Connection: Volume 9, Number 3 by Connors State College

A Publication of Connors State College

V O L U M E

N U M B E R

DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE SWEEPS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

C ON NO R S S TA TE C OL L EG E WARNER CAMPUS 700 College Road Warner, OK 74469

INSIDE THIS ISSUE V O L U M E

9 ,

N U M B E R

THREE RIVERS PORT CAMPUS 2501 N 41st St E Muskogee, OK 74403

ADM I NI STRATI ON PRESIDENT Dr. Ronald S. Ramming VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Janet Wansick VICE PRESIDENT FOR FISCAL SERVICES

FEATURE

Division of Agriculture Highlights

COMMUNITY

Regents Recognize Partnership with Warner Hardware • OTA Sponsors HopeKids

Meet Walker, Ernsting, Rowe & Miller

EDUCATION

Oklahoma Promise Day • OACC Awards Ceremony • Herriman Named Newman Civic Fellow • Ag Ambassadors

ATHLETICS

Rodeo Team Highlights

CAMPUS LIFE

Mike Lewis

CONNEC TI ON LAYOUT & DESIGN Stacy Pearce CONTRIBUTORS Cindy Anderson Debby Golden Jake Lawson Robin O’Quinn Stacy Pearce Rochelle Vanover Jake Walker Sierra Walker Dr. Janet Wansick

COWBOY FAMILY

Division of Agriculture Events

SOCIAL

MEDIA

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Connors State College, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, crime statistics for both the Warner and Muskogee campuses may be reviewed at http:// connorsstate.edu/asr. 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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FEATURE: DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE

Shooting Sports Team Claims Two National Championships While competing at the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championships March 25-30 in San Antonio, the Connors State College Shooting Sports Team claimed two national championships – the Division 4 American All-Around National Champions and Division 4 High Overall National Champions. “We are proud of the exemplary marksmanship of our shooting sports team members,” said Dr. Ron Ramming, CSC president. “For a young program that was begun a handful of years ago, we are thrilled to have a national championship under our belt.” Individually, Clay Galbreath claimed the male division championship in an all-collegiate-division Flurries side game. Galbreath received a trophy and won a shotgun in the game. “Our student athletes work very hard every day to hone in their skeet and trap shooting skills,” said Shooting

Sports Coach Sierra Walker. “We are blessed with a state-of-the-art shooting range where they are able to compete against one another and gain experience.” Full individual results are as follows: In the open class: Galbreath, American Skeet Top 50; Robert Ernsting, American Trap Top 50 and International Skeet Top 50; and Jesse Cole, International Skeet Top 25. In Class A: Grant Ryan, American Skeet and Trap Top 50; Dakota Byus, International Trap Top 50. In Class B: Hunter Stratton, American Skeet Top 50, third in International Skeet, International Trap Top 10, Super Sporting Clays Top 50, and Sporting Clays Top 50; Walker Weger, American Skeet Top 50, third in American Trap, International Trap Top 20, and Super Sporting Clays Top 50. In Class C: Kelton Tatum, American Skeet Top 5 and International Skeet

Top 10 honors. HOA Individual Males: Robert Ernsting, Top 75; Wyatt Krittenbrink, Top 100. Full team placings are as follows: Division 4 Team Events: first place team in American Skeet, International Skeet and Sporting Clays; second place team in Super Sporting Clays; third place team in International Trap; and fourth place team in American Trap. Overall, the team claimed the Division 4 American All-Around National Championship and the High Overall National Championship. – Photo: The CSC Shotgun Shooting sports team earned two national titles at the San Antonio Shooting Complex during the weeklong national tournament.

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Livestock Judgers Sweep Spring Competitions, Five Named All-Americans The Connors State College Livestock Judging Team kept the road hot and the competition fierce at they traveled to contests this spring, claiming overall championship honors at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo, Fort Worth Stock Show, and the Dixie National, while five team members were named All-Americans: Will Shelby, Tierani Johnson, Braeton Kimble, Shyann McWhirter and Kinder Harlow. “Our team has shown tremendous commitment and enthusiasm during workouts this year, and it has paid off in spades during competition this spring,” said Nolan Hildebrand, Livestock Judging Team coach. “To walk away with five All-Americans and four overall team championships is a true testament to their dedication and livestock evaluation skill.” The CSC judging program was begun in 1919 under the guidance of W.E. West, re-established in 1978 with the hiring of Coach Jerry McPeak, and has been an integral wing of the Division of Agriculture since. “The Connors State Livestock Judging Program has a rich history of success,” said Dr. Ron Ramming, CSC president. “We are proud of the trophies and titles these young men and women have earned this year, and know they will continue to excel as individuals in their future education and careers.” At Houston, the team was first in sheep, goats and hogs and second in reasons, while claiming overall champion honors. Individually, McWhirter placed third overall, fifth in sheep/

