Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Technician Yearbook (Okmulgee, OK)

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JOHN L. FRANCIS Hczad of Culinary Trades 8 Manager of Cafeteria Mr. Francis has a background of thirty years in the food industry which covers a wide range of skills as butcher, ice cream manufacturing, baking, army food prepara- tion and teaching, Those who have enjoyed banquets and dinners prepared under his supervision will appreciate the value of such experience to the training of students in the food industry. Mr. Francis has appeared on the program of many meetings and conven- tions in his field. One of his special skills which has enhanced the appearance of inany banquet tables is ice sculpture. For a 'post- man's holiday Mr. Francis enjoys a picnic with Mrs. Francis and their teen-age son. WM. . ,,M....,,...,...,,,, ..! . ALEX WIEDERKEHR Head of Agriculture Mr. Weiderkehr began his agricultural career with 4-H club and high school train- ingin an area of Oklahoma noted for out- standing agricultural achievement. He re- ceived his college training at Oklahoma ASQM College. He came to Tech in T948 after several years experience in agriculture and a tour of duty with the Army during World War ll, He is active in local civic affairs as well as several statewide agri- cultural organizations. The fact that his family shares his enthusiasm for advance- ment of agricultural skills is evidenced by Mrs. Wiederkehr's activity in Home Demon- stration work and his children's membership in 4-H clubs. t'-3:2 T. P, CHAPMAN Teacher Trainer One of the first six persons to be em- ployed at A8iM Tech Mr. Chapman has seen the school develop from an empty G. l. hospital building to its present important place in Oklahoma education. A native Oklahoman, and experienced school administrator, Mr. Chapman now de- votes his time to the training of Tech teachers in course planning and teaching methods. The Chapman family which includes Mrs. Chapman, four sons, and one daughter have been very active in Boy Scouts, P. T. A. ancl numerous other civic projects. W- t

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EMMIT C. ALEXANDER Veterans Coordinator Mr. Alexander, a native Oklahoman, ioined the Tech staff after several years teaching experience and three years with the Army. His duties at Tech are varied. His office is responsible for maintaining a complete file on all veterans. He personally counsels with every veteran student on course changes, training status, and atten- dance. ln his off duty hours he enjoys the outdoors. Farming is a rather serious hobby with him, but an old fashioned coon-hunt with friends or his three sons on a crisp winter night gives Mr. Alexander one of his greatest pleasures. ln this busy household Mrs. Alexander still finds time to be active in P.T.A. and other community work. JNO. C. SUMMERS Manager of Bakery Mr. Summers came to Tech after a tenure of service in the baking industry which would be considered a well rounded and complete career by most persons, His back- ground includes many years of teaching, laboratory and business experience in bak- ing. He has directed his department to a place of national recognition, has published two books on baking subiects and has en- couraged the establishment of scholarships at Tech. He has appeared on programs at trade shows and meetings throughout the area and now looks to the future confidently for new tasks to perform in developing an outstanding trade school. DOROTHY RICHTER Personnel Assistant to the Director Miss Richter was one of the first persons employed by Oklahoma A8tM Tech, She joined the staff during the first week of operation. She is a native Okmulgeean who has a deep interest in seeing the school develop as a real community asset as well as a fine training institution. College training at Oklahoma A8iM plus several years experience in industry combine to provide a good background for Miss Richter's duties at Tech. ln addition to serving as Secretary to the Director she has been active in developing publicity material for the school. As Person- nel Assistant to the Director she is respons- ible for employees records, including student employment. Her community activities include work on civic committees and active membership in the Business and Professional Women's Club. For a relaxing hobby she likes to paint. XX

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S D ROY C. BELFORD Head, Division of Commerce Mr. Belford ioined the faculty at Tech in December, i946 at the end of the first semester of operation. Coming to A8QM Tech meant returning to his home com- munity after several years absence for mili- tary service and employment with an air- line. Mr. Belford organized the Commercial Art and Advertising courses now offered at Tech. He has encouraged other departments to make use of courses in the Commerce Division where it might be of value as re- lated instruction. He is active in community church work as well as Lions Club and other civ c groups. He and Mrs. Belford find the remaining part of their schedule well filled with the activi- ties of two boys, ages three and nine. JOHN P. PICKARD Superintendent of Maintenance lt might be said that Mr. Pickard did not come to Tech but that Tech came to him. He was employed here when it was Glennan General Hospital and stayed on as Maintenance Supervisor. Mr. Pickard is a native of this county, gained his training and experience in steam plant operation in west coast schools and in the Navy where he spent four years. Mr. Pickard's outside interests include work with the youth baseball program where his teen-age son is active as a player. RAY L. DYKE Business Manager Mr. Dyke joined the Tech faculty when it was first established. He organized the intensive Business Division Cnow the Com- merce Divisionh. He was head of that divi- sion until 1948 when he was appointed business manager. Mr. Dyke's teaching ex- perience includes work in rural schools, high schools, and college. During World War II he served in the Navy. As Business Manager he is responsible for purchasing of materials and equipment. His office maintains the payrolls and other business records. Mr. Dyke has been active in civic work in many ways. He is past-president of the Okmulgee Rotary Club.