Western Oklahoma State College

 Lily Clark Oden

Lily Clark Oden was known in the Altus community for her works of charity and her many contributions toward the advancement of the fine arts. As a public school music teacher and private piano teacher, she fostered a special love for music in her students. Oden enjoyed providing "scholarships" for young people who would not have been able to study piano otherwise. She privately assisted those in need, especially before social service agencies were established in Altus. She graduated from West Texas State, having also attended Altus Junior College and Oklahoma City University. She was married to Waldo T. Oden, an attorney and civic leader in Altus, who served as a member of the first WOSC Board of Regents from 1971-1976. Mr. and Mrs. Oden were both instrumental in building the new college campus for Western Oklahoma State College and its establishment as a state-supported higher education institution. Oden was a founding member of the Associated Christian Ministries, Inc., a mission to the community. Oden was a membe of the Oklahoma Music Teacher's Association, a founding member of the MacDowell Club of Allied Arts and a charter member of Chapter CM of P.E.O. She belonged to the United Methodist Church in Altus since 1928, where she served as a leader of the youth, an adult Sunday School teacher, and church historian.