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Two Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) initiatives being steered by the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Advancement office are nearing fruition. The initiatives are aimed at furthering the University’s commitment to STEM curriculum.

These important ventures are being made possible by the generous support of alumni benefactors, who have a strong conviction that sharpening the University’s STEM focus will have a direct effect on its future growth.

“We are incredibly grateful for alumni and friends who have the mindset of giving by paying it forward, and these two gifts will be powerful for recruiting, retention and re-invigorating our longstanding commitment to the sciences at ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ,” Nori Hale, leadership gift officer of University Advancement, said.

The first of these initiatives is the establishment of the Dr. Lewis V. Spencer Scholarship for Outstanding STEM Performance. This endowed scholarship in honor of the late Dr. Spencer, a beloved math and physics teacher at OU from 1957 to 1969, is being actively funded by family, friends and former students. It was initiated by Dr. Spencer’s son, Carl ’75, and his wife, Dottie Underwood Spencer ’78. 

Spencer’s impact on STEM education went far beyond his classroom and students, as he was a leading international authority at the time on fallout radiation and shielding from nuclear disasters. Spencer also impacted others with his fierce determination to succeed and overcome the loss of an arm and leg in a tragic childhood accident.

STEM at OU will also be bolstered by the construction of a new greenhouse on campus, which will be used to enhance the science curriculum and offerings in areas such as biology, botany and green chemistry, as well as provide a culture and display area for the visual arts. Called a “Dreamhouse” by Dr. Steven Boese, professor of biology and chair of the division of math and sciences, the greenhouse project received a lead gift of $165,000 from the Don ’69 and Carolyn Creed Foundation.

The 30-by-72-foot structure to be built south of Ward Science Hall and north of Martin Hall has a price tag of $360,000. With the lead gift and subsequent donations, the project is more than half funded. To spark additional giving, the Creeds have committed to an additional $75,000 match. This will be centered around Homecoming 2019 and the Class of 1969’s 50th reunion. Any gifts or pledges Don’s classmates give to the greenhouse will be matched.

For information about how to help fund these STEM initiatives, contact Nori Hale at ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ via email at nori.hale@ottawa.eduor by calling (785) 248-2336

A commitment to grow and enhance ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s Department of Music echoes in every note being played or sung by student musicians on campus. This is through a concerted effort by faculty members across the department, who are working to promote excellence in every degree program and every ensemble.

Dr. Michael Pagán, department chair and director of OU’s Bravo!Jazz Singers, outlined steps that have been taken during the past two years to help bolster student recruitment and improve programs. First, he said two additional full-time faculty members have been hired — Dr. Kevin Maret and Serena Eichhorn — who have joined Pagán, Dr. Todd Wilkinson, director of jazz studies, and a full complement of adjunct faculty to instruct courses in the five degree programs offered by the department. Second, the curriculum in all programs has been revised to meet the changing demands in music education.

“All of this has set the stage for an exciting period of growth in our department,” Pagán said. “We have the people and programs in place to provide a top-notch education and experience to Ottawa’s current and future music students.”

Helping identify these future students is the department’s fifth team member, Dr. Jessica Freyermuth. As director of music program outreach, Freyermuth is charged with daily recruitment efforts. She recruits from area high schools and community colleges, and organizes and schedules performance trips for OU’s music groups to allow them to showcase their skills.

“What we’re trying to do is just get the word out about the advancement of our music program,” Freyermuth said. “We’ve been able to do that extremely well in the past few years thanks to the additional faculty we have now. They have been tremendous in helping our recruiting efforts by going into schools and not only speaking about what OU offers, but also showing what we offer by holding clinics. That speaks volumes about what we can offer.”

Prospective music students at OU can choose one of three degrees — Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Music (B.M.) or Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.). Those students seeking a B.M. degree can choose a concentration in jazz studies or vocal performance. B.M.E. students work either toward licensure in PreK-12 instrumental or vocal music.

Once on campus, music students have a multitude of opportunities to pursue their musical passions. There are three performance groups for vocalists, including the aforementioned Bravo!Jazz Singers, the OU Concert Choir and the newest ensemble, the Vox Fortis Treble Choir. For instrumental musicians, there is the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combos and the Braves Pep Band.

