Name: Mrs. Michelle L. Stephens - Oklahoma Christian University
Name: Mrs. Michelle L. Stephens - Oklahoma Christian University
Name: Mrs. Michelle L. Stephens - Oklahoma Christian University
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Oregon and Washington have the highestproportion of religiously-unaffiliatedand self-identified “nonreligious” residentsin the nation. It’s a place rich with opportunitiesto positively influence lives for theLord.“Somebody has to be in the PacificNorthwest for the kids that are here,” Simmonssaid. “People need us in this area ofthe country, and a lot of us here believethis is what we’ve been called to do.”To step onto Cascade’s small campuswould be a very strange experience formany current OC students and recentalums. But the campus reminds Tandy ofwhat <strong>Oklahoma</strong> <strong>Christian</strong> was like when hewas a student.Simmons says he often wonders if OC’spioneers – alumni from Central <strong>Christian</strong>in Bartlesville – might feel right at home atCascade.“There’s a great sense of communityat OC, but at Cascade, you literally knoweverybody on campus,” Goad said. “Therefore,we build a lot of close, personal relationships.The sense of unity is enhancedbecause of our smaller size.”With a current enrollment of around 300students, one of Cascade’s greatest assets isits ability to offer more hands-on attentionto students.“Even though many students may havecome here initially for the <strong>Christian</strong> fellowshipand small community, I think we’vedone a good job of keeping quality educationas our priority,” Tandy said.Optimism is rising at both OC andCascade that the relationship between thetwo campuses will continue to grow. Thestrategic advantages of a branch campussetup are many, even when distance – anddifferences – pose occasional challenges.OC’s uncommon connection to a smallcampus in Portland, Oregon, shows theuniversity’s commitment to advancing<strong>Christian</strong> higher education.“For me, the great fit between <strong>Oklahoma</strong><strong>Christian</strong> and Cascade College is thatCascade is OC’s most recent and, I think,largest gift to the Kingdom,” Simmonssaid. “OC had the faith, and they had thecourage, to take on this enterprise whenothers did not.”Cascade is at a crucial point in itsbrief history and, according to OCpresident Mike O’Neal, “is poised forsignificant progress and long-rangesuccess.”Cascade College is celebrating its50th year in Portland and will mark thissuccess with an alumni summit and reunionweekend June 22-25. The theme:“We Are One: Celebrate. Connect.Unite.”Cool View of OC’S SuccessThe faculty feature at left comes from the newedition of View, a magazine-style viewbookgeared toward prospective students.Published in September, the 128-page magazinefeatures OC alumni, faculty, staff andstudents and touts OC’s quality education andenvironment.The two previous editions of the magazinewon five awards in national and statewidecompetitions, including a national “Best ofShow” award in a contest conducted by AdmissionsMarketing Report.View’s latest honor, a first-place award fromthe <strong>Oklahoma</strong> Collegiate Public RelationsAssociation, was one of nine awards won byOC’s <strong>University</strong> Marketing Office at the annualstatewide competition.“If the Lord has blessed you with theresources,OC’s nineI canawardsthinktrailedof noonlygreaterthe <strong>University</strong>waytoofinvest<strong>Oklahoma</strong>’sfor the long-term13. <strong>Oklahoma</strong>good<strong>Christian</strong>of thewonkingdomawards inthansevento giveof theto Cascadenine categoriesCollege,”it entered,O’Neal said.with projects produced for Admissions,Advancement,While <strong>Oklahoma</strong>Alumniand OregonRelations,mayFinancialnothaveServices,muchHousingin common,andtheStudentrelationshipLife, as well assharedgeneralbymarketingOC and Cascadeprojectsisona testamentbehalf of thetouniversity.the unity found in Christ: love that transcends2,000 miles.All“I’veofalwaysOC’s marketingfelt like we,materialsas <strong>Christian</strong>sare produced– and“in-house.”as the <strong>Oklahoma</strong>The university’s<strong>Christian</strong>marketingcommunityteammembers– need to(Stephenhave a visionBell, Judsonthat isCopeland,biggerthanJonathanwhereCurtis,we are,”RisaGoadForrester,said. “CascadeDan Lovejoy,CollegeWes McKinzie,is an importantDawnpartShelton,of thatAllisonvision.”Shumateand Kim Walden) are all OC alumni.by Abby Copeland (04)“It speaks volumes about the high-qualityaca- demic environment at <strong>Oklahoma</strong><strong>Christian</strong> that we can tapour ownalumni toproduce workthat’s praised andhonored by fellow professionalsin higher educationand in the industry,” said Forrester,OC’s Director of Admissions and Marketing.“It’s gratifying to see our staff ’s dailywork, research and strategic planning have apositive impact on the university’s success andTransforming lives for <strong>Christian</strong> faith, leadership, and service.VISION SPRING 2006