2007 OCCC Alumni Hall of Fame

Eight Oklahoma City Community College alumni were inducted into the 2007 Alumni Hall of Fame on November 8.

The Alumni Hall of Fame is a prestigious annual award that recognizes a select group of former OCCC students, and showcases the diversity of graduates from the metro's largest two-year institution.

"OCCC alumni make outstanding contributions in their communities. We are excited to have played a role in the successes of our former students," said Dr. Paul Sechrist, OCCC President. "We are pleased to honor our alumni for their career and civic accomplishments."

The 2007 Alumni Hall of Fame inductees include:

Glenda Carlile

Author; Executive Director of the Oklahoma Center for the Book, Oklahoma City

A 1978 Graduate of Oklahoma City Community College, Glenda Carlile is an author and storyteller and is currently the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Center for the Book in Oklahoma City.

"Oklahoma City Community College made it possible for a young mother with three small children to attend college," Carlile said. "The college also provided me with a great opportunity for an internship at the Capitol Hill Beacon, which led to my writing career."

Known for her interest in Oklahoma women and their place in history, Glenda has written four books about Oklahoma women. She also worked as a newspaper columnist for The Daily Oklahoman and Midwest City Sun.

Carolyn Farris

Artist; Retired OCCC Professor of Visual Arts, Oklahoma City

A 1979 graduate of Oklahoma City Community College, Carolyn Farris served as a professor of visual arts at OCCC and most recently was the lead illustrator and conceptual designer of the Devon Energy Oklahoma Centennial Mosaic Mural in Bricktown.

"Oklahoma City Community College gave me the confidence to succeed in my educational goals and to pursue a career in visual arts," Farris said.

Earning both baccalaureate and masters degrees from the University of Oklahoma, Carolyn earned the OU Letzeiser Scholarship and Leadership Award and was honored with the President's Award for Excellence in Teaching at OCCC. Farris has also been honored with numerous art show awards including a T.J. Mayes Purchase Award.

Toni Jacaruso

Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Dimension Development Co., Inc., Austin, TX

A 1990 Graduate of Oklahoma City Community College, Toni Jacaruso is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at the Dimension Development Company, Inc. in Austin, Texas.

"Oklahoma City Community College introduced me to a new academic world that included an enthusiasm for learning," Jacaruso said. "With the help of my teachers and support of my family, OCCC set the foundation for my desire to succeed in higher education. I will always be grateful."

Toni received a bachelors degree in business management from Concordia University and a Masters in Business Administration from Touro University. She was named General Manager of the Year by Hampton Hotels and is dedicated to lifelong civic involvement with a 12-step program assisting women and families.

Jessica Martinez-Brooks

OCCC Director of Community Outreach

A 1997 Graduate of Oklahoma City Community College, Jessica Martinez-Brooks currently serves as the Director of Community Outreach at OCCC.

"Oklahoma City Community College provided me with a wonderful support system through the faculty and staff," Martinez-Brooks said. "This passionate group of people continuously inspired me. They were my second family, demonstrating their support and confidence in me."

Jessica received a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Oklahoma in 1999. She currently serves at the sponsor of the Hispanic Organization to Promote Education (HOPE), and on the Board of the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Jessica has been named Achiever Under 40 by The Journal Record and received the Forty Under 40 award from OKC Business in 2006.

Brian Maughan

Public Affairs Consultant, Public Strategies, Inc., Oklahoma City

A 1995 Graduate of Oklahoma City Community College, Brian Maughan is a Public Affairs Consultant for Public Strategies, Inc. of Oklahoma City.

"My professors were professional and cared for me as a student and a person. To this day, I value their friendship," Maughan said.

Brian co-founded and served as Vice President of Marketing Dimensions and was appointed by Governor Frank Keating to the Oklahoma Developmental Disability Council. He has also served as Vice President of the South Oklahoma City Rotary Club and as a member of the YMCA International Committee. A proud graduate of U.S. Grant High School in south Oklahoma City, Brian is currently the President of the U.S. Grant Alumni Association.

Dr. Mary McCoy

OCCC Director of Child Development Center and Lab School

A 1984 graduate of Oklahoma City Community College, Dr. Mary McCoy is currently the Director of the Child Development Center and Lab School at OCCC.

"My experience at Oklahoma City Community College taught me that I possessed the capability to succeed academically and formed an exemplary foundation for all my future studies," McCoy said.

Receiving both baccalaureate and masters degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma, Dr. McCoy later earned a Ph.D. in instructional leadership from the University of Oklahoma in 2003. She is the president of the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Coalition of Campus Children's Centers and was a Business Woman of the year nominee in the Journal Record.

Jimmie Kay Wetmore

OCCC Professor of Nursing

A 1998 graduate of Oklahoma City Community College, Jimmie Kay Wetmore is currently a professor of nursing at OCCC.

"Oklahoma City Community College gave me a firm foundation on which I've built a successful nursing practice as well as a rewarding academic career," Wetmore said. "Returning to Oklahoma City Community College as faculty has been a great honor. I enjoy working with students and watching them succeed."

Wetmore received a Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Oklahoma City University and a Masters in Nursing Education from Southern Nazarene University.

Wetmore was named the 2006 Outstanding Adult Volunteer of the Year Award from the Oklahoma City Department of Parks and Recreation.

Reeca Young

OCCC Professor of Occupational Therapy Assistant

A 1983 graduate of Oklahoma City Community College, Recca Young is currently a Professor of Occupational Therapy Assistant at OCCC.

"As a student at OCCC, I found a strong connection between students, faculty and staff. I felt valued for the individual I was and not just another number," Young said. "I am thrilled today to be part of this wonderful institution that continues to encourage and support students in pursuing their dreams."

Young received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Gerontology and Family Studies from Southern Nazarene University in 1992. She was named Occupational Therapist of the Year by the Oklahoma Occupational Therapy Association.