Gaylord Extra: May Edition
By Katelyn Foster, Senior Staff Writer
“If Gaylord hasn’t found you, find us because it will be so rewarding to you to give of your time and talents to the students,” Gaylord alumna Pattye Moore said.
Moore graduated from OU in December 1979 with a B.A. in public relations and as a member of PRSSA. She attributes her interest in journalism to her high school newspaper adviser and fellow Gaylord College donor, Barbara Sessions.
“She was the one who really got me on fire about journalism and public relations, and I’m still friends with her,” Moore said.
This Gaylord graduate holds an impressive resume as part of the Gaylord family, OU community and beyond.
Moore has been a member of Gaylord’s Board of Visitors since 2001 and served as its chair for nearly 10 years. She also co-teaches as an adjunct professor for the Online M.A. in Strategic Communication and Digital Strategy, remains involved from a strategic standpoint with Lindsey + Asp and chaired the taskforce during the recent repositioning of this student firm. Additionally, she served as a trustee for the University of Oklahoma Foundation for nine years. Professionally, she currently serves on the Board of Directors for ONE Gas, ONEOK and QuikTrip. She is also a franchise partner for Donatos Pizza working to bring the restaurant, and current Lindsey + Asp client, to Oklahoma. She is the retired president of Sonic and retired chairman of the board of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.
As a donor, Moore primarily supports the dean’s initiatives and Lindsey + Asp because she would have loved to have a student agency to work for during her time at OU. Moore said she gives back because she is extremely passionate about her own Gaylord experience.
“I really believe my journalism, public relations degree was so pivotal to my success in my career because it taught me how to ask questions and think critically,” Moore said.
Moore champions the power of organizations such as Lindsey + Asp within Gaylord, not only donating to the firm but becoming a client herself.
“I think it is something that positions Gaylord, differentiates Gaylord, because there are only a handful of journalism colleges that have something like Linsey + Asp, and I want it to be one of the top, if not the top, student agency.”
Moore also notes that there are Gaylord alumni doing amazing work all over the country and encourages them to get involved.
“Our students need to hear from them,” Moore said. “They need to learn from them. They need internships in their companies. It’s one of many ways, it’s not just about donating, but one of many ways you can give back is come speak to the students, offer them internships in your company and engage with them.”
Moore counts herself lucky to be a Gaylord alumna.
“For those of us as alums who’ve had a great experience, it is such a privilege to be able to give back and help the next generations.”
