Boren Center Construction Continues

 

January 30, 2015 

Construction on the Dan and Andrea Boren Center on the campus of Seminole State College is progressing as fundraising continues for the safe room.

Katherine Benton, Vice President for Fiscal Affairs at SSC, said the latest projection for substantial completion of the approximately 11,000 square-foot facility is early fall, 2015.

“It’s progressing as expected, though they ran into some rock and needed special equipment for it,” she explained.

Benton said the safe room will be in the basement of the new facility and the College was able to acquire a $500,000 FEMA grant to help with costs.

When the center is completed, the safe room will hold 493 people, Benton added.

“We are still raising funds for the Center,” she continued.

Ground was broken last October and when construction is finished it will complete a dream which was first discussed several years ago.

Dr. James Utterback, SSC president, said last fall “we started talking to Dan about this building to house federal programs to serve area disadvantaged students, sixth grade through college, who are first generation, low income, at risk and not making it.”

Utterback related that when Boren left Congress, Boren called him and asked if he was still interested in constructing that building. The SSC president asked him if he had found a funding source, and Boren replied “yes, me and Andrea.”

Utterback explained the new office building will house offices of Student Government, Human Resources and an array of federally-supported programs.

“This building would not be possible without the leadership and support of both the Chickasaw Nation and the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma,” Utterback said.

Utterback said the estimated cost of the Center is $2.8 million. Its safe room, roughly 3,000 square-feet, added about $800,000 to the total project cost.  Utterback pointed out that U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe and then Congressman James Lankford (now also a U.S. Senator) both helped secure the FEMA grant for the College.

With the addition of the safe room, there was a need to raise additional funds for extra design modifications and increased costs.  At the time of the groundbreaking last fall, it was estimated there was a need for around $300,000 to complete the project.  Since last fall, a little over $100,000 has been raised from private donors for the project.  Supplementary funds will be needed for technology, furniture, parking, outdoor lighting and landscaping.  Those items amount to an additional $500,000 in needed funding.  Fundraising efforts are continuing for the safe room and other items.

“Our foundation has committed to ensure the construction and completion of this building, but we need help from individuals, businesses and other foundations.  This is an important project for our entire community,” he added.

Atlas Construction Co., the same company which built the Haney Center, is the contractor for the Dan and Andrea Boren Center.

For more information about the project and how to make a donation to the SSC Educational Foundation, visit www.sscok.edu/Foundation/ or contact the Office of the President at 405-382-9200.

 

 

 

SSC Breaks Ground on Boren Center

October 22, 2014

Over 200 friends and supporters of Seminole State College crowded into the Enoch Kelly Haney Center on campus to witness a ground breaking ceremony for the Dan and Andrea Boren Center Wednesday morning.  Numerous sponsors, community members and friends of the College attended in support of the new building.

After a warm welcome from SSC President Dr. Jim Utterback, Former U.S. Congressman Dan Boren, Governor of the Chickasaw Nation Bill Anotubby and the Chief of the Seminole Nation Leonard Harjo each spoke briefly in honor of the new structure.

A special indoor ceremony showcased building donors and other groups “turning dirt” to celebrate the start of construction on the Boren Center. Guests enjoyed food, punch and cake following the ceremony.

Among the special guests that “turned dirt” during the indoor ceremony were campus administrators, leaders of employee organizations, the Student Government Association officers and local and state elected officials.  Members of the Boren family, including Dan and Andrea’s children Janna, age 6, and Hunter, age 4, also participated in breaking ground for the new building.

A lead gift from Dan and Andrea Boren in October, 2012, kicked off a fund raising campaign by the SSC Educational Foundation to solicit private individual and corporate gifts for the building project.  The construction of the Boren Center is a joint effort of Seminole State College and the SSC Educational Foundation.

The 8,137 square-foot, $2.7 million building will house several of the College’s federally-funded public school outreach programs, and provide space for SSC Student Government Association and Human Resources offices. The building will also include an underground public safe room that will provide a storm shelter for 500 people.

 

SSC President Leads Way on Safe Room Funding

October 15, 2014

 

Storm clouds are rolling.  Weather forecasters on television are warning people to take cover.  The winds are howling and it’s getting dark outside.  Still, for too many people – there is nowhere safe to go.

