2020-2021 roundUP

DearRangerFamily,

While the past year has provided many challenges on our campuses and in our communities, the Ranger attitude of not giving in and insisting we will make great things happen has been unmistakable. Administrators, faculty and staff worked to ensure a safe learning environment during a difficult and high risk time that we have never seen in modern history Students continued their studies and faculty members were relentless in their goal to teach In December 2020 and May 2021, graduates walked across the commencement stage to receive their degrees

The Northwestern Alumni Board met mostly by Zoom while our cherished events were canceled But we continued to work with the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association on a new program that we believe will be a game changer for our students, our alumni and our greater Northwestern community

Launched in June, Ranger2Ranger is the formal mentoring program that creates valuable connections between students and professionals. The networking a student has with “someone who has been there” is an advantage we want to offer to all of our students, and I am asking all of you to join me in this exciting, rewarding program. In addition to networking and guiding students, Ranger2Ranger can support Northwestern alumni in connecting with alumni in their fields of work.

For more information about Ranger2Ranger, please go to page 16. I look forward to you joining me and other alumni in making a difference in the journeys of our students

Ride, Rangers, Ride!

President Northwestern Alumni Association Board

Dear NorthwesternFamily,

I hope this issue of roundUP finds you healthy and full of optimism for the new year. While we have missed connecting with our Ranger friends due to event cancellations during the past year, we continue to prepare for new opportunities to connect in person or otherwise

During the weeks of working at home last year, the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association team made more than 800 phone calls to check in and connect with our Ranger alumni The conversations were wonderful and welcomed on both sides of the call.

In December 2020, the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association launched its new website, ournorthwestern.org. This website was designed with the end user in mind and provides a unique experience for our Northwestern community Users can now join the Foundation & Alumni Community and have access to their personal dashboard.

Northwestern’s inaugural mentoring program was introduced in June 2021, as described in Jeremiah’s letter The Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association, with support from the Northwestern Alumni Board, began recruiting mentors who include alumni, donors and friends of Northwestern Northwestern students started signing on in August We believe this program will be transformative in enriching our students’ academic journeys and the inception into their first job after commencement Go to page 16 for more information

While the realities of our public health environment continue to create some uncertainty for the months ahead, I encourage every one reading this message to connect with family and friends. We want to hear from you and we want to have a conversation with you Visit our new website, sign up for our eNewsletter, be a mentor through the Ranger2Ranger mentoring program and visit campus if you can. We are looking forward to it.

Ride, Rangers, Ride.

John Allen Director, Alumni Relations

NFR World Champion

By Kat Lunn

When Jacob Edler first started competing in rodeos at the age of 14, people Edler first the would rush to the fence to see what kind of mess he was going to get into into

“The first rodeo that I ever competed in, I fell off my horse and into the bucking ever in, fell my bucking chutes; I looked like a complete clown,” said Edler. “Anymore, it seems like a clown,” Edler. people are rushing to the fence to see what I’m going to get done in the arena rushing I’m going get It’s only taken 13 years of my life, but every day is starting to pay off ” It’s

No stranger to hard work, Edler is thankful to have grown up on a large farm hard work, Edler thankful have grown large farm near State Center, Iowa. State

“Living there, you dang sure had to work for your keep I wouldn't have grown up any other way. It really taught me a lot of responsibility and shows you that taught responsibility hard work reaps rewards ” ”

As someone who easily finds work, Edler credits growing up on a farm, someone a attending Northwestern, and the several farmers who he has worked with for several has instilling his knowledge of agriculture. In 2018, Edler graduated from instilling his 2018, Northwestern with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education Northwestern agriculture

“I’m super blessed that I got the opportunity to come to Northwestern and opportunity receive a great education,” said Edler.

Edler's support system support system “It’s difficult to describe how satisfying it is as an educator to witness the describe success your students experience, both in the classroom and in their post post collegiate lives,” Dr. Dean Scarbrough, Chair of Northwestern’s Agriculture Agriculture Department, explained

“Not long before Jacob graduated from Northwestern with his agriculture graduated degree, he stopped by my office one afternoon to talk about some of his future office one talk plans," Dr. Scarbrough added. "As you would expect, making it to the National it the Finals Rodeo was at the top of his list, and he knew exactly what it was going top of list, it going to take to make that dream a reality To see Jacob’s dedication and hard work make dedication pay off in such a big way just a couple of years later is really a testament to the in a big to grit he has woven into his DNA All of us in the Agriculture Department were he has his All of us the Agriculture overjoyed for Jacob when he earned the title of World Champion in December 2020 ” ”

Along with Dr. Scarbrough, Edler recognizes former agriculture instructors with recognizes Steve Sneary and Dr Jim Gilchrist, along with Stockton Graves, his head rodeo Sneary and Gilchrist, along with Stockton his head rodeo coach, for contributing to his success as a Ranger. for his Ranger.

