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1940s
The late OCU voice professor Florence Birdwell (BA 45, MA Teaching 69, HD Musical Arts 16) was honored as the recipient of the Painted Sky Operas Le Stelle Award during a gala in October.
Silver City, New Mexico, helped James William Bill Harrison (JD 49) celebrate his 100th birthday by proclaiming June 22 as Bill Harrison Day. Harrison served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and as Silver Citys town manager, a Grant County commissioner and Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments director.
1950s
The 91心頭n ran a feature story recalling the late Thurman Magbees (BS Business Administration 50, MBA Industrial Management 66, a former business professor and trustee) work to restore 91心頭 Citys Union Station building.
Orthopedics This Week did a feature tribute story on the late Charles A. Rockwood (BA Biology 51, HD Science 97), founder of the American Shoulder and Elbow Society.
1960s
The Rev. Ernest William Cockrell (BA English 60) released a novel titled Samsons Shadow.
Barbara McAlister (BM 64) was chosen as the Soroptimist International of Muskogee 2022 Woman of Distinction.
Susie Maxwell Berning (BSB Business 64) was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Gary Rhodes (JD 69) has announced his retirement after practicing law for 43 years.
Justice Yvonne Kauger (JD 69, HD Laws 92) was the Global Vision Humanitarian Award honoree in this years Global Vision Awards presented by Sister Cities International 91心頭 City.
1970s
The Johnson & Biscone firm, which includes Joseph Biscone II (JD 74) and James Biscone (BA Political Science/Philosophy 13, JD 15), was named best boutique law firm in 91心頭 by Global Law Experts.
Tim Colbert (JD 76) was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame in 2020 and was honored during this years in-person ceremony.
The Astounding Analog Companion science fiction blog posted a Q&A story with writer Bud Sparhawk (MBA 77).
1980s
Keith Grant (BS Business 80), assistant general manager for the Dallas Mavericks, retired from the team after 42 seasons. Grant was the last remaining employee from the teams inaugural season.
Norman D. Thygesen (JD 80), associate district judge in Muskogee, retired after a 42-year law career.
Beadwork artist Yonavea Hawkins (BA 81) was featured in the Dallas Museum of Arts Late Night event celebrating the new exhibit, Spirit Lodge: Mississippian Art from Spiro.
E.J. Burke (MBA 82), a senior executive and director at KeyBank Real Estate Capital and Corporate Banking Services, was nominated to become vice chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Steven J. Goetzinger (JD 83) was elected to serve a fourth one-year term as mayor of Nichols Hills.
Aimee Majoue (JD 18), an attorney for Crowe & Dunlevy, and Carolyn Thompson (JD 84), a consultant, were profiled in the Journal Records Leadership in Law 2022 series.
Trustee Lou Kerr (BS 86, HD Humanities and Letters 91) received the Mark Ruffin Lifetime Achievement Award during the Santa Fe Family Life Centers service awards gala in September.
Helen C. Zajic (JD 86) was promoted to partner at the Egan Law firm in Santa Barbara County, California.
Cary Pirrong (BS History 87, JD 90) joined the 91心頭 City Public Schools Board of Education.
Former OCU softball player Lisa Navas (Health/Phys Ed 87) was promoted to assistant coach of the University of South Florida softball team.
Julie McCreight (BA Speech Theatre 88), a teacher for Flinthills USD 492 in Rosalia, Kansas, was named to the Kansas Teachers Hall of Fame.
Social ethics professor the Rev. Dr. Mark Davies (BA Philosophy/Religion 88) gave a guest presentation via Zoom as part of the Methodist International Student Exchange Network, hosted by the Methodist University in S達o Paulo, Brazil. The presentation was on the urgency of sustainability for the planet.
Gary D. McKiddy (MBA 88) was promoted to CFO of Mid America Mortgage, Inc.
Doug Strock (MBA 89), vice president of Global Language Translations and Consulting, Inc., was part of NYUs MS in Translation & Interpreting guest speaker series.
1990s
Jill Campbell (MBA 90), president and COO of Cox Enterprises, announced her retirement after 40 years with the company.
Angela Morrison (JD 90), an environmental and natural resources attorney who represents clients in the energy, manufacturing, developer, trade association and government sectors, joined Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP as a senior attorney in Miami, Florida.
