Connection: Volume 6, Number 3

A Publication of Connors State College

V O L U M E

69th Annual Aggie

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Day Interscholastic Competition

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Feature

69th Annual Aggie Day Hosts More Than 1,900

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he Connors State College Division of Agriculture hosted its 69th Annual Aggie Day Interscholastic Competition on Thursday, April 7 at the Warner Campus. During the day of contests, more than 1,725 students vied for top team and individual honors in 22 separate contests, while over 240 different 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters from across Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas and Texas were represented.

The single, largest, high school student event that occurs each year on the Warner Campus, Aggie Day also serves to recruit

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students for the Division of Agriculture.

“We want to make sure that every student who competes in a contest also pictures themselves on campus in the future, so top individual contest winners are awarded scholarships,” said Debra Golden, Division Chair for Agriculture.

Corporate sponsors for the 2015 event included American Farmers and Ranchers, T&D Meats, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the University of Arkansas.

“An event of this size doesn’t take place

without the help from many departments and individuals,” said Golden. “From our maintenance department preparing campus and classrooms, to faculty, students and state agencies setting up contests, to the student activities department setting up games, the 69th Aggie Day was well staffed, well run and had a record attendance.”

Results from the 2016 Aggie Day Interscholastic Competition are posted at connorsstate.edu/aggieday.

Inside this issue V O L U M E

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C O N N O R S S TAT E C O L L E G E W A R N E R CA MP U S 700 College Road Warner, OK 74469 T H R E E R I V E R S P O RT C AM P U S 2501 N 41st St E Muskogee, OK 74403

A D M I N I S T R AT I O N PRESIDENT Dr. Tim Faltyn S E N I O R V I CE P R ESI DENT F O R ACADEMIC & STUDENT AFFAIRS Dr. Ron Ramming V I CE P R E S I D E N T F O R FISCAL SERVICES Mike Lewis

2 COMMUNITY 4 C O W B OY FA M I LY 6 AT H L E T I C S 8 E D U C AT I O N 12 C A M P U S L I F E 14 F E AT U R E

CONNECTION Ag g i e D ay R e g e n ts Bu s ines s Par t ners hip M u s ko g e e R egi onal S c ienc e Fai r Ex c e l l e n c e Award In te r n a ti o n a l D ay • E as t er E gg H unt M e e t Bu tl e r, O ’Q uinn, E vans and Henson Ke i th Se t to S ur pas s 1500 W i ns J e n s o n N a m ed A l l-A m er i c an R e g e n t L i n k V i s i t s S how Team Eq u i n e & R o deo G at her ing Ti tl e III C u l tu ral E vent L i ve s to ck Ju d ging P rov ides S c hol ars hips OAC C N a m e s S c holars hip W inners Students Address Congress • Honors Night Connors Got Talent Where’s Connors?

Social

Media

#CONNORSSTATE

facebook.com/ connorsstate

twitter.com/ connorsstate

youtube.com/ connorsstatecollege

LAYOUT & DESIGN Stacy Pearce CO N T R I B U T O R S Cindy Anderson Dr. Ryan Blanton Jonathan Dallis Payton Fore Debby Golden Dr. Gary Grady Dr. Tabatha Hibbs Mike Jackson Zadie McElhaney Clint Mefford Colleen Noble Stacy Pearce Hailey Stottlemyre DeAnn Warne Patty Webber Dr. Stuart Woods

instagram.com/ connorsstate

Connors State College, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. The Director of Human Resources, ADA, Affirmative Action and Title IX Coordinator, 700 College Rd., Warner, OK 74469, Gatlin Hall Rm 231; Phone (918) 463-6206; email: walkernv@connorsstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies. This publication was printed and issued by Connors State College as authorized by the Director of College and Community Relations. The information given herein is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination or endorsement is intended by Connors State College.

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Community

Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award

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n March 8th, the Muskogee County Commissioners received the Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education in recognition of their partnership with Connors State College The Muskogee County Commissioners have been steadfast partners with Connors State College in ensuring the continued economic and social wellbeing that higher education provides to the residents of Muskogee County. In 2014 and 2015, the Muskogee County Commissioners assisted the college by repairing and revitalizing several roads and entrances on both the Warner and Muskogee Port Campuses.

