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Fletcher Center for Music Dedication Ceremony
On Friday, March 4, 2005, Oklahoma Christian University (OC) dedicated the Harold and Mary Helon Fletcher Center for Music.
Harold Fletcher, composer of the school’s alma mater, was a member of OC’s faculty from the institution’s inaugural year in 1950 (as Central Christian College in Bartlesville) until his retirement in 1993. He taught music history, literature and theory, directed the university’s Chorale, and wrote and directed many of its musicals. He also was an ardent advocate of civil rights and human rights on the OC campus in the 1960s.
Fletcher’s wife, Mary Helon, served as a piano instructor at Oklahoma Christian for many years. She passed away in 2001. Their son, Dr. John Fletcher, currently chairs the university’s Department of Music and directs the Symphonic Band.
Family, friends and admirers of the Fletchers are funding the endowment in their honor. The endowment will support Oklahoma Christian University and its Department of Music - funding music scholarships, activities and programs, as well as the maintenance, furnishing and general upkeep of the music facilities which now bear the Fletchers’ names.
Click on the links below for the complete news release and for high-resolution photos of the Fletchers and from the ceremony.
University dedicates Fletcher Center for Music (Official university news release)
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L to R:
Dr. John Fletcher, chair of OC's Department of Music, son of Harold and Mary Helon Fletcher
Charles McAnulty, brother of the late Mary Helon Fletcher
Sylvia Hurst, daughter of Harold and Mary Helon Fletcher
Dr. Harold Fletcher
Alicia Burch, daughter of Harold and Mary Helon Fletcher
Dr. Mike O'Neal, president of Oklahoma Christian University
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fletcher_podium
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fletchers_playing_piano
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Faculty Facts
Dr. Holly Osburn, Professor of Psychology, is interested in women in the workplace, leadership, and organizational conflict. Dr. Osburn enjoys working with her students and has several favorite memories from OC. "I met my husband here--that's probably the best. Also, I still have very close friends from here."
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