The first graduating class of Henderson Scholars will cross the stage this semester, while George Henderson himself will cross into a new stage of his life.

The Henderson Scholars program was named after the OU professor and director of advanced studies in human relations. Henderson will be retiring from OU after 39 years of service.

To celebrate both achievements, a banquet was held Thursday at Oklahoma Memorial Union. Nearly 100 people attended.

Charles Goodknight, Henderson Scholar and political science senior, said he has enjoyed the leadership seminars, mentoring students and participation in the Big Event each year.

"The Henderson Scholars program has defined my college experience in many ways," Goodknight said.

Awards were given to three students: Ashley Harris, letters junior, for the all-around scholar by her peers; Kim Wehri, psychology senior, was given the community service award; and Serena Freeman, microbiology senior, received the academic scholar award.

Nine senior scholars were recognized during the banquet.

The evening also included entertainment by students, including a contemporary dance from India, a Spanish dance, singers and the OU Gospel choir.

Gus Frank, assistant director of the Henderson Scholars program, said each performer was a Henderson scholar.

"You can see how immensely proud we are," Frank said.

Henderson Scholars Banquet

o Thursday night in Oklahoma Memorial Union

o OU professor George Henderson celebrated his retirement

o Celebrated first graduating class of Henderson Scholars

o Program aimed to provide experience in leadership, community service and academic success.

Source: Staff reports

Students said they were grateful to have been in the program and to have been through their college careers with Henderson.

Jessica Horvath, English senior, said when she and her peers were freshmen, they would joke that their last names were all Henderson.

"But that's the way it's become," she said with tears in her eyes. "You feel inspired to be who you need to be."

Renesha Butler, psychology senior, said the Henderson Scholars program has taught her to live for the moment and cherish the people around her.

"It's a true sense of the word family," Butler said.

While the students and staff said they are grateful to Henderson, he said he has become a better person from knowing them.

"Many people say how I've touched their lives, but it's reciprocal," Henderson said.

The Henderson Scholars Program began in 2002 to enrich chosen OU students with experiences in leadership, community service and academic success.

Norris G. Williams, director of the Henderson Scholars program, said the evening was focused on both the bright group of young people as well as Henderson.

Williams said Henderson even concerned himself with areas outside the Norman community.

"His legacy will live long after Henderson leaves OU," he said.

Henderson has been recognized in many ways, including being inducted into Oklahoma Hall of Fame.

Thursday he was presented with an award from the state congress, a plaque from the University of Oklahoma Black Alumni Association and a memory book by the Henderson Scholars students.

"I am overwhelmed, ecstatic and nostalgic," Henderson said.

William Moffitt, guest speaker from Washington, D.C., said he has witnessed Henderson turn adolescents into men and women who are aware of the world they live in, seeking to change and give back to society.

Moffitt graduated from OU in 1971 and went on to become an attorney with numerous achievements, but said it began as a former student and friend of Henderson's.

Moffitt was the first African-American to be president of UOSA, which he said had numerous challenging moments.

He spoke of bomb threats and nasty phone calls during that time of the civil rights movement.

"Someone had walked there before me and taught me how I was supposed to respond," Moffitt said.

Since then, Moffitt has taken on causes throughout his life, which he said he was able to follow through with because of his experiences at OU.

Henderson said he came to OU teach, but he learned life.

"I found the students here, they found me, we became soul mates," he said.

"Thank you. I love you. It's been a wonderful 39 years," he said as applause rang out throughout the room.
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