By Cass Rain
Local banker Daron A. Rudy believes Enid is far ahead of other communities in improvements to the economy and quality of life, but the Enid community can’t be complacent or rest on its laurels.
"The goal we all ought to have is to see Enid thrive,” Rudy, senior vice president of wealth planning at Central National Bank, said. “If you want kids and grandkids to stay in this world, then you’ve got to build a world they want to be in.”
Rudy works to develop Enid community members through education.
“We do real well finding projects that need support,” he said about Enid’s volunteer base and projects that need future and continuing support. “But schools are probably No. 1.”
Quick to point out a lot has been done for all of Enid’s educational institutions, Rudy said there is more to be done.
“Enid is blessed. It’s got some very, very dedicated teachers,” he said. “We’re not anywhere near the worst, but there’s more we could do.”
Rudy would like to see an expansion of higher education in Enid and encourages Northwest Oklahoma State University to hold more courses in Enid.
As an adjunct professor for the Oklahoma Wesleyan College, Rudy helps give residents with ties to Vance Air Force Base a chance for higher education or a continuation of education. He also serves on the board of trustees for the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Foundation.
The satellite campus helps those who might not make it to classes offered in cities other than Enid, Rudy said.
Rudy teaches financial planning but has also taught business law and ethics. Rudy’s experience as both a lawyer and a financial planner have helped him in the classroom.
Rudy said the organizations he’s been involved with have given him a broader perspective of Enid and have allowed him to recognize the needs of most segments of Enid.
Rudy’s stint as the Ward 4 city commissioner gave him exposure to the needs of the entire city, he said.
“You get a unique view of what people need and want,” Rudy said. “You get a broader view of the community.”
A lot of Rudy’s work is meant to help one segment of Enid that may go overlooked – the children.
Rudy is the president of the Enid Kiwanis and is on the fund-raising committee of Leonardo’s Discovery Warehouse.
The Kiwanis have always helped children through fund raisers and other charitable work; however, most don’t realize the benefits of the group’s work immediately.
Rudy said the Kiwanis train in Meadowlake Park is an example of a lasting image for those who’ve experienced it.
“The train is unique to Enid and is in the memories of generations,” he said. “There are grandparents who remember riding the train, and they get a chance to ride with their grandchildren.”
Enid has other attractions that benefit children and offer a special place.
Rudy’s desire to play role in Leonardo’s stems with the museum’s unique qualities and learning opportunities.
“Leo’s is unique to Enid,” Rudy said, “and it’s a huge benefit to Enid.”
Rudy said he has heard of parents bringing their children from Oklahoma City just to visit Leonardo’s.
“We need to appreciate the fact we have it,” he said. “We need to build upon what we have and continue to improve it to make it stronger.”
Leonardo’s Executive Director Julie Baird said Rudy’s experience helps in his volunteer position on the group’s fund-raising committee.
“Daron is a great guy,” Baird said. “He has such a varied background he brings a lot of experience and expertise to Leonardo’s.”
Aside from education, Rudy sees some of Enid’s recent business opportunities spawning more chances for the community to continue its growth and strengthen its appeal.
Rudy cited the announcement by Advance Food Co. of a major expansion that will add at least 500 jobs and the establishment of the state’s first major ethanol plant as major reasons other industries may want settle in Enid.
An educated workforce and other opportunities, such as housing and recreation, offer good reason for people and businesses to come to Enid, and stay.
“If we want people here and want them to stay, we need to offer them a package of industry, employment and opportunities,” he said.
Saying Enid is ahead of other communities on the grow, Rudy believes the key to drive Enid in the next five-to-10 years is by creating a package to attract employment.
Rudy said he has lived all over the United States, most recently in the East, but has never seen such hard working people.
“We’ve got a work ethic here I haven’t seen anywhere else.”
The father of three and five-year Enid resident applies that same work ethic in the organizations and groups he’s helped.
“If you become involved, you’ll be surprised how much you enjoy it,” he said.
“Like most things in life, it is what you make it.”
