Fall 2008 - Oklahoma Christian University

President’s letterDear Alumni and Friends:These are amazing times at Oklahoma Christian, whichcontinues to be a dynamic center of faith, learning and theexchange of ideas. Our undergraduate and graduate programshave never been more vibrant with a wonderfully diverse andtalented body of students. And in just the past few months alone,we have initiated a number of outstanding events that havebrought national figures and national and international interest tothe campus.Last March, we welcomed Oklahoma Governor Brad Henryand many other dignitaries to the campus to dedicate the beautifulnew Lawson Commons. The entire development was declared anofficial Oklahoma Centennial Project and has greatly enhancedthe living environment of our students.As we have mentioned before, we have established apartnership to help meet the long-term needs of the Rwandangovernment’s Vision 2020. Our current efforts in Rwanda includefour specific initiatives – Rwanda Presidential Scholars, PeaceThrough Business Rwanda, Rwanda Outreach & CommunityFoundation (ROC) and Wishing Well. We have 30 outstandingpresidential scholars from Rwanda attending OC this fall. You canread more about the Wishing Well initiative beginning on page 2and the Peace Through Business program on page 19.Our other international programs continue to strengthenwith a record number of OC faculty and students studying inEurope, Latin America and Asia this past summer. Here are justa few examples: Nursing professors accompanied 13 students toHonduras for the HonduraServe Healthcare Missions Program.Dr. John Fletcher, chair of the music department, and fourOC students taught English at the University of South China.Business professor Jody Jones and his wife, Lisa, led 27 studentsin Europe for six weeks as part of our European Studies Program.These programs allow students to study, travel and serve as partof their world-class education.Our academic accomplishments continue to demonstrate thehigh quality of our students, faculty and staff. We are particularlyproud that our chapter of the history honor society, led by Dr.John Maple, has been named the top chapter in the nation for13 straight years. Our Soundings publication, put together by ourstudents under the leadership of Dr. Peggy Gipson, was namedthe best literary journal in the nation by the English honorsociety. We also had communications and art/design students winnational first-place awards over the past year. These are just a fewof our academic highlights on a national level. I hope the list ofaccomplishments you read on page 29 brings you great pride as anOC alum.OC recently has welcomed many outstanding speakers tocampus, such as Ken Blanchard, Pat Boone, Ambassador PaulBremer, Truett Cathy, Gen. Tommy Franks, Jack Kemp, TonySnow, Don Soderquist, Ken Starr, James Q. Wilson, and othersto promote the values of free enterprise, leadership, and liberty.An exciting new program, “iDebate: Developing Leaders withGeneral Tommy Franks,” brought 48 outstanding high schoolstudents from 32 states debating vital issues facing the nation andlocal communities. This on-campus program was highlighted onnational television by Fox News. Read more about the event onpage 19.We hope you will stay connected with your university andparticipate in as many of these exciting programs as you can. And,as always, we continue to lean on you for support and prayers.In His Service,Mike E. O’Neal, President

CONTENTSFEATURES Fall 20082 Wishing Well: Water for the WorldOC students reach deeper into the heart of Africa. www.wishingwellafrica.comAll Wishing Well photos provided by Esther Havens, www.estherhavens.com.6 Jeff DimickSuccessful leader honored asoutstanding alumnus.CONTRIBUTORSPresident:Dr. Mike E. O’Neal (68)Executive Vice President:Alfred Branch (84)Editor:Wes McKinzie (98)Contributors:Stephen Eck (92), Ron Frost, Jana Miller (09), MichaelMitchell (04), Dave Seat (06), Dawn R. Shelton (90), AllisonShumate (05), Taylor Walling (09), Katy Watson (03), AnnWhite (04), Micah Wooten (05)Designers:Judson Copeland (02), Jonathan Curtis (03), Scott Hill (08),Rachel O’Donnell (02)Photography:Judson Copeland (02), Steven Christy (01), Esther Havens8 Joy RaineyTeacher namedoutstanding young alum.10 Lyle HarmsLongtime supporter to be namedhonorary alumnus.14 50 Years in OKCOC celebrates half-century since movefrom Bartlesville.16 Niteroi, Brazil MissionsAlumni band together for missions effort.21 MilestonesComings and goings of your formerclassmates.31 News/SportsInformations on the latest happenings andaccomplishments at OC.VISION Alumni Magazine of Oklahoma ChristianUniversity (USPS 405-420)Volume 9, No. 2, Fall 2008POSTMASTER send address changes to:VISION, Box 11000, Oklahoma City, OK 73136-1100On The Cover: photo by Esther HavensWhitney Parker (08) drinks water from a new well in Rwanda.© Oklahoma Christian University 2008Oklahoma 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 thebasis of race, color, handicap, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

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WishingWELLSTUDENT GROUPMAKING WISHESCOME TRUEFrom the red plains of Oklahoma torolling hills of Rwanda, Oklahoma ChristianUniversity students and alumni carry amission and a message to bring clean water tothe people of Africa.In the fall of 2006, then-freshman RyanGroves brought the concept of WishingWell, founded by his brother on the campusof Pepperdine University, to OklahomaChristian.At OC, Groves found other studentscommitted to the cause of bringing cleanwater to the villages of Africa. Soon, amovement began.Groves says the impact of Wishing Wellon the Oklahoma Christian campus andinvolvement has been immeasurable.“Three years ago, Africa was only heardabout as a mission field for the extreme,”Groves said. “Since Wishing Well started,we’ve seen the plight of the poor andsuffering worldwide brought to the centerstage of student attention. Those who getinvolved find themselves not only witha greater understanding of our globalcommunity, but appreciate even more thecommunity around them.”Continued on next pageWishing Well photos: www.estherhavens.com

November 7 8, 2008Class and Club ReunionsOCWA Pancake BreakfastGolf TournamentHomecoming MusicalHomecoming BanquetCampus Connect event for high school students;register online at www.oc.edu/connectHomecoming Carnival and LunchSaturday Basketball DoubleheaderConcert by national recording artist Derek WebbSilent Auction to benefit the Tony Alley Memorialwww.oc.edu/tonyalleyauctionRSVP Today www.oc.edu/homecoming

JEFFDIMICKsuccessfulleaderhonored asoutstandingalumnus6VISION FALL 2008

JOYRAINEYTeacher namedoutstandingYoung alumHeroes come in all forms.They serve in harm’s way in distant lands to protect ourfreedoms. They put their lives on the line by rushing into burningbuildings or confronting crime.They raise us from the time we’re babies. They lend a helpinghand, even when no one’s watching.They teach us and mentor us so we can become who God wantsus to be.Joy Rainey (00) is a hero. Like countless OC graduates, shethrows everything she can into her life and career in order to serveothers and glorify God.Joy makes an impact on young inner-city kids through her roleas a teacher at Western Village Academy in Oklahoma City.Teachers like her – along with mentoring relationships with OCand other organizations – have helped Western Village move froman “at-risk” school with low test scores to one of the top charterschools in the nation.But her heart for young people goes beyond the classroom. Shehas served as a foster mother to two children from Western Villageand reached out to families who face challenges many of us can’tfathom.Joy doesn’t consider herself a hero; she’s just doing what Godhas called her to do. Here’s a glimpse into how that calling hasimpacted Joy and made her who she is today:Why did you want to become a teacher?I wanted to be a teacher pretty much from birth. I used to lineup my stuffed animals and teach them. When I got a youngersibling, I would make her sit and do “homework” that I spenthours making up for her before she could go out and play. From ayoung age, I loved my teachers and wanted to be just like them.Why did you want to become a teacher at Western Village?At OC, we had a practicum at Western Village. When we wouldcome back to OC, people would tell stories about how the kidsplotted to steal candy from their teachers, went to the bathroomon the playground, and other vulgar behaviors. They would say,“I’m never stepping foot in there again after this practicum!” Idefinitely understand that point of view. But I always said, “I’mgoing to teach there someday.” I never wavered in that desire. Ihave stayed in the teaching profession at the same place becauseGod has called me to be an encouragement and a spiritual light inthe lives of many of the families I have worked with for so long.What kind of impact does OC’s relationship with WesternVillage have?OC is such a huge blessing to Western Village. To give an hourof undivided attention to any kid (especially some of the kids wehave here) is such a big deal. Kite Day is the kids’ favorite day ofthe year. Flying kites, jumping around and screaming in HardemanAuditorium, eating outside with your buddy … it’s any kid’s dreamcome true!Who were some of the teachers you had here at OC whoinfluenced and impacted you the most?Dr. Vincent really made an impact on me. He made learningcome alive and gave me the desire to give that gift to my students.Dr. Cleveland really helped me, too. My favorite class period atOC was an unplanned discussion about dealing with an issue that8VISION FALL 2008

might arise in class that would never be covered in a textbook.He showed me by example that day that even the best thoughtoutlesson plans sometimes have to be altered or thrown outthe window when real, applicable learning is happening. I alsoremember Dr. Miller sharing about a year when she had multiplestudents pass away. I never knew how much that would help melater in life, when I lost a former student due to gang violence.How do you think you’ve changed as a teacher from whenyou first began?Oh, man. I cry a lot less. My first year here, I cried every week;some weeks, I cried every day. I used to think that if I just lovedthe kids more than anybody had ever loved them, I would bethe best teacher ever. Now I know it takes a lot more than theidea of love to get through to the kids. I am able to stand up formyself in confrontational situations in a Christ-like way and I’mmore confident in my teaching. This has earned their respect forthe most part over the years – a respect you can’t have here untilyou’ve been around a while. Now I know it takes effort and timeto establish the type of rapport necessary to have an impact here.What do you think have been the most important lessonsyou’ve taught your students?I hope it is that if you love people, you will be happy andblessed. I also hope I’ve taught them that, sometimes, the rightthing is the harder thing to do, but the nobler, higher road is betterand the path God wants us to take.What do you think have been the most important lessonsyour students have taught you?I learn so much from them on a daily basis. One thing is thatpeople are always watching what I do. Every move and wordcounts. This is a constant reminder to me of what God expectsfrom me. Knowing that my words and actions are surely goingto be duplicated by many kids, I have to constantly strive to be aGodly example. They have also taught me that you have to forgive(especially the kindergarteners – they forgive so quickly and sothoroughly) and that life is a lot happier and less complicated whenyou are a forgiving person.Aside from those lessons, what is the most rewarding part ofyour job?The most rewarding – and humbling – part of my job isknowing that God believes in me enough to put me in a positionto help people who are in so much need of help and, oftentimes,so challenging to help. It feels great knowing that I am able to bean instrument of God and that I have found His purpose andcalling for me. My purpose and calling may change some day, butthe faith these experiences have built up in me will help me trustand be confident in the Lord no matter where He leads me.What are your long-term goals?My long-term goal is just simply to serve God in any way I can.I hope that by doing this God can bless people through me andthey can develop the desire to do the same. I want to share thegospel with others and equip them to do so as well.Interview By Wes McKinzie (98)VISION FALL 2008 9

