Well-liked political science professor dead at age 66

By Cynthia Praefke and Matt Bishop
Staff Writers

Long-time professor John Hughes Sr., 66, died Jan 28.

Hughes was a political science professor at OCCC for many years. He was also dean of Social Science from 1996 until 2002.

Employees were notified of Hughes’ death in an e-mail sent Jan. 29 by Felix Aquino, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“He was an institution at this college and will be deeply missed,” Aquino said in the e-mail. “Our hearts and prayers go out to his family.”

On a personal note, Aquino said Hughes’ passing was devastating news.

OCCC President Paul Sechrist said Hughes would be remembered for his wit and his compassion for others.

“Having worked closely with Dr. Hughes for a number of years, I personally feel a great sense of loss,” Sechrist said. “My deepest sympathy to his family and colleagues. He will be greatly missed.”

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Scholarships go a long way when paying tuition

By Christina Barger, Staff Writer

Everyone likes free money to help pay for college, but some students are more successful than others in finding it.

Alex Wilkes is one student who has applied for numerous scholarships, and could receive funding from several of them.

“It’s easy to apply for a scholarship,” said Wilkes, a pre-engineering major and student employee at the Recruitment and Admissions office on campus.

Wilkes received a scholarship from OKC-Go because she graduated from an Oklahoma City public high school — Classen School of Advanced Studies.

She also is applying for the Nigh scholarship of $1,000 cash, the Datatel scholarship, and the All-USA scholarship.

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