Seminole State College and Avedis Foundation were among colleges, schools and businesses honored during a Business Partnership Excellence Awards Luncheon held April 27 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

The award, sponsored by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), annually honors outstanding partnerships that lead to significant contributions in educating and developing Oklahoma’s workforce.

In 2020, the Avedis Foundation awarded the SSC Educational Foundation a $250,000 grant for the completion of an adaptive field at the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex. The field is designed specifically for people with physical and cognitive disabilities to enjoy the game of baseball.

“The construction of the complex has been a catalyst for economic development in Seminole – including stimulating plans for a new housing addition, a hotel, two restaurants and a family fun center. The Avedis Adaptive Field has become the home of Seminole’s “A League of Their Own,” a spring baseball league for children with disabilities. The adaptive field also provides mentoring and volunteer experiences for students at the College and the local high school,” Danny Morgan, Director of the Rural Business Resources Center, said.

The Avedis Foundation, established in 2012 in Shawnee, supports a vision to measurably improve the health, wellness and quality of life for the people of Pottawatomie County and its surrounding communities. “Avedis” means “bearer of glad tidings or good news.”

The organization sponsors a leadership development institute and is a partner in several collaborative initiatives including the healthy living Blue Zones Project, Community Renewal of Pottawatomie County and the Community Market.

“We are so honored to have our partnership with the Avedis Foundation recognized through this awards program. Their investment has already sparked so much joy, camaraderie and opportunity for youth in our community,” SSC President Lana Reynolds said.