Prior to the National Finals Rodeo in December 2020, Graves coached Edler Finals Rodeo December and his teammate Bridger Anderson in the practice pen every day. Graves had his practice pen every day. Graves qualified for the NFR seven times, so he knew exactly what they needed to do to prepare.

“Graves really changed my attitude and the way I looked at rodeo,” Edler and the said. “Graves is always positive no matter what the situation is. That’s the way you’ve got to be about everything you do in life If you go into it with got be about everything do life If go with a positive attitude, it may not work out the first time, second time, or not out first or even the fifth time If you stay positive, you’re eventually going to be a time stay you’re going be winner and a champion no matter what you do in life And Graves and do showed me that.”

Every cowboy takes a fair share of falls. When Edler broke his leg during fair broke during a college rodeo season, he was forced to go back home to heal Edler to drove a tractor on his family farm to pass the time, which left him plenty farm of time to reflect on his career in rodeo. to reflect

“In hindsight, it was what needed to happen to figure out what I needed to to do differently to change my rodeo career,” Edler explained “Every cloud has a silver lining ” lining.”

NFR World Championship, 2020 NFR

Full of pride, out of breath and with a big smile on his face, Edler pride, launched his hat into the air in celebration Although he had just became in celebration a world champion, Edler wanted the world to understand one thing: one “World, I am going to be a dad!” am going to be a dad!”

Edler and his wife, Mariah, welcomed their daughter, Taylee, in May and in 2021 During an interview with The Gauge podcast earlier this year, Edler During with podcast said, “It was actually my dream to announce that I was having a kid as I was my announce that was a as was getting a gold buckle was

“That really put the cherry on top,” Edler had said. “This winning feels the had winning great, but I can't imagine what being a dad will be like I bet it smashes what bet this feeling right here. I’m so excited for my wife and me to bring a life excited to a into this world ” world ”

Every morning for two weeks following Edler’s win, Edler woke up woke wondering if he was still dreaming wondering if he still dreaming

"

"I was just super happy, and proud of myself for all that I gave " I I gave "

As Edler’s rodeo career progresses, Ranger Rodeo fans will continue to Rodeo fans “rush to the fence” to see what he will accomplish in the arena to what will the

Photo by James Phifer Photo by

Photo by James Phifer

Photo by Azin Ghaffari

The seven year old Lusitano stallion was distressed and down in the stall Imported from Brazil, the horse was brought to the the Brazil, the to United States for breeding and showing purposes, but his States and his future looked bleak as Andrew Willis, DVM, and his veterinarian looked and team began their examination. Severe gastric reflux meant that their Severe gastric reflux that foods and fluids could not pass through the horse’s digestive not through digestive tract. Biopsies helped the veterinary staff diagnose inflammatory bowel disease; various medical treatments had bowel disease; treatments been administered for it, but with limited success. for but

Willis and his colleagues began discussing options while and began remaining convicted to returning the horse to good health remaining returning Steroids and a month of intravenous infusion met that objective, and month and the stallion is now competing in shows and used for is now breeding. breeding.

A 2011 Northwestern graduate, Willis wasn’t always involved in in saving the lives of animals However, his passion for them started at the age of 14 when he began working on a ranch one 14 one summer

“When I started there, I literally knew nothing about horses or “When I started knew about horses or cattle,” Willis said. “I was eager to learn, but I was greener than “I learn, I green. I spent about four and a half years there off and on, over green about four and a half there off and over nights, on weekends and on school breaks I learned the basics breaks. and foundation of nearly every skillset for my professional career, and essentially every hobby that I developed as a result every of working there. It was an amazing experience.”

The passion Willis found in animals drove his desire to pursue a in degree in veterinary medicine, starting at Northwestern with his starting Northwestern bachelor’s degree.

“I was not your traditional college student,” Willis said. “During the first two and a half years of my undergraduate degree, I first undergraduate degree, lived at home with my parents in Woodward and attended in Northwestern at its campus branch there The last two and a its campus a half years, I would stay in Alva during the week, but would go would back home every weekend to ride horses ” every

When choosing his major, Willis took a non traditional route by non route by choosing agriculture over biology as a pre veterinary student. choosing agriculture biology student.

By Caitlin Hofen

“Dr. Scarborough, chair of the agriculture department, was my “Dr. the advisor. Even though it was somewhat outside of his normal advisor Even was somewhat outside of his normal advisory capacity, he really went above and beyond to ensure that I he I would obtain my veterinary pre requisites while still completing my veterinary still degree program I felt as though my knowledge base and degree program. felt though foundation on the basic sciences, as well as general animal science well general and nutrition, were more than adequate for entering veterinary nutrition, school.”

