Oklahoma City University News

Holiday Shows are capstone for fall semester

Among its many distinctions, Oklahoma City University has carved out a name for itself in the entertainment world. While Kristin Chenoweth, Chris Harrison, and Kelli O’Hara currently are among the most high-profile graduates, OCU’s music, theater, and dance alumni can be found on film and on stage in venues around the world.
All had their start on stage at OCU.
As the Fall Semester comes to a close, students of the performing arts are preparing for their capstone shows. The performances highlight not only the skills of those on stage but also the work of student set designers, lighting engineers, choreographers, and costume designers.
Four shows are planned:

• “Marriage of Figaro” – Nov. 17-19
• “Noises Off” – Dec. 7-10
• American Spirit Dance Company’s “Home for the Holidays” – Dec. 7-10
• Vespers Service – Dec. 8-9

Tickets for these shows and others are available at www.okcu.edu/main/tickets or the OCU ticket office, 405-208-5227.

Banquet will say thanks in big way

OCU University-Church Relations, Wimberly School of Religion, and OCU Religious Life are teaming up to honor alumni and donors together on Dec. 8.
Each year, the University-Church Relations (UCR) department hosts an appreciation dinner to thank donors who support religion scholarships and campus ministry efforts. Past banquets have culminated in awarding the Bishop Paul W. Milhouse Award to an outstanding United Methodist layperson who has been an ambassador for the university.
This December, the event is being expanded to include two recognitions from the Wimberly School of Religion: the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Rising Star Award.
“The university has traditionally awarded distinguished alumni awards all together at a special banquet in the spring, but this year the colleges are creating their own awards programs and adding additional recognitions,” said Cary Pirrong, director of OCU alumni engagement.
“Events like this will be a way for the schools to showcase for their alumni and supporters the great things that are happening in their corner of the university.”
In addition to the awards, the UCR Recognition Dinner will bring together alumni from the Classes of 1987, 1997, and 2007. Members of those classes who are School of Religion graduates or who were active in the United Methodist Student Fellowship, Kappa Phi, Sigma Theta Epsilon, International Bible Fellowship, Delta Alpha Chi, and the Wesley Center are invited to be a part of the evening.
“This is the first time we are doing reunions outside of alumni weekend,” said Pirrong. “We hope that by bringing everything together on one night, we can create a great event that celebrates accomplishments and rekindles our alumni’s excitement for their alma mater.”
The UCR Recognition Dinner at 6 p.m. on Dec. 8 is scheduled in the Great Hall of the McDaniel Student Center. Tickets, $10 each, are available at www.okcu.edu/ucrdinner.

United Methodist Visit Day- November 30

United Methodist high school students interested in learning more about Oklahoma City University are invited to participate Nov. 30 in a special United Methodist Visit Day. The Thursday event, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., includes opportunities to attend the weekly chapel worship, visit the Wesley Center campus ministry, and more. Registration can be found at www.okcu.edu/admissions/events.