President Boren

President David Boren looks into the crowd at the statue unveiling ceremony April 21, 2018.

 Paxson Haws/The Daily

A public memorial service date for former OU president David Boren has been announced. 

The memorial service for Boren will be held at 2 p.m. on March 29 at St. Luke's Methodist Church in Oklahoma City, according to an email to OU Daily from Bob Burke, a spokesperson and lawyer for the Boren family. 

Boren died on Feb. 20 at 83. Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered flags to be raised at half-staff shortly after his death.

Prior to serving as university president, Boren served as a U.S. senator and Oklahoma’s 21st governor. As Oklahoma governor, Boren was remembered for his advocacy for increased accessibility to education, both in and out of office. As a U.S. senator, Boren championed human rights and helped secure the release of Nelson Mandela. 

During his time as OU president, Boren raised over $2 billion for the advancement of OU’s campus, including new academic buildings, athletic facilities and campus beautification efforts, often led by his wife Molly Shi Boren. Boren also raised millions for undergraduate and graduate students, increasing accessibility to higher education. 

Boren’s time at OU saw the hiring of OU icons such as Patty Gasso and Bob Stoops and the construction of campus landmarks such as Gaylord, Price and Holmberg halls. 

The story was edited by Ismael Lele, Ana Barboza and Anusha Fathepure. Kylie Caldwell and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.

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