Former Seminole State College Regent, Foundation Trustee and long-time supporter Ben Walkingstick and his wife Bonnie were recently recognized at the Chandler Chamber of Commerce banquet by the Oklahoma National Guard with the Thunderbird Medal, honoring their “lifetime of exceptional service.” The Walkingsticks’ efforts to save the community’s local Armory and preserve it as the Route 66 Interpretive Center, as well as their financial support and political influence were credited as improving the City of Chandler and the State of Oklahoma. Lt. Col. Jack Vaughan, battalion commander for the 1-160th, said the Walkingsticks represent the National Guard motto “Always Ready, Always There.” Bonnie Walkingstick, a local business owner and civic worker, was also honored at the banquet as Chandler’s “Citizen of the Year.”
The Walkingsticks were recognized at Seminole State College with the prestigious “Founders Award” in 2011 for their support of the college. The Walkingstick Student Service Center is named in their honor and annual scholarships are provided to area citizens through their generosity.
EDITOR’s NOTE: Seminole State College freshman Hailey Wallace, of Wellston, was one of four students representing colleges and universities across the state selected to speak at the 2022 Higher Education Day at the Capitol on Feb. 15. Wallace’s father, House Appropriations Chair Kevin Wallace, introduced her during the program held in the Oklahoma House of Representatives Chambers. Her speech is printed below:
Several Trustees of the Seminole State College Educational Foundation toured the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex following their quarterly Board meeting on Feb. 16. The Trustees toured indoor facilities and the Trojan baseball field. Pictured in Center Field (left to right) are: Jim Hardin, Lance Wortham, Jeramy Rich, Doug Humphreys, Sue Snodgrass, Steve Degraffenreid, Suzanne Gilbert, Darren Frederick, David Wilson, Billy Norton, Rhonda McKee, John Hargrave, Haley Coates and Mark Schell.SSC President Emeritus Dr. Jim Utterback, who is overseeing the project, visits with Trustees during the tour. Construction continues on the complex, which includes a college baseball field, four youth baseball/softball fields, the Avedis Adaptive Field for persons with special needs and a soccer field. The SSC Educational Foundation is the owner and operator of the facility.
A large delegation of campus and community leaders representing Seminole State College attended “Higher Education Day” at the Capitol in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Feb. 15. The event, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, is held annually to demonstrate the value and importance of higher education in the state.
The College released Seminole State College: A 90-Year Retrospective at the beginning of February. The publication follows the institution’s journey from an extension of Seminole High School to its modern achievements. Continue reading “SSC Releases 90-Year Retrospective”→
Two Seminole State College employees were recognized for their hard work and dedication during the monthly Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum on Dec. 9. Assistant Professor of English Paul Juhasz was honored as Faculty Member of the Month, and Testing Center Coordinator Lauren Earley was honored as Staff Member of the Month.
Seminole State College classes are scheduled to begin Monday, Jan. 10. Special extended office hours will take place in an effort to provide students extra time to enroll for the 2021 spring semester. While classes begin Jan. 10, students may enroll for the spring semester through Jan. 14.
Seminole State College President Lana Reynolds recently fulfilled her pledge of $25,000 to the SSC Educational Foundation to assist with the construction of the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex.
The Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex is under construction just west of SSC on Highway 9. The seven-field complex will serve as home to the Seminole State College Trojan baseball and soccer teams. The facility also includes an adaptive field for people with special needs.
“I am excited about what this project means to our college and community. This complex will provide sports fields for hosting tournaments for teams of all ages and abilities throughout the region and state. I believe it will make a great home for our SSC teams, it will be a great recruitment tool for future players, and it will provide a tremendous economic boost to the area,” President Reynolds said.
Fundraising efforts are still underway as the Brian Crawford Memorial Sports Complex draws closer to completion.
For more information on the Brian Crawford Memorial Complex or to make a donation, visit sscok.edu/BCMSC or contact SSC Educational Foundation Advancement Coordinator Kimberli Owen at (405)-382-9506.
Seminole State College Professor of Psychology Christal Knowles recently attended the 2021 Oklahoma Academy Town Hall. This year’s event was held at the River Spirit Hotel in Tulsa from Nov. 7-10.
The Oklahoma Academy is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan organization established to provide citizens with the opportunity to discuss public policy and make recommendations. The organization was founded by Oklahoma Governor Henry Bellmon in 1967. The organization adopted its Town Hall process in 2001. Since its adoption, the process has led to the passing of 77 pieces of legislation.
Professor of Psychology Christal Knowles participated in the 2021 Oklahoma Academy Town Hall from Nov. 7-10 at the River Spirit Hotel in Tulsa
This year’s theme was “A Path for a Healthier Oklahoma: Addressing Mental Health and Improving Mental Wellness
SSC President Lana Reynolds nominated Knowles to attend the Town Hall and join a discussion group. Knowles has worked at the College for 12 years. Beyond teaching psychology, she also coordinates the SSC Help Center, a place on campus for students to find support when facing mental health issues.
Knowles served on a panel group during the event. There, along with other attendees, she made recommendations on mental health public policies based on extensive research and questions posed by the event’s organizers.
The Oklahoma Academy will release its official recommendations in January, prior to the legislative session.