FEATURE STORY: December 12, 2007 

On the anniversary of his birth, more than 100 friends, family and colleagues gathered to celebrate the life and legend of Thurman J. White during a memorial celebration Friday, Dec. 7 in the Thurman J. White Forum building. White’s namesake is the centerpiece of the Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education campus.

White was a very special friend to the University of Oklahoma and the university’s continuing education effort.

James Pappas, vice president of University Outreach, said, “Remembering Thurman is not hard to do, especially in this building – what he called his highest and greatest legacy.”

White’s granddaughter, Corey Hyde Blake, welcomed guests and shared her personal memories of her grandfather. She described Thurman as a man who was always along for an adventure, as long as it didn’t get him in too much trouble with his wife.

During his 43 years guiding OU’s continuing education effort, White’s insight, creativity and passion helped create innovative professional programs in higher education. Four of these programs, which have garnered international recognition, continue today and include the Oklahoma Center for Continuing Education, the Bachelor of Liberal Studies degree, Advanced Programs which makes available higher education opportunities to the U.S. Armed Forces and the Southwest Center for Human Relations Studies.

White once said, “Public service is when you do someone’s work for them, but continuing education is when you teach them how to do the work.”

Pappas described White as a pioneer who championed the cause of continuing education and lifelong learning and who found his calling in service as a constant beacon on the global horizon of adult education.

“Thurman liked playing the role of teacher and mentor,” said Pappas. “He enjoyed hearing stories about how helping people learn made their lives better.”

Molly Shi Boren, wife of OU President David L. Boren, also shared her stories of White, the man she credits for her first job. She described him as a bright, wise and kind man, revered by everyone at OCCE.

White’s reverend and friend Dr. Joe Ted Miller led prayers and reflected on the many conversations he had with Thurman. 

Blaine H. Smith, Jr., White’s nephew, also spoke about his family memories and gave a special look at the man so many called a friend.

Blake ended the memorial with a poem written about her grandfather by Barbara Gellman-Danley, OU alumni, former vice chancellor for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and president of Antioch University McGregor.

An excerpt from the poem reads:

The legend continues, though spirit may transcend.

We’ve lost a father, a leader, a mentor, and a friend.

Know now, we will never allow your dream to end.

This is our time to be the dream wakers.

“We are part of his legacy and that legacy will continue to live on,” Pappas said.

The vision of White has provided the foundation for the ongoing growth of University Outreach (OCCE) which continues to find innovative ways to meet the needs of its constituents. In FY 2007, Outreach had more than 744,000 noncredit enrollments and more than 55,000 credit enrollments for undergraduate programs. The Forum hosted 422 events which were attended by 36,615 people. The Outreach organization itself employs more than 700 around the world.