OBU hosted 74th annual Hanging of the Green
December 7, 2011
Students, faculty and families participated in and attended OBU’s 74th Hanging of the Green Christmas program Saturday in Potter Auditorium. The theme this year was “Festival Noel.”
Dr. Kevin Hall, OBU professor of Religion and Hollums Chair of Bible narrated the event.
OBU vocal choirs The Bisonettes, Bison Glee Club and University Chorale and the handbell choir University Ringers came together under conductors and directors James Vernon, D. Brent Ballweg, Jim Hansford and Lee Hinson to perform Christmas songs including “Magnificat,” “Christmas Eve” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” Choirs also involved the audience in singing carols. Taylor Thompson, Keith Whitmore and Andrew Harper accompanied on piano.
Senior Graphic Design major Ryan Churchill showcased some of his sketches in the program and on the screen alongside passages from Luke. “Hope is the driving force,” he said in his artist statement.
20 seniors were recognized for embodying the ideals of the university. Honorees include Taylor Breen from Phoenix, Ariz., Jordan Bruce from League City, Texas; Courtney Bryant from Moore, Okla., Timothy Castleberry from Sand Springs, Okla., Clay Dodgion from Macomb, Okla., Kelly Fink from Shawnee, Okla., Ethan Groff from Henryetta, Okla., Joshua Kardatzke from Wichita, Kan., Kyle Kleeburg from McKinney, Texas, Brendan Laughlin from Albuquerque, N.M., Nadia Majed from Broken Arrow, Okla., Sean Muzljakovich from Bartlesville, Okla., Kali Oldacre from Holdenville, Okla., Clay Phillips from Heavener, Okla., Charles (Chuck) Porter from Owasso, Okla., Ellen Richard from Perkins, Okla., Amity Walker from Shawnee, Jaqueline Walter from Lawton, Okla., Chad Ward from Cleveland, Okla. and Hannah Wright from Wichita, Kan.
Honorees were notified of their recognition by Holly Hays before Thanksgiving Break.
“I was very excited to be chosen for Hanging of the Green,” Wright said.
Wright enjoyed experiencing a new side of the program, she said.
“I have been in the OBU-Shawnee Community Orchestra and played in Hanging of the Green every year, so I have seen seniors be honored since I was a freshman and knew what an honor it is.”
Wright said she hopes the program motivates underclassmen to get involved on campus and stay involved throughout their four years.
“I would encourage freshmen to get involved early and be committed to what they get involved in,” she said.
“Find out what you are passionate about and find where you can use your passions to serve others. Plug into a campus ministry and be committed to that ministry. Don't just attend events, but actually get involved- by going deeper than mere attendance you will make some of the best friends of your life and have more purpose for your time here at college.”
Breen said she felt honored that her professors chose her for such an event.
“It's great to know that your professors notice your hard work not only in the classroom, but also in other aspects of campus life,” she said.
“Even after Hanging of the Green, a few professors came up to me and congratulated me on being an honoree.”
Breen also encouraged students to be active in the campus community.
“I would tell underclassmen to be open to any opportunity to get involved. You won't be interested in, or even have the time for, everything. It's still fun to try new things and stick with the activities you enjoy. Plus, you meet so many fun people!”
Several seniors attending the event said it was the most enjoyable of their four years.
“This was by far the best one,” Brittnie Loggins, senior cross-cultural ministry major, said.