Kristin Chenoweth (BM Musical Theatre 91, MM 93, HDHL 13) held a virtual event to celebrate the release of her first childrens book, What Will I Do with My Love Today? Chenoweth was also appointed to the advisory board for the Institute of Financial Wellness and was a guest on the KTLA morning news show in Los Angeles, where she discussed her involvement with OCUs MFA in Screen Acting program.
Laura L. McCullough (MBA 91) was selected as president/CEO of Maysville Community and Technical College in Kentucky.
Brandon Hobson (BA English 92) received a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for fiction writing. The award honors artists and scholars across multiple disciplines on the basis of prior achievement and exceptional promise.
The Arkansas Democrat Gazette ran an in-depth profile story on Jim Evans (MPA 92), regional director of donor relations for Lifewater International in Bentonville.
Kosit Suksingha (MBA 93) was appointed to the board of directors for Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, an investment holding company based in Malaysia specializing in beverages.
Compassion International, a Christian charity that helps children in poverty, named Joe Wilkins (MBA 93) as CFO.
Steven McConnell (JD 93) was named senior vice president, general counsel for Tinker Federal Credit Union.
Andrew Junkin (BSB Finance 94) was named CIO of the Virginia Retirement System.
Trustee the Rev. Dr. Robert E. Long (HD Divinity 94) received a Good Samaritan Award from the Neighborhood Services Organization.
Baylor University Press published Froswa Booker-Drews (MLA 94) book, Empowering Charity: A New Narrative of Philanthropy. In addition, Booker-Drew was elected to the ACLU of Texas board of directors.
Tony Sommer Jr. (MBA 94) was appointed as general manager, Americas, for CooperVision Specialty EyeCare.
Nona Lee (JD 95), executive vice president and chief legal officer for the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team, was a guest on the Bouncing Back podcast.
Dontee Kiehn (BPA Dance 96) was the associate director of the Broadway musical MJ, based on the life and creative legacy of Michael Jackson. The show received 10 Tony Award nominations.
Nicole Nelson (BS Psychology/BA Spanish 97) was named head women's soccer coach for Southern Methodist University.
Dr. David Fray (MBA Health Care Administration 97), professor at UTHealth School of Dentistry, led a webinar titled Collaborative Healthcare for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities.
Jason A. Robertson (JD 97) was appointed as a United States magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of 91心頭.
Bryan Dahlvangs (BFA Studio Art 97) art was on exhibit at the Graceful Arts Gallery in Alva.
Attorney and sports agent Jeff Berry (JD 98) was named a member of the board of directors of the V Foundation, a cancer research charity.
ExpressJet Airlines LLC hired Bobby Looney (BS prior learning & university studies 98) as its new director of safety.
All About Jazz posted a feature story on Idit Shner (BM Instrumental Performance 98).
Jennifer Grigsby(MBA Finance 99) was appointed to the board of directors for Certarus Ltd., a natural gas distribution company.
David R. Fox (MBA 99) was named chief executive officer of the Medical Center of South Arkansas.
ChoralNet posted an article by Robyn Hilger (BM Instrumental Education 99), executive director of the American Choral Directors Association, about how she developed her love of music.
Andrea Vaughan (BA Public Relations 99) led the Rogers State softball team to its first NCAA Division II national championship as head coach.
2000s
Joshua Whitehead (BFA Graphic Design 00) joined the Communication Design Pathways Department at FIT, a part of the State University of New York specializing in design, fashion, art, communications and business.
Kevin Sellers (MBA 00, JD 05) founded Selerity Medical Staffing, a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business and Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise that specializes in providing clinical staffing to nationwide healthcare facilities.
Painter Tara Jennings (MLA 00) opened the Tara Jennings Fine Art shop in Woodinville, Washington.
Tray Payne (JD 00) was elected mayor of Lubbock, Texas.
Travel 91心頭 has a featured web page for Sarah Coburn (MM Vocal Performance 01).
Twana W. Allen (JD 01) is leading the family law section for West & Associates as a partner in the firms Dallas office.
Timothy Winkeler (MBA Finance 01) was promoted to president and chief operating officer of VIP Tires & Service.
Robert Medley (MLA 01) was named editor of the Times Record newspaper in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Kyle Dillingham (BM Instrumental Performance 02) and Peter Markes (BM Instrumental Education 01) were profiled in a 405 magazine story.