“The energy amongst the students in the music department is palpable,” Maret said. “Students are excited about the growth of the department, and the rise in quality and variety of performances. We are excited to offer students real-world insight in both music education and performance that is unique to OU. They receive individual guidance as they learn their craft before they embark on their careers.” 

Throughout the year, OU’s choirs and bands perform in a variety of forums on campus, in the community and on the road. All of the OU music ensembles present at least one concert per semester. The OU Jazz groups perform at several venues in the Ottawa community. OU’s instrumental ensembles perform concerts on campus, in the community and in support of the football and basketball teams.

A new annual event in its second year is the Summer Jazz Day, scheduled for June 22, which provides high school students hands-on instruction from OU music faculty during workshops and concluding with a full jazz band concert. 

Ottawa, Kan. – A new light display has been added to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ campus this holiday Season.  The display features 17 trees around the horseshoe drive (10th and Cedar Streets) and next to the Gangwish Library have been wrapped with lights, as well as a nativity scene next to Fredrikson Chapel. OU Student Senate made this festive display possible.

“We are very excited to have the lights on our campus,” Brie Clayton, OU Student Senate Vice President, said. “There is something about Christmas lights — they bring beauty, peace and light around the holiday season. We were able to bring the lights to the University and our community. We have had a lot of positive feedback and excitement about them and we just want the tradition and the holiday spirit to grow as the years go on.

"We are very excited and blessed to bring beauty and lights to our beautiful campus. Student Senate wanted to let the faculty, staff, students and community enjoy a little something different this year—and hopefully for years to come. The lights of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Kansas are the talk of the town now, but hopefully will become a tradition and something to look forward to each and every year.”

Student Senate members invite the Ottawa and surrounding communities to visit the Ottawa campus, take pictures and enjoy the display throughout the holidays. The display will be lit daily from dusk to dawn through Jan. 31, 2019.

“I can’t thank our Student Senate enough for the gift of the Christmas light display this year,” Tom Taldo, Dean of Student Affairs and Enrollment, said. “They are always looking forward and thinking of ways to engage the Ottawa community. This is just another example of our students giving back which is exactly what we want our young people to do. Our plan is to continue to build upon this display year after year and make it bigger and better for Ottawa and the surrounding communities.”

Chris Light Company Services installed the lights around the trees. It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with the University on this lighting project,” Chris Beuttell, owner of Chris Light Company, said. “I look forward to what the future holds as they continue to add beautiful lights to a beautiful campus.”

As visitors come out to see the display, they are encouraged to tag their pictures on social media with #OUKSLightTheWay.

Ottawa, Kan. – ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has announced the festivities scheduled for its annual Homecoming weekend, Oct. 11-14 at the residential campus, 1001 S. Cedar Street, Ottawa. This year’s celebration features the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, the OU Alumni Association Awards Banquet and the Homecoming football game.

On Thursday, Oct. 11, four individuals will be inducted into the Braves Athletic Hall of Fame: Larry Morris ’74, Alonzo Smith ’86, Elizabeth Lemp ’98, and Lindsey Beil Wannamaker ’98. The ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Alumni Association Awards Banquet will take place Friday, Oct. 12, honoring Harold ’51 and Mary (DeFries) Monroe, Distinguished Service Award; and Jennifer Johnson ’08 ’13, Recent Alumni Award. Saturday, Oct. 13, the Braves battle the University of Saint Mary in the homecoming football game at Peoples Bank Field at 1 p.m.

While several events are free and open to the public, some require a ticket or advance registration. For more information on ticketed events, please contact Susan Trendel at (785) 248-2331 or susan.trendel@ottawa.edu.

***Ticketed events have limited media seating available. To request a ticket to cover an event, please contact Janae Melvin in writing by Tuesday, October 9.***

Thursday, October 11
8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m:  Braves Fan Shop Open
6:30 p.m.: Braves Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet*, Schendel Conference Center; Inductees: Larry Morris ’74, Alonzo Smith ’86, Elizabeth Lemp ’98, and Lindsey Beil Wannamaker ’98

