand the value of Christian education. Being able to help OC sustain that direction is very important for me.”

As a female minority, Dr. Sims has overcome challenges different from those of her peers. She brings an alternative perspective to campus matters.

“I also think the presence of a racial minority is important in my position,” Dr. Sims said. “The intersection of black women, people of color, brings a very different insight. I really try to be honest and authentic.”

Becoming a board member in addition to her role as dean at UCO, Dr. Sims proves she has the courage to tackle demanding responsibilities.

Her skill for excelling in multiple roles inspires the way she advises students to boldly take risks.

TRY EVERYTHING. “Try everything,” Dr. Sims says.

“Expose yourself to opportunities. It’s a safe place, as a student, to expose yourself to a bunch of different things you never thought you’d like. People’s perceptions of your abilities may not rise to what you’re capable of.”

Powerful tools of prayer and faith are vital to Dr. Sims’ leadership success.

“I love the fact that regardless of whether it’s Oklahoma Christian or UCO, that God is still faithful,” Dr. Sims said. “The avenue of prayer is still available to me. That changes everything when it comes to challenges, concerns or obstacles.”

DR. MARK BREWER Chairman of the Board Retired Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer Seagate Technology DAVID DUNCAN (89) Vice Chair of the Board Preaching Minister Memorial Church of Christ DON. P. MILLICAN Immediate Past Chairman of the Board Chief Financial Officer Kaiser-Francis Oil Company

DAVID SEAT (74) Secretary of the Board Executive Vice President BancFirst ALFRED BRANCH (84) Executive Committee President Moriah Real Estate Company MARC A. COMPTON (86) Executive Committee Managing Director Bank of America, US Trust MICHELLE EGGLESTON (86) Executive Committee Attorney Eggleston & Eggleston PC

DR. LYNN MITCHELL (76) Executive Committee Chief Medical Officer/Associate Dean University of Oklahoma College of Medicine RAYMOND L. VAUGHN, JR. (70) Executive Committee Retired Okla. County Commissioner Oklahoma County - District Three SHANNON WILBURN Executive Committee Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder Just Between Friends Franchise Systems, Inc.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Kerry Barnes (71) Retired Vice President of Retail Operations Columbia Sportswear Dr. Richard E. Blankenship (59) Retired Veterinarian Jeff Bonney (77) Vice President and Chief Financial Officer RKI Energy Resources, LLC and Prize Royalties, LLC L. Dwain Chaffin (60) Retired Texas Instruments Carl Claxton (66) Medical Director Faith Hospice of the Ozarks Ken Davidson Retired Senior Vice President of Human Resources Seagate Technology Krista Glover* (94) Teacher Fort Worth Christian School

*New Members

Richard Lawson (66) Chairman Lawson Associates, Lawson Software

Dr. Dwayne Simmons Chair of Biology Baylor University

Kevin Lawrence (01) Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer BancFirst

Dr. Jeanetta D. Sims* (93) Dean Jackson College of Graduate Studies University of Central Oklahoma

Dewey Leggett (86) Attorney Basinger Leggett Clemons Bowling Shore & Crandall, PLLC Dr. Grant Newton Retired Executive Director AIRA Kenneth L. Parker (83) Chief Executive Officer Next Thought Harry Patterson (67) Owner Patterson Auto Group Amy Roberts (04) OC Alumna Curt Shumard (85) President LT Partners, LLC

Michelle Stephens (89) Attorney Dr. Michelle Tucker (76) Pediatrician Castle Hills Pediatrics Dr. Michael R. Walker (76) Administrative Director North Texas Pain Recovery Center Greg Wedel Managing Partner and Investor Wedel Rahill & Association Lon Winton (69) Principal All Hat Cattle, LLC DW Ziegler (80) President Ziegler Resources LLC, Ziegler Electric Service, Inc.

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DAVE & SHIRLIE ELLIS

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VISION

CLINICAL S K I L L S L A B

O C D E D I C AT ES N E W

WE TEACH STUDENTS TO THINK C R I T I C A L LY AND HOW TO M U LT I TA S K .

IT’S MORE THAN JUST TEACHING SKILLS. WE WANT THEM TO THINK LIKE A NURSE.

THIS NEW S I M U L AT I O N CENTER ENHANCES THE STUDENTS’ LEARNING TO ENSURE IMPROVED PAT I E N T OUTCOMES.

CLINICAL S K I L L S L A B —&— & S I M U L AT I O C E N T E R The Oklahoma Christian University community and guests celebrated the opening of the Dave & Shirlie Ellis Clinical Skills Lab and Simulation Center on the morning of Sept. 13, 2019.

