2017-2018
University President: Dr. Janet Cunningham Northwestern Oklahoma State University
Official Publication Published annually by the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association Editors: John Allen & Leslie Nation Art Direction/Designer: Leslie Nation Writing Contributor: Patricia Pixler, intern Change of address notices and other correspondence may be sent to: John Allen Director, Alumni Relations Northwestern Student Center 709 Oklahoma Blvd. Alva, OK 73717 580-327-8593 nwalumni@nwosu.edu For information about making a contribution to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, contact: Allen E. “Skeeter� Bird Chief Executive Officer 709 Oklahoma Blvd. Alva, OK 73717 580-327-8593 aebird@nwosu.edu Alumni Association Board Officers President: Donna Anderson Vice President: Rod Dunkin Secretary/Treasurer: John Allen Recording Secretary: Kandee Almgren Visit us online at:
my. nwfoundation.com ImagineNorthwestern.com Connect with us on social media: NWOSUAlumni @NWFoundationAlu nwosurangers NWOSUAlumni
The roundUP magazine is published by the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association office. It is mailed to more than 1,400 alumni, parents and friends of Northwestern throughout the country and the world. To change your mailing address, send an email to nwalumni@nwosu.edu; write the roundUP magazine, 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, Oklahoma 73717; or call 580-327-8593.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CELEBRATING LIFE EVERY SINGLE DAY Keith Vermillion chose an attitude of living life in spite of his cancer, leaving a legacy of immeasurable courage.
IN EVERY ISSUE
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LETTERS FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR AND THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
ALUMNI 06 SPRING REUNION 2018
08 ALUMNI EVENTS
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2017 12 HOMECOMING RECAP
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CLASS NOTES
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LIL’ RANGERS
We’d love to hear from you. Send us your comments about the articles in this issue, or send story suggestions. Email nwalumni@nwosu.edu or mail to Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association, 709 Oklahoma Blvd., Alva, OK 73717.
Imagine Northwestern Capital Campaign
THE POWER OF DONORS
FEATURES A SINGLE STEP
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Armed with her training in the Peace Corps and her experience at Northwestern, Katrina Henning dove into a new culture in Madagascar to help inspire her students as much as they inspired her.
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A PASSION FOR SERVICE
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Tom and Margaret Melander, ‘76, represent a story of an unwavering sense of service to others throughout their own successes and trials. Through their shared experiences, both learned they “are stronger as two”.
IMAGINE NORTHWESTERN CAPITAL CAMPAIGN THE POWER OF DONORS
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After the public announcement last April, the Imagine Northwestern capital campaign is nearing its $28 million goal. Through the generous impact of donors, Northwestern is able to provide enhanced classroom experiences.
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letters from the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Dear Northwestern Family – Another issue of roundUP is in your hands. Once again, it has been a joy to discover the remarkable journeys of several Northwestern alumni. It is an even greater joy to now share these stories with you. The word legacy continued to come to mind as we worked on this issue. Northwestern Oklahoma State University certainly has a legacy. It is one that is rich with stellar academic programs and athletic opportunities; dedicated faculty, administration and staff; and extraordinary students who are working toward achieving their dreams. Another measure of the Northwestern legacy is the group of Rangers who we call alumni. In this issue you will become acquainted with four remarkable alumni who own the legacy of giving to and serving others. Katrina Henning spent the last two years in Madagascar as a Peace Corps volunteer, using her English degree to teach youth abroad and provide them with the skills for a better future. Tom and Margaret Melander have the hearts to serve others in both local and global arenas. In spite of personal adversity, their strength and faith have lifted the hope and lives of countless others. Keith Vermillion refused to let cancer own his attitude and quietly empowered others to choose a spirit of triumph and gratitude rather than yielding to challenges, big and small. We hope you enjoy reading these journeys of celebration. And while we put the work of this issue to rest, we look forward to discovering tomorrow’s stories. Ride, Rangers, Ride.
