CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HEREPAGE 8 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN February 2016

Seminole State College2701 Boren Blvd.Seminole, OK 74868

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #164

Seminole, Okla.

Return Service Requested

February 11 1:30PM vs.Coffeyville(KS) @JenksHighSchool 13 1:30PM vs.CrowderCollege 14 1:00PM vs.AllenCounty(KS) 16 2:00PM vs.CowleyCollege 18 2:00PM vs.GraysonCollege @Sherman,TX 20 12:00PM vs.CarlAlbertStateCollege 21 1:00PM vs.MapleWoodsCommunityCollege @JenksHighschhol 22 2:00PM vs.Redlands 27 1:00PM vs.Pratt(KS) 28 1:00PM vs.Pratt(KS)

February 5 TBA @CowtownClassic@Ft.Worth,TX 6 TBA @CowtownClassic@Ft.Worth,TX 10 TBA @CowleyCollege 12 2:00PM vs.LabetteCommunityCollege Game2 vs.LabetteCommunityCollege 19 TBA @CowtownClassic@Ft.Worth,TX 20 TBA @CowtownClassic@Ft.Worth,TX

24 TBA vs.IndianHillsCC-Centerville 262:00PM @GraysonCollege Game2 @GraysonCollege

SSC BaseballSSC Softball

Women's Basketball Men's BasketballFebruary

1 7:30PM @ WesternOklahomaStateCollege 4 7:30PM vs. EasternOklahomaStateCollege

8 7:30PM @ NorthernOklahoma-Enid

15 7:30PM @ MurrayStateCollege

18 7:30PM vs. CarlAlbertStateCollege

22 7:30PM @ NorthernOklahoma-Tonkawa

25 7:30PM vs. Redlands

March

1-6 NJCAARegionIITournament@Shawnee,OK

February 1 5:30PM @ WesternOklahomaStateCollege 4 5:30PM vs. EasternOklahomaStateCollege 8 5:30PM @ NorthernOklahoma-Enid 15 5:30PM @ MurrayStateCollege 18 5:30PM vs. CarlAlbertStateCollege 22 5:30PM @ NorthernOklahoma-Tonkawa 25 5:30PM vs. Redlands

March 1-6 NJCAARegionIITournament@Shawnee,OK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HEREFebruary 2016 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN PAGE 1

Seminole State College

CollegianSeminole, Oklahoma • Volume 44 • Number 6 • February 2016

AT&T Supports Seminole State College President's Leadership Class

Pictured left to right are: Delila Loftis, Paden; McKayla Hendrix, Tulsa; State Representative Tom Newell (R-Seminole); Xavier Freeman, Seminole; AT&T Oklahoma Area Manager-External Affairs Jan Moran; Denver Rogers, Hold-enville; State Senator Jason Smalley (R-Stroud); Austin Vega, Seminole; SSC President Dr. Jim Utterback; Paige Vanlandingham, Seminole; and Kinzey Bryan, Bowlegs.

To help Seminole State College prepare students for leadership roles in their communities and the State, AT&T has made a $10,000 contribu-tion in support of their efforts. “Few things are more important to the fu-ture of our state than teaching the skills of leadership to the next gen-eration,” said AT&T Oklahoma Area Manager-External Affairs Jan Mo-ran. “We believe very strongly in our obligation to give back and to invest in organizations that are investing in our future, so we are very pleased to be able to make this contribution to support the work of the President’s Leadership Class program at Semi-nole State College.”

The $10,000 AT&T Foundation contribution will support the Presi-dent’s Leadership Class program in preparing members of this group to develop their leadership skills and take on leadership roles on campus, in the community and throughout Oklahoma. The group is composed of diverse populations represent-ing under-represented minorities, first-generation college students and students from small, rural commu-

nities. “The Presidential Leadership Class provides students with unique opportunities to foster their lead-ership skills while developing aca-demic growth,” said Seminole State College President, Dr. James Utter-back who instituted the program in 2007. “We are very appreciative of AT&T’s commitment to our pro-gram and to the students participat-ing in it.”

PLC is a two-year scholarship program created to help students de-velop leadership skills and provide personal and professional growth opportunities. The scholarship pro-gram was established to provide ed-ucational classroom and extracurric-ular activities to enhance leadership skills of students. Responsibilities of PLC members include volunteer-ing for campus service programs and campus events. School officials throughout the college’s service area of Seminole, Lincoln, Pottawatomie, Hughes and Okfuskee counties are invited by SSC President Utterback to nominate high school seniors as candidates for the scholarship pro-gram each year. Participants are

selected based on ACT scores, ac-ademic performance in high school and demonstrated leadership ability.

