Important time in Oklahoma, 5/11/2013



 

University Of Central Oklahoma Graduation

 

 

The Two Colleges Which Graduated Students Today

 

In the lives of grandparents, parents, and children there are mile stone

dates that are etched into our collective memories that we all cherish.

They represent a lot of hard work, dedication to the task and sacrifice for    all concerned. They also represent a time of expansion, adventure and new exciting experiences again for all concerned. The event I am talking about is graduation. In this particular instance it is the graduation of grand daughter

Sara Watkins from the University of Central Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Public Relations. The Spring 2013 Commencement Ceremonies for the College of Liberal Arts and The College of Mathematics and Science were held in the Hamilton Field House on campus. Following are some of the photos taken during the graduation ceremony and around the beautiful campus.

Left To Right ( Grand Mother Doris Watkins ). Father Steve Watkins.

Mother Jamie Watkins. Brother William Richard Watkins.

 

 

Dr. Don Betz, President Of The University Of Central Oklahoma

 

Dr. William J. Radke, Provost And Vice President, Academic Affairs, University Of Central Oklahoma.  He Made The Call To Order And Introductions And Was The Main Speaker.

Sara As She Was Approaching The Stage To Receive Her Diploma

Sara In Line For Her Diploma

Sara Just Received Her Diploma From Dr. Betz

Dr. Betz, Sara And Will. Will Works Part Time in Dr. Betz's Office

Sara In Front of Podium

 

Some Of The Crowd At The Graduation

 

On Every Campus There Are Major Landmarks That Are Must Places For Graduation Day Photographs. The Following Are Some Photographs At Some Locations Sara Choose.

Mother Jamie And Sara By Water Feature On Campus

Jamie And Sara At Water Feature

Sara In Front Of Old North Building

Sara Under Arch In Front Of Old North Building.

The University Of Central Oklahoma Was Originally Known As

The Territorial Normal School.

Old North Clock Tower

 

Steve, Jamie, Sara And Will

 

 Sara And Will

Grand Mother Watkins And Sara

Grandpa Bill And Sara

 

( Father Steve ) And Sara

 

 

( Mother ) Jamie And Sara

Sara By The Bell ( Story Of The Bell Below )

 

 History Of The Bell

Sara By The Bell

Plaque About Cowboy Barnett

 



Centennial Plaque

 

True to form none of my blogs would be complete with out some history and this university has a rich history starting with its buildings and bell.







Old North

 

The University of Central Oklahoma was first known as the Territorial Normal School. It was created by the Oklahoma Territorial Legislature in December 1890 to educate teachers for the one room school houses being built across the growing territory. For more than 130 years, developing leaders for Oklahoma and the nation has been Central's bed rock mission.

From a territorial school of 23 students to more than 17,000 now and has more than 110,000 graduates. This university is the 3rd largest in the state of Oklahoma with six colleges including the Jackson College of Graduate Studies. The first students met in Edmond's First Methodist Church. In 1892 construction started on the school's first building where Old North now stands. The university has many outstanding achievements. It has a wonderful Criminal Justice Program and one of the best Forensic Crime laboratory in the nation that is used by police agencies nation wide. It also has a College of Education and Professional Studies, a College of Fine arts and Design and College of Business. It is a Division II NCAA school and has many awards and national championships for both men's and women's sports programs. Many more than shown below.

 



 

 I was really impressed with the campus and the entire atmosphere in and around the university. The commencement ceremony was one of the best organized and conducted I have ever attended. The planning for and handling of handicapped attendees and their families was outstanding. The music was excellent especially the quartet presentation of " I Believe In You ". Anyone looking for an excellent university would do well to consider this one.

 

Next I move on to Arkansas to spend some time with my brother so there

will not be a posting for a few day as he does not have Internet. Until the next time remember God loves you and so do I.

 

Grandpa Bill