The Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) will honor Larry Duffy, Executive Secretary for Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC) Foundation, by inducting him into the OACC Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The recognition ceremony will be held Friday, October 3, at 12:30 p.m. at the Oklahoma City Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center.
A 1962 graduate of Frederick High School, Duffy first attended Altus Junior College as a non-traditional student, earning his associate in arts degree in 1975—the first class to graduate under the name Western Oklahoma State College. He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
In 1978, Duffy was hired at Western as a vocal and instrumental music instructor, beginning what would become a 47-year career dedicated to students and the growth of the institution. Over the years, he has served as Music Department Chair, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, and Vice President of Development and Alumni Affairs. After his “semi-retirement” in 2013, he accepted his current role as Executive Secretary of the WOSC Foundation, Inc.
Duffy’s leadership has extended far beyond the campus. He has served in numerous roles in the Altus community, his church, and Rotary International at local, district, and international levels. His accomplishments for the WOSC Foundation include securing funding for transformational projects and championing the value of community college education.
In recognition of his lifelong impact, Duffy has been inducted into the WOSC Alumni Association Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame, and the college has honored him by naming “The Larry Duffy Hall” on campus.
“In 1978, Western Oklahoma State College received a tremendous blessing when Larry Duffy accepted a position as a vocal and instrumental instructor,” said Dr. Chad Wiginton, President of Western Oklahoma State College. “Since that time, he has given his heart and soul to the institution and played a vital role in shaping it into what it is today. Larry has been a leader, mentor, cheerleader, and friend to countless students, faculty, and staff. The impact he has had on Western and Oklahoma higher education is truly indescribable. His successes within the WOSC Foundation will continue to positively affect students and programs for generations to come.”
Duffy’s induction into the OACC Hall of Fame recognizes not only his decades of service to Western but also his enduring influence on higher education and the communities of southwest Oklahoma.