OKLAHOMA CITY (September 16, 2022) – To honor a company leader’s legacy, Paycom Software Inc., (NYSE:PAYC) awarded the 2022 Barry Cladinos Memorial Perseverance Scholarship to Joshua Castles, a student leader at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO).
Paycom established the scholarship in 2018 to honor the life and legacy of Cladinos and provide financial assistance to Edmond students. Castles, an Edmond North High School graduate and a senior business administration major at UCO, is the fourth recipient.
“I’m grateful to be this year’s Barry Cladinos Memorial Perseverance Scholarship recipient,” said Castles. “I want to say a big thank you to Paycom and UCO for this recognition. I’m really blessed because this is the first scholarship I’ve ever received. ”
Castles is passionate about helping others. In 2021, he spent 10 months in Guatemala as part of a mission trip. While there, he taught English and learned how to speak Spanish.
“Before going to Guatemala, I didn’t speak Spanish at all, but now I’m involved in a number of Latin American ministries on campus,” Castles said. After graduating, Castles plans to go abroad again and serve as a youth minister. He also hopes to use his degree to manage and expand a ministry program.
“We’re pleased to continue this important tradition and honor Barry by giving this scholarship to one of tomorrow’s leaders,” said AJ Griffin, Paycom director of community and government affairs. “Barry was known as a servant-hearted person, and we are grateful for the impact he had at Paycom.”
Barry Cladinos, an Edmond North High School and University of Central Oklahoma alumnus, served as a supervisor in the New Client Setup department before his death in 2017. Barry is remembered as a caring mentor and team-oriented individual who established strong relationships and friendships with a positive outlook and compassionate heart. He was a loving husband and enjoyed serving his community through numerous outreach and charity events.