Oklahoma City Community College
2014–2015
FOCUS ON SUCCESS Faculty & Staff Honors College Achievements Events on Campus Achieving the Dream Leader College
RECORD BREAKING YEAR OCCC Surpasses Graduate Record Back-to-Back Grants Total $4.7 Million
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Graduation OCCC records highest number of graduates in 42–year history.
VPAC Theater Oklahoma City Community College welcomed its first guests into the Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater in January 2014.
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ATD Leader College College receives national designation as an Achieving the Dream Leader College.
Francis Ford Coppola Master filmmaker visits college as part of new Signature Series.
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Federal Grants Recording breaking back-to-back federal grants net $4.7 million for programs.
16 Capitol Hill Update 19 Gamel Art Collection 22 Core Network 23 OKC-GO 2.0 24 Jalisco, Mexico 26 Row Triple-C 27 EMBARK 28 Matthew Hamilton 29 OCCC Foundation
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Arts Festival The 36th annual festival featured returning favorites and new events, including Oklahoma! movie screenings and Crescendo fundraiser.
Gamel Family Donation Foundation receives historic donation from the Gamel family estate.
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John Michael Williams Former board member and community advocate honored with naming at new Capitol Hill Center.
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Presidential Retirement Long-time OCCC President Dr. Paul Sechrist announces retirement in July 2015.
30 OCCC Alumni Hall of Fame 31 OCCC’s Got Talent 32 Pathways 34 NISOD 35 Leadership OCCC 35 Faculty/Staff Successes 36 Around Campus
President’s Message I am pleased to present the latest edition of Connections. What an exciting time for Oklahoma City Community College!
college’s curriculum and services, and another successful arts festival over Labor Day weekend.
It has been a year of great accomplishment for all of our students, faculty and staff. Everyone’s tireless dedication to the mission of OCCC has paid off through a historic number of degrees and certificates being awarded in 2014. More than 2,050 students have realized their dream of achieving a higher education.
The new Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater has proven to be a tremendous asset to the entire community, playing host to numerous events, including a star-studded movie premiere, various art exhibits, concerts by nationally renowned performers, and the inaugural Signature Series event featuring Francis Ford Coppola.
The beginning of the fall semester brought a great deal of excitement to campus, including an increase in enrollment over the previous year, national recognition as a “Leader College,” a $2.2 million grant designed to strengthen the
On behalf of the staff and faculty of Oklahoma City Community College, thank you for your continued engagement and support. I encourage you to visit OCCC and see all that we have going on.
Sincerely,
Paul W. Sechrist President
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Record Graduates for 2013–14 School Year OCCC awarded 2,054 degrees and certificates—a record number and 6% higher than last year, the previous record. Oklahoma City Community College celebrated a record number of graduates during the 41st annual commencement ceremony held at the Cox Convention Center on May 16. In a message to faculty and staff, Dr. Sechrist said; “We have continued to find ways to break down the barriers so more students can have access to higher education. But as we all know, getting in, and enrolling in, college is just the first step. The real benefits of going to college are only enjoyed when one finishes a degree or certificate. The good news is that we are also breaking down the barriers that get in the way of success in college. In fact, we are finding ways to propel our students to successfully complete courses and degrees.”
Sechrist added: “A college-level credential is the proven pathway to a better life for generations to come—so this increase in the number of degrees awarded is truly something to celebrate!” Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin gave the 2014 commencement address. In addition to the graduates, the college presented the prestigious President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. This year’s recipient was Anita Williams, OCCC professor of business and chair of the banking, finance and insurance programs. Williams was nominated for the award by her peers, colleagues and students. She has been a full-time professor at OCCC for 22 years.
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OCCC Named Leader College OCCC named one of only 16 community colleges nationwide as a Leader College by Achieving the Dream, Inc. On Sept. 24, 2014, Achieving the Dream, Inc. announced Oklahoma City Community College as one of 16 community colleges selected for the 2014 cohort of Achieving the Dream Leader Colleges—a national designation awarded to community colleges that commit to improving student success and closing achievement gaps. Rose State College (RSC) was another Oklahoma based college selected as a leader college. “Both Oklahoma City Community College and Rose State College have been strong partners with Achieving the Dream since the organization’s onset,” said Chancellor Glen D. Johnson. “I want to commend OCCC President Paul Sechrist and RSC President Jeanie Webb and their institutions on the tremendous work they have done to support student 6
persistence and to promote college readiness, which also advances the State Regents’ overarching goal of increasing college degree completion.” Achieving the Dream staff performed an extensive review of specified practice and performance activities. OCCC has shown how data can inform policy and practice to help community college students achieve their goals, resulting in improved skills, better employability, and economic growth for families, communities, and the nation as a whole. “The work of improving student success is critically important to our education and economy,” said Carol Lincoln, Achieving the Dream Senior Vice President. “OCCC has demonstrated that better student outcomes are possible when an institution focuses on policies and practices that help students learn at
high levels and overcome challenges life throws at them.” Under Achieving the Dream, OCCC not only systemically changed the way it operates, but also implemented key student supports that align with overall policies and institutional systems, such as college readiness programs, mandatory new student orientation, student-success courses, developmental course redesign, curriculum redesign, and intensive, individualized advising. Achieving the Dream grants Leader College designation for three-year cycles. After three years, institutions must undergo a recertification process to maintain Leader College status. Since 2009, Achieving the Dream has granted Leader College status to 80 active Achieving the Dream Institutions.
Leader Colleges
WASHINGTON Lower Columbia College Everett Community College Pierce College OREGON Lane Community College
WISCONSIN Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
MAINE Eastern Maine Community College
MICHIGAN Jackson College
NEW JERSEY Passaic County Community College
KENTUCKY Jefferson Community and Technical College
CALIFORNIA East Los Angeles College Pierce College Los Angeles Harbor College
TEXAS Amarillo College Richland College
OKLAHOMA Oklahoma City Community College Rose State College
“Through Achieving the Dream and other strategic planning, OCCC is better prepared for eliminating the achievement gaps and ensuring these students overcome these obstacles to achieve a higher level of education,� said OCCC President Paul Sechrist.
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$4.7 million in Federal Grants
Oklahoma City Community College was recently awarded a five-year, $2.2 million Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the largest ever in the college’s 42–year history. Not one month later, the college broke that record when it received a Department of Labor grant worth $2.5 million over five years.
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The Title III grant will create a project called “A Model for Improved Student Experiences: Strengthening Academic Programs and Student Services.” The broad goals of the project are to strengthen student learning by redesigning certain courses and incorporate more comprehensive advisement and degree planning. It’s targeted to help the most atrisk students and improve the overall student experience. The college did an analysis to identify several other specific areas for improvement: instructional strategies, faculty development, advising and degree planning. These identified areas of improvement became the basis of the grant application.
OCCC is the only college in Oklahoma to receive a Department of Labor grant. 1m
A large group of OCCC students live in the OKC Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) “inner core.” The residents in this area deal with higher rates of poverty and lower levels of education than their counterparts in other areas. Looking at the characteristics of the fall 2012 student population more than 50 percent were the first members of their family to attend college. Almost 80 percent required remedial classes. The majority worked at least part-time (71 percent) and 60 percent cared for at least one dependent. Many of these students come to OCCC underprepared for college level coursework and are most at risk of dropping out.
