OC gives degrees to 227 students

from The Oklahoman on April 29, 2008

More than 220 students said farewell Friday to Oklahoma Christian University.

The class of 2008 received degrees from the school’s three colleges — arts and sciences, biblical studies and professional studies — during Friday’s commencement exercises.

Receiving degrees were 195 bachelor’s degree candidates along with 28 candidates from the school’s Fast Track MBA program, three from the Master of Ministry program and one from the Master of Divinity program, during the ceremony at the Payne Physical Education Building.

Donald Soderquist, former senior vice chairman and chief operating officer of Wal-Mart, gave the commencement speech.

Known as the “Keeper of the Culture” at Wal-Mart after the passing of founder Sam Walton, Soderquist was bestowed an honorary Doctor of Laws degree during the commencement ceremony.

Ralph L. Harvey, a leader in the independent oil and gas industry, also received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Harvey earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from the University of Oklahoma and worked 14 years in the industry before starting his own company, Marlin Oil Corporation, in 1972.

Since the establishment of the company he has served as president and chief executive officer.

In 1980, along with his wife, Maxine, Harvey pledged one of Oklahoma Christian’s largest gifts to date. In September of that year, the couple cut the ribbon on the Harvey Business Center.