Keili Hicks McEwen (BA Advertising/Mass Comm 02, MA Nonprofit Leadership 12) joined the Hunger Free 91心頭 organization as director of strategic advancement.
Stephania Grober (MBA 03) was selected as president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of 91心頭.
Trial lawyer and landman Jonathan Grammer (JD 03) was included in D Magazines Dallas 500, a special edition that profiles the Dallas regions most influential business leaders.
Kesha Watson (BS Professional Law Enforcement 04) was honored during Millwood High Schools Famous Falcons 50th anniversary celebration.
The 91心頭n did a feature story on the latest album by the Damn Quails band, featuring former OCU classmates Bryon White (BS Entertainment Business 06) and Michael Trepagnier (BA Liberal Studies 04).
Law.com ran a feature story headlined Anthony Barbuto (JD 04) is Humanizing the Legal Profession One TikTok Dance at a Time.
Scott Ellis (BS Biology 04) was named chief nursing officer for Northwest Healths La Porte and Starke hospitals in Indiana.
Tana Fitzpatrick (BA Political Science/Spanish 04, JD 08) was named as the University of 91心頭s first associate vice president of tribal relations.
Mental health care provider Cerebral Inc. hired Jacqueline Kniska (JD 05) as head of compliance.
The Cherokee County Women with Purpose Committee spotlighted Julie Boren-Huesser (JD 05), a lawyer based in Texas, in its Women Who Made History series.
Kelly Forbes (BA Spanish 06), Heritage Academy director, is starting a dual-language immersion school for Epic Charter Schools and was featured in a story in The 91心頭n.
Adam Falco (JD 06) was promoted to city attorney for College Station, Texas.
Lance McDaniel (MLA 07) was selected for the Heritage Hall Alumni Associations 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award.
The Choctaw Nation did a profile story on Rachel Hope Risner (BS Nursing 07, DNP 13, DP Nursing 16), associate dean of academic affairs for Frontier Nursing University in Kentucky.
State Rep. Anthony Moore (JD 07) received the 2021 Distinguished Service Award from the 91心頭 State Regents of Higher Education.
Collin Walke (JD 08), a state representative and co-founder of Awake OKC, was a guest on the Mental Health Download podcast. Awake OKC is a nonprofit centered on bringing mindfulness and meditation to the community.
Heather Anderson (BA History 08) wrote a selection titled Benjamin Franklins Mastery of Media as part of the PBS collection, Ken Burns in the Classroom.
Jeremiah Downes (MM Musical Theater 09) is a new faculty member in the Chadron State College (Nebraska) theater department.
Anthony Michael (BSB Business Administration 09) got his first win on the Sunshine Tour in the Vodacom Origins of Golf in South Africa.
2010s
Armand McCoy (BA Broadcasting 10) became a strategic communications instructor and the executive director/faculty advisor for Lindsey + Asp, the OU Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications student-managed advertising and public relations agency.
Chaz Wolcott (BPA Dance 10) was the choreographer for the 3-D Theatricals production of Newsies in Anaheim, California.
Kourtni Beebe (BFA Acting 10) was part of the Mothers Day Improv Comedy show troupe performing in Times Square.
Justin Briggs (MBA Finance 10) joined the Prime Movers Lab as a venture partner to identify new startups and support its portfolio of life sciences technology companies.
Former OCU graduate assistant Bailey Coleman (ME Behavioral Studies 10) is in her first year of coaching the Santa Fe Saints volleyball team in Gainesville, Florida.
Lawrence Pecan (JD 11) was appointed deputy general counsel for Two Roads Development, a South Florida-based development firm.
Bianca J. Bryant (BS Economics 11), director of career development for the School of Law and former OCU softball player, was named to the Journal Records 19th class of Achievers Under 40.
91心頭 Magazine ran a sidebar story about womens wrestling coach Nicole Tyson (BA Photography 11) and her experience getting into the sport.
The Putnam City High School Orchestra under the direction of Colin Waddell (BM Instrumental Education 11) was selected as the overall Outstanding Orchestra at the World Strides OnStage competition in San Antonio, Texas.
