The $19 million Phase II addition to Gaylord Hall is emerging from the construction phase and beginning to look more like a functional building. The new 46,000-square-foot wing will open in fall 2009 and include a student-run advertising/public relations agency and computer lab space (see photo) where students will gain experience securing and working with clients, developing campaigns and executing the creative plan.

Students will be led by advertising professor David Tarpenning and a public relations faculty member. Tarpenning owned and operated his own advertising and marketing firm for nearly 30 years prior to joining the OU faculty more than 10 years ago.

Furniture and equipment for the new wing of Gaylord Hall will arrive over the summer and the first classes will be held next fall. Over the summer, students will create a name for the agency and lay the groundwork for a business model.

The College is actively pursuing a new public relations faculty member to work with Professor Tarpenning. Read more about the faculty opening.

Jarita P. Askins, 85, of Duncan, died at her home on Sunday, March 22, 2009, after a long illness.

After attending one year at Sayre Junior College, Jarita was offered a job as wire editor for The Oklahoma Daily student newspaper at The University of Oklahoma. Thus began her long love affair with journalism and OU. She was selected as the first female Editor of "The Daily" and served in that leadership role for one year, later earning a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She was a member of the Psi Chapter of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority at OU. She later served as president of the OU Mom's Club, was a member of the President's Associates, and the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence.

Jarita is pictured above with her daughter, Lt. Gov. Jari Askins at the 2007 JayMac Banquet. Read more about Jarita's life.