Commencement ceremony honors graduates
Rachel Morrison/Pioneer
The Symphonic Community Choir, conducted by Ron Staton, perform May 13 at the graduation commencement held at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. Other entertainment included the OCCC Jazz Band and a processional by Staton and colleagues.
Rachel Morrison/Pioneer
OCCC graduates anxiously make their way to the stage to receive congratulations and their diplomas by Oklahoma secretary of State Dave Lopez, a former OCCC regent who delivered the keynote address.
Rachel Morrison/Pioneer
OCCC Graduate Jessica Pickle poses for the camera as she returns from receiving her diploma for Liberal Studies presented by the OCCC regents May 13 at OCCC’s graduation commencement held at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City.
Rachel Morrison/Pioneer
Physics professor Tad Thurston holds the President’s Award of Excellence in Teaching May 13 during the OCCC 2011 Graduation Ceremony. Thurston, honored for his outstanding performance in teaching, was presented the award by President Paul Sechrist.
May 13 marked the date OCCC graduates walked across the stage at the Cox Convention Center to receive their diplomas.The night included more than just students. But faculty, regents, staff, and other members of the community also came to honor the class of 2011.
Following the pre-commencement concert, performed by the OCCC Jazz Band, English professor and Faculty Association Chair Chris Verschage greeted the faculty and graduates.
Ben Brown, OCCC Board of Regents chair, welcomed graduates and then introduced each member of the Board.
After a performance by the Symphonic Community Choir during a musical interlude, Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce Dave Lopez gave the commencement address.
After much suspense, President Paul Sechrist announced the faculty winner of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching which he presented to physics professor Tad Thurston.
Regents Ben Brown, Lenora Burdine, Teresa Moisant, Tony J. Tyler, Mike Voorhees, James R. White and Devry R. Youngblood presented diplomas following the President’s award.
In conclusion, Regent Lenora Burdine gave the Benediction.