Gaylord College Dean Joe Foote greets dignitaries. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).

Christy Everest, Molly Shi Boren, William Ross and Bob Ross applaude during the dedication of Phase II of Gaylord Hall. (Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman).

University of Oklahoma Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communications students, faculty members, foundation board members and friends were at the dedication of Gaylord Hall, Phase II, in Norman yesterday.

That place is amazing!

Phase II has a courtyard, a patio, a third floor terrace and a statue of the college’s namesake, Edward L. Gaylord. It also has computer labs, video studio, 180- seat auditorium, an area for the college’s student- run advertising and public relations agency.

Also at Gaylord Hall is a live television studio for student newscasts and cable tv broadcasting;  print and electronic resources for the Edith Kinney Gaylord Library, and  tiered classrooms featuring digital projectors, SMART Boards and wireless internet.

At the ceremony, Gaylord College Dean Joe Foote spoke about the college which has 1400 students and 33 faculty members. He thanked the three foundation contributors for the second phase: The E.L. And Thelma Gaylord Foundation and two foundations founded by Edith Kinney Gaylord, the Inasmuch Foundation, the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism.  OU President David Boren attributed many of the College’s successes to Dean Foote. “He leads this college with such conviction and such energy, “ Boren said. In turn, the speakers which included Christy Everest and Bill Ross, also thanked President David Boren for his leadership in all phases of Gaylord College’s project.

Other thank yous went to the Gaylord family represented by Christy, Jim and Tricia Everest and to the Inasmuch Foundation represented by Bill Ross and Bob Ross.

In closing the ribbon- cutting ceremonies, student Savannah Mobley led the crowd in the OU Chant.

Student interviews Oklahoman Editor Ed Kelley. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).

Kristen Lazalier and Heather Spencer enjoy the Gaylord Hall dedication. (Photo by Helen Ford Wallace).

Jeanne Hoffman Smith and Inasmuch Foundation Chairman William J. Ross speak before the dedication of Phase II of Gaylord Hall at The University of Oklahoma College of Journalism in Norman, Okla.  ( Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman).

Student representative Savannah Mobley, Oklahoma City advertising senior, and Dean Joe Foote look at students on the second level during the dedication of Phase II of Gaylord Hall. (Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman).

CLICK HERE…..For  Parties Extra! photo gallery

1000 PEOPLE WERE AT THE PARTY

Chris and Allison Benge were at the Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball at the Cox Center. Chris Benge is Oklahoma House Speaker. ( Photo by Bryan Terry).

Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge and his wife, Allison Benge, were hosts for the Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball at the Cox Center.The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain was the beneficiary of the evening’s proceeds. 1000 people attended the party.

The ballroom featured tall dramatic centerpieces of ivory and green flowers, crystals and candles. The stage was draped in white fabric and lighted with a star pattern.Host Senator Benge; Master of Ceremonies Joe Kelley, and Vice Chairman, Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball, Mark Liotta were on the program.

Rep. Don Armes was auctioneer for the Oklahoma Arts Institute live art auction. OAI Board Chairman Mike Joseph and Executive Director Julie Cohen were auction hosts.

Among the artwork up for auction were those donated by the Benges, Gov. Brad Henry and his wife, Kim; Senate Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and his wife, Lisa; OU President David Boren and his wife, Molly, and OSU President Burns Hargis, as well as from art students from OSAI.
Allison and Chris Benge had the first dance to “Remember When.”  NashVegas All Stars was the band.