President Martha Burger was inaugurated as OCU’s 18th president Thursday in Kirkpatrick Auditorium in Kirkpatrick Fine Arts Center.
Martha Burger was selected from three candidates to assume the role of university president when former President Robert Henry retired June 30. Burger took office July 1 as OCU’s first female president in university history.
The inauguration ceremony opened with the Presentation of the Colors by the Kiowa Women Warriors Color Guard and a statement from Russ Tallchief, director of student diversity and inclusion, acknowledging that OCU’s campus originally was inhabited by the Apache, Quapaw, and Wichita and Affiliated Tribes.
Tallchief said the statement of acknowledgment is important to indigenous people.
“The land acknowledgment is a new voice around the world where people will acknowledge the land that they are on and who the original inhabitants were,” he said. “I think it’s really great that President Burger and OCU are embracing that. We really appreciate it as native people.”
International and Native American students entered next, carrying the flags of their home countries or tribes. Kayce Kernall, nursing sophomore, carried a flag of one of the indigenous tribes of Oklahoma.
“I think it was good that we carried the flags. It is important because this is Oklahoma, and we have all these tribes here,” she said. “This is indigenous land, so it’s very important to show representation.”
Jane Jayroe Gamble, alumna and trustee, welcomed the audience and spoke about the successes of OCU students.
“Welcome to this family of stars who understand that service is a part of who we are,” she said at the ceremony.
Other prominent Oklahomans also attended the event. Many addressed Burger and encouraged her to lead the university with a sense of encouragement and community.
“The success of our higher education system requires a collaborative effort,” Gov. Mary Fallin said. “We are proud to have you here in Oklahoma City.”
David Holt, Oklahoma City mayor and OCU alumnus, said he was there to represent the 650,000 people of Oklahoma City and spoke about the bond between the university and the city.
Students were impressed by the turnout.
“I was excited to see a lot of donors, and then to see the leaders, Mary Fallin and David Holt,” said Trae Trousdale, mass communications sophomore.
Other faculty and staff addressed Burger at the event. Jordan Tarter, Student Government Association president, spoke about the family aspect of OCU.
“On behalf of all students, I welcome you with providing leadership that paves the way for university students,” Tarter said.
Ron Norick, chairman of the board of trustees and former Oklahoma City mayor, presented the Presidential Medallion and Mace to Burger and declared her the 18th university president.
Burger then gave the inaugural address, speaking about her goal to keep OCU relevant. She said she wants to bring more online classes to the university, build more partnerships with businesses, and initiate stronger fundraising to provide better wages for faculty and staff.
Burger spoke about why she loves OCU and its students, and about organizations and programs that inspire her. She mentioned OCU athletics’ 67th national championship, an OCU alumnus who started the pizza restaurant Empire Slice House, and Devaunjue Williams, religion junior, who became guardian last year to his 10-year-old nephews.
“I am honored to serve this incredible institution,” she said.
Burger said she loved the musical aspect of the inauguration.
“I’m all about OCU music. For me, the music was so wonderful and everybody’s support, and it was just everything I could hope for a great start,” she said.
Trousdale said he was excited to hear Burger talk about diversity and include it in the ceremony.
“With her efforts from the administration side, and then our efforts from the student side, I think that we can really get a more colorful and diverse student body,” he said.
Fallin said she hopes Burger will continue to raise money for the university and inspire students.
“To have a woman that’s been a great leader in the business community and the civic community, and certainly just one that is very knowledgable, there’s so many things in the area of business and public relations that will be a tremendous asset to Oklahoma City University,” Fallin said.
Brianna Miles, nursing freshman, and Erin McBriarty, cellular molecular biology freshman, are part of OKCULeads, the president’s leadership class, and attended the ceremony.
“It was the most beautiful thing,” Miles said. “We are really excited for her to be here and that we get to represent her.”
They said they appreciated the female representation and diversity of the ceremony.
“The school pride was at an all-time high,” McBriarty said.
After the ceremony ended, an inauguration party took place on the quad. The event included barbecue, a root beer float bar, a raffle drawing, and a performance from student band LFNC.
Katie Adams, music education junior, attended the event.
“I think it’s cool she got a student band and is treating them like professionals,” she said.
Andie Sheppard-McDermott, psychology freshman, said she likes Burger’s community outreach.
“She does an incredible job of making OCU feel like a community and bringing the students and faculty together,” she said.
Contributing: Web Editor Jessica Vanek
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