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goats, hogs, and placings; Kimble placed fifth overall, third in sheep/ goats and hogs, and seventh in placings; Johnson placed seventh in hogs and tenth in reasons. In the alternate contest, Alex Theodore placed first, Cotton Reinke fourth, Jonathan Jones placed ninth, and Eli Smallwood was tenth. Other team members include Brock Allen, Tyler Sale, Alexa Wandrey and Maverick Williams. At San Antonio, the team was High Team Overall, first overall in reasons, cattle and sheep, second in hogs and fourth in goats. Individually, Harlow placed second overall, first in sheep, third in hogs, fifth in cattle and eighth in reasons; Allen placed fourth overall, first in hogs and fourth in sheep; Shelby placed fourth in cattle and tenth in reasons; McWhirter was sixth in both reasons and sheep; Johnson was ninth in reasons; and Kimble placed eighth in goats. At Fort Worth, the team took champion junior college honors, placed first in reasons and hogs, second in cattle and horses, and fifth in sheep. Individually, Shelby was third overall,

first in cattle, fourth in reasons, sixth in sheep and eighth in horses; Kimble claimed sixth overall, first in reasons, third in hogs, fourth in horses, and eighth in cattle; Johnson was seventh overall, fourth in hogs, seventh in cattle, and tenth in horses; McWhirter placed sixth in hogs and seventh in reasons; while Harlow was sixth in reasons. In the alternate division, Allen was second overall, Jones placed third, and Theodore took fourth. The team won the Dixie National competition, took first in reasons, first in the Brahman and English divisions, third in the Steer Division, and fourth in the Continental Division. Individually, McWhirter claimed first overall, in the English Division and Continental Divisions, second in reasons, and fourth in the Brahman Division; Kimble was sixth overall, first in reasons and the Brahman Division; Shelby placed ninth overall; Johnson was second in the Brahman and English Divisions; while Sale placed fifth in the Continental Division. The freshman team claimed fifth high team overall in their division.

Livestock Show Team Exhibits National Grand Champion Bull The Connors State Show Team has finished their season with the National Grand Champion Santa Gertrudis Bull. The CSC cattle were on full display at the National Santa Gertrudis Show being held at the Dixie National Livestock Show in Jackson, MS. CSC “Crap Shoot” 11-7 was named the national champion. 11-7 was sired by “Vegas” and his grand sire is “High Roller”. Team member Paige Hoover, a freshman from Sapulpa, OK presented the Connors bull to the judge. This is the first time CSC has won the national title. CSC Paula was named the reserve division champion yearling heifer and was exhibited by Lilli Benson. The Show Team competes with the cattle from the Connors State College farm herds. The farm was originally established in 1908 and consisted of dairy cattle, whose products were used for consumption by the college. Today, the cattle consist of Santa Gertrudis, Simmental and Angus. The team travels and competes at Four State Livestock Show; Ozark

Empire; State Fair of Oklahoma; Tulsa State Fair; State Fair of Texas; Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo; North American International Livestock Exposition; Dixie National; Houston Stock Show and Rodeo. In addition to the top finishes for 11-7 and Paula, the team also was crowned premier exhibitor at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY for their herd entries. CSC 11-7 continually placed in the top of his class and division before winning the championship. The team is busy now with calving season and fundraising for upcoming travels. The farm has raised some premium grass fed beef. The students are currently marketing and selling the USDA-inspected products from the farm to the community, as a fundraiser. “This is a hands-on educational opportunity for students to learn about the process from start to finish,” said Debby Golden, Livestock Show Team Coach. “They will practice, develop and utilize skills in agriculture

communications, marketing, customer relations, product quality, and agriculture economics.” The CSC farm produces the show cattle for the team. Team members include: Lilli Benson, sophomore, Randlett, OK; Colton McCorkle, sophomore, Holdenville, OK; Chance Sweeten, sophomore, Ardmore, OK; Analani Lorett, sophomore, Ponca City, OK; Jessica Burg, sophomore, Palm City, FL; Kassi Barnard, freshman, Checotah, OK; Paige Hoover, freshman, Sapulpa, OK; Kaylee Gum, freshman, Pittsburg, KS; Emily Remington, freshman, Jennings, OK; Abbi Walker, freshman, Huntsville, AR; Taylynn Williamson, freshman, Dade City, FL. Farm Manager is Roger Morton. Team and Livestock Manager is Larry McFarland. The team is coached by Debby Golden.