“We work very hard in the state legislature in support of policies to

ensure that our children receive the best education possible, an education that prepares them for the challenges

(continued on page 5)

Regents Convene for January Meeting; Renew President's ContractThe Seminole State College

Board of Regents convened Thurs-day, Jan. 14 for the first time in the new year. At their January meeting, the SSC Board heard reports on re-cent campus activities, approved fee increases for three academic pro-grams as well as the refinancing of a 2006 bond, and reviewed the terms of the President’s employment.

During the President’s Report, Dr. Jim Utterback updated the Board

on recent activities and events at the College. The President also provided Board members with a document re-viewing 2015 highlights. This docu-ment is available to the public online at: http://www.sscok.edu/2015high-lights.pdf.

The President told the board that several dramatic steps were taken in late December in response to state budgets cuts. He said the funding re-ductions made in June of 2015, and

additional cuts announced in Decem-ber, amounted to close to $500,000 for Seminole State College.

He said that six positions were eliminated, department budgets were reduced by ten percent, use of state funds for out-of-state travel was re-stricted, and other important services were reduced.

With the threat of massive addi-tional cuts in state funding being dis-cussed, Utterback said future actions

would be “devastating” for SSC. “We would have to look at the elimi-nation of programs, reduction of ser-vices to students and the community – such as the closing of the indoor swimming pool, as well as further personnel cuts,” he said.

Under the first item of business, Board members approved an aca-demic fee increase for three high-

(continued on page 4)

February 11 1:30PM vs.Coffeyville(KS) @JenksHighSchool 13 1:30PM vs.CrowderCollege 14 1:00PM vs.AllenCounty(KS) 16 2:00PM vs.CowleyCollege 18 2:00PM vs.GraysonCollege @Sherman,TX 20 12:00PM vs.CarlAlbertStateCollege 21 1:00PM vs.MapleWoodsCommunityCollege @JenksHighschhol 22 2:00PM vs.Redlands 27 1:00PM vs.Pratt(KS) 28 1:00PM vs.Pratt(KS)

February

1 7:30PM @ WesternOklahomaStateCollege 4 7:30PM vs. EasternOklahomaStateCollege

8 7:30PM @ NorthernOklahoma-Enid

15 7:30PM @ MurrayStateCollege

18 7:30PM vs. CarlAlbertStateCollege

22 7:30PM @ NorthernOklahoma-Tonkawa

25 7:30PM vs. Redlands

March

1-6 NJCAARegionIITournament@Shawnee,OK

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HEREPAGE 2 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN February 2016

SSC to Host Guest Lecturer Hedge CokeThe Seminole State College

Language Arts and Humanities Division will be hosting guest lec-turer Allison Adelle Hedge Coke, an award-winning writer, perform-er, editor and activist, on campus Wednesday, February 10.

Hedge Coke will be speak to SSC literature and writing students concerning the benefits of creative writing and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs. Her presentation will be held at 10 a.m. in the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Center on the College’s campus. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Hedge Coke is currently a mem-ber of the Red Earth MFA poetry faculty at Oklahoma City Univer-sity. As a teacher, she believes it is

important to encourage students to find their niche and inspiration and to expand their horizons. She has made it her personal goal to foster a new generation of writers and think-ers.

Allison Adelle Hedge Coke’s authored books include: (poetry & verse-play) The Year of the Rat, Dog Road Woman, Off-Season City Pipe, Blood Run, Streaming, and (mem-oir) Rock Ghost, Willow, Deer. An-thologies she edited include: Sing: Poetry of the Indigenous Americas, Effigies and Effigies II. Hedge Coke has had two written plays produced and a few short films. She also re-cently recorded an album with the trio Rd Klā.

Awards for her work include:

Witter Bynner Fellowship (Library of Congress), Lifetime Achievement Award (NWCA), Wordcrafter of the Year Award (WCNWS), an Ameri-can Book Award, an IPPY, a Paterson Prize, a Sioux Falls Mayor’s Award, and residencies with MacDowell, Black Earth Institute, Hawthornden Castle, Weymouth Center, Center for the Great Plains, and Lannan at Marfa.

Hedge Coke directs the annual Literary Sandhill Crane Retreat and is currently at work on an environ-mental documentary film, Red Dust: resiliency in the dirty thirties.

