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Officials at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) announced Mrs. Sondra Holt as the recipient of this year’s Award of Merit. Mrs. Holt will be formally honored during the Alumni Awards luncheon on Saturday, Oct. 5, at noon in the Calcagno Family Ballroom. All alumni and friends of the college are invited to attend. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under, and may be purchased by contacting the NEO Development Foundation office at 918-540-6115. NEO’s “HOMEcoming on the Range” homecoming festivities will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019.

Holt grew up in Miami and graduated from Miami High School in 1967. She was originally convinced that she wouldn’t be able to attend college for financial reasons. However, after receiving a scholarship, Holt attended NEO and graduated in 1969. Following graduation, Holt went to work for AT&T in Miami and worked for twenty-nine years in five locations during her AT&T career. She took advantage of a tuition payment plan to complete her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. After accepting an early retirement offer, she transitioned to the energy sector and worked for the Williams Company and WPX Energy in Tulsa where she retired after fifteen years in management.

Holt joined the NEO Development Foundation Board in 2017. Holt attributes most of the success of the NEO Foundation to students, noting they are passionate about accomplishing their educational goals and are willing to put in the work. She also notes that the Foundation is able to accomplish its mission thanks in large part to the leadership and support during the tenure of President Emeritus Dr. Jeff Hale and First Lady Emeritus Donna Hale, as well as the dedication of Jennifer Walker and staff.

Holt and her late husband Joe have two children and two granddaughters and she currently resides in Tulsa. Holt currently is an Adjunct Professor at NSU Broken Arrow teaching management courses, is an avid OU fan, and serves as a mentor for the Street School program through Tulsa Public Schools. “It is a privilege to recognize Sondra Holt with the Award of Merit honor,” said Jennifer Walker, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “Sondra has been a loyal ambassador for NEO and given generously of her time, talents, and resources to her alma mater. For the past two years, she has served on the NEO Development Board of Trustees. She has been very dedicated to raising money for student scholarships, academic programs, and President’s Partners.  Her efforts have helped many students realize the dream of a college education.”

For more information, contact Jordan Adams at Jordan.m.adams@neo.edu. (Photo from left: NEO Alum Daughter Lori and Mrs. Holt attend the NEO Centennial Celebration)