The new 7,000 square feet of lab space, outfitted with the most advanced simulation equipment and healthcare supplies, gives OC nursing students experience other programs cannot offer. The new lab is especially meaningful to Trevy Rauch who is both an OC nursing instructor and daughter to the Ellises.

“Students don’t always get a chance to experience each medical possibility in the hospital,” said Trevy. “Now, with five very life-like models, we can assure that each student has the opportunity to care for each kind of patient. We teach students to think critically and how to multitask. It’s more than just teaching skills. We want them to think like a nurse.”

Shirlie Ellis generously donated to the lab for OC’s School of Nursing, a program both her and Dave Ellis began supporting years ago in an indirect way. It began in 2013, the Ellises anonymously funded a scholarship to prepare a future leader and instructor of OC’s School of Nursing.

“My dad was a pharmacist and my mom was a teacher. They inspired me to choose a profession of helping other people,” Trevy said.

Trevy wanted to become a nurse and she wanted OC to be her alma mater, but, in 1992, both were not possible.

OC had not yet launched the School of Nursing. Trevy attended T H OC I S two NEW years I M University U L A T I O of N before transferring toS the C E N T E R Oklahoma School of Nursing to pursue ENHANCES her profession.

THE T U D EasNaT S ’ Following an 18-yearScareer L E A R Nan ING pediatric nurse, Trevy seized T O E N S URE opportunity to return to OC. Starting I M P R O V ED out as OC’s skills lab coordinator, she P A T I E N T dove into OU graduate school so that O U T C of OM ES. she could earn her Master’s Nursing and become an educator.

Working full-time, raising children and pursuing a graduate degree proved to be a large financial responsibility and highly demanding. Things became a little easier when Trevy unexpectedly got a call from OU College Nursing administrators saying a generous, anonymous donor had agreed to pay for her schooling. Of course, she later discovered that her parents had funded the scholarship.

“I knew he (Dave Ellis) loved what I was doing because he would always ask me questions,” Trevy said. “Since I started working at OC, he would ask ‘how was your day?’ and ‘what’d you do today?’ He always wanted to know.”

W E TEACH STUDENTS T O Tand H I NShirlie K Dave Ellis’ generosity C R I T I C A L L Y the scholarship. continued beyond A N D two H O years W T Oago, Shirlie Ellis gave About M U L T I T A K . to OC’s School of an incredibleS gift INursing, T ’ S M allowing ORE them to renovate T H Abuild N J Uout S Tthe Clinical Skills Lab and T E ASimulation C H I N G Center. and SKILLS. W E new WAN T This simulation center enhances T H E M T O the students’ learning to ensure T H I N K Lpatient I K E Aoutcomes. With improved N U R S E . human patient simulators, nursing students can now practice for nearly any medical experience they may encounter.

Dave Ellis passed away peacefully S T2016, U D Eafter N T Sbattling cancer, but in D O N ’ T his legacy lives on through Trevy’s A L W A Y S commitment to the instrumental GET A OC School of Nursing. Nursing C H A N E TEllis O granddaughters, studentsCand E X P E R I E N C E and Kalyn Rauch, Bailey Williamson E A C H will practice their skills in the M E Dlab I Cunder A L the names of their new P O S S I B I L I Talong Y grandparents with the 194 other Inursing N T H Estudents who are beginning a H Oof S Phelping I T A L .and healing. life

As a higher learning community driven by missions, OC’s School of Nursing requires all students to experience medical missions.

Traveling internationally, ministering in Oklahoma City clinics and everything in between, this new skills lab ensures each nurse will be well prepared. OC is home to ambitious progress and finally, Trevy Rauch.

MY DAD WAS A PHARMACIST AND MY MOM WAS A TEACHER. THEY INSPIRED ME TO CHOOSE A PROFESSION OF HELPING OTHER PEOPLE.

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EAGLES ON THE MOVE 1

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1 JOY (JOHNSON 69) SOUDER recently published “Where is Joy? Searching for Peace in the Valley of Grief.”

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SHOW US YOUR MOVES Tag us @OCAlumni Email alumni@oc.edu

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VISION

2 JAMES TRENT (69) completed 50 years in ministry. He is associate minister at the Eastside church in Midwest City.

MARTIN KEMPLIN (73) passed away 4.18.19, in Denton, TX. Martin was married to Martha (Fogle 76) Kemplin and was an environmental engineer.