College Road, the main road through the Warner Campus was repaved and repainted, and other roads damaged by record rainfall were also repaired.

The Commissioners also provided additional assistance with major force main infrastructure upgrades, material hauling for farm and athletic field repair, and various other projects across campus saving the college both time and additional costs. More importantly, the Commissioners actively engage with CSC programs and students on a personal level, dedicating their time to attend functions and support athletic, community, and scholarship activities.

“Connors State College is a proud partner of the Muskogee County Commissioners in accomplishing our mission to build a better community in eastern Oklahoma” said CSC President, Dr. Tim Faltyn.

Photo (L-R): OSRHE Chancellor Glen Johnson, Commissioner Stephen Wright, CSC President Dr. Tim Faltyn, OSU A&M Board of Regents CEO Jason Ramsey, Commissioner Kenny Payne, Commissioner Ken Doke, CSC Director of Grants and Economic Development Lisa Berry, CSC Assoc. VP for External Affairs Dr. Ryan Blanton, and Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb.

any of the judges,” said Dr. Stuart Woods, biological science instructor. “I am proud to be associated with them all.”

The Science Fair had more than 270 area students presenting exhibits and ideas.

“Many of the exhibits were very

interesting,” said Woods. “We saw a drone which could be used to evaluate moisture needs for agricultural croplands; using refracted laser light shining on solar cells to produce electricity; a noninvasive, natural control for webworms and so much more.”

Muskogee Regional Science Fair

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he 50th Annual Muskogee Regional Science Fair was held March 1st, and Connors State College not only attended the event as a corporate sponsor, but also had a hand in making sure the day was a success.

Connors State provided pre-planning and organization assistance and made up nearly half of the judges, providing a wide variety of valued expertise.

“Our faculty, staff, and students were as knowledgeable and professional as

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Students Discover the World at International Day

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pril 4th marked International Day at Connors’ Warner and Port campuses.

Students set up booths representing 11 countries, plus Native American cultures.

CSC’s global education chairwoman, Shiranjini Threadgill, said this is the college’s first international festival. She expects it won’t be the last.

“Every student who comes out of Connors is a global citizen,” she said.

Threadgill, who teaches math at Connors, said students in her different classes set up the booths. Students learned about the countries their booths represented. That included the United States. The USA booth, at a Port Campus atrium, featured a chart of state flags and religious flags, baseball mitts, and lots of cookies.

Krysta Aich, a sociology major from Muskogee, said she didn’t know the Stars and Stripes “changed so many times” since it

was created.

Achie Jean Chapman, who helped Aich with the USA booth, said he learned that many religious denominations have their headquarters in the U.S. “And I’ve learned that when people are properly motivated, we can show our individuality and work together,” Chapman said.

Aich said she learned about other countries as well. Other students had set up a booth focusing on England.

“I’m not a big Harry Potter fan, but I learned Harry Potter was from London,” Aich said.

Yvonne Roman of Muskogee set up a booth about Mexico, where her parents are from. She said she hoped people would learn about the Mexican culture.

“We want people to know they are very loving and caring people,” said CSC graduate Bryan Cole, a native of Russia’s Siberia

province who now lives in Wagoner.

Threadgill dressed in a purple sari, representing her homeland, Sri Lanka. A booth about India and Sri Lanka compared the countries’ different modes of dress, different foods, and different faiths.

Cultures represented at the Warner campus included United Arab Emirates, Chile, Ireland, Pakistan, Costa Rica, Germany, and Australia.

Threadgill used International Day to “encourage students to study abroad,” she said.

Students had just returned from a Costa Rica trip. Other students visited Great Britain. Trips to Italy and Ireland are planned, Threadgill said.

“We want to expose students to international studies,” she said.

Article reprinted from the Muskogee Daily Phoenix.

Port Campus Easter Egg Hunt

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n Monday, March 28th Connors State College invited the community to attend the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Muskogee Port Campus. The children played games, met the Easter Bunny and hunted for candy filled eggs.

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Cowboy Family

Jody Butler, Staff

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ody Butler, the Executive Assistant to the President and the Muskogee Three Rivers Port Campus Administrator, initially chose to work at Connors State because she needed a career change and was determined to stay close to home.