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While the college has made some major changes to help these students succeed, including a recent redesign of the developmental education program, some areas still need improvement. OCCC is now focusing their efforts on improving college-level “gateway” courses, which are considered to be freshman courses. By improving these courses, the college hopes to increase student success and retention rates. The grant money will allow the college to redesign 12 of these gateway courses. At the end of September, the Department of Labor awarded $450 million in job-driven training grants to nearly 270 community colleges across the country. OCCC is the only college in Oklahoma to receive one of these grants. This grant will allow OCCC to expand their Professional Development Institute by creating a new program to train Commercial Food Equipment Service Technicians (CFEST). Technicians fix critical equipment problems in commercial kitchens. Earlier this year, it was estimated that 15,000 jobs in more than 800 companies nationwide were open within the industry. Technicians can expect a starting salary between $30,00–35,000. The Department of Labor grants are part of a larger effort to continue improving American workers with marketable job skills and to further bolster the economy and help middle class families obtain better paying jobs. The funding is part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) competitive grant program, which is co-administered by the Department of Labor and Department of Education.
OCCC will also use some of the Title III funds to do the following:
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Supported by stipends, 264 faculty and staff will receive training, redesign curricula, pilot new methodologies and implement new degree-mapping software Three new staff positions will be supported by the grant $106,000 will be used to rebuild the academic advising point of service area, including new advising terminals Nine classrooms will be retrofitted to accommodate collaborative learning student work stations $166,000 is dedicated to the OCCC Foundation endowment which funds many student scholarships
All grantees are required to partner with employers to develop training programs to enable workers to build skills that will help them obtain good jobs. OCCC will partner with a variety of public and private agencies and businesses including: Commercial Food Equipment Service Association, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Governor’s Economic and Workforce Development Council, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, Central Oklahoma Workforce Investment Board, among many others. 9
A Dream Realized; OCCC Opens VPAC Theater Oklahoma City Community College welcomed its first guests into the Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) Theater in January 2014. The opening marked the realization of a grand dream for the college. The VPAC Theater was designed to serve many roles: host to major cultural and performing arts events, educational center for the arts, and engine for economic growth. The facility, more than seven years in the making, represents the best of... Private and public partnership at its best. The theater was funded by generous gifts from the Sarkeys Foundation, the Inasmuch Foundation, as well as countless other foundations, corporations and individuals. However, the support of the students who attend OCCC proved to be key. Their contributions provided a significant portion of the funds needed to construct the theater. 10
The best in arts education. The Visual and Performing Arts Center was built in two phases; the first was classroom and lab space that house a variety of programs in the arts. Students who attend classes in the VPAC are enrolled in programs such as journalism, art, music, theatre arts and the college’s nationally recognized film and video production program. The VPAC features a mixture of seven studios, six classrooms, seven labs, a rehearsal room, library and more than a dozen faculty offices. The best in community development. The facility has already seen an incredible demand in usage. The Sarkeys Foundation Atrium is a multi-use space that allows for community events, receptions and full banquets. It provides the community with a top-notch venue for local arts, dance groups and other organizations. The atrium can accommodate over 300 guests in banquet seating, and the facility features a warming kitchen for catered events.
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The best in the theater-going experience. Situated on the west end of the campus, the theater seats nearly 1,100 patrons. It was designed for use as a multipurpose hall that could host Broadway-style shows, concerts, orchestras, speeches and larger productions than OCCC could ever dream about hosting. The theater features VIP box seats, an orchestra pit, state-of-the-art lighting and sound and a digital movie projector, which allows the theater to function as a 7.1 surround sound movie theater. The college’s commitment to the arts. In addition to the theater, the facility houses the Inasmuch Foundation Gallery. The gallery hosts a variety of art and photography exhibits year round. Outside the theater in the Women of the South Plaza sits the impressive “Crescendo,” a 14foot tall steel sculpture created by Collin Rosebrook and underwritten by Stone City Attractions and the TransSiberian Orchestra.
Finally, it represents OCCC’s best effort to enrich the lives of the members of our community through educational, artistic and recreational programs and events.
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Already a premier performing arts facility, the VPAC Theater will continue the impressive growth of the Oklahoma City metro and delight audiences for years to come.
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Francis Ford Coppola OCCC’s Inaugural Signature Series Event was held in the Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater. One of the greatest filmmakers Hollywood has ever fostered made a rare public appearance as Oklahoma City Community College hosted its first Signature Series event: An Evening with Francis Ford Coppola. The event was held October 20 in the OCCC Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater. Coppola, whose association with OCCC Artist-in-Residence Gray Frederickson goes back to the early 1970s and “The Godfather,” joined his friend on stage for a behind-thescenes discussion about life, careers and the future of the film industry. “We are extremely grateful that Mr. Coppola helped us showcase our Film and Video Production program, our facility, our faculty and our students,” said Dr. Paul Sechrist, president of OCCC. “When OCCC opened the Visual and Performing Arts Center and Theater, we knew that our first Signature Series event needed to feature someone whose quality and reputation matched that of our programs.” Coppola discussed his seminal films, such as the “Godfather” trilogy and “Apocalypse Now,” as well as other award-winning blockbusters.
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This event marked Coppola’s first return to Oklahoma since filming both “The Outsiders” and “Rumble Fish” in Tulsa. Surviving polio, Coppola turned to film after a brief time in theater. After a stint at Hofstra University, he ended up in the graduate film program at UCLA, where he and his classmates, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and John Milius swore to change the way Hollywood movies were made. Coppola rose through the ranks of Hollywood, working for legendary low budget producer Roger Corman before his master’s thesis, a film called “You’re a Big Boy Now” was released by Warner Brothers. After winning an Academy Award for the script of “Patton,” Coppola was given the reins to what should have been a routine gangster film. In his masterful hands, “The Godfather” is consistently listed by film critics as perhaps the greatest American film of all time.
the movie “Leaving Las Vegas;” and sister Talia Shire and nephew Jason Schwartzman have made their mark in movies and television as well. Funds raised from the event will help benefit OCCC’s Film and Video Production program. “Our film and video program has about 300 students per semester and has placed hundreds in the production industry,” said Film and Video Department Chair, Greg Mellott. “However, for us to be able to compete, we need the newest, most modern equipment and also be able to provide maintenance for the state-ofthe-art equipment we already have.” Prior to the evening event, Coppola and Frederickson held a free master’s seminar for OCCC and Oklahoma City Public School students.
Coppola has also developed a strong family name in Hollywood: his daughter Sophia won her own Academy Award for writing “Lost in Translation;” son Roman was recently nominated for writing “Moonrise Kingdom;” nephew Nicolas Cage won the Best Actor Academy Award for
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Annual Arts Festival Rich in
State History
Oklahoma City Community College celebrated the 36th annual Arts Festival Oklahoma with popular favorites as well as the addition of rich Oklahoma state history Labor Day weekend.