For more information about this event, contact SSC Professor of En-glish Jessica Isaacs at 405-382-9209 or by email at j.isaacs@sscok.edu.

Photo of Allison Adelle Hedge Coke by Shane Brown Photography.

Senator Pittman Speaks in Honor of MLK DayAs part of a special Martin Lu-

ther King Day program at Seminole State College, Oklahoma State Sena-tor Anastasia Pittman (D) visited the campus Thursday, Jan. 14 and spoke to students, faculty and staff.

Senator Pittman focused her speech on the program theme, “When We Stand Together.” She stressed the importance of coming together in unity regardless of race, age or gender.

She went on to explain that though people may have different skin colors, when blended together – much like the colors in a tapestry – the result can be beautiful. She encouraged the audience to work together in leadership and service, and through this, anything is possi-ble. Senator Pittman is an educator, consultant, public relations special-ist, radio broadcaster, registered

tutor with the Oklahoma City Pub-lic Schools System, former case manager, and former mentor for the United States Department of Justice, Western District. She won her elec-tion to District 99 of the House of Representatives in November 2006 and District 48 of the State Senate in November 2014. Senator Pittman is the second cit-izen of Seminole Nation to serve in the legislature and currently serves as Chair of the Oklahoma Legislative Black Caucus, Senate Democratic Whip, Co-Chair of the Oklahoma Native American Caucus, National Black Caucus of State Legislators Housing Vice-Chair, National Cau-cus of Native American Legislators Education Chair and Health Vice-Chair, and National Foundation of Women Legislators State Direc-tor.

Along with Senator Pittman’s

presentation, the program also fea-tured a short film of those through-out history who took a stand against racism, a clip of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous last speech and a timeline of his life and accomplish-ments.

This special MLK program was sponsored by the College’s Native American Serving Non-tribal Insti-tutions (NASNTI) Program.

The NASNTI project serves to increase retention and graduation rates of Seminole State College stu-dents and is funded by the U.S. De-partment of Education. The NASN-TI offices are located in the Boren Library on the SSC campus.

To the right - In honor of Martin Lu-ther King Day, Senator Anastasia Pit-tman (D) addresses the importance of unity to the students, faculty and staff at Seminole State College.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HEREFebruary 2016 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN PAGE 7

Crossword PuzzleGamesarecourtesyofmirroreyes.com

Senator Pittman Speaks in Honor of MLK Day

ACROSS1.Peddle5.Unitofelectricalenergy10.Steals14.Dwarfbuffalo15.Unitsofland16.Competent17.Encouraging19.Annoyinginsect20.Fury

DOWN1.Indianantelope2.Habituate3.Runs4.Onetimearound5.Bumpedaround6.Groupofeight7.Relatingtourine8.Investswithborrowedmoney9.Eastsoutheast10.Typeofsleeve11.Offensive12.Tellall13.Collections18.Leered22.Kill24.Foundinacafeteria26.Hensmakethem28.Dot29.Hissyfit30.Distribute31.Speaker'splatform32.Goonhorseback33.Shotoutlightrays34.Landsabuttingstreets37.Chick'ssound38.Satisfy40.Nursemaid41.Adultfemale43.Underwrite44.Gentlestroke46.Formula1driver47.Fate48.Fool49.Theyholdupheads50.Gush51.Magma53.Learningmethod56.Largeflightlessbird57.Children'sgame

21.Goodwill22.Untidypeople23.Snuggled25.Unwind27.Scarlet28.Heathenism31.Greatfear34.Hazy35.Halfofapair36.Breezy

37.Jimmies38.Asetofgarments39.ActressLupino40.Longtimes41.Garbage42.Alluvialdeposit44.Smallportablebed45.Awkward46.Asmallfireproofdish50.Gash

52.Akindofmacaw54.Citrusdrink55.AMaoriclub56.Self-centered58.Always59.Dishesout60.Outofcontrol61.Walkinwater62.Utilizers63.Handguns

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HEREPAGE 6 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN February 2016

SSC Baseball Signs Franklin

Shawnee High School senior Logan Franklin, son of former Trojan and pro-fessional baseball pitcher Ryan Franklin, recently signed to play baseball at his father’s alma mater – Seminole State College. Logan Franklin (cen-ter) stands with his father Ryan Franklin (right) and Seminole State College Head Baseball Coach Lloyd “Z” Simmons.