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3 THE ANTWINE FAMILY in Myrtle Beach, Back - Timothy Lyons (06), Greg Ball (78), Matthew Sloan (10), Kerry Antwine (78). Front - Jill (Ball 08) Sloan, Cynthia (Antwine 83) Kay, Janelle (Antwine 77) Ball, Jennifer (Ball 01) Booker, Myra (Antwine 79) Stanhope, Nicole (Antwine 07) Lyons, Sheila (Ross 79) Antwine.

5 NELSON AND PENNY (STAFFORD 86) EUBANK in Victoria, Australia.

4 JOE SMITH (85), at the Roman Colosseum during a European trip with his sons, Trey Smith (22), Brant Smith (21) and Tyler Smith (22).

7 DAN (96) AND ANGI (ROPER 88) LOVEJOY announce that Kloe and Leo became 100% Lovejoys on 6.22.17, when their adoption was finalized.

They join brother Elijah, who is 16.

6 RON DEAL (88) podcaster and the country’s leading author on blended families has released the Smart Stepfamily Guide to Financial Planning.

8 DAVID AND KIM (BEAN 91) REITER on the southern steps of the Temple in Jerusalem.

MINDY (CAIL 96) LEMONS has been nominated as an honoree for the Journal Record’s “50 Making A Difference” award!

9 JASON LEGER (00) was part of a medical and evangelistic mission team in Panama struck by the elementary high level of security at this elementary school.

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JON (03) AND JILLIAN (CUTTER 07) BARR proudly announce their second child, Ezra Lee Barr, born 11.27.18.

10 MATTHEW (04) AND SARAH (GOGARTY 09) BOYSTUN welcome Hoyt Stephen who was born 2.23.19 and joins brother Niko Everett.

11 AUSTIN (08) AND AMY (FREEMAN 06) JONES welcome Blake Avery, born 9.13.18.

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VISION

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12 SHELBY (POTTER 06) YOUNG announces the birth of daughter Evelyn Young, born on 4.25.18.

13 STEVEN AND SHAUNA (MCKINNON 09) HAGAN welcome daughter, Aria McKinnley, born 12.7.17, and son, Nokosi Otto Keith, born on 9.24.17.

They adopted both in 2019.

14 BARRY (11) AND JILL (NEWELL 09) KELLEY happily announce the birth of Stella Ann, born 10.24.19.

15 BROCK BEARD, MBA (12) was promoted to senior manager, Southeast Region at BNSF Railway Company. Brock manages claims teams across 10 states in casualty, risk management and litigation efforts.

TREY AND KRISTIN (SMITH 12) GREEN announce daughter, Piper, born 10.27.15 and son, Gabriel, born 8.11.17.

16 IAN (12) AND INDIA (FARR 13) MORRIS happily announce the birth of their son, Everett James, born 1.31.19.

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THOMAS AND MEGHAN (SMITH 12) SNELL welcomed their second-born son, Jake Hudson, born 1.17.19.

17 RYAN AND SARA (GOWER 12) WATSON married 5.26.18. Ryan graduated from OSU with a mechanical and aerospace degree. Sara completed residency at the Univ. of Kansas, and Dr. Watson is now accepting patients in Edmond.

18 ZACH (12) AND SAM (HINTON 12) MASON show off Li’l Eagle Annalise Mason, born 4.26.18.

19 SALOMON MURILLO (12), ALEX GOWER (14), BRAYDEN REITER (15), and ERIC MCCLANAHAN (13) climbed Machu Picchu.

BILLY (13) AND STEPHANIE DAVIS were married 1.19.19.

20 RIKER AND HANNAH (FULLER 14) HANKEY welcomed son Riker Darrell, born 3.12.19.

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22 BOBBY (19) AND DANAE (JOHNSTON 19) EDWARDS proudly announce Ava Molly, born 7.15.19.

23 Senior student ADDISON SCHWAMB hikes to the Sheung Luk Stream Pools in Hong Kong.

21 JOSHUA AND KAILEY (BROWN 14) KING celebrate Li’l Eagle Oliver, born 4.6.19.

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Office of Alumni Relations Box 11000 Oklahoma City, OK 73136

IKE’S FULLTUITION PROMISE

SHARE THE POSSIBILITY OF FREE COLLEGE TUITION WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN YOUR COMMUNITY! Ike the Eagle wants an OC university experience to be achievable for everyone, and particularly for families who’ve previously considered private, Christian education out of financial reach.

That’s why we’re launching Ike’s Full-Tuition Promise.

Beginning with first-time students of Fall 2020, Ike’s Promise is a last-dollar scholarship program that guarantees that students from high-need backgrounds can attend Oklahoma Christian University tuition-free.

OC.EDU/IKES-PROMISE