John Allen Director Alumni Relations, Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association “I am Northwestern”. Following in the footsteps of Greg Bowman, our past Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alumni Board President, it has brought me to the belief that each president should start the newsletter with those three words. We truly are Northwestern because of the base of excellence provided to students by award-winning faculty, unduplicated educational services and amazing leadership. We are propelled into the world with the right tools and, as a result, we stretch the small farming community of Alva, Oklahoma, from sea to shining sea through an eclectic mix of alumni who are molded by a common denominator. As we begin a new year full of excited incoming freshmen, as well as excited alumni, there are so many things to be thankful to our Northwestern for providing. Homecoming is weeks away and we will look for you during this fun-filled time of reunions and trips down memory lane. There are so many activities to be a part of and we hope you will stop by my.nwfoundation.com to fill your calendar with all the fantastic events planned for this year. You can’t be the president of Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alumni Association without saying it loud and proud: RIDE, RANGERS, RIDE! See you at Northwestern!
Donna Anderson, ‘92 President, Northwestern Alumni Board
Spring Alumni SAVE THE DATE for next year’s Reunion, honoring the classes of 1949, 1959, 1969 and 1994 on:
APRIL 27, 2019
ABOVE: Pictured (from left to right) are the 2018 Outstanding Graduates, Mikela Williams accepting on behalf of her father, Michael W. Mitchel, ‘70, Education; Natalie Evans, ‘16, Ranger Recognition; Cynthia Rock, ‘88, Humanitarian; Dr. Doyle E. Hill, ‘68, Business/Professional; Tim Rundel, ‘93, Arts; and Judy Wolgamott, ‘67, Ranger Spirit.
REUNION 2018
Northwestern proudly celebrated another Spring Alumni Reunion on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Nearly 250 alumni and friends were welcomed back for great food, company and to honor the classes of 1948, 1958, 1968 and 1993.
Class of 1958 (left to right): Landis Trekell, Jack Mahan, Barbara Moore, Frank Sommers, Paul Stanford and Peggy Stanford.
Class of 1968 (front row, left to right): Fleta Reed, Sheila Prophet, Sandra Pendergraft, Martha Mink, Judy Cutter and Betsy Zadorozny. Back row, pictured left to right: Eldon Younce, Jimmy Richey, Roger Mattingly, Johnny Jones, Dr. Doyle Hill, Jim Johanning, Dr. Eldon Mitchell, Bert Nichols, Dr. Sheldon Russell and Dick Tatro. 6 |
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Class of 1993 (left to right): Lewis Kuchar, Jr., Sharie Ainsworth, Becky McCray, Jerry Garnett and Dr. Bo Hannaford.
The University Singers share their gift of music with the alumni banquet guests.
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RANGER WAKE-UP
Another school year kicked off with the annual “Ranger Wake-Up Breakfast” as the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association welcomed back students, faculty and staff with a little pick-me-up of coffee, donuts and apples near the Student Center.
DONOR DINNER
With an evening of good food and great conversation, the Donor Dinner on Oct. 26, 2017, provided Northwestern Oklahoma State University an opportunity to celebrate our honored guests: the donors. The guest speaker, Todd Huston, closed the evening with an inspiring speech about overcoming life’s challenges. 8 |
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The Greater Enid Northwestern Alumni Task Force and the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association hosted another year of Baseball, Hot Dogs and Apple Pie at the David Allen Memorial Ballpark in Enid, Okla., on April 17, 2018. The event was an opportunity for alumni and friends of the university to support the Ranger baseball team, enjoy free hot dogs (cooked by the Rowdy Rangers) and free apple pies (provided by McDonalds).
Local little league baseball and softball teams also were honored at the event by Ranger baseball spectators. Stay on the look-out for the next Baseball, Hot Dogs & Apple Pie event for the 2019 baseball season, and other events, by visiting my.nwfoundation.com
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RED TIE JAZZ
Friends and supporters of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Woodward campus were invited to the annual Red Tie Jazz event at the Woodward Conference Center on Feb. 1, 2018. This was an evening for alumni and friends to reconnect while enjoying wine, hors d’oevres and live performances from Max Ridgway, an adjunct instructor of music at the Northwestern Alva campus, and the Woodward Civic Opera Group performing pieces from their production of Beauty and the Beast.
SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2018
Dr. Chandler Mead, Mark Buck and Keith Baxter, 2018 inductees.
Megan Maharry (left), sophomore on the women’s soccer team, was recognized as the recipient of the Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship presented to her by Northwestern Athletic Director Brad Franz. 10 |
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Keith Baxter, Mark Buck and Dr. Chandler Mead were inducted into the Northwestern Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018. Baxter was a two-sport athlete in football and baseball. He started all four seasons in football as quarterback and all four seasons in baseball as first baseman and catcher. Baxter earned All-Oklahoman Intercollegiate Conference (OIC) honors three times in both sports. Buck also was a two-sport athlete in track and field and football. As a defensive back in football, Buck established a career record of 20 interceptions and led the Rangers in that category all four seasons. In track and field, he competed in five events and earned All-OIC honors three times. Mead joined the 2018 class for his contributions to Ranger football. He was known for his physical style of play as a linebacker and a four-year starter, earning him All-OIC honors. He continued his career with the football program as a defensive line coach and later as the defensive coordinator from 1993 to 1998. After the luncheon, Baxter, Buck and Mead were recognized on center court during the basketball games between Northwestern and Harding University.
#GIVINGTUESDAY
Northwestern and SWOSU plan for another “#GivingTuesday Scholarship Showdown” On Nov. 28, 2017, the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association kicked off its #GivingTuesday campaign for the third straight year, but with a big change. Northwestern Oklahoma State University entered into a #GivingTuesday challenge with its longtime rival, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU), to see which institution could raise the most money for its students’ scholarships. In this #GivingTuesday Scholarship Showdown, Northwestern and SWOSU – with the support of their alumni, communities and friends – tripled their results from last year. The challenge resulted in more than $196,000 total funds.
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The generosity of each university’s donors helped SWOSU raise $100,199.53 and Northwestern raise $95,927.72 to fund student scholarships. With the success of the first competition, Northwestern and SWOSU look forward to another #GivingTuesday challenge as they call all Rangers and Bulldogs to show their pride and support their students.
THANK-A-THON More than 300 students of Northwestern Oklahoma State University gathered for four days in November during the seventh annual Thank-A-Thon to connect with donors. More than 2,300 letters were written and 758 phone calls were made to show appreciation for the donors’ generosity and their impact on our students’ education.
2,341
student volunteers wrote and called...
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days
If you have given to Northwestern and would like to be contacted by students during our next Thank-A-Thon, please send your updated phone number and address to: NWAlumni@nwosu.edu.
letters written to donors...
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donors reached by phone... NWOSU.EDU | roundUP
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Homecoming
2017
Alumni, family and community gathered on a beautiful Saturday to celebrate Ranger Nation during Northwestern’s Homecoming, Sept. 30, 2017. Saturday’s events on Alva’s downtown square began with the Ranger Fun Run, followed by the Homecoming parade and alumni lunch. The crowds later filtered into the stands overlooking Ranger Field. Donning red and balck Ranger gear, fans supported the Rangers in their battle against Southeastern Oklahoma State University. It was a nail-biting performance for the Rangers, and they took a hard defeat in a 27-30 loss. Ranger Pride, however, ruled the day. Come join the festivities and support your Rangers in this year’s Homecoming, scheduled for Oct. 4-6, 2018. More details are available at nwosu.edu/homecoming.
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Alumni, family and community showed their support for Ranger football as they hosted Southeastern Oklahoma State University.