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The Masters Classic

The Aggie Western On April 9, the CSC Livestock Judging Team hosted the “Aggie Western” showmanship contest for Aggie Club members and agriculture division students. The annual showmanship contest challenges students to expand their horizons by competing in the show ring with multiple species of livestock. The students do not know what species will be used each year. For the 2019 contest, the challenge was to exhibit sheep, hogs and horses. Students receive points for each species based on their placings. Those points are added together to earn the “King of the Ring” honor. Jonathon Jones, a sophomore from Alex, OK, took the horse showmanship champion honors, while Emily Remmington, a freshman from Jennings, OK, was reserve. Bronze

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horse showman went to Kali Mabe, a freshman from Sandy Ridge, NC. The swine showmanship championship was claimed by sophomore Shyanne McWhirter, from Maysville, OK. Reserve champion went to Brock Allen, from Bokchito, OK, while the bronze winner was Maverick Williams, a sophomore from Lawton, OK. Champion sheep showman was awarded to Kinder Harlow, a sophomore from Prairie Grove, AR. Reserve champion went to Johnna Stottlemyre, a freshman from Luther, OK, while the bronze winner was Kamden Urban, a freshman from Gotebo, OK. Will Shelby, a sophomore from Madill, OK, claimed the 2019 King of the Ring crown. Reserve Grand was awarded to Mabe, while Harlow claimed bronze overall honors.

The Connors State College Livestock Judging Team hosted its second annual “The Masters Classic” Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest. This once-a-year competition includes twelve classes of livestock evaluation and six classes of reasons. Livestock judging teams traveled from Oregon, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas and Texas to compete in the 2019 event. There were no teams competing from the Oklahoma landscape. Butler Community College was named the champion followed by Casper Community College. Third place was awarded to Northeastern Community College from Colorado. Fort Scott Community College rounded out the top end. The top ten individuals also were awarded. Connors State College is the only junior college in Oklahoma to host a collegiate livestock judging competition.

Ag in Stills Photography Contest Each spring the CSC Ag Ambassadors sponsor an Ag In Stills Photography Contest. Students, faculty, staff and alumni have the opportunity to enter any or all divisions. The 2019 photo topics were: “Warner, America” • “The Sun Shines on CSC” • “Animals of CSC” • “CSC Campus/Student Life”• and “Connors Grows”. More than 50 entries were

received and are currently out for the judging process. Awards will be presented to the top photographer in each division, grand and reserve grand overall, People’s Choice and Judges Choice. The photos will be used by the division of agriculture throughout the next year and will be displayed in the agriculture office.

South Ranch Shootout In April, the Shotgun Shooting Sports Team hosted a spring South Ranch Shoot Out. The collegiate team hosts the biannual event 4-H clubs and FFA chapters across the state and region. This year, the seven-day event saw competition in trap or skeet from 77 teams of five and many individuals, with more than 40 different schools and clubs represented. Awards and scholarships were presented to the top two combined event high overall individuals, while teams received awards in trap, skeet

and combined. Individuals also were awarded in each event and in combined competition. Traditional archery and 3-D archery events were also held. As an added bonus, high school seniors were able to try out for the CSC collegiate team during the event.

CONNORS CONNECTION

COMMUNITY

State Regents Recognize Partnership Between Connors State College and Warner Hardware Twenty-seven business and higher education partnerships throughout the state were recently recognized as innovative collaborations that further the education of Oklahoma’s workforce. The partnership between Connors State College and Warner Hardware was recognized at the event. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses and to further cultivate the higher learning environment through State Regents’ Economic Development Grants. Connors State College was pleased to honor its partnership with Warner Hardware. Warner Hardware, led by owner Jerry Stretch, has been a consistent supporter of CSC since starting his business in 2004. Stretch understands the importance of having CSC in the Warner community and is

