A current building on campus will receive a new name in honor of an old friend who is stepping down after 26 years of on-campus service.
Theta Dempsey, OU Parking and Transit Services director, celebrated her career of more than a quarter of a century being employed at OU on Monday.
“I am truly overwhelmed,” Dempsey said. “I have had the chance to work with some of the best people.”
As a reward for her years of service to OU transportation services, the OU Transportation Operations Center on Monitor Avenue will be renamed the Theta Dempsey OU Transportation Operations Center, OU President David Boren announced at the ceremony.
“I was just flabbergasted,” Dempsey said when asked about the building.
Boren said the OU Board of Regents is expected to make the name change official at their March meeting.
“You’ll never find anyone more committed to the needs of the student body than Theta,” Boren said. “She is the example of everything that is good at this university.”
Boren said though students may complain about parking on campus, Dempsey’s leadership has managed to keep complaints about parking and transit lower than many of the Big 12 universities. He also said Dempsey is a leader when it comes to campus and mass transit vehicles using alternative fuels.
“We are proud of you, and we at OU have three words for you: ‘We love you’,” Boren said.
In addition to her new building, Dempsey received honors from Gov. Brad Henry, the OU Board of Regents and OU Housing and Food.
“In honor of her love for Crossroads’ grilled cheese sandwiches, we are now putting her name on the menu,” Dave Annis, OU Housing and Food Services director said.
Annis said Crossroads will now have the Theta Dempsey Grilled Cheese Sandwich on their menu as a permanent item.
Dempsey spoke with The Daily after her ceremony and gave advice to students about life at OU.
“If you’re going to park on campus, then just realize that there are more important things to worry about than parking and its problems,” Dempsey said.
