The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma

 Universities are an important part of Oklahoma's history. USAO is one of the only Universities that is not only a National Historic site it is a National Historic District. The old buildings, which were once graced by young women attending the Oklahoma College for Women (OCW).  I recently attended a college reunion put on for the Graduates of The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, USAO.  While on campus I managed to take a few photographs of this historic campus. USAO  is one of the few public liberal arts colleges, it has also attained a national ranking for providing a quality education, while being noted as one of "Oklahoma's Ivy League" Universities on a PBS documentary.  I owe a lot to this University and realized at this reunion that the young graduates are not giving back like those very dedicated ladies who graduated from OCW.  www.usao.edu. 

   
  The Green and Gold - USAO Drovers 

My first experiences with USAO were in the 80's.  As early as 1983 I remember visiting my older sister in the dorm (at age six).  I thought this was as big, exciting world.  I remember visiting college classes complete with a coloring book and crayons, while listening to a Biology lecture.  While in the evening sneaking Rice Krispie treats cooked on a very illegal hot plate in my Sister's dorm room.   My first experience with MTV was in a USAO dorm and I recall how much I desired to go to college to be like my big brother and sister, this was at age six.   

 
 

It was not until I left college did I realize what a difference my education was in comparison to people who did not have a liberal arts degree.  I left with a love of history, literature, arts and science.  My world view was shaped by the 60 hour core of interdisciplinary studies.  

 
Alumni House at USAO  

The reunion was a refreshing experience.  Which left me for a nostalgia for the past and a longing to return to my youth as a student.  USAO is truly a great place in Oklahoma to seek higher education. You are an individual and not a number.  People know you by name and your classes are not taught by graduate students.  

 
 
USAO Chapel 

 
A beautiful campus.  I do love the towering Magnolia trees but I did not get a good shot of them.  

 
Davis Hall, I spent many, many, many hours in this building.   

  
Flower outside of Davis Hall.  I do truly love this University.  I am going to dedicate this posting to someone who was very important to me that the world lost to the tragedy of suicide in 2007.  She graduated from USAO, and I know that her years at USAO were truly the best years of her life. N'Keigh Hodges at her graduation from USAO in 2002 (I believe).  

 
 

    

Comments

[Gwen McCord]

These pictures brought back lovely memories of my years at OCW. i graduated in 1962. Thanks for posting them.

[Joy]

Thank you! I graduated in 1999, but finished a teacher certification in 2002. I do love USAO it is a wonderful University and I'm proud to have graduated from there.