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Celebrating Life Every Single Day by John Allen
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O
n a spring day in 2015, he sat hidden by the stage curtain at Lakeview Elementary in Norman, Okla. He wore a hula skirt and neck brace, and held a walking cane as he sat in his wheelchair. In typical Keith Vermillion style, his thoughts were not on himself or his diagnosis, revealed only months earlier, that resulted in leaving his role as a teacher and coach. His focus was on the elementary school children he could hear on the other side of the curtain. Mr. Vermillion’s departure from school left his students wondering what happened to their beloved teacher. Keith wanted the opportunity to see them again, to show them that life goes on, and that – with hula skirt and his smile – obstacles can be met with resolve and humor. Mr. Vermillion was minutes away from sharing another lesson with his students.
That calm may have come into play when Keith, wearing jersey number 30, kicked a 20-yard game-winning field goal in the last minute of the semifinals competition in Sioux Falls, S.D., in 2003. The 16-13 win sent the Rangers to the NAIA National Championship in Savannah, Tenn. Keith and Amanda (Rice) were high school sweethearts before attending Northwestern. Amanda, from Watonga, Okla., excelled in the classroom and participated in campus activities. An accounting major, Amanda was a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador and served as one of the official student representatives of Northwestern. She also was a resident assistant in South Hall. The couple married on July 5, 2003, and graduated from Northwestern in December 2004.
Becoming Rangers
The legacy of living life, every day
Keith was born on June 2, 1980, and grew up excelling in athletics in Cordell, Okla. He favored soccer, but his talent as a kicker earned him a spot on the Northwestern Ranger football team in 1999. “Keith and I used to laugh that kickers sometimes get the reputation as ‘head cases,’ ” said Amanda Vermillion, Keith’s wife. “That wasn’t the case with Keith. He always had an incredible calming personality.”
After graduation, Keith and Amanda moved to Edmond, Okla., where Amanda began her accounting career in Oklahoma City. She currently is Vice President of Strategic Planning at Le Norman Operating LLC, Oklahoma City. Keith used his physical education degree and took substitute teaching work before his full-time assignment as a physical education teacher at Lakeview Elementary, Norman (Okla.) Public Schools, in August 2005. NWOSU.EDU | roundUP
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Keith’s love for soccer also was addressed as he served as the soccer coach – “Coach V” – for Norman High School. He also coached many other sports at Longfellow Middle School in Norman. Keith’s appreciation for youth began early in his life, having a younger brother and many cousins. His roles as teacher and coach provided him the opportunity to celebrate student accomplishments on a daily basis. “His students looked to him as another dad,” said Sara Snodgrass, faculty, University of Oklahoma, who taught with Keith for four years at Lakeview. “Keith was a gentleman who led with a gentle spirit and made immediate connections with both children and adults. Life was so happy with Keith around. It is not a surprise when I visit with his former students and they will say ‘Mr. Vermillion was my favorite teacher.’ He made learning fun.” Keith also loved hunting, fishing and camping. Amanda taught him the game of golf. A muscle car enthusiast, Keith knew by the age of 10 that he wanted to own one. He set out to earn the money by mowing yards, working in his father’s construction
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business and recycling cans. His 1967 Cougar, purchased at the age of 15, was a pride and joy. But family remained his number one priority. On Dec. 7, 2011, the couple welcomed their daughter, Emily Paige, to the Vermillion home. “We had tried for many years to conceive,” said Amanda. “And while there were disappointments, Keith remained positive. When Emily was born premature, Keith’s strength and support continued as he was a hands-on dad from day one.” With a zest for life and adventure, Keith set up a tent in the backyard to give Emily, age 2 at the time, the experience of camping. Also sharing his love for sports, it wasn’t unusual to see the two kicking a soccer ball.
