Starting on Veterans Day, November 11 through Nov. 30, SSC students, faculty, staff, community supporters, and administration signed thank you and happy holiday messages on festive cards, which in turn were delivered to veterans in the VA Hospital in Oklahoma City. This year more than 200 cards were signed with heartfelt notes of appreciation and holiday cheer.

Professor of History Marta Osby (right), who initiated this project and overseas it annually, delivered the cards to Chief Melissa Overfield (left), who is in charge of Voluntary Services at the VA Hospital in OKC.

Ms. Overfield expressed her thanks on behalf of the patients and those who volunteer at the hospital.

Professor Osby said, “This project is so appreciated by the veterans and is a small way spread some holiday cheer while sharing our heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifices and service. How fortunate we are to all veterans at this special time of year and always.”

The Seminole State College Shooting Sports Club hosted its Second Annual Fundraiser Shoot on Dec. 2. The event took place at Clay Bird Sports in Bethel Acres and featured more than 40 teams, competing in High School Junior, High School Senior, and Open divisions for Sporting Clays. Seminole State Agriculture Assistant Professor Wendy Rich and Social Sciences Professor Jeffrey Christiansen serve as the club’s faculty sponsors and organized the event, along with club members Turner Dean, Mark Ellis, and Logan Jones. Proceeds from the fundraiser will allow the club to compete in regional and national competitions.

SSC Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bill Knowles tends to grill during the Shooting Sports Club’s fundraiser event.

Seminole State College employees recently provided gifts to 26 children participating in the Angel Tree programs sponsored by the Salvation Army and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. The Angel Tree program connects donors with children in need. SSC employees purchased clothing and toys and donated the items. Providing gifts to children in the Angel Tree program has been an annual tradition at SSC since 1997. Pictured: Testing Coordinator Lauren Early, President’s Office Manager Tisha Simon and Student Affairs Administrative Assistant Toni Wittman prepare the gifts to be delivered.

The Seminole State College Wellness Committee organized a Healthy and Happy Challenge throughout the month of November for employees. The challenge was comprised of daily tasks to encourage a healthier lifestyle. Tasks ranged from increasing water intake to dancing like nobody is watching. The event concluded with 30-minute yoga session led by Main Street Yoga owner Lauren Schatzel, a luncheon and a prize drawing for participants.

Seminole State College welcomed 25 retirees back to campus for a luncheon in their honor on Dec. 1 in the Utterback Ballroom of the Enoch Kelly Haney Center.

“We were thrilled to see so many former employees who dedicated most, and in some cases all, of their professional careers to this College. They played an important role in the growth and development of the institution. We wanted to thank them for their service and invite them to reconnect and stay involved with SSC,” President Lana Reynolds said.

Those in attendance were (seated, left to right): Judy James, Janet Waddell, Annette Troglin Barnes, Gloria Wheeler, Perthena Latchaw, Dr. Rebecca Kennedy, Patricia Cokeley, and Tracy Jacomo; (standing, left to right): Ted Hurt, Debbie Robertson, Travis Qualls, Dr. Richard Wood, Dave Helseth, Larry Vickers, Rusty Beene, Dr. Jim Cook, Rick Hanson, Fred Bunyan, Robbie Lindsey, Marie Dawson, Kelly Chastain, Carol Hartman, Kelly Kirk, Tom Stephens and Cynthia Yerby.

Reynolds said, “These former employees are an important part of the history of our College. We always welcome them as honored guests on our campus.”