OBU Class of 1958: An Attempt at Explaining the Craziness

Members of Oklahoma Baptist University's Class of 1958 often get the same question: "What makes the Class of '58 so great?" The "greatness" manifests itself by class members' involvement with their alma mater, by their raucous behavior during Harvest Dinners, and mostly by the close-knit friendships they have maintained for more than half a century. 

In November, celebrating their Golden Anniversary at OBU's Homecoming Nov. 7-8, they will try to explain themselves with a unique response.

Spearheaded by class wrangler Donna Nigh Jones, a group of 1958 alums has worked for the past two years to produce "Still Crazy After All These Years," a dramatic presentation which will be premiered Friday, Nov. 7, in OBU's Craig-Dorland Theatre.

Jones wrote the original screenplay, which reflects upon and celebrates "the class the stars fell on" and their lives before coming to campus, while they were on campus, and the 50 years since they left. From dorm life to campus life, poodle skirts to duck tails, "I Love Lucy" to Elvis Presley, the production creatively examines what shaped the Class of '58.

A line from the work explains, "what has made the class special is not the accomplishments, as great as some of them are. What has made the class special is the caring and the bond of affection."

The original screenplay will feature a dramatic portion, "Reflections on an Education in Seclusion," with a cast composed of current OBU theatre students and many 1958 alums.

Jones is co-directing the production with classmate Dr. Bob Scales, and Dr. Laura Byland, OBU's director of theatre. Dr. Scales, who directed the theatre program at the University of Southern California before his retirement, also has worked with the show's computer-enhanced background and music. Dr. Joe Mosley and Dr. Charles Poor co-produced the production and served as the script and technical advisors. Many other 1958 alums served on the planning committee, including Dr. Bruce and Barbara Stine Bell, Dr. Don Clark, Henry Maxey and Dr. Harold and Joan Hendrick.

The production begins at 8:30 p.m., following OBU's Harvest Dinner. The event is free, and the public is invited to join the alums for a trip back in time.

The Class of '58 Golden Anniversary Reunion Luncheon will start at noon on Saturday, Nov. 8, in the Mabee Suite in OBU's Noble Complex. For more information, contact the OBU Alumni Association at (405) 878-2706.