Category Community

Portrait of Ben Walkingstick and his wife Bonnie.

Walkingsticks Honored at Chandler Chamber of Commerce Banquet

Josh Hutton

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.

WATCH: 2021 Commencement Ceremony Livestream

Josh Hutton

While in-person attendance will be limited at this year’s Commencement Ceremony to accommodate social distancing, you can still watch the event live in the space below or on our Facebook page.

When the event begins on May 7 at 10:30 a.m., you’ll be able to view the livestream in the space below. Until the video goes live, you may see a “Video Unavailable” message. 

If, for whatever reason, the video is not displaying at the time the event goes live, you may also view the livestream directly here.

SSC Upward Bound Program Provides Meals to Students

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Seminole State College’s Upward Bound chapter is providing meals to students enrolled in the program every week until July 2. Upward Bound coordinators Anna Skender, Amber Cooper, Ronnie Williamson and Matt Kappele deliver the meals to homes and local schools. The program has served meals to 250 participants.

Upward Bound student Jael Salceda (left) receives a sack lunch from SSC Upward Bound Coordinator Amber Cooper.
SSC Upward Bound Coordinator Ronnie Williamson (left) passes out meals to students Ashlynn McCoy (center) and Bethany Randall (right).

Former SSC Educational Foundation Board Trustee Appointed as New State Regent

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Holdenville resident Jack Sherry has been appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt as a member of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). His appointment was recently confirmed by the Senate, and he will be sworn in at the State Regents’ June 25 meeting. Sherry will serve a nine-year term that expires in May 2029, replacing Regent Toney Stricklin. Continue reading “Former SSC Educational Foundation Board Trustee Appointed as New State Regent” →

PLC Meet State Banking Leader

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Members of the Seminole State College President’s Leadership Class visited with Gene Rainbolt, a state banking leader and philanthropist, who served as the guest speaker at the Seminole Chamber of Commerce Forum Luncheon on March 12.  Rainbolt is the founder of BancFirst, which since its beginnings in 1989 has become the largest state-chartered bank in Oklahoma with assets of $8.6 billion and offices in 58 communities.  The organization also owns Pegasus Bank which has three banking locations in Dallas, Texas.

SSC Art Department Receives Kiln Donation

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The Art Department at Seminole State College was recently gifted a brand-new kiln for the college’s ceramics program. SSC student Sandra Ward of Seminole donated a new electric L & L Kiln to the college in an effort to help replace aging equipment. “The donation was met with enthusiasm and much appreciation. Our students are very thankful for the new kiln and are excited to be able to fire their pottery in the upcoming Fall 2020 semester,” said Assistant Professor of Art Angela Church.

SSC students gather for a group photo in front of the State Capitol following Feb. 11’s “Higher Ed Day” program.

SSC Delegation Attends Higher Ed Day

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            Seminole State College student Kimberly Cotter spoke to state leaders during the “Higher Education Day” program at the Capitol in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, Feb. 11. She, alongside students Ruth Herman, East Central University, and Natanya Hernandez, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, shared how higher education at Oklahoma’s public colleges and universities has positively impacted their lives. A large delegation of campus and community leaders representing Seminole State College attended. The event, sponsored by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE), is held annually to demonstrate grassroots support for Higher Education funding. Continue reading “SSC Delegation Attends Higher Ed Day” →