LyleharmsLongtimesupporter to benamed honoraryalumnusLyle Harms, a longtime member of the Board of Trustees,estimates he has made the 200-mile round-trip drive from his homein Ponca City, Oklahoma, to the OC campus about 200 times.He has driven to meetings, lectures, functions and games, and tovisit students, faculty and friends. He’ll make the trip again for thisyear’s Homecoming to become an official Eagle.Lyle will be named an honorary alumnus during theHomecoming Banquet on Nov. 7 in recognition of his service tothe university that began 58 years ago.A retired mechanical engineer with Conoco, Lyle and his wife,Mary, have been dear friends to Oklahoma Christian. Lyle wasinstrumental in helping OC establish the engineering program inthe 1980s.“The Lord placed me in the right place at the right time to beinvolved. As I said to Mary many times, ‘How often and how manyengineers have the privilege of being involved in the beginningof a new engineering school?’” he said. “‘How many engineeringschools are there in Oklahoma and how long has it been since onestarted?’”“Then, to see a grandson (Ryan Harms) graduate from theschool with honors and be successful in his career really showsMary and me how good God has been to us,” he said.Lyle looks forward to a future masters program in engineering,predicting it to be a significant blessing to Oklahoma Christianacademically, financially and spiritually.He is impressed that the engineering school has an evangelisticthrust and is also reaching out to emerging nations, suchas Rwanda, with international students who will help withinfrastructure and engineering projects in their home countries –armed with their OC degrees and experience.Lyle notes that engineering jobs are much easier to come bytoday (for OC grads especially) than they were in 1950 when heset out on a new career. But he managed to land a job and it wasn’tlong until he was approached by a local preacher who was raising10VISION FALL 2008

1989, Lyle and Mary Harms turning dirt for the Prince Engineering Center construction. 1999, Lyle and Mary Harms Courtyard dedication.funds for a brand-new college, Central Christian College.He remembers that he proudly donated some of his $300monthly salary to the school.“I was in big money,” he joked.He became more involved in Christian higher education afterhe married Mary in 1955. As a young girl, she had her heart seton attending Abilene Christian. But World War II led to a lack ofscholarship and loan money so she was unable to go.Together, they poured their resources, time and love intoOklahoma Christian and later sent their son, Larry, and daughter,Janice Hendricks, to OC.In 1994, Lyle and Mary traveled to Portland, Oregon, asOklahoma Christian prepared to restart Columbia ChristianCollege, which had been closed for one year, and transform it intoCascade College.Those were good times for the Harms, even though they smilewhen they think of the “high-working standard that was beyondimagination” that was set for them by their team leader, MacieJackson (“a regular dynamo,” they call their dear friend).Jackson and the Harms were among a core team ofOklahomans that also included Dr. Mickey Banister, Dr. KevinJacobs, Dr. Arlis Wood, Ralph Burcham, their families and otherswho temporarily moved to Portland to meet a near impossibledeadline to open the campus in time for classes in August 1994.While bunking in a dormitory two months at a time, Mary andthe other ladies did jobs such as moving a large number of thebooks out of the library so the building could be updated. In 1996,they spent seven months living on campus in an old house whileLyle was in charge of building a new dormitory.The goals were met eventually. The experience remains one ofthe most rewarding and pleasant memories Lyle and Mary have ofOklahoma Christian.The Harms also recount all of the ways that OC has blessedtheir lives. There was the eight months or so in the early 1970s thatGuy Ross, former executive vice president, drove to their PoncaCity congregation to preach. Dr. Jim Baird repeated this sameservice several years later. And there are friendships too numerousto adequately recount.“The small part we have had in the life of OC and Cascadehas been a greater blessing to us than we have been to the schoolas we have seen, enjoyed and loved the personnel, students andgraduates. The spiritual service to the church and evangelisticefforts to expand the worldwide kingdom of God is a reason forgreat rejoicing and giving God all of the glory for OC,” he said.Lyle Harms joins an esteemed list of beloved OC friends whohave been named honorary alumni since the award was establishedin the 90s. That list includes Avanelle Baird, SR Bryant, Dr. MaxDobson, Dr. Harold Fletcher, Coach Dan Hays, Kurt Hermanson,Sue Vaughn Hobson, Macie Jackson, Dr. Stafford North, LouPhillips and Dr. Jim Wilson.Surprised, honored and a bit reluctant to become an honoraryalumnus, Lyle notes that he and Mary work better behind thescenes. But he will impart a bit of advice for his soon-to-be fellowOC alumni.“Be involved, be a booster and a financial supporter. Repay theinvestment OC has made in each of you spiritually, financially andemotionally,” he said. “The best way to do that is to orient yourchildren to attend OC, then send them there to receive the sameblessing you received.”That is advice Lyle and Mary have exemplified with their lives.By Dawn Shelton (90)VISION FALL 2008 11

Lawson CommonsFreede Centennial TowerJack & Wanda McGraw PavilionLawson Commons boosts campus appearance, useIn March, Governor Brad Henry and many other state and localdignitaries dedicated Lawson Commons, which features the 100-foot Jose Freede Centennial Tower, the 8,000-square-foot Jack &Wanda McGraw Pavilion and extensive landscaping.The new three-tiered mall area connects facilities dedicated tolearning, living, athletics, and social life – student residences on thewest to the Mabee Learning Center on the east, and the GaylordUniversity Center on the south to the Payne Athletic Center on thenorth.The entire development is an official Oklahoma CentennialProject and has greatly enhanced the students’ living environment.Lawson Commons is named after two distinguished OCgraduates, Richard (66) and Pat Lawson (67), who pledged $30million to the university in 2004, the largest alumni gift in OC’shistory.The Lawsons applied what they learned at Oklahoma Christianto build a leading software company with global reach. Moreimportantly, they recognized the value of their Christian-basededucation and have generously given back so future generationscan enjoy the benefits of a superb education from OklahomaChristian.The Freede Centennial Tower at Lawson Commons, which nowserves as a focal point on campus and the surrounding area, isnamed after Mrs. Jose Freede. Freede is a well-known OklahomaCity philanthropist and has raised millions of dollars for worthycauses around the world. She continues to volunteer her timeand support to non-profit organizations, including OklahomaChristian.The McGraw Pavilion, named in honor of Jack and WandaMcGraw, serves as an outdoor space for events for students,alumni and friends of the university. Jack, a West Texas oil manfrom Midland, was a church elder for almost 30 years and servedboth as a director for the Midland Christian School and anOklahoma Christian trustee.He and his wife, Wanda, literally blessed thousands –missionaries, students, educators and the less fortunate – with theirtime, love and resources. Jack’s own words say it well, “The Biblesays you are blessed to be a blessing to others. I love Christianeducation because it blesses so many people.”“The Lawsons, McGraws, and Mrs. Freede are great examplesof people who are helping Oklahoma Christian grow andprosper,” President Mike O’Neal said. “Their love and dedicationallow us to continue to offer our students a strong education andmore inviting campus.”14VISION FALL 2008

STAFFORD Northauthors OC history bookDr. Stafford North, distinguished professor of Bible, has authored a new book onthe history of Okahoma Christian entitled “Soaring on Wings Like Eagles: A Historyof Oklahoma Christian University.”The book, due to be released at Homecoming in November, traces OklahomaChristian from its beginning in 1950 as a 97-student junior college in Bartlesville,Oklahoma, to a 2,500-student, internationally-recognized university in Oklahoma City.This history includes chapters on the university’s presidents, faculty and staff, boardof trustees, donors, students, and some of its successful alumni serving in variousfields around the globe.The book recounts key decisions affecting the course of the university, its facilities,curriculum, and the story of its national academic accreditations. Other chapters detailthe university’s athletic programs, musical and theatre presentations, and student life.The theme of the university’s strong religious commitment runs throughout thebook, and two particular chapters focus on the university’s spiritual life and missionaryspirit.Above all, “Soaring on Wings Like Eagles” is a story of success. From a strugglingstart, Oklahoma Christian has become important not only in the lives of the some25,000 students who have attended, but also in the lives of those they have touchedthroughout the world.Pick up your copy of Dr. North’s book at Homecoming 2008!OC Writers: Recent and upcoming publicationsIn addition to Dr. North’s history of Oklahoma Christian, several people with OC connections also have recent or upcoming book releases.Dr. Bill LuttrellDr. Bill Luttrell, an associate professor of chemistry atOC, recently collaborated with a team of editors, authors andtechnical reviewers to produce “Toxicology Principles for theIndustrial Hygienist.” Luttrell has spent three decades in thefield of industrial hygiene and toxicology.Dr. Burt SmithDr. Burt Smith, associate professor of marketing andmanagement, accomplished a goal he’d set in 2004 withthe publication of his first book, “The Great Game ofNetworking.”Smith’s book is designed as a how-to manual to assistprofessionals at all levels with their networking efforts. Hepromises to help the reader get at least one idea that willenhance his or her networking skills, or he will refund thepurchase price.Harold ShankHarold Shank’s latest book, “Listen to the Heartbeat - Whatthe Bible Says About the Heart of God,” is due to be publishedby College Press in December.The book asks the question “What makes God smile?” asit explores ideas from the scripture about the heart of God.Shank (72) is an Old Testament professor at OC.Bruce McIntyreAnother alumnus, Bruce McIntyre (94), released his firstbook in July. “Resilient Life” is a practical guide and a sourceof inspiration for people who have experienced a crash in theirhealth, relationships, finances or career. It shares a message ofhope on the journey from bitter reality to resilient living.For more info and other OC authors, visit www.oc.edu/authors.VISION FALL 2008 15

Move to Oklahoma City spurs growth - 50 years in OKCIn the past 50 years, Oklahoma Christian has transformed froma two-year college with 207 students to a comprehensive, fouryear,accredited university with more than 2,000 students and threegraduate programs.In 1956, Central Christian College in Bartlesville officiallyannounced the plans to move to Oklahoma City. After muchplanning and fundraising, the Oklahoma City campus opened in1958 on a 200-acre site near the intersection of Memorial Roadand Eastern. The “Oklahoma Christian” name soon followed.While the name, location and curriculum have changedsignificantly in a half-century, the motivation and ideals haveremained intact. Although it is impossible to fit 50 years of historyinto a few pages, here are some of the highlights … from then tonow.The campus facilities have experienced the most dramaticchanges in the past 50 years. Once just seven buildings, the OCcampus as current students know it is comprised of more than20 buildings, along with the Thelma Gaylord Forum, LawsonCommons, the McGraw Pavilion and the Freede CentennialTower.Campus housing in 1958 consisted of two dorms. Housing isnow comprised of 10 residence halls and six apartment complexes.Today, the 1,800 living spaces allow almost 80 percent of thestudent body to live on campus, creating a tight-knit communityatmosphere. In 2006, the university completed a $34 millionhousing project, creating the University House for sophomores,and two new complexes with male, female, and marriedapartments. The new residence areas include many state-of-the-artfeatures, conference rooms and fitness facilities.Overall, Oklahoma Christian is now home to three colleges(Biblical Studies, Arts and Sciences, and Professional Studies),14 academic departments, 60 majors plus 30 additional studyareas, three graduate programs (Ministry, Divinity, and BusinessAdministration), and 20 study-abroad and off-campus learningoptions.Approximately 130 students participate in study-abroadprograms each year, including both summer and semester-longterms. The first bachelor degrees were awarded in 1967; this pastApril, 267 students received bachelor’s or master’s degrees.When the first buildings on campus were opened, the sidewalkswere not completed, so any time it rained, administrators wereforced to take off their shoes and wade through mud to getto their offices. The sidewalks have since been completed, butweather is still a challenge.When this past winter’s ice storms caused power outages in theapartments and academic buildings, the faculty could be seen inthe halls of the Gaylord University Center having review sessionsfor final exams. Flexibility was required by both students andfaculty, as many tests had to be scheduled for alternative times andlocations.For years, Oklahoma Christian has been considered atechnologically-advanced university. Dubbed by several mediaoutlets in the late 50s as “America’s most modern college campus,”OC has continued to follow that path and was ranked the 18th“Most Unwired College Campus” in a recent Intel survey.Beginning in 2001, each fulltime student received a laptop uponenrollment. As technology advanced, the university has stayed onthe leading edge. Beginning this fall, students received a MacBookand their choice of an iPhone or iPod touch, and had the optionof upgrading to a MacBook Pro.While students once waited in line to use one phone that servedall the dorms, today’s students can be in constant communicationwith friends, family and professors through their MacBooks andiPhones.Great leadership is another aspect that remains the same. JamesO. Baird was president of the university during the move fromBartlesville, and was instrumental in the university’s success inOklahoma City. Current president Mike O’Neal continues thatlegacy today as Oklahoma Christian transforms lives for Christianfaith, scholarship and service.To see where OC has come in just the past 50 years since themove to Oklahoma City is amazing. One can only imagine thegreat strides the university will continue to make in the next 50years and beyond.By Jana Miller (09)16VISION FALL 2008

