Three NOC alumni were inducted into the Distinguished Hall of Fame last Thursday in Tonkawa. Pictured (L-R): NOC Vice President for Development & Community Relations Sheri Snyder, Adam Leaming (Class of 2001), Rick Scott (Class of 1983), NOC President Diana Morris. Wilma Harman (Class of 1973) was inducted posthumously. (photo by Caroline Hillock/NOC).
Three inducted into NOC Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame
Rick Scott, Adam Leaming, and Wilma Harman were inducted into the Northern Oklahoma College Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame Thursday night at NOC Tonkawa inside the Renfro Center.
Scott (Class of 1983) is the President of Rick Scott Construction, Leaming (Class of 2001) is the Ponca City School Superintendent while Harman (Class of 1973) was a former Fine Arts Faculty Member who was inducted posthumously.
Also, the NOC Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Ashtyn Crowder, an incoming freshman from Tonkawa who will attend NOC Tonkawa in the Fall of 2026. She is the daughter of Kurt and Tawnya Crowder. Tawnya Crowder is a 1997 graduate of NOC Tonkawa earning an associate degree in Business Administration. The scholarship award is $1,000.
Scott was introduced by Dr. Rick Edgington, Vice President for Enrollment Management. Leaming was introduced by NOC Emeritus Faculty Pat Hullett and Harman was introduced by former NOC Roustabout Kris DeYoe Vickery.
Each distinguished alum was formally inducted by NOC President Diana Morris saying, “On behalf of the Northern Oklahoma College Board of Regents, it is my honor to recognize and pay tribute to the late Wilma Harman, Adam Leaming, and Rick Scott into the Northern Oklahoma College Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.”
After Karen Harman‑McGowan spoke on behalf of Harman, Leaming, and Scott gave their acceptance remarks, President Morris closed the event.
“What a fabulous evening,” Morris said. “I always enjoy this opportunity to gather and hear all the wonderful stories about your time on campus. We are proud of Northern and the impact that it has had on so many lives.”
“Adam (Leaming) and Rick (Scott), Northern is honored to recognize you this evening. It was a pleasure to visit with you and meet your family and friends who are here tonight to support you. We are honored that you chose NOC as the spot to begin your educational career, and we are proud of your many accomplishments since your graduation and the excellence you bring to your respective fields.”
“To the family of the late Wilma Harman,” Morris added, “Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to honor and celebrate Wilma’s legacy.”
Morris added her congratulations to Alumni Legacy Scholarship winner Ashtyn Crowder.
“Thank you, Ashtyn, for choosing Northern and continuing your family’s legacy with us. We look forward to following your time here on campus and know we will be seeing wonderful things from you in your future endeavors.”
NOC has now inducted 63 distinguished alums into the Hall of Fame. Nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame are accepted throughout the year.
NOC Fine Arts students, under the direction of Shannon Varner and Dr. Edward Dixon, sang NOC’s Alma Mater. Alia Dust sang the National Anthem at the beginning of the event.
For more information, contact Ciera Kirby, Director of Alumni & Community Relations, at ciera.kirby@noc.edu .
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 80% receive financial aid and/or scholarships. 75% 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 please call (580) 628-6208 or visit the NOC website at www.noc.edu.
-30-
