Peter Córdova, an OCCC professor who loved his students and teaching, has died after a brief illness.

“Students have always been very courteous to me and they know that I love them and would do just about anything that I could do to help them along,” the Spanish professor told the Pioneer in a story that ran Nov. 1.

Córdova, 80, died at 11:55 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 5, at Mercy Hospital, according to the Mount St. Mary’s Catholic High School website, where Córdova served as principal and professor for 38 years.

Córdova taught at OCCC for 41 years.

At 5:09 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, Marion Paden, Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, notified students, staff and faculty via email that an OCCC student on campus has been diagnosed with an active case of tuberculosis.

According to the email, the college had spoken with the Oklahoma City and County Health Department and released all information in regards to whom the student had been in contact with. Affected students, faculty and staff also were informed.

“OCCC is committed to the safety and health of all students, staff, faculty and visitors,” Paden said in an interview. “The email was sent to curtail any rumors or concerns that might occur as a result of any … lack of information. Everyone has been notified by the OCCHD directly if there are any concerns regarding possible exposure or contagion.”

The 2014 OCCC art calendar is set to be revealed to the public at a reception from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Dec. 12, in room 124 in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.

Calendars will be available for purchase at the reception or at the Arts Division office.

Using submitted student artwork, OCCC Marketing and Public Relations designed the calendar.

“The original impetus was to promote [art] programs and work done by students,” said Visual Art professor Doug Blake.