OC honors accomplished Humanities and Bible alumni at the 2021 Homecoming Banquet

OC will honor the individuals during the 2021 Homecoming.

Each year, Oklahoma Christian University selects influential alumni, donors, faculty or volunteers to receive honors at the annual Homecoming Banquet. This year is no different. The five honorees for OC’s homecoming banquet are Allison Garrett, Jose Cruz, Sydney (Hill) Reneau, Benton and Paula Baugh and Mel Sr. and Marly Latorre. Each honoree has been chosen because of their accomplishments and generosity to the OC community. 

Allison Garrett is the distinguished alumni of the year. The English alumna is set to begin her new role as Chancellor and CEO of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education on Nov. 8. Garrett served for five and a half years as the president of Emporia State University in Kansas. During that time, ESU had records in student retention, fundraising, graduate student enrollment and graduation rates. 

Jose Cruz is a 2012 OC Broadcast Journalism graduate and a young alumnus of the year. Cruz was sworn in as state representative for the 89th Oklahoma House District on Nov. 11, 2020. Compelled to help his community after graduating from Oklahoma City University School of Law in May of 2020, he is also a first-generation college graduate. 

Sydney (Hill) Reneau is a 2016 Interior Architecture OC graduate. Also a young alumna of the year, Reneau was honored by “The Journal Record,” being honored through its Annual Excellence in Construction and Real Estate Awards as a “Rising Star in Construction.” She has been with CMS Willowbrook for three years as a project engineer. She received her master's in Constructive Science from Oklahoma University and is a former OC women’s basketball player. 

Mel Sr. and Marly Latorre are being honored with the Mission Service Award. Mel Sr. Latorre is a 1966 OC graduate. With over 30 years in the mission field, the Latorres truly put the gospel into action. Mel Sr. Latorre has been preaching since 1968, and the Latorres are on their third mission to Brazil, equipping, training and mentoring preachers and congregations daily. 

OC is honored to have these individuals representing Oklahoma Christian University at this year’s homecoming.