Sightseeing Sooners respond

I enjoyed the article on Sightseeing Sooners.  The program has grown substantially since the early days.  I worked for the Alumni Association between 1961 and 1965 and had the opportunity to lead a tour to Europe in 1964, the second year of the program.  Boyd Gunning was the executive director, Guy Brown was the executive secretary and I was called either the assistant executive secretary or the field director.  Carol Robinson (now Burr) was the editor of Sooner Magazine.  What a wonderful, long career she had in that post.  As I recall, there were 40 tourists that year and we visited 10 cities in seven countries.  Unfortunately, the stewards and stewardesses (that’s what they were called then) on our European airline were on strike on the first leg over the ocean.  An airline representative and I served whatever food, drink and cigarettes we could find. There were no regular meals.  The Sooner folks were good sports and adjusted well to the inconveniences.  As others have found, the passengers always seemed to watch over others and try to cooperate in everyone’s interest.  On the way back, however, the pilots of the same airline went on strike.  During our three days in Madrid, the guests were able to take all of their tours but it took all of that time to find another airline to take us home.  All in all, it was a great experience and some wonderful people took the trip and we only a little late getting home.  Although there are always some problems in all travel, it sounds like more recent trips have gone well and I hope the effort continues to prosper.

Ted Neptune

’60 ba, speech

Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Mark and I specifically chose this trip [“Portrait of Italy,” Sooner Magazine, Winter 2017] based upon the itinerary; the huge, added bonus was the opportunity to travel with OU Alumni.  We automatically had something in common and made friends of a lifetime on this trip.  I can’t possibly imagine this experience as being any better than it was!  Thanks to all involved from start to finish.  

We had such a great time, in fact, that we immediately signed up for another OU Alumni trip, which is the upcoming trip to China this fall.  Looking forward to it!  

Carol Landt

Katy, Texas

Merchant recalled fondly

I would like to add to the article by Tom Kertscher that appeared in the 2017 Winter issue of Sooner Magazine.  Larry Merchant and I have been friends since 1947, when we were classmates.  He has been and is a great friend and a substantial persona.  He is one of those rare individuals who possess both personal and ethical values of the highest caliber.  He has the remarkable ability to handle controversial subjects and not offend his audience.  Larry was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame (2002) and the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2009).  

Arthur Newfield

’50 bs, business 

Bradenton, Fla.

PHOTO/SYNTHESIS appreciated

I just received your Winter 2017 edition and I want to tell you that I appreciated it and enjoyed it very much especially enjoyed the article and photos regarding “PHOTO/SYNTHESIS,” because I am a tiny part American Indian, of which I am very proud. Thanks to its author, Anne Barajas Harp. Also, I enjoyed “Postscript” and the photo on page 33, both about OU President David L. Boren and his 50 years of public service!

I loved my years as a student at the University of Oklahoma and I have wonderful, happy memories of it from 1946-1950. I love reading about OU in Sooner Magazine regularly.

The 13th OU president, starting in 1994, was way after my time there and my permanent move to Ithaca, N.Y., and Cornell University. However, I am very grateful to each and every person who has contributed to OU’s existence, growth and accomplishments forever!

Betty O. Muko

’50 bs, home ec

Ithaca, N.Y.