UCO Homecoming 2024
The UCO Homecoming Activities Board (HAB) would like to thank everyone for celebrating the University of Central Oklahoma’s 107th Homecoming. The support, energy, creativity and spirit of faculty, staff, students and the community is what made this journey on the “Highway to Homecoming” an unforgettable ride.
Thank you to all the students who joined us for one of the 22 events hosted throughout the week and to the student organizations who competed in Homecoming this year!
Organizations who participate in the various competitions throughout homecoming week not only competed for first, second, or third for that specific competition, but competed for the coveted Broncho Cup. Organizations were split into two categories, small and large. Congratulations to our Broncho Cup winners!
The small Broncho Cup winner was Sigma Phi Lambda Sorority! Sigma Tau Gamma took second place and the Student Ambassadors earned third place.
The large Broncho Cup winner was Leaders of Tomorrow! President’s Leadership Council took second place and Pi Kappa Alpha earned third place.
We also want to recognize all the winners of our Traditions and Competition events! Your hard work and team spirit were on full display:
- Dec the Campus: Large – Leaders of Tomorrow, President’s Leadership Council, Pi Kappa Alpha, Student Programming Board, Sigma Kappa, Alpha Delta Pi; Small – Student Ambassadors, Omega Delta Phi, Sigma Phi Lambda, Sigma Tau Gamma, BronchoThon, Student Academy of Forensic Science
- LipSync Battle:
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UCO to Host ‘Making Meaning in the American West’ Lecture Series
The University of Central Oklahoma’s Department of History and Geography will host the “Making Meaning in the American West” lecture series, Nov. 14 and 25, on UCO’s campus. The series will explore the experiences of women and families in the fur trade during the 19th century and the resilience of Oklahoman . . .
UCO Mass Communications Students Awarded 2024 OETA and OAB Scholarships
The Oklahoma Educational Television Authority (OETA) and Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters (OAB) Scholarship Selection Committee announced the recipients of the prestigious $1,500 William “Bill” Thrash & Gene Dillehay Scholarships for 2024.
The scholarships honor the legacies of William “Bill” Thrash and Gene Dillehay, who made significant contributions to OETA and the Oklahoma broadcasting industry.
Shanice Hopkins, a ProMedia major at the University of Central Oklahoma, was selected as one of the four recipients of the prestigious $1,500 William “Bill” Thrash & Gene Dillehay Scholarships for 2024. Shanice is actively involved in her UCentral News, where she showcases her skills and passion for media. As the President of the Association of Black Journalists, she advocates for diversity and representation in the field. Additionally, she is a former Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame scholar, underscoring her commitment to excellence in journalism. Beyond her academic pursuits, Shanice serves as the chapter president for Sigma Gamma Rho, Inc., demonstrating her leadership and community engagement. Her achievements exemplify her commitment to making a positive impact in journalism and her community.
“We are thrilled to honor these remarkable students and their dedication to their fields,” said Polly Anderson, Executive Director of OETA. “Their passion for media and education is inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will make in the future.”
Shanice was formally recognized at the annual OETA/OBEA (Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association) Student Day event on Oct. 9, 2024. This event celebrates student achievements and provides networking opportunities among future media professionals.
UCO Department of Mass Communication to Host Oklahoma Teen Film Festival with deadCenter Film
The Department of Mass Communication at UCO is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the first annual Oklahoma Teen Film Festival in spring 2025. UCO will partner with deadCenter Film, an international film festival and film education organization. The festival announcement has just launched on Film Freeway.
Teen filmmakers ages 13-19 will have the opportunity to submit their films from Nov. 1, 2024, through Feb. 15, 2005. The film festival will consist of seven categories and provide prizes to the winner and first runner-up in each category.
The film festival will take place in the CLA building on April 5, 2025. It will offer film screenings, an awards ceremony and film education for teachers and students across the state.
The fall 2024 strategic communication capstone class is managing logistics, creative materials and promotion of the festival. Two student project directors, Izzy Baker and Ryan Reece, are directing a team with specialized roles. This team includes Holly Borden, Kayla Bredel, Lauren Farris, Logan Hobart, John Miller, Jacob Moody, Baylee Wong, Teagan Stubblefield and Weston Weber.
Faculty advisors for the festival include Megan Cox, Milos Ajdinovic and Mark Scott.