While Willis said he originally chose to attend Northwestern for its originally its convenience, he soon found more benefits than he imagined imagined

“Initially, I chose Northwestern out of convenience and it being out it being cost effective,” Willis said. “Retrospectively, Northwestern was a cost Northwestern great fit for me on an individual level I was able to get to know was to some of the instructors on a much more personal level. Not uncommonly, one could find me in a two hour lull between classes uncommonly, one could me in a two classes drinking a cup of coffee with Drs. Scarborough and Gilchrist in with and their offices ”

Upon graduating from Northwestern in 2011, Willis continued his Upon education at Oklahoma State University where he was drawn to education Oklahoma where he drawn to equine veterinary medicine

“During my first year of vet school, we did mini clinics where one we where afternoon every week of the semester we went to the teaching every the hospital for rotations,” Willis said “While I was on my equine internal medicine rotation, Todd Holbrook, DVM, DACVIM, internal DVM, DACVSMR, was explaining to me the pathophysiology of was to me the of synchronous diaphragmatic flutter with cantharidin toxicosis I diaphragmatic toxicosis. I walked away from that experience with a burning passion to do away that experience a what he did ” did.”

Nominated by his mentor, Dr Holbrook, Willis was awarded the Dr Holbrook, the Zoetis Equine Scholarship Award for an externship. He chose to pursue that externship at Brazos Valley Equine Hospitals in Equine in Navasota, Texas.

“I shied away from doing an externship between my first and “I second years of veterinary college because I felt I didn’t know college because know enough and that would be frowned upon,” Willis said. “I would and be said. encourage anyone considering an externship to just do it ” just it

After graduating from OSU in 2016, Willis participated in an After in 2016, participated in an internship at Weatherford Equine Medical Center, P.C. in Weatherford, Texas Concluding his time there, Willis then held a Texas held residency in large animal internal medicine with an equine residency large animal internal medicine with emphasis at the University of California, Davis from August 2017 to emphasis at University to July 2020. He has returned to the Weatherford Equine Facility and July He has returned the Weatherford Facility and serves as an associate veterinarian serves veterinarian

Since graduating with his Doctor of with Veterinary Medicine degree, Willis degree, sees between 1,500 to 1,800 horses annually on an inpatient, outpatient and emergency basis.

Willis offered advice for any young offered person considering a career in considering a in veterinary medicine. veterinary

“Only pursue this if it is what you you truly love,” Willis said “It takes a truly said lot of years to be able to practice lot of years be able and practice well Along that road, that road, you are going to have to make a lot are to have of sacrifices and it won’t be worth it of if your heart isn’t in it. your

“I would also highly encourage anyone pursuing this profession to profession to strongly consider an internship and strongly residency. Unlike the human residency Unlike the human medical field, veterinarians are not required to complete a residency training program to practice medicine, but doing so will change but the way that you practice for your way your entire career.”

Sue (Hildreth) Fellers, Class of 1964 (Hildreth) 1964

“It was a hot October afternoon and I was helping decorate helping decorate homecoming decks,” Sue Fellers recalled. “All the windows decks,” recalled. were open in the Fine Arts building and the choir was in Fine building was rehearsing on the third floor. I was walking by the building I when I stopped and dropped my books They were singing a and dropped my were singing a song I had done in high school and it clicked: music was what I song in music was was missing I thought ‘Oh my gosh, that’s what it is I’ve made was missing ‘Oh my it is a mistake.’” mistake.’”

Originally from Mooreland, Okla., Fellers had worked in the Originally from Mooreland, Okla., Fellers had worked the county courthouse typing court records throughout high county court high school. Once in college, she realized she was missing music realized was missing and decided to change her academic goals from business to goals music education.

“Once I began singing and playing again, I knew that was I I where I belonged.” where belonged ”

As a new Northwestern graduate, Fellers accepted a position As a new Northwestern Fellers a position with Burlington Public Schools (Okla ) as the music and art (Okla.) teacher. She taught all 12 grades of music and eight grades all of art art

Jumping out windows and gum on the piano keys out piano keys Fellers faced obstacles during her first year of teaching she Fellers faced obstacles during her first of she never imagined she would have to address to address.

“The kids were accustomed to jumping out of the windows, kids putting gum on the piano keys and locking the teacher out of out the classroom,” Fellers said “It didn’t take long for us to come didn’t for together and know this wasn’t going to happen with me. this with

“I was thrust into some situations where I needed to use some “I into I use some common sense, as well as what I had been taught about as taught discipline. It made me rethink myself several times; but once discipline. several we got squared away, it went wonderfully ” we got it went

Fellers stepped down as a teacher when her first child was as a was born. She chose to stay home and raise her children on their to farm, with every intention of returning to public education later farm, every intention returning public But her musical journey took her a different direction. musical direction.