The ominous threats of Oklahoma thunderstorms and tornados have area residents’ attention after devastating storms have hit close to home in recent years.  Damage and loss of life have been the reality left behind from storms that have hit throughout central Oklahoma and “Tornado Alley.”   Yet even with major damage in Midwest City, Moore, Shawnee and the rural areas just north of Seminole – public shelters are largely unavailable.

Seminole State College is about to change that for residents of Seminole.  Ground will be broken on a new building on campus next week that will house an underground safe room that can provide shelter for 500 people.

After a three-year application process, the College was awarded a $469,820 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the addition of the safe room to the Dan and Andrea Boren Center construction project.  See plans

The new building project, being funded largely through private donations from the Borens and the Chickasaw Nation, has been a joint undertaking by the Seminole State College Board of Regents and the SSC Educational Foundation.

Adding the safe room increased the overall project cost to approximately $2.7 million.  An additional $300,000 is needed to fully fund the project with the safe room and the revised construction plans.

SSC President Dr. Jim Utterback and his wife Karrie stepped forward to jump start a fund raising effort to help make this safe room a reality.  They have pledged $10,000 for the project.

“Karrie and I were fortunate when the big tornado hit north of town a few years ago, we were trapped in our cellar – but, at least we had a cellar.  Many people don’t have that option available, and we want to help change that,” Utterback commented.

The SSC Educational Foundation is seeking 100 individuals or businesses who are willing to pledge $1,000 a year for three years to fund the safe room. Dr. Utterback, who is completing his eighteenth year as President of Seminole State College, said he feels this may be one of the most important undertakings of his career.  “This safe room will be an important addition to our campus and to our community.  We made a commitment that future construction on this campus would include such an addition, if at all possible.  The FEMA grant opened the door for us – and now we need individual and corporate community partners to help us raise the remaining funds for this project,” Utterback said.

He added, “The College has experienced tremendous support from its friends, alumni, boosters and corporate sponsors for a variety of needs over the years.  We appreciate so much the gifts that have been given to provide scholarships, improve educational experiences and enhance the appearance of the campus.  This ‘ask’ is for a potentially life-saving project that will benefit our entire community.  We need everyone to reach deep and help us build this safe room for the people of this area.”

Any individuals, businesses or foundations interested in making a tax-deductible donation to the Dan and Andrea Boren building fund, may send checks, made payable to the SSC Educational Foundation to the President’s Office, P.O. Box 351, Seminole, OK  74818.  Donations may also be made online through the SSC Educational Foundation website:  www.sscok.edu/Foundation.

 

NEWS RELEASE

Alums and Staff Honored by SSC

May 8, 2014

 

Over 400 friends and supporters of Seminole State College attended the SSC Educational Foundation’s annual recognition banquet May 1, in the Enoch Kelly Haney Center.

The event, which included recognition of college alumni, students, staff and supporters, raised over $32,000 for the Foundation’s scholarship program and campus capital projects.

Long-time Seminole State College employee Don Gill received the “Distinguished Service Award” for his long-time support of the college and commitment to students and the institution.

Also during the banquet, Rick Best, of Denver, Colo.; Ryan Kelly, of Houma, Louisiana; and Carl Packwood, of Shawnee; were inducted into the Seminole State College Alumni Hall of Fame.

Best, Kelly and Packwood joined 59 other former students in the Hall of Fame.  Recipients of the honor are selected for their achievements while attending the college and contributions they have made in their professional careers which bring pride to the institution. Nominations are accepted each year from faculty, staff, members of the SSC Educational Foundation and the public for induction.

Four employees were recognized for reaching milestones for their service to the College. 30 Years – Director of Sponsored Programs, Kathy Hoover; 25 Years – Chair of the Nursing and Health Sciences Division; 25 Years – Associate Professor of Sociology Tracy Jacomo; and 20 Years – GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator Russell Beene.

Retiring staff recognized at the event included: Professor of Business Fred Bunyan, Head Cashier Mona Griffin, Learning Resources Center Director Marguerite Hearod, Associate Professor of Life Science Dave Helseth, Communications Clerk, Becky Moreland, Financial Aid Director Jeanie Nix, Assistant Professor of Biological Science Loretta Rush, and Admissions Clerk Janet Waddell.

