For the first time since the beginning of his tenure, OU President David L. Boren will not speak at New Sooner Convocation.

Boren was hospitalized Aug. 9 for severe back pain. He underwent surgery for a herniated disc Aug. 12 and is expected to return to his duties six weeks from the time of his surgery, said Catherine Bishop, vice president for Public Affairs.

"The surgery went perfectly, and I expect him to do fine," said Brock Schnebel, OU Health Sciences Center clinical professor of orthopedic surgery and physician for the OU football team.

A complete recovery is expected, according to a press release from the president's office.

Bishop said many students have expressed anticipation of Boren's return to campus. She said they are eager to see him back in office to resume his duties.

"He puts students first and foremost," Bishop said. "This is a time of year he so eagerly anticipates to be able to welcome our new students."

Boren said greeting new freshmen at convocation is one of his favorite events.

"I'm frustrated by the fact that I will not be able to be there," Boren said in a statement. "I'm so proud to have these new freshmen join our OU family."

Boren personally requested that Doug Gaffin, dean of University College, speak in his place at New Sooner Convocation, Bishop said.

In the interim, Norman Campus Provost Nancy Mergler, OU Health Sciences Center Provost Joseph J. Ferretti and OU-Tulsa President Ken Levit will work with Nick Hathaway, vice president for administrative and executive affairs, and Joe Harroz, vice president of the University and General Counsel of OU, to ensure that business proceeds seamlessly, Boren said.

Mergler said Boren was on the phone the day after surgery.

"He's never too quiet for too long," Mergler said. "School hasn't started yet, so we haven't had to step in and do too much at all."

Boren said he will miss teaching his political science course, and that he looks forward to re-joining Shad Satterthwaite, assistant professor, and meeting his new class when he resumes teaching later in the semester.

Mark Salvie, University College freshman, said he enrolled in Boren's class because of Boren's experience in government.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet president Boren, and my [adviser] said he had a fun class," Salvie said. "I'm kind of disappointed he won't be able to teach at first, but I hope he recovers well."

Rambo said it is not yet known if Boren will be able to attend the Big Red Rally.
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