By Caitlin Hofen

Northwestern Oklahoma State University has graduated generations of passionate individuals involved in fine arts. Alumni with degrees in music, theatre or visual arts impact the lives in our community through their talents. The following pages feature six music education graduates from several generations, sharing their journeys from Northwestern to teaching.

A renaissance for music A music

“The Baptist Church in Cherokee, Okla , wanted a music minister, so I started there once my children were “The Baptist , so started once my children were older,” Fellers said. “I’ve now been there 45 years. I’m still teaching and applying the things I was taught at older,” Fellers said. been there 45 still teaching and applying the things taught Northwestern In the time I’ve been there, I’ve had youth choir, children’s choir, hand bell choir and many more ” Northwestern In time I’ve youth choir, bell and many

As an educator, Fellers said that her favorite aspect of teaching is the result of her ensemble’s hard work As an said is the her hard

“I love the work of putting it together, but to be able to conduct and get out of people what you know is there is “I of to get a blessing,” Fellers said. “To be able to see the superior ratings at contests is an affirmation of what you’re doing a blessing,” is right One can’t sit around and enjoy the result of something one didn’t work hard for I like to be able to is One hard to to remold and help another, as well as enjoy the beauty of the music." remold the the

The Northwestern influence

The “Northwestern was small enough to make me feel at home,” Fellers said “I had friends from everywhere and I “Northwestern felt like the professors cared. My classes weren’t big, and my music classes certainly were not. If I had to do it felt like professors My to all over again, I’d do the same thing and come back to Northwestern ” all I’d and back

Rose (Kline) Blunk, Class of 1967 Class

“My favorite grade to teach was third grade,” said Rose Blunk. grade third Blunk. “They haven’t copped an attitude and they can wipe their “They copped an attitude their noses.”

An Alva native, Blunk graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma An native, from State University with a bachelor’s degree in music Like Fellers, degree Blunk took a teaching position with Burlington Public Schools where she taught for 30 years taught for

“I attended Northwestern because it was close I was married Northwestern it was I was and had children, so I wanted to come here.” children,

While teaching at Burlington, Blunk said she felt the support of While teaching at Burlington, Blunk said she felt the support of the community the community

“It was a wonderful place to teach, with a wonderful place to community and a supportive faculty. Everything was good.” and faculty. Everything good.”

Blunk taught kindergarten through 12th grade music at taught 12th at Burlington

“I taught my students intensely in music theory and music my students in music and music history I wanted them to have a solid foundation I would have history. I foundation. I them listen to classical music, which they didn’t care for them listen to classical which didn’t care for initially But in the end, they came to appreciate it " initially. But end, they it."

Blunk and her students produced many performances of their produced performances of own, with their Christmas program requiring the most work. with their program

“It allowed many of the children to star in programs they wouldn’t have been able to elsewhere,” Blunk said “The “It many the in programs have elsewhere,” “The mothers would make costumes for the children. The kids would get so excited to be able to shine in a real mothers make the to real production ” production

Upon retirement from Burlington Public Schools, Blunk obtained a master’s degree in counseling from Upon from Blunk obtained Northwestern and began her career as a counselor for seven years at South Barber Public Schools in Kiowa, Kan. Northwestern and began her counselor for at South Barber Public Schools

Appreciation for music Appreciation for Still involved in music, Blunk plays the piano by ear and performs at many community events She listens to music at Still in music, piano ear many community to music home with an appreciation for many genres, the same appreciation she instilled in her students. home an

“I listen to Frank Sinatra, then maybe some rock,” Blunk said. “Then I may be in the mood for Willie Nelson. I listen “I listen Frank then maybe rock,” Blunk said. “Then be the mood for Willie Nelson. listen to all aspects and genres of music, which is what I wanted my students to do ” to aspects wanted my to

Floyd

"Bud"

Lamke, Class of 1967 "Bud" Class

A Waynoka, Okla , native, Bud Lamke was originally set to attend Northwestern on a football scholarship, but injuries sustained in high school prevented him from playing on the collegiate level

“I had been recruited to play football my senior year of high had been recruited to football my senior year of school,” Lamke said “But the doctor wouldn’t release me school,” said. “But wouldn’t because I had received such bad concussions. Band was my because had received such bad concussions Band was second love, so I decided to pursue vocal and instrumental music so to vocal music education as my major.” major.”