DewightMitchellChallenges, unity marked early days in OKCDewight Mitchell (60) vividly recalls the red-clay mud that hadto be traversed to reach the library in 1958 – 50 years ago this fall.“The sidewalks between the student center and the library hadnot been completed, so they placed two 2x12s between them forus to walk on,” he said. “The parking lots were not paved so weoften had to help each other get in and out.”Dewight was one of 180 students who began classes that yearat the brand-new Central Christian College campus in OklahomaCity. Though his most vivid memories are of the dedicated facultyand the life-long friends he made during his two years there, healso recalls the daily challenges of attending classes at an almostfinishedcampus.“The dorms were not quite finished so four other boys and Ilived upstairs in a house in Edmond,” Dewight said. “The boysand the sophomore girls were scattered around town while mostof the freshman girls lived in a big house on Kelley. W.O. Beeman,who was instrumental in the move to the new campus, developeda carpool system for getting everyone to class. I remember eatingsandwiches for a week because the kitchen wasn’t completed.“Windows on one side of the student center didn’t have glassfor several weeks and we often snuck through the open windowbecause it was a shortcut,” he said. “Right after the glass wasinstalled, one of my friends almost walked through it.”The challenges presented by the early weeks of school seemedto unite the students, Dewight said. He clearly recalls Dr. GeorgeBenson flying in each Monday and landing his small plane on thenorthwest corner of the campus.“I still remember some of his lessons. He has had a biginfluence on my life,” Dewight said. “He also had a way ofconnecting with the business community and was largelyresponsible for the Gaylords becoming involved in OklahomaChristian.”But minor inconveniences like the mud, the windowless studentcenter and having to live off campus in strangers’ homes justenriched the experience for Dewight and his classmates.“Some of my dearest friends are people I met at OCC. We havetraveled together from Branson, Mo., to Alaska,” he said.“I am still in awe of the vision of Dr. James O. Baird and hisstaff, and all who worked so hard to establish Oklahoma Christianduring those days – to deliver it from that muddy beginning inOklahoma City to the beautiful campus we have today.”Both of his daughters attended OC and he can track 19 OCgraduates from one of his grandfathers.“OC was a blessing to me,” Dewight said. “I developed aspiritual foundation that has sustained me through the years.”By Ron FrostVISION FALL 2008 17

Niteroi,BrazilOC grads take Gospel to BrazilMissionaries from the churches of Christ, including many OCgraduates, have been traveling to Brazil for 48 years. In October,another team will make the journey.Five OC alumni are part of a nine-person team that hascommitted to a five-year stay in Niteroi, a city of around 1.5million people.OC graduates Zane (06) and April (Cusic 04) McGee, Brent(00) and Jill Nichols, and Wes (01) and Carrie (Seat 03) Gotcherwill participate in the mission through Continent of GreatCities, a group that focuses on recruiting, training and caring formissionaries in South American countries.Although the team found Continent through various avenues,almost everyone had mission work on their to-do list.“In September 2005, I specifically wrote in my journal that thisis what I wanted to do,” April said. “Then, in March 2006, a dooropened. Three years later, I am going to Brazil, so I’m definitely onGod’s plan.”The Nichols and McGees were officially accepted on to theteam in November 2006; the Gotchers committed in June 2007.Overall, the team has compatible personalities and a variety oftalents.“We have come to appreciate the team concept a lot,” Wes said.“We have so many different skill sets that are complementary toeach other, so it’s just neat seeing that God gave us all differentskills that are contributing to the same work.”In January, the group moved to Dallas for training, whichincluded team building, interpersonal workshops, missionsstrategy, urban evangelism and intensive language classes four daysa week.The team also made efforts to connect on their own throughvarious activities, including running in the Oklahoma CityMemorial Marathon in April.During their time in Dallas, the team developed a detailed planfor the mission. The first year is for establishing contacts, adjustingto the culture and learning about the city. By the six-month mark,the group will start looking for the right place to locate the church.The inaugural worship service is set for around the one-year mark.Language classes will continue to be a crucial part of theirtraining during the first year in Niteroi. Another key part of theplan is for each couple to live in a different part of the city so theynaturally run into different groups of people.“We are planning to live in different apartment complexesso that we go to different grocery stores and have differentneighbors,” Brent said. “We hope that this way we come across alarger group of people and have a bigger sphere of influence. “Although the city was chosen by Continent of Great Cities,Niteroi does not have an established church of Christ, so thelocation of the church will be up to the team.“We are going to do the research and find the place where thechurch will be the most effective,” Brent said. “In a city that big,one church isn’t going to be enough, but we want to have a centralplace to get the ball rolling so it can eventually grow and reachother people in the community.”Brazilians are typically open to learning and receptive to theideas of Christianity, and as a result, the group plans to start aschool of Bible.“This really works in Brazil. In the U.S., people wouldn’t be asinterested,” Carrie said. “In other cities in Brazil, they have justannounced it and the people came. They are really eager to learnabout the Bible.”The initial five-year stay could become longer for some peopleon the team. They are committed to making sure the church isstable.Despite the excitement of the upcoming challenge, the group isstill sad about leaving their families.“It is an interesting mix of emotions,” April said. “We are veryexcited, but I can’t pretend that I’m not sad about leaving.”For the Nichols, having the support of their families has madeit easier.“Our families are starting to get excited about it and wanting tobe involved. That makes it easier, but we are all going to miss ourfamilies severely,” Jill said. “I think all of our families are planningto come visit at some point.”The biggest challenge for the team has been fundraising. Eachcouple has a supporting congregation, but some in the group stillneed help.“Without the financial support of a whole lot of people, thiswouldn’t be possible,” Jill said. “The hardest part is not being ableto physically thank every person who has helped us.”If you want to help support the Niteroi Mission, you can emailthe group at info@niteroimission.com, or visit the group’s websiteat www.niteroimission.com.By Jana Miller (09)18VISION FALL 2008

GEORGIAIn TheirHeartsAssociate Professor of Youth Ministry DudleyChancey and OC students Jared Beverly, DrewChancey, Amanda Peery and David Skidmore tookpart in a domestic mission campaign in the southGeorgia town of Donalsonville over the summer.As part of an attempt to revive a local congregation, the group helped raisealmost $40,000, conducted Bible studies, worked with the members to give theinside of the church building a facelift, and saw the work blessed by baptisms.There are more initiatives to come, including building a playground andexploring a mother’s day out program as an outreach to the community. Thispage features the students’ reflections on their mission experience.David:When people asked me where I would go this summer, notmany knew of Donalsonville, Georgia. Donalsonville is a placethat is not famous for a lot, and it even reminded me of a littletown called Nazareth. When Jesus showed up in John 1, Nathanaelsaid to Philip about Jesus, “Nazareth! Can anything good comefrom there?”“Come and see,” Philip said.This summer, I found the love of Jesus in the unexpected. Thegenerosity of the church in Donalsonville was beyond compare.They are people who love to serve Jesus together, and theywelcomed us into their midst with open arms. We spent time withthe teens in the youth group, had movie nights for the teens in thecommunity, spent hours listening to the wisdom of the elders, andtrying to encourage all the people of the church.In the final month, we spent almost every morning eatingbreakfast and studying the Bible with a high school freshman whobecame a Christian this summer. The entire experience was notperfect. As you can imagine, we had our share of ups and downsthis summer, but what I learned is that Jesus still has a heart forthe small towns nobody knows about. Jesus still loves Nazareth.Jared:I think the main thing I learned is how to invest in people. I feltlike I was being thrown into the unknown at first, but once I metsome people and found my place, it became easier. Not easy, buteasier. Service is not something completely alien to my experience,but formal ministry like this was new. It is all about the people.Before school started for the youth group, my fellow internsand I took out the lone male of the group to breakfast everymorning, where we read through Mark and Acts. My order wasalways the longest, but the waitress always remembered it becausewe made connections with them, too. They enjoyed seeing friendlyfaces fingering fine food and humble hearts seeking to understandthe Bible. We all watched the youth group’s only boy grow over thesummer as he delved into the Word, and I knew I was growing,too.I made a lot of friends in Donalsonville that I am not going toforget. I had never been skeet shooting before then. I had nevereaten butter beans before. I had never swum in a saline pool. I hadnever preached, led singing, and taught class all in one morningbefore. I have never been buffeted by so many gnats before(seriously, they’re horrible). I made a lot of memories, and I sharedthem with a lot of great people.Drew:Georgia was an interesting experience. It was a good experience.Donalsonville holds a different culture, and that is not better orworse. It is simply different. So, that means Edmond is just asdifferent.Everyone’s values were ultimately the same: the value of family,the value of being good people, and the value of desiring othersto know Christ. The people there have very polite and respectfulmannerisms. I love that about Donalsonville.I believe everyone learned a lot from one another. Appreciationfor differences was gained. All in all, the people there were great tome and the other interns who spent time there this summer.Amanda:For the short time I was in Georgia, I began to understandmuch more about this diverse community than I thought possible.My interactions with the brothers and sisters there strengthenedmy faith and taught me how to work with a unique group offollowers of Christ. I learned humility and joy are a result ofpatience and love for one another. The friendships that came fromit proved to be much more of a blessing than I imagined. I wasoverwhelmed with the hospitality and warmth I received.I think it is extremely important for a person to expand theirviews of the church by working with several different churchesof all sizes and cultures. It not only will help others see a newapproach to ministry, but it will challenge and strengthen yourfaith. After this summer, I feel more equipped to work with acongregation of any size. It was a peerless learning opportunity.VISION FALL 2008 19