Robert Postotnik (BS Entertainment Business 11) is now vice president-key art design for Paramounts MTV in New York City. He previously was creative director for the AKA advertising agency in New York.
The American Bar Association Journal published an article by Adam Banner (JD 11), founder and lead attorney of the 91心頭 Legal Group, titled Suits and the difference between federal and state court.
Tulsa People ran a feature story about Sasha Hutchings (BPA Dance 11) and her role in 91心頭!
Soprano Bonnie Frauenthal (BM Vocal Performance 12) returned to 91心頭 to perform in Painted Sky Operas production of Pagliacci.
Kristie Davis (BS Kinesiology & Exercise Studies 12) was inducted to the New York Athletic Club Hall of Fame.
Belinda Allyn (BM Music Theater 12) was cast as Sister Mary Robert in the Paper Mill Playhouse (New Jersey) production of Sister Act.
Fonda Manwell (MS Energy Legal Studies 13) was hired as director of business development and energy services for Reagan Smith, a state, federal and tribal project management consulting company.
The 91心頭n ran a feature story about Ashlee Vaughan (BS Nursing 13) returning to college as a graduate nursing student and wrestler.
Former wrestler Joey Miller (BS Kinesiology & Exercise Studies 13), a two-time womens national champion, was selected for the second class of the Woodward High School Hall of Fame.
Christin Byrdsong (BM Musical Theater 13) and Isaiah Bailey (BM Vocal Performance 14) returned to 91心頭 City to perform in the touring production of Disneys The Lion King.
Politico hired Madi Alexander (BA Mass Comm/Public Relations/Political Science 14) as senior graphics editor.
Eryn LeCroy (BM Vocal Performance 14) was a guest on Conversations with Changemakers, a Broadway Podcast Network show.
Mary Beth Nelson (BM 14) is a recipient of a 2022 FENDI Vanguard Award, a partnership between Juilliard and the Roman Maison to celebrate those who display the potential to be future innovators in their chosen discipline and across the performing arts.
Jeff Sherwood (BFA Design and Production 14) joined the Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts faculty as assistant professor of sound.
Darius Wright (BM Music Theater 14) was cast in MJ as a swing and was an understudy for the title role.
Maggie Spicer Brown (MA Nonprofit Leadership 14) was named education director for Theatre Salinas Center for Theatre Arts in Kansas.
Emily Laughridge (BA Theatre Performance 15) made her debut at Disneyland Paris as a singer for the The Disney Junior Dream Factory show. Paris is her third Disney park after working at Walt Disney World and Tokyo Disney Resort.
91心頭s Nursing Times did a Careers in Nursing story on Kelly Johnson (BS Nursing 15), an independent advanced practice registered nurse serving Payne and Logan counties.
Dr. Patrick McGough (DNP Nursing 15), executive director of the 91心頭 City-County Health Department, was interviewed for a story on CBS Sunday Morning about the state of public health work in the U.S.
Angela Cozby (MBA 15) was named executive director of the Arts Council of 91心頭 City.
Jane Clark (ME Early Childhood Education 15) was hired as enrollment and student development manager for Abilene Christian University.
Jesse Chavez (MS Exercise and Sport Science 15) was promoted to head athletic trainer of Lindsey Wilson College athletics in Kentucky.
Madeline Bach (DNP Family Nurse Practitioner 16) joined SSM Health Neurosciences as a nurse practitioner.
Aaron Chaloner (JD 16) joined the Bradley Arant Boult Cummings firms Nashville office as a senior attorney in the Intellectual Property Practice Group.
Former OCU softball player Jeananne Ruck (BS Behavioral Studies 16) was named coach of the Paso Robles High School (California) softball team.
The Kitchener Panthers of the Intercounty Baseball League in Canada signed right-handed pitcher Skylar Janisse (BA Liberal Studies 16).
Juliana Elliot (BS Dance Management 16) joined the cast of CJ Newsoms Classic Country and Comedy in Branson, Missouri.
Former OCU golfer Matthew Cheung (BBA Finance 17) earned his first career Korn Ferry Tour start.
Phillip Oliver (BS Entertainment Business 17), event services manager for the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, was named to the International Association of Venue Managers Foundations 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2022.
Jordan Jacobs (BFA Acting 17) starred as Charlie in Lyric Theatres production of Kinky Boots.
