The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education welcomed back alumni, faculty and friends of the college for a 90th anniversary celebration on Sept. 27. More than 200 people were in attendance at Collings Hall to share stories of their time in the college, as well as look to the future of education at OU and in the state of Oklahoma.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by children from Terra Verde Discovery School playing musical instruments on the entrance lawn. Acting Dean Stacy Reeder welcomed guests in the lobby, where they were then free to choose from several activities. Current JRCoE students offered tours of the building, which underwent an extensive renovation in 2010.
In the second-floor classrooms, presentations were given by faculty members Kristy Brugar, Derek Houston and Benjamin Heddy, representing each of the three departments in the college. Guests were also invited to sit and socialize in the “Reunion Room” on the second floor where they found memorabilia, a guest book, cards to write down their college memories and a 90th anniversary cake.
One attendee said their favorite memory is Associate Professor Crag Hill’s student teacher class. “I loved the people and being able to get immediate advice and support. The College of Education is great at that kind of experience.”
Other alumni recounted their favorite place to hang out in Collings Hall “My friends and I would hang out in the ‘secret’ room next to the stairs on the third floor. One time we pulled a television in there and watched Pride and Prejudice between classes!”
Sherri Jenkins, class of 1975, recalled the wonderful teachers, courses and experiences that solidified her life.
The event was organized by the college, led by the JRCoE Board of Advocates 90th Anniversary Committee. Faith Kelly Clune chaired the committee, joined by Sally Bentley, Patty Bartell, Jane Kenney, Charlotte Jones, Dana Doughtie and Lori Thrower.
There is still time to take part in the JRCoE 90th Anniversary Fund campaign. Your gift to this fund will directly impact students as we surround them with scholarship support, outstanding faculty who mentor and teach, student organizations and fantastic internship experiences that give students in-person experience before leading their own classrooms.
Any donor who makes a gift of at least $10 to the college’s 90th Anniversary Fund will receive a commemorative pennant. Those who give at the anniversary level of $90 or more will have their pennant hung in Collings Hall, home of the JRCoE, throughout the rest of 2019.
