OC student killed serving in Afghanistan

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Jan. 30, 2004 - Kyle Seitsinger, an Oklahoma Christian University student who was serving overseas as a sergeant in the Army Reserves, was one of eight U.S. soldiers killed in Afghanistan Thursday when a weapons cache exploded.

Seitsinger, who previously had served in the Marine Corps, had been a student at Oklahoma Christian since the fall of 2000 in between calls to military duty. Toward the end of the fall 2003 semester, he left for duty in Afghanistan, where he was stationed at Bagram Air Base, the main camp of the U.S.-led coalition in Afghanistan. He was assigned to the Army Reserve's 486th Civil Affairs Battalion in Broken Arrow, Okla. OC's connection with the Seitsinger family extends to Kyle's mother, Jo Seitsinger, who used to work in the university's security office.

"We have heavy hearts at Oklahoma Christian as we mourn with Kyle's family. This is a difficult time for all of us on campus," said Dr. Mike O'Neal, Oklahoma Christian University president. "We thank God for the way Kyle served his country. This reminds us so poignantly how the price of our liberty is exceedingly precious. Kyle was an extremely talented young man who was dedicated to finishing his degree despite being called away to duty several times while he was here. Through the entire experience, he worked to make himself a better student in the classroom and in life. He was intent on making a difference in the world. We are extremely proud of Kyle. We were blessed to have him at Oklahoma Christian."

Seitsinger also was called to serve in Costa Rica and Brazil during his time as a student at Oklahoma Christian, where he majored in journalism and Spanish. While in school, he served as the opinions editor for the university's student newspaper, the Talon. Seitsinger also wrote for The Oklahoman and for the Edmond Sun. He aspired to be an international correspondent living and reporting out of South America.

Friday's chapel service at Oklahoma Christian included a time of prayer for Kyle's family and friends. In addition, the university made available counselors from OC's Health and Wellness Center to assist students, faculty and staff members with their grief. OC students also were encouraged to talk and pray with a faculty or staff member to help cope with Kyle's loss.

- OC -

President O’Neal on Lectureship 2004

Click here to read President Mike O’Neal’s comments at Wednesday's open forum at the close of Lectureship 2004. (PDF file)

Church leaders who attended Lectureship 2004 are encouraged to attend a meeting on February 13 to discuss the spiritual direction of the University. See the invitation here. (PDF file) (0)Comments

Cabaret takes audience on musical history tour

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Jan. 28, 2004 - The music department of Oklahoma Christian University will present "The History of the World - Broadway Style!" Feb. 10, 12, 13 and 14. The production is part of the university's 16th-annual Valentine Cabaret dinner theater.

Performances include favorite numbers from Broadway shows such as "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" (the Hebrews in captivity), "Godspell" (the time of Jesus), "Kiss Me Kate" (the time of Shakespeare), "1776" (the American Revolution), "Les Miserables" (the French Revolution), "Annie" (the Great Depression), "Bye Bye Birdie" (the 1950s), and "Hair" (the 1960s).

Dinner will be served in the McIntosh Conservatory at 6 p.m., with the performance beginning at 7 p.m. in the Recital Hall. Both venues are housed in the Garvey Center, easily accessible from the university's main entrance at 2501 East Memorial Road.

"The Cabaret is going to be wonderful this year. Not only do you get a romantic dinner and great entertainment, but this year you can purchase roses for your date. They will be available all this week and next week at the ticket booth," senior Anna Jane Forrester said. "The Cabaret is a unique show opportunity that continues to grow every year."

The production is set in a high school history classroom where the new teacher unsuccessfully tries to give an overview of world history. Each student is called upon to present his assignment - a "history report" - to the class, and does so by bursting into song.

All of the standard high school student types (the jock, the cheerleader, the geek) as well as typical adult stock characters (the coach, the principal, the librarian, the janitor, the substitute teacher) eventually appear in the classroom. The result is an entertaining, exciting and creative look at history through the music of Broadway.