“I continue to work here because I love the spirit of the workplace,” said Butler.

“The family culture is unique from any work experience of my past and it is an honor and a blessing to spend my days with the positive and dedicated faculty and staff of Connors.”

Butler earned an associate’s degree from Eastern Oklahoma College and followed it with a bachelor’s in Business Administration from Northeastern State University.

She has been married for 25 years and is a proud mother of three. Her oldest son recently swore into the United States Air Force and will be shipping off to Basic Training soon, her only daughter just won a NCA National cheerleading championship at the University of Central Oklahoma, and her youngest keeps her on her toes with every little league sport available.

“My husband coaches football and baseball at Checotah High School,” said Butler. “Athletics have always been a huge part of my life. I am an extremely loyal Dallas Cowboy and OKC Thunder fan and I am the first person on the maternal side of my family to ever earn a college degree.”

As a side job, she is also a licensed travel agent and enjoys finding great deals for herself and clients.

Faculty Robin O’Quinn

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rowing up Robin O’Quinn, Interim Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Support Services, has had a driving passion to teach, going as far as teaching her stuffed animals an elementary education at the age of six.

Her dream in life was to become a teacher.

She recalled at an early age begging her parents to buy her a chalkboard so she could learn to be a teacher.

After high school, O’Quinn attended Connors State College and received her associate’s degree, then transferred to 6

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Northeastern State University where she obtained her bachelor’s and later her master’s degree, while working and being a full-time mom. Although she worked her way through college, it was no easy task.

She knew the end result would be worth it, so she kept going in order to obtain her dream career.

“Graduating from Connors seems to be a family tradition,” said O’Quinn.

“My mother, sister, brother-in-law, and niece are all graduates and my daughter will graduate this May. I already have a Connors fund started for my granddaughter.”

O’Quinn said her experience at Connors provided her with relationships, which encouraged her growth as an adult and professional.

“Mr. Harry Jackson and Ms. Bridget Beaver mentored me while I was here,” said O’Quinn. “Mr. Jackson pushed me to

run for Student Senate Office even though I was unsure of myself. My experience in that organization and his wisdom he shared has stayed with me. He was always cheerful and kind, and I try to emulate that with the students here. Ms. Beaver would sit in the Student Union at the “Round Table” and talk to us about writing and literature and college life in general.”

O’Quinn said the students, administration, faculty, and staff at Connors State are beyond amazing and firmly believes Connors is the best two year institution in the state of Oklahoma.

“I love being a part of a great tradition,” said O’Quinn. “I am always proud to tell people that I work at Connors State College. This is a wonderful place for students to begin their academic path. Our faculty and staff are amazing and truly care about student success.

Alumna Debra Evans

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ebra Gail Evans was born February 12, 1959, as the oldest of four and the only daughter to Connors State alumni Pete and Louise Evans. Debbie has two children,

Alicia Cornelius and Robert Evans, and two grandchildren, Ariana and Jaxon – her pride & joy.

Along with her parents and brothers – Kenny, Greg and Doug – Debbie is an educator; a National Board Certified Secondary Science Teacher.

After graduation from Warner High School in May 1977, Evans attended Connors State College, obtaining her Associate Degree in one year. She went on to Northeastern State University, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in 1980, and a M.A. in Communications in 1984. These degrees took her to several small Northeastern Oklahoma schools, where she taught high school science, English and speech for 28 years. Teaching in a small school system

not only means that she teaches more classes and different subjects, but also it means that her students are family and that she knows everyone in the community.

During her career, Evans has won numerous awards. She was named an Oklahoma State Superintendent of Schools Master Teacher five times, was a NASA NEW Teacher and a Space Foundation Teacher Liaison, and has presented at numerous state and national science teacher meetings. The mission of trying to always do more has led Evans to her newest career as a Mary Kay Independent Sales Director.

To work hard, to strive to always do your best, and to do what you love are all things that Evans learned from her Connors education.

Jake Henson, Student

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ake Henson wanted to be a football coach when he grew up, now at age 19 he is on the path to make the dream a reality. Henson is a sophomore at Connors State, where he is studying Health and Physical Education.

