OCCC Gearing up for Historic Graduation

May 8, 2007

OCCC Gearing up for Historic Graduation

As OCCC celebrates 35 years of excellence in 2007, the college will also celebrate 100 years of statehood at this year’s commencement.

About 1,200 OCCC graduates will don their gowns and mortarboards as they walk across the stage at the Cox Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. May 18.

“This is a very special event celebrating a significant milestone in our graduates’ lives. For some, they will be the first in their families to receive a collegiate degree. For others, this marks the first major step in their college career as they prepare for more advanced degrees,” said Dr. Paul Sechrist, OCCC President. “No matter what stage in the life-long process of learning this is for them, I am very proud of all of our graduates and am pleased they chose OCCC for this milestone.”

OCCC will also honor the Oklahoma centennial with Dr. Bob Blackburn, the Executive Director of The Oklahoma Historical Society. Blackburn is slated as this year’s commencement speaker.

A native Oklahoman with roots in both the eastern and western parts of the state, Dr. Blackburn joined the staff of the Oklahoma Historical Society in 1979, where he became editor of The Chronicles of Oklahoma and director of the Publications Division. In 1990 he became the Deputy Executive Director of the Society, followed by his appointment as Executive Director in 1999. He has also written numerous books and articles on Oklahoma.

To further commemorate the 100 years of statehood, OCCC graduates will wear a special centennial medallion at the commencement ceremony. Designed by OCCC faculty, the commemorative medal is a fitting keepsake for the 2007 graduates.

Graduates are also being honored at a reception on campus from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 14.

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

Oklahoma City Community College