• 30,000 patrons visit Arts Festival Oklahoma annually
• Live performance by the renowned Oklahoma City Philharmonic
• Over 120 of the Southwest’s finest visual artists
• Admission free to the public
• Culinary offerings from vendors across the OKC metro area 14
• Children’s Creative Center engages thousands of youngsters
Beneath the tents, artists sold their masterpieces. On stage, entertainers captivated listeners. Inside, in the Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater, Oklahoma! granted a rich and unique history lesson of our great state. The long weekend celebration began on Thursday night as the star of Oklahoma!, Shirley Jones, and former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh were special guests to the premier screening of the film, now remastered and in high definition. Throughout the weekend, free screenings of the film were shown to festival goers each afternoon. Prior to, or after seeing the film, guests learned of even more with a visit to the exhibit of “Celebrate Oklahoma!, More than Just
a Movie” in the Sarkeys Foundation Atrium, thanks to the Oklahoma History Center. On Sunday evening, guests were invited to support Arts Festival Oklahoma at Crescendo, also inside the theater, where several of Oklahoma City’s finest restaurants served up some of their menu favorites. Painter Jamie Rice served as this year’s featured artist while Equilibrium and the Oklahoma City Philharmonic were the featured entertainment on Saturday and Sunday night. A festival would not be complete without mouthwatering food. This year, festival favorites included funnel cakes, foot-long corn dogs, giant turkey legs, BBQ sandwiches,
Indian tacos, kettle corn and the fried Twinkie-on-a-stick. Fruit smoothies, shaved ice and soft-serve ice cream helped cool down festival attendees when afternoon temps reached their highest. Arts Festival Oklahoma would not have been successful without the support of more than 500 volunteers and the event sponsors, The Ad Astra Foundation and the Oklahoma Arts Council.
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Capitol Hill Update Capitol Hill is a diverse historic commercial district located on SW 25th between Shields Boulevard and Walker, just south of downtown Oklahoma City. This district was one of OKC’s premier shopping districts, but with the growing popularity of malls, the area lost some of its appeal.
are provided in a bilingual SpanishEnglish format—the center continually evolves its offerings to respond to community needs.
The Capitol Hill Center welcomes approximately 10,000 individuals annually who utilize the resources offered.
With the growing demand, the current location at the Capitol Hill United Methodist Church is not able to meet these needs.
The area is now in the midst of a renaissance, and the OCCC Capitol Hill Center is at the center of this renaissance.
With this in mind, the OCCC Foundation launched a $8 million capital campaign to raise money for the renovation of the center.
The Capitol Hill Center is recognized as a leader in developing social assets of its diverse community, and collaborating with other organizations to promote educational development and economic growth.
The center is a leader in serving the adult education and job readiness needs of the community’s members. With programming that includes computer skills training, Internet knowledge, resume writing and job interview preparation—most of which
The new 45,000 square-foot space will provide a greatly expanded area where more students can learn, community members can gather, and business owners and entrepreneurs can be supported.
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To donate to the Capitol Hill Center Renovation Campaign, contact Jennifer Harrison at 682-1611, ext. 7771, or by email at jharrison@occc. edu. For more information on the OCCC Capitol Hill Center, visit www.occc.edu/capitolhill/.
OCCC Honors Former Board Member The Oklahoma City Community College Board of Regents recently approved the naming of the foyer and gallery of the new Capitol Hill Center after longtime OCCC board member and community advocate John Michael Williams. “I was surprised by the announcement, but deeply humbled to be recognized in this way. The histories of this city, the Capitol Hill area, and Oklahoma City Community College are strongly connected—and I have had the privilege to know and be a part of that connected history. I am overwhelmed by this honor,” said Williams. Williams served on the OCCC Board of Regents from 1984 to 2000. His 10–year service as chair is the longest chair tenure in the history of the college. Williams’ legacy of service has resulted in numerous and significant projects on the OCCC campus. He helped guide the board and college through several changes in leadership, was instrumental in shoring up the finances of the college and helped extend the reach of the college beyond south Oklahoma City. Williams’ tenure also included several major building projects, including the aquatic center and the Keith Leftwich Memorial Library, which completely changed the look of the college. “Recognizing Mr. Williams for his significant impact on OCCC and Oklahoma City as the longest serving chair of the OCCC Board of Regents was simply the right course of action,” said Teresa Moisant, current chair of OCCC Board of Regents. “OCCC’s presence in Capitol Hill and ties to that district in the city is best understood and articulated by John Michael Williams.” The John Michael Williams Gallery will greet visitors at OCCC’s latest building project—the Capitol Hill Center. The new center is an $8 million facility that is located in the former Christmas Connection building. It will allow OCCC to offer more varied programming and better serve the community. “I am grateful to OCCC Regent Devery Youngblood and members of the community for supporting the fundraising efforts to renovate OCCC’s outreach center in the Capitol Hill district of Oklahoma City,” said Paul Sechrist, OCCC president. “OCCC received a significant number of contributions understanding that the large pre-function space in this new center would be named in recognition of John Michael Williams.” “OCCC and our city are better because of Mr. Williams,” said Regent Youngblood. “I am glad that so many community leaders came together to support this project. Having the entrance and gallery named for John Michael Williams is a tribute to one of Oklahoma City’s heroes.” 17
OCCC receives largest single donor gift in college history “I am happy to follow Ralph’s wishes to help students at Oklahoma City Community College,” said Connie Gamel, wife of Mr. Gamel. The family of Ralph and Jean Gamel, longtime supporters of Oklahoma City Community College, recently donated $600,000 to the OCCC Foundation—making it the largest individual donation in the college’s 42-year history. The funds have been put into an endowment that will be used exclusively to provide OCCC student scholarships. The college will award up to 10 $1,000 Gamel Family Endowed Scholarships every fall and spring semester. Ralph Gamel died in December 2013. His desire was to establish a scholarship in honor of Jean Gamel, his first wife who died in 2006. His hope was to change students’ lives for years to come through education. “I am happy to follow Ralph’s wishes to help students at Oklahoma City Community College,” said Connie Gamel, wife of Mr. Gamel. “We are absolutely thrilled and honored to receive such a wonderful gift from the Gamel family. This scholarship will be endowed through the Oklahoma City Community College Foundation in perpetuity,” said Jennifer Harrison, OCCC director of development. “The scholarship will assist many students at OCCC who otherwise might not be able to attend college.” Last spring, the OCCC Foundation awarded 130 scholarships to students valued at more than $60,000. The addition of the Gamel Family Endowed Scholarship will allow the college to continue its mission of providing an affordable college education to students. For more information about the OCCC Foundation, scholarships or to donate, please visit www.occc.edu/foundation or contact Jennifer Harrison at (405) 682-7591.
