Connection Vol. LXVI No. 2 - Summer 2014

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Oakland City University Alumni Association Volume LXVI | Number 2 | Summer 2014

Founded by General Baptists in 1885

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Volume LXVI | Number 2

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Inside This Issue & Alumni News

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Have you paid your 2014 dues?Your support makes it possible for the Alumni Relations Office to function. Please mail your dues in today, or go to www.oak.edu > Alumni & Friends > Pay Alumni Dues. Use the form below and the enclosed envelope to send in your dues. Thank you so much!

With a minimum gift of $25, you become an active member of the OCU Alumni Association. Here‘s how to get connected: Check one of the following categories of member-ship and return this form with Check or Credit Card information.

$25 Silver Acorn Society

$50 Golden Acorn Society*

$100 Platinum Acorn Society*

$250 Silver Oak Society*

$500 Golden Oak Society*

$1000 Living Oak Society*

*Can be Individual or Couple

Name: How do you want your name listed for publication?

Class Year:Address: City/State/Zip: Check Enclosed Pay By Credit Card: AMEX DISC VISA Card #:Exp date:

Alumni NewsAlumni Assoc. Membership Dues Form2014 Alumni Association MembersHelp OCU get a Specialty Plate2015 Alumni Directory in ProgressLiving Oak Lifetime MembersPassagesWho Will Fill Their Shoes?Catching Up with Ora JohnsonLarry & Alta DavisAlumni NewsCatching up with Renee MajorsFive Generations of Whittens2014 Alumni Luncheon HighlightsPetition for License Plate

The Rev. Bill and Mrs. Ruby (Gunter) Duncan celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary March 1. The Rev. Duncan received his bachelor degree and was a graduate of Oakland City University in l958. He

received a masters degree from SIU Carbondale, and a Honorary Doctorate from Oakland City University in 2005.

He taught school for 28 years and pastored General Baptist churches for over 50 years. The Duncan’s have three children; Carole (Jerry) Robbins of Tampa, Florida; Donna (James) Fish of Villa Grove, Ill. and Billie K. (Donna Kay) Duncan of Newbern, Tenn. They have seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Introducing Hunter Robert Magruder Born: 4/21/2014 at 9:19am 8lbs 15oz 23 1/2 inches long Parents: Brent (OCU class of 2007 and 2010) and Jessica Magruder

Louie ‘98 and Melissa Richardson welcomed their baby girl on July 1. Her name is Anna Grace Richardson, she was 7 pounds and 5 ounces. The Richardsons reside in Salisbury, MD.

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2013 Alumni Association MembersSILVER ACORNJudy Ainscough

Peggy Albin

Robert Allen

Jeanne Angermeier

Jon Barclay

Wayne Benton

Ronnie & Sandy Black

Wendell Brown

Luann Buck

Terry Byrns

Phyllis Casson

Randall Chapman

Janice Craig

Paul Danner

James Dean

Mary Denneau

May Lou Douglas

Elizabeth Dunlap

Jack Eberhardt

Hugh Eskew

Joseph Evans

Owen Fair

Connie Ford

Bryan & Gwen Fulk

Robert Gentil

Harry Goerlitz

Robyn Goins

Judith Griesemer

Nancy Griffith

Derrick Helton

Paul Henager

Helen Horton

Victoria Hulsey

Evelyn Johnson

Larry Johnson

Teresa Johnson

James Julian

Mary Kitchell

Harry Knotts

Diane Lawyer

Edna Mahon

Robert Maxey

Carolyn McGehee

Judy McGillem

Shannon McKinney

Danny McQuay

Robert Meier

Elaine Meyer

Helen Meyer

Wanda L. Harper Miedma

Billie Jo Murphy

Tanya Nauyoks

John Oexman

Diane Heavener Paul

Marlene Pennington

Valada Raber

Lois Raisor

Lonnie Reid

James G. Ruggles

Franklin Sablan

Janet Shoultz

Timothy Simmons

Richard Smith

Thomas Steczyk

Del Steinhart

Norma Stephenson

Opal Stevens

Keith Sullivan

Mary Tubbs

S. Ruth Wilson White

Anthony Wigand

Steven Williams

Elvis O. Wilson

Sherry Wrinn

Harriet Zweifel

GOLDEN ACORNCharlotte Barnard

Barbara Black-Antrim

Dwight & Brenda Bland

Marinda Bliss

Eldon Butcher

Allan & Shirley

Crecelius

Roger Davis

Marie Doud

Gary Duncan

Carl Fowler

Iona Froman

Bryan Fulk

Ronald & Diana Bammer Galyen

Gail Geurin

C. Keith & Saundra Gore

Phyllis Greenlee

Sandra & Keith Gore

Karen Hales

Roger Hall

Eugene Hardin

Vianna Hastie

Lucille Head-Hammond

Lester Howard

Harold Hughes

Druscilla Pettyjohn Legg

Jim & Linda Lindauer

Carolyn Listner

Carolyn Malin

Dillard McKinney

Glenn Menke

David & Vera

Middleton

Robert & Jeannine Moore

Bonnie Nash

Karen Patton

Jarvis Reed

Royce Schanda

Rick Shamblin

Betty Shirley

Stan & Vicky Shoultz

Frank Sifford

John & Gladys Sloan

Frank Siffford

John Sloan

Forrestine Spence Payne

Glen Spence

Mike & Liz Warren

Rosemary Weathers

Ray Winkler

Ralph Wirthwein

PLATINUM ACORNCarrie Bellamy

Jan Blackburn

Charles Brauser

Dawnelle Brown

Norma Callis

Vernon Deutsch

Billie Duncan

Dianne Elmore

Carl Fowler

Janna Butler Graves

Darrell Hacker

Donald Harris

Donald Hazleton

Carl & Jessie Hulfachor

Larry & Sandra Martin

Louie Medlin

Charles Mills

Ray Phelps

William Ping

Daniel Ryan

Jack & Jane Tichenor

Joe Todrank

Rhonda Veen

Brenda Waddle

Eric Walker

David & Judy Whitten

Linda Wilson

Charles & Mary Wood

SILVER OAKLinda Lightbourne

William Marshall

Byron Songer

Floyd Vieth

GOLDEN OAKTerry L. & Gary Barrett

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Sign The Petition Today

Oakland City University needs your assistance with our Special Group Recognition License Plate Application to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Along with the University’s application to the state of Indiana, we must garner five hundred (500) petition signatures of individuals who pledge to purchase the OCU license plate.

An OCU license plate will be a great way to show your pride. Plates will be available directly from any Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles office for just $40 (in addition to your regular vehicular fees), which includes a $25 tax-deductible contribution that will support the Oakland City University Alumni Association.

If you would be interested in purchasing a license plate if/when they become available, visit campus, or our website to download and sign the petition. Printed forms are available on the main campus at the Offices of Advancement & Alumni Relations located in the Foundation building, the main desk at the Murray Administration Center, the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Office of Campus Life located in the Bower-Suhrheinrich Student Life Center.

You may also print out the form online and return the form to:

Offices of Advancement & Alumni Relations c/o OCU Specialty License Plate Application 138 N. Lucretia Street Oakland City, IN 47660

Be sure YOU are included In the coming months, the Alumni Relations Office will be partnering with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to produce the 2015 OCU Alumni Directory. We do this every five years. This is a major project that cannot be successful without the input and cooperation of our OCU alumni. You will be asked to update your information regarding your address, employment, email, cell phone and class year. The Alumni Relations Office uses this directory everyday. When an alum calls or emails because they are trying to find a former classmate, the first place we check is the directory. It is one of the most valuable tools we have. It is important to verify your information even if you did not receive a degree from OCU. You are considered an alumnus after completing one semester at OCU.

