OKC Thunder Hosts Rose State College's Workforce Development Team Published December 19, 2024

Rose State College (RSC) recently participated in the OKC Thunder Game Partnership Event, exploring an exciting collaboration to expand aviation and STEM programs for youth and adult learners. Hosted in the Corporate Partnership Suite at the Paycom Center, RSC’s Workforce Development team engaged with OKC Thunder representatives to discuss this innovative opportunity.

The event showcased a shared commitment to innovation and community impact. Midwest City High School JROTC kicked off the evening by proudly presenting the flags during the national anthem. The crowd then celebrated Brian Muller, a Mid-Del City 4th grade teacher, who was honored as the "Teacher of the Game" by the NBA.

During the second quarter, RSC’s team had the unique opportunity to tour the ThunderVision Gameday Production Room. The behind-the-scenes experience allowed them to observe the production team’s expertise and learn about the innovative Orb and its pilot in action.

Representing Rose State College were Travis Hurst, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs; Whitney Alvis, Dean of Workforce Development; Stephanie (Brigitte) Finch, Director of K-12 Programs; and Chelsea Hunt, Director of Workforce Programs. OKC Thunder’s Luis Lopez, Corporate Partnership Sales, facilitated the discussions, emphasizing collaboration's importance in creating impactful educational opportunities.

“This partnership has the potential to open doors for learners of all ages to explore STEM and aviation in ways that truly prepare them for the workforce of the future,” said Whitney Alvis, Dean of Workforce Development. “It’s exciting to see such a strong alignment between our vision at Rose State and the Thunder’s commitment to community impact.”

The evening’s energy was electric, with the OKC Thunder securing a 118-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks to advance to the NBA Cup semifinals. Amidst the excitement, meaningful discussions between Rose State College and OKC Thunder representatives laid the foundation for a partnership to inspire future generations and strengthen pathways in aviation and STEM education.

This potential collaboration highlights RSC’s dedication to Oklahoma’s workforce and the OKC Thunder’s commitment to making a lasting community impact. Together, these organizations are poised to create innovative opportunities for learners of all ages. Thunder up!