The Seminole State COLLEGIAN ispublished during the fall and springsemesters by the Seminole StateCollege Office of Media Relations,under the direction of ShannonWebb Denniston.

The staff reserves the right to editsubmitted material for spelling andstyle. Consideration is given to allsubmitted material, but submissiondoes not ensure publication. Noanonymous material will beconsidered. All views expressed arethose of the author and notnecessarily those of Seminole StateCollege. The COLLEGIAN isdistributed on the SSC campus andmailed to over 200 friends of thecollege.

Seminole State College, incompliance with Title VI of the CivilRights Act of 1964, Executive Order11246 as amended, Title IX of theEducational Amendments of 1972,and other Federal laws andregulations, does not discriminateon the basis of race, color, nationalorigin, gender, age, religion,handicap, or status as a veteran inany of its policies, practices orprocedures. This inlcudes, but isnot limited to, admissions,employment, financial aid andeducational services.

This publication, printed by the SSCPrint Shop, is issued by SeminoleState College as authorized by thePresident of the college. At a cost of$180; 1,000 copies have beenprepared and distributed.

Seminole State CollegeCOLLEGIAN

CONTACT:Shannon Webb DennistonMedia Relations Coordinator405-382-9525s.denniston@sscok.edu

COLLEGIANSeminole, Oklahoma • Volume 35 • Number 2 • October 2006

8 Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/ October 2006

In celebration of Constitution Day 2006, Seminole State College hosted a pub-lic presentation featuring author and president of the Respect Diversity Founda-tion, Michael Korenblit, on campus Monday, Sept. 18.

Korenblit, who was at the college earlier this fall speaking to faculty and staffduring their back-to-school in-service program, was invited back to campus bythe SSC Phi Theta Kappa chapter and the Student Government Association.

Korenblit, whose parents were survivors of the Holocaust, draws on his fam-ily history of survival and perseverance in discussions about social injustice andintolerance in today’s society. His presentation focused on the importance of par-ticipation in the political process and the role that citizens play in protecting theprinciples of freedom.

Korenblit, is co-founder and president of the Respect Diversity Foundation, anon-profit, tax- exempt educational organization, founded with the purpose ofteaching respect and tolerance for all people. Through its speaker’s bureau andnumerous programs they work with students, teachers and adult groups offeringseminars, diversity workshops and interfaith panels.

He worked 19 years for the Close Up Foundation, an educational organiza-tion in Washington, D.C. Korenblit taught students and teachers about the gov-ernmental process and current domestic and foreign policy issues for six years,then directed Close Up’s television and video department, winning two ACEawards for television series and numerous awards for documentaries.

Korenblit served as vice president of the International Network of Children ofJewish Holocaust Survivors and served on the Second Generation Advisory Com-mittee to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council. He is the author of Until We MeetAgain - the true story of his parents experience during the Holocaust.

Michael Korenblit served as the featured speaker during aConstitution Day observance.

SSC Constitution DayEmphasises Diversity

SSC Elects New SGA RepresentativesSeminole State College elected newofficers for the 06-07 school year. SGAofficers are elected by the SSC studentbody. Pictured are ndividuals representingstudemt prgamizations across campus. (Front Row L to R): SGA Vice Presi-dent Patricia Hulburt of Stroud; NinaKirk, Student Nursing AssociationAdviser; Cynthia Yerby, SGA Adviser;Rachel Molleur, SGA President ofSeminole; (Back Row L to R): AmandaRamirez, SGA Sophomore Senator ofShawnee; Justin Huff, SGA FreshmenSenator of Prague; Sara Rooney PTKRepresentative of Shawnee; and DavidNeumann, SGA Sophomore Senator ofHarrah.

The last few days of September,2006 will be remembered as red-let-ter dates in the history of SeminoleState College.

Several milestones were reachedin beginning a new phase of construc-tion and development on theCollege’s 81-acre campus. The Okla-homa Development Finance Author-ity (ODFA), acting on behalf of SSC,issued revenue bonds for the con-struction of a new 150-bed studenthousing facility. The bonds were soldon Sept. 29. Preliminary constructionactivity is occurring at the site.

Dr. Jim Utterback, SSC President,said “This is the beginning of historicchanges that will shape the future ofthe College forever.”

The steps taken in late Septemberbring long-time plans for the Collegeinto reality. The need for additional

SSC’s Red-letter Week of Progresshousing for SSC students has been onthe College’s master plan for decades.The need was partially met when theRoesler Residential Learning Center

opened in 2000. However, the 82-bedRoesler facility was filled to capacitywhen it opened – and the need re-mained a pressing matter.

Breaking ground on the residencehall this past week sets in motion plansfor other major construction to be doneon the campus in the coming year.Through funding provided by the 2005Higher Education Bond, a mainte-nance building, a softball complex andwellness facility, and additions to Tan-ner Hall consisting of classrooms, labs,offices and a one-stop student enroll-ment and success center will be built.