Programs bringdignitaries,national attentionto OCPeace Through BusinessFifteen selected businesswomen from Rwanda participated inthe comprehensive entrepreneurship program, Peace ThroughBusiness, on OC’s campus in July and August.The women received three weeks of instruction fromOC professors in business management, including theory ofeconomics, advanced management techniques, leadership,marketing and strategic planning.After three weeks of intense study, each of the participantsreceived week-long mentoring from a local woman business leaderbefore returning to Rwanda.The Peace Through Business program was initiated by theInstitute for the Economic Empowerment of Women (IEEW)and Oklahoma Christian.“The women of Rwanda are a rising economic and societalforce in their nation,” OC president Mike O’Neal said. “We areproud to work with IEEW in giving these women the businessknowledge and education necessary to help revitalize theircountry.”The White House and State Department contacted TerryNeese, a founding director of the IEEW, in 2006 and asked her todevelop an entrepreneurship training program for female businessowners in Afghanistan.As a board member of OC’s Academy of Leadership & Liberty,Neese partnered with OC to replicate in Rwanda the success thatthe IEEW experienced last year with Peace Through Business -Afghanistan.OC professor of business Dr. Don Drew served as theacademic advisor for the program. Drew and Dr. NathanMellor, Vice President for University Outreach and Chief ofStaff, traveled to Rwanda in February to teach 30 Rwandanbusinesswomen the introductory session of the program and tochoose the women who participated.The program seeks to foster stronger relationships betweenthe people of the United States and Rwanda and, as a result, adeepening commercial and social bond between the two nations.It also helps Rwanda achieve greater equity in business betweenmen and women by identifying and equipping for success womenwho are talented and inspired to lead in the business arena.Program participants will be expected to “pay it forward” bytaking what they have learned, applying it at home and sharing itwith other women entrepreneurs.iDebate: Developing Leaders withGeneral Tommy FranksVital issues facing the nation and local communities weredebated by 48 outstanding high school students from 32 stateson the OC campus in August.The new program, called “iDebate: Developing Leaders withGeneral Tommy Franks,” was highlighted on national televisionby Fox News Channel. Judge Andrew Napolitano, senior judicialanalyst at Fox News, moderated the debates.The final debate featured judges Jack Kemp, a formercongressman, cabinet secretary and presidential candidate,and New Mexico governor Bill Richardson, who is a formercongressman and was secretary of energy under President BillClinton.The winning students received a $2,500 scholarship to theuniversity of their choice.“Through iDebate, we hope to develop young leaders ofcharacter who are well-informed about our communities’issues, who are able to communicate a vision for a betterfuture, and who can work with people from all walks of life,”General Franks said. “Students learn about the difficultiesand complexities of leadership and come to appreciate theimportance of communication in solving problems. Thesestudents and others like them will decide whether the 21stCentury is one of optimism or regret.”“It is important to give talented young people the skills andopportunity to wrestle with the big questions of our time,” saidDr. Nathan Mellor, Vice President for University Outreach andChief of Staff at Oklahoma Christian.iDebate was sponsored by the Academy of Leadership &Liberty, the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA) and theGeneral Tommy Franks Leadership Institute and Museum.The program was designed as a leadership developmentcamp for the students, who were instructed in strategic thinking,planning and communications. The students also receivedpractical training in the art of persuasion, gained in-depthknowledge of various public issues, gathered valuable teamexperience and developed relationships with other up-andcomingleaders.They were trained by National Center for Policy Analysis’professional analysts and debate coaches, university professorsand university debate students. Students also worked with Franksand other leadership experts.VISION FALL 2008 21

TABLE for12www.oc.edu/tableOC’s “Table for Twelve” program needs OC alumni in theOklahoma City area to open their homes to students for smalldinner parties that bring alumni and students together in awarm, friendly environment for good food, conversation, andcamaraderie.Table for Whom?Though having dinner with twelve people you don’t know maysound a bit unappetizing, “Table for Twelve” is a new programthat connects current Oklahoma Christian University studentswith alumni, and adds a personal touch to the Oklahoma Christianexperience for today’s students.It’s much more than a meal.The phrase “Table for Twelve” may sound intimidating andunusual but the concept behind the program is to build andstrengthen the Oklahoma Christian community by creating aninformal atmosphere for Oklahoma Christian students to makeconnections with alumni and faculty as well as other studentsthey might otherwise not know. Apart from good food andconversation, the program is attractive because it affords studentsthe opportunity to network with Oklahoma Christian alumni, findout about life after college, and interact with professors outsidethe classroom. It also offers a chance for students to get a feel forthe extended OC family, and to see that they can still be involvedand stay connected with Oklahoma Christian after they graduate.How do I participate?The program format is simple! Local alumni are invited to hostdinners, at no cost to their guests, for about 10 or so studentsand a couple of faculty members. If you don’t have room fortwelve, feel free to host a smaller dinner. These gatherings can beas formal – or as casual – as the host desires, and can take place inthe alum’s home, outdoors or at a restaurant. Dinners can rangefrom a catered affair to a backyard barbeque. As the host, you getto decide! Contact Amy Gower in the Office for Alumni Relationsat 405.425.5110 or Amy.Gower@oc.edu.Serving as a host benefits you and current Oklahoma Christian students.The program is designed to be as rewarding for the alumni hostsas it is for the students and faculty members. As a participant,you will help to bring together and, subsequently, bridge the gapbetween current Oklahoma Christian students and alumni. Thisis the perfect opportunity to share your experiences with fellowmembers of the Oklahoma Christian community!The “Table for Twelve” program is a recipe that has workedwell for other colleges and universities across the country. Afterseeing the success of similar programs, OC’s Office for AlumniRelations decided to bring the “Table for Twelve” program here toOklahoma Christian. We hope the program will turn into a greatsuccess where students will eventually play host to the dinners asalumni.

MILESTONES1956Andrew H. (Andy) MartinAndy retired in 1995 as projectelect engineer at Rocky Flats, anuclear site at Denver. He andJudy, married 56 years, raisedthree children in Bartlesville,Houston and Denver. They haveeight grandchildren, and eightgreat-grandchildren. Andy is adeacon and the assistant directorof the senior adults at ApplewoodBaptist Church in Lakewood, CO.andyjudy_623@msn.com1974Carol (Rister) and RickCopeland; copelad@tconl.comAll employed by Alaska CanopyAdventures in Juneau; alumni andcurrent students shared dinnerat the home of Abby (Copeland)Burt. From the left, Debra Bush(OC junior), Deb’s sister, TabithaBush Gentry (Cascade grad), AbbyBurt (OC 04), Angie Risley (OC03), Carol Copeland (OC 74) andAbby’s mom, Kayla Sherry (OCsophomore).alumni & students from AlaskaSteve Turkish is the executive vicepresident of Ultimate FinancialSolutions LLC in New York forthe last three years. buckmook@aol.com1975Timothy HowardThe Howards have moved toSearcy, AR. Tim is pursuinga doctor of pharmacy degreethrough the University of Floridawhile employed as a pharmacist atRx Express Pharmacy in Searcy.Tim serves on the Board ofVisitors for Harding’s new Collegeof Pharmacy. timrph53@yahoo.com1976William Lawrence just celebrated30 years of working with theNorthwest Church of Christ inShoreline, WA, as an evangelist andan elder. He has his wife have threechildren: a daughter in graduateschool at Pepperdine University,a son in his junior year at theUniversity of Washington, and adaughter in 11th grade at a localhigh school.1978John and Lori (Brown 79) MillerAfter 20 years as an in-houseattorney at two financialinstitutions and two-and-a-halfyears as president of his ownsoftware development company,John is now a Counsel in BryanCave, LLP’s office in KansasCity, MO. Lori works for the ClayCounty highway department. Theirson Nick is a youth minister inWichita, KS and Brandon is an OCstudent. jarthurmiller@yahoo.comPattie (Thurmond) Mathis wasawarded the 2008 Educator of theYear Award for the Slam Dunkfor Life Foundation. She helpeddevelop and pilot a new programfor elementary school students. Sheserves on the board of directorsfor a new foundation, MOST-Motivating Our Students in Texas,to supply this pilot program toat-risk public schools. pdmathis@satx.rr.com1978Ronald Berges was electedpresident of the Iowa OsteopathicMedical Association. He has beena private practice psychiatristin Ottumwa, IA, for 17 years.rrberges@mchsi.com1982Leah (Vanhooser) andBrad (81) AveyLeah graduated from theOklahoma City University Collegeof Law, with honors, in May2007, passed the bar examination,and joined the Oklahoma Bar inSeptember. She is an associate atWhitten Burrage Priest FulmerAnderson & Eisel, where heremphasis is in employment law.Leah lives in Edmond, OK, withher husband Brad, and teenagers,Adam and Hana.lavey@whittenburragelaw.comEmma Grace Kremeier1985Doug and Kim (89) RiceDoug, a technical servicerepresentative, was named toCITGO Petroleum’s President’sClub in June for his work inLubricants Marketing. He andhis wife Kim live in Edmond,OK, with their three daughters:Amanda (16), Meghan (13), andRebekah (10). Kim began teachingsecond grade at Oakdale School inEdmond this fall. drice9@cox.net1986Penny (Stafford) and Nelson(89) EubankNelson is now the vice presidentof business operations for CoxCommunications in Cleveland,OH. Penny is now a full-timemom to Carissa (11) and Nathan(7). Previously, she was part ofthe faculty in OC’s Departmentof Communication. Their newaddress is 7365 Arbor Court,Olmsted Township, OH, 44138.penny.eubank@cox.netSherry (Walker) SmithSherry’s husband Steve is anaccountant for QuikTrip. Sherryworked for CITGO Petroleum as acredit manager for 11 years beforebecoming a stay-at-home momwhen Kaylee was born. Kayleenow is 6 and their second daughter,Alexa, is 5. New address: 500 NAster Avenue Broken Arrow, OK74012. Phone: (918) 250-0736.ssmith305@cox.net1988Dennis NallThe Nalls adopted two boys (ages6 and 4) last July. Their namesare Derian and Brendan. As theonly two children in the family,they have blessed and changed theNalls’ lives. dennisnall@yahoo.com1989Susan (Starr) KremeierThe Kremeiers’ daughter, EmmaGrace, was born on April 8, 2007.susanstarrkremeier@hotmail.comDavid and Jill (88) EvansIn January 2008, P&G relocatedDavid to its headquarters inCincinnati, OH. Jill has taughtfirst grade for the last two yearsand is substitute teaching this fallin the Cincinnati area. They havetwo children: Kaitlin (15) and Will(13). New address: 6680 DeerviewDrive, Loveland, OH 45140.evans@cinci.rr.comJOIN OCWA!The Oklahoma ChristianWomen’s Association uniteswomen to serve and supportOklahoma Christian University inits mission to educate students forChristian service and leadershipthroughout the world.It encourages friendships amongwomen who believe in OklahomaChristian and give of their timeand efforts to help others have theOC experience.Each year, OCWA plansfundraising events on and offcampus. Some of these eventsinclude golf tournaments, bakesales, luncheons, tours of newhomes, fashion shows, auctions,cookbooks and our famous OCstudent gift packages.OCWA needs you! By becominga member of OCWA, you canpartner with OC in helping ourfuture leaders develop spiritually,academically, physically and socially.Membership levels:Annual Member: $24 / yearProfessional Member: $48 / yearSecond Mile Member : $200(Supports OCWA EndowmentFund)If you are interested in startingan OCWA chapter in your area orbecoming a member, please get intouch with OCWA CoordinatorChristine Merideth at (405) 425-5122 or at christine.merideth@oc.edu.VISION FALL 2008 21