Coach Simmons Honored as College Coach of the YearSeminole State College Head

Baseball Coach Lloyd “Z” Sim-mons was recently honored as “Col-lege Coach of the Year” by the Okla-homa Baseball Coaches Association (OCBA).

Simmons was recognized at a special Hall of Fame Banquet during the 50th Annual OBCA Win-ter Baseball Clinic held in Okla-homa City on Jan. 23. This marks Simmons eighth time to receive the College Coach of the Year award.

Simmons is also a former OBCA Hall of Fame inductee – a spe-cial honor that recognizes baseball coaches throughout the state each year for their service and dedication. Simmons was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Legendary Los Angeles Dodg-ers manager Tommy Lasorda was the special guest speaker at the event. Lasorda, who led the Dodgers from 1977 to 1996, was inducted as an honorary member of the OCBA Hall of Fame. Lasorda won nearly

1,600 games and two World Series championships.

Simmons – along with former Asher High School head coach and SSC assistant coach Murl Bowen – also gave a special presentation on “Winning Baseball in Oklaho-ma” during the OCBA winter clin-ic. Bowen is also an OCBA Hall of Famer.

Throughout his 30 years of coaching at SSC, Simmons has built a collegiate baseball dynasty. Just last season, Simmons led the SSC Trojans to claim the title of Region II Champions. In the 2000 season, Simmons made an unprecedented 13th trip to the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colo.

Coach Simmons and the 2016 Trojans will kick off their sea-son on Thursday, Feb. 11, against Coffeyville, Kansas at Jenks High School in the Tulsa area. For a com-plete schedule and other Trojan news, visit the College’s athletics website at www.sscathletics.com.

Coach Lloyd “Z” Simmons (left) meets guest speaker and former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Losorda at the 50th Annual OBCA Winter Baseball Clinic in Oklahoma City.

CheckoutourupcomingSaturdayclasses,beginningFebruary27:

IntroductiontoLiterature GeneralPsychology

Classesmeetfor5Saturdaysfrom 8a.m.to5p.m.

Contactyouradvisortodaytoenroll!

Attention Students!

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HEREFebruary 2016 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN PAGE 3

The Seminole State COLLEGIAN is published during the fall and spring semesters by the Seminole State College Office of Media Relations, under the direction of Kristin Dunn. The staff reserves the right to edit submitted material for spelling and style. Consideration is given to all submitted material, but submission does not ensure publication. No anonymous material will be considered. All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Seminole State College. The COLLEGIAN is distributed on the SSC campus and mailed to over 200 friends of the college. Seminole State College, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and other Federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, handicap, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. This publication, printed by the Shawnee News Star, is issued by Seminole State College as authorized by the President of the college. At a cost of $275, 1,000 copies have been prepared and distributed. Questions and concerns can be directed to Kristin Dunn at (405) 382-9525.

Although she currently lives in the small town of Maud, this Seminole State College STEM student would like to eventually travel the world as part of her career.

Emilee Riddle, a current sophomore at SSC, is a health-related major who plans to graduate this May.

Upon graduation, Riddle will transfer to East Central University in Ada for the college’s nursing program. “I want to be a registered nurse,” she said. “I like helping people. It’s one of the best professions to do that.”

Looking ahead, Riddle discussed her future career plans combined

with personal aspirations. “I want to travel. I’ve thought about becoming a traveling nurse,” she said. “I could work for 6 months somewhere and then move on.”

Although Riddle is excited for the future, she is currently focused on her last semester at SSC.

“I like the smallness of the campus,” Riddle explained as one of the things that attracted her to SSC. Riddle, a 2014 Maud High School graduate, mentioned that her graduating class only contained about 23 students, so it was a nice transition from there to SSC.

Another factor in her decision to attend SSC was the offer of a Salutatorian scholarship. “It helped tremendously,” Riddle explained, stating that she doesn’t receive any financial aid assistance to help pay for her tuition.

While Riddle notes that she has enjoyed all her SSC professors, she admits her favorite has been Dr. Noble Jobe. “He’s fun and never boring,” she said, mentioning her

Emilee Riddle - SSC STEM Student

Student Spotlight

“I want to travel. I've thought about becoming a traveling nurse.

- Emilee Riddle

favorite classes have been anatomy and physiology.

While discussing her time spent at SSC, Riddle expressed how fast time has passed for her. “I feel like I just started college and now I’m about to have my associate's degree!”

