At this year’s employee convocation, the Robert P. Todd Leadership Award went to Mathematics Director Tamara Carter.

Established in 2006, the award recognizes employees who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their work, according to college officials.

The award is named after former OCCC President Robert P. Todd, who died in December 2005.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” Carter said. “There are so many great leaders on this campus. It’s great to be recognized.”

John Mullins, Building and Campus Service crew leader for Facilities Management, is the latest recipient of the Elven Gray award.

The award recognizes employees who go above and beyond their regular duties, someone who has an uplifting attitude, and someone who is devoted to the college and its students and employees, according to a handout describing the awards.

Chris Snow, Facilities Management assistant director, said Mullins is an exceptional employee.

Students looking for a quick pick-me-up in between classes can stop by the College Union today for a free taco.

Starting at noon today in the union foyer, Student Life will be handing out free tacos to students, said Darin Behara, Student Life director.

In addition to tacos, Behara said, students will also receive promotional information about upcoming Student Life events, such as the Brown Bag lecture series.

More than 20 campus clubs are expected to participate in OCCC’s annual Student Clubs and Organizations Fair, held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 1 and 2 in the College Union, said Katie Treadwell, Student Life programs coordinator.

At the beginning of every fall and spring semester, Treadwell said, a fair is held to show students the many clubs OCCC has to offer.

Two car washes held by the Black Student Association last month were “very successful,” said Centerria Wright, club president.

Wright said the BSA hosted car washes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 23 and 30 at the AutoZone located at 2732 SW 29 St. in Oklahoma City.

Club members washed cars for free, she said, but donations were accepted.

Faculty, staff and new and current students are encouraged to participate in the college’s Opening Day event 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 21 in the Main Building, First Year and Student Life Programs Coordinator Stephanie Baird said.

“Students can come to a family-friendly event where we give away door prizes and refreshments, but they can mainly learn about what their new campus has to offer,” Baird said.

The Black Student Association will host a car wash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow to raise funds for upcoming events, said Centerria Wright, club president.

Wright said the wash will be held at the AutoZone located at 2732 S.W. 29 St. in Oklahoma City.

Cars will be washed for free, she said, but donations will be accepted.

An increase in enrollment numbers has caused the college to schedule a larger number of New Student Orientation sessions than ever before, said First Year and Student Life Programs Coordinator Stephanie Baird.

Baird said the sessions, which are two-hour non-credit courses where students learn about OCCC, have increased to 37 sections from 32 since April.

The sessions end Aug. 25.

“Last year there were usually about 28 students in a session, and we ran 32 sessions which is almost 900 people,” she said.

“Now the sections are serving many more new students because of the enrollment rise.”

Baird said class sizes are relatively small so students can have a better connection with each other and ask questions.

Student Life will hold its annual clubs and organizations retreat Aug. 13 to 15 at Quartz Mountain Resort in Lone Grove, Okla., said Darin Behara, Student Life director. Anyone is welcome to participate.

The retreat will offer instruction about leadership skills to students and faculty, and help everyone connect and network with each other before the upcoming fall semester, Behara said.

Around the state, and particularly in the metro, black citizens face an issue of cigarette propaganda that tobacco opponents hope to reverse, said Michelle Terronez, Tobacco Use Prevention Coalition coordinator.

This problem has reached OCCC students as well, according to a tobacco prevention organization.