Commencement Ceremony to be Held Friday

Redlands graduate Sadie HeapRedlands Community College is celebrating the graduation of over 270 students Friday, May 13, with degrees that have prepared them to continue their education at a four-year university or begin making an impact in the workforce. Graduates of the nursing program will be recognized during the traditional pinning ceremony prior to commencement.

“We are proud of these graduates who have demonstrated the dedication and drive that will serve them well in the future,” said Redlands President Jack Bryant. “Redlands is a special college because of the students who have chosen to get their start on promising careers on our campus.”

A college degree is a significant investment of time and money, and although Redlands hasn’t increased tuition in several years, many students work hard to save money and apply for scholarships to be able to earn their degree with very little to no debt. 

Sadie Heap, of Frederick, is graduating with associate degrees in both Agribusiness and Animal Science, and will be transferring to Oklahoma State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree. She is not only graduating with honors, but also debt free.

“I’m thankful for the work I put towards college before I ever came to El Reno, which led to scholarships allowing me to take advantage of the many opportunities around me,” Heap said. “I am also thankful for my family who have supported me, pushed me and guided me through these new adventures, and I’m excited for my next steps.”

Chancellor Allison D. Garrett, chief executive officer for the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, will deliver the commencement address. The first woman to hold the position of chancellor, Garrett assumed the role in November leading a state system comprised of 25 state colleges and universities, 11 constituent agencies, one university center, and independent colleges and universities coordinated with the state system. She previously served as president of Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas, and served as vice chair of the NCAA Board of Governors and as chair of the NCAA Division II Presidents’ Council.

Graduates are receiving associate degrees in Arts, Applied Science and Science, as well as Certificates of Mastery in areas such as Child Development, Artificial Insemination in Livestock and Human/Social Services Assistant.

“Although I am sad to be leaving Redlands, I'm grateful for the memories and for the friends I made, and just overall the experience. I can't wait to see what the future holds,” said Mackenzie Holmes, of Kingfisher. She is graduating with an associate degree in psychology and a Certificate of Mastery in Human/Social Services Assistant.

Nursing graduates will be honored during a pinning ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday in the Jenks Simmons Fieldhouse, and commencement exercises will follow at 11 a.m. Both ceremonies will be streamed on the college’s website.