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Gamel Art Collection Western Collection Display Oklahoma City Community College hosted a special collection of Western art and bronzes donated to the college by Ralph Gamel. The collection was on display during July 2014 in the Inasmuch Foundation Gallery located in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
The special exhibit featured recast bronze and pewter sculptures. Paintings included original oils, watercolors, and lithographs of Western art, landscapes and city scenes. Artists that were featured in the exhibit include Frederick Remington, C.M. Russell, J. Graham, Robert M. Anderson,
May Jones, Gene V. Dougherty and Philip Kraczkowski. Also displayed were limited edition Gorham plates by Remington and Russell.
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Dr. Sechrist Announces Retirement Plans “Our success in focusing our efforts on student success and increasing the number of graduates is what I am most proud of as president,” said Sechrist. After a decade of leading one of the best and most respected community colleges in the nation, Oklahoma City Community College President Paul Sechrist announced to faculty, staff, and students that he intends to retire July 1, 2015.
recognition given to community colleges that have demonstrated significant gains in student achievement.
Sechrist, 60, was appointed president in 2005. He is credited with focusing efforts on increasing retention and graduation rates at the college. He encouraged the state of Oklahoma to become part of the national initiative, “Achieving the Dream,” designed to implement programs to close achievement gaps. OCCC was recently named a “Leader College” by Achieving the Dream, a prestigious
Early in his tenure as president, OCCC expanded the OKCGO program, which provides free tuition for graduates of Oklahoma City and Western Heights Public Schools. Since the inception of this program, over 5,500 students have used this scholarship program to go to OCCC without having to worry about the cost of tuition.
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“Our success in focusing our efforts on student success and increasing the number of graduates is what I am most proud of as president,” said Sechrist.
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What may be most noticeable at OCCC over the last few years is the significant number of new buildings and change in the overall look of campus. Sechrist acknowledged that OCCC has been on a building and campus improvement campaign during his time as president. New buildings include the Robert P. Todd Science, Engineering, and Math Center; Health Professions Center; Family and Community Education Center; John Massey Center, the Visual and Performing Arts Center and VPAC Theater. The Capitol Hill Center is set to be completely renovated beginning in January. The landscaping and outdoor spaces of the campus have been dramatically improved, including the planting of over 1,000 trees.
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OCCC Regent Devery Youngblood said the 10 years of President Sechrist's leadership have been "truly transformational." Regent Youngblood explained, "It is easy to see the new buildings on campus that are providing expanded opportunities to both students and the community. His leadership has also produced greater access to the college and a record number of graduates, primarily among firstgeneration college students and those from challenging socio-economic circumstances. His legacy is in the stories of changed lives that will benefit not only our students’ families for generations to come, but our economy as well."
“Dr. Sechrist has been a great president, and his positive impact will be felt for decades to come,” said Teresa Moisant, chair of the OCCC Board of Regents. “His commitment to the students, his ability to work effectively with faculty and staff, and his passion for education will long be remembered.” 21
CORE CONCERNS
Oklahoma City Public Schools, OCCC and University of Central Oklahoma Partner to Create CORE Network Educators from three major institutions in the Oklahoma City metro have come together to help students make the successful transition from high school to college. Oklahoma City Public Schools (OKCPS), Oklahoma City Community College and the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) have entered into an agreement that will help more students succeed on the path from high school to college. The Central Oklahoma Regional Educational Network (CORE) will focus on removing the academic, financial and life challenges students face in completing their educations. “The teachers and staff of OKCPS care deeply about our students’ success in and out of the classroom,” said Dave Lopez, Interim Superintendent of OKCPS. “This new partnership with OCCC and UCO ensures that more of our students will graduate from high school and go on to complete college degrees.” The CORE Network started out as a pilot project between the three institutions and the College Board in 2012. The focus of that effort was to align English and Math courses to help students smoothly transition from high school to college. “Some of our students come to us unprepared for college-level work,” said Paul Sechrist, President of OCCC. “One of the ways we can address this academic gap is to work with our partners at OKCPS
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to make sure the courses taught in high school align with college-level work required at OCCC. Those of us at OCCC will make sure our courses align with UCO coursework, providing a seamless pathway for students.” In 2011, Oklahoma joined Complete College America, a national initiative to increase the number of postsecondary degrees and certificates. The ambitious goal is to increase the number of degrees and certificates awarded in Oklahoma by 50,900 in 2023. “This initiative ties in with our increased emphasis on serving a diverse and growing metropolitan population,” said Don Betz, President of UCO. “It also fits with our proud tradition as a leader in teacher education.” This isn’t the first time these institutions have partnered for the benefit of students. OKCPS and OCCC have in place the OKC-GO scholarship that allows OKCPS and Western Heights students to attend OCCC tuition free for up to 3 years or 61 college credit hours. A new program, offered by UCO, will provide these students with an additional scholarship to continue their studies. The three institutions plan on expanding membership of the CORE Network with other educational institutions and stakeholders as the program becomes more established.
OCCC Enhances Popular OKC-GO Program Changes help students focus less on finances, more on what is important Students will benefit even more from Oklahoma City Community College’s newly updated OKC-GO program. The original OKC-GO program allowed eligible high school graduates from select high schools to attend OCCC tuition free. The update to the program is designed to help more students not just attend college, but leave with a completed degree. The updated version of the program, called OKC-GO 2.0, has all of the same benefits of the initial program, but removes the time limit to graduation and includes fees in what is covered. “It’s as close to a guaranteed degree as you can get,” said Jon Horinek, director of Recruitment and Admissions. “The OKC-GO 2.0 program is trying to eliminate some of the biggest barriers to completing a degree: cost and time.” The college estimates the program will save each student more than $10,000. OKC-GO started in 1999 with only Oklahoma City Public Schools. In 2008, the program expanded to include the Western Heights High School. Since these two school systems support OCCC through local property taxes, it was logical for the college to give back to them through the OKC-GO program. Currently, the college admits about 300 new OKC-GO participants each fall, with most coming from Western Heights, U.S. Grant High School and Southeast High School. “The program definitely has grown over the past 15 years and it’s more popular in some schools than others,” said Horinek. “We really hope OKCGO 2.0 attracts more students—it’s such a great way to afford college.”
Students who graduate from one of the following schools and start college at OCCC in the same year are eligible for OKC-GO 2.0: ASTEC, Capitol Hill, Centennial, Classen School of Advanced Studies, Dove Science Academy, Douglass, Emerson, Harding Charter, John Marshall, John Wesley, Northeast Academy, Northwest Classen, Pathways, Renew, Santa Fe South, S.A.V.E Academy, Seeworth, Southeast, Star Spencer, U.S. Grant and Western Heights. Students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), but the OKC-GO 2.0 program has no income limits. “Most of our students do qualify for other aid, but 10% of our OKC-GO students don’t qualify for any other financial aid,” said Horinek. “We require the FAFSA because we don’t want them to miss out on any aid they deserve.” According to Horinek, at the national level, 40% of students who would qualify for financial aid don’t even apply. To maintain OKC-GO 2.0 eligibility, a student must complete the FAFSA each year and maintain satisfactory academic progress. They do not need to be enrolled full-time, but must take 6 hours of classes each fall and spring semester until they graduate. Students should apply to the program as early as possible in the spring semester of their senior year. Horinek recommends that students and parents fill out the FAFSA as soon as they complete their taxes.
