A Letter to the Graduates of the University of Central Oklahoma (2022)

I really should not be allowed to watch documentary films. I can think of countless films that forced me to climb a new soapbox and preach. From human trafficking to protecting dolphins in Japan, these films have a way of exciting a dormant passion living within me. This passion has translated into signing petitions, emailing my elected officials, and even a few protests. Then, my energy wanes. The flame that made me want to change the world slowly flickers and dies without an organization to harness my passion.  

Entering my senior year of college at the University of Central Oklahoma, I watched An Inconvenient Truth by Al Gore. As the credits rolled, I found myself angry, shocked, and in desperate need of something to do. Over the summer, I launched a Facebook group for other concerned students and reached out to members of the Young Democrats. I also began looking at my own life and considering personal decisions I could make to improve the health of the planet.  

Then the flame flickered.  

In my senior year of college, I had a simple goal for myself. At the annual Broncho Leadership Awards, I wanted to be recognized as Senior of the Year (spoiler alert; I wasn’t). To achieve this goal, I knew I had to be more involved on campus. I threw myself into my major and countless student organizations. I also began seriously volunteering and took every leadership position offered. One of those positions was on the Vice President of Student Affairs’ Leadership Council.  

If I recall correctly, they formed the council to help uncover and work on areas of improvement across the entire university. Anything affecting the student body was fair game. This meant no issue was too big, small, or challenging for this group. They encouraged us to speak our minds and lead where possible. In one of those meetings, I recognized an opportunity for the candle to burn brighter.  

Nervously, I mentioned UCO’s green initiatives and where I thought they fell short. UCO had shifted all their energy consumption to carbon neutral sources, but I believed we should do more. I thought we should encourage carpooling/mass transit, and we should build a campus-wide recycling and compost system.  

It was an enormous challenge, with lots of moving parts and even more concerned parties. The Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Kathryn Gage, could have politely listened to my concerns, promised to investigate it, and filed it away as something to tackle when time allowed. Instead, she encouraged me to do more. She opened doors for me, gave me space to take my concerns to campus leadership, and offered resources to address the problem. She invited me to help plan UCO’s Annual Earth Day event and gave me permission to change the event with a focus on shifting the conversation.  

She gave me ample space to lead, and that space changed the course of my life. Months after a successful Earth Day event, I was a graduate from UCO. I was still working at Hideaway Pizza. I filled my days with pizzas and job searches. Out of the blue one day, Dr. Gage visited for lunch. She explained she was launching a brand-new office of Commuter Student Services and strongly encouraged me to apply.  

A month later, I began my professional journey as the first Coordinator of Commuter Student Services at the University of Central Oklahoma. That professional journey has taken me across the country. It has pulled me from Oklahoma to Seattle, from Seattle to Los Angeles, and back to Seattle. It now finds me serving what I believe to be the cause of my life as I work alongside committed men and women attempting to solve the affordable housing crisis for our neighbors.  

In countless ways, I find myself at this stage in my life because someone took a chance on me and believed in my ability to change our campus. I will never forget that, nor will I ever be able to repay the debt.  

This story brings me to the point of this letter. Most of the people who will stumble across this letter are people I went to school with between 2002 and 2007. Many of you now find yourselves in leadership positions with people reporting to you. At work and in our communities, we have shifted from mentees to mentors. Before us all are endless opportunities to change the course of someone’s life by creating a space for them to challenge the status quo and attempt something new.  

A seasoned leader at UCO took a chance on me. When I recognized this, I was bound and determined to not miss this opportunity. I did not want to disappoint myself, but I also did not want to disappoint her. When someone displays their belief in you, this can become an engrossing thought.   

As leaders, we can begin fostering and shaping the next generation of leaders. We can create space for leaders to blossom, fail, learn, grow, and expand the canopy of their own impact by countless degrees. As you look around your office or take stock of personal relationships, think of someone who is just beginning their journey. Better yet, think of someone from a marginalized group who you can mentor. Offer to take them out for coffee or lunch. Ask them open-ended questions about their hopes and dreams. Tell them your story and offer to be a resource for them. Leave the meeting with a plan to continue coming together to discuss new ideas and ways for them to grow. Let them know you're invested in their success, even if that success means their journey takes them somewhere else.  

