OKC Community College to Dedicate Keith Leftwich Memorial Library March 25

Sen. Debbe Leftwich says reading was one her husband's favorite hobbies and he carried his love for reading to his family and to others in the community.

The Oklahoma City Community College Board of Regents will dedicate the Keith Leftwich Memorial Library on Thursday, March 25, at 1:30 p.m. at the College's Library Plaza.

"Senator Leftwich sponsored legislation throughout the years that enabled Oklahoma City Community College to grow in service to its community," said Oklahoma City Community College Board Chair Darrel Lanier.

The legislative initiatives allowed the College to expand facilities, offer new and innovative programs, and increase the number of students it served. Senator Leftwich, who passed away last September, served the people of south Oklahoma City for more than 21 years. He served from 1982 to 1988 in the State House of Representatives for District 91, and from 1990 to 2003 in the State Senate, representing District 44.

College President Robert P. Todd said Senator Leftwich advocated legislation that provided $6.2 million of initial funding for the construction of the College's Library which opened in 1996. He also sponsored legislation that enabled the College to establish college revenue bonds to complete construction of the Library in 2001.

Oklahoma State Senator President Pro Tempore Cal Hobson said Keith Leftwich was devoted to south Oklahoma City and his friends, neighbors and constituents, including the students at Oklahoma City Community College.

"Affixing his name to this Library is a great honor and fitting tribute to one of the greatest supporters the College has ever known,” Hobson said.

The 109,000 square foot Library offers information services and computing resources for students and the community. The facility also houses the Division of Information Technology and the Training Center.

"This state-of-the-art technology facility (Library) was made possible in large part by the leadership and hard work of Keith Leftwich," Regent Chair Lanier added.

The public is invited to attend the dedication. Governor Brad Henry, legislative leaders and community dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony.

Contact info

Jessica Martinez-Brooks Oklahoma City Community College (405) 682-7590 E-mail: jmbrooks@okccc.edu