NEO celebrates 104th year, announces new hammock park

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College celebrated its 104th year during the annual Founders’ Day ceremony, where the college announced this year’s Mabon Award winner, the addition of a new hammock park on campus.

James Mabon, a State Representative who served in the Fourth through the Ninth Oklahoma Legislature, petitioned the state to establish a college dedicated to the study of mining and metals to improve the development of Oklahoma’s mining industry.

Mabon joined with Senator J. J. Smith of Miami to craft Senate Bill No. 225, which passed on March 17, 1919, officially establishing the Miami School of Mines, which later became NEO.

In honor of Representative Mabon, NEO selects a proposal each year for the Mabon Award in coordination with Founders’ Day. The award provides up to $2,000 toward an on-campus improvement project submitted by faculty, staff, students, or campus group.

The 2023 Mabon Award was presented to the Student Body Government and President of Phi Theta Kappa for a hammock park to be built on campus. The hammock park offers a comfortable, convenient study and social area for students and employees on campus.

“The hammock park creates a new space for students to enjoy the outdoors, interact with their peers, and have a neutral hangout space on campus, which allows for the intermingling of different groups,” said SBG Secretary Goldie Snow.

Dr. Mark Osborn spoke on behalf of the Osborn family and his mother, Jane Osborne, who is the granddaughter of James Mabon.

The Mabon Award has funded campus projects such as enhanced study areas in the library and the centennial outdoor classroom.