As humans, we often think making a difference in this world can only be accomplished with grand and sweeping changes. When we realize the size and scope of change is too large for one person to accomplish, we can lose our resolve. Instead, let’s make a habit of thinking of the square we stand in and choose to make change there. For me and my square, I am hoping to be a mentor for the next generation. I hope you will join me.  

 Be good to each other,  

Nathan  

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An Annual Letter to the Graduates of the University of Central Oklahoma (2021)

When I attended the University of Central Oklahoma, I was focused on earning a degree in broadcast journalism. At the time, I really wanted to be a political reporter for one of the major networks. To strengthen my understanding of national and international government, I pursued a minor in political science. In one particular class, we spent a lot of time debating the issues of the day while trying to understand their relationship to the functions of government. Sometimes these debates got heated. Even with all the passion, we maintained a high level of respect for each other.  

Fourteen years removed from my time at UCO, I sit in awe of this experience. I grew up in Frederick, Oklahoma. Frederick is a tiny, farm community 10 or so miles from the Red River. Frederick was rural. It was conservative. It was Christian. I was clamoring for life in the big city. I possessed a liberal worldview. I found myself unsure about the existence of a higher power.  

In high school, right around the 2000 presidential election between Vice President Al Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush, I became intensely interested in politics. My best friend at the time and I pretty much agreed on politics. We would debate anyone at any time. Young or old, it made no difference to us. Being Frederick, we often found ourselves holding the minority view or debating several people at once. At first, I didn’t care. After the Supreme Court decided the outcome of that election and national politics faded into the doldrums of a new president attempting to govern, I found myself tired of being the odd man out all the time.  

In college, I no longer belonged to a high school graduating class of 61 souls. Now, I was one of 15,000+. My classmates at UCO were from all over the state, country, and the world. Each one of them brought a different point of view and lives shaped by unique experiences. Many of these experiences I would never fully understand. In the lecture hall, in our student organizations, at parties, or casually strolling across campus, I would hear their stories. My eyes would be opened to a new way of experiencing the world. I would be forced into a new way of seeing the world. I would be forced to understand and wrestle with empathy for the first time. I didn’t know it then, but these experiences were changing me.  

When I graduated from UCO, I felt more confident about what I believed. I held stronger beliefs about politics, religion, and humanity, but I also left UCO with a sense of empathy for my fellow human beings and how they viewed the world.  

I often think about that American Government class. In the end, I chose to pursue work in the nonprofit sector, but those debates and the respect we maintained for each other stick with me to this day. Of all the gifts UCO gave me, empathy may be my favorite. While I will always passionately defend my beliefs, my goal is understanding. I don’t debate to score points or change minds. I debate to learn and grow. Everything else is secondary to me.  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan  

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An Annual Letter to the Graduates of the University of Central Oklahoma (2020)

I attended the University of Central Oklahoma from 2002-2007 (hurray for a victory laps). During my tenure, I went to school with individuals who would become nurses, doctors, police officers, paramedics, firefighters, soldiers, retail managers, small business owners, educators, nonprofit employees, politicians, and fierce advocates for social change. From where I am standing, I find myself in awe of you.

Throughout this crisis, it is those classmates who have been on my mind. I have thought of the medical workers putting themselves in harm’s way. I have seen videos of first responders going above the call of duty and wondered if you were doing the same thing. I have thought of our service members and their ceaseless sacrifice. My heart was broken for my friends in the restaurant, retail, and small business spaces. You were so brave in chasing your dreams and my only hope for you is that you get to do it once more. To my friends in education, I am sure no one will ever doubt your worth again! I have found myself filled with pride for those in my chosen profession who find themselves working on behalf of the homeless, underprivileged, and forgotten. I have cheered from the crowd for those politicians and advocates putting the health of their people first.

There is so much about America to find frustrating, but you fill me with pride. You make me proud to be a Broncho. In my estimation, you are true American heroes. No word or deed will ever be enough to repay the sacrifice you have made for your nation, but I implore all of us to try.