Utterback said that the recent ac-complishments are a result of literallyyears of planning and teamwork be-tween many entities and individuals.“For a small college we are truly mak-ing incredible advancements. What’shappening at Seminole State Collegeshows what can be achieved when di-verse groups pull together to work fora common good,” Utterback said.

He credited the leadership and

“For a small col-lege we are truly mak-ing incredible advance-ments.”

-- Dr. Jim Utterback,President

(story continues on page 3)

Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/ October 2006 54 Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/October 2006

SSC Welcomes Back Students with Ice Cream Social and Area Service FairArea business and organizations

met in the E.T. Dunlap Student UnionWednesday, Sept. 13, and Thursday,Sept. 14, to participate in theCollege’s 13th Annual Area ServicesFair. The fair provided SSC studentsand faculty a chance to learn aboutgoods and services available in thecommunity, and gave area businessesthe opportunity to promote theirproducts and services. A specialfeature of this year’s fair was a boothhosted by the Seminole CountyElection Board where students andemployees could register to vote. Theevent was co-sponsored by the SSCStudent Services and Public RelationsOffice.

The Area Services Fair was held inthe E.T. Dunlap Student Union from11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on both days. Inconjunction with the event, theannual Back-to-School Ice CreamSocial was also held in the exhibitarea of the Union. SSC faculty andstaff served free ice cream andstudents could build their ownsundaes.

Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/ October 2006 72 Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/October 2006

The AmeriContact call center ismoving into a new home at 600 W.Strother. The call center was re-cruited to Seminole in late fall of2003 by the Seminole Economic De-velopment Council with assistancefrom Seminole State College. A tem-porary business incubator was cre-ated for the company in the HaneyCenter on the SSC campus. The col-lege has continued to provide space,resources and support for the busi-ness over the past three years.

After opening on Dec. 15, 2003,the company quickly grew to 50employees and began extendedshifts to accommodate business con-tracts. The Seminole business em-ploys over 75, and has plans to ex-pand to 200 in the new facility.

Through the efforts of the Semi-nole State College EducationalFoundation, the former Nichols Gro-cery Store, was purchased last yearand has been renovated for a state-

AmeriContact Building GrandOpening Scheduled for October 23

The old Nichols grocery store priorto rennovations.

The front entrance of the renovatedbuilding.

of-the-art business incubator.The project’s financial assistance wasacquired by former State Represen-tative, now U.S. Congressman, DanBoren, through the Central Okla-homa Economic Development Dis-trict (COEDD). The building will benamed in his honor at a ribbon cut-ting ceremony on Oct. 23, at 2 p.m..

The partnership between theCollege and the AmericContact callcenter was recognized by the Okla-homa State Regents for Higher Edu-cation in late April. The award waspart of a State Regents’ program hon-oring higher education institutionsand businesses for their outstandingcollaborations which lead to further-ing the education of Oklahoma’sworkforce.

Additionally, the College wasalso awarded a competitive eco-nomic development grant throughthe State Regents in December, 2005to aid with this project.

New carpeting and electrical wiringare part of the new interior of the

building.

The Nichols’ Building after extensive rennovations by theSeminole State College Educational Foundation. The

building will be the new home of the AmeriContact callcenter after the official grand opening on October 23.

SSC Haney Center Hosts Terrorism Drill

Seminole State College’s Haney Cen-ter was the site for a Mass ImmunizationProphylaxis exercise for four counties incentral Oklahoma.

The bioterrorism drill handled 429“would be patients” with an additional89 participants serving as volunteers inthe exercise’s simulated clinic.

The exercise was the first of its kindin the state. The Pottawatomie CountyLocal Emergency Planning Committeealong with Hughes, Seminole, Okfuskee,Lincoln and Pottawatomie County HealthDepartments participated. The focus ofthe exercise was the simulated treatmentand prevention of a pneumonic plagueoutbreak.

Students from the Seminole StateCollege nursing program participated inthe exercise serving as both patients andstaff members throughout the event.Along with other law enforcement agen-cies from across the area, the SSC policedepartment assisted with traffic and otherevent logistics.

Another mass immunization exer-cises is scheduled to take place in twoyears.

HALLOWEEN

Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/ October 2006 36 Seminole State College COLLEGIAN/October 2006

Can You Find the Hidden Word?The word HALLOWEEN is hidden in a story somewhere in this publication.

The first person to report his/her findings, will receive a FREE 20 oz. SeminoleState College insulated car mug from the SSC Bookstore.

Particpants must report their findings to the SSC Media Relations Office, inperson, on the first floor of the SSC Haney Center. The winner will also be pic-tured in the November COLLEGIAN.

All readers are eligible. Participants are limited to one win per semester. Thetype of contest is subject to change every month. Good luck, SSC Fans!!!

