Chairperson's Letter

I have been fortunate to serve on the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association Board for six years, the last three serving as Chair. It has been a privilege and an honor to work beside so many talented and dedicated individuals who place the support of and investment in our students and our University at a high priority. Thank you for all you have done and all you will continue to do for Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Without question, 2020 has been an unprecedented year of uncertainties, apprehension and eroding confidence in leadership on various levels. Our lives took on different routines as we adjusted to a “new normal.”

The Pandemic that continues to pervade our lives has brought the best out of people and, unfortunately, perhaps the worst. But as I look back over the past few months and recognize that “change” is imminent for the near future, I can unequivocally say: I am a proud Ranger! The Northwestern faculty, like faculty across the nation and the world, quickly adjusted the learning experience by moving their classes online. They persevered through the craziness around them and they continued to teach. Our Northwestern students were not neglected. They learned and the Class of 2020 graduated, although not with the traditional walk across the commencement stage. Accommodations have been made to encourage a safe, in-person academic experience for the current fall semester. Students have returned to our campuses. Although their faces are masked, the enthusiastic spirit and the quest for knowledge are obvious.

Fundraising was put on hold out of respect for what our greater Northwestern community was enduring, including loss of employment and critical healthcare concerns. Working from home became the new routine. Undeterred, the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association staff launched a community service program and delivered essential goods and pharmaceuticals to individuals and families weary to shop in crowded stores. They assisted the local Meals on Wheels organization by delivering more than 100 meals to residents. With the cancellation of the annual Spring Alumni Reunion, outreach also took a different approach. Phone calls were made to more than 1,000 alumni. Memories of Northwestern were shared and reconnections were made.

The examples of leadership, with both responsibility and loyalty to mission, were evident by both Northwestern Oklahoma State University and the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association. This collective leadership provides me with confidence that our future will continue to be successful. We will move forward. We are, after all, Rangers.

Ride, Rangers, Ride.

Chair, Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association Class of 1978