University of Oklahoma - Sooner Yearbook (Norman, OK)

Page 19 text:

Page 18 text:

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

Page 20 text:

16 campus, Cate Center is composed of numerous houses, each with its own identity and characteristics. Among these is Oliver House. And one of the more interesting characters who lives there is Dwight McWilliams. Resident Advisor for Oliver House, Dwight McWilliams is a senior majoring in English. Hopefully headed for law school, McWilliams finds life as an R.A. a unique experience. As an authoritative figure in dorm life, it is definitely an expereince to live and learn with other students. Confronted daily with situations which involve the feelings and habits of others, McWilliams has made many life-long friendships. Moreover, Dwight comes in contact with interpersonal DIVISION The durm w student... Dwight McWilliams RIGHT: Various decorative items are found throughout McWilliams' room in Oliver House. situations of a unique nature since Oliver House has been designated as the Human Relations Dormitory of University Housing. Set up to improve students' understanding of other ethnic cultures, Oliver House was a blend of personalities which varied not only because of the individual but because of racial differences as well. Thus, McWilliams, as an R.A., found his daily routine highlighted by contemporary questions involving ethnic relationships and co- existence. Dwight was able to busy his schedule not only through his position as a Resident Advisor, but through his participation in extra-curricular activities within the University. Maintaining an intense ethnic consciousness, McWilliams was heavily involved with OU's vocal Black community. A member of the Black People's Union, Dwight held the position of BPU treasurer. His involvement with the BPU led McWilliams to various positions of campus-wide importance, such as Chairman of the Black Bicentennial Week and Chairman of the Black Heritage Week. Asked to generally express his views towards contemporary racial questions, McWilliams said, It is vital that a continuing system of education among Blacks about their culture and their past be maintained and moreover, that whites become educated to the various institutionalized racisms which are maintained within the modern American society. Outside of the ethnic realm, McWilliams was involved with the University-wide Spring production of Sooner Scandals. A member of the Housing act his freshman year, Dwight has gone on to act as choreographer of the 1975 Housing act, and as Executive Choreographer of