Brenda Williams, long-time Pollard Theatre actress and director, will serve as the stage director for "The History of the World." Cast members include William Bennyhoff, Abigail Copeland, Christina Carter, Katherine Iverson, Matthew Cain, Megan McDonald, Michael Duncan, Miranda Danley, Shawn Stobbe, Stephanie Stroop, Allison Kelly, Amy Bartee, Angela Scherf, Angela Stafford, Anna Forrester, Brandi Crumb, Brian Mangus, Christopher Lopez, Jana Bridgwater, Leah Sherman, Nola Hewitt, Paul Mitchell and Rebekah Chisholm.

"The Cabaret is going to be so great this year because there are so many people involved," junior Miranda Danley said. "Since there are so many different styles of songs, there is bound to be a song for everyone to enjoy."

Tickets cost $12 (tickets for OC students with full meal plans cost $8). All tickets are available by reservation through the University Box Office in the Garvey Center from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. each weekday, and by phone at (405) 425-5540.

- OC -

University grants honorary doctorate to Akira Hirose

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Jan. 27, 2004 - Oklahoma Christian University granted an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree to Akira Hirose, chairman of Ibaraki Christian University in Ibaraki, Japan, during a special ceremony following OC's Tuesday chapel service. Hirose was honored for his outstanding service to the church.

"We are pleased to acknowledge the work of Mr. Hirose, a giant in the church in Japan." said Dr. Mike O'Neal, president of Oklahoma Christian University, "Oklahoma Christian is blessed to have such a great relationship with him and with Ibaraki Christian University."

Hirose has been an outstanding leader in the church in Japan for the last forty years. He currently serves as an elder at the Mito Church of Christ, where he has led mission and nurturing efforts that have contributed to significant church growth. In 1998, he left a prestigious career as president of Joyo Industrial Research to become the chairman of the board of Ibaraki Christian University.

"It is my great honor to receive this honorary degree from Oklahoma Christian University. No doubt this is the greatest day of my life of 70 years," Hirose said upon receiving his degree.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the student exchange relationship between Oklahoma Christian and Ibaraki Christian. The university will hold a celebration dinner on Feb. 16, followed by a U.S./Japan economic forum on Feb. 17.

OC students provide service by recording lectures

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - Jan. 26, 2004 - Oklahoma Christian University's chapter of the National Broadcast Society/Alpha Epsilon Rho is working behind the scenes this week to help spread the Gospel across the world.

Members of the chapter are volunteering their time between classes and schoolwork to record more than 100 class and lecture sessions during OC's annual lectureship, which began Sunday and lasts through Wednesday.

Taped copies of classes, lectures and special events are available for purchase in the Garvey Center through the end of the lectureship on Wednesday, and can be ordered by mail after the lectureship concludes.

"We dub the tapes immediately following the lecture. Someone can have a copy only 15 minutes after the lecture is over," said OC chapter president Ruston Grau.

Individual tapes of each lecture, as well as box sets, are available for purchase. Each individual tape costs $3.50, with box sets ranging in price from $10.50 to $38.50. Box sets available include: Theme Lectures, Hispanic Theme Lectures, Late Night Series, Women's Program and Special Events.

"Our broadcast students provide an invaluable service to the university and to those who are unable to attend the lectureship, and to those who miss a session while they're here," said lectureship director Shon Smith, OC's vice president for church relations. "People can take the tapes home to share these biblical messages with their congregations and with others who can be blessed by the word of God."

Proceeds from the tape sales will go to raise money for the chapter's trip to the National Broadcast Society's national convention in Miami, Fla., March 9-13. The chapter hopes to raise enough money for all members to attend the convention.

Alpha Epsilon Rho is a national student broadcasting honor society for students. The OC chapter has won several awards both in the production competition and in club activities, including Model Chapter of the Year. In November, the university hosted the Region 4 NBS Convention.

- OC -

Lectureship opens to capacity crowd

Oklahoma Christian University's annual lectureship opened yesterday, Jan. 25. Irish Evangelist Jim McGuiggan spoke on the "God of Inclusion" to a capacity crowd in Hardeman Auditorium.

Lectureship continues through Wednesday with classes, theme lectures, Spanish lectures, and a Mission Focus day on Wednesday. This year's mission focus is Japan.

For more information on Lectureship, visit its web site here.