The Voice of OCCC Students Since 1978

The Pioneer
Dr. Jay Corwin poses for a photo with his family. Spending time with his family is Corwin's favorite thing to do. "I love doing all the things that keep them entertained. I tell bad dad jokes. I go to any other activities that I can be at," he said.
New Student Affairs Leader Aims to Expand Community Engagement
July 22, 2026
The newest addition to the OCCC library's growing database collection, NewsBank offers OCCC students and faculty access to numerous news sources and collections - including The Oklahoman and The Tulsa World!
OCCC Library’s Newest Expansion Offers Access to Statewide News
July 22, 2026
Pioneer Editor-in-Chief Trey Brite sings his heart out with the help of a karaoke machine, a key attraction at every Pioneer staff party.
Pioneer Newspaper Wins Eight OPA Awards, Topping OSU, OCU, UCO, Others
June 24, 2026
OCCC student Elyas Anderson gives a heartfelt presentation on his poem, "I Am Me," and the process of stream of consciousness that went into its creation.
OCCC Students Present Academic Research Alongside Ivy League Peers
May 12, 2026
A recent tornado crushed the western entrance of the OCCC Recreation and Fitness Center, which remained under repair even after campus reopened for normal operations.
Springtime F1 Tornado Strikes OCCC, Shutting Campus for Entire Week
April 27, 2026
OCCC graduate Shelby Webb shows off her passion for fitness, one of the ways she maintains balance outside of her career as an aerospace engineer.
OCCC Grad Overcomes Early Struggles, Goes on to Become Aerospace Engineer
July 23, 2026
Oklahoma City Public Schools middle and high school teachers gather in an OCCC science lab for an OK-INBRE workshop aimed at boosting science instruction across the state.
OCCC, OK-INBRE Outreach Program Supports STEM Education Statewide
July 23, 2026
Spanish for Health Professions Course Designed Specifically for Caretakers
Spanish for Health Professions Course Designed Specifically for Caretakers
July 23, 2026
New Acting for the Camera Course Coming to OCCC Campus This Fall
New Acting for the Camera Course Coming to OCCC Campus This Fall
July 23, 2026
Proudly representing OCCC at the recent Data Center Symposium sponsored by the Hamm Institute for American Energy were: (from left) Dean of Science, Engineering and Mathematics Susmita Hazra and student panelists Benedict Nguyen, Alonso Phillips, Trey Brite, Jurithsi "Juri" Rojo and Masooma Rizvi.
Five OCCC Students and SEM Dean Participate in Data Center Symposium
June 24, 2026
Spanish for Health Professions Course Designed Specifically for Caretakers
Spanish for Health Professions Course Designed Specifically for Caretakers
July 23, 2026
Students attend class at OCCC, where new guidelines for artificial intelligence aim to balance the benefits of AI with academic integrity in writing and humanities courses.
New AEH Guidelines Bring Clarity to Use of AI for Writing Assignments
April 16, 2026
In a futuristic scene, OCCC Health Professions staffers (from left) Harvey Parker, Amanda Parker and Taylor Posey utilize virtual reality technology for simulation purposes.
OCCC’s Health Professions Programs Step into the Future With Virtual Reality
November 19, 2025
OCCC graduate Shelby Webb shows off her passion for fitness, one of the ways she maintains balance outside of her career as an aerospace engineer.
OCCC Grad Overcomes Early Struggles, Goes on to Become Aerospace Engineer
July 23, 2026
Oklahoma City Public Schools middle and high school teachers gather in an OCCC science lab for an OK-INBRE workshop aimed at boosting science instruction across the state.
OCCC, OK-INBRE Outreach Program Supports STEM Education Statewide
July 23, 2026
New Acting for the Camera Course Coming to OCCC Campus This Fall
New Acting for the Camera Course Coming to OCCC Campus This Fall
July 23, 2026
Proudly representing OCCC at the recent Data Center Symposium sponsored by the Hamm Institute for American Energy were: (from left) Dean of Science, Engineering and Mathematics Susmita Hazra and student panelists Benedict Nguyen, Alonso Phillips, Trey Brite, Jurithsi "Juri" Rojo and Masooma Rizvi.
Five OCCC Students and SEM Dean Participate in Data Center Symposium
June 24, 2026
Dean of Social Sciences Jason Hall presents the division's Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Award to Professor of Sociology Deborah Morgan at the annual awards luncheon hosted by Academic Affairs near the end of the spring semester.
Winner of Outstanding Faculty Award Reflects on Inspiring OCCC Journey 
June 24, 2026
OCCC Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied, who recently won Outstanding Recognition as New Full-Time Faculty at the recent Faculty and Staff Recognition Luncheon, is an avid gardener whose recent focus involves creating a way station for monarch butterflies in her backyard.
Chair of Political Science Recognized as Outstanding New Faculty Member
May 12, 2026
Students focus on the physical components of their projects, applying duct tape and securing battery packs to construct their non-programmable circuits.
Engineering Summer Academy Attracts Dozens of Future Innovators
July 22, 2026
Renowned documentary filmmaker Amy Scott discusses the art of the interview during a filmmaking workshop that recently took place on campus.
