OCCC Celebrates 35th Anniversary

September 17, 2007

OCCC Celebrates 35th Anniversary

A party to celebrate Oklahoma City Community College's 35th anniversary will be held September 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the College Union.

OCCC first opened its doors September 25, 1972 with 1,049 students enrolled. The college has since grown to become the fifth largest higher education institution in Oklahoma with an annual enrollment of more than 19,500 students.

This year's celebration also marks an historic expansion to the college. In 2007, three new buildings are being added. The Robert P. Todd Science, Engineering and Math Center is a $10-millon expansion to the main campus building named for the late president of OCCC. The 65,500 square foot facility provides new classrooms and labs to support students studying math and science. It includes a world-class botany classroom and greenhouse for a one-of-a-kind biotechnology program, preparing skilled technicians for dynamic new career fields.

The Health Professions Education Center is a multi-million dollar facility housing the Division of Health Professions. The program is recognized as a leader in health technologies and pre-health professional programs. The new facility allows for the expansion of programs in emergency medical sciences, registered nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy. The college partners with the health care industry to address the critical shortage of RNs and other health care professionals to increase the numbers of highly qualified graduates in these areas. The division features a simulated hospital area and one of only two Human Patient Simulators in the state.

The 50,000 square foot Arts Education Center is designed to add classrooms, labs and studios for art instruction, music, photography, and visual arts. The division features a renowned film and video production program with the largest collection of AVID picture and sound editing machines in the Midwest. Film and video students are provided the opportunity to learn on the most current equipment available including expansion into high definition cameras and editing.

To celebrate with OCCC students, a low cost "throwback" lunch is being provided: $1 hamburgers, .50 chips, free drinks, and of course, birthday cake. There will also be a DJ, photo stickers, caricature artist, and prize giveaways.

For comments on the News Release contact:
Cordell Jordan
Media Relations Coordinator Marketing and Public Relations

Oklahoma City Community College