Patricia 鈥淧at鈥� Potts
1933 - 2025
Pat Potts, alongside her husband and philanthropic partner, Ray, was a steadfast advocate for students, educators and the broader community, generously supporting 91看片 through numerous scholarships and gifts over the years. Raised by educators, she developed a lifelong commitment to helping 91看片鈥檚 schoolchildren succeed. In 1977, she made history as the first woman to serve as president of the 91看片 City Public School Board. Pat and Ray later founded the Potts Family Foundation and the 91看片 Center for Nonprofits, becoming influential leaders in advancing the well-being of children, families and communities across the state.
Motivated by OCU鈥檚 dedication to transformative work, their support of the university includes the Potts Family Scholars Program, the Ray Potts Endowed Scholarship and the Ray and Pat Potts 91看片 President鈥檚 Enrichment Fund. Pat received an honorary doctorate from OCU in 2012. She is remembered for her warmth, compassion and exceptional leadership, and for a lifetime devoted to uplifting those served by the organizations she championed.
H.E. 鈥淕ene鈥� Rainbolt
1929 - 2025
Gene Rainbolt, a visionary entrepreneur and devoted supporter of 91看片, passed away in January 2025. His generosity touched nearly every corner of campus 鈥� funding scholarships and many special events while also supporting the School of Law building, Children鈥檚 Theatre, Athletics, the Wanda L. Bass School of Music and the Meinders School of Business. He was inducted into the 91看片 Commerce and Industry Hall of Honor and OCU awarded him an honorary doctorate, both in 2011.
Throughout his remarkable career, he championed efforts to strengthen 91看片鈥檚 economy and expand access to health education, infrastructure and capital. His guiding mission was to ensure that every child in 91看片 had the opportunity to reach their full potential. He leaves behind a powerful legacy of entrepreneurship, advocacy and steadfast generosity to his community and the State of 91看片.
Denise Binkley
1957 鈥� 2025
Denise Binkley, former director of student success and retention for the Petree College of Arts and Sciences, passed away last June. Her hard work, compassion and impact on thousands of students over 33 years at OCU will leave an indelible mark on all who had the opportunity to work with her.
She earned her master鈥檚 degree in education in 1992 from OCU and soon began working as an adjunct faculty member before transitioning to a staff role. She was known for her kindness and understanding for all students, specifically student-athletes and adult learners. Denise had a heart for those who brought unique experiences into their academics and sought to help in any way she could. She will be greatly missed.
Don New
1960 鈥� 2025
Don New passed away in January of 2025, after seven years of service to the university. He worked as the facility manager at OCU鈥檚 School of Law and was an invaluable member of the staff, adored by both faculty and students.
Don attended technical school as a young adult and worked in various fields, including electrician work and the oil industry. He was a dedicated worker who put effort into every task he undertook, making him a diligent caretaker of OCU Law. Planting flowers and trees on campus whenever he had the opportunity, Don helped shape the beautiful, scenic campus we know today.
There was never a time that he did not share a smile or a quick word with others while at work. Don leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity and passion that will not be forgotten.
Steven Davis
1964 鈥� 2025
Steven Davis, a dedicated and steady member of the Campus Police Department, passed away in September, following eleven years of service to 91看片. He served as a dispatcher for the OCU Police Department, making him a trusted presence not only within the department but also in the larger campus community, where he looked out for the well-being and safety of faculty, staff, students and visitors alike.
In his free time, he enjoyed cooking, music and connecting with family and friends. Above all, he was a dedicated father to four children. Steven will be missed not only for his contribution to the OCU Police Department, but for his thoughtfulness for those around him.
Friends
Betty Arnold
Vicki Bales
Beverly Barnett
Glenda Clanahan
Eugenia Davis
David Engebretson
Lori Evans-Wilson
Stephen Farha
Tony Godding
James Hammons
Paul Hardy
Jerry Heald
Dan Hogan III
James Hoyt
Bruce Johns
Chris Kelly
Dick Koob
Jacqueline Larabee
Bill L鈥橢cuyer
Matt Magbee
Ivan Martell, Jr.
Lacy McLarry
Nancy McReynolds
Billy Newcomb
Katherine Oarr
Nancy Hodges Van
Ostrom
Woodene Robinson
Betty Seglem
Leonus Lafitte Shedd
Larry Smith
Tiffany Smith
Barbara Smola
John Spear, Jr.
Clara Stephens
Charles Thigpen
Bennie Warner
LouAnne Watson
Virginia Wickizer
John Williamson
Mary Winn
1940s
Charles Wisler, Jr. 鈥�47
1950s
Robert Brazil 鈥�52
Jean Laity Holton 鈥�52
Billie Jo Stansberry 鈥�53
Harry Haines 鈥�54
Bill Conner 鈥�56
Mary Lasseter Herrin 鈥�59
1960s
Don Deaton 鈥�62
Bill Garrison 鈥�62
William Dudley 鈥�63
Jim Godsell 鈥�63
Marvin York 鈥�63
Margaret Cooper
Newendorp 鈥�64, 鈥�79
Suzanne Wallace
Parker 鈥�66, 鈥�71
Gene Gibbons 鈥�67
Edward Goldman 鈥�67, 鈥�71
Timothy Larason 鈥�68
Jimmie Stewart 鈥�68
Jimmy Kutch 鈥�69
1970s
Gary Bachman 鈥�70
Teddy Johnson, Jr. 鈥�70
George Nava, Jr. 鈥�70
Don Richardson 鈥�70
Anna Louise DeWine 鈥�73
Frederick Garcia 鈥�73
John Hannah 鈥�73, 鈥�91
Joseph Nissiotis 鈥�73
Kay Harwood 鈥�75
Gregg Renegar 鈥�75
Larry Willard 鈥�75
Deborah Sanders 鈥�76
Bill Keester 鈥�77
John Gosney 鈥�78
Michael Frame 鈥�79
Daniel Webber 鈥�79
1980s
Roger Jones 鈥�86
Elizabeth Schofield
Wilson 鈥�86
Rusty Hastings 鈥�87
Paulus
Koesoemowidagdo 鈥�87
James Raynor 鈥�87
Rob Whitener III 鈥�87
Fred Tawes III 鈥�88
1990s
Mark Caraway 鈥�90
Michael Thompson 鈥�90
Pat Czerwinski 鈥�91
Joan Lawson 鈥�91
Gary Hunt 鈥�93
Kerry Smith 鈥�98
Meri Whitehead-
Hartpence 鈥�98
2000s
Scott Whitson 鈥�02