OCCC Invites Trio of Film Experts to Discuss Tricks of the Movie Trade
June 24, 2026
Following a reception held to kick off this year's visual arts capstone exhibition, Chair of Visual Arts Jeremy Fineman (far left) showcases student artwork on the big screen while celebrating the achievements of OCCC students (from left) Maya Cantwell, Angie Vargas, Ashley Allen, Gaby Cabrera, Gabriela Ordunez and Emerson Taylor.
Absolute Joins Visual Arts Program for Night of Celebration, Shared Creativity
June 24, 2026
At the latest "Grill and Chill" event, students take part in a life-sized game of pool on the surface of a giant inflatable billiards table set up by the campus billiards club.
OCCC Students Get Their Fill of Treats and Thrills While Taking Part in This Year’s ‘Grill and Chill’
June 24, 2026
OCCC Plus Concludes Series on Iceland, Combining Fun, Learning, Micro-Credential
OCCC Plus Concludes Series on Iceland, Combining Fun, Learning, Micro-Credential
June 24, 2026
Students focus on the physical components of their projects, applying duct tape and securing battery packs to construct their non-programmable circuits.
Engineering Summer Academy Attracts Dozens of Future Innovators
July 22, 2026
Renowned documentary filmmaker Amy Scott discusses the art of the interview during a filmmaking workshop that recently took place on campus.
OCCC Invites Trio of Film Experts to Discuss Tricks of the Movie Trade
June 24, 2026
Following a reception held to kick off this year's visual arts capstone exhibition, Chair of Visual Arts Jeremy Fineman (far left) showcases student artwork on the big screen while celebrating the achievements of OCCC students (from left) Maya Cantwell, Angie Vargas, Ashley Allen, Gaby Cabrera, Gabriela Ordunez and Emerson Taylor.
Absolute Joins Visual Arts Program for Night of Celebration, Shared Creativity
June 24, 2026
At the latest "Grill and Chill" event, students take part in a life-sized game of pool on the surface of a giant inflatable billiards table set up by the campus billiards club.
OCCC Students Get Their Fill of Treats and Thrills While Taking Part in This Year’s ‘Grill and Chill’
June 24, 2026
OCCC Plus Concludes Series on Iceland, Combining Fun, Learning, Micro-Credential
OCCC Plus Concludes Series on Iceland, Combining Fun, Learning, Micro-Credential
June 24, 2026
Alise Rojo, a member of Latinas Unidas, reads a book to students at a local elementary school, serving as a positive role model to young children while encouraging a love for learning -- reflecting one of the core goals of her organization.
 Latinas Unidas Builds Sisterhood, Cultural Pride on OCCC Campus
March 3, 2026
Dr. Bryon Dickens, director of Students Connecting with Mentors for Success, speaks on camera about the many ways that the SCMS program benefits students on campus.
Phi Theta Kappa Produces New Video Highlighting Campus Opportunities
February 16, 2026
Computer Science Club Aims to Build Community, Skills, Career Pathways
December 4, 2025
OCCC students focus their attention on guest speaker Shelby Webb, an OCCC graduate who has since gone on to become an aerospace engineer.
OCCC Grad-Turned-Engineer Inspires Astronomy, Engineering Students
November 19, 2025
International Student Association President Basel Abougharam (left) joins a pair of fellow ISA members in showing off some new OCCC mascot merchandise following one of their organization's meetings earlier this semester.
International Student Association Makes Campus Feel Like Home
November 19, 2025
Movie poster for "Love Loss," an award-winning film written by OCCC Professor of English Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo
New English Professor Earns Accolades for Screenplay at Virginia Film Festival
November 19, 2025
Students in the Cinematography II class at OCCC take the footage above while completing an assignment that requires them to capture an entire scene in a single take.
OCCC-OCU Collaboration Enhances Opportunities for Film, Acting Students
November 19, 2025
Several members of the Music Appreciation and Performances Club take advantage of an opportunity to perform together during last year's "Artists' Corner" event.
MAP Club Seeks to Enrich Student Life by Spreading Its Passion for Music
October 29, 2025
Book Club Offers Students Opportunity to Learn About Native Experience
October 29, 2025
Professors Collaborate on Comic Strip for Street Paper Benefiting Homeless
October 29, 2025
OCCC faculty and staff gather at the Skirvin Hilton to support Dr. Bryan Fulton (center) and Mary White, both faculty members in the health professions division, as they are recognized for their outstanding contributions to healthcare education.
Director of HP Simulation Center Recognized as ‘Health Care Hero’
June 24, 2026
Motivational Interviewing Helps Students Plan Their Own Success
Motivational Interviewing Helps Students Plan Their Own Success
June 24, 2026
The cast of "Red Dirt Rainbow," a television script written by Professor of English Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo, gathers in front of a neon-lit club on the cover of the official pitch deck for the original drama series.
OCCC Professor of English Wins Award for TV Pilot at Cannes Script Festival
May 13, 2026
