University of Central Oklahoma - Bronze Book Yearbook (Edmond, OK)

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Henr Bellmon: Distinguished Statesman In Residence Right: Henry Bellmon shakes hands with David Ball, one of his students, during the first day of classes. Former governor and U.S. Senator Henry Bellmon taught two political sci- ence courses, one concerning the opera- tion of Congress and the other dealing with public administration. Who could be more enlightening than the man known for all his first-hand experience in Oklahoma politics. Students were thrilled to be in the class, according to William L. Crozier, chairman of the po- litical science department. Crozier at- tended high school with Bellmon. Bellmon has had many titles. His ac- tivities have included a term in the Okla- homa House of Representatives from 1946-48, Noble County Republican Chairman before State Republican Chairman in 1960, the first Republican governor of the state of Oklahoma from 1963-67, and two consecutive terms as U.S. Senator, in 1968 and again in 1974. Also, at the request of Governor George Nigh, Bellmon served as Director of the Department of Human Services, follow- ing Lloyd Rader's resignation. But, what of the real man behind all the political titles? Henry Bellmon was born in Tonkawa, Oklahoma, and went to Billings High School. He graduated with a bachelor of science in agriculture from Oklahoma A8:M, now Oklahoma State University, then served four years in the United States Marines from 1942- 46. During this time, he received the Sil- ver Star and the Legion of Merit. In 1947 Belmon married a girl that grew up on a farm six miles from his own. Shirley and he have three daughters, Pat, Gail, and Ann. He also has three grandsons. Bell- mon enjoys fishing, hunting, cutting wood, his farm, crops and livestock even though farming is a bad business right now. Bellmon admits he is first a farmer, then a politican. His farm and his family are the most important things to him, even though he is becoming increasing- ly disenchanted with the farm. He compares farming with politics. There are enormous uncertainties i both. Farmers and politicians both nee to be resilient and flexible because ther are disappointments in both. Bellmon doesn't miss Washington, bi says it is a possibility that he will b running for governor again. A lot c Oklahomans seem to trust Bellmo when they won't trust other politician: Bellmon feels flattered by this. I hope I merit that kind of trust. have a pretty common background. come from a family of 13 and worked m way through college. I started out wit two beat-up, old bulldozers. I very muc feel like a commoner. Even after 2 years in politics, I have a very modes estate. Bellmon can see how people migli think of him as a champion of the pec ple. Lots of things make him mad. I dislike politicians who take chea shots. I hate injustices, like when peopl get 'ripped-of', and they're helpless t defend themselves, like women in th job market. I also hate paying a hig price for machinery that breaks down, he lists. There are just as many things that h does like, with people heading the list. I Pictures will never reveal the tru presence of the man, how he rubs hi eyes, making his eyebrows more bush as he explains international affairs 3 how his face always looks a little sur burned and crinkled around the eye When one shakes hands with Bellmol their hand is lost in his large one. CSU was the only school in this part c the country with a Distinguished State: man in Residence, who is a nationall and internationally recognized politic: figure. We are special, he is special. 2 2 3

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Q ,, if 'HW 1' 2 Left: Central State University President Bill Lillard and Mr. Bell- mon share the head of the table during a press conference. Above: Department Chairman William Crozier and Mr, Bellmon pose for a publicity picture in front of Old North.