Speaker of the House to Deliver Keynote at SSC’s 92nd Commencement |

Pictured is, Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert. — *Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert*

Seminole State College will hold its 92nd Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9 at 10 a.m. in the Raymond Harber Field House on campus. The event will recognize students completing coursework requirements for their degree programs.

Oklahoma Speaker of the House Kyle Hilbert will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Hilbert represents House District 29, which includes parts of Creek and Tulsa counties. At age 30, he is the youngest Speaker in Oklahoma history and only the second Republican Speaker under 31 nationwide since 1873.

Commencement Livestream

He earned both his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness and a master’s degree in business administration from Oklahoma State University where he served as Student Government Association President. During his eight years in the House, Hilbert has authored more than 40 bills signed into law. Notable legislation includes the DRIVE Act, which modernized transportation funding and the Redbud School Funding Act, which allocated marijuana tax revenue to underfunded school districts.

Before his speakership, Hilbert held leadership roles including Speaker Pro Tempore and Vice Chair of the Appropriations and Budget Committee. He resides in Bristow with his wife Alexis and their two daughters.

The ceremony will begin with an invocation by SSC Regent Bryan Cain, followed by a welcome address from SSC President Lana Reynolds. Dr. Bill Knowles, Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, will present the degree candidates and President Reynolds will confer the degrees.

Due to venue capacity concerns, this year’s event will require tickets for entry into the Field House. Overflow seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Jeff Johnston Auditorium. The ceremony will be livestreamed in the overflow area and on the College’s official YouTube page.

Graduates of the Nursing Program will also participate in a Pinning Ceremony at 12 p.m. in the Utterback Ballroom, located in the Enoch Kelly Haney Center.

Campus offices will be closed to the public on the morning of May 9 to allow staff to assist with commencement preparations. The SSC Bookstore and The Flower Box will have pop-up shops on site before and after the event. Offices will reopen at 1:30 p.m.

For more information about SSC’s commencement activities, contact the Office of Admissions at (405) 382-9230.