ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ

ALUMNI BANQUET

12 PM - 2 PM | ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State Event Center, Ardmore
 
We will conclude the week with the Annual Alumni Banquet & Reunion. While the Park Student Union is under renovation, the event will be held at the ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State Event Center in Ardmore at Noon. We will recognize this year’s Distinguished Alumni, Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, and the Champion Award recipient. Additionally, we will be hosting a silent auction during the banquet, where you can bid on exciting items and experiences.

 

ALUMNI HONOREES

Lorene Auld
 
We are excited to introduce our second honoree, Lorene Walker Auld. She will be bestowed with the esteemed title of Distinguished Alumni at this year’s Alumni Banquet.
As one of the oldest living ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State College alumni, Lorene Walker Auld began attending ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State in 1936 and graduated two years later in the top 10 percent of her class with an associate’s degree in science. Nearly a decade later, in 1944, Auld was invited by A.D. Patton, the then-acting president of ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State to join the school’s staff. She would first serve as Patton’s secretary before going on to teach classes in typing, shorthand, and accounting while also serving for a time as acting registrar. In 1946 she was appointed to the position of financial secretary, serving directly with ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State President Clive ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ in establishing the college’s program offering educational opportunities to American soldiers returning home from World War II.

Tierani Smith
 
Originally from Sulphur, OK, Tierani graduated from ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State College in 2015 with an Associate of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude. During her time at ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State, she excelled both academically and athletically, earning a spot on the 2014 NJCAA All-Star Team, being named MVP of the 2015 NJCAA Regional Tournament, and leading her team to a Region 2 Tournament Championship and a National Tournament appearance in 2015. She finished 2nd in the country for 3-pointers made and holds ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State records for the most points and most 3-pointers made in a single game. Tierani averaged 20.3 PPG, shooting 37.6% from the 3-point line and 78% from the free throw line.
Following her time at ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State, Tierani continued her athletic career at Arkansas Tech University before deciding to focus on her educational goals and transferring to the University of Central Oklahoma. Tierani would go on to graduate as Class Marshal in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude. She later completed her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Oklahoma in 2020, also Summa Cum Laude.
Now residing in Yukon, OK, Tierani works full-time as a Speech-Language Pathologist at Sensational Kids and PRN in skilled nursing facilities. In her free time, she enjoys watching University of Oklahoma sports, playing golf with her husband Chad, traveling, walking her dog Zeno, and crafting.
She was a member of the President's Scholar program at ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State and was crowned Ms. ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State College in 2015.

Al Smith
 
Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Al Smith now resides in Ardmore, OK. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cameron University and began his academic journey at the University of New Orleans. Alan’s passion for golf and coaching began early, and in 2011, he became the Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach at ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State College, where he helped pioneer the golf program. Under his leadership from 2011 to 2019, his teams achieved great success, including 11 All-American players, 8 Regional Championships, and a best finish of 3rd place at the National Tournament. His contributions earned him a nomination for the 2019 Ping National Coach of the Year.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Alan is semi-retired and works at Lakeview Golf Course in Ardmore. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and supporting his granddaughters as they compete in softball. Alan is married to Cynthia Kay Smith, and they have two children, Julie Charnock and Ryan Smith.

Mark Hamilton
 
Originally from Filmore, Oklahoma, Mark Hamilton graduated from ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State College in 1981 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He furthered his education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, earning degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science in 1984. Mark has had a distinguished career in education, spending 16 years at Coleman High School, where he taught Mathematics and Computer Science while also coaching multiple sports. Following that, he began working at ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State, where he served as Head Coach of Women’s Softball for 10 years, Head Coach of Women’s Basketball for 7 years, Athletic Director for 3 years, and a classroom instructor for 12 years. During his time at ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State from 2000 to 2012, Mark's teams achieved 9 regional championships, made 5 Softball World Series appearances, produced 7 All-American players, and garnered 23 Academic All-American awards with 11 Academic All-American teams.
Now residing in Fillmore, Oklahoma, Mark is the General Manager of his family’s businesses, which include Tri-Agri Farm Center, Hamilton Feed & Grain, and Native American Specialty Products, providing agricultural services and pecan processing. Active in the pecan industry, he serves on various boards, including the American Pecan Council and the Oklahoma Pecan Growers' Association. Outside of work, Mark enjoys flying, skiing, scuba diving, and watching sports, especially when it comes to cheering on his grandchildren. He has been married to his wife, Lori, for 43 years, and they have three children and eight grandchildren. Mark values the long-lasting friendships he has formed with fellow alumni from ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State College and feels humbled and honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Wade Middleton
 
Wade Middleton is the President and Co-owner of Careco TV and Careco Multimedia-Entertainment, recognized as one of the largest outdoor media production and marketing companies in the U.S. With decades of experience in the outdoors and media, he has worked as both an on-air talent and producer for various television programs and events. Wade is known for his expertise in managing events, creating fishing tournaments, designing sales programs, and media planning. He has also helped bring new products to market while sharing his love for the outdoors through his media platforms.
Currently, he hosts several shows, including Bass Pro Shops Fisherman’s Handbook, Americana Outdoors Presented by Garmin, Yamaha’s Whitetail Diaries, Cabela's DeerGearTV, and Fishing and Hunting Texas. Additionally, he co-owns organizations like The National Walleye Tour, Texas Team Trail, and the Inshore Fishing Association, and he directs operations for events like The Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship.
Originally from Oklahoma, Wade served in the U.S. Air Force and has been active with various non-profit organizations. He has received numerous awards across different fields and supports hunting and fishing initiatives nationwide.
Wade's contributions to the ÌìÃÀÓ°ÊÓ State College bass fishing program have been instrumental in its success. His guidance and support have helped elevate the program, providing students with invaluable opportunities in competitive fishing and fostering a greater appreciation for outdoor sports.