When you are contacted by OCU via PCI, please help us update your information. All your information is secure. PCI does not share the info with any other individual or agency. PCI comes very highly recommended and they have partnered with schools all over the country to produce the most accurate, easy-to-use alumni directory. When you are contacted, you will be given the opportunity to order a directory for your own personal use. This transaction is between you and PCI. The OCU Alumni Relations Office does not sell or profit from the sale of the directories. The sales support PCI’s investment in creating the directory. PCI will process all aspects of your order, should you decide to purchase a directory. Please help us make this the best directory ever by furnishing your information when contacted by PCI.

For an OCU Specialty License Plate

in the 2015 Alumni Directory

You have the hat.You have the shirt.

Now get the License Plate.

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Living Oak Lifetime MembersDeena J. Ahaus-Lewis

Jerry L. & Pam Aigner

Jeannie Anson

Mr. & Mrs. Brian Baker

Dr. & Mrs. Ray Barber

Robert A. Bean

Patricia M. Berbeco

Angela (Shelton) Blackburn

Anthony & Belena Brantley

Rev. Fred J. Brittain

Drs. Wayne & Edna Brumfield

Phillip & Sharen Buyher

Lewis R. Clark

Wendy J. Colglazier

Laura Conklin

Terry L. Crane

Todd E. Culley

Mr. & Mrs. Wendell Daugherty

Daniel D. Ditzer

Dr. Bob & Norma Doane

Dr. & Mrs. Leland Duncan

Dr. & Mrs. Wallace Duncan

Mrs. Lennetta Burl Ellis

Charles Howard Ellis

Terry & Marilyn Enlow

Joe Fielden

A. J. Ford

Rose Gwaltney Fritz

Wanda J. Gardner

Drs. Charles & Jean Glasgow

Carol J. Graf

Dr.& Mrs. Darroll & Savanah Hargraves

Dr. William Hasselbrink

Dr. Donna S. Hazelwood

Norma Sue Hazelwood

Cynthia A. Helton

Dr. & Mrs. Darrell W. Hillhouse

Kelly Wilder Hopper

Dr. Carol Davidson Horne

Sen. Lindel O. Hume

Dr. & Mrs. T.R. & Amelia Hunley

Robert & Bette Jo Georges Hunt

Marion R. & Janet S. James

Dr. Leroy Jolly

Dr.& Mrs. James & Eddi Marie Evans Julian

Charles & Rita Knight

Mathew J. Konkler

Rev. C. Glen Lashley

Janice Loveless

Antonia Babauta Lyzenga

Dr. Riley & Violet L. Mathias

Mr. & Mrs. Melvin & Janice Menke

Lou R. Meuche

Gerald W. & Betty W. Montgomery

Dr. Rae Murray

Jean Carnahan Murray

Michael J. Murray

Mrs. Marlene S. Nalley

Glenn B. Nulty

Marsha Orth

Dennie Oxley

Janet A. Parrish

Dr. Gary L. Phillips

Mrs. Judy Black Phillips

Dr. James & Mrs. Kristina Pratt

Gary & Donna Vilet Pruett

Becky T. Richeson

Arvin & Rosina Nance Roberson

Dr. Cecil J. & Lois Robertson

Coaina M. & Rod Rosenbury

Diana Sablan

Michael & Nancy Scherschel

Rev. Billy Secoy

Russell & Judith Stephens Simpson

J. Eloise Stockinger Smith

Jeanette Turner Smith

John Snyder

Larry L. Sparks

Bill & Sharen Spencer

Dr. Patricia A. Swails

Joshua Steele

Rev. Michael W. Tooley

Elaine Trafton

Floyd & Karen Vieth, Jr.

Gerald & Elizabeth Weber *

Dr. & Mrs. Charles R. & Carolyn M. White

Richard Whiting

Drs. Don K. & Mary Ann Wilder

Dr. & Mrs. Curtis Yarbrough

Mrs. Joy Yeager

Dr. Robert Yeager

If your name is appearing incorrectly, please call 812-749-1226 with the correction for the next issue.*Designates a new Living Oak Member added since the last issue.

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Passages... Remembering our Alums & Friends

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Theodore R. “Ted” Hunley, a retired U.S. Naval Dental Officer and professor at Georgetown University and Indiana University, who helped advance the new field of preventive dentistry for the military and the state of Indiana, died of heart failure on January 16, 2014 at his Spencer home. He was 96. Born in rural Pike County, Indiana, he lived and traveled

throughout the United States as his professional assignments required, before retiring back to his native Indiana in 1978. He earned his undergraduate degree with honors from Oakland City College (now University), leading to his first career as a high school teacher in Evansville and Freedom, where he met an attractive young woman named Mim Royer of Spencer. They celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary last November. Dr. Hunley earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery in 1945 from Saint Louis University with Who’s Who Among American Students and Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Fraternity Honors and recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from The American College of Dentistry for 50 years as a Fellow. Oakland City University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Science in 1980 for his many contributions to the Alumni Board and Association. Dr. Hunley practiced dentistry in Evansville and Spencer early in his career. While in Spencer (1954-1956), he knew of the early clinical trials with fluoride toothpaste at IU and convinced them to bring the program to the local public schools where students were given free toothpaste in plain white tubes along with periodic fluoride treatments. But, the U.S. Navy gave him a chance to travel and “see the world.” During his 23 years of active duty, his tours took him and his family to every part of the country, from Great Lakes, Illinois to Jacksonville, Florida; from Newport, Rhode Island, to Long Beach, California, and more. Sea duty on the USS Coral Sea and the USS Worcester carried him throughout the Mediterranean Sea and the Pacific, respectively, serving as the source for the vast slide collection that he enjoyed sharing in informal and entertaining poetry readings in his retirement. “Daddy loved to travel and sightsee. From coast to coast, we stopped at every national park, state park and nature center he could find. He and Mother traveled well into their 90’s, with front row seats at the Brown County Community Theatre

where everyone knew them by name,” said his daughter, Susan. “His insatiable curiosity and love of knowledge made him a killer arm-chair champion on Jeopardy.” In 1960, Dr. Hunley was the first Naval Dental Officer to attend the Command & Staff course at the Naval War College in Newport. And, from 1960 to 1966, while at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, he had additional duty at the White House during the Kennedy/Johnson years. He recounted fondly meeting Mrs. Johnson on more than one occasion, adding that she was wonderfully warm and gracious. This assignment also required regular helicopter flights to Camp David, the presidential retreat near Gettysburg, where he established and operated a dental service for the staff. The years in Bethesda combined two of his greatest passions – teaching and the art of dentistry – and gave him the opportunity to develop correspondence courses and training films and to lecture extensively nationwide in his specialty of restorative dentistry. Following Commanding Officer positions at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Newport, Rhode Island, Dr. Hunley retired as a Captain in 1970, receiving letters of commendation from the Navy, the Marine Corps and the White House. He and his wife returned to Maryland, where he joined the faculty at Georgetown University’s School of Dentistry as Chair of the Department of Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Planning and Director of Continuing Education until his second retirement in 1978. Finding himself “back home in Indiana,” he continued to teach young, aspiring dentists as Professor of Operative Dentistry, part time, at the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis. Throughout his career, he had a profound influence on his students, his dental technicians and his junior officers, who valued his professionalism, astute guidance, and commitment to excellence in the field. Many have remained

Theodore R. Hunley, DDS

Our Alumni Office Mascot Bear proudly

wears Dr. Ted Hunley’s OCC Letter Sweater. We

will miss you, Papa Bear.