Henson is active in the Presidents Leadership Class, is outgoing, and one of the friendly faces you will see at the IT Helpdesk on the Warner campus.

Henson said he chose Connor State because he felt a smaller campus would make a nice transition from high school to the university lifestyle, and he also wanted to be closer to his family and friends in his hometown of Stigler, Oklahoma.

To say family is important to him is an understatement. When Henson was 12, his father, Kevin, was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. Henson said

through the prayers and hope of many people, his father continues to work and do the things he loves, eight years later.

His mother, Courtney, is an alumna of Connors State and upon graduation with a bachelor’s degree from NSU, Jake Henson will be a fifth generation educator.

His brother, Peyton, is a sophomore at Stigler High School and together they enjoy playing sports and spending time as a family.

Though Henson spends a lot of time with his family off campus, he dedicates himself while on campus to his studies and being a friendly person. He has received awards such as the All Oklahoma Academic Team for the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges and President’s Honor Roll. Henson is a member of the Shiloh Assembly of God in

Enterprise, Oklahoma.

“Connors State College has drawn me out of any shell I ever had,” said Henson.

“It’s made making new friendships and acquaintances much easier and has built a greater sense of responsibility in my life.”

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Athletics

Keith Set to Surpass 1,500 Wins

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areer win records all have at least one thing in common – you have to hang around at your job long enough to get it.

But then you’ve got to be worth holding on to that long to get there.

Sometime between now and the season’s end, the odds are good that Perry Keith will reach 1,500 wins with a Connors State program he took over in 1985. He’s made six NJCAA World Series tournaments in that time, the last in 2013, and his current team is 33-4 and ranked fourth in the country.

Keith has had his share of major leaguers, a dozen in all, and has had the offers to do other things at other levels of the game. But the sense of family — both his personal family roots and those developed with his players — has kept him content in Warner, surrounded by smalltown values and a connectional support base that makes every player an extended family member, bonded by a relationship with their coach.

“He’s literally one of the best baseball minds I’ve ever come across,” said Bacone professor John Winters, who is also a longtime umpire in the college game. “On top of that, he’s a great motivator of young men. He could be the greatest coach in the world but if he couldn’t motivate today’s kids, he wouldn’t keep having 40, 50, 60 wins a season.”

Winters says Keith has a special spot in his own baseball career.

“He was the first college coach I threw out of a game,” he said with a laugh. “It was at Midwest City and he got up in my face about a call I made and gradually, turned myself where he had his back to a gate along the fence and we got close enough to it, I opened and shut it and he was off the field.”

Keith’s had his moments with umpires over the years, and some will say you either

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love him or can’t stand him.

Dr. Timothy W. Faltyn, Connors State president, has known Keith for all of the six years he’s been affiliated with the school.

The two attend the same church, First Baptist of Warner. Faltyn drew a comparison between Keith and another notable Warner resident, state representative Jerry McPeak.

“Everyone either absolutely loves them or they absolutely don’t care for them,” Faltyn said. “But what I’ve noticed about personalities like that is when they make a connection, boy, it’s the strongest deal,” he said.

“Sometimes presidents and coaches get along great, some not so much. Where does

he stand with me? Let’s put it this way. He always brings me 60 kids that I would leave my 3-year-old boy with. He takes care of his boys and he makes sure they take care of their business. And he’s there for them always, whether they went on to get Master’s degrees or medical careers or made the major leagues. He’s about preparing them for whatever they pursue and being good husbands and fathers.”

Korey Keith knows him as dad, coach and now, from a position of serving under him as an assistant coach with an eye toward following in his shoes career-wise.

“I haven’t seen much change in him over the years, if any,” Korey said. “Just the fire and the passion he brings to work every day is incredible. He is the most competitive person I have ever been around and I believe that keeps amplifying the older he gets.”

Caleb Knight, a former All-Phoenix MVP catcher during his days at Checotah, is in his second season playing for Keith.

“The first meeting we had as a team with him when I got to Connors, I could feel his passion about his players and the game,” he said. “Take him at practice. He has more energy than half the kids there and he’s been doing it that way 30 years. The guy loses sleep thinking about what he can do better.

