By Amanda Gonzalez
野狼社区 University is more than just a school 鈥� it鈥檚 a place where lives are shaped, and lasting connections are made. For Matt and Jill Epperson, OCU was not only the backdrop for their academic journey, but also where they first met and began a lifelong partnership with each other and their alma mater. They initially established the Cowden-Epperson Endowed Scholarship in 2001, providing tuition assistance to students in need. 鈥淲e wanted to ensure future students, especially those pursuing careers in ministry or social work, have the same opportunities we did,鈥� Matt and Jill shared. They also went on to establish a planned gift to the university, which upholds their commitment to continuing a tradition of support.
Matt and Jill both grew up in the United Methodist Church and shared a calling for ministry, leading each of them to OCU. Their paths first crossed in the waiting room of the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel during their scholarship interviews 鈥� an unexpected moment that sparked an initial connection. As they pursued religion degrees, Matt joined Lambda Chi Alpha, Sigma Theta Epsilon and the United Methodist Student Fellowship, while Jill engaged with Alpha Chi Omega, Kappa Phi and the United Methodist Student Fellowship. Amid classes, campus activities and work-study jobs, they laid the groundwork for a life together that extended far beyond the OCU campus.
Matt and Jill both graduated in 1994, with Matt earning his MBA at Oklahoma State University upon graduation. The couple married in the spring of 1996 and made a home in Bartlesville, Okla., where they began raising their two children, Erin and Luke. Later, Matt鈥檚 job took the family overseas, where he had the opportunity to work with diverse cultures across Asia. 鈥淭he unique education I received at OCU was instrumental in helping me navigate and succeed in these diverse environments,鈥� Matt expressed. Jill found her calling in social work, helping children and families within the foster care system. Their shared commitment to service and leadership was something they credited directly to their time at OCU, where each learned to apply their faith in ways that would make an impact on the world around them.
For Matt and Jill, supporting OCU was a natural decision. 鈥淲e have always believed that giving back to the church and our community is important. As we reflected on our lives and the blessings we鈥檝e received, we felt a deep sense of gratitude towards OCU,鈥� they shared. It鈥檚 not just about the financial support they provide, but the lasting example they are setting for their children, as well as future generations to come. 鈥淏y contributing to the university, we hope to help provide opportunities for others to have the same enriching experiences that we did. We hope our planned gift will continue OCU鈥檚 tradition of excellence and ensure that the values and education we cherish will thrive.鈥�
Their advice for OCU students? 鈥淲ork hard, and fully embrace every opportunity. Your experiences now will shape your future. And who knows, you might find the love of your life!鈥�
