EVENT: WASP Exhibit at USAO's Nash Library
DATE: Through November 30
 Paula Ruth Loop, a 1937 graduate of the Oklahoma College for Women, served with honor as a pilot in World War II. Her memory, along with the 38 other women who died in combat, is preserved in a new exhibition on display at USAO. The exhibition runs through Nov. 30. |
In conjunction with Alumni Homecoming and in recognition of Veteran’s Day, USAO’s Nash Library will host “Fly Girls,” a traveling exhibit from Texas Woman's University about the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) of World War II. The exhibit remains open through Nov. 30.
The exhibit has special meaning for the university as one of its own, Paula Ruth Loop, class of 1937, was one of 38 WASPs killed while flying a mission, said Library Director Kelly Brown. The nine-panel exhibit will be augmented with additional information on Loop. The exhibit is open to the public during regular library hours from Nov. 2-30.
“Remarkable women, these WWII heroes deserve special recognition,” Brown said. “Their gender was at once irrelevant and a key historical note in their record of service to our country. Chickasha is proud to have been home to one of these great women.”
Between 1942-44, at the height of World War II, more than 1,000 women left homes and jobs for the opportunity of a lifetime: to become the first experimental Army Air Force program to see if women could serve as pilots for the military and relieve men for overseas combat duty. These women became the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II, better known as the WASP.
“Under the determined leadership of Nancy Harkness Love, Jacqueline Cochran, and General "Hap" Arnold, the WASP exceeded beyond all expectations,” says a statement from the TWU Museum, from which this traveling exhibit is loaned.
“We are delighted to bring this important exhibition to USAO,” Brown said. “We invite people to come and learn about these women – bring children too – because their story continues to instill pride and patriotism, as well as respect for the wartime contributions of women.”
Also this month, Nash Library hosted author Betsy Israel to deliver the first annual Jayne Nash Montgomery Library Society Lecture. Israel is the author of “Bachelor Girls,” on the history of single women in 20th century America.
On Nov. 4, Nash Library celebrating the official opening of its College Archives, located in Nash 301. Working for more than a year, Kelly Brown has led a crew of college staff to organize and catalog much of the college’s history for research purposes.
Contact: Randy Talley, USAO Public Relations, 405.574.1337