One student from each of the College’s six academic divisions was selected by faculty to be recognized as the “SSC 2014 Outstanding Students.” Those honored included: Business and Information Systems – Trisha Kingsbury of Prague, Health, Physical Education and Recreation – Alejandra Moran from Calexico, Calif., Language Arts and Humanities – Greg Votaw from Varnum; Math, Science and Engineering – Garrett Clark from Seminole, Nursing and Health Sciences – Megan Conley from Anchorage, Alaska, and Social Sciences – Clayton Powell of Stroud.

Campus organizational leaders were also honored at the event. Kendall Rogers served as Faculty Senate President; Yashanda Scruggs served as Professional Staff Association President; Ann Gavin served as Classified Staff Association President; and Clayton Powell served as President of the Student Government Association.

The SSC Educational Foundation, Inc., was created in 1972 “to supply aid for charitable, benevolent, educational, scientific and literary purposes,” according to the foundation’s articles of incorporation.

Paige Sheffield serves as Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees.  Vice Chairs are Ray McQuiston and Ken Pryor.  Other members of the Board are:  Dan Boren, Bryan Cain, Richard Carr, Dr. Vickie Carter, Steve Degraffenreid, Ryan Franklin, Jim Hardin, John Hargrave, Blake Hargrove, Chief Leonard Harjo, Doug Humphreys, Tim Mathews, Gordon Melson, Jeramy Rich, Harvey Robinson, Lance Ruffel, Mark Schell, Jack Sherry, Roy Sisco, Sue Snodgrass, Bob Swearingen, Ben Walkingstick, Darlene Wallace, Mark White and Lance Wortham.

May 1, 2013

SSC Education Foundation Banquet to Honor Alumni, Students, Staff

 

 

The Seminole State College Educational Foundation’s annual recognition banquet, set for 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 2, in the Enoch Kelly Haney Center, will include recognition of college alumni, students, staff and supporters.

A special award will be given to long-time supporter of Seminole State College. Dixie Woodall will receive the “Distinguished Service Award” for her long-time support of the college and commitment to students and the institution. Woodall is from Kiefer, OK.  She is a three-time All-American, a national championship coach and as of 2005, a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.  Woodall coached at Seminole Junior College for 10 seasons and fashioned a record of 281-71.

In addition, she has become an international symbol for American basketball – first as a player, then as a coach, then as a diplomat.  In 1967, she was a member of the United States Olympic squad that earned a silver medal in the Pan American Games.  She is currently a member of the Women Basketball Coach’s Association and U.S. Olympic Athlete Advisory Committee.

Also during the May 2 banquet, Dr. Tschantre Dorsett, Yariel “Papo” Ramos and Londaryl Perry, will be inducted into the Seminole State College Alumni Hall of Fame.

Dr. Dorsett is the attending physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, OK.  Dorsett is a graduate of Butner High School in Cromwell. She received her associate degree in Chemistry from Seminole State College in 1994.  She received a bachelor’s degree in anatomy and doctorate degree from Parker College of Chiropractic in Dallas, Texas.  She received her doctorate of medicine from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 2008.

She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and American Medical Association and has been awarded the “March Vanderslice Award” and the “Outstanding Resident Teaching Award.” She is a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

Ramos, a stand-out player on the SSC Trojan Baseball Team, graduated from SSC in 1990 with an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice.  He was the first player in school history to be named the NCAA Regional Most Outstanding Player in 1991 and received the All-Star Northwest League Award from the San Francisco Giants in 1992.     Ramos has been the Supervisory Criminal Investigator for Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) for the Office of Internal Affairs (OIA) since 1996. He was given special recognition as a Sharpshooter and Outstanding Physical Fitness Performance Award (FLETCO) in 1996 and 1999.  In 2012, he was a part of Operation Caribbean Resilience and was recognized for attacking drug organizations involved in murders and violent crimes while performing a special assignment in Puerto Rico.

Perry received his associate’s degree in 1995 from SSC and a bachelor’s of science from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1998.  He currently teaches High School and Middle School Social Studies at Northeast Academy Health Science and Engineering in Oklahoma City.  Perry is also the school’s girls basketball coach. His 2012-2013 won their State Championship and finished the season with a 30-0 record.  In 2011-2012, his team was State Runner-up and he was recognized as the Little All-City “Coach of the Year.” Perry previously taught and coached at Putnam City West High School and Guthrie High School.