“That passion has helped make me a better leader out there, more vocal and taking charge of people. I’ve definitely learned a lot from the way he coaches and what he expects out of me as a player.”

Keith’s son doesn’t know when he’ll get a good night’s sleep on a consistent basis. He may be like Joe Paterno or Bobby Bowden, two guys who grew old and gray piling up win after college football win.

“There have been many who have asked him that,” Korey Keith said of his father, “And I always hear him say when the losing doesn’t hurt any more, it will be time to be done.”

Article excerpt reprinted from the Muskogee Daily Phoenix.

Jenson Named All-American

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onnors State College Livestock Judging Team member Justin Jensen of El Reno, Oklahoma, was recently named to the 2015-2016 Junior College All-American Team, for achievements in both livestock judging competition and academic excellence. With only 15 recipients nationally, being named to the All-American Team is the highest honor bestowed upon livestock judging contestants.

“Being named to the All-American team is akin to joining a very select club,” said Clint Mefford, CSC livestock judging coach. “Many of today’s top agricultural industry leaders hold this honor.”

Upon graduation from Connors, Jensen

plans to attend Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in animal science with a business option, while also competing on the OSU Livestock Judging Team under the direction Dr. Blake Bloomberg.

Oklahoma A&M Regent Tucker Link, his wife Vickie, and KiamichiLink Ranch Cattle Operations Director Dr. Josh Walker, stopped to visit the Connors State College Beef Show Team during their time at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held annually in March. Pictured are (L-R): Show Team member Justin Burney, Dr. Walker, Vickie Link, Show Team Coach Todd Trennepohl, and Regent Link.

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Equine & Rodeo Programs Host Spring Gathering

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n March 26 the Connors State College equine and rodeo programs hosted the annual Alumni and Friends Spring Gathering at the Warner Campus Student Union.

An event that has seen growth over the years, this year’s barbecue dinner, silent auction and four-prize raffle entertained approximately 250 guests, on Easter Weekend. Those in attendance ranged from current students and staff, alumni, horse owners, prospective students, and other community stakeholders.

“It was great to be able to show off our newly renovated Student Union,” said rodeo team member Zadie McElhaney.

“It made for the perfect atmosphere for everyone to dance, eat, and socialize.”

Prior to the event, students sold $25 raffle tickets, which qualified the ticket

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holder for a chance to win a 40-foot Priefert utility round pen kit worth $1,600, a Priefert horse stock worth $1,000, an HR saddle worth $1,400, and a 20X black gold cowboy hat.

The top raffle ticket salesmen were awarded for their efforts; Amber Markus took home top honors, earning a $250 gift certificate from Mock Brother’s Saddlery; while Dusty Lawson and Paige Pruitt tied for reserve and each earned a $150 certificate.

Raffle item winners included Cody Mathis, Arkansas – horse stock; Dr. Ron Ramming, CSC Senior VP for Academic and Student Affairs – round pen kit; Ira Jackson, Warner, Okla. – cowboy hat; and Amanda Berry, Checotah, Okla. – saddle.

Upon his name being drawn, Dr. Ramming donated the round pen kit back to equine

and rodeo programs, which was then sold as a live auction item. At the conclusion of a lively bidding war, CSC head rodeo coach Jake Lawson and wife Keri claimed the kit for $1,200.

“We would like to thank everyone who donated items to the silent or live auctions, and all of those who came out to support our students and program,” said Jake Walker, CSC rodeo coach. “The Spring Gathering is a great way to enjoy ourselves and end another great year with our students.”

Another exciting element of the Spring Gathering was the musical performance of Cassidy Alexander, Nashville recording artist. To the enjoyment of those on the dance floor, Alexander took the stage at 6:30 p.m. and then gave an extended performance later in the evening.

Cowgirls Softball Moves to 28-11 After Rose State Wins

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onnors Cowgirls softball team moved to 28-11 for the 2016 season after a two win afternoon against Rose State, 10-7, 10-9.

Muskogee grad Shaylee Rowland’s walk-off single in the eighth inning of

the nightcap brought in former Hilldale Lady Hornet Hillary Calvert to complete Connors’ sweep of Rose State.

