Oklahoma Panhandle State Univesity Honors the Cluck Family as the 2025 Alumni Honored Family

Goodwell, Okla — Oklahoma Panhandle State University is proud to recognize the Cluck family as the 2025 Alumni Honored Family. With a legacy rooted in service, resilience, and education, the Cluck family has left an enduring impact on OPSU, the Oklahoma Panhandle, and beyond.

The Cluck family’s connection to OPSU began with Homer B. Cluck, who, after serving in World War I, made his way to Goodwell to pursue his education. Despite financial hardships, Homer persevered, working for area farmers and ranchers to support his studies. His determination paid off when he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Panhandle A&M College (PAMC) in 1932. Homer went on to serve his community and country in multiple roles, serving as Postmaster of Guymon and through decades of service with the Selective Service, both during World War II and the Korean War. For his efforts, he received commendations from Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Jimmy Carter.

Homer’s wife, Maude H. (Wallace) Cluck, carried the same spirit of perseverance and service. Raised on a homestead near Hooker, Maude’s deep work ethic led her to become a teacher before marrying Homer in 1934. During World War II, she worked with the U.S. Weather Bureau, reporting conditions around the clock to aid the war effort. Later, she pursued her own academic goals at PAMC, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. That same year, her oldest son, Hollis, graduated with a degree in Chemistry. Maude went on to teach in the Guymon school system, leaving a lasting mark on generations of students.

The Cluck children continued their parents’ legacy of education, service, and global impact. Hollis Boone Cluck’s career as a chemist and later in the petroleum industry took him around the globe, spanning Colorado and Montana to South Africa, Mozambique, the Middle East, and the North Sea. Homer Wallace Cluck pursued mathematics, graduating from PAMC in 1965, and went on to serve in the U.S. Army Materiel Command. Sarah Lou Cluck graduated from PAMC in 1968 with a degree in English. Brilliant and musically gifted, she was remembered as the heart of the family before her life was tragically cut short in 1969. Charles Duane Cluck, PAMC class of 1963, built a distinguished career in military service and defense acquisition, ultimately playing key roles in the development of the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and Abrams Tank programs. His work later extended internationally, including projects in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq, earning him national recognition.

University President Dr. Julie Dinger shared, “The Cluck family’s story is one of perseverance, service, and unwavering commitment to education. Their legacy at OPSU and their contributions across the world represent the very best of what it means to be an Aggie.”

The Cluck family will be honored during the 2025 Homecoming celebrations on September 27, 2025. Alumni, students, faculty, and community members are invited to join in celebrating their remarkable legacy.

Director of Alumni Relations, Shawn Joy, added, “Homecoming is about honoring the families and individuals who have shaped our Aggie story, and the Cluck family is a perfect example. We look forward to celebrating their lasting impact with alumni, students, and friends during this year’s festivities.”

For more information about the upcoming Homecoming events, to learn more about the Cluck family’s journey, or to nominate a deserving family for this recognition, please contact Shawn Joy, Director of Alumni Relations, at shawn.joy@opsu.edu.

About OPSU 

Oklahoma Panhandle State University is a public university committed to access, academic excellence, and regional service. Located in Goodwell, Oklahoma, OPSU serves students from a wide range of backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on rural and first-generation learners. With career-focused programs in agriculture, business, education, nursing, science, and the liberal arts, OPSU offers a personalized learning experience grounded in small class sizes and close faculty support. The university is guided by the values of grit, collaboration, accountability, and a deep belief in the transformative power of education. These principles shape our commitment to student success and drive our impact on the communities we serve.