Friday, October 12
8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m:  Alumni Check-In, Scherich Atrium
8 a.m. - 6 p.m:   Braves Fan Shop Open
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Class ’68 – 50 Year Class Reception*, Hays & Argubright Conference Rooms
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Celebration Luncheon*, Schendel Conference Center
4 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Alumni Choir Rehearsal*, Fredrikson Chapel, Dr. Stanley DeFries Conducting
4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Class of ’58 Meet and Greet, Faculty Lounge
5 p.m.: Student/BSU Social and Career Networking, O’Dell Lounge
6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Alumni Association Banquet*, Schendel Conference Center; Recipients: Harold ’51 and Mary (DeFries) Monroe, and Jennifer Johnson ’08 ’13
6 p.m.: Women’s Basketball Alumni Scrimmage, Wilson Field House
8 p.m.: Men’s Basketball Alumni Scrimmage, Wilson Field House
8 p.m.: Pep Rally with fireworks, 11^th & Mulberry St.
8:30 p.m.: Class & Affinity Socials*

Saturday, October 21
8 a.m.: Men’s and Women’s Bowling at Springfield Tournament
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Alumni Check-In, Scherich Atrium
9 a.m.: Class of ’69 Planning Session, Ward Science Hall Room 102
9 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Braves Fan Shop Open
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Campus Tours, Scherich Atrium
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: OUAA Board of Directors Brunch, Scherich Atrium
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Alumni Tailgate Lunch*, Hasty & Goppert Conference Rooms
11 a.m.: Softball Alumni Scrimmage, Dick Peters Complex
1 p.m.: Football – Ottawa vs. McPherson College, Peoples Bank Field
1 p.m.: Baseball Legacy Game, Dick Peters Complex
4 p.m.: BSU Reunion*, O’Dell Lounge
5:30 p.m.: Women’s Soccer at University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kan.
6 p.m.: Class Dinners* (Golden Club, Class of ’58, Class of ’63, Class of ’68, Class of ’73, Class of ’78, Class of ’98)
8 p.m.: Men’s Soccer at University of Saint Mary, Leavenworth, Kan.

Sunday, October 22
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Community Worship Service, First Baptist Church, Ottawa, Kan.

*Denotes event that requires advanced registration or a ticket.

Chancellor Kevin Eichner announced today that Dr. Lena Rodriguez has been appointed to the position of Dean of the Angell Snyder School of Business at ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ. The Angell Snyder School is the largest of the three schools in the university including the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Education. Dr. Rodriguez will assume her new duties in mid-October and will maintain her office at the university’s new residential campus in Surprise, Arizona, from which she will lead the Business School staff and faculty at all university locations including the residential campus in Ottawa and Ottawa’s adult and professional education sites in Overland Park, Kansas and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, as well its online business programs.

Dr. Rodriguez succeeds Dr. Kirk Wessel who served successfully as the Angell Snyder School’s inaugural dean for the past several years. Dr. Wessel announced his retirement earlier this year.

Dr. Rodriguez comes to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ after a nationwide search. “We were looking for a student-centered individual who not only exemplified the necessary academic background and intellect, but also a strong leader with an equal emphasis and capability for managing the internal affairs of the School combined with a strong external friend and fundraising orientation. Lena’s prior experiences, obvious breadth and depth in the various business disciplines, personal values, commitment to advancing diversity, and powerful presence and personality will be essential attributes as we seek to raise the profile and impact of the Angell Snyder School,” said Eichner.

Prior to her appointment at Ottawa, Dr. Rodriguez served as Dean of the School of Business and Management and as Endowed Director of the Sanford Institute of Philanthropy for National University; as Dean of Academic Programs, School of Business and Community College Partnerships Manager for Apollo Education Group, University of Phoenix; in a lead marketing and development role for the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, Missouri; and in an executive and community development capacity for San Diego State University. She is known as an adept academician with a keen appreciation for innovation in experiential learning and in developing strong community and corporate sponsorship and participation to ensure that her students are always at the cutting edge of leadership and business practices.

Dr. Rodriguez received her Bachelor of Science degree in business from Arizona State University and also a Master of Public Administration degree from ASU. She earned her doctorate in business from the University of Nebraska. She has attended the Harvard Institute for Higher Education management development program and has also earned a certificate in fundraising management from Indiana University.

Dr. Rodriguez will report directly to University Provost and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Terry Haines, but will also work closely with Chancellor Eichner on program development, fundraising, and external relations in Arizona and throughout the nation. “I am extremely pleased that ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has been able to attract such an exemplary business trailblazer to lead our outstanding Business faculty. Dr. Rodriguez brings a strategic vision and passion for excellence that matches ours and is certain to positively impact thousands of students for years to come,” said Haines.