Mass Comm students who would like to be involved in the promotion, film screening/judging, or event planning may volunteer or apply for an independent study.
To learn more, visit go.uco.edu/okteenfilmfest.
#CFADWorks: Brandi Kelley
Brandi Kelley is a proud full-time public school dance educator and a Middle Years Programme Health educator at Classen School of Advanced Studies Middle School. In 2024, she was named a Top 9 Teacher of the Year for Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS). She also serves as department chair for the dance programs at OKCPS and is a proud graduate of OKCPS. Brandi holds an MFA in Dance from the University of California Irvine, a BFA in dance and an M.Ed in Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. She has served as a writer for the OK State Dance Frameworks and was a Subject Matter Expert for the grant-supported OK State Department of Education project, Art Tech.
Brandi is an Embodiology® teacher in training under the mentorship of Dr. S. Ama Wray. Since her first participation in Embodiology® in 2018, she has been immensely grateful for how this work brings her into an awareness of the body and how we can notice the rhythms and patterns of people and systems within ourselves and the world around us and make new choices. She is honored to have been co-presenter for an Embodiology® inspired session recently at the National Dance Education Organization conference in Denver, Colorado.
Brandi is also immensely proud to have served the non-profit dance organization, RACE Dance Collective, and RACE Academy in multiple directing and creative capacities since 2009. From her roots at UCO to all of the branches of arts and education she interacts with now near and far, she is proud to continue learning from the red dirt that raised her as she takes part in cultivating educational and arts communities in OKC and beyond.
#CFADWorks: Brandon Fink
From UCO Dance to National Stage
Brandon Fink, a native of Oklahoma City, began his journey in performance art with early training in color guard and winter guard programs. After developing his skills with notable groups like Sarajevo Winter Guard and Insignia Winter Guard, he joined the prestigious Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, marking the beginning of a multifaceted career in the performing arts.
Brandon earned a B.F.A. in Dance from the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO), where his passion for dance took center stage. After graduation, he attended the American Dance Festival, where he was selected to perform in a revival of Twyla Tharp’s Sweet Fields. This pivotal experience launched his professional career, as he signed with the Modern American Dance Company (MADCO) in St. Louis. During his five years with MADCO, Brandon contributed to award-winning performances, including Liquid Roads, a production that earned an Emmy for its collaboration with HEC-TV.
As his career progressed, Brandon expanded his repertoire, working in both dance and musical theater. He performed at renowned venues such as The Muny in Fiddler on the Roof, Variety Theatre in The Wizard of Oz and The Little Mermaid, and the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in Orfeo and Euridice. His work earned him membership in both the Actors’ Equity Association and the American Guild of Musical Artists, distinguishing him as a well-rounded and versatile performer.
Brandon also made his mark as a choreographer, with his works showcased at institutions like UCO, the Big Muddy Dance Company, Florida Atlantic University, and the Oklahoma Contemporary Dance Festival. His dedication to education is evident in his role as Director of Education at The Big Muddy Dance Company, where he nurtures future generations of dancers.
In 2019, Brandon founded La Voûte Performance Ensemble, further expanding his influence as an artistic director. His passion for creating innovative dance experiences and mentoring emerging talent continues to define his career. Throughout it all, Brandon remains grateful for the support of his friends, family, and husband, Ryan Grigsby, as he continues to inspire through his work both on and off the stage.
From his roots at UCO to national stages and beyond, Brandon Fink exemplifies the impact of a strong foundation in the arts, showing how a combination of talent, passion, and perseverance can lead to remarkable accomplishments.
#CFADWorks: Laine Godsey
Laine Godsey is an interdisciplinary artist living and working in Philadelphia, where she is the Coordinator of Arts and Community Engagement at the Center for Creative Works and also serves as adjunct faculty at Lincoln University. Her studio practice utilizes sculpture, found material, photography and installation, addressing . . .
October 2024 Broncho Beat
Get to Know a Broncho
Mark Pierce, assistant director of Conferences and Events
1.What is your background?
Hello! I am a long-time Oklahoma resident. I grew up in Moore, OK, and went through multiple tornados in that area. I have an amazing wife and two wild boys.
2.How did you first get involved at UCO?
My first time getting involved with UCO was at a volleyball tournament in the wellness center when I was in college. . . .