ALUMNI BANQUET
12 PM - 2 PM | Murray State Event Center, Ardmore
We will conclude the week with the Annual Alumni Banquet & Reunion. While the Park Student Union is under renovation, the event will be held at the Murray State Event Center in Ardmore at Noon. We will recognize this year’s Distinguished Alumni, Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, and the Champion Award recipient. Additionally, we will be hosting a silent auction during the banquet, where you can bid on exciting items and experiences.
ALUMNI HONOREES
Ann Holloway is from Ardmore, Oklahoma, and was appointed as an Oklahoma State Regent
by Governor Fallin in 2013. She was previously appointed by Governor Keating in 2000
to serve a nine-year term as a RUSO Board of Regent. She was also appointed by Keating
to the Professional Responsibility Tribunal for the Oklahoma Bar Association. She
is very active in local civic and community organizations, holding various positions
within the Oklahoma Republican Party for over 40 years. She received her Associate
of Science degree from Murray State College and a Bachelor of Science degree from
Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She and her husband, Fred, currently live
in Ardmore. She is a managing member of the EAH, LLC, which holds investments in oil,
gas, and real estate and serves as president of Holloway Incorporated.
We are excited to introduce our second honoree, Lorene Walker Auld. She will be bestowed
with the esteemed title of Distinguished Alumni at this year’s Alumni Banquet.
As one of the oldest living Murray State College alumni, Lorene Walker Auld began
attending Murray State in 1936 and graduated two years later in the top 10 percent
of her class with an associate’s degree in science. Nearly a decade later, in 1944,
Auld was invited by A.D. Patton, the then-acting president of Murray State to join
the school’s staff. She would first serve as Patton’s secretary before going on to
teach classes in typing, shorthand, and accounting while also serving for a time as
acting registrar. In 1946 she was appointed to the position of financial secretary,
serving directly with Murray State President Clive Murray in establishing the college’s
program offering educational opportunities to American soldiers returning home from
World War II.
Originally from Sulphur, OK, Tierani graduated from Murray State College in 2015 with
an Associate of Science degree, Summa Cum Laude. During her time at Murray State,
she excelled both academically and athletically, earning a spot on the 2014 NJCAA All-Star Team, being named MVP of the 2015 NJCAA Regional Tournament, and leading her team to a Region 2 Tournament Championship and a National Tournament appearance in 2015. She finished 2nd in the country for 3-pointers made and holds Murray State records for the most points and most 3-pointers made in a single game. Tierani averaged 20.3 PPG, shooting 37.6% from the 3-point line and 78% from the free throw line.
Following her time at Murray State, Tierani continued her athletic career at Arkansas Tech University before deciding to focus on her educational goals and transferring to the University
of Central Oklahoma. Tierani would go on to graduate as Class Marshal in 2018 with
a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude. She later completed her master’s degree in
Speech-Language Pathology at the University of Oklahoma in 2020, also Summa Cum Laude.
Now residing in Yukon, OK, Tierani works full-time as a Speech-Language Pathologist
at Sensational Kids and PRN in skilled nursing facilities. In her free time, she enjoys
watching University of Oklahoma sports, playing golf with her husband Chad, traveling,
walking her dog Zeno, and crafting.
She was a member of the President's Scholar program at Murray State and was crowned
Ms. Murray State College in 2015.
Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Al Smith now resides in Ardmore, OK. He
holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Cameron University and began his academic
journey at the University of New Orleans. Alan’s passion for golf and coaching began
early, and in 2011, he became the Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach at Murray State
College, where he helped pioneer the golf program. Under his leadership from 2011
to 2019, his teams achieved great success, including 11 All-American players, 8 Regional
Championships, and a best finish of 3rd place at the National Tournament. His contributions
earned him a nomination for the 2019 Ping National Coach of the Year.
In addition to his coaching accomplishments, Alan is semi-retired and works at Lakeview
Golf Course in Ardmore. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and supporting his
granddaughters as they compete in softball. Alan is married to Cynthia Kay Smith,
and they have two children, Julie Charnock and Ryan Smith.
Originally from Filmore, Oklahoma, Mark Hamilton graduated from Murray State College
in 1981 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He furthered his education at Southeastern
Oklahoma State University, earning degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science in
1984. Mark has had a distinguished career in education, spending 16 years at Coleman
High School, where he taught Mathematics and Computer Science while also coaching
multiple sports. Following that, he began working at Murray State, where he served
as Head Coach of Women’s Softball for 10 years, Head Coach of Women’s Basketball for
7 years, Athletic Director for 3 years, and a classroom instructor for 12 years. During
his time at Murray State from 2000 to 2012, Mark's teams achieved 9 regional championships,
made 5 Softball World Series appearances, produced 7 All-American players, and garnered
23 Academic All-American awards with 11 Academic All-American teams.
Now residing in Fillmore, Oklahoma, Mark is the General Manager of his family’s businesses,
which include Tri-Agri Farm Center, Hamilton Feed & Grain, and Native American Specialty
Products, providing agricultural services and pecan processing. Active in the pecan
industry, he serves on various boards, including the American Pecan Council and the
Oklahoma Pecan Growers' Association. Outside of work, Mark enjoys flying, skiing,
scuba diving, and watching sports, especially when it comes to cheering on his grandchildren.
He has been married to his wife, Lori, for 43 years, and they have three children
and eight grandchildren. Mark values the long-lasting friendships he has formed with
fellow alumni from Murray State College and feels humbled and honored to be inducted
into the Hall of Fame.
Wade Middleton is the President and Co-owner of Careco TV and Careco Multimedia-Entertainment,
recognized as one of the largest outdoor media production and marketing companies
in the U.S. With decades of experience in the outdoors and media, he has worked as
both an on-air talent and producer for various television programs and events. Wade
is known for his expertise in managing events, creating fishing tournaments, designing
sales programs, and media planning. He has also helped bring new products to market
while sharing his love for the outdoors through his media platforms.
Currently, he hosts several shows, including Bass Pro Shops Fisherman’s Handbook, Americana Outdoors Presented by Garmin, Yamaha’s Whitetail Diaries, Cabela's DeerGearTV, and Fishing and Hunting Texas. Additionally, he co-owns organizations like The National Walleye Tour, Texas Team
Trail, and the Inshore Fishing Association, and he directs operations for events like
The Bass Pro Shops Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship.
Originally from Oklahoma, Wade served in the U.S. Air Force and has been active with
various non-profit organizations. He has received numerous awards across different
fields and supports hunting and fishing initiatives nationwide.
Wade's contributions to the Murray State College bass fishing program have been instrumental
in its success. His guidance and support have helped elevate the program, providing
students with invaluable opportunities in competitive fishing and fostering a greater
appreciation for outdoor sports.