Seminole State College student-athletes and coaches volunteered their time this week to wrap more than 200 gifts for the annual Earl Knowles free community Christmas dinner, organized by the Seminole Rotary Club.
The presents wrapped by SSC athletes will be distributed at the community dinner on Sunday, December 25 at the Senior Citizen’s Heritage House at 210 W. College. Arrangements may also be made to have the gifts and meals delivered to homes by calling 405-382-3640 prior to Christmas Eve.
Seminole State College hosted its annual Night at the Lights event on Dec. 5 at Magnolia Park in Seminole. Local families enjoyed the community Snowman Wonderland light display, as well as cookies and hot chocolate provided by the College. Dozens of SSC student athletes manned crafting stations inside the Reynolds Wellness Center, helping children create crafts.
The Seminole State College Wellness Committee organized a Healthy and Happy Challenge throughout the month of November for employees. The challenge was comprised of daily tasks to encourage a healthier lifestyle. Tasks ranged from increasing water intake to dancing like nobody is watching. The event concluded with 30-minute yoga session led by Main Street Yoga owner Lauren Schatzel, a luncheon and a prize drawing for participants.
Seminole State College will host its annual Night at the Lights on Monday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Reynolds Wellness Center. The event is free and open to the public. Guests may enjoy making holiday crafts with SSC athletes taking in the “Snowman Wonderland” light display in Magnolia Park. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be served.
Seminole State College welcomed 25 retirees back to campus for a luncheon in their honor on Dec. 1 in the Utterback Ballroom of the Enoch Kelly Haney Center.
“We were thrilled to see so many former employees who dedicated most, and in some cases all, of their professional careers to this College. They played an important role in the growth and development of the institution. We wanted to thank them for their service and invite them to reconnect and stay involved with SSC,” President Lana Reynolds said.
Those in attendance were (seated, left to right): Judy James, Janet Waddell, Annette Troglin Barnes, Gloria Wheeler, Perthena Latchaw, Dr. Rebecca Kennedy, Patricia Cokeley, and Tracy Jacomo; (standing, left to right): Ted Hurt, Debbie Robertson, Travis Qualls, Dr. Richard Wood, Dave Helseth, Larry Vickers, Rusty Beene, Dr. Jim Cook, Rick Hanson, Fred Bunyan, Robbie Lindsey, Marie Dawson, Kelly Chastain, Carol Hartman, Kelly Kirk, Tom Stephens and Cynthia Yerby.
Reynolds said, “These former employees are an important part of the history of our College. We always welcome them as honored guests on our campus.”
Seminole State College Campus Activities and Events is hosting De-Stressor Week from Nov. 28 through Dec. 2. The week features giveaways and relaxing activities as students prepare for their final semester exams, which will begin on Dec. 5. On Nov. 30, students enjoyed free chair massages at a recovery station operated by Turbo Sports Recovery.
The Seminole State College Nursing Division hosted a health fair on Nov. 30 in Tanner Hall on campus. Students enrolled in the Leadership in Nursing course, taught by Professor Ann Benson, were stationed at informational booths. Nursing students provided information on diabetes, hypertension and many other subjects. It also served as an opportunity to provide other SSC students more information about the College’s nursing program.
The Seminole State College Leadership Development Class recently donated dozens of canned and packaged food goods to the SSC Food Pantry. From Nov. 8 to Nov. 21, the class organized and collected donations. The pantry is overseen by Dr. Bill Knowles, Vice President for Student Affairs.
The Leadership class is taught by Professor of History and former Phi Theta Kappa advisor Marta Osby and is comprised of students in the President’s Leadership Class as well as other exceptional students. “It is so nice to have such a wonderful organization like the SSC Food Pantry to help our students. What a great team effort at SSC to bring assistance to our students. A special thanks to all of the students, faculty, administration, and staff that helped with this meaningful project,” Osby said
The Seminole State College Classified Staff and Professional Staff Councils hosted a Chili Cookoff on Friday, Nov. 18 at the Raymond Harber Field House. The event served as a scholarship fundraiser that is awarded to an SSC student from the Classified Staff Council each year. Pictured: Financial Assistance Clerk Andrita Chavez and STEM Office Manager Dana Denwalt try out chili made by colleagues.
Trophies were awarded in three categories. The Most Unique Chili Award went to GEAR UP Coordinator Erica McCaughey, the Spiciest Award went to Custodian Christie Mckee and the Best All Around went to STEM Office Manager Dana Denwalt. Pictured: Director of Student Activities Melinda Sims (left) congratulates McKee (right) following her Spiciest Award win.
The Seminole State College women’s soccer team recently competed in the NJCAA National Soccer Championship in Evans, Georgia. The team was eliminated from the tournament following a close loss to Polk State College with a final score of 3-1 on Nov. 15. The Trojans ended the season with an overall record of 18-4 and a conference record of 13-1. The team held a perfect 8-0 record at home this season. The team is led by Head Coach Dan Hill and Assistant Coach Jade Dewbre.