Upon graduation from Northwestern in 1967, Lamke took a job in in in St John, Kan , as an assistant band director for the summer and St Kan the and following school year. However, Lamke’s number was called for the military draft a week before his first day military

Lamke was able to start his new job with a one year deferment At to start new job At the end of the school year, he moved back to his hometown of year, back Waynoka to await his active military orders await active orders

During this time, Lamke was approached with an offer to teach During time, was with an offer teach band in Waynoka and was granted a year extension before he was granted extension would be called to serve to serve

Lamke served 12 months in Vietnam and returned to his position returned to position of band director at Waynoka in 1970. After teaching there one of band director at Waynoka in After teaching there additional year, Lamke decided to pursue his master’s degree in decided to degree music education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University. education

During his master’s program, Lamke taught at Watonga, Okla., Lamke before moving to Weatherford, Okla , where he took a position as Weatherford, , a a band director.

“I was the associate band director for the high director school and middle school for six years before I was years before approached about becoming the principal of the high school, where I stayed from 1985 1997,” where I 1997,” Lamke said “In 1997, the school needed an 1997, school elementary principal and were unable to find anyone with the experience, so I stepped up to with so take the position. I finally retired the first time in time 2000 after being in Weatherford for 33 years ” being in

Who said retirement?

Lamke owned a construction company for five years before he was asked to direct the Weatherford High School band again.

“I was supposed to take over the band for the rest of the school year in 2006 In 2018, I finally retired finally for the second time. I had 44 years of teaching and I years 28 years in administration in

“There was never a day that I got up and didn’t was never a up want to go to school. Even when I was an to I was administrator, I was excited to go to work and see I was go and see the children. Year after year, I had the best job in the children. after had the best job the world I was always focused on teaching them always to be good citizens first, and being accountable for first, their actions ” ”

Northwestern’s impact

Lamke credits Northwestern with influencing his influencing life choices and his career.

“The band was like a family. The faculty truly faculty cared for every student and they wanted us to student us succeed. Our teachers did just about everything, including being great musicians themselves musicians That was such an encouragement to see our art That was such done so well by the people from whom we well by people were learning. learning.

“Northwestern gave me the opportunity to become secure in what I wanted to do It has influenced my entire life and the choices I made. life choices It was small enough that I never once felt like a small that once teacher wasn’t invested in me. If I could go back wasn’t I and do it all again, I would.” and do all I would ”

Naicee (Gugelmeyer) Sutter, Class of 2016 Class

The ornamental chandelier glittered under the house lights As the lights along the gold walls the walls dimmed and the bright overhead lights fixed overhead toward the stage, the large crowd quieted and stage, large waited for the performance. the

" "Presenting the Northwestern Oklahoma State Presenting the University Singers, live at Carnegie Hall,” University Singers, Carnegie Hall,” boomed the announcer. announcer.

As one, the choir members took a breath and one, the a heard their first notes echo across the infamous across New York City stage. York

"J "Just to be in Carnegie Hall and know who all ust be Carnegie Hall and know who all have performed on that stage and what it means performed that stage means as a musician was amazing,” Sutter said. “When as musician Sutter “When a choir clicks and melds together, all a clicks and all distractions go away. Time stops. It’s those memories that last a lifetime ” that

A native of Hardtner, Kan., Sutter said that she native of Kan , Sutter said that she has felt a passion for music her entire life But a passion life. But music wasn’t her first choice when she initially music wasn’t her first choice when she chose a major at Northwestern at Northwestern.

“I changed my major probably three or four times before I decided on music,” Sutter said

“Music has always been a big part of my life I grew up a life I singing and performing in church. Once I got back into choir, it seemed like the perfect fit for me ” choir, it ”

The perfect fit

Upon her graduation in 2016, Sutter taught K 12 at South in Barber Public Schools in Kiowa, Kan Shortly after, she accepted a position at Alva Public Schools where she currently teaches preschool 2nd grade music preschool

“I love my job,” Sutter said “It is the perfect fit for me I my is chose to teach music because I know how much I enjoy I it, so I wanted to be able to teach others and instill a life it, so wanted able a long appreciation for music as well.

“I enjoy teaching because it’s high energy and fun. Every teaching because high and fun. day is an adventure It doesn’t really feel like a job It a job because it’s so fun.” because fun.”

Sutter said while now she loves teaching others, loves education was not her initial plan when she became a music major.

“I originally didn't want to go into education,” Sutter “I originally didn't said. “I wanted to go the performance route. But as I got said wanted to the route But as deeper into music fundamentals and education courses, I realized I wanted to teach. It would be my way of sharing to It sharing a little bit of something good with the world I’m glad that glad I chose education because now I know this is what I’m I chose education I know I’m supposed to do in life This is my calling ” in is

Northwestern connections Northwestern

Sutter said she credits Northwestern with helping her she develop into the person she is today and in finding her her life long career

“Not only did I find where I needed and wanted to go to only wanted go school, I found out who I was as a person and what I who what wanted to do Therefore, I found my niche and my calling to my my in life. I owe a lot to Northwestern. There were so many life. I a lot Northwestern. There opportunities I received at Northwestern that I wouldn’t received at Northwestern I have gotten elsewhere. The relationships and and connections that I still keep to this day, all came from this Northwestern.”

