Ginnie Graham: Record number of inmates earn TCC certificates, GEDs

HOMINY - Turning nacho cheese tortilla chips into a California-fresh sauce was among the recipes propelling a hustling drug dealer into an affluent, innovative culinary artist.

In between was prison for Chef Jeff Henderson, and he doesn't shy away from the lessons learned.

Henderson has been featured on "Oprah," the "Today Show," "The View" and many other national networks promoting his three books and several food television programs. He was the first African-American executive chef at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas and later became the top chef at Café Bellagio.

He has also been to at least eight of the Tulsa Community College graduations at the Dick Conner Correctional Center since the TCC Corrections Education program was founded a decade ago as a partnership between the school and the Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

"I wasn't meant to be a chef," Henderson said. "But being a chef became a vehicle to doing what I do today."

Tulsa holds a special place for Henderson, who was asked by TCC Second Chance program founder Peggy Dyer, former west campus provost, to be its first commencement speaker. TCC was the first college to offer Henderson such an invitation.

"It's a part of my family - the TCC program," he said. "And these guys are committed to the program."

Last week, a record 56 men received TCC certificates and one earned an associate's degree in business. Also, an all-time high of 46 completed their GED certifications.

Part of the reason for the large class was the opportunity for inmates to apply for federal Pell grants for the first time since 1994. Last year, the Second Chance Pell pilot program by the U.S. Department of Education launched to enroll 12,000 inmates from 67 colleges and universities to continue their education behind bars. Congress had previously banned prisoners from using federal funds for education.

Terrell Blount, program associate of the Vera Institute for Justice, explained why his nonprofit and other advocates pushed for this program.

"Research on incarcerated people shows that those who participate in college education programs are 43 percent less likely to commit new crimes after their release from prison," Blount said.

Of the graduates, 45 earned a business user certificate, which is a six credit-hour program. Another 11 completed the business user and a nine credit-hour landscape design specialist certificate.

Oklahoma ranks fifth nationally in the rate of incarcerated men. That rate has fluctuated within the top 10 in the nation for decades.

TCC officials say the recidivism rate for those completing the TCC program while in prison is less than 5 percent, which is less than the state's average of 20 percent.

So far, more than 500 students have gone through the TCC program, with 17 earning associate's degrees and 386 receiving certificates. In 2009, it expanded to include women at the Turley Residential Center and the Women in Recovery program operated by Family & Children's Services.

The chapel was filled with graduates young and old celebrating their accomplishments - and their futures. For three hours, their pasts didn't seem so insurmountable.

Walking up to get a group photo, Frank Cozzone stopped to shake hands with strangers. He earned a business computer certificate.

"I've never graduated at anything before. This is my first one," said the 51-year-old. "This means so much to me. It shows I can be a better person and elevate myself to doing something greater."

Cozzone is up for a parole review in about three years for a 2011 conviction on possession of pornography of a juvenile. He plans to continue his education through an associate's degree and maybe a bachelor's.

"This has given me an opportunity to accomplish something, and I never really had a chance before," he said. "I've got a chance now. Prison is awful. I am not going to be back to prison. This is my one and only time here."

As Adrian Ayub crossed the stage, his mother yelled out, "I love you, son." The 22-year-old received a business computer certificate and had previously earned a GED while incarcerated.

Jessica Ayub cried as she watched him. Later, she had a hard time letting go of his arm, giving hugs and referring to him as her "baby boy."

"I know he is capable of doing so much more. Just because he is in here doesn't mean he stops," she said. "He can do more. I am so proud of him, and I miss him. I know one day he will be home and he will be ready. ... I have seen so much change in him it brings tears to my eyes."

Ayub pleaded guilty in 2015 to first-degree manslaughter for the April 2014 death of Karina Sandoval-Jimenez, who was a passenger in a robbery getaway car when shot by responding law enforcement officers. He received a 45-year sentence.

Encouraged by other inmates to finish his education, Ayub found himself challenged by the material. He plans to pursue an associate's and bachelor's degree in business. His mother says he would miss their allowed telephone calls because of homework.

"It was a 180 turnaround for me," Ayub said. "The next time, it will be amazing to have an associate's degree. I would be the second person in our family to have a college degree. It's been a little crazy, but I'm learning a lot. There is an awesome staff and tutors.

"Even in a place like this, you can find happiness."

Ayub used a Pell grant to help him pay for the classes.

"My mother is a single mom with five children, so every little bit counts. It's a blessing to have and a big, big help," Ayub said. "Ultimately, I'd like to build a happy and secure life for family and myself."

Department of Corrections Director Joe Allbaugh showed a rare side of himself to the inmates.

"When you leave the system, your debt has been paid to society. You are a productive citizen now," Allbaugh said. "You won't believe this, but I love you. We have 20,000 people in our system, and I love each one of you. It's hard living in prison. It takes guts, determination and will power to do what you've done. You'll have good days and bad days, that's life. We all live it. I make mistakes myself, every day. I'm my harshest critic; you need to be your harshest critic.

"God doesn't care who you were, he cares who you are today. You've paid your debt when you leave. Then, the hard part is next in moving forward. No excuses. No blaming anyone. We love you. Now, do something with this."