Break a Leg, Sugar

OU 2011 musical theatre alum Adrianna Hicks continues to take Broadway by storm as Sugar—a character made famous by Marilyn Monroe—in the musical adaptation of “Some Like it Hot,” which is nominated for 13 Tony Awards. Hicks originated the musical role, as she did with Catherine of Aragon in the North American premiere cast of “SIX.” She and fellow “SIX” cast members won the Drama Desk Ensemble Award. Hicks made her Broadway debut in “The Color Purple.”

Seeing Gold 

Tim Headington, OU ’72, is seeing a lot of gold these days—Oscar gold, that is. Headington executive produced Oscar darling, “Everything, Everywhere, All At Once.” The film snagged seven golden statues, including Best Picture. Headington produced 2013’s Best Picture, “Argo,” and the 2011 Best Animated Feature, “Rango.” He also supported the construction of two OU residence halls named in his honor—Headington Hall and Headington College.

Covering an OU Literary Star 

Azar Nafisi, 1979 OU English Ph.D. graduate and internationally acclaimed author of New York Times bestseller Reading Lolita in Tehran, is the first alum ever featured on the cover of OU’s famed World Literature Today. May’s spring issue features an interview with Nafisi on “The Future of the Book” with WLT Editor-in-Chief Daniel Simon. To purchase the issue or read online, visit worldliteraturetoday.org.

Records Are Made to Be Broken

OU broke its record for research expenditures for the second year in a row. More than $416.6 million in expenditures—an 8% increase—were reported to the National Science Foundation Higher Education Research and Development Survey. “OU research is improving lives and preparing tomorrow’s workforce,” says OU Norman Vice President for Research and Partnerships Tomás Díaz de la Rubia. 

Dancing Queens (and Kings)

Whether it’s a sassy tango or swinging your partner do-si-do, dancing improves lives. Studies show people with Parkinson’s who dance have better balance, walking and cognition. OU offers “Dance for Parkinson’s,” taught by OU faculty in collaboration with The Well, a Norman public wellness center. “They become part of building a community that is filled with dignity, respect and support for one another,” says Michael Bearden, OU professor of dance.

The Big Reveal

Sooner Magazine may have started in 1928, but you’re never too old for a new look. The magazine’s redesign is the brainchild of Walker Creative Inc. owner Steven Walker and associates Christopher Lee and Kyle Gandy, the same team behind multiple award-winners Oklahoma Today, published by the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department, and ARTDESK, published by Kirkpatrick Foundation. Tell us what you think at soonermagazine@ou.edu.

Matchmaking 

Envelopes were torn open and graduating students from the OU College of Medicine and OU-TU School of Community Medicine celebrated with family and friends during Match Day as they discovered where they will spend their residency training.