For more information about OCCC and the OKC-GO 2.0 program, call 405-682-7580, e-mail okcgo@occc.edu or visit www.occc.edu/okc-go.
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Jalisco, Mexico “Judging from the participants’ comments, I would say the trip was a success,” said Dr. Aquino. “We plan on doing this in the summers for the foreseeable future.”
El Grullo Sometimes there’s not a better way to learn than through total immersion. Each summer for the past four years, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Felix Aquino, packs his bags, and he and his colleagues head south 1,248 miles. Their destination: the city of El Grullo in Jalisco, Western Mexico. This year, five OCCC professors accompanied Dr. Aquino to Mexico for a professional development conference by immersion. “I wanted to expose our faculty members to a foreign culture, as seen from within, and at a very cost-effective price, much less than the cost of attending a conference,” said Dr. Aquino. John Goulden, professor of Computer Science, Stephen Morrow, Dean Reusser, and Markus Zindelo, professors of English, and Robyn Senter, professor
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of Biology, all joined Dr. Aquino on the week-long trip. While there they visited an archaeological site consisting of thousand-year-old circular pyramids. They also visited a local tequila factory, a sea turtle sanctuary, Tapalpa, MX, a town virtually unchanged since 1600, and the local partner college to OCCC, the Superior Technological Institute of El Grullo, MX. Much of the Mexican culture originates from Jalisco including mariachi and ranchera music. Birria, a spicy
stew made of goat, sheep and beef, typically served during festival periods including Christmas, New Years, Mother’s Day and birthday parties, is a local favorite. Tequila also originates here as does the activity of jaripeo, a dangerous form of bull riding. Economically, Jalisco is ranked third in the country with industries centered in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, the second largest metropolitan area in Mexico. Every year Dr. Aquino spearheads the trip, taking a different group of colleagues. “Judging from the participant’s comments, I would say the trip was a success,” said Dr. Aquino. “We plan on doing this in the summers for the foreseeable future.”
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Row that Boat...
With the new Boathouse District on the Oklahoma River near Downtown Oklahoma City, dragon boating has been added to the growing list of activities offered in our city’s capitol. In fact, OCCC has gotten in on the latest craze— paddling to the beat of a dragon boat drummer. Row-Triple-C hit the Oklahoma River in the spring with a dragon boat team made up of students, staff and college alumni. For two months, team members spent every Monday evening practicing for their first dragon boat competition, held in late June at the Stars and Stripes River Festival. Of 18 teams, Row-Triple-C completed the season right in the middle—eighth place. Not bad for first-timers. Dragon boating has become one of the fastest growing water sports, is great exercise, not to mention a great way to enjoy the water with friends, family members or colleagues. The oversized canoe has a dragon head and tail, and team members paddle to the beat of a drummer who sits at the boat’s bow. 26
Each of Oklahoma City’s RIVERSPORT Dragon Boat League seasons includes a 90–minute practice one day a week for ten consecutive weeks under the supervision of a boathouse coach. The best part? No previous paddling or boating experience is required for the 11–15 team members to participate. Dragon boating is held during the spring (April through June) and fall (August through October). The spring season leads up to the SandRidge Energy Stars & Stripes River Festival, while the fall season concludes with the OGE NightSprints during the Oklahoma Regatta Festival. Teams can participate in one season or sign up for both seasons and compete for the league trophy. Dragon boat team members also have unlimited access to the fitness facilities in the Chesapeake and Devon
New bus system eases student transportation woes OCCC students often have challenges that hinder their ability to attend and complete college—finances, childcare, work and family. But for many OCCC students, the major challenge is simply getting to campus. OCCC leadership and Oklahoma City officials have been working together to help relieve the transportation barrier. Oklahoma City rebranded and revamped the metro transit system. The new name, EMBARK, also comes with several new routes— two of which bring students straight to OCCC. But more importantly, routes 12 and 13 not only bring students to OCCC, but they run more frequently to the college—with a bus arriving every 10 minutes. EMBARK has also streamlined their service, so now many buses that had to stop at the downtown transit center have more direct service. The college was also able to work with EMBARK to allow monthly bus passes to be sold in the college bookstore at a discounted price.
Boathouses and are invited to take group fitness classes at no extra charge. With so much interest, OCCC added a second dragon boat team, which was quickly filled. Practices began in August for the October 4 boating competition. For more information about Row-Triple-C, visit www.occc.edu/dragon or contact John Richardson at jrichardson@occc.edu. For more information about Oklahoma City’s RIVERSPORT Dragon Boat League, visit www.boathousedistrict.org/riversport-adults/dragon-boating/
Some students take hours out of their day riding to and from OCCC. The changes will shave time off their oftentimes-daily commute to the college. Working with partner organizations to ensure student access to reliable transportation is an initiative in the OCCC Roadmap. 27
OCCC PTA Classmates, Faculty
Honor Life of Student On his way to graduating with an associate degree, Matthew Hamilton’s desire was to help others through physical therapy. To honor Hamilton’s memory and donate to the Matthew David Hamilton Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit www. occc.edu/foundation/donation-form. html, or send your donation to the Oklahoma City Community College Foundation, 7777 S. May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK, 73159. For more information about the Matthew David Hamilton Memorial Scholarship, contact Jennifer Ball at jball@occc.edu or Peggy Newman at peggy.d.newman@occc.edu. Matthew Hamilton of Newcastle, was a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) student at OCCC whose life was cut short in a tragic automobile accident last December. To keep his spirit alive, and to honor his passion for the profession, the Matthew David Hamilton Memorial Scholarship was established by his PTA classmates and faculty with the goal to help reduce the financial burden on a PTA student as they prepare to join the physical therapy profession. Currently, over $5,000 has been raised in Hamilton’s honor. Hamilton had successfully completed OCCC’s PTA academic requirements and was awaiting full-time clinical internships before graduation. He also worked as a physical therapy aide, primarily with the geriatric population, and was gifted at encouraging, motivating and truly caring about patients and co-workers. 28
OCCC Foundation Scholarships Enhance Student Experience With an ever-increasing enrollment of 28,000 students per year, diverse academic programs and class schedules, a nationally recognized faculty and staff, and new and existing partnerships, Oklahoma City Community College continues to create great educational opportunities for its students and community. Integral to OCCC’s mission is the OCCC Foundation which benefits, supports and enhances the student experience with over 30 scholarships.
Tolbert, film production student and Alvin Druckhammer Memorial Scholarship recipient, said it was an honor to receive a scholarship and that it has helped him realize his potential.
Scholarship are available to students involved in various student clubs, such as the Black Student Association; students interested in taking a travel-enhanced course as with the Sechrist Family Endowed Scholarship; students completing particular associate degrees like that of pre-engineering; and many more.
For other students, OCCC Foundation scholarships mean the possibility of providing a better future for their families in addition to meeting their educational goals. Brianna Jacobsen, occupational therapy student and OCCC Alumni Association Scholarship and Safari McDoulett Memorial Scholarship recipient, is a single mother of a six-year-old. Jacobsen faces many challenges but said she is motivated to provide a better future for her family. After she received a scholarship, she really felt the college wants her to succeed.