Riddle went on to explain her uncertainty of moving to Ada right away, listing her current job as one reason she wants to continue living here. “I have the best bosses that I will probably ever have,” she said, referring to Strothers Twin Cinema in Seminole where she has been employed for over a year and a half for Steve and Lisa Schoaps.

“I met Spencer while working there. We worked together for a little while,” Riddle said of her boyfriend, who resides in Seminole and is a current freshman at ECU.

Riddle acknowledged that although she would prefer to continue living here, it all depends on her nursing classes at ECU and what clinical schedule she will be assigned.

Aside from school and work, Riddle is a big basketball fan and an avid supporter of her younger sister, Allison, who is a freshman at MHS. “It’s been fun watching her play this season,” Riddle said, mentioning that her sister plays post and guard among other positions.

Riddle also played basketball during all four years of high school and still enjoys playing. “When I go to the wellness center and workout, I still like to shoot around,” she said.

Riddle currently lives at home in Maud with her mom Christi, dad Eddie and younger sister Allison.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HEREPAGE 4 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN February 2016

SSC Now Accepting Submissions for Creativity SymposiumThe Language Arts and Human-

ities Division at Seminole State Col-lege is currently accepting submis-sions for the Sixth Annual “Howlers and Yawpers Creativity Symposium: A Showcase of Oklahoma Artists, Musicians, Actors, Writers, and Dancers.”

Those interested can visit the symposium website at http://yawp-ers.kellimcbride.com to access the 2016 Submission Form. The dead-line for submissions is Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

The symposium will be Thurs-day, April 28 and Friday, April 29, 2016. This free event will begin at 8 a.m. both days in the Jeff Johnston Fine Arts Center on the SSC cam-

pus. The symposium is open to the public, and area high schools and middle schools are welcome to bring their students to enjoy two days filled with an eclectic mix of varied musical performances, creative writ-ings, dramatic readings, artistic pre-sentations, and dances by both pro-fessional and emerging Oklahoma artists and scholars.

The 2016 Keynote Speaker is Oklahoma Poet Laureate Dr. Ben Myers, a literature professor at Oklahoma Baptist University and an award-winning author and schol-ar whose poems have appeared in prominent international journals.

Special guests will include Mar-garet Wheeler, acclaimed Chicka-

saw textile artist, and crew members Adam Hampton, Jason Alexander, Kenny Pitts and Chad Mathews of Outsiders Productions – an award winning independent film produc-tion company based in Shawnee.

The Howlers and Yawpers Cre-ativity Symposium was established by the faculty of the SSC Language Arts and Humanities Division in the spring of 2011 as a free celebration of Oklahoma creative expression, in all of its diverse forms.

“We hope this symposium will encourage all those who attend and participate to continue to find pas-sion in their creative arts and ap-preciate the role the fine arts play in

education and in Oklahoma culture,” said Jessica Isaacs, Symposium Di-rector and Professor of Language Arts and Humanities at SSC.

High school and middle school teachers or counselors wishing to bring students to the event, or any-one wishing to bring large groups to enjoy the symposium, should contact Jessica Isaacs for information about bus parking and other necessary ar-rangements at 405-382-9209 or by email at j.isaacs@sscok.edu.

Those interested may also con-tact SSC Language Arts & Human-ities Division Secretary, Annie Dan-iel at 405-382-9561 or by email at a.daniel@sscok.edu.

cost programs at the College. The first increase will change the fees for remedial/zero level courses from $18 to $25 per credit hour. The second change will increase nursing course fees from $20 to $40 per credit hour. The third increase will change the fees for medical laboratory cours-es from $10 to $20 per credit hour. These fee increases will effect only a minimal number of specific courses and will help offset the costs asso-ciated with related small class sizes, supplies, equipment and travel.

Under the next action item, the Board approved the refinancing of the 2006 Oklahoma Development Finance Authority bond. This refi-nancing, made in accordance with recommendations from the College’s bond advisors, will save an estimat-ed $50,000 per year.

The Board then retired into exec-utive session to discuss the terms of employment for the President’s 2016 contract. After returning to open ses-sion, the Board made a motion to ex-tend Utterback’s contract for another year with the same terms.

Utterback thanked the Board for their vote of confidence. He added,

“I am honored and appreciate the opportunity to serve as President of Seminole State College. I appreciate all of you for your support. It is great to work with a good Board that is vi-sionary and willing to take risks.” Utterback also thanked long-time SSC legal counsel Ed Cadenhead for all that he has done for the College for many decades. The President added, “We are fortunate to have a strong and competent administrative team, as well as a dedicated faculty and staff. We impact a lot of lives in a very positive way.”