Calvert finished the day 6-of-9 with two RBIs and four runs scored, while Rowland belted her eighth home run of the year in

the opening contest. Ashley Fletcher and Liz Gresham had two home runs each.

Rick Carbone, Head Softball Coach said he feels the girls are playing well and their goal is in sight.

Rodeo Team Hosts Tryout Day

O Simms All-American

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onnors State’s Deven Simms, a 6-foot-5 sophomore from St. Louis, Missouri, has been named a NJCAA first team All-American by the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee. Simms, who is being recruited by Arkansas State and Central Michigan, was also the Region II and OCAC Player of the Year.

n Thursday, March 10, the Connors State Rodeo Team held their annual rodeo tryouts in the Fred Williams indoor arena on the Warner campus.

Key members of the administration and department heads from the college joined the students in the arena before tryouts to welcome them to Connors State and to familiarize themselves to the potential students.

Jake Walker, Equine Instructor and Assistant Rodeo Coach said this year’s event was another great turnout.

“Overall there were 31 students who attended the tryout day,” said Walker.

“We have also been contacted by other students who were unable to attend but are interested in our program.”

Students drove from as far as Ohio to tour campus and talk to the coaches. The tryouts consisted of team roping, barrel racing, calf roping, ladies breakaway roping, and steer wrestling. A chili dinner and snacks were provided for the students and their family.

“It was a successful day of scouting new talent to help our program be successful in the future,” said Payton Hill, current team member and barrel racing director.

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Education

Title III Hosts Native American Cultural Workshop

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n Tuesday, April 5, Kristen Thomas from the Cherokee Nation came to the Warner Campus to share the history and importance of baskets to Cherokee citizens. She discussed the difference between single wall and double wall baskets. Since the double wall baskets were sturdier, they were essential to daily life and held food and household items.

Single wall baskets are quicker to make

and often smaller, but do not have the strength to hold heavy items.

Thomas showed the attendees how to construct the base of the basket and then how to weave the reed to create a single wall basket. After her demonstration, she encouraged everyone to make their own basket. Participants started with natural reed and then had the choice to add colored reeds. All attendees created a

basket and each one had its own personality; some were wide and short while others were narrow and tall. Everyone had a great time learning, sharing, helping, designing and creating.

This is the second cultural event hosted

by Title III, with plans to bring more crafters and artisans to the Connors campuses in the coming months.

Connors Livestock Judging Supports Students at Oklahoma Youth Expo

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wo incoming livestock judging team members for the 2016-2018 seasons, Madison David of Washington, Okla., and Austyn Fuss of Cleveland, Okla., were both presented with tuition waivers at the 2016 Oklahoma Youth Expo.

Connors State College President Dr. Tim Faltyn, Senior VP of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Ron Ramming and Livestock Judging Team Coach Clint Mefford presented the scholarships to the high school seniors along with Jimmy Harrell of the Bank of Western Oklahoma and Bob Funk of Express Ranches and Personnel Services.

“Both Austyn and Madison have been extremely active in both FFA leadership and junior livestock programs,” said Mefford. Both 12

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of these young ladies show tremendous aptitude towards livestock evaluation and academics, we are lucky to have them.”

The OYE is one of the premier junior livestock events in the entire country. Over the

course of ten days, roughly 7,000 Oklahoma youth make the trip to the city each year to exhibit their livestock. Since 2002, OYE has provided 2.2 million in scholarships.

Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Announces Student Awards

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n March 7, Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges recognized outstanding two-year college students at its annual All Oklahoma Team Award/ OACC Tuition Waiver Scholarship Luncheon at the State Capitol.

Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Glenn Johnson welcomed students and guests. “All of us know that our community colleges serve as a gateway toward better jobs and a better quality of life. In Oklahoma, about 45 percent of all undergraduates are enrolled in community colleges. Our community college graduates not only secure more successful futures for themselves, but they also provide the foundation for our state’s workforce needs. Oklahoma could not make a better investment in its future.”

Keynote speaker, Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Jim Reese, told students about his experience as an Oklahoma two-year college student. “I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to do, but I want to tell you today that you can be anything you want to be, if you secure your educational future.” Reese serves as Governor Fallin’s chief advisor on policy development and implementation related to agriculture, food and forestry. He serves concurrently as the

Oklahoma Commissioner of Agriculture and is a member of the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents.

