As we approach a season of celebrations for many, let’s remember there are a variety of traditions and holidays recognized by a variety of cultures. The University of Central Oklahoma is a highly diverse institution, especially its student body. It is important that we practice inclusion through awareness of and respect for the celebrations . . .
Why We Observe Juneteenth | Events & Commemorations
What is Juneteenth and Why Do We Observe It
Our University community takes this time to remember the ancestral heritage of Black/African American people who were forced from their homeland and became enslaved people in a world unknown to them. June 19, 2022, is the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth. Originally commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas on June 19, 1865, . . .
From the President
GREETINGS,
The passing of time, anniversaries and significant moments – these are all occasions, which call us to look back. Looking back may be our heart’s response to something we’re feeling today, or it may be the current of life sparking reflection before moving forward. As the torchbearers of transformative learning, we embrace . . .
Cheer and Dance: 25 Years of Central Spirit
During homecoming 1996, on the lawn to the west of the communications building, Central students performed their best stunting, jumping, cheering, tumbling and dancing skills all in the hopes of being declared cheer and dance champions. What originally started as a one-night, homecoming event has now morphed into a two-night, stand-alone event where the Central community packs Hamilton Field House as students showcase their Broncho Pride. The annual event has even made local and national news. In 2017, the UCO chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity’s performance went viral with more than six million views. With the celebration of the 25th anniversary of cheer and dance in March, Central students continue the legacy of Broncho Spirit.
20 Years of Live Entertainment in the Heart of Edmond
THE CROWD GATHERS, HUDDLED AROUND TABLES while the lights dim, and the performers take the stage. This scene has been repeating at the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab now for two decades. It took a convergence of dreams that came together 20 years ago to make the UCO Jazz Lab a reality.
The foundations of these dreams were laid . . .
Dashing Through the Snow and Ice
Persistence Pays Off for UCO’s Ethan Williams
ON HIS FOURTH DAY OF WORKING as a DoorDash driver, UCO senior Ethan Williams had to choose between making deliveries in hazardous, icy conditions or miss out on extra income. Knowing many Edmond residents would be stuck indoors due to wintry weather, he opted to venture out to deliver food.
“I almost didn’t want to come out and do . . .
Lost and Found
Central Alumnus Reunites with Class Ring Missing for 50 Years
FIFTY-FOUR YEARS AGO, HOWARD CAPLINGER WAS LOOKING forward to his future. He was a new graduate of Central State College (CSC) and had recently married his middle school sweetheart. To celebrate his academic achievements, Howard purchased a class ring that he wore with collegial pride as he entered into the . . .
In the News
UCO Moves Up to Top 10% in National Social Mobility Ranking
CollegeNET ranks UCO among the top higher education institutions in the nation for social mobility according to its national ranking. Social mobility measures how well an institution accepts students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and graduates them into well-paying jobs. Central ranked 150 out of more than 1,500 colleges . . .
When Art Meets Science
WHEN THE DONALD BETZ STEM RESEARCH and Learning Center opened on the Central campus in 2018, the building made an immediate impact for two distinct reasons. First, it became a think tank for the university’s interdisciplinary research efforts, housing the UCO College of Mathematics and Science programs . . .