Hide and Seek

The Seminole State College’s GlobalStudies program has released its 2007 itin-erary. The “Dublin and London” and“Rome, Tuscany, the Riviera and Paris”tours are now enrolling participants.

The costs of the nine-day “Dublin andLondon” trip ranges from $2,254 to$2,544; the twelve day “Rome, Tuscany,the Rivera and Paris” tour ranges from$3,155 to $3,520. The price per individualfor both tours is dependent upon sleep-ing arrangements and the date of trip reg-istration.

The cost of the trip includes all trans-portation, the tour, transfers, tips, ticketsinto the cited tour venues, two meals aday, college tuition and fees. Participantswill be responsible for the lunch, optionaltrips, and souvenirs.

As with past trips, participants cantake the college course for credit or auditthe course. The tours will be lead by SSCLanguage Arts and Humanities DivisionChair Kelly Kirk.

The program is open to members ofthe general public and SSC students whoare 18 years of age or older and are inter-ested in a convenient, economical andeducational way to travel. Those under18 can participate in the trip if accompa-nied by a parent or guardian.

The SSC Global Studies program isin its eighth year. The program is basedin SSC’s art department and emphasizestravel as a means to experience “the artof living.” The trips are designed to give

Global Studies Announces 2007 Tours

participants a hands-on understanding ofcultures, art and history. Past trips visitedMexico, Italy, Greece, France, Scotlandand England.

“The program has been a tremen-dous success,” noted Kirk. “Each year, wehave more and more students and mem-bers of the general public traveling withthe college. It is an excellent form of glo-bal education.”

“Touring other countries is one of thebest forms of education you can experi-

ence. You can’t even compare seeing St.Paul’s Cathedral in person to looking ata picture of it in a book. It’s amazing.”

For additional information on theSeminole State College’s Global Studiesprogram, or to schedule a slide presen-tation for a club or organization, contactKirk at (405) 382-9251. Informationalmeetings will be held throughout the fallsemester. Interested individuals shouldcontact Kirk for the times and locationsof the meetings.

commitment of the SSC Board of Re-gents and the SSC Educational Founda-tion Board of Trustees for their efforts inhelping the College grow.

“Our Regents have been consis-tently supportive as we have exploreddifferent avenues to get these buildingprojects started. Their vision for this in-stitution has been the driving force inplanning for future growth.

“The Foundation has been instru-mental in bringing these projects to life.Lead gifts from private donors such asSSC Founder Award recipients Jimmieand Marie Austin, Melvin and JamsineMoran and Dennis and Leilani Roeslerhave provided the necessary foundationfor this growth.

“The individual and communitysupport we receive for Foundationfundraising events has been overwhelm-ing. Receiving support from groupssuch as AT&T, Chickasaw Nation, MBO,Choctaw Nation, PSO, OG+E, SeminoleNation, Rural Enterprises of Oklahoma,among many others, speaks to our rela-tionships in this area and across the state.Having all of these entities behind us,helps make possible accomplishmentsthat are only dreamt of by other col-leges,” Utterback said.

SSC Educational Foundation ChairHarvey Robinson participated in a docu-ment signing ceremony on Sept. 28 re-garding the residence hall project. Hesaid members of the Foundation are alsoexcited about the recent accomplish-ments.

Robinson said, “This is an excitingtime for the College, City of Seminoleand students in the surrounding area.With the addition of these student hous-ing units we can provide a great initialcollege experience for many more stu-dents.

“Dr. Utterback and all of the Semi-nole State College staff are to be com-mended for their commitment to thequality educational opportunities of-fered at the College. The Seminole StateCollege Educational Foundation isproud to be associated with such dedi-cated professionals.”

The new residence hall will be builtto the immediate north of the Roesler

Residential Learning Center on the cam-pus’ Marie Austin Drive. A three-story,150-bed, 48,800 square-foot facility is be-ing planned.

Lana Reynolds, Vice President for In-stitutional Advancement, said there areitems such as furnishings for the new resi-dence hall which will not be covered inthe bond financing.

“The SSC Educational Foundationwill be leading the charge over the nextfew months to raise funds for this projectas well as scholarships and other capitalimprovements. They will be calling oneveryone who loves this institution toprovide special gifts in order to continuethe growth of the College,” Reynoldssaid.

A formal ground-breaking ceremonyfor the residence hall project and othercampus construction projects will be heldlater this fall in conjunction with theCollege’s 75th anniversary celebration.

David Wilson, Chair of the Seminole State College Board of Regents,Harvey Robison, Chair of the Seminole State College Educational

Foundation, and Dr. Jim Utterback, Seminole State CollegePresident, signed papers Thursday morning formalizing transactions

regarding the real estate and bond sales for the College’s newresidence hall project.

(continued from page 1)