Josh Faulkner, Class of 2015 and 2021 Josh Class of 2015 2021

Students at Northwestern Oklahoma State University Students University can be involved in a number of activities through the can the Fine Arts program. Josh Faulkner was an active member Fine active of band, choir and theatre. of band, choir and theatre

A graduate of Hooker (Okla.) High School, Faulkner A graduate of Hooker (Okla ) Faulkner chose to attend Northwestern after he toured the chose to attend after the campus his senior year of high school. campus senior

“I got to sing with the choir and play with the band “I sing with and with whenever I came and toured,” Faulkner said “I saw whenever I Faulkner saw how small the campus was; going to a big campus from how the a small town can be intimidating After seeing the class a town be sizes and learning how affordable it was, I felt like I sizes I belonged there ” belonged ”

From choir to band From While While Faulkner graduated from Northwestern as a vocal graduated a music education major, he also received his music education his certification in instrumental music education. certification in

“My wife, Riley (‘15), also graduated as a vocal music “My music education major,” Faulkner said “I earned my education said earned instrumental certification so we could potentially get instrumental jobs in the same school district ” jobs the school district

Both Josh and Riley soon accepted positions in Both and soon accepted positions in Newkirk Public Schools (Okla.) as the band and choir Newkirk Schools directors, respectively directors, respectively

“I pursued a master’s degree in educational leadership and and graduated in May of 2021,” Faulkner said “We recently moved graduated of to Hennessey (Okla.) where I took the high school principal principal position and my wife is the vocal music teacher ” music

Faulkner taught a variety of instrumental music from kindergarten taught a variety music kindergarten to 12th grade levels.

“I had to go from one end of the spectrum to the other, with from everything in between,” Faulkner said “The interaction with everything between,” students of younger ages is very different from older students. students of different from older students. My favorite aspect of teaching is having to be creative and use aspect teaching is having to be creativity to reach students and see their potential. That’s the to and potential. great thing about extracurricular activities ” about

Northwestern’s support Faulkner credits Northwestern and the Fine Arts Department for Northwestern Arts his success as an educator and administrator educator administrator

“In my undergrad, Northwestern had the best professors,” Faulkner said. “They treated us like human beings, not numbers. They wanted to help me become as successful as I could Having wanted help as a faculty who cares so much about the students is a great aspect about of Northwestern

“In my education courses, the professors opened my eyes to education the professors to how many different situations I might go through as a teacher I through teacher. They taught me how to deal with those situations and how to have proper classroom management They really prepared me for management. the teaching aspect of my career.”

Bryce Lewis, Class of 2016 Class of 2016

“Welcome to choir class, everyone! My name is Miss Lewis “Welcome to choir class, Miss and I’m so excited to make some music with you ” I’m to

With that statement, Bryce Lewis began her teaching career that statement,

An El Reno, Okla , native, Lewis elected to pursue music El , education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University. University.

“I chose Northwestern because of the leadership “I the opportunities and all the scholarship money poured into its and all the poured into its students,” Lewis said “The Northwestern Singers came and students,” Lewis said. toured at my high school. I heard about the scholarship my school. opportunities I could get by being involved in choir Once I being in came on campus, I knew this was where I needed to be. I this was I needed

“I’ve always had a passion for music and I passion I knew I wanted to be an educator, even when I an I was younger. I never thought I could teach I music because I couldn’t really read sheet because music until I was in college. Through the until Through support of my choir director and professors, I feel more than confident in my musical confident in teaching skills ”

From Oklahoma to Texas

Following her time at Northwestern, Lewis at started her career at Alva High School where High where she taught for a year. After that, she she accepted a position in the Little Elm School position the Elm District in Little Elm, Texas. She taught both Elm, taught both middle school and high school choirs choirs simultaneously for three years. In 2020, In Lewis went full time at Little Elm High School Lewis time High as the assistant choir director.

“My very first day of teaching a tenor bass first day of teaching bass choir in Little Elm was interesting,” Lewis Elm said. “I walked in and 35 middle school boys walked were acting like middle school boys wild and crazy. It felt overwhelming, but I also felt felt prepared I knew I had the footwork to had control such a situation thanks to my education courses at Northwestern.” education courses at Northwestern ”

Lewis said her favorite aspect of teaching is Lewis is impacting her students and giving them an appreciation for music appreciation

“I love going in and making music with my going and my students every day,” Lewis said. “I get to be students every day,” said. get be around people who appreciate the arts and arts and who want to make music for music’s sake. That music sake. is something I really like about where I teach I teach We all have a common ground: we want to have ground: teach music to kids who have no idea what they are capable of.”

