The University of Oklahoma will honor the class of 2013 and award-winning educator Tom W. Boyd, during its annual Ring Ceremony, scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, in the courtyard of Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave. Boyd also was selected to serve as parade marshal for OU’s Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 20.
Boyd, David Ross Boyd Professor of Philosophy at OU, is retiring after teaching at OU for more than 40 years. Before initially retiring in 1997, Boyd served as Kingfisher Chair of the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. In 2002 Boyd was talked out of retirement and enlisted for service in the new Religious Studies program by President Boren. Boyd is currently teaching as part of the Retired Professor program and serves as a consultant to the Program.
“Tom Boyd is a truly great teacher,” OU President David L. Boren said. “He always puts students first. He excites his students about learning and challenges them in ways that cause them to grow intellectually. Tom has made a tremendous difference in the lives of countless OU students. He and his wife, Barbara, have given of themselves tirelessly to the university.”
Boyd’s academic specialization is in philosophy of religion, and ethics. His current concentration is on the relation among world religions and the relation between religion and culture. Through his studies and teaching, Boyd seeks to understand and appreciate religion in its contemporary setting and in light of an emerging planetary culture. Boyd is actively involved in a current discussion of a Global Ethic.
In addition to his teaching duties, Boyd and his wife, Barbara, agreed to be the first OU faculty to participate in the Faculty-in-Residence program initiated by President Boren.
The OU ring was adopted because of a student initiative to create a symbol that would capture the true essence of the university’s history and tradition. The OU ring honors graduating seniors and alumni from all classes, highlights students’ commitment to higher education, and recognizes the heritage of the OU community.
In 1996, Boyd was named an Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence recipient of the Medal for Excellence in teaching at the college level. The award recognized Boyd for his many important contributions as an educator, role model and leader in the continuing pursuit of excellence in higher education in the state of Oklahoma.
Boyd holds four degrees, including a Ph.D. in Religion from Vanderbilt University. During his tenure at OU, Boyd has taught Judeo-Christian ethics, advanced courses in the Philosophy of Religion, Religious Philosophy prior to 400 AD and after 400 AD, the History of Ethics, the Philosophy of Social and Religious Morality, Modern Philosophy of Religion and Rhetoric and Religion.
Boyd also continues to conduct seminars, workshops and retreats. He is in high-demand as he speaks on campuses across the country regarding religion.
In the event of rain, the ring ceremony will be held in Beaird Lounge in Oklahoma Memorial Union.
For additional information or for accommodations on the basis of disability, call OU Public Affairs at (405) 325-3784.