There are many options available to individuals, corporations and foundations that wish to make an investment in the foundation and college. Donors can support the OKC-GO 2.0 program; fund a scholarship named for a loved one; make a gift in honor or memory of a loved one; support the Sechrist Family Endowed Scholarship or the Robert P. Todd Leadership Scholarship; support the general scholarship fund; and name the foundation as a beneficiary in their will, insurance policy, annuity or trust.
“The college I attend cares for their students and their needs. The scholarship money has been very helpful with my tuition, books, uniforms and other items that are needed for class. And it has helped me be able to afford necessities for my daughter,” Jacobsen said.
To support an OCCC student through scholarships, call Jennifer Harrison at the OCCC Foundation at (405) 682-7591 or email jharrison@occc.edu. To donate online, visit www.occc.edu/ foundation/donation-form.html.
“Many of our students could not attend college without financial aid. These scholarships keep students in school so that they can earn an associate degree and succeed in their professional careers,” said Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lealon Taylor. In addition to alleviating the financial strain that some students may feel while attending a higher education institution, many scholarship recipients agree that they have gained so much more from their scholarships. Haden
“It means so much to me. It is an honor to have just been considered for it. This scholarship will help me in countless ways, not just financially. It has really built my confidence up. It has made me realize that people believe in me,” Tolbert said.
“If I could say anything to the people who donate to the OCCC Foundation it would be, ‘Thank you so much! You definitely helped make my life a lot easier while balancing work and school. You are very much appreciated!’” “We have numerous donors interested in student success who have given their hard earned money with no strings attached. We encourage all students to take advantage of this and apply,” Taylor said.
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Aaron Evans Randy Kemp
Brenda Carpenter
Collin Rosebrook
Alumni Banquet Hall of Fame Recipents Laura Grisso
LeAnne Howe
Randy Heitz
This past fall, the OCCC Alumni Hall of Fame welcomed five more distinguished members into its ranks. This year’s group also included two honorary members. The three women inducted include: Laura Grisso, Executive Director, Platt College; Brenda Carpenter, Director of Financial Accounting, OCCC; and LeAnne Howe, Author, Playwright, Distinguished Professor, University of Georgia. The two men inducted are: Aaron Evans, owner, Evans Fine Homes and Randy Heitz, Executive Producer, The Franchise Sports Radio. 30
The honorary members are: Randy Kemp, Digital Audio Producer, RK-1 Productions and Collin Rosebrook, Artist. The Alumni Hall of Fame is an esteemed annual award that recognizes a select group of OCCC alumni, highlighting their career and civic accomplishments over the years. To see previous year honorees, visit www.occc.edu/alumni.
Singers, dancers, musicians, actors, comedians and yoyo performers (that’s right, yo-yo) all converged onto the OCCC campus in May to take part in the college’s inaugural event, OCCC’s Got Talent, all for a good cause. The Future Alumni Network at OCCC proudly presented a showcase of 20 contestants who wowed the audience throughout the evening, and raised funds for OCCC student scholarships. A number of OCCC’s very own revealed their hidden talents including OCCC President Paul Sechrist, who opened the show in grand style with an original piano composition. The event was emceed by OCCC Executive Director of Institutional Advancement Lealon Taylor, while the award-winning Oklahoma City pop-rock band the Hi-Def Howlers (including OCCC Associate Director of Alumni Relations Randy
Cassimus) electrified the house while the judges’ votes were tabulated. Cash prizes were granted to the winners, determined by the voting of a panel of “celebrity judges.” OCCC student Marilyn Or took home the grand prize for her high-energy yo-yo act; second place was claimed by comic rap trio/OCCC staff members, Janet McNeil, Crystal Witt and Tanya Bussell, who collectively raised the largest amount of cash donations for the OCCC Foundation Scholarship Fund; and OCCC workstudy student, Kodey Prewitt, took home the People’s Choice Award with his one-man-band performance. For more information about the 2nd annual OCCC’s Got Talent, already slated to return in the spring of 2015, contact Randy Cassimus, at rcassimus@occc.edu.
s y a w h t a P h t i w re ship
r o f d e z i n g o c e CR
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“The focus has always been on motivation to go to college, and the students’ and parents’ willingness to work to make that happen.” Aside from the occasional “young’un” walking the stairs to the third floor and the group of eager, chatty and sometimes more rambunctious group of students in the southeast corner of the college cafeteria, a visitor to OCCC might never know there’s a middle college high school on campus. Tucked away on the third floor of the Main Building of OCCC, the alternative school, Santa Fe South Pathways Middle College, caters to the serious student; the student interested in entering college while still attending high school. 32
“When Pathways opened, there were only 15 students accepted in the 8th grade. Today, the school accepts up to 20 students per grade,” Carol Brogan, Pathways founding principal, said. Because of the partnership and the success of the program, OCCC received the Perfect Partnership Award from the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools this spring. The annual award recognizes businesses/organizations whose efforts have created outstanding resource support and/or volunteer support that positively impact the quality of education in Oklahoma City Public Schools.
Poor funding nearly closed the school, but by mid-summer, the issue was resolved and the school was under the new direction of Santa Fe South Charter High School. For more information about Pathways on the OCCC campus, please call (405) 682-7840.
Pathways combines high school and college in a rigorous, supportive environment that enables students to graduate with college credit and the tools for post-secondary success. With appropriate ACT scores, students are allowed to take college classes as early as their junior year. Most students will receive their associate degrees by the time they graduate high school.
In 2001, Pathways was designed specifically to lower the then 40% dropout rate for students in eighth and ninth grades. The program has been serving students from Oklahoma City schools ever since and carries an 80-90% retention rate from year-to-year.
Pathways students follow the Santa Fe South school calendar, and when they’re not in class, they are out in the community. Sixteen hours of community service is required of each student per semester.
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2014 NISOD Excellence Award Recipients Awarded annually by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD), eight OCCC professors were honored as 2014 Excellence Award recipients. This year’s winners include:
Christopher Oehrlein Professor of Mathematics Cindy Milam Human Patient Simulator/ Nursing Lab Coordinator Dr. Kristy Bailey Professor of Chemistry Dr. J. M’Lou Smith Department Chair Sociology/ Professor of Sociology Jenean Jones Professor of Administrative Office Technology Angela Cotner Professor of English Randy Anderson Professor of Graphic Communications
Great Ideas for Teaching Four OCCC faculty received Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) Great Ideas for Teaching (GIFT) awards at the end of 2013, the highest number of awards the college has received in one year. OACC hosts an annual conference during which they accept submissions for ideas that professors, faculty and other community college members believe are significant to classroom learning. A committee selects the top five winners, who each receive a $500 stipend with their award. They also are asked to give a presentation of their idea during a following ceremony. OCCC’s winning professors and ideas are as follows: • Political Science Professor Markus Smith’s idea called the “Allegory of the Cave,” challenges students to get out of their comfort zones. • Adult Education and Literacy Instructor Susan Bernard’s idea, “Which Answer Shall I Wear?,” uses the elimination method to help students understand math in a practical way. • Adjunct English Professor Jeff Provine’s idea uses YouTube videos to relate modern culture to his Mythology class. • Adjunct English Professor Lynnda Newby’s idea practices extensive group work and competitiveness. 34
Albert Heitkamper Professor of Computer Science and Cyber Security
OCCC Contributes Big to United Way This year, Oklahoma City Community College donated over $32,700 to the United Way of Central Oklahoma. This is the largest donation from OCCC and is nine percent higher than the goal. This year’s chair was Lydia Rucker, senior communications lab assistant.
