The Daily Oklahoman recently highlighted Oklahoma Christian University in a story about Wi-Fi (wireless netorking).
Click to read it.

"But those who wait on the Lord will find new strength. They will fly on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint." 
Isaiah 40:31

The AlumNews is a weekly newsletter published by the Alumni Relations and Public Relations Office of Oklahoma Christian University
Volume XXXIV
 Number 40
July 31, 2003

Six Faculty Granted Tenure
Six faculty members were recommended to the president for tenure by the Faculty Tenure Committee of the Board of Trustees at its meeting on Friday, July 18.
The faculty members are: Dr. Cami Agan; Dr. John Fletcher; Dr. Don Hebbard; Dr. Robyn Miller; Dr. Paul Varner; and Dr. Eric Gross of Cascade College, OC’s branch campus in Portland, Ore.

"The faculty who were granted tenure by the board of trustees are extraordinarily successful professors, known for their excellent teaching, their scholarship, and their service to the university,” OC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jeanine Varner said. "These are faculty who are clearly committed to the university’s academic and spiritual mission. We’re very proud of them." more..

McKinzie named Associate Director of Public Relations
Oklahoma Christian alumnus Wes McKinzie has returned to his alma mater to serve as the university’s associate director of public relations.

McKinzie most recently served as an account manager for McAuliffe, Norick & Associates, an Oklahoma City-based agency that specializes in advertising, communications and special events.

"We are looking forward to working with Wes." said Kyle Wray, Vice President for Marketing and Enrollment. "He brings a great deal of experience to Oklahoma Christian. His experience and rapport with the local media will help to advance the image of the university." more..

Hermes, Sherrell named employees of the month
John Hermes, Director of Computer and Network Services, was named employee of the month for June. His nomination stated: "John and his team make sure that connections to the campus network and the Internet are always on. John takes his role very seriously and sees his work as one piece of the puzzle that makes OC better than many other schools in Oklahoma as well as better than any of the other Christian colleges and universities. Thanks, John, for all you do for Oklahoma Christian."

John Sherrell was named employee of the month for July. His nomination stated: "The Physical Plant was a tremendous help recently when the Admissions Office relocated.  Everyone was so helpful and cooperative – especially Jon Sherrell.  Not only was he helpful and cooperative, he was always smiling and pleasant – no matter what the task.  He went so far as to volunteer to look in a dumpster for some missing materials when the outside temperature was close to 100 degrees.  In every way, Jon made sure everything was done correctly and in a timely manner.  Thanks, John, for all you do for Oklahoma Christian."

University garners top honors at OCPRA awards
For the second consecutive year, the Oklahoma Christian University marketing office won two first-place awards at the annual Oklahoma Collegiate Public Relations Association conference, capturing three awards overall.

Dawn Shelton, the managing editor of Vision, OC’s alumni magazine, earned first place in the feature writing category for her profile of five OC alumni who work in urban ministry in Memphis, St. Louis and Oklahoma City. In the article, Dr. Harold Shank, Kelliann and Chris Hale, Ginny Coleman and Holly DeBoard shared their faith journeys and struggles in letting God lead them out of their comfort zone into their respective ministries. The feature, “Up Close and Personal,” appeared in the last edition of Vision. more..

Here and There
Five members of the faculty presented papers at the Christain Scholars' Conference on July 17 - 19th. The conference was hosted by Lubbock Christian University:
Dr. Jim Baird, professor of Bible and philosophy, presented, "Evolution and Proper Function: Plantinga's Anti-evolutionary Epistemology."
Dr. Dudley Chancey, associate professor of youth ministry, presented "Involving Parents of Teens in Youth Ministrey: The Survey Says..."
Chancey and Baird presented "Can We predict?: A comparison of 1600 Church of Christ High School Teens with Freshmen at OC"
Dr. Don Drew, associate professor of business, presented "Church of Christ Faculty: A Family Portrait."
Dr. Penny Eubank, associate professor of communication, presented "From Gardening to Combat: Metaphors Faculty Use to Talk About Their Work."

Dr. Wayne Whaley, professor of mechanical engineering, was recently featured in the Daily Oklahoman for his work on high-cycle aircraft engine fatigue. Click to read the article.

Catch up with OC alumni in the most recent Milestones that have been posted on the  web. Click here to view Milestones.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

Please lift in prayer ...
The leaders of our nation and our troops.
Our University.

New Requests
Leslie Aldridge, daughter of Bob Aldridge, locksmith in the Physical Plant, had jaw and face surgery on Monday. She is at home doing well.

Cristi Cole's father is having health problems.

The father-in-law of Diana Wood, secretary in the School of Education. Mr. Wood is gravely ill.

Updates
Stan Green, sports information director, is at home recovering from triple bypass surgery. The doctors say he is doing very well.

Mike McDonald, vice president for alumni relations, post-cancer. Mike has no more tumors in his lungs. He is continuing treatment to ensure they do not reappear.

Erik Tryggestad's father, Thomas Tryggestad of Macon, Georgia, who is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma at University of Alabama at Birmingham. He will undergo a stem-cell transplant in August.

Dr. John Vincent’s wife, Marcia is undergoing chemotherapy. Marcia had surgery for breast cancer at the end of June.

Maxine Shumate, mother-in-law of Dick Mock, retired professor and administator. Maxine is also Kyle Wray's aunt. She is recovering from a serious illness and surgery.

Continue to Remember
Gordon Wray, father of Kyle Wray.  Mr. Wray is battling continuing health problems brought on by multiple sclerosis.

John Lamkin, electrician in the physical plant, remains at home recovering from back surgery. John's home address is RR. 1, Box 115-E, Wellston, OK 74881.

David Goin, husband of Sandy Goin, payroll clerk, continues recovering at home from neck surgery.

Dr. John Thompson, professor of history, continuing health problems.

Dr. Marilyn Lewis, recovering from a second knee replacement surgery.

Pam Ferguson's mother, Peggy Cowert, who recently suffered a serious stroke and is recovering at home after rehab at Southwestern Medical Center.

To see the previous issue of AlumNews, click here.

Send your AlumNews items to Rebekah Kite.