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always there to support the college’s efforts. Whether it’s providing items from his business to assist with fundraising or sharing his expert sills and time, Stretch is regularly a behindthe-scenes partner at many of CSC’s organization fundraisers. In particular, he has become an indispensable part of the fundraising efforts of the rodeo and equine programs and overseeing the smoking of 150 lbs. of meat from start to finish for the programs’ annual Spring Gathering event each year. The event is attended by current CSC students and staff, alumni, horse owners, prospective students and other community stakeholders. In addition, Stretch donates or discounts many live and silent auction items. A quiet leader in the Warner community, he has also lent his experience to Connors Development Foundation, where he has served on the board of directors for the past 24 years. Stretch and the other members of the board have worked to build scholarships and

program support for CSC students. “To solve the workforce development challenges facing Oklahoma, our colleges and universities continue to work collaboratively with leaders in the private, public and nonprofit sectors,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “These partnerships between business and industry and our state system institutions ensure that we continue building the skilled workforce needed for Oklahoma to be globally competitive.” – Photo: Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Chancellor Glen D. Johnson (far left) recently recognized the partnership between Connors State College and Warner Hardware. Also at the event were (left to right) Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Janet Wansick, Owner of Warner Hardware Jerry Stretch, President Dr. Ronald Ramming, and Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development Sean Kouplen.

OTA Program Helps Sponsor Hopekids Outreach Efforts Each year the joint CSC and Indian Capital Technology Center Occupational Therapy Assistant students and instructors sponsor and work on a healthcare systems and OT management project for HopeKids Outreach. Established in 2012, HopeKids Outreach is a nonprofit that started with only one child and a group of parents and professionals set on creating a program to meet needs for children with extra challenges. Through their mission to inspire and teach children with challenges to achieve lasting growth, and greater independence in school, home and the community in mind, HopeKids has grown from one student to ten students with a one to five ratio, and has parent volunteers daily.

On April 18, the CSC–ICTC OTA Program worked closely with the HopeKids board of directors to host the Second Annual Arts for Autism Gala. This event is the major source of funding to support a program that serves multiple children with disabilities throughout the Muskogee area. The funds raised at the inaugural Gala supported the tuition and services for several children, and the organization was able to purchase multiple pieces of equipment to use during the educational and therapy sessions. The success of this year’s Gala will continue to allow HopeKids to better serve the children and our community. During the past two years, the OTA faculty has worked tirelessly to design and implement a mutually beneficial

collaboration between the CSC–ICTC OTA Program and HopeKids Outreach. Students begin involvement with the organization during their first weeks in class in September, during the Psychosocial Dysfunction and Introduction to OT courses, and continue collaboration during the Pediatric Care and Health Care Systems & Management spring courses. In addition, the HopeKids program is a fieldwork site for OTA students, integrating occupational therapy concepts to directly benefit the children in their own learning environment. With the support of the community, Connors and ICTC, we can continue this important and innovative aspect of the OTA program that serves the needs of our local community.

CONNORS CONNECTION

COWBOY FAMILY Jake Walker, Faculty The 2019 Faculty of the Year, Jake Walker serves as a rodeo coach and equine instructor at Connors. Walker graduated from Broken Arrow High School, and as a senior, he learned of the CSC Equine Program from friends and employers who were program clients. After one high school visit, he toured and enrolled as an ag-equine student. Upon completion of his Associate Degree and Certificate in Equine Technology, he transferred to Oklahoma State University and received a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Education. He began his teaching career as the Agricultural Education instructor and FFA Advisor at Konawa Public Schools. He returned to his alma mater, however, to teach agricultural courses and assist with Ag Ambassadors and Aggie Club. In 2009, after the retirement of Fred Williams, he began teaching equine-specific training courses and labs, coaching the Rodeo Team, and

spearheading extra-curricular activities that go along with the programs. He continued to teach college orientation classes, as well. Walker said the experiences he had at Connors and the program he was involved with are the primary reasons he returned to CSC. He’s now been on staff for fifteen years. “My ultimate work goal was to teach and coach within our current program. I am blessed and truly love my occupation,” said Walker. He volunteers countless hours maintaining the facilities so students have the best opportunity to learn, compete and work while pursuing a degree. “I am extremely proud of the ways we have been able to rally our supporters and build our endowment opportunities,” said Walker. “Specifically, for our equine students, we have had a program that was founded in 1979 with zero scholarships or waivers. Although, we have

not reached our goal, after our 9th Annual Banquet & Fundraiser, we have built the Fred Williams Ag Equine & Rodeo Endowment to $52,000.” In addition, to his work at Connors, Walker and wife Amber, a teacher at Checotah Public Schools, enjoy the all-consuming role of parenthood to children Zane and Zabrey. The Walkers are active in their church, Keefeton Free Will Baptist Church. In his “spare” time, he teaches Sunday School, assists with the music, and plays in a Country/Gospel group Straight & Narrow.