Leadership OCCC Class VIII Application Interested in joining the next leadership class? Full-time faculty and staff are eligible to apply. For more information contact: Dana Culton, Coordinator of Professional Development at 405-682-7827 or dana.g.culton@occc.edu
Budding Artists Dr. Sechrist met with some young artists at the Child Development Center & Lab School Art Show.
OCCC Names Leadership Class A dozen employees from across campus have been named to OCCC’s leadership program. Leadership OCCC provides focused leadership activities that develop the talents of emerging OCCC leaders. Leadership OCCC Class VII is:
Faculty/Staff Strive for Success The Societies of Oklahoma City University honored Dr. Marion Paden with the Dulaney-Browne Library Society Award. The Societies of Oklahoma City University focuses on recognizing women for outstanding volunteer service in Oklahoma City and providing scholarships for OCU students. Paden is the vice president for enrollment and student services. With significant roles in more than 20 non-profit organizations, Paden serves in leadership positions for Christmas Connection, American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, Salvation Army, OU Breast Institute and the Cultural Development Corporation. Erin Logan, director of student life, chaired the Central Oklahoma Walk to End Alzheimer’s. This year, the walk raised a total $460,000—the most in Oklahoma City walk history. Logan will resume her duties as walk chair for the 2015 event. OCCC had over 200 volunteers helping out the day of the walk. These volunteers consisted of faculty, staff and students. The college also had a team entered in the walk—the OCCC PowerWalkers.
Back row (L to R): Lauren Palmer Developmental Mathematics Lab Instructor Kristina Hart Financial Aid Advisor Martha Constant Project Design Specialist Todd Rudat Disability Support Specialist Sheri Kingsbury Senior Buyer Joe Swalwell Director of Grants and Contracts Front row (L to R): Alexa Mashlan Director of Cooperative Alliance Programs Bonita Spinner Child Development Scholar Coordinator Shima Desai Finance/Budget Analyst Alyson Stell Academic Advisor Not pictured: Jeremy Bohannon Campus Police Officer Randy Cassimus Associate Director of Alumni Relations & Community Development
Dr. Kathy Wheat, director of the speech-language pathology assistant program, received two awards from the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) this past November: Fellow of the ASHA and the Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Contributions in Preschool-Grade 12 Education Settings. Larry Robertson, director of compensation and human resources systems, is currently serving as the Chairelect for the Board of Directors for the Southern Region of the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR). The Southern Region of CUPA-HR includes Florida. As a part of this role, Robertson serves on the Learning & Professional Development committee for the National CUPA-HR and the annual conference. In the past, Robertson has served the Southern Region Board as the coordinator of professional development for four years and as president of the Oklahoma Chapter of CUPA-HR. Economics/Statistics professor Charles Myrick was recently chosen as a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Faculty Scholar. As a PTK Faculty Scholar, he will complete research about resource management in south Mississippi, south Alabama and most of Florida to help save a rapidly disappearing species known as the gopher tortoise. In addition to the required research, he will travel to share and gather information from fellow PTK scholars. His term as a scholar ends in June 2015. Myrick has been the faculty sponsor for Phi Theta Kappa —a national honor society for all majors at community colleges—for several years. Automotive professor Brad Walker has been selected to represent the South Central Region by the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP) association at the recent national convention. The General Motors ASEP committee will review and update the model to administer and deliver the General Motors-specific curricula. The results may change certificate programs to expedite placing qualified technicians in automotive shops.
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Fine Art Auction Benefits OCCCF
Remembering Dr. Gibson Dr. Dale Gibson, president of Oklahoma City Community College (formerly South Oklahoma City Junior College) from 1974 to 1982, died Saturday, August 9, 2014 following a brief illness. He was 81. “The Oklahoma City Community College family is sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Gibson,” stated Dr. Paul Sechrist, current president of OCCC. “Dr. Gibson contributed greatly to the vision and growth of the college. He helped establish some of the core philosophies that the college subscribes to still today.” During Gibson’s tenure at OCCC, the college experienced significant growth in student enrollment, academic program offerings, and physical facilities. Gibson was the fourth president of the college, serving as its leader for eight years.
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OCCC Hosts NAIA for 3rd Year Oklahoma City Community College hosted the four-day NAIA Swimming and Diving National Championship for the third consecutive time. The championship brings in thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators to the Aquatic Center. During the event, 14 records were broken—11 by Oklahoma Baptist University. There were also 12 repeat individual national champions, including two threetime national titleists: Ryan Searles of SCAD Savannah (200-Yard Backstroke) and Christine Tixier of Biola (100-Yard Butterfly).
Dali, Matisse, Miro, Munier, Rembrandt— some of the most influential and prominent names in the art world. But they are just a small sampling of some of the pieces that were sold at the fine art, antiques and memorabilia auction at Oklahoma City Community College. The OCCC Foundation hosted the auction of more than 350 pieces last spring in the Inasmuch Foundation Gallery. Over $75,000 worth of art was sold at the auction.
OACC Hall of Fame
The Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges elected OCCC alumnus Edgar Cruz to their 2013 Hall of Fame. Cruz was elected to the OCCC Alumni Hall of Fame in 2006. Cruz is a classical and fingerstyle guitarist. He has recorded over sixteen albums in styles ranging from classical to flamenco to pop and jazz. Cruz holds two associate degrees from Oklahoma City Community College.
Burgin Named to OCCC Board Christie Burgin was recently appointed to the Board of Regents for OCCC. Currently, Burgin serves as firm administrator for T.C. Burgin, CPA. Prior to that, Burgin spent several years as the president of Applied Research Consultants, and with the OU Health Sciences Center. Burgin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from East Central University, a Master of Science and Doctoral degree in Biostatistics from the University of Oklahoma. Burgin is active in the community and serves on the Board of Directors for Hillcrest Fuente de Vida United Methodist Church and is a member of Team South Class V, South OKC Chamber; Women of the South, Phi Kappa Phi; Delta Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Lambda; and Xi Chapter of Delta Omega Society.
Convocation Awards
AT&T Presents Check to OCCC
OCCC kicked off the 2014-2015 school year at the annual employee Convocation Breakfast and Awards Ceremony this past August
A generous donation from AT&T will help 10 students reach their goal of attending Oklahoma City Community College. A check for $10,000 was presented to the OCCC Foundation last winter. The donation was earmarked to fund the Kenneth R. Nance Memorial Scholarship.