Challenges are met with acceptance and attitude In 2014, after months of tests, Keith was diagnosed with Stage IV esophageal cancer. He understood the cancer would eventually take his life; but with quiet dignity and resolve, he was determined it would not take his spirit. “Keith’s attitude to seize every day was always a part of him,” said Amanda. “It didn’t start
Celebrating Life Every Singe Day
with his diagnosis, but it was definitely one of his characteristics that defined him during his illness.” Amanda recalls a particularly bad day after the diagnosis, and asking God for a better tomorrow. “It occurred to me that I shouldn’t be asking for a better tomorrow when I hadn’t made the best of today. That was Keith’s attitude.” Keith’s humor throughout his treatment also came to be expected. “Right before we would start a trip to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, he would say ‘we can eat or stay anywhere we want, because we’re on vacation,’ ” Amanda shared. “He knew the prognosis, but he seized the day with every ounce of courage and humor he had.” When the stage curtains opened, Keith Vermillion’s presence created an emotional celebration. As an educator and as a friend, he – with his ever-present smile – was leaving every child and adult with the lesson of living life to the fullest every day…with dignity and kindness, with humor and with courage.
Keith passed at the age of 37 on Oct. 19, 2017. His gift for treating others with kindness and respect has been shared in conversations between family, friends and work colleagues. With the support of memorial gifts from many individuals, Amanda chose to honor her husband’s legacy with the Keith Vermillion Memorial Scholarship (investing in a Ranger football team kicker or a Health & Sports Science major) and the Keith Vermillion Literacy Center Lectureship for Academic Excellence. This lectureship supports the Literacy Center (see page 31) in the Division of Education. Keith’s name on this lectureship illustrates his advocacy for every child to be successful in school. On Nov. 11, 2017, Northwestern paid tribute to Keith’s life and legacy. At the Northwestern vs. SWOSU football game, five-year old Emily Vermillion flipped the game coin. A Ranger player presented jersey number 30 to Emily. Keith Vermillion lived his life to the fullest every single day. He recognized the importance of celebrating the successes of others, both big and small. His spirit and his positive outlook kicked cancer to the backseat. Keith Vermillion won at living.
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Throughout their marriage, Amanda Vermillion experienced the non-stop inspiration provided by her husband, Keith. Encouraged by Keith’s and other family members’ journeys, she penned her thoughts about beating cancer during Keith’s battle.
Beating Cancer We often hear people talk about “beating cancer” ... while remission, being cancer-free and living to 90 is ideal, that’s not the only way to beat cancer: Every day that a cancer patient wakes up and is thankful for the day, they are beating cancer. Every time a cancer patient enjoys a family dinner, witnesses a child/grandchild milestone, birthday, holiday, or makes a new special memory, they are beating cancer. Anytime a cancer patient is too sick or weak to go on, but rests and tries again the next day, they are beating cancer. Every day that a cancer patient ignores the statistics and their prognosis, they are beating cancer. Every night that a cancer patient falls asleep focusing on something positive, they are beating cancer. From the day they are diagnosed, every day that a cancer patient makes the most of the day they are given (including their last), they are beating cancer!!! —Inspired by Keith Vermillion, Becky Ward & Pam Wren, my heroes who are beating cancer every day! 18 |
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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.� ~Lao Tzu
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by Leslie Nation
N
early 9,000 miles away, off the coast of east Africa, a 2016 Northwestern Oklahoma State University alumna took big steps on an island called Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. This journey neither began nor ended on the island-country for Katrina Henning, but it marked an unexpected opportunity. Though a Delaware native, Henning’s Northwestern story began in New York City as she struggled to find direction between intermittent classes at a local community college and being employed as a nanny for a family in the Big Apple. While in the employ of that family, Henning expressed a desire to return to school and complete her degree. Hailing from Jet, Okla., the mother of that family suggested Henning look into Northwestern in a small Oklahoma college town, recommending it for its small class sizes and low cost. “She had me at low cost!” Despite being far removed from the East Coast and her family, Henning was undeterred by the long trek ahead as she balanced working full-time jobs to pay for college. “I was a ‘nontraditional student’ in every sense of the word,” Henning explained. “I finished at 29-years-old. I wasn’t involved in many clubs. I couldn’t go to any sport events because I was always working and I lived alone. There was a semester I only took two classes and worked more to save money. I knew my limits because I was older. It was the only way to finish my B.A., so I made it work.” Henning was a member of one club while attending Northwestern – the
Writers Round Table – but much of her time was preoccupied with classes and her “full-time and many odd jobs”. Her jobs included the Alva Municipal Pool, El Maya, Love’s gas station, Gambino’s Pizza, Wal-Mart and many work study jobs around campus.
