University of Oklahoma - Sooner Yearbook (Norman, OK)

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OPPOSITE: attention to something besides the conversation around him. The older people around here are always friendly and never hassle anybody. They take their time in life, and make for a pretty nice neighborhood. Another side of Whitets routine, which is among the most important, is his work in the OU art school. I really like my work in art, said Tom. I dont take very many hours, and don't seem real concerned with getting a degree right now. I just take my classes as they come. . Even though Tom doesn't take a tremendous number of classes, the work he does is fabulous. His house is filled with ceramic pieces of his own creation, which range from ash trays to pots for plants. But there is no variation in the quality of each item. They are all of a beautiful nature. Asked to typify the OU art student, and tell whether he felt he was one of the more typical, Tom said there simply wasn't an average description as such. However, White did feel there was a sort of dress code for art majors, a style of country and western tendencies. Yet, David Smith, Tomts roommate, directs his he added, I may be an art major, but I don't wear cowboy boots! If there was another facet of Tom White's independent life which was individually important it was music. It's something I couldn't do without. Therets always something playing on the stereo. White's musical tastes might be considered on the outer fringe of contemporary sounds. Asked to name some of his favorite artists, White listed people and groups unfamiliar to this writer. LEFT: The front door of White's house aiar, Tomis porch, one of his favorite places, is revealed. BELOW: Torn passes a small example of his ceramic work, a joint effort between he and a friend, to visitor Kevin Portz. Following an inquiry,of a more specific nature as to whether the Beatles was one of the groups, past or present, which he enjoyed listening to, Tom said, Well, I haven't listened to them much since I was in high school, but I generally like their sounds. Tom might be considered in the advanced stages of music appreciation. With no definite plans for the future, Tom hopes to maintain his comfortable life on Symmes Street. It's a nice place to visit, and I wouldn't mind living there. . . a little longer. 13

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lightly, but can be handy in an introspective study of OU students. Thus, take a moment to meet one such character. Tom White. Tom White, a junior at the University majoring in art is not typical. An individual more than anything else Tom lives in an older, white frame house on Symmes Street. Finding his life in the dorms his freshman year a bit stifling, Tom was glad to move into the exciting atmosphere of residential Norman. Having lived at a couple of places since then, Tom has maintained his home on Symmes street for nearly a year. Living with one roommate, Tom finds his independent life quite enjoyable. I've got time to do the things I like, and am able to avoid the aspects of college living which don't hold much attraction for me. DIVISION- THE INDEPENDENT 12 STUDENL TOM WHITE One of the many things which White finds time to do, and is among his favorite pasttimes, is porch sitting. We use the porch a lot It s a great place to just relax and the things you can see, if you take the time, are incredible. Tom 5 porch, decorated with some of the by- products of his art major, has become something of a looking-glass into the outer world. The surrounding neighborhood is heavily populated by elderly'people, and their routines provide a unique touch with the rest of the world for Tom.

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DWIGHT McWILLIAMS 'I'Ile Dorm Student. 14 ABOVE: Dwight McWiIliams, resident advisor for Oliver House in Cate Center, talks about life as a dorm resident. OPPOSITE: Living in the OU dormitories entails all the regular enjoyments of life, as seen in the items which fill Dwight's window sill. If living with and learning about people is a goal in one's life, then maintaining residence in OUts University Housing was certainly a step in realizing that goal. Filled with a menagerie of individuals who filled the bill on every sort of stereotype imaginable, the OU dormitories housed the bulk of the University's on-campus students. Not only were the people of the Sooner dorms varied, but the residences involved were equally different. From the antique atmosphere of Wilson Center to the contemporary cubicles of Walker Tower, University Housing provided a wide spectrum of places to call home. Possibly the most popular section of the OU housing system was the sprawling Cate Center. .Facing Lindsey Street at the extreme south end of