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close friends decades later. “He certainly is the reason that I am where I am today,” remarked Dr. Richard Finger of Athens, Georgia, who served with Dr. Hunley at Camp Lejeune. “He was a gentleman’s gentleman; a professional’s professional; a friend’s friend. There is no way to describe the influence that he has had on the many, many people who worked with him.” In his third and last retirement, Dr. Hunley served his community faithfully: Elder of the Spencer Presbyterian Church, Alumni Board of Oakland City College, Advisory Council of Bloomington Hospital, Spencer Lions Club, American Legion and Masonic Lodge, as well as the Indiana University Varsity Club. He continued to pursue his lifelong loves of gardening, bird watching, traveling, and boating and fishing – from deep sea to farm pond. In addition to his wife and daughter, he is survived by two additional daughters, Patricia Andrews of Louisville, Kentucky, and Mary Jane Rice of Boone, North Carolina; one son, David Hunley of Doylestown, Pennsylvania; and their spouses; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. “Such a wonderful guy. He was truly remarkable,” said Larry Morley, husband of niece Cathy Hogan Morley. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the Scholarship Fund, Oakland City University, Oakland City, IN 47660.

Bryan Parnell passed away on April 14th at the age of 84. Bryan was born in 1929 in Dearing, Missouri to Lester and Bes-sie Parnell. During the Second World War Bryan’s family moved to St. Louis to work in the munitions plants. As a boy he helped his family overcome the tough economic times by selling news papers. When he became old enough he moved from the St. Louis street corners to the

aisles at Sportsman’s Park working as a vendor for the St. Lou-is Browns and the St. Louis Cardinals. His work ethic gave him the opportunity to work every home game for both ball clubs in those years and this experience culminated in his being able to vend during the All St. Louis World Series in 1944.

He graduated from Soldan High School in 1945 as an out-standing music student. Bryan’s love for music would forever be the foundation upon which his life was built and propelled him to attend college at South East Missouri State where he was a member of the band. It was Bryan’s love of music that eventually led him to find the love of his life, Mary Ellen Middle-

ton. A love story that lasted over six decades affectionately began with a disagreement over how a certain note was played on the French horn. Appropriately enough, the music director confirmed both were right.

In 1963 Bryan moved on to Oakland City College in southern Indiana to help build the music department for the small Baptist bible college. In the span of ten years, Bryan went from Music Director, to Department Chair, to Chairman of the Fine Arts De-partment, to Academic Dean. Bryan was then recruited by the President of Wabash Valley College in Illinois to create a new fine arts division and was an integral part of implementing sev-eral programs that promoted music in the community. In 1979, he was selected as acting President for the College.

Donald Jerry Skinner, 81, of Vincennes, IN entered into rest on Thursday April 24, 2014.

He was born on August 23, 1932 in Spur-geon, IN to Floyd and Geneva Leota (Singleton) Skinner. Don graduated from Oakland City University in 1953 and be-gan his career in education. Don was in the education field for 45 years serving

as Principal at Bicknell High School and Guidance Director at North Knox High School. He is survived by his wife of 9 years: Alice (Bertram) Skinner of Vincennes, IN. A daughter, Susan ‘77 (Mark) Becher; son, D.J. Skinner ‘91 and brother Jack Skinner.

On June 4th, 2014, L. Paul Henager passed away at his residence. Paul was born on February 7, 1926, in Arthur, Indi-ana, to Franklin and Gusta Henager. At the age of 17 he joined the Navy where he saw action in the Pacific during World War II. While on leave after his ship was damaged, Paul came home and asked his high school sweetheart, Mildred ‘45, to marry him. Four days later on Decem-

ber 28, 1944, they did just that. After serving his country, Paul graduated from Oakland City University in 1952 and became a teacher. His teaching career began at Woodlawn High School. He and Mildred came to Mt. Carmel in 1954, where Paul be-gan the process of impacting young lives in Mt. Carmel. He re-tired from MCHS in 1990 after 36 years as a business teacher and guidance counselor. Paul served 38 years as deacon of First General Baptist Church in Mt. Carmel before becoming

Bryan L. Parnell

Donald J. Skinner, Sr. ‘53

L. Paul Henager ‘52


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Passages... Remembering our Alums & Friendsan honorary deacon in 2002. He was a member of Gideon’s, American Legion and VFW.

He is survived by his four children, son, Alan Henager (Ruth Ann), daughter, Myra Webb ’80 (Gary), daughter, Melody Glick (companion Denny Martz) and son, Gregg Henager (Yvette 2001); eight grandchildren, Eric Henager (Alicia), Aar-on Henager (Malissa), Curtis Webb (Hillary), Heather Kirchoff (Brian), Travis Glick (Jenn), Darin Glick, Danielle Trapp (Bob), and Kylee Henager. Paul was blessed with 14 great-grandchil-dren.

William M. “Bill” Slatton 80, of Elnora passed away February 11, 2014 at Ketchum Memorial Center. He was born June 16, 1933 to the late Ralph and Flor-ence (Miller) Slatton in Daviess County. On May 22, 1964 Bill was married to Mar-ilyn (Mallett) Slatton and she survives.

Bill Graduated from Plainville High School in 1951. He then served in the U.S. Army

for two years. He later graduated in 1960 with a B.S. degree from Oakland City College where he played both basketball and baseball. He then received his M.S. degree from Indiana State University. Bill then began his thirty-three year teaching and coaching career at Elnora High School.

Bill was active in Army base baseball teams during his service time and also played several years for the Washington Grays Semi-Pro Baseball Team. In 1968 Bill became the first basket-ball coach at North Daviess High School; where he proudly served the youth of the North Daviess Community until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of Parkview Christian Church where he served as trustee.In Lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to North Daviess Dollars for Scholar’s (Bill Slatton Memorial Scholar-ship Fund) C/O First National Bank of Odon, 501 W. Main St. Odon, IN 47562 or Friends for Animals 213 S. 200 W. Wash-ington, IN 47501.

John Max Hochstetler died Aug. 20, 2013, in Punta Gorda, Fla. Born April 14, 1929, in Clay City, he was the son of the late Harry Hobson and Hazel Margaret Hochstetler. He gradu-ated in 1956 from Oakland City College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education, physical education and history, earned a Master of Science degree in education in 1961 at Butler University and earned an Educational Specialist degree from Indiana University (Bloomington). He retired in 1991 as a

school administrator for Orange County (Fla.) Public Schools and moved to Punta Gorda. He was a member of First Method-ist Church of Punta Gorda and of the Masonic Lodge in Fred-ericksburg.

Leslie Curtis “Curt” Gilstrap, 57, died February 2, 2014, at his residence. Born June 2, 1956, in Bedford, he was the son of Leo and Marion (Rocek) Gilstrap. He married Susie D. Taylor March 19, 1983.

Curt had been employed at CPI, Paoli Inc., and Cook Inc. He graduated from Orleans High School in 1974. He attend-ed University of Louisville on a full bas-

ketball scholarship, played for Denny Crum, and was voted the most valuable player his freshman year. He played basketball for Charles Trafton at Oakland City University and graduated in 1978. He became a member of the Alaska Northern Knights professional basketball team.

Curt was rich in friends and was poor in nothing. He loved being outdoors and helping everyone in every way his body would allow. His true loves were his wife of 31 years and his three precious granddaughters. He was big in stature and heart. He is survived by his wife, Susie, three children and three grandchildren.

Mariella Godfrey Hull, 95, of Patoka passed away Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at St Mary’s Hospital in Evansville. She was born October 7, 1918 to Charles Godfrey and Mary (Anthis) Godfrey in Knox Coun-ty, Indiana. She met John Floyd Hull, Jr. at Sloan’s Café in Patoka, and married him in 1942. Mariella was a graduate of Vincennes

University and Oakland City University and received her Mas-ters in Elementary Education from the University of Evansville in 1972. She taught elementary school for 33 years. She re-tired in 1983. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi, Gibson General Auxiliary, Order of Eastern Star, Gibson County Re-tired Teachers Association, and Indiana State Teachers Asso-ciation. She was a long-standing member of the Patoka United Methodist Church.