The Road Less Traveled
In spring 2015, Henning was nearing her expected graduation the following December – with a major in English – and planned to apply for graduate school. A professor advised that applying to grad school could be a challenge for Henning since her GPA was low. Henning realized she would need something to add to her credentials to make her stand out. Undaunted and determined, Henning began looking for alternative ways to make grad school achievable. “While looking into other options to make my graduate school application better, I remembered my high school library had a recruitment poster for the Peace Corps (PC),” said Henning “I loved traveling as a nanny, and began to look at teaching positions in the PC. Madagascar was on the list, and offered TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification for free.”
Henning seized this new opportunity, applying for the PC in April 2015 with a June 2016 departure date. While waiting for a call about an interview, Henning bid her time waiting tables and volunteering at a science lab at the University of Delaware. She interviewed in September and received an invitation to serve in the PC a month later.
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Henning then went through a grueling process of medical clearance procedures, background checks and training to prepare for teaching overseas. “Peace Corps gives us three months of integration training before we begin working, while simultaneously throwing us off the deep-end of cultural integration,” said Henning. “We have sessions discussing cultural differences, health issues, teaching expectations, etc., while living in a small rural village with a host family that doesn’t speak English. Adjustment comes in small successful interactions, like asking for the time correctly in Malagasy (one of the official languages in Madagascar), or laughing at yourself because you forgot the word for ‘sun’ and used ‘sunglasses’ instead.” Henning described her process of integrating into the community as coming in fleeting moments. One moment she could be relating to a student because of something that is universal across cultures, the next she might catch herself performing something fady, or taboo. Despite this, Henning explained most of her Gasy friends and coworkers were “incredibly patient” with her during her time in the PC and the school where she would spend the next two years.
The “Mustard tree” School
After her integration training was completed, Henning embarked on the next leg of her journey off the east coast of Africa in Madagascar. She joined a Malagasy elementary school in Antsirabe called Voantsinapy, or the “mustard tree” school. Established in 1995, this school was named by its founder Mamazafy who carefully chose the name for its meaning in the scripture, Mark 4: 30-32. “Again he said, ‘What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to decribe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.’ ” “The students we take in are special cases because they come from homes where there is abuse or alcoholism, or just a group of children living together because the parents died,” Henning explained. It was there – in that city and that school – Henning utilized both her training in the PC and her time at Northwestern to integrate within a new culture. “Northwestern has a great community,” said Henning.
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“I brought this concept to my neighborhood and school. Peace Corps stresses integration, which is hard to accomplish in a countryside village, let alone the third largest city in Madagascar. My community was my sanctuary. The staff at my school, the woman who sold me vegetables, my students who came to my house to watch Walt Disney’s Moana — these were all relationships I forged thanks to the community that was demonstrated at Northwestern. [At Northwestern] I developed some great relationships with professors in the science and math department. These people encouraged me to navigate living outside my comfort zone.” During Henning’s time in Antsirabe, the teachers at Voantsinapy cleaned a classroom for her to live. Many of her students lived nearby, while some had to walk more than three miles to get to school every day. Just as many Gasy people opened their homes to welcome her, Henning opened her home to her students on the weekends to enjoy conversation and shared learning. “Some Saturdays, I cooked lunch for a few of the girls who lived nearby,” said Henning. “I have a collection of Disney movies and I figured any exposure to English is good exposure; so the girls would watch movies while I cooked or prepared my lessons. “I’ve had some wonderful conversations with these girls about gender equality, and have used those opportunities to encourage them in their goals. Part of the ‘American Dream’ is the idea that if you work hard you can do, or be, whatever you want. That idiom is non-existent in Malagasy culture. My students never had someone tell them they could work hard and improve their quality of life. Here, their quality of life is decided when they are born. Having the chance to encourage my students like this has been humbling.” When asked what she will take with her whenever she returns stateside on Sept. 6, Henning said she’ll still be “sifting out all that’s been learned in this amazing place” and lessons people have taught her. Henning is aware that once she ends her PC service, the lessons and experience from this journey will continue to shape her character and perspective. “I will be discovering things for years to come after I close my service,” Henning stated. “My students’ motivation to learn – most days – and acceptance of me into their lives leave me with a feeling that defies definition. Despite living in poverty, these kids are some of the most content people I’ve ever met.”