In the days following 9/11, I witnessed a country wrapped in patriotism, unity, and a shared sense of purpose. When COVID-19 is finally relegated to the history books and is no longer our daily focus, I hope we find ourselves wrapped in appreciation, love, and a renewed sense of duty toward those who helped us survive these trying times. Unlike 9/11, I hope we can make sure that light never fades.

Be good to each other,

Nathan  

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An Annual Letter to the Graduates of the University of Central Oklahoma (2019)

Every year around this time, I sit down to a blank, white page and attempt to draft a letter to the graduates of a place I dearly love. This letter is meant for more than those who comprise the class of 2007. It has always been my intention that this letter reaches and impacts classes who came before me and who come afterward.

Hailing from Frederick, Oklahoma, the size of UCO is what hooked me. I graduated from Frederick High School with 61 other souls. When I started at UCO in the fall of 2002, there were 15,000+ students enrolled. As a kid from a small town, I knew a university of this size and scope wouldn’t be overwhelming. It would also open the door to experiences and people that would have never crossed my path in the little town I called home for 18 years.  

One of those people is now someone I consider to be a dear friend, Elizabeth Jones. I was several years ahead of Elizabeth. We were both members of the Greek system. We were both from small towns in western Oklahoma. We have similar political outlooks on life. We are both open-minded, relish new experiences, and aren’t afraid of making drastic changes to better our situation. With all this in common, for the life of me, I cannot remember how we originally crossed paths. I know I met her a couple of times, but our first few exchanges were nothing more than simple pleasantries. Life went on, I moved to Seattle, and I put most of Oklahoma in my rearview mirror. Then I returned home for Christmas one year and made my usual visit to Oklahoma City to see the old stomping grounds and spend some time with friends. Elizabeth sent me a message and we struck up a conversation. Later the night, we met up for beers and talked until we couldn’t keep our eyes open. Instantly, I knew I had a new friend.

A year or so later, Elizabeth and I would conceive of a plan to hike the entire length of the Pacific Crest Trail spanning the west coast of the United States running from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon, and Washington. Walking 2,650 miles is no easy feat, so we set about some serious planning, but life got in the way. A car failed me, and finances got the best of me. Our grand plan would have to wait. Of course, the thought of this thing never happening crossed my mind.

A few years flew by and the friendship between Elizabeth and me intensified. She even made a trip to Seattle and we did some hiking along a section of the Pacific Crest Trail in North Cascades National Park. A little more time crept by and I found myself living in Los Angeles with my partner. Then, a magical window opened before me. In 2020, my partner and I would be heading back to Seattle. I was finally working a job that paid me fairly, because of that I have been able to get debt under control. Physically, I had more miles and experience hiking underneath my feet. It finally seemed like we could make the PCT work in the summer of 2020. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, I set a launch date two years out and asked Elizabeth to join me. Without a moment’s hesitation, she agreed.

Next year, this random person from Elk City who I met at UCO and I will begin one of the most arduous, joyous, and fantastic journeys of our lives. As I stand back and gaze at the wonder of it all, I can’t help but thank UCO for bringing us together. I know our story of friendship is one of the thousands forged on a campus tucked away in a suburb of Oklahoma City. Our friendship isn’t an uncommon collegiate story. College friends as godparents and groomsmen at weddings is a normal thing. Elizabeth and I aren’t the first people to leave UCO or any other college campus as friends. Yet, the next phase of our life is unique and I am forever grateful to UCO for bringing me a friend with whom I share so much in common.

In October of 2020, we should reach the northern terminus of the Pacific Crest Trail in Manning Park on the other side of the Canadian border after six months of hiking. When we do, you better believe it will be a UCO flag we raise in celebration. Without this special place, none of this would be possible.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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An Annual Letter to the Graduates of UCO (2018)

Once a year, usually around graduation season, I sit down and pen a letter to the graduates of my alma mater, the University of Central Oklahoma. The idea for this year’s letter has been sitting with me for a few months. It stems from an incident that occurred earlier this year at UCO but is a part of a larger conversation happening on college campuses nationwide.