He has been the recipient of the Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Army Commendation Medals and 2 Army Achievement Medals.  Perry is an Eagle Ridge Consultant and a member of the Oklahoma Coaches Association, Oklahoma Girls Basketball Coaches Association and Oklahoma Social Studies Chair for Northeast Academy.

Dr. Doresett, Ramos and Perry will join 56 other former students in the Hall of Fame.  Recipients of the honor are selected for their achievements while attending the college and contributions they have made in their professional careers which bring pride to the institution. Nominations are accepted each year from faculty, staff, members of the SSC Educational Foundation and the public for induction.

Proceeds of the banquet will go to the SSC Educational Foundation. Individual tickets for the banquet are available for $25 each. Corporate sponsorships for the dinner are available for $300 per table of eight.  Additional sponsorship levels are $500 and $1,000.

The SSC Educational Foundation, Inc., was created in 1972 “to supply aid for charitable, benevolent, educational, scientific and literary purposes,” according to the foundation’s articles of incorporation.

Paige Sheffield serves as Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees.  Vice Chairs are Ray McQuiston and Ken Pryor.  Other members of the Board are:  Dan Boren, Dr. Vivkie Carter, Steve Degraffenreid, Ryan Franklin, Jim Hardin, John Hargrave, Blake Hargrove, Chief Leonard Harjo, Doug Humphreys, Mike Langley, Tim Mathews, Gordon Melson, Curtis Morgan, Jeramy Rich, Harvey Robinson, Lance Ruffel, Mark Schell, Sue Snodgrass, Bob Swearingen, Ben Walkingstick, Darlene Wallace and Mark White.

For more information about the event, contact a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees or SSC President’s Office at (405) 382-9200.

NEWS RELEASE

April 11, 2013

College to Honor Former Coach Dixie Woodall

 

Former Belles Basketball Coach Dixie Woodall will be presented a “Distinguished Service Award” by the Seminole State College Educational Foundation at their annual recognition banquet on May 2.  The event, which will include recognition of college alumni, students, staff and supporters, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Foundation Hall of the Enoch Kelly Haney Center. Woodall’s award is given in honor of her years of service to the institution and the positive impact she has had on hundreds of student-athletes as a coach and mentor.  Previous recipients of the award are former Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Jack Medlock and Trojan Baseball Coach Lloyd Simmons. Woodall is from Kiefer, Okla.  She is a three-time All-American player, a national championship coach, and as of 2005, a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.  Woodall coached the Seminole “Junior” College Belles basketball team for 10 seasons and compiled a record of 281-71. In addition, she has become an international symbol for American basketball – first as a player, then as a coach, then as a diplomat.  In 1967, she was a member of the United States Olympic squad that earned a silver medal in the Pan American Games.  She is currently a member of the Women’s Basketball Coach’s Association and U.S> Olympic Athlete Advisory Committee. In conjunction with Woodall’s return to Seminole, former Belles and friends of the team are hosting a Belles reunion on Friday evening, May 3.  Anyone interested in attending, or getting more information about the reunion is encouraged to contact former Belle Sue Snodgrass at 405-323-9868 or tshsue@sbcglobal.net. Proceeds of the SSC recognition banquet will support scholarships and capital projects sponsored by the SSC Educational Foundation.  Individual tickets for the banquet are available for $25 each.  Corporate sponsorships for the dinner are available for $300 per table of eight.  Additional sponsorship levels are $500 and $1,000. The SSC Educational Foundation, Inc., was created in 1972 “to supply aid for charitable, benevolent, educational, scientific and literary purposes,” according to the Foundation’s Articles of Incorporation. Paige Sheffield serves as Chair of the Foundation Board of Trustees.  Vice Chairs are Ray McQuiston and Ken Pryor.  Other members of the Board are:  Dan Boren, Dr. Vickie Carter, Steve Degraffenreid, Ryan Franklin, Jim Hardin, John Hargrave, Blake Hargrove, Chief Leonard Harjo, Doug Humphreys, Mike Langley, Tim Mathews, Gordon Melson, Curtis Morgan, Jeramy Rich, Harvey Robinson, Lance Ruffel, Mark Schell, Sue Snodgrass, Bob Swearingen, Ben Walkingstick, Darlene Wallace and Mark White. For more information about the event, contact a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees or the SSC President’s Office at (405) 382-9200.