OCCC’s 2025 Rosewood Gala brought together community leaders, supporters and students for an evening of celebration and philanthropy headlined by news of a record-breaking gift to the college.
The gala, held to benefit OCCC students through scholarships and campus programs, was highlighted by a $1.5 million donation from the family of the late entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist Herman Meinders. The historic gift was announced by OCCC Board of Regents Chairman David Echols and represents the largest single contribution in the college’s history.
Dr. Vita Pickrum, executive director of the OCCC Foundation and senior vice president of advancement and external affairs, welcomed guests as the evening began. Robin Marsh, Emmy Award-winning news anchor at KWTV-News 9, guided the program as mistress of ceremonies, offering both opening and closing remarks. Marsh also contributed to the event in a unique way: One of her original paintings was to be sold in the live auction that took place during the gala.
Faith and gratitude were important themes of the event, as Echols delivered an invocation and later returned to the stage to announce the Meinders family’s donation. Throughout the evening, three OCCC students shared personal stories about the role the college has played in shaping their futures, showing the sponsors who were present the direct impact of their gifts to the school. One of the speakers, Mahan “Tim” Wolieu, described the night as an opportunity to express thanks to the people who made his education possible.
“I was excited,” Wolieu said. “I saw it as the perfect opportunity to express my gratitude to all the amazing people who contributed to my education without even knowing me. Speaking at the Rosewood Gala allowed me to address them all at once.”
Entertainment was provided by Jammin Jay Lamont, also known as “The Human iPod,” who blended comedy with his vocal talent, recreating popular songs and sound effects entirely through his voice. Lamont later took on the role of auctioneer for the live auction, which featured items such as a luxury Cabo San Lucas beachfront getaway, an Oklahoma City Thunder basketball package and dinner for four with wine pairings at the upscale Rococo Restaurant & Bar, in addition to Marsh’s painting.
Closing the evening, country performer John Foster treated the audience to a series of hits, most memorably the famous song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which drew a lively response from the crowd.
The Rosewood Gala is known as one of OCCC’s premier fundraising events, and this year’s record-breaking gift helped secure a promising future for students who attend the college. The money will go toward ensuring that more students can afford to pursue higher education without the burden of financial barriers.
For Wolieu, the event carried a deeper meaning.
“For me, there are two main reasons why the Rosewood Gala is important,” he said. “First, it is a way for the school to be grateful for all its supporters. Second, through the gala, students have the opportunity to mingle with their benefactors, learn from them, be inspired by their stories and learn why they are eager to graciously invest in their education.”
The night blended elegance, entertainment and generosity, but it was the stories of students and the strong show of community support that defined this year’s gala. For guests, the evening was both a celebration of OCCC’s impact and a reminder of the opportunities that are created when education is made accessible to those who dream of obtaining a college degree.