MILESTONESAngie (Klameth) and John (00)RickettsThe Ricketts announce the birthof their daughter, Addyson Kay,who was born June 20, 2008. Sheweighed 5 lbs., 2oz. Angie andJohn grieve the loss of their son,Bryce Thomas, who was born atrest on June 20. John is now thedistribution consignment centersupervisor at Feed the Children inOklahoma City. jaricketts@cox.net2000Deanna (Flournoy) StephensonDeanna married Aaron Stephensonon November 3, 2007. Theirceremony was held at PerkinsChapel on the campus of SouthernMethodist University. Deanna andAaron reside in Plano, TX; sheworks for Ralph Lauren in Dallasand Aaron is the director of leasingfor The Karahan Companies inPlano.Dustin and Heather SimsThe Sims proudly announcethe birth of their daughter,Megan Brooke, on May 22, 2008.dbasims@yahoo.comZann Tracy McMahanIn June, Zann completed hisresidency at Great Plains FamilyMedicine in Oklahoma City, OK.Zann is now in private practice.His clinic, McMahan FamilyMedicine, opened in August innorth Edmond, OK.Matt and Holly (Cline) Brocklive in Mount Dora, FL, with theirdaughter Sadie. Holly teachesPre-K at Christian Home and BibleSchool, an 800-student privateschool and children’s home. Matt isthe vice president for developmentat CH&BS. New address: 2351Sabastian Street, Mount Dora, FL32757. matt.brock@chbs.org;hollysbrock@gmail.comMelody (McCoy) RabbittMelody and her husband Timannounce the birth of their son,Treyton James Rabbitt, on March14, 2008. He joins stepbrotherTrevor (16) and stepsister Andrea(13). mathlover05@peoplepc.comJohn Clifton and his wifeAshlee announce the birth oftheir daughter, Kaylee Anne, onFebruary 23, 2007, in Yokosuka,Japan. They live in Yokohama,Japan, where John works as an ITspecialist and Ashlee is an Englishteacher. johnwclifton@hotmail.comJennifer (Coffman) and RyanWitherspoon announce the birthof their daughter, Adelynne KateWitherspoon. She was born July8th, 2008 weighing in at 7 lbs 6 oz.They reside in Oklahoma City.Adelynne Kate Witherspoon2001Chris Smith moved his lawpractice to City Place Buildingin downtown Oklahoma City,opening an office under the name“Chris Smith Law, P.L.L.C.” He is“Of Counsel” with the OklahomaCity litigation firm of Burch& George, P.C. Phone: (405)239.7711. chris@chrissmithlaw.comCarson john wolkeErin (Gaddie) and Phil Wolkeannounce the birth of their son,Carson John, born on August 25,2007. Phil works as an independentinsurance agent in Piedmont,OK and Erin is the counselor atHilldale Elementary School inthe Putnam City School District.Address: 10301 Chancellor Dr.,Yukon, OK 73099. erinwolke@hotmail.comMardee and Lindsay O’Donnellwere blessed with the birth oftheir first child, Evan Joseph, onMarch 1, 2008. Mardee graduatedfrom the Oklahoma Collegeof Optometry at NortheasternState University in May. Aftergraduation, he, Lindsay and Evanmoved to Holdenville, OK wherehe entered practice with RobertL. Irby, Jr., O.D. Lindsay is afull-time mom and bookkeeperfor the optometry office. Theirnew address is 620 Ramsey Dr.,Holdenville, OK 74848.Tamra (Townsley) married MarkBlankinship on March 15, 2008,in San Antonio, TX. Tamra is thedirector of children’s ministries atMacArthur Park Church of Christand Mark is vice president ofconstruction lending at CompassBank. New address: 14810 OakBriar, San Antonio, TX 78232.tamra.blankinship@gmail.com2002Crystalyn (Starks) FillmoreCrystalyn, a captain in the U.S.Army, is serving her second tourin Iraq. She is scheduled to returnto the states in September 2009.crystalyn.fillmore.us.army.milRachel NighswongerRachel was a contestant on Wheelof Fortune earlier this year.rachel.nighswonger@raytownschools.orgAdam and Heather (03)HoffhinesIn June, Adam successfullycompleted his graduate schooltraining and dissertation defense,earning his Ph.D. in Cell Biologyfrom the University of OklahomaHealth Sciences Center. adamhoffhines@ouhsc.eduLily & Eric cruickshankLily (Debrah) married EricCruickshank on April 26, 2008,in Broken Arrow, OK. Lily is apracticing attorney in OklahomaCity. The newlyweds reside inMoore, OK. lilycruickshank@yahoo.comMarcy (Reynolds) FarrandMarci and her husband Nick areproud to announce the birth oftheir first child, a girl, KendallLeigh, born on February 27, 2008.She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz., and was19 1/2 inches long.Sam Ford and his wife Hollee arethe proud parents of triplets, bornJune 2, 2008. Their names are BeauHuston, Marlee Grace, and LillyCaroline. The proud grandparentsare Tim and Linda (Seat) Ford.The Picker FamilyHeidi and Adam Picker (03)Chelsea Kaye Picker was bornFebruaru 16, 2008 in Tauranga,New Zealand. Adam and Heidihave been living in New Zealandfor two years and have recentlyreturned to Edmond, OK.2003Amy Davenport was selected asthe 2007-08 Teacher of the Year atBen Milam Elementary in Midland,TX. She teaches second grade.amyjo.davenport@gmail.comBradley & Diana OglesbyDiana (Kniffin) and BradleyOglesby (02)Diana and Bradley were marriedon June 7, 2008. The outdoorceremony and weekend celebrationVISION FALL 2008 23

MILESTONEStook place at Moon River Ranchin Satin, TX. Bradley is a softwaredeveloper for Texas Instrumentsand Diana is a computer engineerfor NASA. They now live inOrlando, FL. texasrocks@earthlink.netJoni (Sneed) McDoniel andher husband Chet announce thebirth of their daughter, HannahJane, born on March 6, 2008. Sheweighed 8 lbs., 5 oz., and was 20.5inches long. The McDoniels livein Keller, TX, where they own atravel agency, Off to NeverlandTravel, which specializes in Disneydestinations. jonimcd@sbcglobal.netChris (03) and Sarah (02) NeweyChris graduated from KirksvilleCollege of Osteopathic Medicineon May 17, 2008. He will completehis residency training in neurologyat the Cleveland Clinic.Eric Thornton married JeanHarris on May 17, 2008. Theirceremony was held in the WhiteGarden at Clark Gardens BotanicalPark in Weatherford, TX. Eric isthe youth minister at South MainChurch of Christ and Jean is aSpanish teacher at WeatherfordHigh School. They reside inWeatherford.youthguy80@gmail.comMatt and Daicia LahmeyerMatt graduated on May 10 fromthe University of HoustonCollege of Optometry, earning hisdoctorate of optometry. Matt ispracticing in Houston, TX.Travis and Kiala (Snider 07)Powell were married on August17, 2007, in Guthrie, OK. Untilmoving to Daytona Beach, FL inAugust 2008, Travis was an activitydirector at Tealridge RetirementCommunity and Kiala was astudent life assistant at OC.travybear80@gmail.comNichole (Broyles) and DavidBrookman (04)The Brookmans announce thebirth of their first child, a boynamed Ryan Samuel, on April 7,2008. He weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz., andwas 19 1/2 inches long.Preston WattersonThe Watterson family is proudto announce the birth of theirdaughter, Ava Nicole, on July 28,2008. She weighed 7 lb., 12 oz.,and was born on July 28, 2008.Her older brother, Chase, is threeyears old.ava nicole wattersonJonathan (JC) and Courtney(Hutcheson 00) Curtis announcethe birth of their first son, DaxColeman, on January 22, 2008.Courtney is an Accountantat Jay Parks and Associates, CPA.JC is a Graphic Designer at OC.the curtis family2004April Stephens graduated with hermasters degree in Music Historyand Literature from Texas StateUniversity-San Marcos on May9, 2008. She now attends theUniversity of Arizona, where shereceived a teaching assistantship, to24VISION FALL 2008

MILESTONESbegin work on her Ph.D. in MusicEducation. aprilhs81@gmail.comAndrea (Goedeke) LoveThe Loves’ daughter, MadisonRae, was born on June 6, 2008.She weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz., and is 20inches long. drewsmile74@yahoo.comWayne Nichols and his wifeBrenda had their second girl,Chloe Grace Nichols on June 17,2008. Chloe has a big sister namedMadelyn. They are still stationed atFt. Bragg, NC. wayne.nichols6@yahoo.comChloe grace nicholsMatthew Boydstun is nowthe primary funeral director atMemorial Park Funeral Home, nearcampus in north Oklahoma City.matthew.boydstun@sci-us.comJennifer (Reagan) McIntyreJennifer recently was highlightedin Stars and Stripes newspaper formilitary abroad for her volunteerservice. She serves as a tour guideat Misawa Air Base in Misawa,Japan. Her duties include teachingnewcomers about the area and howto get by in a new culture.Michelle (North) and Jeremy(05) YoungMichelle and Jeremy are proud toannounce the birth of their son,Cooper Paul, on February 25,2008.Derek and Britton (Davis)Nuckols announce the birth oftheir first child, Piper Elizabeth,on February 22, 2008, in Katy,TX. Derek works for MustangEngineering and Britton is afull-time mom. Address: 6115Plantation Forest Dr., Katy, TX77449. derek.nuckols@hotmail.com; britton.nuckols@gmail.commatt & lori bellMatt and Lori (03) BellMatt received his Juris Doctoratefrom Faulkner University JonesSchool of Law in May. Heplans to further his educationby completing an LLM inInternational Business and Trade atThe John Marshall Law School inChicago, IL.2006Michael Hefner has beenaccepted as a substitute teacherwithin the Independence SchoolDistrict in Independence, MO.Filipe and Jennifer Nunesjust adopted a little girl fromGuatemala named Shiloh.2007Anna MarkleTAParchitecture, an OklahomaCity-based architecture, urbandesign and planning firm, has hiredAnna as an interior designer.Shiloh nunesIn Loving Memory of ...BOBBY MURCERTONY SNOWThe untimely death of Bobby Murcer on July 12 saddened the OC family. One of the all-time favoriteYankees, Murcer’s legacy and popularity lasted long past his remarkable baseball career. He was a five-timeAll-Star and spent nearly 40 years with the Yankees as a player and announcer.A member of Memorial Road Church of Christ, Bobby’s continued devotion to his faith and his familyset him apart as a genuine superstar role model for young people. He was diagnosed with brain cancer inDecember 2006 and his courageous battle with the disease has been an encouragement to many otherswith similar illnesses.“Bobby Murcer was one of the most godly and humble men I knew, especially considering his manyamazing years of fame,” OC president Mike O’Neal said. “We are deeply grateful for the way he and Kayhave befriended Oklahoma Christian University and have used their considerable influence for good andfor righteousness. Bobby’s passing will leave a huge void in the hearts of thousands who knew and lovedhim. We thank God for sharing him with us for 62 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with Kay and theirchildren and grandchildren.”Former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow was only on the OC campus for a few hours, buthe touched the lives of many during that time. Last November, Snow was the Hatton W. SumnersDistinguished Speaker at a special event attended by alumni, students, faculty, staff, and people from thesurrounding community. Snow spoke openly of his faith in God and in the future of America.“Tony Snow was an inspirational person who demonstrated his love for his family and his nationthroughout his career. He was a man of faith who fought his battle against cancer with courage andgrace,” OC president Mike O’Neal said.Snow passed away on July 12 at age 53. The OC community offers our condolences to Snow’s wife, Jill,and their three children.VISION FALL 2008 25