She very much enjoyed visiting with her former co-workers, her many former students, her friends from church, and seeing

William M. “bill” Slatton ‘60

Mariella G. Hull ‘57

Leslie Curtis Glistrap ‘78

John Max Hochstetler ‘56

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her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to travel. Her favorite trips were to Russia with her grandson, and to the Canary Islands, where she rode a camel. She took pleasure in buying small gifts for her grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor, and when asked by a reporter who she would most hate to be left in a room with, she responded “a mortician”. Her biggest regret was retiring too soon, and her motto was “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened, and stay alive as long as you live”. Her family, friends, church, and volunteer work were of the utmost importance to her. Her request for her epitaph: “There is more that I wanted to do!”

Mary Margaret Sloan, 98, of Evansville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 13, 2014. She was born June 9, 1916, to the late Cyrus and Minnie (Greer) Owens. Mary was a member of Westwood Baptist Church where she served as a children’s Sunday School teacher for many years, a prayer partner for several missionar-ies, and member of Evergreen Missionary Society. For many years she served as a

volunteer at Welborn Hospital. Her children, grandchildren, and their spouses were a great joy in her life. Many will remem-ber her as Dorm Mother for Brokaw Hall during the 1960’s and 70’s.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Ruth Deller of Evansville; sons, Ben (Patty) Sloan and John ‘66 (Gladys) Sloan of New-burgh; grandchildren, Tim (Cathy) Deller of Evansville, Cheryl (Larry) Shoptaw of Newburgh, Laura (Phil) Allen of New York, Greg (Le’Ann) Sloan of Evansville, Angela (Brian) Cook of Evansville, Renee (Kevin) Heil of Newburgh, Pastor Rodney ’97 (Brandy) Sloan of Boonville, 18 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Bette Keasling, 86, of Oakland City, died June 3, 2014. She was a life-long resident of Oakland City and a member of the Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Mrs. Keasling taught at Francisco Elementary School for fifteen years and enjoyed serving many years on the Oakland City Public Library Board. She was an avid reader, bridge player, and traveler. Bette was also active in many organizations and clubs. Pre-ceding her in death was her husband of 51 years, Jack Keas-ling ‘50.

Survivors include her daughters, Cristie and Jean , along with their families including five grandchildren. Bette was blessed with many good friends.

Reverend Mervin R. Burroughs, 81, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2014. He was born December 11, 1932, in Mill Shoals, Illinois, the son of Arthur and Cumae (Tate) Burroughs. Mervin served his country during the Ko-rean Conflict in the U.S. Army Signal Corp. On September 30, 1950, Mervin married Margaret Ann Knight in Wayne County, Illinois. He farmed in White County until

1966. He then went to Oakland City College graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. In 1971, Mervin and the family moved to Mt. Carmel to begin his duties as administrator at the day care for First Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Mervin pastored thirty five years beginning at the Concord General Baptist Church in White County, Illinois; the Mt. Tabor General Baptist Church in Fran-cisco, Indiana; the First General Baptist Church in Mt. Carmel, Illinois; the Wabash Presbyterian Church in Orio, Illinois; the Allendale United Methodist Church and the St. Francisville Methodist Church. He was a meticulous carpenter, loved play-ing tennis, had a passion for photography, and played a mean harmonica. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret; two daughters, Vicki ’76 (David) Litherland and Teresa (Tom) Beuligmann.

Dr. Charles R. White, 84, of Oakland City passed away February 15, 2014. Charles was born on November 28, 1929 in Oak-land City to Luther and Agnes (Herbert) White, both deceased. He had lived in Alaska coming back and forth to Indiana and Illinois before settling in Oakland City. Charles taught psychology, later became an Educational Superintendent and also served as Director of SIEC. He was a Mas-

ter Gardener in Indi-ana and Alaska and also grew strawber-ries as a U-pick business in Oakland City. He was a member of the Oakland City Kiwanis and Lions Clubs, and a member of the General Baptist Church of Oakland City, where he served in many positions.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn White; daughter, Rene (Cal) Johnson of Dillingham, Alaska; son Quentin (Tami) White of Oakland City; two sisters, Joyce Harbison and Janie Lou Birch; three grandchildren, Matthew A. White, Tyler White and Kalie Rae White.

Mary Margaret Sloan

Bette Keasling ‘67

Reverend Mervin R. Burroughs ‘70

Dr. Charles R. White ‘52

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Thelma “Camille” Simpson, 82, passed away Sunday, January 19, 2014. Camille was born October 12, 1931 in Boxville, KY, the daughter of Alvah I. and Jessie (Russell) Wood. She was married to the late Willis (Simp) Simpson for 46 years, (former coach at Oakland City College). She graduated from Lockyear’s Business College and worked at Wright Tax Busi-ness and S.J.L.S. in her later years. In

1983 Camille became a very proud Kentucky Colonel under Governor John Y. Brown for her service to young people. She was a charter member of the Pink Ladies at Wirth Hospital in Oakland City, a member of the College Women’s Club at Oakland City College and a 4H Club leader. In Providence KY she and Simp were very active in the First Christian Church where she held many different positions. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed life and her many friends and family. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Willis “Simp” Simpson and a sister Mildred Watson. Survivors include: her daughter: Becky Holder ‘77 and husband David of Elberfield, IN ; sons: Kelly Simpson ‘76 and wife Judy of Georgetown, IN J.R. “Rusty” Simpson and wife Becky of Dallas, TX . A sister, Dorothy King and brother, Russell Wood both of Evansville, IN. Seven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. The family is requesting that dona-tions be made to the Willis B. & Camille Simpson Scholarship Fund at Oakland City University, 138 North Lucretia St. Oak-land City, IN 47660.

Steven Earl Luhring, 67, was born No-vember 12, 1946. He passed away at his home on January 10, 2014 after battling a brain tumor. Steve was born to Ruth (Mor-ris) and Victor H. Luhring in Haubstadt, IN. Steve married Charlotte Niethammer on June 11, 1969 at Salem UCC in Darm-stadt, IN. In addition to his wife, he is sur-vived by sons, Victor A. Luhring of Evans-ville, IN, and Brandon (Jamie) Luhring

of Haubstadt, IN; grandchildren, Kelton Leo, Isla Rose, baby boy Luhring; and one sister, Barbara Whybark of Carmi, IL. He graduated from Haubstadt High School in 1964. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968 from Oakland City Col-lege. In September of 1971 he earned a Master of Science in Education from Indiana University. Steve started his career teaching at Caze Elementary School and later took up farming full time.

Rev. Dr. Virgil Roy Lee Fry, 81, passed away early morning on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Morrison Woods in Mun-cie. Virgil was born on the family farm on November 20, 1932 in Wasola, MO to Louin and M. Delsa (Coonts) Fry. Devoting his life to spreading the word of God, through education and preaching, he was a Bible scholar who published

many articles. He graduated from Ava High School. Served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, stationed at Osan, Korea, obtaining the rank of Corporal. He was ordained by the Gen-eral Baptist in 1956. He graduated summa cum laude in 1959 with a BA in Religious Studies and English from Oakland City University. From Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Virgil earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 1964, Masters in Theology in 1967 and a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament studies in 1974. During this time, he pastored several different churches. On August 24, 1956 at Ditney Ridge Church near Carmi, IL, he married E. Kathryn Chapman. They were married for 50 years. Virgil taught New Testament studies and Greek at Oakland City University from 1967 to 1976 and at Huntington University from 1976 to 1987. He went on to pastor churches in Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio. During this time, he and his wife began a clown min-istry of “Cornbread & Kathy”, performing at churches, nursing homes and other special events. He retired from ministry in 1997.

David Robert Kast, 62, of Evansville, passed away January 19, 2014, at his home. David was born August 27, 1951, in Ann Arbor, MI, to Casper and Eleanor (Clark) Kast. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resources from Uni-versity of Michigan, a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from University of Evansville and a Master’s Degree of Di-vinity from Oakland City University. David

was the former president of Bethel Sanitarium and an admin-istrator of Bethel Manor for many years. David was a beloved Chaplain at Deaconess Gateway Hospital and was an elder at Evansville First Seventh Day Adventist Church. He loved gardening and was a master gardener. He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Cheryl (Crane) Kast; daughters, Me-lissa Kast, of Atlanta, Ga., and Alison Kast, of Evansville.

