Begin Family Donation, Renovations for communication classrooms

This article was updated at 1:56 p.m. Nov. 7 to correct Mr. Jim Utley’s name. The Talon regrets this error.

On Oct. 31, 2024, Oklahoma Christian University held a ceremony to honor the generous donation from the Begin family, a legacy deeply intertwined with the institution’s history.

The event celebrated the life and contributions of Jim Begin, an alumnus who passed away last year, and the lasting impact his family continues to have on the university.

Jim Begin graduated in 1965 with a double major in both Bible and speech. He spent 30 years educating students while preaching full time in Oklahoma.

Jim Begin’s journey at Oklahoma Christian was pivotal, not only for his academic pursuits, but also for his personal life. It was here where he met his future wife, Martha, and set the foundation for a family tradition that would span generations.

The Begins’ commitment to Oklahoma Christian extended beyond their own education, as they sent their children to their alma mater, continuing a legacy of faith and learning.

Their daughter, Julie, followed in her parents’ footsteps, not only in attending Oklahoma Christian, but also in finding her life partner here. Julie met Jim Utley during her time at Oklahoma Christian, and together they started their own family, further cementing the Begin family to the institution.

Julie and Jim children have carried on the family tradition as well: their son is now an Oklahoma Christian alumnus, and their two daughters currently attend the university. 

Brian Simmons, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, explained the importance of honoring family and carrying out legacy.

“You see, because of your generosity, because of your desire to honor family, because of what you’ve done with these two classrooms, you will bless students you’ll never meet,” Simmons said. “That’s remarkable.”

Christine Merideth, Chief Advancement Officer, described each new renovation and all the changes which were to be made to the two classrooms.

“I wanted to share with you all in these two classrooms what was done: we were able to do new carpet, new paint, new lights, new technology and new furniture in both spaces,” Merideth said. 

Student government president Delaney Ward shared how the renovation has impacted her as a communication student herself.

“The improvements made to these classrooms, as well as the department as a whole, serves as a reminder to students that we’re valued and cared for,” Ward said. “I’ve taken many classes in these rooms before and I can say with confidence that their renovations significantly improve our working environment.”

The Begin and Utley family had the chance to walk around both classrooms, sit at the new desks and see firsthand what their generous donations went into.