USAO theatre student uncovers hidden alumni legacy
A seemingly ordinary search through the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma's costume storage led to a surprising discovery for class of 2026 theatre major Abbee Holden. During the USAO Theatre Department’s March 2024 production of "The Underpants," Holden stumbled upon a piece of USAO history that connected her back to her own roots.
"I was part of the costume crew, and we were sent to find a vest. When I saw the jacket with my high school’s colors, I had to stop for a moment. I walked over and immediately recognized the Leedey High School colors and our distinctive 'L.' The patches caught my eye—some were from tournaments I had also played in. Then I noticed an embroidered piece awarded to Jim Thorpe Award recipients, which really stood out. So, I took the jacket off the hanger, laid it on the floor, and sent a picture to my history teacher. Within an hour he confirmed it was Cynthia’s,” said Holden.
Klint McClendon, Leedey High School history teacher, quickly identified the jacket’s owner as Cynthia Lynn Kauk, a former student who graduated from USAO in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science in Health, physical education and recreation. Kauk’s passion for athletics was evident not only in her academic pursuits but also in her involvement in USAO’s sports programs. Her transcripts show that she was a standout athlete, repeatedly involved in both basketball and volleyball. Her dedication and talent were recognized with USAO’s official student publication, “The Trend,” reporting that Kauk received the President's Award and was named Outstanding Athlete of the Year at the All-Sports Banquet by Dr. Roy Troutt. She was also honored with the Most Valuable Player award for volleyball and the Best All-Around Player award for basketball.
Though Kauk was not enrolled in a theatre class, it is possible that her involvement in the theatre department came through working on set—a common practice for athletes at the university.
Holden felt a deep connection to the jacket and its history. When she returned home, she took the jacket to her high school principal, who then passed it on to Kauk's sister. This small gesture ensured that the jacket, which had once been part of Kauk’s legacy, found its way back to her family.
“It was really cool being able to find that piece of home here,” said Holden. “When I came to USAO, I came completely alone—I didn’t know anybody. Discovering this connection to someone from my hometown made me feel like I wasn’t so far from home after all.”
As Holden continues her studies, she is now more connected than ever to the university’s legacy, finding inspiration in the unexpected connection between her past and present.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.