Steven Earl Luhring ‘68

Camille Simpson Rev. Dr. Virgil Fry

David R. Kast ‘09

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Roger W. Heckler, 76, of Carmi, passed away at 7:37 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL. He was born April 23, 1937 in Flat Rock, IL the son of Roger Voyle and Viola Evelyn (Groff) Heckler. Roger married Ilene Mae Kloepper at Northside Baptist Church in Grayville on June 19, 1960 and she survives. Roger and Ilene were dedicated phonathon volunteers for

many years and continued to support OCU when they could no longer volunteer.

Roger graduated in 1955 from Crossville High School and went on to receive his Bachelors Degree from Oakland City Univer-sity in 1961, his Masters Degree from Indiana St. University in 1966 and his Administration Degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He was also a 1964 graduate of the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science, a licensed funeral direc-tor and embalmer for more than 40 years and assisted many local funeral homes. Roger retired in 1993 after 38 years in the field of education. He served as a teacher at Lincoln and Jef-ferson Schools in Carmi, principal at Lincoln School, assistant superintendent at New Hope and superintendent of schools at Crossville, Mill Shoals, and New Hope.

Dewey J. Burden, 82, of Evansville, passed away Monday, April 28, 2014.

Dewey was born March 7, 1932, to Ever-ett and Mary Burden of Caneyville, Ky. He graduated from Rockport High School in 1950 and married Charlcie Johnson Oct. 9, 1950, and served in the U.S. Air Force from 1952 to 1956. During his service, he decided to go back to school and gradu-

ated from Oakland City University in 1960.

Dewey faithfully served his savior Jesus Christ and pastored churches in Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. He also taught school in Kentucky and Tennessee. In 1968, he formed Continental Management Corp., an insurance agency, for life and health insurance and remained in the business until his retirement in 2000. He served as trustee of Oakland City Uni-versity for six years and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities in 1989.

Charles Robert “Chuck” Cochren Jr. 48, of Bloomington passed away peacefully surrounded by many of his family and friends Saturday, July 5, 2014 in Bloom-ington. Born, February 4, 1966 in Princ-eton, IN, he was the son of Charles Rob-ert Cochren Sr. and Daphne J. (Hanebutt) Cochren. Chuck was a 1984 graduate of Wood Memorial High School in Oakland City where he was a standout basketball player. He attended Rend Lake Junior

College, Arkansas State University and Oakland City College graduating in 1989. He played basketball at all three colleges. He was a member of the Sherwood Oaks Christian Church in Bloomington. Chuck was a loving husband, father, brother and son who enjoyed playing golf, watching Indiana Univer-sity sports, attending his children’s sporting events and loving his bulldogs. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Natalie A. Cochren, his daughter, Kaiti of Evansville, his sons, Cam, Jack and Bo all of Bloomington, his parents, two sisters, Kim Thom-as of Ellettsville, Kristen Sigman ‘89 (Kevin ‘89) of Chaffee, MO and several nieces and nephews.. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to his children in care of The Funeral Cha-pel. The Funeral Chapel of Powell and Deckard, 3000 E. Third St. Bloomington, IN 47401 is handling arrangements.

Pastor Theophilus D. Allen, 54, passed away June 22, 2014, at St. Mary’s Medi-cal Center. He was born July 11, 1959, to Samuel William Allen and Kahata Kro-mah in Liberia, West Africa. Pastor Allen graduated from Liberia Baptist Theologi-cal Seminary and Oakland City Univer-sity. When he graduated from seminary it almost seemed natural for him to contin-ue along the path of service. He accepted

the call to serve as associate minister at Zion Grove Baptist Church, pastor of Effort Baptist Church, Algiers United Meth-odist Church and Mt. Olive General Baptist church. He loved preaching, spending time with his family, church family, reading God’s word and writing. He is survived by his wife, Winifred, and children and grandchildren.

Roger W. Heckler ‘61 Charles Robert “Chuck” Cochren Jr. ‘89

Dewey J. Burden ‘60 Theophilus D. Allen ‘01

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Joseph Eugene Wilson, 84, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away December 14, 2013. He was the son of the late John Bernard Wilson and Mary Lee Meek Wilson.

Joe was a 1947 graduate of Patoka High School and a 1956 graduate of Oakland City College. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was Honorably Discharged in 1953.

He received his Master’s Degree in Education from Butler University in 1969 and retired from IPS in 1994 having taught at Tech Day Adult School, Indianapolis Juvenile Center, and the Marion County Jail.

Judy Lee (Young) Foust, 73, died August 1, 2014 at her home in Campbelltown after a 7 ½ year war with melanoma cancer. She was born April 23, 1941 in Winslow to Prentice and Virginia Young. On August 18, 1962, almost 52 years ago, she married Alfred. W. (Al) Foust ‘61 in Patoka Grove Church, and he sur-vives with their sons, Joel (and Kim) of Bloomington, Jonathan (and Darby) of

Shelby, North Carolina. Judy graduated from Winslow High School, Oakland City College, and earned a masters degree from the University of Arkansas in education and art. . She taught in Michigan, Arkansas, Texas and Indiana. She was always a very creative person not only in arts and crafts, but as a seamstress. She loved gardening with both flowers and vegetables.

Jeffrey Todd Hirsch, 49, passed away August 1, 2013. He was a beloved husband, father, brother and son, formerly of Toledo, Ohio, who died suddenly of an apparent heart attack in Budapest, Hungary, where he and his family were residing while on an international assignment. Jeff grew up in Toledo, Ohio, Valencia, Venezuela, and various other cities in the States. He was a graduate of St. John’s Jesuit High School, class of 1981, and a Cum Laude graduate of Washington and Lee University, class of 1985, with a BS degree in Econom-ics. Jeff was a former Oakland City University Board member and a descendant of the Dearing and Cockrum families. Jeff is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Joy, and their children, William and Caroline of Budapest, Hungary; and parents Carl and Anne Hirsch of Toledo, Ohio.

Richard Lankford, of Princeton passed away Saturday, August 2, 2014 at River Oaks Health Campus in Princeton. He was born on April 2, 1929 in Michigan City, Indiana to Major Raymond and Myrtle Vivian (Allen) Lankford. He was President of Princeton Broadcasting Company. He was a United States Army veteran who served in the Korean War and received a Purple Heart Medal in

1952. He was past President of the Rotary Club where he was a member for 50-plus years, a member of Prince Lodge 231 F&AM, Hadi Shrine Temple in Evansville, Past President of the Gibson County Shriners Club and President of Big Riv-er Bend Appaloosa Horse Club. Lankford was Indiana Sports Broadcaster of the Year for 2000 and inducted into the Oak-land City University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001; he received Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 2003, was hailed for 50 years of sports broadcasting in 2003 and in 2014, 61 years of sports broadcasting.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helen; daughter Sherry (Dan) Engler of Princeton, son Jeff Lankford (Missy Selby) of Princeton; two grandchildren: Ashley and Jared (Jill) Engler; two great-grandchildren: Kaleb and Kendal Engler; brother Stuart (Delores) Lankford of Lawrenceville, Illinois and sister Marianne (Gene) Showalter of DuQuoin, Ilinois.

Frank and Gracie Wil-liams were faithful General Baptists and generous support-ers of Oakland City University. Gracie passed away in Feb-ruary 2014 and Frank died in July 2014. They were members

of Enon General Baptist church where they both served in several positions. They were both 90 and married 66 years. Gracie retired after 25 years as library clerk at Ft. Branch, In-diana, and Frank retired after 36 years managing the Gibson County Co-op. They were both active with the Gideons Inter-national along with many other civic organizations. They are survived by three daughters, Marjan LaGrange att. ‘69-‘71, Chris Wallace ’95 and Patty Sollman.

