Northwestern Oklahoma State University alumnus Rich Cantillon will deliver the commencement address at his alma mater during the University’s spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Ranger Field.
Cantillon graduated from Northwestern in 1981 with a business administration degree. While a student at Northwestern, he loved being part of Sigma Theta Kappa Fraternity, served in the Student Government Association, and enjoyed playing intramurals.
Upon graduation, Cantillon dedicated his career to business and community leadership. He owned Bob’s Picture Box Too for 14 years, served as CEO of the Blackwell Chamber for eight years and the Ponca City Chamber for 20 years. After retirement from the Ponca City Chamber, he went to work for Village Travel as a tour director.
“I’ve been to 14 states including a trip to Yellowstone National Park,” Cantillon said. “I get the opportunity to be their guide while traveling on a beautiful motor coach. I meet all kinds of people and truly enjoy being a tour director.”
Cantillon has earned numerous honors, including Outstanding Blackwell Citizen in 1994, Outstanding Oklahoma Chamber Executive in 2010, was inducted into the Oklahoma Chamber Hall of Fame in 2021 and was named a Northwestern Foundation/Alumni Outstanding Graduate for Business/Professional in 2022.
“Northwestern changed my life,” Cantillon said. “Incredible instructors, awesome friends, beautiful campus, and it’s where I met my wife!”
Cantillon and his wife, Pam, have been married 42 years. They are both members of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, where Rich has taught high school religion for over 30 years. They share three children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law and six grandchildren.
For more information on the Northwestern Commencement ceremonies, visit www.www.nwosu.edu/commencement-information. A livestream link for the commencement exercises can be found the day of the event at www.YouTube.com/NWOSURangers. Follow Northwestern on social media to stay up-to-date with upcoming events at the university.
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