The Tulsa Community College Foundation held its 25th Vision Dinner at the Cox Business Convention Center on Sept. 5.
Community leaders, donors, administrators, faculty, staff, and students were in attendance to raise funds for scholarships, internships, and new equipment for college labs. This year’s dinner honored Mayor G.T. Bynum, St. Sen. Kevin Matthews, and Mike Neal of the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Former TCC faculty member Suzanne Reese, PT, DPT, MS, served as chair of the 2024 Vision Dinner.
The 2024 Vision Dinner raised more than $472,000, which will go toward scholarships, leadership development opportunities, internships, and the technology and equipment necessary to prepare students for the workforce. Since 2002, the Tulsa Community College Foundation has hosted the annual dinner, inviting honorees and guest speakers to share their vision for the upcoming year, which inspired the event’s name, “Vision.” Because of the generosity of supporters and attendees, the funding will support 65 different student scholarships, which will help TCC students succeed in their academic careers.
The night was filled with inspiring speeches and memorable performances by TCC students under the theme “Dream Big”. The program was emceed by Dr. Eunice Tarver, vice president of Student Success and chief Student Affairs officer. She thanked the honorees and guests for attending, spoke about the vision for Tulsa Community College, and introduced the college’s mission and values.
During her speech, Dr. Leigh Goodson, president and CEO of Tulsa Community College, highlighted the life-changing impact of higher education.
“We know a degree remains the surest path to increased earnings over a career. The data are clear: a college degree is key to economic opportunity, conferring substantially higher earnings on those with credentials than those without. Over a lifetime, individuals with a bachelor’s degree make 84% more than those with only a high school diploma,” said Goodson.
Dr. Goodson emphasized TCC’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable and a quality education.
“We did not raise tuition this year, and that remains an option because we manage our budget effectively, focus on our mission, and stay dedicated to our students. We also maintain low tuition thanks to the generous support and contributions from events like this.”
Honoree Videos
Although the honorees did not make remarks in person, the honorees were featured in videos from notable community figures on behalf of Mayor G.T. Bynum, St. Sen. Kevin Matthews, and Mike Neal from the Tulsa Regional Chamber, adding a touch of prestige to the evening.
Kari Shults, vice president of Advancement and president of the TCC Foundation, spoke about the incredible impact of community support.
“This year, the Foundation is set to award over $1.3 million in scholarships, helping our students stay on track, finish what they start, and reach their goals.”
Dr. Suzanne Reese, retired program director and associate professor of TCC’s Physical Therapist Assistant program, offered remarks from her role as chair of the 2024 Vision Dinner.
Performances and Entertainment
The reception featured a performance by the TCC String Quartet, directed by Heidi Rigert, Performing and Visual Arts Professor at the Southeast Campus, along with Assistant Professor of Performing and Visual Arts, Sarah Bryant. They played a selection of short pieces, ranging from classical to pop, including ‘Eleanor Rigby’ and ‘Autumn Leaves’. Following the TCC String Quartet’s performance, student hip-hop artist Juan Haro energized the crowd with a rap song that he composed, which had many attendees standing and dancing. Haro, who is pursuing certificates in Audio Production at TCC and has already earned an associate degree in Music Performance, shared his passion for creating music. Two years ago, he was a member of the Sergeant-at-Arms member for the Student Music Association (SMA). His performance set the stage for two exhilarating breakdance performances by other TCC students
The TCC Concert Choir, directed by Laura Cowan, assistant professor at the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Southeast Campus, performed a Journey band hit song “Don’t Stop Believin” during the program. Recently, the choir participated at International Peace Day celebration at the Southeast campus on Sept. 19.
Student Involvement
TCC student and Foundation scholarship recipient Ethan Clegg shared a heartfelt speech about how the Foundation’s support has impacted his education and career.
“For the first year and a half of college, I didn’t have a car. I relied on family and classmates for rides to and from campus. While waiting for transportation, I chose to get involved, help out wherever I could, and find ways to be of service. Thanks to scholarships funded by donors like you, I’ve been able to focus more on my education and less on financial stress. Your generosity has allowed me to develop my passions into skills and truly find my place here.”
Artistic Touches and Event Coordination
TCC art students contributed to the event by spray-painting the decorative chargers, which featured vibrant pink, blue, and green hues that matched the event’s visual theme. Additionally, True Blue Lead, a scholarship and leadership development program at TCC, facilitated guest check-in and seating, ensuring a smooth process. True Blue Leaders have been involved with the dinner program for the past 10 years, while Peer Health Educators have participated for the last two years.
Sponsors of the 2024 Vision Dinner were Distinguished Graduate sponsors – Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, George Kaiser Family Foundation, and Sanford & Irene Burnstein Foundation; University Transfer sponsors – Cherokee Nation Businesses, Caron and Shawn Lawhorn, and TTCU Cares Foundation; and additional sponsors – AAON, Inc., The Anne and Henry Zarrow Foundation, The Chickasaw Nation, Jay Helm/American Residential Group, ONE Gas, Saint Francis Health System, and Security Bank.
For more 2024 Vision Dinner pictures, visit https://tulsacc.photoshelter.com/galleries/C000034ZzZfbKDXA/Vision-Dinner
Upcoming Events
Tulsa Community College Choir and Orchestra future performances:
Date and Time | Band/ Orchestra | Location | Admission |
October 15, 2024, 7:30 p.m. | TCC Concert Band and TCC Jazz band | VanTrease PACE on the Southeast Campus | FREE TO PUBLIC |
October 22, 2024, 7:30 p.m. | TCC Community Orchestra and TCC Community Band | VanTrease PACE on the Southeast Campus | FREE TO PUBLIC |
December 5, 2024, 7:30 p.m. | TCC Choir and Orchestra | VanTrease PACE on the Southeast Campus | FREE TO PUBLIC |