Books on famous residents are common stock: the oil millionaires, the country-western megastars, and the sports figures. Less available are biographies of some of the real heroes of the state, the teachers. This new work will be an able addition to library collections and personal collections as it reflects that often bragged about and sometimes elusive "Oklahoma spirit."
In the spring of 2010, Southwestern Christian University alumni Tom Nix, of Oklahoma City, envisioned a long overdue tribute to Mr. Ray Ballew, Professor Emeritus at SCU.
Securing the help of award winning writer Dr. Robert C. Grupe and editor Dr. Peter Pierro, Tom Nix collaborated with thousands of people whose lives have been touched by Dr. Ballew, encouraging him to start the book. Ray Ballew: His Life, His Legacy. The Story of a Person who Makes a Difference, Le Colibri Publishing Co. Bethany, Oklahoma, 2012, is the result.
On Friday, April 27th, there will be a celebration of Mr. Ballew's life and career in the field of music and instruction with a book release and signing held in the SCU Conference Center located on the bottom level of the North Hall Residence facility.
The book release and signing event will include dinner and a concert performed by many of Mr. Ballew's current and former students. The cost to attend is $20. Books will be sold for $12 the night of the event and $10 if they are pre-ordered.
All profits from this event will go to the Ray Ballew Music Scholarship Foundation.
For more information about the event or to pre-order a book, please contact Tom Nix by phone at 405-406-3201, by email at tomlnixmusic@yahoo.com, or find him on Facebook.