Frank & Gracie Williams

Jeffrey Todd Hirsch

Joseph Eugene Wilson ‘56 Richard Lankford

Judy Foust ‘62

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Alumni Mentoring Program 2014-2015As an alum, parent or friend of the University, you have the opportunity to mentor and lead many students. Our objective is to connect our juniors and seniors with a mentor who can offer professional support, encouragement, and guidance.

Goals of the OCU Mentoring Program • Provide a realistic view of a profession and insight into career opportunities in the state of Indiana • Promote student leadership and encourage experiential educational involvement and development • Help cultivate networking opportunities in the students’ fields of interest

Mentor Expectations • Commit to two semesters of mentoring a student (mentee) • Meet face-to-face once per month with your mentee • Participate in a career-related event or a job shadow activity with your mentee • Attend the Alumni Mentoring Program Orientation and Kick-Off event in September • Establish a sense of approachability, trust, and mutual respect with mentee

Your responsibilities as a mentor • Assist mentee with their professional development needs • Communicate clearly and honestly with your mentee • Introduce mentee to your professional network and connect mentee to professional associations • Share knowledge and experiences

Interested candidates may contact Career Services or Alumni Relations to obtain an application:Susan Sullivan

Alumni [email protected]

(812) 749-1226

Nickolas JohnCareer [email protected](812) 749-1394

Who Will Fill Their Shoes?

We Need YOU!

Sadly, this issue of The Connection contains 24 obituaries of alums and friends we have lost in the last few months. Many of these were faithful supporters of the Alumni Office and the University. Many established endowed scholar-ships that have grown each year. They generously gave of their time, talent and treasure to a school they believed in. My question is: “Who will fill their shoes?” Who of you will begin paying your alumni dues or increase your dues level? Who will give to scholarships to ensure a high school senior can afford a Christian education? Who will come to the sports events, drama club productions or annual Alumni Luncheon? Who would be willing to become a mentor to a student in the coming year? Who will volunteer for the Phonathon or Organization Day?

More than ever, we need to hear from our alumni. Whether you have been out of school for three months or 30 years; whether you have never given a financial gift before or you have given faithfully every time; if you have always wanted to volunteer and just haven’t gotten “around to it”; we need you.

It does not matter if buildings you knew so well are gone, if you can’t remember the name of your math professor, or if you haven’t been on campus in years. YOU are a part of the fabric that makes up OCU. YOU are the one who “went forth to serve”. You are the one that can help most now. Please make a gift, contact me about volunteer opportunities, or just come and visit campus. Make a difference, now. Your heart will be happy and a student’s life will be changed... just like yours was.

Susan Sullivan, Alumni Director


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A Life Well LivedCatching Up With... Rev. Dr. Ora J. Johnson ‘96

Ora J. Johnson was born in Oakland City, Indiana on August 31, 1932. He grew up and graduated from Oakland City High school where he won high honors. He was awarded the Kiwanis KEY club honor and a scholarship to Oakland City College (now University). Ora accepted the Lord as his Savior at age 13 when a next door neighbor knocked on the family door carrying a hot apple pie and invited his parents to attend the revival being held at the lo-cal United Brethren church. He says he is sure the Lord was speaking directly to him through the evangelist that night and he went to the altar. The family later joined the General Baptist Church. Dr. Onis Chapman was the pastor and got Ora involved in the youth activities and programs. He even had Ora teaching a Sunday School class for teenage boys. Several of these young boys have since become active as pastors and lay lead-ers. Ora has many fond memories of going to church camp at the Methodist church camp at Dale, Indiana. A GB camp had not been established at that time. Christian Endeavor programs and activities were a big impact on Ora in the Gibson County area.

Ora enrolled in OCC for the fall term of

1951 with a major in math and science. He was recruited to become a member of Mu Tau Kappa (MTK) fraternity at the college. Also enrolling that term was Wanda Lockamy. She came to OCC from SE Missouri and soon caught the eye of Ora. They began dating on Oc-tober 8, 1951 and continued throughout the school year. He likes to say their first kiss was in the well-house on cam-pus. He did propose marriage on his knees in the library at Wheatley Hall where she was a resident and she said yes. Who could say no to such a gen-tleman! They were married at Ash Hill GB church in Missouri with Dr. Chap-man performing the ceremony.

Ora worked for Rauch Chevrolet in Oakland City and owned his own car agency for several years until he joined Western Southern Life Insurance com-pany as staff manager in Evansville, IN. The company moved the family to Evansville. The family had three chil-dren and his younger brother to care for. They joined the Terrace Parke GB church where Dr. Glenn Spence was pastor. Ora taught a young mar-ried couples Sunday School class, but he was never completely satisfied and seemed to be always searching. On Thanksgiving week 1965, during a re-vival with the Silvertone Trio at Terrace Parke, Ora announced his call to the ministry. He was licensed to preach and was elected to pastor the Corydon, KY GB church where he later received his ordination. At the General Associa-tion meeting at Sikeston, MO, that year, he was elected to serve on the Home Missions Board where he developed a love for building new churches. From the Corydon church he was elected to serve the Wadesville, IN church where he was instrumental in helping the church replace the 100 year old build-ing. The North Haven church in Evans-ville called him to pastor full time. He had continued to work with the insur-ance company until then. He returned

to college and earned a degree in min-istry and math.

His love of missions and evangelism grew even stronger. He began devel-oping Bus Evangelism conferences and brought many lay leaders, evangelists and pastors from all over the denomi-nation to Evansville to these important events. While at North Haven he be-gan a TV ministry. The ministry vowed to never ask for money on the air and they never did.

In 1975 when the General Association met in St. Louis, Ora was elected the Denominational Director for Evange-lism and Church growth at the denomi-national headquarters in Poplar Bluff, MO. One of his best loved accomplish-ments while there was the YES (Youth Evangelism Service) corps. This was a well-trained group of college students who worked at various churches dur-ing the summer months. Many young people were exposed to Christianity through Back Yard Bible schools, most-ly in Clearwater and Bradenton, Flori-da. During the 13 years living in Mis-souri, he also pastored the Malden GB church. He has many fond memories of his time there. The Howell Liberty church called him to move back to In-

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diana and he spent two years as senior pastor at Howell.

Dr. James Murray persuaded Ora to move to the college to become Execu-tive Vice President. The college was in the process of moving from college status to that of University and Ora was instrumental in accomplishing that. The fifteen years he spent at the Uni-versity were some of the happiest. He achieved a Master of Science in Man-agement degree and was presented an honorary Doctorate of Ministry by the University in 1996.

He points with pride and joy at the memory of the many young men he was able to mentor and disciple at the Uni-versity and the various churches where he pastored. Churches he has led as

pastor and interim were Corydon and Owensboro in Kentucky; Malden, Mis-souri; Wadesville; North Haven and Ft. Branch in Indiana and numerous reviv-als and special meetings all over the denomination.

Ora and Wanda have been married 61years and are well blessed with three children, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. They continue to live in Evansville. They are also blessed by the many friends over the 50 years in ministry.

Ora retired from the University as Ex-ecutive Vice President but continues to contribute through the Board of Di-rectors. Health has hampered his continued active support as board and advisor, but he keeps abreast of all Uni-

versity activities and is very proud of the great work that is progressing.

Editor’s note: Dr. Johnson will be cel-ebrating his 82nd birthday on August 31, 2014. Cards may be sent to Dr. Ora Johnson, 3437 Wood Duck Drive, Evansville, IN 47715

Did You Know? An Interesting Fact About OCU...