Earlier this year, Ken Ham, the founder of Answers in Genesis was scheduled to speak at UCO. UCOSA, receiving pressure from some LGBTQ+ groups and others, rescinded his invitation to the university and then, thanks to media attention and pressure from lawmakers, was invited back to UCO by President Betz. Now, if you are unfamiliar with Ham’s work, I will give you a short synopsis thanks to Wikipedia.

“Ken Ham is an Australian-born Christian fundamentalist and young Earth creationist living in the United States. He is president of Answers in Genesis, a Creationist apologetics organization that operates the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. Ham advocates biblical literalism, believing that the Book of Genesis is historical fact and the universe of approximately 6,000 years old, contrary to scientific evidence which shows the Earth is about 4.5 billion years old and the universe is about 13.8 billion years old.”

As a millennial, college graduate, I understand fully the frustration of having to continually debate things we know to be true. I understand the pain of not being accepted for who you are. I understand the bible being used as a weapon against you and those you love/support. Ham is far from the only person traveling the country trying to drum up controversy in an attempt to further his message. He is counting on outrage. He needs it to get people into seats. Without it, he is nothing more than a man selling snake oil for migraines. He, and others like him, know the youth of today are more connected, tolerant, and educated than any generation who came before them. He knows you will see injustices in this world and demand something be done. He is fully prepared to use the first amendment and the status of public institutions to spread his message. He wants you to believe that you don’t have a choice. You absolutely have a choice. Students everywhere have a choice.

Our institutions of higher learning are fertile ground for the meeting of ideas; even those ideas where we assume debate to be over. To do so, it to pay homage to Aristotle who once said, “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” Our institutions of higher learning can invite the Ken Ham’s of the world without endorsing their arguments. As students, you can refuse to fill their lecture halls and auditoriums. You can stage disobedience by hosting discussions of your own about evolution, the scientific method, god of the gaps, and LGBTQ+ history. You can use what is learned in the classroom to make a louder and more convincing argument. Free speech works both ways. Don’t be afraid to use it.

Ultimately, UCO made the right choice by allowing Ken Ham to speak on campus. When the white-nationalist comes behind him or someone who doesn’t believe in feminism, they should be allowed to speak too. My hope, as a proud Broncho alum, is that our students will be ready. They will be armed with data, research, and open heart toward their fellow man. With those weapons at our side, no one can stand in the way of truth.

Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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An Annual Letter to the Graduates of UCO

According to social media, another 1000+ graduates turned their tassels this past weekend at the University of Central Oklahoma. 10 years ago, I sat where they sat. As I listened to the names of my fellow graduates being read and watched as each accepted their degree, my mind was elsewhere. As soon as I walked off that basketball court, everything would be different. What was expected of me would change. My contributions would need to change. Responsibilities would shift fully in my direction. This life would become fully mine for the taking. The direction I had to choose was mine and mine alone. Happiness, success, contentment, and joy would be up to me. It all felt overwhelming. It was enough to make me want to get up walk out and pretend it never happened. Unfortunately, that simple act wouldn't change facts. Turning my tassel and walking away from UCO would change everything. 

As many of my fellow graduates can attest, life came fast and it was nothing like what I expected. Your university experience and the experience shared by college students all around the country is really good at cementing confidence within you. The world is really good at putting you in your place. For some, jobs will come easily. For others, the road may be tiresome and disappointing. You may discover your degree prepared you perfectly or you want nothing to do with your chosen field. A few of you will find your dream job straight out of college. Most of you will spend your remaining years searching for something that may never come. It is my simple hope that our choice of institution prepared us for the paradoxes of life. I know it did for me. 

10 years later, I am not where I thought I would be. Perhaps, I suffered from delusions of granger. Maybe, I haven't planned adequately. Maybe, I have missed opportunities. Or, maybe I am right where I am supposed to be. Only the test of time can judge such things. I, like many of you who graduated this weekend, live a life filled with fear of unmet potential. I don't want my life to be wasted or lived in vain. I am of the belief that I only get one shot at this thing, therefore I should make the most of it. I know wholeheartedly that my education prepared me to squash my fear. In my mind, that preparation was worth the price of admission. If UCO is worth anything, you will be saying the same thing 10 years from now. 