Many animals come by to bathe in the waters funneled down into the campus aqueducts, similar to how they would have when waters slowly moved through the wetlands this area once was.
Construction of OCCC on Wetlands Impacts Campus Drainage System
May 12, 2026
Members of Students Connecting with Mentors for Success offer a group hug to SCMS Director Bryon Dickens at a celebration held in honor of graduates of the program.
SCMS Set to Enter Its Second Decade with 10 Years of Student Success Stories
May 12, 2026
OCCC music student Daxton Clemons basks in the radiance of his music while performing last month at Texas Christian University.
OCCC Music Student Joins Orchestra as Guitarist for Professional Concert
April 16, 2026
Joining together for a group photo at a recent Valentine's Day event are: Student Government Association representatives (from left) Bassel Abougharam, treasurer; Trey Brite, senator; Gabriela Cabrera, president; Teonna Brown, vice president; David Hernandez-Chavez, director of public relations; and Ali Sanla, senator.
SGA Advocates for Student Voices, Campus Improvements at OCCC
March 27, 2026
A young visitor reaches out for a joyful fist bump with Project H.E.A.R.T. mascot Mr. Heart during a recent "Sip and Paint" event hosted by the campus organization.
Project H.E.A.R.T. Builds Community Through Service and Scholarships
March 27, 2026
The cast of "Red Dirt Rainbow," a television script written by Professor of English Kelly Cochran-Yzquierdo, gathers in front of a neon-lit club on the cover of the official pitch deck for the original drama series.
OCCC Professor of English Wins Award for TV Pilot at Cannes Script Festival
May 13, 2026
OCCC Dean of Social Sciences Jason Hall (left) presents the first-ever Outstanding New Faculty award to Chair of Political Science Laura Halstied at the Academic Affairs Faculty & Staff Recognition Luncheon held recently inside the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Outstanding Faculty, Staff Members Honored at Awards Luncheon Hosted by Academic Affairs
April 16, 2026
Chloe Elimam, a digital media design professor at OCCC, illustrated "Star Dance" (above) as the capstone project for her bachelor's degree.
Digital Media Design Professor Illustrates Children’s Book
April 16, 2026
Coordinator of the World Languages and Cultures Center Chiaki Troutman (right) and Professor of English Lori Farr pose together following a successful "Coffee and Conversations" event organized by the WLCC leader last semester.
Meet the Beating Heart, Guiding Hand of the WLCC
February 16, 2026
At a national meeting, OCCC Chair of Mathematics Chris Oehrlein shares a poster presentation focused on active learning and teaching in an AI environment.
OCCC Math Chair Receives National Teaching Award
February 16, 2026
David Schemenauer, the senior printing services technician at OCCC, specializes in printing large-format signs and banners like this one publicizing the spring career fair.
Former Student Worker Turns Early Job into Professional Career
April 16, 2026
Adrian Diaz-Palacios feeds his son Ricardo Diaz-Viramontes after graduating from OCCC as a paramedic.
OCCC Nursing Graduate Fulfills Dream of Working to Help and Save Others
March 27, 2026
Artwork by Kylie Orthman
How Karaoke Became a Tool That Allowed Me to Express Myself
July 22, 2026
Following a Latinas Unidas meeting, Ruby Valdez (holding cake) prepares to celebrate her birthday at a surprise party organized by her friends.
SGA President Ruby Valdez Shares Conversation About Her OCCC Journey
July 22, 2026
McGee family members (from left) Carson, Jonas, Shannon and Keith pose before a Yukon Christmas light display in their final family photo before father Keith passed away.
The Silver Linings to the Trials We Face
June 24, 2026
All decked out in their finest, members of Students Connecting with Mentors for Success – including Jonas McGee (far right) – pose with their beloved leader, SCMS Director Bryon Dickens (center), at the Rosewood Gala.
How SCMS Set Me Up for Future Success
May 12, 2026
Illustration by Kylie Orthman
Finding My Voice
April 27, 2026
Artwork by Kylie Orthman
How Karaoke Became a Tool That Allowed Me to Express Myself
July 22, 2026
McGee family members (from left) Carson, Jonas, Shannon and Keith pose before a Yukon Christmas light display in their final family photo before father Keith passed away.
The Silver Linings to the Trials We Face
June 24, 2026
All decked out in their finest, members of Students Connecting with Mentors for Success – including Jonas McGee (far right) – pose with their beloved leader, SCMS Director Bryon Dickens (center), at the Rosewood Gala.
How SCMS Set Me Up for Future Success
May 12, 2026
Illustration by Kylie Orthman
Finding My Voice
April 27, 2026
Art by Kylie Orthman
How Campus Life Helped Reshape Me into a Better Version of Myself
April 16, 2026

The Pioneer

The Pioneer
Jonas McGee

Jonas McGee, Managing Editor

Pioneer Managing Editor Jonas McGee is currently majoring in both mass communications and English pre-education/literature at OCCC. After graduation, he plans to pursue a career in journalism – perhaps through the Report for America national service program – so that he can achieve his dual goals of utilizing his creativity while also making a positive difference in the world.

All content by Jonas McGee
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