A
assion p service for
By John Allen
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” —Mahatma Gandhi
ouples who met while attending Northwestern often recall first dates at the Rialto Theatre on the Alva Square, or enjoying a soft drink at Sonic Drive-in on the Boulevard. For Tom and Margaret (Wichert) Melander, dates often included a connection to their science labs. “It wasn’t unusual for me to drive down a country road or near the Salt Plains with Margaret holding an insect net out the passenger door window,” said Tom. “We loved the sciences and enjoyed sharing this passion with each other.” Margaret came to Northwestern from Hooker, Okla., with her goal set on a natural science degree. In addition to her strength in the sciences, she was a gifted pianist and accompanied the Rangerettes, Northwestern’s women’s vocal ensemble at the time. In 1976, Margaret also achieved the distinction as the first woman to receive Northwestern’s John F. Kennedy Award. Tom, originally from Broomfield, Colo., joined the Ranger football team and earned his degree with a
double major in biology and business administration. Both graduated in 1976. After marriage, Tom entered the field of computers at Conoco in Ponca City, Okla., and Margaret stepped into the classroom as a science teacher in nearby Tonkawa. Information technology offered opportunities and the Melanders eventually found themselves in the Denver, Colo., area, where Tom began employment with ARCO Mining Company.
For the love of family The Melanders were raised with strong family values, and they were determined to rear their children in the same manner. “Our home was open to all of our children’s friends,” Margaret said. “Late night basketball games and sleepovers were the standard at the Melander home.” The love of family was the primary reason Tom chose not to look at opportunities that would take him to Alaska, Wyoming or Los Angeles, places MY.NWFOUNDATION.COM | roundUP Magazine
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where he would spend long days away from his family. In a new role as Director of Business Information Systems for Jefferson County Public Schools, he was afforded the blessing of more family time. Their children also excelled in the sciences, both earning their doctorate degrees. Their son, Eric, is a physical therapist in Manhattan, Kan., where he lives with his wife and two children. Their daughter, Kelsey Michelle, serves as a clinical pharmacist and antimicrobial stewardship co-chair at Rose Medical Center in Aurora, Colo. She and her husband live in nearby Parker. After leaving Oklahoma for Colorado, Margaret continued her teaching career until she and Tom faced the loss of their oldest child, Michael, in an accidental death. Margaret found a second, successful career in court reporting and eventually bought a court reporting business with a partner.
ily r Fam g e d n ddin Mela The lsey’s We e at K
As Tom explains it, Margaret excelled in court reporting school. “It was ‘typical Margaret’. She focused on the end goal and managed to get through a program in two years that normally took four years to complete.” “I loved it,” Margaret said. “I worked in the area of pre-discovery depositions rather than in the courtroom. I learned so much.”
From IT to missions work: a new direction leads to passion
The Melander Family! Kelsey, Tom, M argaret and E ric.
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In 2006, Tom and Margaret learned about Global Refuge International (GRI), a non-profit organization that continues to provide emergency relief and medical services to those fleeing from war while also empowering indigenous people with education and spiritual support. Their neighbor at the time, Brian McNeely, was the founder of GRI. McNeely’s brother, Michael, had been a roommate of Tom’s at Northwestern. Both McNeely brothers were in the Melanders’ wedding party. Tom was invited to become involved with the organization. After deliberate consideration, Tom was “hooked” on GRI’s mission. He eventually served as chairman of GRI’s Board of Directors for several years.