Robert Ernsting, Student Robert Ernsting, a sophomore at Connors State College, is a member of the Shooting Sports Team who were recently recognized as the 2018-2019 Collegiate Shooting Championship division 4 National Champions at the ACUI Collegiate Clay Target Championships (Nationals). He was also named the individual American Trap Top 50, International Skeet Top 50, and HOA Top 75 at the National Competition. As a member of the team, he has won other awards throughout the year. Ernsting is from Piedmont, Oklahoma and is a graduate of Okarche High School. Ernsting is a member of the CSC Shooting Sports Team, Big Hill CSC Quail and Pheasants Forever Chapter, and Aggie Club. He states that originally he wasn’t considering attending a junior college, but his father is a CSC

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Alumni and told him to at least take a tour and see what he thought. He toured, liked it, and became a Connors Cowboy. When asked how Connors has impacted his life he stated, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at CSC, more so than high school. This place just feels like home to me and I don’t think I’m ready to graduate yet. From the professors to the staff to the students, everyone knows you by your name. It’s like we are all family.” When Robert was a kid he was fascinated with dinosaurs, so he thought he wanted to be a paleontologist. He did decide on a major, but his future occupation is still undecided. He plans on attending OSU to complete his bachelor’s degree. Robert is active on the CSC Shooting Sports Team and believes that it has

opened up a lot of opportunities for him in the shooting community. He hopes to continue training and qualifying for the Olympic qualifier for the 2020 Olympic games or the 2024 Olympic games. “I would like to personally thank everyone here at CSC for making these two years so enjoyable.”

Jana Rowe, Staff Jana Rowe, Interim Assistant Director of Financial Aid, has been a part of Connors for 5 years. She and husband Jonathan have been married for 10 years. Jana is from Purcell, Oklahoma and received her Associates of Arts from CSC in 2010 and her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern State University in 2013. When Jana first began working at Connors, she was excited to take on the new adventure of working in the Financial Aid office. “I received financial aid as a student but was now going to get to experience the other side of giving it to assist students with their college expenses.” “Over the last five years, I’ve learned a great deal about the students,

faculty, staff, and being a part of the Connors family. I feel that Connors has presented me with an excellent outlook on the goals that I plan to achieve in the future,” she said. As a CSC student, she chose Connors because it has the small town/ small classroom feel. “I believe that students can transition better to Connors from high school instead of going straight to a university because of the one-on-one connections with other students and instructors.” In her spare time, Jana enjoys shopping, watching OU football, and spending time with family and her husband. Her favorite thing about working at Connors is building relationships with the students and aiding them in any way possible to achieve their goals.

Brenda Miller, Alumna

Brenda Miller, a 28-year veteran of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, was recently named a 2019 recipient of one of the statewide organization’s preeminent honors: The Distinguished Educator Award. Brenda as served as Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension family and Consumer sciences program specialist for the state’s northeast district since 2004, joining the district office after serving as Okmulgee County Extension family

and consumer sciences educator from 1990 to 2004. In her job, she provides leadership and program support to Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Extension Educators on the east side of the state. She also serves as an advisor to Oklahoma Home and Community Education, which is an educational group of more than 3,500 across the state that provides many hours of volunteer service to their local communities. “I love my job! My greatest sense of fulfillment comes from helping others! Knowing I help others reach their goals and succeed is my greatest goal whether it is Extension Educators or clientele,” states Miller. Miller credits her parents, Haskell and Leah Layman, both life-time educators, with influencing her the most. Within Extension, the greatest influence for her career would have to be Colleen Chadwick, Extension Home Economist in McIntosh County when

Brenda was a 4-H member. Chadwick was an amazing motivator and role model who pushed Brenda to work hard and try new things. In her spare time, along with her husband Billy, she has a cow-calf operation, and she also helps her parents take care of their cattle. Spending time with extended family and taking care of her parents are things that Brenda is extremely thankful for. Brenda has two sons, Brandon Miller and wife Whitney, and Blake Miller. As a Connors alumna, Brenda would advise new Connors students the same as her Connors’ advisor at the time told her. If you are unsure of a career path, take a class in each area of interest. She did and after her first semester, she made a decision. “Many students know exactly what they want to do as a career, but many others do not. It is ok to check out several interests and find a career you will love!” CONNORS CONNECTION

EDUCATION CSC Joins Oklahoma’s Promise Day Celebration at the Capitol Connors State College students and personnel visited the State Capitol to join the Oklahoma’s Promise Day celebration on April 9. Since its inception in 1992, the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship program has awarded college tuition scholarships to more than 85,000 high school graduates, according to the Oklahoma’s Promise 2017-18 Year End Report. Oklahoma’s Promise allows eighth-, ninth- or 10th-grade students from families with an income of $55,000 or less to earn a college tuition scholarship. Students must also meet academic and conduct requirements in high school. – Photo: SGA President Brooklyn Herriman, Representative Avery Frix and Student Activities Coordinator Rochelle Vanover.