Last year, during freshman orientation, a new tradition was established. We had a procession of the Freshman class march from Johnson Center to the Cornwell-Reed Building. In doing this, they literally “Entered to Learn” through the historic arch on Franklin Street. We felt this was an important first milestone in their college career. When mentioning this to Dr. Judy Whitten, former Alumni Director, at Commencement this year, she shared that “Enter to Learn” had not always appeared on the Franklin Street side of the sign. As the true OCU historian that she is, she followed up with the Collegian article from 1985 with the following information about the historic arch:

“For years, the College motto ‘Go Forth to Serve’ has appeared on the inside of the archway and ‘Oakland City College’ has been on the street side of the sign. Fol-lowing a suggestion at last year’s Alumni Banquet by Dr. William C. Dearing, ‘26, co-recipient of the 1985 Alumnus of the Year award and son of long-time OCC President, Dr. W.P. Dearing, a line has been added to the east side of the archway. It now reads: Oakland City College, Enter To Learn.” The lettering for the sign was done by Martin Fried-man, Oakland City calligrapher and sign painter. It was completed prior to the Nov. 6 Founder’s Day program.”

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Larry ‘74 & Alta ‘72 DavisOur Company: Internet Revenue Specialists

As I considered submitting an article as a business owner for this edition of the Connection, I was not sure what infor-mation I wanted to include that would be remotely interesting to the readers. We were asked to reflect on our educa-tion and experiences at OCU as related to what we do in our current business. Since most all of my business is con-ducted via the internet and it did not ex-ist during my time at OCU (70-74) it is impossible to provide a direct connec-tion to the educational process. But as far as my experiences are concerned, I do consider myself fortunate to have made lifelong friends from those days and appreciate the Christian principles espoused by the school. Those I have kept with me.

While there I had the opportunity to meet many new friends and met the person who would become my wife, Alta. I did gain valuable experience and learned many people skills while serving as stu-dent pastor and youth pastor Princeton, IN and later in Louisville, KY. I continue to be heavily involved in Crown Minis-try and working with the “Nearly Newly Wed” groups at First Baptist Church Or-lando.

As I attended OCC (some may call, in the dark ages), OCC was not in any way involved with the internet, we and others had ever heard of such a thing. We did not have a website, to talk on the phone we used something called a “land line” that was actually hard wired to our house. “Mobile (cell) phones” were available only to the military and weighed about as much as a small jeep. Pictures were taken from devices called ‘’cameras”, home movies were taken by movie cameras, television was available on three networks and a fourth available if through the new Fox network if you could adjust the “ears” and “aluminum foil” on the inside TV antenna just right. If you had a “blue tooth” you probably needed to visit the dentist and friends were actually people that you could talk to in person!

I have spent the past 30+ years in the travel and hospitality industry. This in-dustry has been one of the first indus-tries to fully embrace “E-Commerce” as an industry. Within this industry nothing has had a greater impact on its growth than the internet, the development of the personal computer and the proliferation of the use of mobile devices. You can literally be almost anywhere in the world and be connected!

While attending one of the industry’s premier travel trade shows in London, UK several years ago. I was told by another attendee that I needed to un-derstand and embrace the fact that in the future all travel would be done elec-tronically! Not wanting to appear to be ignorant of this fact, I agreed with his assessment, but took note that I was re-ally clueless as to what he was referring to. So as opportunity presented itself, I sought to understand this aspect of the industry and embrace its implications that would eventually allow me to build a successful business around it.

The “internet” has allowed the travel and hospitality industry to become the number one industry in the world with most “all” destinations competing for an increasing travel dollar. With the wide-spread use of personal computers and mobile devices, it is hard to find any place in the world, even in developing countries, that is inaccessible to the web. As younger generations embrace all kinds of electronic devices and with a seemingly never ending growth in social media channels, it has become easy to reach masses of people in a cost effec-tive manner, allowing small business such as ours to exist.

Today I, with my partner and a few great employees operate Internet Revenue Specialists, a company that provides E-commerce marketing and consulting to hotels, resorts and small to medium busi-nesses throughout the world (see more info on page 17). But our favorite proj-ect is operating our travel portal www.favoritehotelscollection.com. Through

this portal we offer travel solutions for anyone seeking accommodations, rent-al cars, airfare, attraction, entertainment tickets, etc. Our approach is to offer the most popular hotels or “favorite” hotels based on customer preference as the first choice in any destination. Since all on line travel agencies practice “rate parity”, our rates are always market competitive....thanks to E-commerce.

One of the things that has always re-mained important to Alta and myself is to be in a position to “give back.” Alta and I have been able to do that in sev-eral ways, a couple of which directly benefits the University. In 2001, we created the Davis Phillips Endowment Fund to both honor and memorialize our parents by establishing scholar-ships for OCU students. We have been blessed to see that grow over the past few years. Please feel free to check out our website, davisphillipsendowment.org and meet our parents and enjoy the wonderful comments of the scholarship recipients.

Our latest venture through our travel por-tal allows us to raise funds for nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities whose goals are to provide for the spiri-tual, emotional and physical well being of the whole person, such as Oakland City University! If you haven’t done so by now, you can click on the link we cre-ated for OCU, www.favoritehotelscol-lection.com/OCU. Every time a person clicks that link and books their hotel stay we will donate 5% of the gross to-tal booking of the hotel accommodation to the University General Scholarship Fund. For example, a $200 hotel book-ing will earn $10 for the University.

We hope that over time the supporters of the University will use and share the link and that it will help provide much needed financial aid for future students of the University!

Are you an alum with your own business? Tell us your story! Email it to [email protected]

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Alumni News

Memories:Richard Abell ‘ 65 remembers “Two teachers have always stood out in my mind, although I had several good teachers at OCU. Robert Miller taught History. I liked the way he taught. Best history course I’ve ever had and prob-ably why I still love history today. Basil Johnson (religion class) was way enjoy-able and I learned a lot. Only class I ever had where a 99% score on a test could be a “B”!

Dr. Rachel Yarbrough ‘06 has ac-cepted the position of school Superin-tendent for Webster County Schools in Kentucky. Dr. Yarbrough had previously served as Superintendent in Crittendon County for the past six years. Her par-ents, Dr. Curtis and Pauletta Yarbrough are also alumni of OCU. Dr. Curtis Yar-brough serves as Chairman of the OCU Board of Trustees.

In response to a call for articles regard-ing alumni with their own business, Cle-da Haley ‘57 submitted this item about her late husband, Carl Haley ‘57. They were married for 66 years.

Dr. Carl S. Haley ‘57 established a very successful business selling advertising spe-cialties to other businesses. His company was “Growth Indus-tries”. He had

an office and one secretary. He sold numerous items, such as pens, key chains, T-shirts, calendars, mugs and hundreds more through his suppliers. His clients could have their chosen items personalized with name, address, phone and slogan. These items would then be used to advertise the business, given as gifts, or as customer apprecia-tion items.

His business worked very well with his General Baptist ministry. He did not have to worry about missing work, since he was self employed. Carl was a very hard worker, highly energetic and made a good living, but his ministry always came first. Besides being a success-ful businessman, Carl also purchased property and built two church buildings and established two congregations in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Both churches are thriving; one in Sherwood and one in Gravel Ridge, Arkansas. Carl passed away in December 2013 at the age of 87. He had pastored General Baptist churches for 50 years and was a successful businessman for 30 years.

Book your next hotel stay with FavoriteHotelsCollection.com/ocu

Get Access to Over 100,000 hotels in more than 12,000 locations worldwide.

By partnering with two of the world’s premier travel suppliers, Priceline and Agoda, you have access to the same great rates and inventory found on the world’s largest travel website.

Same great hotel rates, promotions and discounts.

Since all Online Travel Agencies are compelled to o�er the same hotel rates, hotel room rates on FavoriteHotelscollection.com will always be competitively priced in every hotel market.

5% Contribution to OCU.Every time you book your stay using this link, Oakland City University will receive 5% of the hotel booking after you complete your stay.

