When Wayne Steen – director of the OU College of Engineering’s Multicultural Engineering Program from 1980 through 2003 – died at the young age of 63 in March 2007, the effects were felt well beyond his immediate family. His untimely passing also impacted his extended family – namely, the students who had the privilege of getting to know this native Oklahoman and American Cherokee Indian who had invested so much of himself in them. Born and raised in Grove, a small town in northeastern Oklahoma, he graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in aerospace engineering and counseling. Wayne’s industry experience with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Mo., and educational experience with Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence and Johnson County Community College in Overland Park would provide the perfect context from which he would be able to relate to undergraduate and graduate engineering majors at the University of Oklahoma. And relate to them he did. Steen’s legacy was shaped by his interest in and dedication to his students. Baya Crynes, MEP Coordinator 1989 through 1992, recalled how Wayne not only encouraged – but employed – a student who needed to earn enough money to return to OU the following semester. Recognizing the young man’s potential, even though his GPA excluded him from internship and scholarship opportunities, Wayne asked him to paint his house to earn the money to pay for his tuition. According to Ms. Crynes, the house “didn’t need painting, but the student did need the money.” The young man went on to a successful career with a recognizable engineering firm. Marilyn Grass-Culp, 1990 chemical engineering graduate and family physician, cited two attributes that made Wayne special. “First of all, he was an engineer himself and that lent credibility to his counseling since he’d been there and knew how hard the courses were. Secondly, he cared about the students and he believed in our ability to succeed.” Grass-Culp also noted that Wayne always took the time to listen. “He was the most patient person I’ve ever met. He helped us to help ourselves,” she said. Yadira Upshaw, former MEP student assistant from 1988 through 1990 and 1991 mechanical engineering graduate, recalled Steen’s passion for helping students. “He worked very hard to bring in as many corporate people as he could to give us more possibilities for landing a summer internship or even a full-time position,” she said. Upshaw recalled how Steen used his connections with industry thereby providing a bridge to students who might otherwise go unnoticed based on their grades or inability to navigate through the corporate red tape. “Wayne’s sense of humor and willingness to listen made students feel comfortable which is why he had so many visits from alumni,” Upshaw recalled. This unwavering belief in people is reminiscent of the main character, George Bailey, in the classic movie,
It’s a Wonderful Life, who, through his building and loan company, went to bat for those not capable of making it to the plate themselves. George Bailey had faith that, given the opportunity, folks of limited means would prove themselves capable of supporting themselves and their families and of paying back their loans. Like George Bailey, Wayne enabled students to do for themselves. At the beginning of their academic journey, the students' GPA may not have been high enough to earn them a scholarship. They may not have initially qualified for an internship. But that didn’t stop Wayne from not only seeing the potential that resided within but also to encourage that potential to be fully developed. He employed these students in his office. He called his industry contacts and connected them to his outstanding kids. And time after time, these engineering professionals praised Wayne and the graduates he sent their way. And the students … well, they are successful engineers, of course.
This feature article on Wayne Steen was inspired by his years of dedicated service to our minority students. The passion with which Wayne did his job not only impacted them in a positive way but also helped to shape our diversity program which continues to inspire and encourage our students of today. You are invited to honor the legacy of Wayne Steen by making a tax deductible gift to the Wayne Steen Memorial MEP Scholarship Fund. Click here to make a gift. You may also choose to contribute to the Dean’s Advisory Board on Diversity, supporting student MEP scholarships and MEP initiatives. Click here to make a gift. You can choose a one-time contribution or include this as part of your annual giving. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!
By Karen Kelly
