Southeastern Oklahoma State University - Savage Yearbook (Durant, OK)

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l: x J t: r 1' I.meW-sznz.w , . .e 4 Aw 3A7? Awayan-sw r -:4 Dr. Larry Williams responds to remarks by participants. Dr. Paula Platter thanks the members of the inauguration preparation committee. Dr. Littlejohn said, tiThe recent history of this university is deeply troubling. It has embarrassed us, saddened, and angered us? He also remarked that the tradition of Southeastern is an honorable one, and told Dr. Williams, ttI believe, With your guidance, we can live down the recent months. I believe that we can do what we do with distinction. We can recover the honorable tradition? Speaking on behalf of the student body was junior Laura Williams. Expressing her humility at being asked to represent 4,300 voices, she said that students proudly chose SOSU for their post-secondary educational beginnings. iiHereX' she said, itwe have the resources; and, here, we have the teachers to help us get started. We have all, for various reasons, entrusted ourselves at this crucial time in our lives to you - you the faculty and you, Dr. Williams, our president, she said. Speaking directly to Dr. Williams she added, itWe offer you our time and our labors, our support and our cooperation. And to guide you as president of our university, I offer you the light of our hope? Dr. Sam L. Pool, a 1958 graduate of Southeastern and Chief of Medical Science and Research of the National Aeronautics and Space Agency, represented Alumni at the investiture. Dr. Pool reminisced briefly concerning his studies at Southeastern, and noted that it was clear that a strong academic HENRY G. BENNETT MEMORIAL LIBRARY SOUTHEASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE UNIV hIlDAhIT DVIALIHIAA 7A'1n1 tradition was building at the University. ttOne 0f the measures of success of any educational program is reflected in the achievements of the graduates. Southeastern graduates from the very start? he said, ithave had significant achievements in art, science, law, medicine, literature, and public service? ttCurrieulum was not as broad as offered at some institutions, but standards were high, he said. Completing his salutation to Dr. Williams, Dr. Pool called on the new president ttto set high academic standards to create an environment in which the students may truly develop. Ms. Avalon Reece, representing the Oklahoma State Board of Regents for Higher Education, referred to the unique and important function of Southeastern Oklahoma State University in the educational system,

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Excitement permeates air As ceremonies begin , Mrs. Dorotb y Prougb 1's escorted The stage is filled with by a student senator to tbe dignitaries and school officials. auditorium. Avalon Reece, chairperson for Mrs. Lou Watkins, Wife of US. the Oklahoma State Regents for Representative Wes Watkins, 1's Higher Educa tion, takes the greeted by ushers from Alpha podium. Cbi.

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Southeasternis Academics Praised by speakers ttStudents and faculty continue to share a belief in excellence in the academic lifef she said. The Honorable Wes Watkins, U.S. Congressman from Oklahoma District 3, challenged students, the faculty and the new president to hold a vision of what is before them. He said that Oklahomais high school graduates matriculate to institutions of higher education in numbers that far exceed the national average and praised parents for instilling in them the motivation to do so. To the students, he said, ttYou should dedicate yourselves to learn all you can from your college experience. tiTo teach carries an awesome responsibilityf, Watkins stated. ttEach of us can recall . . . at least one educator who had a profound impact on us. Congressman Watkins reminded Dr. Williams and the faculty that the citizens of Oklahoma entrusted to them a most precious I ; , State Representative Guy Da vis of Calera tells that Southeastern has been a major force in his life. Ms. Linda Blankenship Grantham, president of the board of Regents of Oklahoma Colleges presents th seal of Southeastern Oklahoma State University am charge to Dr. Williams. Following the presentation of the seal, the medallio and mace, Congressman Wes Watkins and State Representative Guy Da vis flank Dr. Larry William product - the minds of young people. tiTeach them to reason, to think, to solve with their minds the problems which do not easily yieldf he challenged. N ext came Dr. Dan Hobbs, Interim Chancellor for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, who presented the symbols of office to Dr. Williams.