Farthing to Address Graduates May 22

May 17, 2004

Dr. Ramona Farthing, retiring professor of French, will address 294 candidates for graduation at Oklahoma Baptist University's spring commencement at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 22, in Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium.

Farthing, who has been a member of the OBU faculty since 1967, received the university's Distinguished Teaching Award in 2003. A graduate of OBU, she received her master's degree from Duke University and her Ph.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma.

After graduating from OBU in 1962, she taught French for two years in the Shawnee Public Schools before pursuing her master's degree. She began teaching at OBU after earning her degree at Duke.

Hired at the instructor level, she was promoted to assistant professor in 1970, associate professor in 1983 and professor in 1990. She was named chair of the Division of Language and Literature at OBU in 1998.

Also on the commencement program Saturday are Dennis Hooper, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church; Dr. Mark Brister, OBU president; Dr. Anthony Jordan, executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, Dr. Mel Robinson, family practice physician in Sayre; Jana Cooper, president of the senior class; Dr. James Colman, senior vice president for academic affairs; Marty O''Gwynn, executive director of the OBU Alumni Association; and Dale Griffin, OBU campus minister.

Music will be provided by Dr. Ron Davis, organist, with special music by graduating seniors Elizabeth Finke and Stephen King.