Seminole State College has cancelled its annual Commencement Ceremony set to be held on May 6 due to the effects of Wednesday evening’s tornado in Seminole.

Emergency response coordinators advised the College to not host the event due to the potential for intermittent loss of power and general safety issues.

The campus will continue to be utilized as a shelter for the American Red Cross and a staging area for OG&E and others involved in the power restoration process.

Crews utilize SSC campus parking as a staging area with ongoing power restoration efforts.

“We are disappointed that we cannot hold our commencement exercises but are extremely proud of each of our graduates. Please continue to keep those affected by this disaster in your thoughts and prayers,” SSC President Reynolds said in a memo sent to students, faculty and staff on Thursday.

With the cancellation of the ceremony, the College is exploring options for honoring graduates and having them come back for a future ceremony.