Vianne

My Regions:

All UWC's in Europe and UWC Dilijan

As a student, what did you leave your mark on campus?

I worked in the OU Bizzell Library for three-and-a-half years on the digital collections, so I feel like I helped extend the reach of OU’s great resources to anyone who has an internet connection!

Define the OU Family in your own words.

To be honest, I wasn’t particularly excited to come to OU as a freshmen, but when the opportunity to transfer opened up—I stayed. I stayed because OU is such a welcoming and supportive place. It’s genuinely friendly, people are kind and courteous, and there is an eagerness to connect and stay connected. Academic curiosity and rigor is matched with an empowering and understanding university community. People encourage innovation, exploration and conversation, even when it’s tough and brings about great change. As a student with an international background, OU’s global outlook and warm commitment to inclusivity appealed to me. The connections I made with fellow students, faculty and staff within the first year convinced me I could be at home here. And the following years only confirmed this. The connections and family I made at OU as an undergraduate carried me on confidently to study abroad, to do my Masters abroad and then to come back and feel right at home again.

When was the moment you felt the greatest Sooner pride?

Whenever I’ve lived or traveled abroad, people are always surprised to hear about OU and Oklahoma. I love that internationally, this university is like a hidden gem I get to share with people.  Groundbreaking research, amazing libraries, great faculty, welcoming atmosphere and vibrant university culture all on a beautiful campus in Oklahoma. I love to surprise people with OU--- although if I keep telling everyone, it might not be a ‘hidden’ gem for long!

What was the greatest gift you took with you after graduation?

The connections I made at OU and all the international experiences stayed with me after I graduated. My faculty mentors checked in with me and helped me with graduate school and post-university life; my international and American friends from OU and the international friends I made while studying abroad stayed with me--- kept me honest, kept me on track and kept in touch. Don’t underestimate the gift of family, friends and community during university and after graduation.

Reveal one secret about campus.

The Anthropology department has a pretty great collection of Hominin skull models—early humans and pre-human ancestors out on display in one of the anthropology classrooms. It’s either cool or creepy, depending on your perspective. It was always interesting to have so many ‘participants’ in class.

What is your favorite OU tradition?

My favorite tradition is when the Kiowa Black Leggings Society and the Highlanders Bagpipe band of OKC help usher in OU Commencement every May to start Graduation Weekend.