The University of Oklahoma will honor the class of 2015 and OU alumna Carol Burr, who has chronicled decades of the life of OU, providing a rich, historic archive of the people and events that shaped the institution, during its annual Ring Ceremony, scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, in the courtyard of Oklahoma Memorial Union, 900 Asp Ave. Burr also was selected to serve as parade marshal for OU’s Homecoming Parade on Saturday, Oct. 18.  

Burr’s distinguished career has centered on OU and Sooner Magazine, as well as OU historical publications. Prior to graduating from OU in 1959 with a journalism degree with special distinction, Burr worked part-time at the magazine as assistant editor during her senior year. Upon graduation, she was named editor of the magazine, which at the time, was the official magazine of the alumni association.

“Carol Burr has made an enormous contribution to the OU community,” said OU President David L. Boren. “She has helped to create a real bond between alumni, friends, and current faculty, staff and students of the university through her insightful reports of current campus activities and our history.”

During the mid-‘60s and ‘70s, Burr took a “sabbatical” from OU and raised three children, returning to OU in 1980 to edit the institution’s 90th anniversary history, The Sooner Story: Ninety Years at the University of Oklahoma 1890-1980. Since 1980, she has served as director of publications for the OU Foundation and once again took on the title of editor of Sooner Magazine in its new incarnation as a general interest magazine for alumni and donors. She also served as author and editor of Centennial: A Portrait of the University of Oklahoma. She has long been an active member of the Norman community, serving on boards for numerous nonprofit and social organizations.

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 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.