Share this story. 
|
Who's on First?
New Faculty Members Are Covering All the Bases
By Elissa K. Harvill
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
Richard Berumen, Education
"I am a native 'Okie.' I was raised in Oklahoma City, but moved to Tulsa in 1977 and have not wandered. I am teaching in the Undergraduate School of Education. I have a special education and education administration background. I have successfully survived 23 years in public school administration. When I had a full beard, I was often mistaken for Abe Lincoln."
Cheryl Bocanegra, Music
"I was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but have spent most of my life in various cities in Texas. I am an assistant professor of music, with a specialty in theory. I also teach in the piano, music technology, and jazz areas. I love spending time with my family (including our little Yorkie named Nellie), playing tennis, gardening, and decorating."
Dwight Davidson, Education
"Originally from the Tulsa area (Kellyville), I have been at Hugo for the past five years. I remember as a child watching as ORU was constructed out of the southern hills of Tulsa. I'm currently teaching in the Graduate School of Education in such diverse areas as finance, facilities, organizational theory, and others. I was originally a science teacher and coach. My desire is to continue to learn and experience new ideas and people. I recognize that I am truly blessed to be afforded an opportunity to serve at this university, with this leadership, these fellow faculty members, and these students at this time. I didn't expect a miracle but received one."
Sophie Liu, Engineering
"I am originally from China, but moved to Singapore twelve years ago. Of course, I can speak Mandarin very well, so I love to meet and befriend Chinese students at ORU who just came from China. I teach electrical and computer engineering-related courses and I love teaching. My most distinguishing personal characteristic is that I like to take on new challenges with a 'never-say-die' attitude. I enjoy reading, cooking, and traveling as stress relief. I am grateful to be back at ORU and have really enjoyed working in the department of engineering, physics, and physical science."
Denise Miller, Education
"I grew up in and around the Tulsa area. After graduating from ORU in 1981, I landed a job teaching 7th, 8th, and 9th graders speech, drama, and stagecraft. Now, that's a fun job. I married Perfect Paul and eventually we were blessed with three completely captivating red-haired kids. After I had taught for ten years, Paul's career moved us to Arizona for four years, and then back to Tulsa. The Lewandowskis, who have nurtured so many, hired me as an adjunct to teach oral communication at ORU. That was my second really fun job. Now, I'm a full-time regular instructor, teaching TESL (teaching English as a second language), secondary education, and human growth and development. I've appreciated working at ORU because the students, faculty, and staff inspire me with their faithfulness to learn from and to follow our Shepherd."
Lisa Weis, Education
"I am originally from Ft. Smith, Arkansas, but moved to Oklahoma in 8th grade, so I guess I am officially an Okie :) My teaching specialty is early childhood education, as I am Nationally Board Certified and just love those little darlings. My most distinguishing personal characteristic is that I am happy. I smile a great deal. The photographer referred to it as the 'permanent smile.' I love being at ORU and have really enjoyed all of the wonderful people here. I know the Lord has placed a calling on my life to be an educator and I'm elated that He chose me to be here!"
Caroline O'Farrell, Biology
"I just moved from Woodbridge, Virginia, but I've lived all over the U.S. and a few countries abroad. Teaching specialty: immunology, microbiology, marine science. Some folks refer to me as a fish doctor since I specialize in fish diseases and have my Ph.D. I'm an ORU alumnus, and have done research in Bermuda and France."
Calvin Roso, Education
"I still feel new to Tulsa. I moved here with my family six years ago from the north; we were in Wisconsin for the past 17 years. I taught high school language arts for nine years and spent several years writing and evaluating curriculum; my current focus is curriculum design and Christian school administration. And I've been married to a wonderful lady for 16 years. We have two daughters, ages 12 and 14."
Barbara Wolfer, English
"This is my first year as a full-time faculty member at ORU, but I have taught here as an adjunct for three years before this. I also taught at American River College in Sacramento and at the University of the District of Columbia in Washington, D.C. I am teaching freshman English, but this year I also have the additional responsibility of running the Tutoring Center, the successor to ORU's Cooperative Learning Center. Our primary mission now is to provide English and math tutoring for English and Math 100 students, as well as tutoring for students in any English class, or for any writing assignment, and in any math class or statistics. We are a work in progress, and we do seem to be making progress. My husband, son, and I moved here from the Washington, D.C., area five years ago. I am a wild-eyed Yankees fan and cat lover."
