NOC Foundation recognizes 2020 donors

The Northern Oklahoma College Foundation held a virtual NOCF Donor’s Banquet recognizing Northern Oklahoma College Foundation donors.

NOCF Executive Director Sheri Snyder said this year’s annual greater gifts drive and employee campaign received nearly $117,000.00 in total contributions and pledges, including $6,400.00 pending in corporate matching pledges.

She added that Northern employees have pledged nearly $29,000.00 including 29 employees via employee payroll deductions.

“We want to acknowledge the numerous donors that have established scholarships and short-term loan funds in the Foundation,” she said.  “Currently the Foundation has over 170 funds set up specifically earmarked for scholarship or program support. Included are several private foundations in which we administer their scholarship funds through our Foundation.”

“The NOC Foundation also offers grants through the Masonic Fraternity of Oklahoma Endowment and the Presidential Partners Program,” she said. “These funds are made available to NOC programs, students and employees whose proposed projects support the Foundation’s mission of providing quality educational experiences.  We are so grateful to have these funds.

NOCF Chairman Mike Loftis said, “As of December 31, total net assets stand at over $12 million. This past year has been like none other. Despite the pandemic, we continue to thrive thanks to the generous support of our donors. In addition to the annual scholarship and program support, last year the Foundation was able to financially assist Northern Oklahoma College by providing one-time donations Trust totaling $500,000.”

These monies were directed towards two major initiatives including supplementing 2020 NOC Summer Enrollment not to exceed $20,000 and assist with the college’s budget shortfall during these unprecedented pandemic times. This donation totaling up to $480,000 would assist the College with the current $1.8 million budget shortfall for FY2021.”

NOC President Dr. Cheryl Evans expressed her appreciation to foundation donors.

“Your generous gifts have supported the mission of our institution and we are proud that Northern Oklahoma College offers an affordable, quality education,” Dr. Evans said to donors. “NOC Alumni become learners, earners, and leaders prepared to transfer and pursue additional degrees or enter the workforce. Generous supporters of our Foundation make much of what we accomplish at Northern possible.

“I personally want to thank those who have supported our new Presidential Partners Program,” she added.  “Gifts this year total more than $50,000.  These donations will support Northern Oklahoma College’s mission while supporting projects and expenses for students, faculty and staff.”

Jill Green, Director of Donor Relations said NOC added four new scholarships this year including the Alpha II Scholarship Fund, Ronald and Carla Sue Buck Scholarship Fund, Timothy Knutson Memorial Scholarship Fund, and a Moody Family Room and Board Scholarship Fund.

As a follow-up to the virtual celebration of giving, all donors will receive a special donor package including a small gift of appreciation along with donor plaque and date tab for those who wish to receive.

The virtual program is available at https://www.noc.edu/development/foundation/annual-donor-recognition-ceremony/ .

Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services which create life-changing experiences and develop students as effective learners and leaders within their communities in a connected, ever changing world.

NOC, a public two-year community college, serves nearly 5,000 students on the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater, online, and the University Center in Ponca City. Of these students about 60% receive financial aid and/or scholarships.  Over 80% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.

NOC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science.  The associate degree fulfills lower-division course work which is applicable towards a bachelor’s degree.

Call (580) 628-6200 for more information about Northern Oklahoma College or visit www.noc.edu .