Ottawa, Kan. – ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ continues to experience record growth across its system as 3,317 students arrived for their first day of classes at the University’s residential campuses in Ottawa, Kan., and Surprise, Ariz., and its adult campuses in Overland Park, Kan., Brookfield, Wisc., Queen Creek, Ariz., Phoenix, Ariz., and online. These numbers represent an increase over the prior year of 14%.

At its 154-year-old home campus in Ottawa, Kan., ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Kansas (OUKS) enrolled 780 total students, 253 of whom are first-year freshman students, the highest number since 1975. Of the total student numbers, 732 are pursuing undergraduate degrees and 48 are pursuing their graduate degree. This marks the fifth straight year of continuous growth at the Ottawa campus, counter to a trend experienced by many other institutions at this time.

In just its second year of operation, ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Arizona (OUAZ) enjoyed an increase of 42% with total enrollment rising to 618, including 602 undergraduate degree-seeking students and 18 working towards their graduate degree.

The University’s adult professional and graduate studies units, enrolled 1,919, a 9% increase over the 2017-2018 year. Of those enrolled, 367 were new to the University. A total of 1,156 are working towards an undergraduate degree while 763 are seeking a master’s degree. Notably, the University’s new international Executive MBA degree program grew to 377 students, operating from its Arizona and Kansas City sites in just its second year.

“We are very gratified to welcome record numbers of outstanding students to ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ this fall,” said Dr. Kevin Eichner, chancellor of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ. “³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ has developed a long and well-deserved reputation for putting students at the center of everything it does. Preparing our students for their own special lifetimes of significance is our mission, and as a University community, we take great pride in the fact that so many students and their families place their trust in our dedicated faculty, staff and administration.”

Classes began for all students on August 20. At OUKS, students, faculty and staff will officially celebrate the new school year at Fall Convocation at Fredrikson Chapel on Thursday, September 6 at 11 a.m. Fall Convocation in Surprise will take place August 29 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church of the Valley.

Chancellor Kevin Eichner of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ announced today that Dr. Reggies Wenyika has been hired as the new president of the residential campus in Ottawa, Kan. Wenyika will assume his official duties on July 16.

“I cannot think of anyone more qualified or committed to leading the OUKS campus and continue the growth we have experienced here in Ottawa over the past five years,” said Eichner. “I am confident in his ability to address new markets and new program opportunities working alongside our stellar faculty and staff. I have no doubt he will inspire our students and be a respected leader on campus.”

Wenyika was officially introduced at the Board of Trustees meeting on Friday morning.

“I am truly honored to be selected and look forward to this leadership role in ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ’s history,” said Wenyika. “To the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ family and community, I ask for your help in moving our beloved and historic university forward. We have a story to tell: let’s make Ottawa known regionally, nationally and internationally.” 

Wenyika comes to OU from Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Okla., where he has served as University president since 2014. Before that, he was provost and vice-president of academic affairs at SCU from 2008 to 2014. A native of Zimbabwe, he moved to the United States with his wife Dr. Bongi Wenyika and his two children Thembi and Kudzai in 2000 and has worked in higher education since arriving in the US.

“Dr. Wenyika has an amazing presence and will bring a growth mindset with him to the job,” Eichner said. “His experience in higher education along with his immense and deep faith resonate with the mission and values of ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ. We look forward to introducing the Wenyika family to the Ottawa community, both on and off campus.”

He attended St. Ignatius College in Zimbabwe where he earned his Ordinary Level General Certificate of Education and Advanced Level Certificate of Education through the University of Cambridge. He received a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology from the College of Health and Sciences at the University of Zimbabwe and also received a Diploma in Ministerial Studies and a Bachelor of Religious Arts in Biblical Studies. Wenyika has a Master of Ministry from Southwestern Christian University, Master of Arts in Education Administration and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Oral Roberts University. He is currently working on his second doctorate degree, majoring in Theology.

Wenyika was one of three finalists for the position that met with faculty, staff, board of trustees members, and members of the Ottawa community over the past two weeks. The presidential search began in February when a new leadership model was announced at OU.

“As a duty to our heritage, and in honor of those whose toil has brought us to this point, Ottawa will continue to be a success-oriented caring, inclusive community that welcomes students from all walks of life to be prepared holistically for a life of significance through rigorous academics and vibrant campus and student life programs,” said Wenyika.