Many faculty and staff members were honored for their years of service and exemplary work. Darrell Pearman, Maintenance Mechanic, was honored as the Classified/Non-Exempt Employee of the Year. Meghan Morgan, Assistant Director of Financial Aid, was honored as the Professional Employee of the Year. Janet Mitchell, Professor of Math, was honored as the Faculty Employee of the Year. Stephen Morrow was given the Elven Gray Award, which is given in honor of one of the college’s most dedicated and inspiring employees. The Robert P. Todd Leadership Award was given to Jessica Martinez-Brooks. It recognizes an employee who has demonstrated outstanding leadership for his or her work.
The Nance scholarship is designated for students who are pursuing degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Kenneth Nance was a longtime chief lobbyist for AT&T at the Oklahoma State Legislature and an attorney. He represented District 91 in south Oklahoma City in the House of Representatives from 1968 to 1978 and was one of the “founding fathers” of OCCC.
to participate in the forum. Gov. Hall says that one of his proudest accomplishments as governor was signing the bill that made OCCC a member of the state’s higher education system.
Top Associate Degree Producer OCCC earned national recognition as one of the top 100 associate degree producers in 2013, according to the national publication Community College Week. OCCC earned distinction in three specific categories: a rank of 13th in the Top 100 Associate Degree Producers for American Indian students; rank of 45th in the Top 50 Associate Degree Producers for Communication, Journalism, & Related Programs; and a rank of 40th in the Top 50 Associate Degree Producers for Nursing: Registered, Administration, Research and Clinical.
Public Affairs Forum Features Former Governors Former Oklahoma Governor David Hall was the first speaker in Oklahoma City Community College’s Public Affairs Forum series. The nonpartisan forum was designed to give students insight into the politics of the time and how those policies affect Oklahoma today.
Hall also addressed a wide range of topics during the question-andanswer session including health care, his family, illegal immigration and the nation’s reliance on foreign oil. The series will feature a former Oklahoma governor each semester. The college has invited Governor George Nigh for spring 2015, Governor Frank Keating in fall 2015 and Governor David Boren in the spring of 2016.
Gov. Hall’s appearance is the first time in 40 years that he has spoken publicly in Oklahoma. Hall talked about his time as governor to several hundred people who were in attendance. The forum was held in Sarkeys Foundation Atrium in the college’s Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater. His governorship was marked by a host of education reforms, and that was part of what brought him
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Nursing Program Receives Accreditation
Fire Science Online Identifies OCCC EMT Program with Highest ROI Fire Science Online— an online resource for fire science and first responder education and career information —named OCCC’s EMT program as one that offers the highest returns on investment. The list recognizes the colleges and universities across the country with significantly lower than average tuition rates in states where firefighters are paid very well.
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Marketing Awards It was another successful year for the Marketing and PR department with wins in contests at the state, regional and national level. The department picked up three National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NCMPR) national Paragon awards. This included a coveted gold paragon for the “Power Up” video. At the regional level, Marketing and PR took home an unprecedented 17 NCMPR Medallion awards including 11 1st place wins. In state competitions, the staff won nine local American Advertising Awards (ADDYs) and eight Oklahoma College and Public Relations Association awards. The awards have been given in recognition of a variety of projects, including radio, TV and print pieces completed in the past year.
Peer Mentoring Program The Office of Student Life is launching a peer mentoring program in spring 2015. Student 2 Student will connect student mentors with students who are struggling with the various aspects of college life. The goal is that these students, many who are at-risk of dropping out, will develop into successful adults and graduate. The mentors will be trained OCCC students who are selected for their caring attitudes and leadership skills. The program will be coordinated by Professor Stephen Morrow.
The nursing program has been recommended for the maximum eightyear accreditation with no follow-up reports by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). A detailed selfstudy was provided to the ACEN team, followed by an onsite evaluation. There are 23 criteria divided among seven standards that the program must meet. These range from the assessment of student learning, faculty qualifications, curriculum, resources, to the congruence between college policies and those of the nursing program. The nursing program at OCCC began in 1973 and has been continually accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission since 1977.
OCCC Home for the Holidays The college welcomed faculty, staff, students and members of the community to “OCCC Home for the Holidays,” a free family-friendly holiday variety show on December 13, 2014 held in the VPAC Theater. The show featured dancing, music, singing, comedy, Christmas readings and more. KOCO’s Erielle Reshef served as host. Before the show, guests took pictures with Santa and met Anna and Elsa from the hit movie “Frozen.” A petting zoo and pony rides were offered outside the theater. “It was great to see students, faculty, and staff with their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and other kids,” said Dr. Sechrist. “The pony rides and petting zoo were a hit with the children. One child was so happy, he exclaimed, “I always wanted to ride a pony’ and he got to do it!”
OCCC Film Program Standout JPMorgan Chase Grant With a generous $50,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co., OCCC will be able to help more students attend and graduate from college. The primary target is students who lack a GED or high school diploma and are not eligible for financial aid. Most of these students are adult learners, but the ages and genders vary. The grant is being offered through Career Transitions. In addition to covering student scholarships, the grant will also cover the administration of the program.
OCCC graduate and adjunct faculty member Jason Gwynn won a 2014 Heartland Emmy for his documentary Going Dark: The Final Days of Film Projection. The film is about Hollywood’s transition to digital films and the end of the 35mm film projectionist. Going Dark follows two projectionists during their last days on the job. The film was shot in Oklahoma City at Penn Square Mall over the course of one month by Gwynn and fellow filmmaker Jay Sheldon. Going Dark has played at ten different film festivals across the world and won five best picture awards. The film was also shown on OETA. The Heartland Emmy is a regional award comprising of Colorado, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas and Wyoming. In addition, The Dogs of Lexington, another OCCC film, was nominated.
Upcoming Events Civic Honors Professional Program Grows Development Institute Expands
In 2014, the Office of Student Life saw more students graduate with Civic Honors than ever before.
Civic Honors graduates must complete at least 50 hours of communitybased service at one of the college’s 130 partner agencies across the metro. The program has seen steady growth since its inception in 2006. Also, this year, the office implemented the Campus Impact award. It’s given to students who achieve 30+ hours of service at the college.
The Professional Development Institute (PDI) at OCCC relocated in their own building this year. Their new facility is located near Plaza Mayor at the intersection of I-35 and I-240. For years, PDI shared classroom space on the main campus. Without dedicated classrooms, scheduling was often difficult. The new space allows them to schedule classes that are convenient to students. PDI is dedicated to enhancing economic growth by providing cost-effective training to local businesses and individuals.
January 17 Opening Day January 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day—Campus Closed January 20 Spring Semester Begins January 23 Performing Arts Series: Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra February 10 Performing Arts Series: The Glenn Miller Orchestra March 16-22 Spring Break—Campus Closed March 26 Performing Arts Series: Chamber Orchestra Kremlin April 21 Performing Arts Series: Pilobolus Dance Theater May 8 Commencement May 16 Spring Semester Ends May 25 Memorial Day—Campus Closed
You can view Going Dark in its entirety online at http://vimeo. com/101235645.
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7777 S. May Avenue • Oklahoma City, OK 73159 • 405.682.1611 • www.occc.edu