Students and alumni will have the opportunity to celebrate President Paul Sechrist’s 10 years of service, as well as enjoy camaraderie between professors and students at the alumni reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, in the Sarkey’s Atrium in the VPAC theater.

Randy Cassimus, associate director of Alumni Relations and Community Development, said the goal is to build connections between students and the college.

“We want our alumni to be proud of their time spent here and consider OCCC their alma mater, as well as their four-year university, if they continue on with their educational pursuits.”

The reception gives OCCC alumni the opportunity to stay engaged with the campus. This year is special because Sechrist is being honored for his 10 years of service as the college president, since he will be retiring this summer.

“We hope anyone who wishes to offer their appreciation to Dr. Sechrist for his inspiring leadership of the college will take a brief moment and have a word with him to let him know,” Cassimus said.

The reception will include two presentations. The first from J.R. Webster, the President of the Alumni Association and member of The Friends Board of Directors. The second from OCCC Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Lacey Lett who is a television news anchor and reporter for KFOR, Cassimus said.

The reception has taken three months to plan, including scheduling catering from Consolidated Management, sending out invitations and planning the specific speakers, Cassimus said.

“Enjoy a reunion with a former classmate or professor, talk to current students, look around to take in all of the wonderful new additions on campus, and take opportunities to ask questions,” Cassimus said.

For more information, Cassimus can be reached at rcassimus@occc.edu. His phone is 405-613-5166.

To contact Chloe Moore, email onlineeditor@occc.edu