OCCC’s 50th Anniversary

50 and Thriving

Nearly 50 years ago, our founders had a dream to have thousands of students walk through
our doors each year. Today, that dream has become reality, making OCCC the fourth
largest higher education institution in Oklahoma.

Since 1972, we’ve offered students an accessible, affordable, incredible education, taught by highly credentialed faculty and supported by amazing staff. Come be part of our next 50 years.

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OCCC 50th Anniversary List of Activities

Thursday, September 15th – Fall Festival
  • Arts Festival Grounds – 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, September 18th – Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff
  • Fiestas Patrias OKC – Arts Festival Grounds – 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Community Stage – inside VPAC – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Student Government Curated Stage
    • AEH Plaza – 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Ceremony of “El Grito” led by Ambassador Carlos Ignacio Giralt and Crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias
    • Main Stage – 7 p.m.
Monday, September 19th – Student Focus
  • Student Monday Mixer – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Time Capsule – 12:30 p.m.
  • Student Mural – Throughout event
  • 1972 Movie Screening: The Getaway – 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 20th – 1972sday
  • ’72 Day – Dress like it’s ‘72
  • 1972 Music in common areas
  • Cake and Refreshments – General Dining – 12 p.m.
  • 1972 Film Fest Continues – VPAC

▶ Jeremiah Johnson – 6:30 p.m.
▶ TV Shows on CCTV – all week
▶ Popcorn and refreshments – all screening

Wednesday, September 21st – Film Festival Finale
  • Convocation – 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.- Dining area
  • Faculty Reception – 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. – VPAC atrium
  • Staff Reception – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – VPAC atrium
  • 1972 Movie Screening – The Godfather 6:30 p.m.
  • ▶ Introduction from Gray Frederickson
Thursday, September 22nd – Performing Arts Series 25th Anniversary Kickoff
  • Welcome to the 2022-2023 Performing Arts Series
  • An Evening with Jose Feliciano (Cultural Affairs)
    • VPAC Theater – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, September 23rd – Gamers Day
  • The Music of Final Fantasy – VPAC Theater – 8 p.m.
  • Retro Arcade
Saturday, September 24th – On One Accord/Arts Festival Homage
  • On One Accord – Arts Festival Grounds

    12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.   Lunch
    12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.   Welcome and Occasion
    12:40 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.    Song – “Together We Stand”
    12:45 p.m. – 12:55 p.m.    Greetings from President Jones
    12:55 p.m. –  1:05 p.m.     Student Talent–War Mothershed
    1:05 p.m. –  4:00 p.m.     Let the games begin!
                                               ♦ Spades     ♦ Dominoes     ♦ Pickleball
                                               ♦ 5 0n 5 Soccer     ♦ 5 on 5 Football
                                               ♦ 8 on 8 Tug of War     ♦ 3 on 3 Basketball
    4:00 p.m.  – 4:10 p.m.    Student Talent – Bouncy Boiz
    4:10 p.m.  – 4:45 p.m.    Dinner/ Student Talent – Chris Hardwick
    4:45 p.m.  – 5:00 p.m.    Presentation of Trophies
    5:00 p.m.  – 7:00 p.m.    Concerts(Real de Alamo/Fresh Rain)
    7:00 p.m.  – 7:05 p.m.    Final Words

  • OKC Philharmonic –  Arts Festival Grounds – 8:30 p.m.
  • Fireworks – Duck Pond – 9:45 p.m.
Sunday, September 25th – Founder’s Day (New Tradition)
  • Founder’s Day Celebration
    • VPAC Theater – 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

▶ The South OKC Chamber
▶ 50th Anniversary Documentary
▶ 72’ Founding Faculty
▶ Class of 74’
▶ Founders Panel
▶ Current and Past Regents
▶ Past Presidents

  • Founder’s Day Reception
    • VPAC Atrium – 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Weeklong Activities
  • OCCC Timeline Installation
  • Story Corp (OCCC TV)
  • Open Houses

OCCC History

Oklahoma City Community College traces its beginning to March 20, 1969. At that time, a committee of the South Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce was organized to circulate petitions asking the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to take action to establish a junior college in the area. As a direct result of the interest and initiative of these citizens, a junior college district was formed, and a board of trustees was appointed a year later.

  • Extensive planning and ground breaking for the College took place in 1971 and construction began in January 1972.
  • South Oklahoma City Junior College opened for classes on September 25, 1972, with an enrollment of 1,049 students. On October 8, 1972, the College was formally dedicated.
  • In the spring of 1974, a new Board of Regents was appointed as the governing unit for the school, and in 1983 the name of the College was changed to Oklahoma City Community College.

The College has grown to serve more than 28,000 people each year. The College offers a full range of associate degree programs that prepare students to transfer to baccalaureate institutions. Other degree and certificate programs are designed to prepare students for immediate employment in a variety of fields. Additionally, Oklahoma City Community College offers a wide range of community and continuing education courses, workshops, conferences, and seminars.