Country music singer/songwriter Emily Myers (BM Music/business emphasis 17) released the official music video for her single Unwrite Every Song. Myers also released her newest single, "Ain't Gonna Be Mine."
Stephanie Feeback (BM Music Theater 17) was in the touring production of Waitress.
Dr. Ajeminayanate Berepele (BS Nursing 17, DNP 21) completed the one-year primary care nurse practitioner residency at the 91心頭 City VA Medical Center. The residency provides intensive, veteran-focused experiences to newly graduated nurse practitioners.
Heritage Trust, a subsidiary of Argent Financial Group, hired Brooke Henderson (JD 17) as vice president, relationship manager.
Taylor Rey (BM Music Theater 17) made her off-Broadway debut in a lead role in After Happily Ever After at the Players Theatre.
The Ada News did a feature story about Stephanie Mowdy (DNP Nursing 17), wound care specialist at The Clinic.
Jamison Keefover (BA Mass Comm/Broadcasting 18) joined FOX 25 as a reporter.
91心頭 State University posted a feature story about Brandon Jackson (BM 18), musician and public address announcer for athletic events.
Celia Tedde (BM Music Theater 19) was cast in the world premiere of Here There Be Dragons - A New Musical Quest, inspired by the classic tabletop fantasy role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons, at the Players Theatre in New York.
Tessa McQueen (BM Vocal Performance 19) earned third place and the Myrle F. Hoffman Memorial Award in the Denver Lyric Opera Guilds annual competition.
Samantha Bronow (BBA Economics 19, summa cum laude, cum honore) wrote an essay titled The Honors Connection: Openness and Empathy that was published in the spring/summer 2022 issue of JNCHC: The Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council. Bronow is a senior financial analyst with MidFirst Bank in 91心頭 City.
Madison Carey (BFA Acting 19) and Reily Preston (BFA Acting 19) joined the 91心頭 Children's Theatre as education associates. They perform, teach and operate programs for the theater company.
The Prices We Pay by Rayshell Clapper (MFA Creative Writing 19) was the Finishing Line Press Book of the Day.
91心頭s Nursing Times ran a profile story about Aimee Jones (BS Nursing 19), a pediatric nurse at the Bethany Childrens Health Center.
2020s
Blake Sauceda (BFA Acting 20) performed in "An Officer and a Showcase" at Feinstein's/54 Below in New York City.
The Ada News ran a story about Kyndel Dillard (M Physician Assistant Studies 20), physician assistant for The Clinic in Konawa, and her path into health care.
Flowrestling listed Iowa native and former OCU wrestler Rachel Watters (BBA Marketing 20) in its Key Moments In Iowa Women's Wrestling History as the first from the state to win a WCWA title.
Keely McGough (DNP 20) joined Variety Care as a nurse practitioner.
Kelly Vincent (MFA Creative Writing 20) released her latest young adult novel, Always the New Girl.
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke posted an article by Dr. Tonya Locklear (MFA Creative Writing 21) about her professional writing projects.
Jessica Vanek (BM Music Theater 21) was an understudy in Southern Plains Productions rock musical Lizzie.
Shannon Clark (M Physician Assistant Studies 21) is one of the leaders of a new U.S. Dermatology Partners office in Enid.
Jaden Shores (BS Human Performance 21) was named head softball coach for Roff High School.
John Esche (MBA 22) was co-chair of a fundraiser called Flight for Futures in September. Hosted by the Junior Committee, Flight for Futures raises funds and awareness for Boys & Girls Clubs of 91心頭 County programs.
Andrew Lazos (M Physician Assistant 22) was hired as a physician assistant at Olympic Medical Center Physicians in Washington.
Wimberly School of Religion alums Kloe Young (Religious Education 22) and Allie McMurry (Religion Philosophy 22) recently co-published articles on the Society of Biblical Literatures BibleOdyssey.org website with their professor, Dr. Lisa Wolfe. The pieces highlight two lesser-known biblical women: Rizpah (2 Sam 21:1-14), by Young and Wolfe, and the Woman at Endor (Witch of Endor) (1 Sam 28:3-35), by McMurry and Wolfe. These contributions were invited as part of the websites Undergraduate-Faculty Writing Initiative, which gives undergraduates the opportunity to publish peer-reviewed, paid work in collaboration with a professor.
