Name: Mrs. Michelle L. Stephens - Oklahoma Christian University

Joe and LottieMcCormackNew endowment created to fund international programsImagine learning about the Wall ofChina in the morning and standing on topof it that afternoon.Or learning about the Great BarrierReef and then having the chance to gosnorkeling there.These are just two of the life-changingmoments that students can experiencewhen they travel on OC’s study abroadprograms. Until now, this opportunity hasnot been reachable for all students. But anew endowment may offer students thechance to see the world in a whole newway.The Joe McCormack Endowmentfor International Studies was asurprise announcement during lastfall’s homecoming celebration. Theendowment has two important features:the McCormack Scholars Program andthe McCormack Lectures.The McCormack Lectures will bringguest lecturers to campus to addressinternational issues.First, the scholarship program willaward monies annually to internationalstudents at OC. Second, it will providescholarships to students participatingin the university’s official internationalstudy programs, with preference given tominority students. Third, it may providea McCormack Student Award for one ormore students each year who demonstrateexemplary leadership, learning and service.McCormack first attended OklahomaChristian’s predecessor, Central ChristianCollege in Bartlesville, in 1957. Ten yearslater, he returned to OC to teach in theDepartment of Language and Literature.McCormack established the university’sinternational program, advancing theschool’s reputation and its ability toprovide students with a high-qualityeducation. In 1980, he became theDirector of International Studies andserved in that capacity for 20 years.McCormack’s relationship with IbarakiChristian College has been an enduringone. As the driving force through 25years of OC’s exchange program withIbaraki Christian, he has served as boththe sponsor for the American studentsand host for the Japanese. He hasimplemented several changes designed togive both American and Japanese studentsa richer experience.McCormack also developed theTeaching English as a Foreign Languageprogram, making Oklahoma Christianone of only a handful of colleges oruniversity in the United States offeringthis undergraduate degree.His skill as a teacher earned him theMerrick Teaching Award in 1987 and theGaylord Chair of Distinguished Teachingin 1993.Now, this endowment will be apermanent legacy to the life and impactof Joe McCormack.by Allison Shumate (05)Read about our InternationalStudies trips as they happen atblogs.oc.edu.10 VISION SPRING 2006Transforming lives for Christian faith, leadership, and service.