Volume 9 , Issue 48

NWOSU - The Ranger Dedication

"The unveiling and dedication of 'The Ranger' statue took place at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 13, at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva. The ceremony was held on the northeast corner of the campus.

'The Ranger' is a larger than life-sized bronze embodiment of a bucking horse and rider, the university's most enduring and treasured symbol that serves as a focal point for Ranger pride. It was sculpted by noted western artist Harold Holden of Kremlin.

Dean Linder of Alva served as master of ceremonies for the event. Speakers included Suzanne Tate, interim executive director of the Oklahoma Arts Council; Dr. Janet Cunningham, president of Northwestern; and Holden. Regent Richard Ryerson of Alva introduced Dr. Tom and Brenda McDaniel, who made the generous decision to underwrite the creation of 'The Ranger.' Special music for the event was provided by the Northwestern band, directed by Dr. Kathryn Lindberg, and choir, directed by Dr. Stephen Kingsbury.

A public reception took place in the J.W. Martin Library immediately after the conclusion of the dedication ceremony. It was hosted by members of the university's Staff Council and library staff.

Tom McDaniel is a 1960 graduate of Northwestern and later earned a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. He was in private practice in Alva before he was appointed the administrative director of state courts in 1981. McDaniel joined Kerr-McGee in 1984, ultimately become vice chairman of the company and a member of its board of directors. After retiring from Kerr-McGee, McDaniel served as president of Northwestern from 2000 to 2001. He was named president of Oklahoma City University in 2001.

Brenda McDaniel attended Northwestern from 1957 to 1960 before completing her degree at the University of Oklahoma. She served as alumni director at Northwestern in the 1970s, earning her master's degree from the University in 1976. 'The Ranger' stands approximately 10 feet high and will be placed on a four foot base that will recognize the contributions of the McDaniels. It was set in place on Monday, Nov. 12.

Holden has been capturing the West in sculptures and paintings for more than 30 years. While his work can be found in the Oklahoma State Capitol and on a postage stamp, his public sculptures have kept him busy the last few years. His sculpture of Will Rogers on horseback can be seen at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City and his piece 'We Will Remember' is part of a memorial at Oklahoma State University that honors members of the basketball team killed in a plane crash. Holden also worked on numerous Oklahoma Centennial projects.

Pictures taken November 13, 2007, by Jim Bradley, NWOSU Class of 1959. 'The Ranger' statue shrouded; Speakers & Guests on Platform: Dr. Janet Cunningham, President NWOSU; Dr. Tom McDaniel; Mrs Brenda McDaniel; Regent Richard Ryerson, Oklahoma Board of Regents; Mr. Harold Holden, Western Artist and Sculptor of 'The Ranger'; Suzanne Tate, Interim Executive Director, Oklahoma Arts Council; Judge Dean Linder, Master of Ceremonies; Dr. Cunningham welcoming the attendees; Dr. Tom McDaniel awaits his turn to speak; Dr. McDaniel addresses the attendees; 'The Ranger' is unveiled; 'The Ranger'; Harold Holden, Sculptor, and Dr. McDaniel converse; Dr. McDaniel, Mrs. Brenda McDaniel, and Harold Holden confer; 'The Ranger' with NWOSU Band in background; Judge Linder, Dr. McDaniel, Dr. Cunningham, and Harold Holden under 'The Ranger'; Judge Dean Linder, Harold Holden, Richard Ryerson, Dr. Tom McDaniel, Mrs. Brenda McDaniel, Dr. Janet Cunningham, pose with 'The Ranger' in background; 'The Ranger' after dark (right side); 'The Ranger' after dark (front); 'The Ranger' after dark (left side); 'The Ranger' in early morning light (right side); 'The Ranger' on base; 'The Ranger' showing R brand on right rear quarter; Close-up of R brand.

There are initials of some of the project participants molded into various locations on the tack of the bucking bronco. One must look close to find these. In addition, the R brand is the NWOSU farm brand." -- James Bradley - Ranger Statue Photos
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