Be good to each other, 

-Nathan 

An Annual Letter to the Graduates of UCO

Every year, I sit down to a blank screen and try to write a message to those graduates who came before me, those who followed and those yet to come. I do so to continually refresh those ideas instilled within me both as a student and former employee of my alma mater. This year’s letter comes at a special time in the history of Central. The “Harvard of the Plains” celebrates 125 years as an institution. As Oklahoma’s oldest institution of higher learning, this is a big deal. It also offers a moment of reflection on where our university has been, where it is now, and where it is headed.

Like most things in this world, my view of UCO is relative to the time I spent there. When I moved into Murdaugh Hall in the fall of 2002, I did so, because UCO was my second choice. All my life, I wanted to attend some big school that shall remain nameless to the south of Oklahoma City. Upon visiting and touring, this kid from small town Frederick was overwhelmed by the sheer size of the place. I was worried about getting lost, making friends, and being a small fish in a big pond. For these reasons and many more, I decided to attend UCO. I wanted to be a broadcaster, and after attending an open house event, I was positive this was the university for me.

Over the course of five years (yeah, I did a victory lap), I slowly retired all my crimson and cream. Bronze and Blue was now my color of choice. I was encouraged to get involved and try to make a difference. I found causes I believed in. I volunteered. I made lifelong friends. I became the man I am today, because I invested in my university while it invested in me.

13 years later, our university is celebrating 125 years. No longer is it a second tier school. For many students, it is their first choice. The athletic program is something to brag about again. More students are involved on campus than ever before. New and beautiful facilities are opening every year. Alumni support grows with every generation. In fact, the university just completed a $40 million capital campaign. As a fundraiser, I can tell you that goals like this aren’t accomplished if people don’t believe in the direction an institution is heading. It is a great time to be a Broncho.

Deep down inside, I wish I could be a freshman student finishing their second week of classes. I so vividly recall the sense of pride, anxiety and discovery. Alas, the Math and Science Department hasn’t developed time travel yet. So, I sit here in Seattle, WA raising money for a local youth development agency. I do so because my university prepared me with the tools and work ethic to accomplish anything I desire. That is powerful, and for that I can only offer my gratitude.

Thanks UCO, and happy birthday. You’ve never looked better.

Thanks for entering my world,

Nathan 

An Annual Letter to the Graduates of the University of Central Oklahoma

I write this post as someone with more than $50,000 in student loan debt. I write this as someone who has two degrees. I write this as someone who still believes in the power of higher education. I write this as someone who belongs to the generation most deeply impacted by our country's financial crisis. I write this as someone who has spent the last 10 months applying for jobs in the nonprofit sector. 

Every generation has a moment they are measured against. Some of these moments are more memorable than others. My generation is not facing war or great changes in the social landscape. We are up against globalization, foreign competition and the loss of American ideals like economic fairness, opportunity and a belief that our best days are ahead of us. Realizing challenges are merely opportunities, it behooves my fellow Central graduates to rise to the occasion. 

While at Central, both as a student and employee, the "three C's" were preached on every corner of campus. We as Central students were supposed to be dedicated to ideals of civility, character and community. Now, more than ever, our communities, country and planet are asking us to live out those ideals. These simple notions can be strived for in everything we do, big or small. These notions will lead to a more level playing field, more opportunities for all and the restoration of our American ideals. To do so, we must lead; another thing our university preached. 

When I speak of student loan debt, things out of our control or the grueling job hunt, I do so knowing our best days are ahead of us. My experience at UCO was a privilege. It is the reason I am optimistic about the future. That optimism is rooted in a belief that we will rise to the occasion. We will lead. We will display unmatched civility in the boardroom or on the job site. We will exemplify model character in our dealings with those with and without power. We will understand our communities are waiting for us to lead. We are the ones we have been waiting for. Equipped with the most powerful of all weapons, knowledge, it is time for us to get to work. 

Thanks for entering my world, 

-Nathan