Levy Lounge
As author of two books about OU, David Ross Boyd Professor of History David Levy knows the university inside and out. But he got a surprise when OU unveiled the new David Levy Lounge in Dale Hall Tower. The lounge showcases a portrait of the man President Boren calls a “master teacher” at work in the classroom. Levy is the two-time recipient of the Regents’ Award for Outstanding Teaching and the OU Student Government Association Teaching Award.
Spring Break in Cuba
It would have seemed unbelievable a few years ago, but the College of International Studies will sponsor OU’s first travel abroad to Cuba since diplomatic relations between the U.S. and that nation thawed. “The Exceptional Island: Cuban Culture and Politics” will explore history and architecture, while allowing students to stay in the homes of local Cubans during OU’s spring break this March. For more information, visit the IS homepage here.
Call me Ms. Drum Major
Julie Siberts blew her trumpet and the glass wall came tumbling down. Well, not exactly. Talent, hard work and persistence were the leading factors in the music education sophomore’s being named the first female drum major for the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band in its 113-year history. Elected by fellow band members, Siberts says she “is honored and humbled” to lead The Pride. That goes double for her parents, who also marched in the OU band.
Perine Takes the Title
All hail the new Sooners rushing king! Samaje Perine finished his collegiate career with 4,122 yards, 86 of which he made on 17 carries in OU’s Sugar Bowl victory over Auburn. Perine topped Billy Sims’ record of 4,118 yards, which had gone untouched for nearly 40 years. Sims passed the mantle with a gracious Twitter post, “Congrats to a true Sooner with hustle and heart. #BOOMER #theNewRbU.”
Zombie Czar
If you’re a fan of AMC’s mega-hit TV series, “The Walking Dead,” you should know that the co-producing brain behind all those brain-dead zombies is none other than OU journalism alumnus Paul Gadd. The Oklahoma City native also produced the award-winning FOX series, “24.” Gadd received OU’s JayMac Young Professional Award in 2007.
It’s a Small (OU) World
When OU biology junior and Lottinville Prize recipient Madeleine Duarte bought a vintage Boy Scout uniform at a local antique store, she spied a name and troop number inside. A quick online search led her to a Sooner Magazine story on Dr. William McGrew, the OU alumnus and University of Cambridge primatologist who worked with Jane Goodall. Duarte e-mailed an offer to return the uniform and McGrew replied with delight. “We have some interests in common. More than you know, actually,” he wrote, sharing that Savoie Lottinville himself had encouraged McGrew to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship that set his career path. And the OU circle remains unbroken.