Donates fee to cancer research

By Althea Peterson

Transcript Staff Writer

Two servers at Ozzie's Diner, 1700 Lexington St., said they had an unexpected guest Friday night.

While on her way to the airport after the University of Oklahoma's commencement, Today show anchor Katie Couric made a quick stop in for cheesecake.

Tara Mosley of Oklahoma City said Couric complimented the cheesecake and invited them to visit her in New York City.

"I was really happy to be able to meet her," Mosley said.

At first, they were surprised to see her that late at night, said Taffney Bardgett of Norman. However, she said it was a neat experience.

"She was very nice," Bardgett said. "Most celebrities can be stuck up, but she was nice."

How nice? OU President David Boren announced that Couric donated her entire speaking fee, $115,000 from private funds, to cancer research at her alma mater, the University of Virginia. The donation was made in honor of Couric's sister, Emily, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2001 and was a former state senator.

"We thank you for your support of cancer research," Boren said.