SSC Delegation Participates in Higher Ed and Oklahoma’s Promise Day |

In this photo, a large group of college students from across the state of Oklahoma pose for a photo with legislative leadership on the Capitol stairwell. — *Seminole State College students, employees and community supporters joined colleges and universities across the state at Higher Education Day at the State Capitol on April 15.*

Seminole State College students, employees and community supporters traveled to the Oklahoma State Capitol on April 15 to participate in the annual Higher Education and Oklahoma’s Promise Day. Sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the day underscores the value of public higher education and celebrates legislative support of key initiatives like the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship.

The SSC student delegation began the day by checking in at the House Caucus Room and meeting with legislators. Many students had the opportunity to share how higher education has positively impacted their lives and presented SSC-branded gifts to the legislators.

In this photo, SSC students Aubree Wilkins of Ealrsboro, Madalyn Douthit of Seminole, Kynslei Wise of Stroud and Jael Salceda of Seminole attend the Oklahoma’s Promise Day program in House Caucus Room 110 at the State Capitol. — SSC students Aubree Wilkins of Ealrsboro, Madalyn Douthit of Seminole, Kynslei Wise of Stroud and Jael Salceda of Seminole attend the Oklahoma’s Promise Day program in House Caucus Room 110 at the State Capitol.

Following morning meetings, SSC students attended the Oklahoma’s Promise Day program and posed for a group photo with legislative leadership on the Capitol stairwell.

The day’s events continued with a lunch attended students, community supporters and lawmakers. The SSC group heard from Senators Grant Green and Darcy Jech, and Representatives Dell Kerbs, Danny Sterling and Danny Williams. SSC Regents, SSC Educational Foundation Trustees and community supporters present at the event were Karel Brewster, Teresa Burnett, Brad Burnett, Bryan Cain, Brad Carter, Dale Donaho, Marci Donaho, Randy Gilbert, Suzanne Gilbert, Donna Hardin, Jim Hardin, Kim Hyden, Harrel Kennedy, Rebecca Kennedy, Kathy Laster, Robyn Ready and Mark Schell.

In this photo, SSC President’s Leadership class members and Trojan baseball players pose for a group photo with SSC alumni and former Trojan player Senator Darcy Jech. Pictured (left to right) Cole Girard of Oklahoma City, Jett Farmer of Choctaw, Hunter Gibson of Cashion, Sen. Jech, Clayton Moore of Norman and Ethan Rich of Prague. — SSC President’s Leadership class members and Trojan baseball players presented SSC alumni and former Trojan player Senator Darcy Jech with a cap during the group’s visit. Pictured (left to right) Cole Girard of Oklahoma City, Jett Farmer of Choctaw, Hunter Gibson of Cashion, Sen. Jech, Clayton Moore of Norman and Ethan Rich of Prague.

Following lunch, the formal Higher Education Day program was held on the House Floor. The program featured remarks from Secretary of Education Nellie Tayloe Sanders, Speaker Kyle Hilbert, Sen. Ally Seifried, Rep. Arturo Alonso Sandoval, State Regents chair Dennis Casey and Chancellor Sean Burrage.

“Students, faculty and staff from Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities came together today at our State Capitol to highlight the value of a college degree and the importance of the Oklahoma’s Promise scholarship for our citizens and for our state’s economy,” said Burrage. “Over half of the top 100 occupations identified as critical for our state – including the top 22 highest paying jobs – require an associate degree or higher. Meeting workforce needs, especially in STEM, healthcare, and education fields, remains our top priority.”

The SSC delegation included members of the President’s Leadership Class, Oklahoma’s Promise scholars, SSC Regents, Foundation Trustees and staff members.