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Students and Employees of Seminole State College observe the Early Oklahoma: Black Hope/Black Dreams exhibit, that is on display throughout the month of June in the Enoch Kelly Haney Center on the Seminole State College campus.

Black Hope/Black Dreams Exhibit Opens at Seminole State College

Josh Hutton

Seminole State College is hosting the Early Oklahoma: Black Hope/Black Dreams traveling exhibit in the lobby of the Enoch Kelly Haney Center throughout the month of June. The exhibit, curated by the Oklahoma Historical Society, features the accomplishments of three individuals who had a vision for greater opportunity and equality for themselves and others.

Edward (Edwin) Preston McCabe arrived in Oklahoma Territory in 1889. He was experienced in finance, law, land development and politics. McCabe sought a place where African Americans could establish their own towns like other groups of Americans.

Roscoe Dunjee was a newspaperman, activist, humanitarian and a man of extraordinary conviction and legendary accomplishment. Founded in 1915, Dunjee’s newspaper was titled the Black Dispatch. Dunjee also took aim at the legal system and the issues, incidents, and laws that deprived African Americans of their rights of citizenship and human dignity.

Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher was the first African American admitted to the University of Oklahoma Law School on June 18, 1949, and the first to graduate in August 1951. Through her,

African Americans succeeded in challenging the separate but equal doctrine as it applied to educational opportunities.

The exhibit is sponsored by the SSC Educational Foundation and is being held in commemoration of the Juneteenth holiday. Seminole State College’s summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

SSC Talent Search Participants Attend Cultural Events

Josh Hutton
Seminole State College Talent Search/FOCUS federal grant program participants pose for a photo outside of the Lion King musical at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

On June 1, the Seminole State College Talent Search/FOCUS federal grant program hosted a trip for 90 sixth graders, SSC students and staff volunteers, and high school mentors to see the Lion King musical at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center.

SSC Talent Search/FOCUS Program, along with volunteers from SSC Student Support Services Program pose for a photo during their trip to the OKC Broadway production of Hamilton.

The SSC Talent Search/FOCUS Program, along with volunteers from SSC Student Support Services Program, attended the OKC Broadway production of Hamilton and enjoyed Logan’s for lunch. “This event was a once in a lifetime opportunity that we were so excited to offer to our upper classman participants from our area high schools. We plan to have many more similar events in the future,” Talent Search/FOCUS Advisor Angela Harjo said. For more information about the FOCUS Program, please visit sscok.edu/sponsored-grant-programs/talent-search or call 405-382-9703.

Ryan Pitts

Pitts Reappointed to SSC Board of Regents

Josh Hutton

Ryan Pitts, the senior attorney and owner of the Law Offices of Ryan H. Pitts, P.C. in Holdenville, has been reappointed by Governor Kevin Stitt to serve on the Seminole State College Board of Regents.

The reappointment was confirmed by the Oklahoma State Senate Education Committee on May 17 and sent to the Oklahoma State Senate for final approval. The nomination was carried by Senator Grant Green (R-District 28).

Members of the SSC Board of Regents are appointed for seven-year terms. Pitts’ term as a regent will conclude on July 1, 2030. The Regents serve as the College’s governing body and have the supervision and management responsibilities for the College.

Pitts was initially appointed by Governor Stitt in July of 2020. For the 2022-2023 academic year, he is serving as Chair of the SSC Board of Regents.

He and his family make their home in Wewoka, and in addition to his law practice, he also serves as a municipal judge for the cities of Holdenville and Wewoka.

“Ryan Pitts has been a great addition to the Board, and an active supporter of the College. His insight and involvement in the surrounding communities are invaluable. We look forward to continuing our work with him,” President Lana Reynolds said.

The partnership between Seminole State College and the Avedis Foundation was honored at the Regents Business Partnership Excellence Awards held on April 27 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond. Pictured (left to right): Oklahoma State Regents Steven Taylor and Courtney Warmington, Oklahoma Chancellor for Higher Education Allison Garrett, President and CEO of the Avedis Foundation Dr. Kathy Laster, Seminole State College President Lana Reynolds, Avedis Board Members Angi Mohr and Josh Trimble, SSC Rural Business and Resources Director Danny Morgan, and Avedis Board Member Jill Spencer.

SSC and Avedis Foundation Partnership Honored

Josh Hutton

Seminole State College and Avedis Foundation were among colleges, schools and businesses honored during a Business Partnership Excellence Awards Luncheon held April 27 at the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

The award, sponsored by Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), annually honors outstanding partnerships that lead to significant contributions in educating and developing Oklahoma’s workforce.

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