University of Oklahoma Names Its School of Drama for Former Hollywood Starlet Who Became a Major Benefactor

The University of Oklahoma has announced that its School of Drama was being renamed to honor Peggy Dow Helmerich. After acting in such films as Harvey, Undertow, and Bright Victory, she left Hollywood to settle in Tulsa where she raised a family and became a community activist. Over the years, she and her husband have been solid supporters of the School of Drama. Recently the couple donated $2.5 million to the school. Of this sum, $2 million endowed a scholarship fund that will benefit up to 50 students in the School of Drama each year. The remaining $500,000 will be used for academic enrichment programs at the school.