NEWS
NORMAN, OKLA. – More than 300 people attended the University of Oklahoma College of Law’s annual Order of the Owl Hall of Fame induction ceremony on April 17, 2025, where they celebrated four new inductees: Valerie Couch, class of 1983, Timothy DeGuisti, class of 1988, Brad Henry, class of 1988, and Sean Burrage, class of 1993.
“The OU College of Law hosts many events throughout the year, but the Order of the Owl is a cherished tradition that brings the OU Law community together to reflect on our shared legacy, to celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of those we honor tonight, and to offer us a look at the life of the OU Law student fully realized,” said Dean Anne Carpenter.
The Order of the Owl recognizes OU Law graduates who demonstrate leadership and service through outstanding accomplishments in their legal careers. When reflecting on this year’s inductees, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. said, “You all stand as examples of what we are obligated to do as lawyers. It’s the idea that to be happy, you need to love and to make a difference, and we as lawyers are uniquely positioned to do just that. And each of you receiving this award tonight is living proof and embodiments of that.”
When accepting her award, the Honorable Valerie Couch said, “OU Law has tremendous momentum right now, but its future is not a given. We can’t take it for granted. We all have a stake in its future. Its mission has never been more crucial to our wellbeing personally or the wellbeing of our country.”
The Honorable Brad Henry added, “I didn’t know who I was or how much I valued public service until I was in law school. OU Law doesn’t just educate; it instills character in its students.”
In addition to these four members, OU Law also honored Artoush Varshosaz, class of 2008, with the 2025 Order of the Parliamentarian. This award recognizes more recent OU Law graduates for distinguished accomplishments in the first 20 years of their legal careers.
Since 2011, the College of Law has inducted 46 deserving OU Law alumni into the Order of the Owl Hall of Fame. They are:
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
The University of Oklahoma has received a transformative gift from Jon and Shannon McCartney, which will name the McCartney Family Tunnel of Champions, the McCartney Family Gate of the Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and the McCartney Family Grand Lecture Hall in the Michael F. Price College of Business. The gift will also support the Inspiring Champions and the Athletic Director’s Discretionary Fund, in addition to establishing the McCartney DFW Career Trek program at Price College.
The University of Oklahoma today celebrated the opening of a new air traffic control tower at the OU Max Westheimer Airport. Standing 106 feet tall, more than double the current 52-foot facility, the new tower will modernize air traffic control operations and improve safety for pilots and students operating in the airspace.
Do I buy groceries or pay the electric bill? Should I pawn some of my belongings to afford my prescription? My child is sick, so I will have to miss work to take care of him. Those are just a few of the difficult choices that OU-Tulsa health professional students confronted during the Community Access to Resources Experience. The role-playing activity challenged students to navigate the financial, family and other pressures that can affect a person’s health and ability to follow medical advice. Held annually during the SCM Institute orientation week, the experience is designed to generate understanding and build empathy.
