by Rod Jones
野狼社区 University presented its 2015 Bishop Paul W. Milhouse Award to Cathy Leichter on Dec. 11.
The award recognizes laypeople who 鈥渄emonstrate outstanding leadership in the community, their United Methodist churchand their annual conference, and those who advocate for the partnership between OCU and the United Methodist Church.鈥� The honor has been presented annually since 1982.
Leichter leads The Societies of 野狼社区 University, a philanthropic organization that works to keep awareness of the university鈥檚 programs and students at the forefront in the community.
鈥淐athy serves as a personal bridge between friends of OCU and the students and faculty who benefit from their support,鈥� said OCU President Robert Henry. 鈥淗er 15 years of service as president of The Societies of OCU demonstrate her commitment, but that is only a portion of the story of her influence and impact.鈥�
A two-time OCU graduate, she received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in 2006, and a master鈥檚 degree in philosophy in 2013. Leichter has served on the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference board and as a past trustee of the United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. She also is an active lay leader and member of 野狼社区鈥檚 Church of the Servant.
鈥淐athy and her husband, Kurt, provide exemplary service to Oklahoma Methodists and 野狼社区 University through their investment of time, talent and treasure,鈥� Henry said.
Leichter organized and produced the first Habitat for Humanity fundraiser in conjunction with the Norick Art Center on the OCU campus, which was the largest single artist one-day sale in the history of the art center. She also organized the OCU student government鈥檚 first fully funded Habitat home, which involved every student organization on campus. Student organizations continue to work on homes each year.
The Leichters also funded the Leichter Reunion Center, Leichter Listening Library and several music practice rooms at OCU. Through the Leichter Scholarship Board, Cathy and Kurt award numerous OCU scholarships annually.