Nursingprogramexcellenceand growthIn 2005, Oklahoma Christian’s administration recognized theneed for a nursing program to combat the nursing shortage facingthe state.The following March, OC received approval from theOklahoma Board of Nursing to begin the process of admittingstudents to a nursing program that fall. Since this time, theprogram has prospered.Thanks to a great deal of work from the program’s leadersand the university as a whole, an accreditation visit from theCommission on Collegiate Nursing Education in November 2007led to full five-year CCNE accreditation status.According to Linda Fly, OC’s Director of Nursing, thisaccreditation fulfilled a leap of faith the students took with theprogram. The students had faith in the faculty that they would beable to gain accreditation and continue to build the program andmake it stronger.OC Nursing met another milestone this spring with thegraduation of its first 17 nurses. Fly said watching these studentsgraduate and participate in what she hopes will be the first ofmany pinnings – a ceremony to welcome new graduates intothe nursing profession –truly was an amazing and gratifyingexperience.“We nurture these students like they are our own children. Youpour your heart into them and you get to see the progress theymake along the way,” she said.The new graduates are already demonstrating the program’squality. With one student left to test, OC was at an 87.5 percentpass rate. This exceeds the Oklahoma average of 82.7 percent andis close to the national average of 88 percent.A shining example of how OC’s nursing is setting itself apartfrom other programs is through its medical missions focus.Students are required to take a four-hour course in health caremissions and Christian service. This mission work must take placeat either a culturally-diverse impoverished area in the United Statesor at an international site.One choice that is becoming very popular with the studentsis HonduraServe. This past summer, nine students traveled toHonduras and worked in various villages, clinics and hospitals.Over a four-day period, the group sees more than 200 patientsin the mountain areas alone, and countless others in the localhospitals.Fly says this experience is eye-opening to her students. Theyare surprised to learn that these hospitals have a mortality rate ofmore than 50 percent. The rate is so high because, by the timepatients reach the hospital, they haveunsuccessfully tried to receive care at anumber of other levels.This piece of the curriculum, which combines the teaching oftechnical skills with the teaching of compassion and Christianfocus, allows OC’s students to integrate their faith into their futureprofession.Fly knows that, to continue the growth of the nursing program,the faculty and instructors must continue to learn. That is onereason she is pursuing a doctoral degree in nursing. She was one ofjust six students to be chosen for a new program at the Universityof Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.With 114 nursing students enrolled at OC this fall, up from72 students only two years ago, the program is poised to produceeven more quality nurses who not only offer excellent care, butalso offer their patients the love of Christ.By Allison Shumate (05)26VISION FALL 2008

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newsFor more information about OCaccomplishments, activities and other news,go to news.oc.edu.OC RANKED IN AMERICA’S BEST COLLEGESOC has been named a “Best University– Master’s” in the West region in U.S.Newsand World Report’s 2009 edition of“America’s Best Colleges.”This is the 10th consecutive year thatU.S. News has ranked Oklahoma Christianin its America’s Best Colleges Guidebook.Last year, Oklahoma Christian waselevated to a higher category known as themaster’s group due to a growing numberof graduate students and the addition ofseveral new graduate programs. OC movedup five spots from its initial 2007 rankingin this higher category even though it is anewcomer to this category and not as wellknown by its peers.“We’re very pleased to be ranked as abest college in the West,” OC presidentMike O’Neal said. “Our master’s programscontinue to grow in scope and stature,so we expect our rankings to climbhigher because of the overall qualityand exceptional professors we haveteaching in these rigorous programs. Ourundergraduate program is certainly one ofthe most outstanding in this area. The realproof is how well our graduates perform inthe marketplace.”OC STUDENTS WELCOME NEW LAPTOP, IPHONEPROGRAMOC has been a national leader in campusmobile computing since 2001 when itissued laptops to all students and becamethe first completely wireless campus in thestate – and one of the few in the nation.Since that time, the mobile teachingand learning initiative has seen great gainsin student learning capabilities, providingincreased communication and connectingstudents to learning resources.In March, Oklahoma Christianannounced plans to move from a PC-basedone-to-one student laptop program toApple MacBooks. The MacBook systemswere provided to students with bothmajor operating systems,Mac OS X and WindowsVista. Current studentswelcomed this change and84 percent opted to pay anupgrade fee, returning theiruniversity-issued PC laptop for the newMacBook.As students returned to campusbeginning Aug. 23, they were issued aniPhone or iPod touch. Oklahoma Christianis one of the first universities issuing thesemobile devices.“We hope these changes to our mobilecomputing platforms will continue toenhance student learning and expandcommunication to our students,” ChiefTechnology Officer John Hermes said.The university also will launch severalnew and updated web applications withthese new mobile devices.“The iPhone will take the university’sone-to-one program to the next level,” saidLuke Hartman, OC’s academic multimediaspecialist. “The InTouch application willgive students a mobile portal to courseinformation, campus events, and localentertainment in the palm of their hands.The iPhone will work well for studentseven when they are away from the campuswidewireless infrastructure – keepingstudents ‘in touch’ no matter where theyare.”Faculty also will benefit from the newinitiative as the Apple MacBooks makeit easier for them to create multimediacourseware. The iPhone or iPod willhelp push educational resources such asdiscipline-related podcasts to students tosupplement or enhance their learning.“It is our intention at OklahomaChristian to provide our students with notonly the latest technology, but with thetools needed to be continuous, lifelonglearners and productive citizens whereverlife may lead them,” President Mike O’Nealsaid. “Even more important than thetechnology is the faculty’s role in teachingthe students to discern what is importantin a time of information overload, to thinkcritically, and to apply their education mosteffectively in service to their families, theiremployers and their global communities.”For more on OC’s mobile learningpartnership with Apple, go to www.oc.edu/apple.EXECUTIVE VP LEAVING OKLAHOMA CHRISTIANExecutive Vice President and ChiefOperating Officer Alfred Branch will leavethe university in October to enter privatebusiness.Branch, a 1984 OC graduate, hasbeen a member of the university’s seniormanagement team since 1999 and served asacting president from 2001 to 2002. Priorto joining Oklahoma Christian, Branchwas an executive with Trammell CrowCompany in Oklahoma City.“Al has beena tireless anddedicated servantleader,” PresidentMike O’Neal said.“Through hisefforts, OklahomaChristian hasstabilized andimprovedAlfred Branchits operatingperformanceand experiencedunprecedented growth. He oversawnew programs, numerous constructionprojects and campus improvement withoutcompromising the university’s financialfuture. Oklahoma Christian is in excellentfinancial, spiritual and academic condition,and much of the credit for that goes toAlfred and his wife, Judy.”Branch will return to the real estatebusiness as president of Moriah Properties,Inc., of Midland, Texas. Moriah is aprivately-held real estate investment,operating and development companyowned by longtime Branch family friendsDale and Cary Brown.Branch will continue to reside inOklahoma City. His role with MoriahProperties will allow him to continue towork with Oklahoma Christian on themanagement and development of theuniversity’s real estate investments andmajor construction projects.“We are so very proud of our workwith Oklahoma Christian over the past nineyears,” Branch stated. “This university hasbeen a wonderful asset to the OklahomaCity area and community for 50 years.OC is well positioned for future growthand will no doubt continue to provide anoutstanding educational experience to itsstudents. OC makes a difference in the livesof our students and it has been a pleasureto have served this great institution.”OC NAMES NEW VICE PRESIDENTSOklahoma Christian recently namedthree administrators to vice presidentpositions.Dr. Nathan Mellor, who joinedOklahoma Christian in 2006, is the28VISION FALL 2008

newsDr. Nathan MellorVice Presidentfor UniversityOutreach andChief of Staff.Mellor also hasserved as assistantprofessor ofleadership in theuniversity’s Schoolof BusinessAdministrationand as executivedirector of the Academy for Leadership &Liberty on the OC campus.He has overseen several majorprograms in his role with the Academy,including Oklahoma Leadership Academy,Business Week OC, Peace ThroughBusiness Rwanda, the Southwest YouthLeadership Conference, the Hatton W.Sumners Distinguished Speaker Seriesand the newly-launched $10 millionHeart of America Campaign to revitalizeEnterprise Squareand promoteleadershipeducation.OC alumniNeil Arter andRisa Forrestereach have beenpromoted tovice presidentNeil Arterfrom theirprior positionsas dean. Arteris Vice President for Student Life andForrester is Vice President for EnrollmentManagement.Arter has worked in other positionson campus in various roles for more than15 years. The 1990 OC graduate becameOC’s dean of students in 2002. He washonored as Employee of the Year in 2001,and under his leadership, the Office ofStudent Life has earned recognition for itsprograms that haveboosted studentretention rates.Forrester, a1996 OC grad,has served as deanof enrollmentand marketingsince 2006. Shebegan her careerRisa Forresterat OC in 1996as an admissionsACADEMIC SUCCESS• Oklahoma Christian has had the topCPA exam pass rate in the state for 11of the past 13 years.• OC biochemistry student LindseyAddington won first place overall forher presentation at the OklahomaAcademy of Sciences convention.• Many of OC’s art and design studentswon national awards in the BrassRing competition, which includedsubmissions from students at morethan 20 universities around the nationand was sponsored by OklahomaChristian. OC’s first-place winnerswere Sarah Baker, Jessica Beethe,Josh Burgin, Marc Hobelman, ReneeLanpher and Philana Phillips.• OC student Brian Trumbly won twoawards – one for first place and onefor second place – at the NationalBroadcasting Society Awards. Trumblyand Marcus Ross also won first-placeawards at the state level.• Meagan (Johnson) Harris, a recentcommunications alumna, won anEdward R. Murrow award to go withthe Emmy she already has.• Laura Oestmann, an electricalengineering major at OC, was selectedto work on the International SpaceStation with Pratt & Whitney lastsummer.• OC student Nicklaus Little had thehighest score in all of Oklahoma andArkansas in a competition that featureswhat is known as “the world’s mostdifficult mathematics exam.”• OC engineering students StephenSwanson and Justin Matlock won twoof the three top awards at a regionalpaper competition.• OC’s chapter of Phi Alpha Theta, thenational history honor society, wasnamed the top chapter in the nation forthe 13th straight year. Dr. John Maplesponsors the chapter.• OC’s Accounting Club won the campusaccounting club competition sponsoredby the Oklahoma Society of CPAs forthe second straight year. The club issponsored by Elaine Kelly.• Sigma Tau Delta, the internationalEnglish honor society, named OC’sSoundings publication the “BestLiterary Journal” at the nationalconvention. Dr. Peggy Gipson servesas faculty advisor.• Vice President of Academic AffairsDr. Allison Garrett will receive anaward in November for an article sheand another professor wrote on thepharmaceutical industry.• An article co-authored by AssistantProfessor of Education Dr. CarenFeuerhelm was named the outstandingarticle of the year by the Journal ofEarly Childhood Teacher Education.• Dr. Ryan Newell, psychology and familystudies chair, and Dr. Holly Osburn,assistant professor of psychology, bothserve as officers of the OklahomaPsychological Society.• OC library director Tammy Willis hasbeen elected president of the ChristianCollege Librarians organization.VISION FALL 2008 29