Board Chair Karen James com-plimented the President on the de-velopment of the College under his leadership, and thanked him for his service to the College, the communi-ty and the entire State. She echoed his compliments of College employ-ees, but, stressed, “It takes a good leader to build a good team.”

Board members present at the January meeting were: Chair Karen James, Bryan Cain, Marci Donaho, Curtis Morgan, Ryan Franklin and Ray McQuiston.

The next SSC Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 18.

(continued from cover)

Global Studies Informational Meetings

Tuesday,February9th or Wednesday,February10th BorenLibrary,Room100 6p.m.The2016summertourtoParis,NormandyandLondonwillbediscussed,alongwithinformationregardingtravelsecurity.Ifyouareinterested,it'snottoolate!Attendoneofthemeetingsorcontact

KellyKirkat405-275-5811.

CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW BLACK

DATE LINE, PAGE NUMBER, ETC. GOES HEREFebruary 2016 SEMINOLE STATE COLLEGIAN PAGE 5

and opportunities of the future,” said State Senator Jason Smalley. “This contribution by AT&T is greatly ap-preciated by all of us in this commu-nity, because it will help Seminole State continue its efforts to educate the leaders of tomorrow.” Added State Representative Tom Newell, “In addition to making sure our kids learn about the basics, it is impera-tive that we work with them to instill values like leadership. That’s why the work of the President’s Leader-ship Class is so valuable, and I’d like to thank AT&T for this contribution that will help President Utterback and his colleagues continue their ef-forts.”

AT&T is one of world’s largest communications companies con-necting customers with a broad range of wireless voice and data services. In 2015, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE® magazine. The com-pany is committed to enriching and strengthening communities across the country through the AT&T Foun-dation. AT&T supports programs that address quality-of-life issues, with an emphasis on improving ed-ucation and advancing community development. With a desire to raise high school graduation rates, AT&T helps prepare students for college and careers through their signature education initiative, AT&T Aspire. To date, AT&T has committed $350 million to the program.

(continued from cover)

HavesuggestionsorstoryideasfortheCollegian?Doyouknowsomeonewhowantstobeonourmailinglist?

Letusknowatk.dunn@sscok.edu!The Collegianisalsoavailabletoreadonlineatwww.sscok.edu.

SSC Supporters Attend Legislative Tour

Supporters of Seminole State College were guests at the Southeast Oklahoma Legislative Tour hosted by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education on January 22 in McAlester.

Dr. Glen D. Johnson, Chancel-lor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, met with the group of area legislators and friends of higher education to discuss the importance of higher education in improving the economy and busi-ness climate of the state.

Area community leaders were among those in attendance at the event held at Pete’s Place in Krebs. Oklahoma State Representatives

Tom Newell (R-District 28) and Kevin Wallace (R-District 32) were special guests of the SSC group.

Those in the delegation from SSC included: President Dr. Jim Ut-terback; Executive Vice President for Institutional Advancement Lana Reynolds; Vice President for Fiscal Affairs Katherine Benton; Human Resources Director Courtney Jones; and Director of Business Services Braden Brown.

Others in attendance were SSC Regent Marci Donaho and four SSC Educational Foundation Trustees including Jim Hardin, Mark Schell, Jeramy Rich and Lance Wortham.

Also in attendance as a guest of

the College was Karel Brewster of Brewster & Associates consulting firm.

Colleges participating in the event included: East Central Uni-versity, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Carl Albert State College, Connors State College, Murray State College, Seminole State College and Southeastern Oklahoma State Uni-versity.

The event was part of a state-wide initiative that brings together local legislators, college and univer-sity presidents, and community lead-ers in a forum to discuss higher edu-cation’s goals, initiatives and agenda for the upcoming legislative session.

Jim Hardin, Karel Brew-ster, Jeramy Rich, Rep-resentative Tom New-ell, SSC Trustee and East Central University Pres-ident John Hargrave, Dr. Jim Utterback, Mark Schell, Marci Donaho, Lance Wortham, Rep-resentative Kevin Wal-lace, Katherine Benton, Braden Brown, Court-ney Jones and Lana Reynolds represented Seminole State College at the Southeast Okla-homa Legislative Tour on January 22 in McA-lester.

Q