Northern Oklahoma College will celebrate 125 years of education, music and community with a free Quasquicentennial Concert Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Kinzer Performing Arts Center on the NOC Tonkawa campus.
The evening is dedicated to and celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the founding of Northern Oklahoma College – its roots as University Preparatory School preceding Statehood, and its growth into today’s four campuses and outreach to thousands of students.
Special tribute will be paid to this theatre’s namesake: Dineo Heilmann, NOC Fine Arts chair emeritus, former Roustabout and Northern Distinguished Alumnus, who’s contributions to NOC, this campus and the greater musical community of north central Oklahoma and to hundreds of students and colleagues are immeasurable. Heilmann’s legacy of passionate education, principled administration, fair adjudication, talented performances and loving friendships will endure and inspire future generations for decades.
The concert will feature Northern Distinguished Alumnus and Tonkawa native Jerry Steichen as conductor and host, along with guest pianist Dr. Thomas Lanners, NOC Fine Arts faculty, the Roustabouts and a 57-member professional orchestra.
“This concert gives us an opportunity to celebrate not only Northern’s 125-year history, but also the people who have made music and the arts such an important part of that history,” Steichen said. “Bringing so many musicians with longstanding connections to Northern back to Tonkawa makes this a particularly special evening.”
The professional orchestra includes musicians who participated in many of NOC’s annual Gala concerts. The Gala tradition began under former NOC President Dr. Joe Kinzer with the dedication of the Performing Arts Center and continued 24 years through the tenure of former NOC President Dr. Cheryl Evans.
A highlight of the program will be Lanners’ performance of George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” on NOC’s nine-foot Steinway concert grand piano.
Lanners served nearly 30 years as chair of the Piano Department at Oklahoma State University. His performance also highlights a piece of Heilmann’s legacy at Northern, as Heilmann led a lengthy effort to have the Steinway completely overhauled and restored.
“The Steinway has a special place in the history of music at Northern, and having Dr. Lanners perform ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ on it is a wonderful way to showcase both the instrument and the tradition of excellence that has been built here,” Steichen said.
NOC Fine Arts faculty will also be featured throughout the evening, including Dr. Eddie Dixon, Chad Anderson, Shannon Varner and Brandon Haynes.
The Roustabouts will celebrate their own place in Northern’s history with a musical journey spanning the group’s founding in 1963 through today. The medley was arranged by Haynes and will be narrated by NOC Vice President for Enrollment Management and Registrar and former Roustabout Dr. Rick Edgington.
The concert is part of NOC’s larger 125th anniversary celebration recognizing the institution’s beginnings as University Preparatory School prior to Oklahoma statehood and its growth into Northern Oklahoma College.
The anniversary celebration also includes an exhibition curated by Audrey Schmitz highlighting Northern’s first 125 years.
Steichen said the concert is intended to reflect the generations of faculty, students, alumni and community members who have contributed to Northern’s musical tradition.
“Some of the musicians performing have been part of Northern concerts for many years, while others represent the current generation of faculty and performers,” Steichen said. “That combination of past and present is exactly what a 125th anniversary celebration should be.”
Concert attendees are encouraged to arrive early to view the anniversary gallery exhibition which opens at 5:30 p.m. A reception featuring will follow the concert, giving guests an opportunity to visit with Roustabouts, musicians and guest artists.
The concert is free with no tickets required. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the concert.
Earlier in the day, the NOC Foundation is hosting a Silent Auction/Purse Raffle from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the NOC Tonkawa Renfro Center. Proceeds from the auction and raffle will raise funds for the First-Generation Scholarship and Program Support.
Northern Oklahoma College, the state’s first public two-year community college, is a multi-campus, land-grant institution that provides high quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities and services.
NOC serves nearly 3,100 students through the home campus in Tonkawa, branch in Enid, and NOC/OSU Gateway Program in Stillwater. Of these students about 85% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 69% of NOC students complete their degree with zero debt.
The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers associate degrees in three general areas: Arts, Science and Applied Science; the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs; and the Accreditation Commission for Education and Nursing.
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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