newscounselor before becoming director ofadmissions. Her leadership and initiativeshelped Oklahoma Christian achieve fourstraight years of record enrollment.OC’s other vice presidents includeJeff Bingham (Finance), Dr. JohndeSteiguer (Advancement), Dr. AllisonGarrett (Academic Affairs), and Jay Jones(University Services).PROFESSOR SERVING ON NATIONAL COMMITTEEProfessor of Communications Dr.Phillip Patterson will be the privateschool representative on a panel that willformulate questions for the NationalAssessment of Educational Progress (the“Nation’s Report Card”).The NAEP will make its first-everattempt to assess American studentson their knowledge of history in 2012.Patterson, who is president of theNational Christian Schools Association,will represent the 8 million private schoolstudent community on the panel.NAEP is under the Department of theCensus and is empowered by Congress toassess the nation’s students on an annualbasis.BUSINESS PROFESSORHONORED BY AMADr. Burt Smithhas been namedthe AmericanMarketingAssociation’sMember ofthe Year by theOklahoma CityDr. Burt Smith Chapter.Smith, OCprofessor of business, is the author of thebook, “The Great Game of Networking,”and is an accomplished entrepreneur. Heis the past president of the AmericanMarketing Association (AMA) and aformer board member for the OKCChamber of Commerce.Smith is a National Chapter ExcellenceAward Winner, and was among 39Oklahomans honored in the JournalRecord’s “Achievers Under 40” CentennialClass.His academic interests includeorganizational design, marketingmanagement, strategy, small business,branding, and customer satisfaction. He isthe co-sponsor for the Marketing StudentAdvisory Council and the student AMAchapter.“I work at OC because I love servingthe mission,” he said. “I really feel called tobe here.”BENTON TOURS ROUTE 66Pepperdine University president AndyBenton, an OC alumnus, made a 2,400-miletrip on Route 66 over the summer.The purpose of the trip was toexplore what people are saying along“America’s Main Street” about their nation,institutions, communities, and families.Benton met with educators, parents,business people, and church and civicleaders at stops in Illinois, Missouri,Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexicoand Arizona before returning to California.“I have been given a wonderfulopportunity to serve at Pepperdine fornearly 25 years and am midway throughmy one-year term as chair of the AmericanCouncil on Education,” Benton said. “If Ican use that vantage point to comment onwhat such a significant portion of Americawould like to say to those of us privilegedFLETCHER TO BE INDUCTED INTO OKLAHOMAHIGHER ED HALL OF FAMEThe Oklahoma Higher EducationHall of Fame recognizes and honorsindividuals for outstanding meritoriousservice to higher education inOklahoma. This year, they will inductDr. Harold Fletcher, OklahomaChristian University Professor Emeritus.Fletcher, composer of the school’s Dr. Harold Fletcheralma mater, became a member ofOC’s faculty in the institution’s inaugural year in 1950 (as CentralChristian College in Bartlesville) and continues to teach classestoday. He has taught music history, literature and theory. He alsodirected the university’s Chorale, and wrote and directed many ofOC’s musicals.He and his late wife Mary Helon have a legacy of faithfullysupporting and enhancing OC through their lives of faith,intellectual openness, inquiry, learning and devotion to the arts. In2005, Oklahoma Christian dedicated the Harold and Mary HelonFletcher Center for Music in their honor.30VISION FALL 2008

to help shape the education of the world’sfuture leaders, I will feel the journey hasbeen productive.”OC SENDS EXCHANGE STUDENT TO KOREA CHRISTIANMarshall Wade, a senior accountingmajor at Oklahoma Christian, is the firststudent to be selected for OC’s exchangeprogram with Korea Christian University.He also is the first American exchangestudent at that university.Marshall participated in OC’s PacificRim study abroad program in 2006. He willbe studying in Seoul until December.Oklahoma Christian is in its secondyear of hosting exchange students fromKCU. KCU student Hyun Byung Kwon isstudying at OC this year.OC RECEIVES $100,000 ENGINEERING GRANTOC’s School of Engineering is receivinga three-year grant of $100,000 from theNational Science Foundation (NSF) todevelop curriculum that improves theretention of engineering students.The project is led by Wright StateUniversity in Ohio and includes OklahomaState University, the University of Tulsa,and universities in California, Maryland,Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Virginia andWashington.The new approach involves theintroduction of a new freshmanengineering mathematics course along witha restructuring of the early engineeringcurriculum.Taught by engineering faculty,the new ENGR 101 course includesstudent interaction components that areapplication-oriented and hands-on, andthat address the math topics used in thecore entry-level engineering courses. Theseinclude the traditional physics, engineeringmechanics, electric circuits and computerprogramming sequences.The ENGR 101 course replacestraditional math prerequisite requirementsfor the core course so students can advancein the engineering curriculum without firstcompleting the required calculus sequence.NORTH TEXAS ALUMNI EventsThe North Texas Alumni Chaptercontinued its tradition of sending Dallas-Fort Worth area students off to OC withits annual “Eagle Exit” event in July.Alumni Mark (78) and Susie (79)Jackson hosted the event, which featured aperformance by OC’s Summer Singers. Thealumni chapter also presented scholarshipsto incoming OC freshmen.The next major event for the NorthTexas Alumni Association will by aleadership retreat for OC students on Jan.30-31 at the home of Richard (66) and Pat(67) Lawson. The Lawsons also will host aRoad Show on Jan. 31.For more information or to get involvedwith the North Texas Alumni Association,contact Krista Glover (94) atklglove@hotmail.com.Summer Singers at Eagle Exit eventVision and Vitalitywww.oc.edu/QuestVisit the website or call 405.425.1980 for more information.June 4-6, 2009Save the Date

SPORTS news2007-08 ATHLETIC YEAR INREVIEWThe 2007-08 athleticyear saw the return ofOC baseball, the golfteam’s continued nationalexcellence, conferenceand regional tennischampionships, and aslew of All-America andacademic honors for OC’sathletes.The fall season washighlighted by standoutindividual performancesin cross country andtennis. Jordan Powelland Sylvia Chirchir bothplaced 10th at the NAIA Cross CountryNational Championships. Chirchir’s finishwas the highest-ever for an OC womanwhile Powell’s finish tied for the secondhighestin OC men’s history.On the tennis court, OC’s EstebanFlores won the Intercollegiate TennisAssociation regional singles championshipand combined with Juraj Surovy to winthe doubles title. Jennifer Le and GabrielaNastasa captured the women’s regionaldoubles crown for the second straightyear. Flores and the Le-Nastasa teamboth placed fifth at the ITA nationaltournament.Though OC’s soccer teams didn’tduplicate their national tournament runsfrom the previous year, they both postedstrong finishes. A year after winning theSooner Athletic Conference championship,the Lady Eagles came up just short ofwinning the SAC tournament. The Eagles,led by All-Americans Adam Barnes andBryan Cochrum, qualified for the regionaltourney before losing in the semifinals.The basketball season was a year oftransition for both the Eagles and LadyEagles after both lost deep senior classes.OC’s women, paced by third-team All-American Kailan DeCamp, finished 32ndin the final NAIA poll, just one spot awayfrom qualifying for their ninth-straightnational tournament. The Eagles foughtthrough injuries to go 6-2 in February andshow signs of a bright future behind thirdteamAll-American Jason Taylor.First-team All-American Tracy Washamand newcomer Christin Dobbs helpedlead the softball team to its first 30-winseason since 2003, including two victories4x800 Relay: Cole McAllister, Curtis Pratt, Josh Wayland and Eric Pooleover eventual national champion LubbockChristian.On the baseball diamond, OC wonits first game since 2001 in memorablefashion. Led by fantastic freshman JordanPrice, the Eagles went 8-3-1 in nonconferenceplay before taking their lumpsin the toughest conference in the nation.In track and field, the 4x800-meter relayteam of Curtis Pratt, Cole McAllister,Eric Poole and Josh Wayland earned itsthird-straight All-America honor witha thrilling third-place finish at NAIAIndoor Nationals. Wayland and Powell alsoclaimed indoor All-America honors beforeCharlotte Heron’s second-place finish inthe high jump at NAIA Outdoor Nationalsgave her All-America status for the secondyear in a row.The spring tennis season saw theOC men’s team win the conference andregional titles and advance to its firstnational tournament since the Eagles’ 2003national championship campaign. Floresand Kyle Tefft earned All-America honorson the men’s side while Le’s spot on thewomen’s first team made her a four-timeAll-American.The OC golf team had anotherspectacular year. The Eagles were rankedNo. 1 in every poll and extended theirrun of top-four finishes at the nationaltournament to nine straight years underSAC and NAIA Region VI Coach of theYear David Lynn. Their runnerup finishwas the third in program history (2001,2005).All five OC golfers who competed atnationals made the NAIA All-Americateam, with seniors Bruno Buccolo andRhein Gibson becoming four-time All-Americans. Buccolo, who also earned aspot on the All-Nicklaus Team as oneof the nation’s top 20 college golfers(including all of the NCAA and theNAIA), graduated as the winningest golferin OC history with 10 tournament wins.OC EIGHTH IN NAIA WITH 12 SCHOLAR TEAMSOklahoma Christian tied for eighthnationally with 12 NAIA Scholar Teams, adesignation given to teams with cumulativegrade point averages of at least 3.0.As in 2006-07 (the first year of theaward), OC’s scholar team total topped thestate of Oklahoma, the Sooner AthleticConference and NAIA Region VI by awide margin.OC had 12 of the 27 scholar teamsin Oklahoma (44 percent), 12 of the 32scholar teams in the SAC (38 percent), and12 of 44 teams in the region (27 percent).Twelve of OC’s 13 athletic programsmet the scholar team standard, led bywomen’s basketball with a 3.63 GPA. TheGPAs of five OC programs placed themin the top 10 in their respective sports.Baseball, men’s basketball and women’sbasketball all ranked third nationally, whilemen’s track and field was sixth and men’sgolf ranked 10th.In addition to the scholar team honor,the women’s basketball team placed thirdnationally on the Women’s BasketballCoaches Association academic honor roll.“I’m proud of the team and the hardwork the players put into their studies.They take pride in performing at a highlevel off the court,” Coach StephanieFindley said. “It is an expectation that ispassed on from team to team as our youngwomen move through our program. Weare very excited to finish in the top threenationally.”OC produced 24 NAIA Scholar-Athletes this year, led by ESPN TheMagazine Academic All-Americans KristinBrown, Cassie Tyler and Adam Barnes.GIBSON WINS STATE AMATEUROklahoma Christian’s Rhein Gibsonwon the 2008 Oklahoma State Amateurchampionship at Gaillardia Golf andCountry Club in July.Gibson beat Poteau’s Zachary Pool7&6 in the semifinal round, tying for thesecond-largest margin of victory in the sixroundtournament. He then defeated theUniversity of Central Oklahoma’s Andrew32VISION FALL 2008

