New community development vice president has strong track record

A Florida University administrator with a penchant for fixing old sports cars was named OCCC’s new Vice President of Community Development recently.

Steven Bloomberg, executive director of Community Development from Florida Gulf Coast University, said he plans to promote community development through cultural and recreational classes and activities.

Bloomberg said the first thing on his agenda will be to get acclimated and to help the members of his division.

“As an administrator, my job is to ensure that the students receive the best educational experience possible,” Bloomberg said.

He also will supervise the directors of the Capitol Hill Center, Career Transitions Program, Community Outreach and Education, Cultural Programs, Recreation and Fitness and the extension agent of the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.

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Workshops focus on internships, job hunting

Student Employment and Career Services is hosting Career Power Workshops at 12:30 to 1 p.m. every Thursday during the summer in Main Building, Room 1G7.

The workshops will cover important topics such as creating résumés and cover letters, internships and how best to approach an interview, said Debra Vaughn, Student Employment and Career Services director.

“We chose these workshops to present over the summer because these are the subjects students ask about the most, and that best represent the services we offer,” Vaughn said.

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Enrollment numbers up by 17.7 percent over last year

OCCC has experienced a record-breaking summer enrollment, due in part to an increase in adult students and those taking developmental classes.

The college headcount is expected to come in at 6,682 students enrolled for the 2010 summer semester, said Stu Harvey, Planning and Research executive director.

Harvey said that is a 17.7 percent increase compared to 5,679 summer students who were in enrolled in 2009.

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Former OCCC biology professor to plead into drug court

A former OCCC biology professor is scheduled to plead into drug court this August, according to Oklahoma County court records.

Cassandra R. Meek, who is facing charges of methamphetamine possession, two counts of marijuana possession, drug paraphernalia possession, possession of a counterfeit item, and use of a surveillance camera during the course of a felony, is expected to enter the plea agreement Aug. 11.

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Blood institute to host campus blood drive June 22, 23

Blood will soon be shed on campus — but for a good cause.

Student Life and the Oklahoma Blood Institute will host a blood drive 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 22 and 23 in the College Union, said Katie Treadwell, Student Life programs coordinator.

Treadwell said the drive is the first of the semester.

To give blood, donors must be at least 17 and weigh at least 110 pounds, said Lindsay Cobb, OBI representative.

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College plants 46 trees to enrich the landscape

The OCCC campus is more beautiful because of 46 trees and bushes planted on campus recently by Facilities Management staff, said Facilities Management Director J.B. Messer.

The tree planting is part of the $250,000 Arts Festival Oklahoma Landscape Improvement Project.

The trees, shrubs and perennials were planted in the northwest portion of campus, near the Visual and Performing Arts Center, and include 11 Lacebark elms, three live oaks, and 32 Shumard oaks.

“It’s really pretty over there,” said student Ashly Allen. “It looks great.”

“We are making this site so we can use it for many different types of events year ’round,” said Messer.

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Voter deadlines approaching

Anyone wanting to vote in the upcoming elections needs to be registered by July 2, the deadline for registering to vote or to change parties in the state primaries.

The deadline for requesting absentee ballots is July 21.

According to the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website, people can register to vote at their County Election Board, post offices, tag agencies and libraries. Each potential voter must 18 years old, a U.S. citizen and a resident of Oklahoma.

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