Tailor-made education Tailor-made Lewis credits Northwestern with helping her realize her potential as a musical educator and supporting her through her teaching career through teaching

“Northwestern helped me in so many ways,” Lewis in many said. “They prepared me for the educational aspect of what to expect in a classroom and tailored everything expect a tailored to music education. From the musical side, all my professors took the time to make sure I understood the time everything and gave me the tools to work with my everything tools students in the future I had so many opportunities to in future I had so many opportunities gain experience before I actually started working in my experience before actually started working first teaching job They really want their students to be job They really want to successful.” successful.”

RANGER2RANGER RANGER2RANGER

Get connected and be a part of the success of a Northwestern student

This year, the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association launched Ranger2Ranger, a game changing mentoring program that connects alumni and other mentors to Northwestern students and alumni. Your participation in the success of students begins with a simple online process.

Who Should be a Mentor? You, without a doubt, can become an advocate for Northwestern students, guiding them through a successful networking experience. You can provide the experience of a career and opportunities, including:

• Advice regarding a student’s chosen field of study

• Networking within a student’s field of interest

• Job shadowing and internships

• Résumé and interview preparation

• Lifelong connection to Northwestern alumni

The Future Belongs to All of Us. Please consider investing in our future through the Ranger2Ranger mentoring program. Join your alumni across the United States including Rangers in California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington D.C. and become a part of our students’ journey to a successful career. To sign up, go to ranger2ranger.ournorthwestern.org or use the QR code below.

By Caitlin Hofen

Patrick McClung stands in the Starcade Gaming Arena on OCU's campus. Arena

(Far left) Ashleigh ('05) and Patrick McClung launched Spraycan Creative LLC - an art and design company - in 2014 -

Cole Avery Claflin - born Aug. 2, 2020

Chloe Elaine Claflin - born July 29, 2016

Parents: Malachi and Kelsi Claflin '12

Fletcher Zebulon McGaughyborn Jan. 15, 2008

Parents: David and Melissa McGaughy '04

Ella Banks Mata - born Aug. 12, 2020

Parents: Robert '12 and Tiffany Mata '08

Lynlee Joy Pierce - born Apr. 3, 2021

Parents: Aaron '19 and Katelyn Pierce '19

Jovie Kate Severin

Parents: Tyler and Jordan Severin '13

Miles Thomas Wheeler - born Apr. 12, 2021

Parents: Eric '07 and Katie Wheeler

Email us your birth announcement, and we will send you a lil’ Ranger t-shirt. Take a photo of your child in their t shirt and send the photo to nwalumni@nwosu.edu.

’10 Alyssa (Logsdon) and Josh Mize: October 17, 2021 | Alyssa graduated with a degree in biology. ’11, ’14 Brice Gibson and Heather (Reiser): June 5, 2021 | Brice graduated with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education and a master’s degree in secondary education.

’14 Drew Cunningham and ’16 Ashley (Murray): September 25, 2021 | Drew graduated with a degree in business administration and Ashley graduated with a degree in early childhood education. ’15 Preston Lowe and ’19 Mckenna (Nixon): April 17, 2021 | Preston graduated with a degree in health and sports science education and Mckenna graduated with a degree in general studies.

’16, ’18 Morgan (Renbarger) and Kyle Jech: April 24, 2021 | Morgan graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational leadership/administration.

TheannualThank-A-ThonhostedbytheNorthwesternFoundation&Alumni TheannualThank-A-ThonhostedbytheNorthwesternFoundation&Alumni Associationcreatedanotheropportunityforstudentstoshowtheir“attitudefor Associationcreatedanotheropportunityforstudentstoshowtheir“attitudefor gratitude”bythankingdonorswhoaremakingadifference. gratitude”bythankingdonorswhoaremakingadifference.

’68, Sheldon Russell’s latest historical novel Time and Again was published in 2021.

’75, Dr. Keith Ballard was recognized by the Oklahoma House and Senate for his five decades of service to public education in the state in 2021.

’76, Janet Cordell was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce on June 15, 2021.

’78, David Landreth retired as the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer from CVR Energy in March 2021, after more than 40 years in the energy industry.

’84, Susan Moyer, Woodward (Okla.) middle school math teacher, was honored with the Middle School-Junior High Educator award by the Professional Oklahoma Educators Foundation in 2021.

’86, Dr. Kay Decker retired from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2020.