SPORTS newsGreen 2&1 in the championship.Gibson continued his hot streak byearning a berth in a PGA NationwideTour event in August. The four-timeAll-American qualified for the PreferredHealth Systems Wichita Open, becomingthe third OC golfer ever (Nick Hartzler,Juan Lizarralde) to play in a Nationwideevent.Rhein GibsonLYNN STEPS DOWN FROM GOLF POSTAfter a run of nine straight topfourfinishes at the NAIA NationalTournament, David Lynn has resigned asOC’s head golf coach.Lynn departs Oklahoma Christian withone of the best resumes in the school’sathletic history, highlighted by the Eagles’national runnerup finishes in 2001, 2005and 2008.The 1996 OC graduate guided theEagles to 34 team tournament titles and33 individual tournament titles during hisnine-year career.Lynn leaves Oklahoma Christian tofocus full-time on his job at PhidippidesCapital Management. He has worked withthe company since December 2005 inaddition to his coaching duties at OC.“It was an extremely difficult decisionfor me to leave Oklahoma Christian, butthe opportunity in front of me to bettermyself and my family was too good toturn down,” Lynn said. “The people atOklahoma Christian are what make OC sospecial and that is what I will miss being apart of. I want to thank the administrationfor the support I received and for theopportunity to daily impact young peoples’lives in a positive manner.”CLINE NAMED GOLF COACHKelsey Cline has been named OklahomaChristian’s new golf coach. Cline comesto OC after a stellar playing career at theUniversity of Oklahoma from 1997 to2001.“We are extremely excited to haveKelsey lead our golf program,” OCdirector of athletic operations ChuckWhite said. “We have a tradition here thatwe are very proud of and I am confidentKelsey will keep us among the nation’sbest.”Cline was an All-Big 12 and all-regionselection at Oklahoma, where he was theBig 12 Tournament runnerup as a senior in2001. He tallied five career top-10 finishesfor the Soonersbefore graduatingin 2001.The Mustang,Okla., nativequalified for theByron NelsonClassic of thePGA Tour in 2002and 2003. He wasalso named the2002 Tight LiesKelsey ClineTour Champion.MILLER RETURNS AS TENNIS COACHKris Miller has rejoined OC’s athleticdepartment for his second stint as headcoach of the Eagle and Lady Eagle tennisprogram.He served in the same role at OklahomaChristian from 1987 to 2003, a stinthighlighted by the men’s team winning the2003 NAIA National Championship. Heaccumulated a 288-114 record (.716) on themen’s side and a 95-43 mark (.688) with thewomen’s team.Miller, who has served as a professor ofbiology at Oklahoma Christian since 1994,returns to OC’shead coachingpost after beingan assistant atthe University ofOklahoma.In his firsttenure, heproduced 31male and 17female NAIAAll-Americans,Kris Millerplus 17 NAIA Scholar-Athletes. Miller’scoaching tree includes four currentNCAA Division I head coaches in EasternIllinois University’s John Blackburn,Southern Illinois University’s DannNelson, the University of Tennessee’sSam Winterbotham, and Wichita StateUniversity’s Chris Young.Miller was named Wilson-ITA NationalMen’s Coach of the Year in1996, 1998 and2003. He also earned 2000 National Coachof the Year honors in women’s tennis as hesimultaneously turned the Lady Eagles intoan NAIA power.Miller, an OC alumnus, earned hismaster’s degree from the University ofOklahoma and his doctoral degree inbiochemstry from the OU Health SciencesCenter. His wife Robyn chairs OC’s Schoolof Education.OC WINS TOP HONORS IN NATIONAL CONTESTSOklahoma Christian won top nationalhonors in two categories in the NAIASports Information Directors of Americapublications contest.OC won first place for its men’s andwomen’s basketball guide, and sweptthe top two places in the “Multi-SportBrochure” category for its spring sportsguide and fall sports guide, respectively.Competing nationwide against schoolsfrom the NAIA and from NCAA DivisionII, the university also earned several awardsfrom the College Sports InformationDirectors of America.Oklahoma Christian placed second withits fall sports guide and seventh with itsbasketball guide. OC’s cover designs tooktop honors in both categories.The guides were produced by OCdirector of athletic marketing andcommunications Wes McKinzie andathletic communications coordinator DaveSeat. Other contributors included JonathanCurtis, Rachel O’Donnell and Scott Hill(cover designs), and Steven Christy, JudsonCopeland and J.L. Davis (photography).For game recaps or other sports news, visitwww.oceagles.com.VISION FALL 2008 33

H AVE A PLAN FOR THE FUTUREA LastingLegacy of LoveIn her 88 years, Pauline Rasberry touched the lives of countless people. Shehad a strong Christian heart and a fantastic sense of humor, and was a friendto all.A lifelong member of the Church of Christ, including more than 40 yearswith the Wilshire congregation in Oklahoma City, Pauline lived her faith.When she passed away in January, Oklahoma Christian lost a devotedfriend. But thanks to her foresight and planning, her legacy lives on at OC.“Pauline always sat down front,” says OC alumnus Jeremie Beller (00),Wilshire’s congregation minister. “She appeared to be unassuming and quiet.And she was extremely generous and outgoing.”Church held a special place in her heart, but Pauline’s family was equallyimportant. She and her late husband, Bob, married later in life and never hadchildren, but Pauline reached out to extended family.Paul McMahan had an especially strong bond with his great aunt, whichbegan nearly 23 years ago when she supported him while he was a singlefather raising a two-year-old daughter. The relationship deepened through theyears, and his children referred to her as their beloved Auntie Grandma.“She was a surrogate mother to me, a surrogate grandmother to my kidsand a great Christian example to my family,” Paul said. “We loved her very,very much.”Like many who lived through the Depression, Pauline worked hard andsaved hard. For more than 45 years she worked at Oklahoma Gas and Electricwhile enjoying a simple lifestyle. Her free time often was devoted to helpingothers through church groups, the Oklahoma Christian Women’s Associationand her own private ministries.Although neither Bob nor Pauline graduated from college, they felt a strongconnection with Oklahoma Christian, largely due to its affiliation with theChurches of Christ. The Rasberrys made several donations to OC while alsogiving generously to Wilshire and other missions.“Pauline loved the mission of OC and what it was doing in terms ofeducating young Christians,” OC director of planned giving Stephen Eck said.In later years, after Bob had passed away, Pauline moved into TealridgeRetirement Community near the OC campus. There, her affection forOklahoma Christian deepened even further. As she contemplated how toleave her estate, she chose to make a unique gift that would financially benefitboth her family and OC.Pauline established a revocable living trust that gave some funds directly tocertain members of her family, with the remainder of her estate funding aneducational trust at OC. As she explained to Paul, “I want to leave the moneyto Oklahoma Christian, but I want the remaining kids in the family to use thatif they choose.”The trust specifically provides for the educational expenses of Pauline’sgreat-great nephews and nieces who choose to attend OC. After paying theseexpenses, the remaining money in the trust will fund the Pauline RasberryScholarship Endowment at Oklahoma Christian, which will benefit future OCstudents.“She’s able to give them something that will last them a lifetime – aneducation,” Paul said.Pauline’s gift is also the secret to a strong future for OC and the talentedstudents it attracts.“Creative gift plans like Pauline’s literally transform lives by making atop-tier education like OC’s a financial reality for students who might nototherwise be able to afford it,” Eck said.During the past three decades, 70to 80% of all Americans who died didso without an executed Last Will andTestament.The importance of a properly draftedand executed will cannot be overstated;especially for families with minorchildren.Without a will, if both parents die,the probate judge must determine whoamong the surviving family memberswill raise the minor children. A will givesclear guidance to the judge and removesthis uncertainty. Also, your properlydrafted and executed will distributesyour property according to your wishes.Again, without a proper will or trust,a judge must follow the intestacy lawsof your state in distributing your assets.Your properly drafted and executed willallows you to determine who will raiseyour children and share in the benefitsof your estate rather than leaving thedecision to a probate judge.With a properly drafted and executedwill, you determine these vitallyimportant issues before they occur.If you do not have a will, or if youneed to revise or update your old will,please check with a local estate planningattorney.Contact OC’s Office of PlannedGiving at (405) 425-5118 or at stephen.eck@oc.edu for free information onthe importance of a Last Will andTestament. In addition to providingfree information on executing a will, wecan help you find a good local estateplanning attorney in your area. Go towww.oc.edu/plannedgiving for moreinfo.34VISION FALL 2008

NAC Member Spotlighta closer look at National Alumni Council MembersMember ...................................................................................................................................Childhood Ambition ..............................................................................................................Fondest Memory .....................................................................................................................Wildest Dream ........................................................................................................................Proudest Moment ...................................................................................................................Biggest Challenge ..................................................................................................................Perfect Day .............................................................................................................................Indulgence ..............................................................................................................................Inspiration ...............................................................................................................................My Life ...................................................................................................................................My School ..............................................................................................................................Member ...................................................................................................................Childhood Ambition ................................................................................................Fondest Memory ......................................................................................................Wildest Dream ........................................................................................................Proudest Moment ....................................................................................................Biggest Challenge ...................................................................................................Perfect Day .............................................................................................................Indulgence ...............................................................................................................Inspiration ...............................................................................................................My Life ...................................................................................................................My School ...............................................................................................................VISION FALL 2008 35

ARCHIVE1988 Aerie (Yearbook)SPRING SING 1988Back-up vocalists and host andhostesses performed severalacts together to assist stagepreparation between clubshows.The annual Student SenateRetreat is the first Senatefunction at which senators canmeet each other and learn aboutParliamentary Procedure.SPRING SING 1988Toy building blocks were oneof Theta’s creative toy projectsthat were performed on stage in“Toyland.”The cast of “The UnsinkableMolly Brown” poses in theircostumes for the smaller-thanusualcast photo.36VISION FALL 2008

Homecoming queen, GaylaCrull, with escort Tom Everett,stand in recognition during thehalftime activities.During one of their practices,the Symphonic Band exhibitstheir character by having agood time.VISION FALL 2008 37

ALUMNI LetterI hope youlook back on yourtime at OC withfond memorieslike mine.I hope youmiss the singingin Chapel andcheering for theEagles in theNest. I hope youenjoyed goingback to the dorms each night to catch upwith friends and roommates. I did notmind curfew nearly as much as I thought Iwould!I hope you remember Earn Your Wings,candlelightings, late-night study sessions,Spring Sing practices, meals in the Caf,and late nights playing flag football. Morethan anything, I hope you look back andremember the people you met during yourtime here.You see, I love OC because I love thepeople who make it what it is. I love theprofessors. I love the friendships I havemade here and have kept since. I lovethe connections I have made with peoplearound the world because I attendedOklahoma Christian University.As I begin my work in the AlumniOffice, I know my job here is to helpyou stay connected to OC. I am excitedabout that task and am looking forward toreconnecting with you over the memorieswe share and the school we love.So, please, come back for HomecomingNovember 7th and 8th. Make time for theMike McDonald Fun Run and Spring Singnext spring, and Family Fun Night nextsummer. Spend some time on campusor join us for a First Friday. Call your oldroommate and plan a trip to meet a formerprofessor for coffee. You will not regret it... I promise.Katy WatsonDirector of Alumni RelationsHere’s a three-point plan for the next time youtake that vacation or mission trip to somefamous or exotic location:1) Take some OC gear.2) Take your picture with you wearing it.3) Tell us where you are and what you’re doing.If you email or mail the photo to us, we’ll postit on our alumni website … and it might evenappear in the next Vision. We look forward toseeing those pictures!SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO:alumni@oc.eduNEW REIGN IN JAPANOC’s a cappella singing group, New Reign, had the opportunity to sing,minister and recruit students in Japan earlier this year. Will Coleson,Bryson Holley, Jesse Leake and Raymond Mobley (pictured) joined fellowgroup members Clair Crewe, Emilee Holley and Abbey Marrs on the trip.You can update your alumni information on Oklahoma Christian’s website. Visit www.oc.edu/alumni/update to update your name, address, email and other information.BOX 11000OKLAHOMA CITY, OK73136-1100CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED