COMMUNITY

C&W Services Spreads Holiday Cheer to Warner, CSC

The staff of C&W Services, the campus maintenance and janitorial contractor, donates their time to help the community as much as they can.

Throughout December, the C&W Services staff assisted Warner Elementary students in decorating the Town of Warner for the holidays.

“Steve Marshall, who works for the Town of Warner, asked us to help kids hang ornaments, to bring ladders and supply drinks, so the elementary school could decorate trees in the park,” said Keri Lawson, C&W Services Site Manager. “I knew my team would not hesitate to participate in the event and, sure enough, when I asked them if they wanted to, I received a unanimous yes.”

Lawson said that watching all the children arrive with homemade ornaments, that they were extremely proud of, and sing Christmas carols at the top of their lungs, made her day.

Cassie Walker, who works in the C&W office, jumped on the opportunity to help.

“Just to listen to the students laugh, sing, and talk about how they decorated their ornaments, brought more blessings to me than any blessing I was to them,” said Walker.

Rod Mathews, maintenance supervisor for the Warner campus, was one of the staff members also in attendance.

“I LOVE doing anything in our community to help,” said Mathews. “Watching those kids climb a ladder with such excitement to hang an ornament gave me all the Christmas joy I needed. I left the park that day knowing we had helped bring some of that excitement out.”

On December 9, the C&W Staff dressed up and sang Christmas carols and danced for Connors State College faculty and staff in the middle of the Warner campus.

“I was pumped to do the caroling, mainly to give people a break from all the drama that has been going on in the crazy year of 2020,” said Walker. “I hope we were able to accomplish that and cause some smiles and laughter.”

The entire staff dressed up in holiday cheer, caroling multiple songs for the staff.

“It was a blast,” said Mathews. “I love doing stuff like that and so does my team; I love making people laugh, and when they get to laughing, it makes me laugh. There is nothing better than a bunch of people hanging out laughing.” –

Top, L-R: Kelsey Wells and Joe Gallardo assist Warner Elementary students in hanging ornaments.

Bottom, L-R: Keri Lawson entertains as the Grinch. The entire C&W Services staff and lawn crew dressed up and sang Christmas caroles on campus.

COWBOY FAMILY

Wayne Bunch, In Memorium

Wayne Bunch was born on March 23, 1951 in San Diego, CA, to Donald Lee Bunch and Hilda (Lopez) Bunch. He passed from this life on Friday, December 11, 2020 in Tulsa, OK, at the age of 69 years.

Bunch was raised and educated in Tulsa and graduated with the McLain High School Class of 1969. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK.

Bunch was married on January 27, 1973, at Turley Methodist Church in Turley, OK, to Carol Jean (Robinson) Bunch.

He spent most of his working life, more than 40 years, as a sports reporter with the Tulsa World. He also worked for Northeastern State University and Connors State College reporting on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, softball and baseball.

Bunch was a faithful member of Turley Methodist Church for 47 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed a variety of past times such as following college sports, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, and gardening.

Those he leaves behind who hold many cherished memories include his wife, Carol; daughter Nicole Sumpter and husband Chris; son Travis Bunch; grandson Collin Sumpter; brother Randy Bunch and wife Kaye; sister Brenda Crawford and husband Paul; numerous nieces and nephews; and a posse of Connors State Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Hilda.

passenger seat of the car. That was one busy Christmas season! It took me over a month to get caught up on all the paperwork that was involved.”

She has recently started quilting, and has completed two large quilts and one lap quilt. She also enjoys puzzles and counted cross stitch.

Lieblang met her husband Sam in college. The pair have been married for 37 years, and have two children and two granddaughters.

Tracy Lieblang, Staff

The administrative assistant for the Connors State Division of Nursing, Tracy Lieblang hails from Edgewood, NM. She earned an Associate of Science in Computer Information and a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, TX.

Lieblang worked in retail before transitioning into her position at CSC.

“When my position became available, it was a great opportunity to get back into education,” said Lieblang. “I didn’t realize how much I had missed working with educators and students; Connors gave me the opportunity to be able to do this again.”

Lieblang has been at CSC for two and a half years, and says she enjoys working with the students, faculty and support staff.

“I like helping the students with their questions and directing them where they need to go,” said Lieblang. “The nursing faculty and others at Connors are great to work with.”

According to Lieblang, CSC is just the right size for students.

“In larger colleges or universities, it’s easy for a student to get lost among all the other students,” said Lieblang. “For those students who are shy or unsure of themselves, Connors gives them an opportunity to grow without feeling overwhelmed. There is more of an opportunity here for the students to have one on one with their instructor.”

Prior to her time as Connors, Lieblang had an online store for about 10 years.

“The store was fun, but also a lot of work,” Lieblang said. “There was one Christmas season where each day I was printing orders, filling and packaging them to take to the Post Office. As soon as I was done with one set of printouts, I would have another set waiting to be done. By the time I took the packages to the Post Office they would fill every available space in my trunk, back seat, and the front

Sharriell McHenry, Student

Originally from Boynton, OK, Sharriell McHenry graduated from Haskell High School, and is now pursuing her associate of science at Connors State and will graduate this spring.

“I chose Connors State College because it seemed like home, it wasn’t big and the classes are so small that the teachers get a chance to know their students,” said McHenry. “I didn’t want to jump into a huge university and become overwhelmed.”

A President’s Honor Roll achiever, McHenry claims Connors has made a huge impact on her life through furthering her education and introducing her to new opportunities.

“I am the president of the President’s Leadership Class and I also work in the student activities office, so I help put on fun events and activities for my fellow students,” said McHenry. “I have made many memorable friendships and connections.”

Upon graduation, McHenry plans to attend Oklahoma State University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in business management, then shortly after, obtain her real estate license and start a career.

Growing up, however, McHenry wanted to be a wedding dress designer and a model – a passion she intends to continue to pursue.

“I have always had a dream to become a famous supermodel,” said McHenry. “In high school I did a few photoshoots and participated in a fashion show a month after having knee surgery. I do not know how I pulled off walking in heels without falling on my face, and my knee was in so much pain, but, hey, models don’t cry! Modeling is one of my passions and I will continue striving towards my dream, so I can travel all over doing what I love.”

McHenry attributes part of her success to her parents.

“I want to thank my parents for always pushing me because they could see what I couldn’t,” said McHenry. “And, to my guardian angel, Sherrell Helen McHenry, I love and miss you everyday and I want to go out and live for the both of us.”

Charlie Lynn Johnson, an instructor within the Connors State College Division of Nursing, claims Coweta, OK, as her hometown.

She obtained her Associate’s Degree in Nursing from Rogers State, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and then graduated from Walden University with a Master of Science in

Charlie Lynn Johnson, Faculty

Nursing in Nursing Education.

Johnson says she enjoys the autonomy and flexibility of her position, where she teaches Foundations in Nursing Theory, Foundations in Nursing Skills/Clinical, Diseases and Disorders, Health and Diseases of Native Americans, and Medical Terminology.

“I admire Connors’ mission of trying to change futures,” Johnson said. “Connors offers a competitive, contemporary education while maintaining a hometown feel. It’s not as overwhelming as some other campuses can be for students.”

In addition to her CSC teaching load, Johnson is a member of the nursing faculty organization, meets with prospective nursing graduate employers, helps obtain contracts for clinical sites, and previously helped staff the SIM lab until a fulltime nurse was hired. She also assists students with community projects, including the annual CSC Fun on the Farm, and helps with the nursing pinning ceremony.

“Here, I have gotten to know so many nice people and formed some deep friendships,” said Johnson. “I also really find fulfillment when teaching.”

Johnson counts her proudest accomplishments as being the first in her family to receive a college degree, pursuing her post graduate degrees, and her children.

“My daughter is a nurse but also working on her doctorate in theology, and my son is a marine,” Johnson said.

Johnson claims to be a farm girl, and enjoys raising animals, gardening, hunting and fishing. Prior to Covid, she was very active in her church.

Roberts Family, Alumni & Donor Spotlight

New to the scholarship list for 2021 is the Roberts Family Endowment scholarship, given to incoming freshmen students. The Roberts men, Earl (’60), Jeff (’81), Johnny (’84), and Jerrod (’86), share more than a last name – they are all alumni of Connors State College.

Earl Roberts attended CSC from 1958 to 1960, obtaining his Associate of Art Degree.

“Connors was two years of my life that affected the remainder in many ways,” said Earl. “I met my wife, Mary Dixon, at the beginning of my second year.”

Earl and Mary were married in June of 1960, following Earl’s graduation.

Earl credits CSC for helping him grow up as a person.

“I took business classes that aided me going into business with my dad and brothers, and became the bookkeeper in our auto parts shop,” said Earl. “I took music classes at Connors and I still use skills I learned in that class today with my ministry.”

Earl worked in his family’s auto parts shop until 1978. He became a licensed insurance agent, received his real estate broker license, and started his own agency, from which he retired in 2006. Earl’s oldest son, Jeff, came to work with him in 1984.

A now retired native of Roland, OK, Earl likes to keep busy with his rental properties. He is also an ordained minister.

“Coming from a small town and small high school, the environment at CSC is excellent for kids to grow up in,” said Earl. “Being away from home and finding others that can relate to you helps, the instructors are personal and helpful, and CSC offered ways to pay for your tuition through work study positions and scholarships.”

Earl said he would always have special feelings for Connors.

“I feel like it was the starting of my life in general,” said Earl. “I would also like to thank Connors for choosing us to write about.”

Class of 1981 alumnus Jeffery H. Roberts resides in Lawrence, KS, and has a successful career as an executive leader and top business coach.

Jeff works as The Growth Coach of SW KC, providing business and sales coaching to small and medium size businesses by utilizing The Growth Coach’s Strategic Mindset process and ongoing coaching.

Some of Jeff’s proudest achievements include increasing revenues from $2.5 million in 2013 to $18 million in 2019 by acquiring and overseeing five corporate insurance agencies in Arkansas and Oklahoma and managing 70 staff and six operations managers to meet company and client goals.

Jeff also restructured the accounting and human resources departments by identifying inefficiencies and creating new business practices, increased annual revenues by 70 percent within the first two years, improved database utilization, and established sound scalable systems for mergers and acquisitions

Among many other notable accomplishments, Jeff still makes time to give back to his church and community by serving on the Board of Elders for the Story Hill Church, serving on the Board of Overseers at the Grand Avenue Church, and serving as the Chairman of the Economic Development Committee for the Roland Area Chamber of Commerce.

Johnny Roberts, class of 1984, was raised and resides in Roland, OK. Upon graduation from CSC, Johnny continued his education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University where he graduated with his doctorate in pharmacy.

“My time at Connors gave me lifelong friendships built on loyalty, trust and hard work,” said Johnny. “The academia and environment prepared