The First OKAGE CoupleThe First OKAGE Couple

This is the story of a romance that began in the summer of 1989. It involves two unlikely characters who met by “accident” in the past geography department of Dale Hall Tower on the OU campus.

This is the story of a romance that began in the summer of 1989. It involves two unlikely characters who met by “accident” in the past geography department of Dale Hall Tower on the OU campus.

Professor Gregory Plumb was fulfilling a request by Geography Department Chair, Jim Goodman, to teach in a summer institute for K-12 teachers. This seemed like a good idea at the time,

Professor Gregory Plumb was fulfilling a request by Geography Department Chair, Jim Goodman, to teach in a summer institute for K-12 teachers. This seemed like a good idea at the time,

The First OKAGE CoupleThe First OKAGE Couple

since the non-tenured single guy had nothing better to do than please his chair and distribute a wide array of knowledge to non-geography savvy classroom teachers.

since the non-tenured single guy had nothing better to do than please his chair and distribute a wide array of knowledge to non-geography savvy classroom teachers.

Healdton Middle School teacher, Robin England, had recently attended an OKAGE workshop in Ardmore and was encouraged to apply to the National Geographic Society summer institute.

Healdton Middle School teacher, Robin England, had recently attended an OKAGE workshop in Ardmore and was encouraged to apply to the National Geographic Society summer institute.

The First OKAGE CoupleThe First OKAGE Couple

What a great way to spend two weeks, not to mention, much needed time away from two busy teenage girls, gain a stipend, and network with teachers from around the state.

What a great way to spend two weeks, not to mention, much needed time away from two busy teenage girls, gain a stipend, and network with teachers from around the state.

The first week of the institute was fabulous for both characters. Robin met lots of new friends, networked with learned professors such as Dick Nostrand, Lee Williams, Jim Goodman,

The first week of the institute was fabulous for both characters. Robin met lots of new friends, networked with learned professors such as Dick Nostrand, Lee Williams, Jim Goodman,

The First OKAGE CoupleThe First OKAGE Couple

Marvin Baker, Gary Thompson, and, of course, Greg Plumb. By the end of the week, everyone was deep in Geography note taking, demonstrations, map reading, and lesson planning.

Marvin Baker, Gary Thompson, and, of course, Greg Plumb. By the end of the week, everyone was deep in Geography note taking, demonstrations, map reading, and lesson planning.

The weekend brought a wonderful trip to Lake Eufaula and the “trudging on Trudgeon” in Henryetta. It was during the houseboat ride that Robin decided to make conversation

The weekend brought a wonderful trip to Lake Eufaula and the “trudging on Trudgeon” in Henryetta. It was during the houseboat ride that Robin decided to make conversation

The First OKAGE CoupleThe First OKAGE Couple

with the somewhat quiet and reserved “Professor Plumb”. They enjoyed a nice chat and Robin thoroughly enjoyed flirting her way into Greg’s heart.

with the somewhat quiet and reserved “Professor Plumb”. They enjoyed a nice chat and Robin thoroughly enjoyed flirting her way into Greg’s heart.

The next week, Greg invited all the teacher consultants to his house for “beer can viewing”, which is another term for a farewell evening.

The next week, Greg invited all the teacher consultants to his house for “beer can viewing”, which is another term for a farewell evening.

The First OKAGE CoupleThe First OKAGE Couple

The evening was enjoyed by everyone, especially Robin, who decided to hang around a little longer to listen to Greg’s eclectic music collection.

The evening was enjoyed by everyone, especially Robin, who decided to hang around a little longer to listen to Greg’s eclectic music collection.

That night was the beginning of the courtship for this couple. For several months, Greg and Robin communicated by snail mail and phone calls.

That night was the beginning of the courtship for this couple. For several months, Greg and Robin communicated by snail mail and phone calls.

The First OKAGE CoupleThe First OKAGE Couple

Then, one day, on a precious fall break evening, Greg decided to pop the question. To which Robin replied “Are you sure?!”. After all, two children were involved and a move from southern

Then, one day, on a precious fall break evening, Greg decided to pop the question. To which Robin replied “Are you sure?!”. After all, two children were involved and a move from southern

Oklahoma to wherever Greg decided to move in future years…..because Geography was his game! Only six months after they met, Robin and Greg were married, right

Oklahoma to wherever Greg decided to move in future years…..because Geography was his game! Only six months after they met, Robin and Greg were married, right

The First OKAGE CoupleThe First OKAGE Couple

across the street from Dale Hall! And their fabulous wedding reception was held in the OU Faculty Club. What an event it was!!!! We are happy to report that the “first OKAGE couple” will celebrate our 19th

across the street from Dale Hall! And their fabulous wedding reception was held in the OU Faculty Club. What an event it was!!!! We are happy to report that the “first OKAGE couple” will celebrate our 19th

anniversary in January. We have traveled many miles together, exploring geographic places, viewing rocks, cruising the Caribbean, and have loved every minute of it.

anniversary in January. We have traveled many miles together, exploring geographic places, viewing rocks, cruising the Caribbean, and have loved every minute of it.

Robin and Greg Plumb (in front and at right) in Alaska with

family in 2005.

Robin and Greg Plumb (in front and at right) in Alaska with

family in 2005.

Thank YOU for 20 Great Years!Thank YOU for

20 Great Years!