DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University celebrated its history Thursday with a community-wide open house that featured speakers, a ribbon-cutting, live music, campus tours, and cold watermelon.

The watermelon was cold as the community celebrated open house at Southeastern.

An impressive crowd of civic leaders, community members,? faculty, staff, and students gathered on the front lawn of Morrison Hall to take part in the festivities.

Speakers on the program included Southeastern president Larry Minks, Student Government Association president Demetra Wilkerson, mayor Jerry Tomlinson, city manager James Dunegan, executive director of the chamber of commerce Janet Reed, chamber members of the month Vann Dixon, Tommy Kramer, and Cindy Kirkpatrick, and David Norris, professor emeritus of history.

“The University is indeed proud to be a part of this dynamic community, and we thank you for celebrating this historical day with us – as the first day of classes at Southeastern Normal School were held on June 14, 1909,’’ Minks told the audience.

A symbolic ribbon-cutting concluded the program, and music was provided by Logan Russell and Zach Ray.

The crowd poses for the symbolic ribbon cutting at Thursday’s open house.