Northern Oklahoma College donors and scholarship recipients were honored at the 2022 NOC Foundation Recognition Dinner held Thursday, April 7, at the Renfro Center in Tonkawa.
NOC Foundation Vice-Chairman Mark Detten welcomed students and donors to the annual event noting the Foundation was established in 1963 and this year marks 59 years of “Making a Difference.” The Foundation currently has assets of $15.6 million.
Detten also highlighted year one of the newly developed NOC Foundation Strategic Plan commenting, “There are a lot of exciting things happening at NOC and the Foundation is in position to help align with the College’s strategic goals and direction,” he said. “Throughout this coming year, we will share more about our development.”
A number of new scholarships were established this past year, announced by Dr. Jill Green, Director of Development and Donor Relations. They include the LPN Bridge Scholarship, The Rowena Gharst Corr Scholarship, NOC Sheep Center Scholarship, Mom and Pops Allen Scholarship, and Loftis Access to Success for Blackwell High School Concurrent Students Scholarship.
Representing the NOC Foundation scholarship students, Patrick Costello (represented by Dr. Frankie Wood-Black, Engineering, Physical Science, and PTEC Division Chair) and Tara Mueggenborg spoke in gratitude to the donors for their scholarship awards. Forty students attended the event. During this past academic year, the Foundation awarded over $190,000 in scholarships to 394 recipients from the Tonkawa, Enid and Stillwater campuses.
Vice President for Development and Community Relations Sheri Snyder, who also serves as Executive Director of the Foundation, recognized the donors for their charitable efforts to Northern Oklahoma College.
Snyder commented, “What started out as one greater gifts drive campaign in the early sixties has evolved into several active annual campaign drives today. Even during these pandemic times, this year’s annual greater gifts drive and employee campaigns has received over $143,000 in total contributions.”
Additionally, she stated, “I always say how truly blessed we are with so many friends of Northern Oklahoma College believing in our purpose and mission. Each donor and the support they provide serves as a constant reminder that the positive impact of Northern is felt way beyond the institution and that there are many generous friends who see the value of a higher education.” All donors in attendance were recognized in each giving club with the 2021 Honor Roll.
NOC President Dr. Clark Harris thanked the donors for their charitable efforts.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed this evening and the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people that have a passion for NOC,” Dr. Harris said. “I love that we can bring our students together with the generous donors that make their college education possible.
“Thank you to the donors and students for joining us tonight,” he added. “We are so proud of all of you and the impact that you have had on so many lives. We want to thank all of the donors that have so generously supported the NOC Foundation. You are changing lives. As you provide the funds for students to attend college, you are changing their lives and the lives of their children forever. Your donations lead to these students gaining the education and skills allowing them to be successful in their careers and leaders in our community.”
“Your donations help Northern Oklahoma College, through scholarships, and program improvement. But more importantly your generous donations are helping individuals,” he said.
“The NOC Foundation works to assist you in your philanthropic endeavors,” he concluded. “Philanthropy is all about making a positive difference in the world, by helping people and the community. Your gifts are helping our college, our community and the individuals in our community. Your donations are an investment. An investment in people and our community. Your investment is in these young people here with us tonight.”
NOC Fine Arts Student Carli Pendleton gave the invocation followed by entertainment from NOC Fine Arts Division students Nikolas Hoecker, Makayla Sweeney, and Regan Clapper.
For more information about Northern Oklahoma College or giving to the NOC Foundation, please contact the development office at (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
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