News

Officials at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) announced Representative Ben and Barbara Loring will serve as Grand Marshals of the NEO Homecoming Parade. The couple will lead the homecoming parade around campus on Saturday, Oct. 13. The annual parade begins at 4 p.m. and will feature NEO’s homecoming dignitaries, king and queen candidates, and decorated floats. “We are honored to have Ben and Barbara Loring serve as this year’s homecoming parade marshals,” said Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “The Lorings have both been great advocates for public and higher education and their service has made a profound impact on our community and state.”

Mr. Loring has served as the district 7 representative to the Oklahoma House of Representatives since 2014. Prior to his service in the legislature, he was the Ottawa County District Attorney from 1991 to 1999 and First Assistant from 2004 to 2014. Representative Loring serves on several committees, including Appropriations and Budget, Judiciary, and Public Safety Committees.

Mrs. Loring works part-time as a special educator for Miami Public Schools. After a 33-year career, she retired in 2012, but remains active in several community organizations. Most recently, she received special recognition from the Child Advocates of Northeast Oklahoma (CANO) for her volunteer work with their Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. Loring is a member of the Miami Pilot Club, a member of the Gabriel Project with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and sits on the Board of directors for CANO-CASA. The Lorings are avid supporters of the Miami community and NEO and Representative Loring has taught adjunct criminal justice courses for NEO in the past. They have two adult sons who both served in the U.S. Army. For more information about NEO homecoming activities, visit NEO.edu/homecoming or contact Nancy Roberts at Nancy.Roberts@neo.edu.