CSC Students Honored at OACC Award Ceremony Two Connors State College students were honored at the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Student Recognition Ceremony in March at the Oklahoma State Capitol. CSC students Stephanie Dugger and Tina Crabtree were recipients of the Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) Tuition Waiver Award. The Tuition Waiver Award is $1000, with $500 being for each of two semesters. This recipient is also selected by the college president. – Photo: Stephanie Dugger and CSC President Dr. Ron Ramming.

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Connors State College Student Honored as Newman Civic Fellow Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has announced the 262 students who will make up the organization’s 2019-2020 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows, including Connors’s own Brooklyn Herriman. Brooklyn Herriman is a sophomore animal science major from Warner, OK. Brooklyn is a member of the President’s Leadership Class, she is the Student Government Association President, an Agriculture Ambassador, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a member of the Oklahoma Native American Indian Honor Society, a recipient of the Horizon Award, and was on the president’s honor roll. “I love the different opportunities I have been able to experience here at Connors State,” Herriman said. “This college has made a major impact on my life. I have gained many friends during my involvements here at Connors,” she said. When Brooklyn is not taking classes or at a school function, she enjoys raising show pigs and running her

family show pig business, Dirty Creek Genetics, she said. She currently has 17 sows and multiple piglets she is caring for. “My dream is to have a family, live on a 1,000-acre ranch, have 300 momma cows, raise working ranch horses and sell them, and eventually become a stock contractor for bronc riding,” Herriman said. “I am a major nerd in genetics so that would be fun.” The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth for students who have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and an investment in solving public problems. Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The fellowship also provides fellows with access to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities. “We are proud to recognize each of

these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them,” said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. “The stories of this year’s Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond. That is what Campus Compact is about, and it’s what our country and our world desperately need.” The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation.

AG AMBASSADORS The 2019 Ag Ambassadors conducted the Aggie Day Interscholastics for the 72nd year; hosted at CSC Senior Day; conducted a Kiss the Pig contest; gave tours at Rodeo Tryout Days; manned the cash registers at the annual plant sale; served breakfast and lunch at the biannual bull sale; and will host the annual awards program for the agriculture division. Ag Ambassadors serve by semester to represent Connors State College and Agriculture. CONNORS CONNECTION

ATHLETICS

RODEO TEAM (Top Right) Jimmie Bryant, a sophomore from Jay, OK, finishes her breakaway roping at the Stillwater Rodeo. Jimmie competes in team roping and breakaway roping. (Left) Tori Culley, a sophomore from Muse, OK, rounds the barrel at a college rodeo while competing as a member of the CSC Rodeo Team. (Center) Molly Duncan, a freshman from Sperry, OK, competes in breakaway roping for the CSC Rodeo Team. Duncan also competes in barrel racing. (Right) Stetson Richards, a sophomore from Oktaha, OK, brings his steer down in the mud at the college rodeo during his steer wresting event. Richards also competes in team roping.

FANTASY RODEO Held in mid-February and hosted by the Rodeo Team, the Fantasy Rodeo team members compete against each other for points. Those participating in the fantasy team competition had to select their team members while keeping within the point range.

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CAMPUS LIFE

KISS THE PIG The Ag Ambassadors held a “Kiss the Pig” contest to raise money for their annual awards program. Seven volunteers lined up to plant one on ‘Reba’ the porker. Mr. Mike “Squealin” Jackson chose to ‘pucker up’ rather than pay up.

COWBOY CATTLE SHOWDOWN The Livestock Show Team and Livestock Judging Team hosted the annual Cowboy Cattle Showdown. Alumni Justin Jensen returned to Connors to judge the 300 head of cattle at the December event.

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CO N N ORS ST A T E C O LLE G E 700 College Road | Warner, OK 74469

GREENHOUSE The horticulture program recently completed its new greenhouse, just in time for the spring plant sales.

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