The Connection of Oakland City University

USPS 07– 4880VOLUME LXVII NUMBER 2

PRODUCED FOUR TIMES ANNUALLY BY THE OCU ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE 138 N LUCRETIA ST.

OAKLAND CITY, IN 47660 812 749 1226

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I graduated from Bedford High School in 1970. At the time, my husband was in Vietnam. He had graduated from Mitchell High School in 1968, and was drafted in the Army in September 1969. After his return in 1971, we lived at Ft. Benning, GA. In 1972, we moved back to Bedford, IN and I started working at General Electric in Bloomington, IN.

In 1977, I saw an article in the Bedford Times Mail stating Oakland City was going to start classes in Bedford. I was in the first class Oakland City offered, which was Accounting. I really enjoyed this class, and took several other classes while working full time at General Electric. In addition, I took classes at Indiana University and

Vincennes University. I completed my Bachelor Degree in Human Resource Management in 1997.

The reason it took so long was that I was working full time and raising a family. In addition, at General Electric I held the positions of Environmental Health & Safety Tech, Quality Control Coordinator, Ergonomic Tech, Engineer Tech and Team Facilitator. In all of these positions, I was constantly taking training, besides the college classes. After I finished my Bachelor Degree, I wanted to work towards my Masters Degree at OCU Bedford. The only issue was at the time, they did not have one. Since, I was used to attending college, I decided to get a Masters Degree in Human Resource Development from Indiana State University in 1999. I completed another Masters Degree in 2003 from Oakland City University in Science of Management. Also, during 1980-82, I worked at H&R Block as an Income Tax Professional, and again started working there in 2002. In 2010, I received a Bachelor Degree in Theology from Ryan Ministry Training Center.

In 2009, I took an early retirement from General Electric after working there for 37 ½ years. After retiring, I started teaching as an Adjunct Instructor at OCU Bedford. In addition, I obtained a Green Belt Certification from Purdue University, and several other technical certifications from Ivy Tech. I also earned my Real Estate Broker’s License. I will always be a lifelong student. My family

is always asking me when I am going to quit going to school. I enjoy learning, and am thankful that OCU started college classes in Bedford in 1977, which gave me my start and desire for learning. The numerous classes I have taken have given me the skills I needed while filling several leadership positions at work and with volunteer organizations. Even though I retired from my job, I will never totally retire. There are too many things I want to accomplish. Last year, my husband and I, and another couple started a church in Bedford. We are involved in many Veteran Organizations, and especially the unit my husband was with in Vietnam. Every year they hold a reunion with approximately 2,000 people in a different state. This year will be the 28th year. Eventually, I would like to write a book about my husband’s war experiences. We have been married for 43 years. I would also like to write some Christian books in the future. God is good, and I don’t know what the future holds, but I’m sure education will be a big part of it.

Catching up with Renee Majors ’97, ’03

This group of OCUB alumni, students and staff met on 6/28/14 for a carry-in dinner at the Bedford center. Memories were shared

and fellowship enjoyed by all.

Renee Majors ‘97, ‘03

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What Can “www.Oak.edu” Do For You?

♦ Gives you recent stories and announcements of campus events.

♦ Can help you order your transcript.

♦ Helps you find an email address for a former classmate.

♦ Lets you read back issues of The Connection on line.

♦ Can connect you with the OCU Alumni Face Book page.

♦ Provides schedules and game results for all OCU sports.

♦ Gives you contact information for OCU faculty and staff.

♦ Can assist you in making a secure online donation.

♦ Makes it easy to pay your dues online.

♦ Find job opportunities at OCU

♦ Get the facts about OCU’s Online Learning programs

Visit www.oak.edu today!

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Stay ConnectedMiss Your OCU Classmates?

Want to Reconnect?

The 2015 OCU Alumni Directory Can Help You Do Just That!

Watch for Postcards and E-mails From the OCU Alumni Association partner PCI with Instructions To Update Your Information so you Can Stay Connected!

20152015OCU Alumni DirectoryOCU Alumni Directory

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A Legacy of Faith:

When Kyle David Whitten walked across the stage on May 3 to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in religious studies from Oakland City University, he will become the fifth generation of his family to be a part of the OCU family. He may not be the only person in this exclusive club, but he is one of a very few.

Kyle’s journey to OCU was actually a decision that he did not originally make. A 2010 graduate of Boonville High School, he received a scholarship to Butler University where he majored in pharmacy. However, during the year at Butler, the Lord’s call on his life was clear; he was called to ministry. As a General Baptist, he knew that there was but one choice for him. He would study at Oakland City University. The

OCU family tradition would continue, a tradition that began more than 100 years ago.

In about 1900 John Robert Ranes, Kyle’s maternal great-great grandfather, enrolled at Oakland City College and studied there for several years. While John was a student at OCC, he met and married a young music student named Sadie Arnold from Eureka Springs in Spencer County, Indiana. They were married December 25, 1904 by College President, Dr. William P. Dearing, in the living room of Miss Addie L. Bishop’s house at the northwest corners of Lucretia and Williams streets. The young couple moved to Indianapolis soon after their marriage, where John enrolled in and completed his medical degree at the Indiana University Medical School.

After a short stop in Union, Indiana, John and Sadie moved to Mt. Vernon, Indiana where he had a very successful medical practice and where they lived the rest of their lives.

Three sons were born to John and Sadie: Harold, who was graduated from Oakland City College in 1928; Kenneth, who attended in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s and Francis, Kyle’s great-grandfather, who attended in the late1930’s.

In the 1930’s and 1940’s, Dr. Ranes served on the Oakland City College Board of Trustees, supporting the College through very lean years during World War II.

Kyle’s paternal great-grandfather, Vern Whitten was also a staunch supporter of Oakland City College. He, too, served on the College Board of Trustees for a number of years.

Kyle’s grandfather, David Whitten, studied at Oakland City College from 1958-1960, when he decided to pursue speech pathology and transferred to Indiana State. Kyle’s grandmother, Judy Ranes Whitten, was graduated in 1962, and in 1976 became Director in the Alumni Office at OCU, a position from which she retired in 2006.

Kyle’s father, Michael Whitten, now principal at Boonville High School, was graduated from Oakland City University in 1986...and his uncle, Steve Wood, earned his OCU degree in 1993.Now it’s Kyle’s turn to hang his OCU diploma on the “family wall.”

5 Generations of Whittens at OCU


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2014 Alumni Luncheon Highlights

Judy Borders Foust, Marie Wood Doud, & Reba Benson Gay Weir ’75 and Luane Clark ‘71

Hugh Schaefer ‘66, Recipient of the True Blue Mighty Oak Medallion

Sherry Carlisle Smith ‘82and Melvin Menke ‘62

Sherry Carlisle Smith ‘84 accompanied by Erick Bikales of the Neil Sedaka Band

Closing the day with the Alma Mater Led by Skip Spence Dr. Spence, one of several Veterans recognized.

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Alums checking out special sales at the bookstore Trying to find a familiar face…? Judy ’72 & Ken Griesemer

Memorabilia Exhibit Dr. John Nally ‘08, Recipient ofthe Special Achievement Award

M.R. James, Norma Stephenson, Mitch Haskins Class of 1964

Dr. Carl Shepard Violin Display Rev. William Carlisle ‘82,Alumnus of the Year

Delicious Food from Pioneer Catering

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Oakland City University138 N. Lucretia StreetOakland City, IN 47660Address Correction Required

Non Profit Org.US Postage Paid

30304Permit # 6849

We Need Your Signature to Help OCU Qualify For A Specialty License PlateIndiana Residents Only. Thank You! (More Information on Page 4)

OAKLAND CITY UNIVERSITY

138 NORTH LUCRETIA ST OAKLAND CITY IN 47567

BRIAN BAKER, DIRECTOR FOR ADVANCEMENT 812 749 1228 [email protected]

Documents

Connection Vol. LXVI No. 2 - Summer 2014