The Oklahoma Council of Two-Year College Presidents and the OACC named 35 students to the All Oklahoma/USA Coca-Cola Academic Team. Oklahoma is one of 38 states participating in the State Academic Team Program through Phi Theta Kappa International, two-year college student honor society. To be eligible, students must be nominated by their college president and have at least a 3.5

cumulative grade point average.

Connors honorees include Savanna Goldman, Muskogee; Kylie Sanders, Fort Gibson; and William Henson, Quinton.

OACC also presented 23 Tuition Waiver Scholarships. OACC and the various colleges have granted 23 $1,000 tuition waiver scholarships, which may be applied to tuition for the upcoming academic year at $500 per semester.

Connors scholarship recipients include Taylor Raley, Porter, and Kierra Warrior, Checotah.

Students Write Letters to Oklahoma Legislators

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onnors State students in two second semester writing classes are getting first-hand experience in participating in the democratic process.

Students in Dr. Tabatha Hibbs’s Comp II classes are writing letters to their state representatives and senators to express their concern regarding repeated cuts to higher education. The conversation about the cuts began when some students chose an essay assignment in which they researched and wrote about the negative impacts of funding cuts to education. The students expressed their frustration with the

decisions being made in Oklahoma City, so Hibbs encouraged them to write letters to their legislators to voice their concern for the future of their education and for the state.

“Students often believe they will never write once they leave school,” says Hibbs.

“This project shows them that there are reasons to write in real life. One of the most important reasons is to participate in the democratic process as informed and educated citizens.”

The letters will be delivered to the legislators in Oklahoma City by CSC President, Dr. Faltyn later this month.

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Scholars’ & Honors’ Night Recognizes Achievement

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n Monday, April 4, more than 120 students and their families gathered in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Warner Campus to receive notable honors during the 2016 Connors State College Scholars’ and Honors’ Night.

The evening began with Dr. Tim Faltyn, President of Connors State College, giving opening remarks. Faltyn welcomed the proud men and women in attendance to

the evening’s event and assured those receiving awards to feel good about their accomplishments and to not take the evening lightly.

Dr. Ron Ramming, Sr. Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, then took to the podium to acknowledge the students who have worked hard in their college careers and are deserving of these awards.

Teresa Williams, HR Representative; Patty Webber, Payroll Administrator; student Jarrin Hubbard, and Cyndee Nance at the Men’s Regional Basketball Tournament Playoffs.

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Ending the evening, as is tradition, was the naming of Mr. & Ms. Connors: Kylie Sanders was named 2016’s Ms. Connors and Paul Bright was named Mr. Connors.

With hard work and dedication from Robin O’Quinn and countless other faculty and staff members and the assistance of PLC, the evening ran smoothly and was a wonderful way to round out the semester.

Dr. Gary Grady took CSC to the Maderas Rainforest Conservancy in Costa Rica.

Campus Life

Connors State College hosted its annual Connors Got Talent competition in the Fine Arts Auditorium on the Warner campus on Monday, April 11th. Nine contestants nervously took the stage, performing accompanied musical acts, and standup comedy. With more than 150 in attendance, the evening was a hit among students and their diehard fans. Bobby Ramming won 1st place by performing Johnny Cash’s hit “A Boy Named Sue”. Stephen McClurg won 2nd place and Payton Hill took home 3rd.

WHERE’S

CONNORS

I Mike Jackson, Dean of Students, and his wife, Jan, took Connors State snowmobiling in Colorado over Spring Break.

t’s been said your college years are always with you. While this is true, we want to know where you are taking Connors State College! Send a photo of you wearing your CSC gear – we want to see where CSC travels. Wear it on vacation, out to dinner … anywhere you go!

Photos will be featured in the next issue of the CONNECTION. Send photos to: dearconnor@connorsstate.edu.

CONNORS CONNECTION

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C O N N O R S S TAT E C O L L E G E 700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469

The 69th Annual Aggie Day Interscholastic Competition brought more than 1,900 contestants, advisors, and supporters to the Warner Campus. See contest results at www.connorsstate.edu/aggieday.

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VOLUME 6 NUMBER 3