’89, Tim Albin, was named head football coach for the Ohio University Bobcats in 2021. Albin was the head coach at Northwestern for three seasons and led the team to the NAIA national championship in 1999.

’90, Greg Gordon retired as a lieutenant after 25 years with the Enid Police Department in 2021.

’90, Dr. Chandler Mead retired from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2020.

’90, Jeff Myers was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame Class for 2020.

’92, Cheryl Evans retired as Northern Oklahoma College’s president after 10 years of service.

’99, Roxann Clark retired from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2021.

’99, Mandy Cross was named CEO for Triangle Insurance Company, Enid, Okla., in 2020.

’00, Crystal Harmon was honored as Volunteer of the Year by the Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce on June 15, 2021.

’00, Willie Spears’ children’s book, Who was Hawk Massalina?, was published in 2021.

’03, Annette Schwerdtfeger retired from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2020.

’07, Wendy Terrazas was named principal at Newkirk Middle School, Newkirk, Okla., in 2021.

’11, Laura Burdick was named assistant vice president and branch manager of the Enid and Vance Air Force branches, Tinker Federal Credit Union, in 2021.

’11, Richard Burdick was named principal at St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Enid, Okla., in 2021.

’11, Dr. Haley Nida earned the World Finals 2d Champion in the Better Barrel Racing Association on April 25, 2021.

’12, Shea Mercer was named principal at Coolidge Elementary School, Enid, Okla., in 2021.

’13, Sadie Bier was appointed as a council member for the City of Alva, Okla., in 2021.

’14, Shaun Barnett was named the city manager for the City of Woodward, Okla., in 2021.

’20, Andrew Santangelo was named assistant director of athletics for communications at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in 2021.

'50 Fred William Neuman, 1/19/2021

'51 E.L. Hoskin, 1/29/2012

'51 Mary Lou Schenk, 9/20/2020

'53 Jerome Arthur Boswell, 6/17/2021

'54 Herbert Louis Niles, 1/18/2021

'57 Emma Jean Petermann Gottsch, 6/3/2021

'59 Dale Hughes, M.D., 6/24/2021

'59 Wanda L. Severn, 6/26/2019

'60, '66 Jewel Maxine Nichols, 10/26/2020

'60 Elmo D. Ruyle, 4/2/2016

'61 Sonja Kay Beers, 5/20/2016

'61 Dwayne E. Janzen, 11/17/2014

'61 Harold "Oscar" Loyd Klotz, 4/22/2015

'61 Gary Bruce Lyle, 12/17/2014

'61 Lewis Mann, 11/25/2013

'61 Ernest Roe May, 12/16/2017

'61 Lou Anne Simpson, 1/14/2020

'61 Oscar Irwin Wilkie, 3/26/2019

'62 Jack Rein, 6/27/2020

'63 Connie Caywood Gaff, 8/29/2021

'65 Donald Fain Brooks, 4/30/2021

'67 Reid A. Holland, 5/25/2021

'67 Robert Daryl Pearcy, 1/24/2019

'68 Jack Lee Coffman, 6/9/2021

'68 Kirk Snyder, 1/3/2021

'69 Sherry L. Barby, 11/17/2020

'69 Barbara Kay Duncan, 2/17/2021

'69 Jerry Lynn Garrison, 9/17/2021

'69 William Dowling Kirkham, 6/6/2021

'70 John M. Castrignano, 6/16/2021

'70 Kenneth Eugene Fischer, 9/11/2021

'70 Cathie Lea Whipkey, 12/3/2020

'71 Cathy Conrady, 5/25/2020

'71 James R. "Hank" Ellis, 2/19/2020

'71 Catherine Lou Hula, 4/18/2020

'71 Donald A. Massey, 2/10/2017

'71 Earlene McCune, 8/4/2020

'71 Tom Merklin, 5/10/2021

'71 Ruth Stanley, 5/25/2019

'72 Gary Jenlink, 9/18/2021

'73 James Philo "Jim" Booth, 2/18/2021

'73 Lloyd Elwyn Lansdowne, 1/14/2021

'73 Kendall Jay Rhoton, 10/20/2018

'75 Keith Ballard, 9/28/2021

'78 Barbara Ann Struckle, 9/9/2020

'79 John Pierre Ronck, 3/28/2020

'80 Susan Kay Hendricks, 12/1/2020

'86 Dr. Sandra L. Hays, 5/30/2021

'91 Marcia Jean Dreiling, 9/21/2021

'92 Lawrence Yunker, 12/6/2019

'93 Kendra Beth Hada, 6/11/2021

'96 Marcy Beth Engelken, 9/6/2021

John David Kovarovic, Ph.D., (former professor '93-03) 5/21/2021

Rex Mahlman, Ph.D., (former professor and administrator '77 02) 7/21/2021