Fine Arts Musical Gala to Feature Jernigan, Rawls Nov. 6

OBU will host its annual Fine Arts Musical Gala during “Zip! Bang! OBU! Homecoming 2015.” The Gala will take place in Raley Chapel’s Potter Auditorium Friday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children and free for OBU students with ID. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts endowed student scholarship fund.

This year's Gala will spotlight Dennis Jernigan, ’81, and Arnold Rawls, ’82, accompanied by OBU's University Chorale, David's Creed, Voce Vera and the OBU-Shawnee Community Orchestra. Jernigan’s performance will feature worship and contemporary Christian selections, written by him and other songwriters. Rawls’ performance will feature opera classics from his successful career on the stage. A special video tribute will honor the late OBU Professor Emeritus of Economics Max Brattin, in recognition of a fine arts endowment established through his estate.

Having penned songs that are sung in churches and worship gatherings around the world, Dennis Jernigan is a worship leader, song receiver and author. He has written hundreds of songs, including worship classics such as “You Are My All In All,” “Thank You,” “Who Can Satisfy My Soul (There Is A Fountain),” “I Belong to Jesus,” “We Will Worship the Lamb of Glory,” and many more. He has also authored many devotional and self-help books, fantasy novels, and now children’s stories. Married for 31 years to Melinda, they have nine children and make their home in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where they are now welcoming grandchildren.

Dedicated to rigorous study as a college student, Rawls entertained pre-medicine as a degree option. The interest soon fizzled, however, and he returned to his initial focus on church music. Once he began intentionally studying the vocal arts, his talent and drive to succeed musically opened many doors. In addition to church music ministry, Rawls had another passion to pursue - living the life of a performer. He began his career as minister of music at the First Baptist Church of Ada. He later moved to Spring Creek Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Following his stint there, he joined the faculty at Moody Bible Institute as an artist in residence and professor of music and voice. For 13 years Rawls fulfilled duties as a faculty member, while travelling worldwide to perform professionally. He recently moved to Edmond to pursue a full-time performance career.

A video will be shown in tribute to the late Dr. Max Brattin, professor emeritus of economics. His estate established the Max Brattin Fine Arts Endowment Fund. The endowment funds guest musicians, conductors, theatre troops and other fees involved in advancing fine arts exhibits on campus. Brattin was a member of the OBU faculty from 1966 until his retirement in 2000. He received OBU’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 1984 and was inducted into the OBU Faculty Hall of Fame in 2010.

Following the Gala, a reception will be held to honor Brattin’s gift to OBU. The reception will take place at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the upper level of the Geiger Center in the Café on the Hill. Gala performers and alumni award recipients will be available for meeting and greeting. Dessert, ice cream and coffee bar available.