On the set of primetime medical drama “Chicago Med,” UCO College of Fine Arts and Design alumna Milena Govich pressed pause on a busy week of directing her first network television episode to send an update to her alma mater.

Upon graduating from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999 with degrees in Vocal Performance and Pre-Medicine and minors in Dance and Violin, Govich’s launch to stardom began on Broadway. Appearing in shows such as “Cabaret,” “The Boys From Syracuse” and “Good Vibrations,” Govich’s acting chops were quickly recognized, and she transitioned into a prolific career on television.

After landing the recurring role of Assistant District Attorney Jessica Rossi in the Dick Wolf series “Conviction,” Govich soon became the first and only female detective on the Emmy-winning series, “Law & Order.” Households across the nation tuned in to see Govich as Detective Nina Cassady, the spitfire rookie eager to prove herself on the force. Following “Law & Order,” Govich appeared on the wrong side of the law as Lori Stevens in the MTV original drama, “Finding Carter.” Her impressive career boasts roles in nearly one hundred television episodes, including those in “Love Monkey, “Rescue Me,” “K-Ville,” “The Defenders” and “Make It or Break It.”

Selected as one of only eight filmmakers in the American Film Institute’s prestigious Directing Workshop for Women, Govich has found success as a director as well. She is also a part of the Sony Pictures Television Diverse Directors Program. Her award-winning short film, “Temporary,” has been featured in festivals across the country. Her latest project, “Unspeakable,” premiered at South By Southwest in 2018, and Govich has directed episodes of “Chicago Med” and “Chicago Fire” that will appear this season.

In 2017, the University of Central Oklahoma honored Govich for her accomplishments by presenting her with the Distinguished Alumni Award. She currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband and producing partner, writer David Cornue.

Buddy Broncho

Buddy Broncho made his first appearance in UCO's own newspaper The Vista. It was the October 3, 1932, issue where a Broncho appears wearing a UCO football uniform. He has appeared numerous times throughout the years from local Edmond papers in the 60's to state-wide papers in the 80's. The commissioning of the first ever live mascot appears in UCO's 1979 Bronze Book where Buddy Broncho made his first public appearance at Homecoming. Since that time, Buddy has been a fixture at UCO events and in the hearts of UCO students.