A Passion for Service
Tom’s first mission trip was to Thailand in 2006, where his group directed medical clinics on the Burma border for Burmese refugees. He has returned to Thailand and also traveled to Uganda and other locations in Africa, and Burma in Southeast Asia. Other missionary work took him to Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Kenya and Alaska. Margaret joined him on one trip to Africa. Tom and Margaret also became involved with the Lost Boys of Sudan, survivors of the exodus from Sudan to Ethiopia and Kenya. At very young ages, more than 20,000 boys were displaced or orphaned during the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983-2005). Through the support of their home church – The Covenant Church, Denver – the Melanders met Arok Garang, one of the Lost Boys. At the age of three years old, Garang fled the despair of his native Africa. He eventually made it to the United States and settled in Denver. After meeting Garang in 2010, Tom and Margaret became involved in the restructuring of Garang’s Seeds of South Sudan organization. Seeds of South Sudan rescues South Sudan refugee orphans so they can receive an education in Kenyan boarding schools.
Garang k o r A Tom & South Sudan of Seeds
“Margaret and I went to Kenya to see the work of Arok’s organization,” Tom said. “It truly serves to ensure that young people in Africa are equipped to reach their full potential and to create a stronger, more civilized society in South Sudan. “In the beginning, 35 orphans were supported. It has grown to 86 youth with a goal of 100 in the future. Some graduates are attending medical school and the seminary. Others are looking at careers in economics and mathematics.” Tom and Margaret understand the joy of serving others. Yet, according to Margaret, God was about to throw another opportunity at the Melanders.
Personal adversity becomes a new crusade Margare
t golfin g
Margaret easily recites the date of May 4, 2011. On that day, she was given the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Her reaction to the news? “Tom, let’s go golfing.” According to Tom, Margaret was a rock. “She bolstered everyone else,” Tom said. “She was grateful to have a name to what was going on with her health. Then it was ‘okay…what do I do with this?’ ” NWOSU.EDU | roundUP Magazine
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“My mother used to say, ‘Margaret, you have five minutes to cry. Then you need to wash your face with cold water and move on. You have too much to accomplish.’ Her advice has always stayed with me,” offered Margaret. The diagnosis was met with their strong faith, determination to make a difference, and the will to continue serving others. Margaret researched ways to cope, and discovered painting is recognized as highly-effective art therapy that helps to relieve symptoms Margaret of PD. Dozens of water color paintings are on display in their home. One massive painting hangs in the lobby of the Colorado Neurological Institute in Englewood. Her game plan for living with PD also included non-contact boxing, which tests balance, agility and hand-eye coordination while building muscle strength. Again, typical Margaret. “She wasn’t going to sit still and not help however she could,” Tom shared. “She is committed to fighting Parkinson’s for the benefit of others.” Margaret has participated in 10 clinical trials, and Tom participated in five. She is active in the Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR), meeting with and supporting
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individuals who have recently been diagnosed. “This makes me feel more like a warrior and less a victim. “My favorite scripture is Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. I still believe this is true. I still have confidence that God is taking care of everything.” Tom and Margaret continue to feel blessed. Together – shoulder to shoulder – they share a love for one another and a painting commitment to serving others. “Tom has helped people all over the world, and he’s been a great dad and husband,” Margaret said. “He has enriched so many people by exposing them to different cultures.” “She is incredible,” Tom said. “Margaret looks at what she can do for others. She gives recently diagnosed Parkinson’s patients so much hope at a point in their lives where they don’t know where to look. Like me, they see in her such unbelievable strength. “And we have learned that we are stronger as two.”
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Justin Dobbs (left) and Nicholas Van Landingham work on building a prototype as part of the robot submersible project in the Robotics Design and Build Laboratories.
THE POWER OF DONORS
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he longstanding generosity of Northwestern donors, through gifts and investments, has given power to the Imagine Northwestern capital campaign. As of press time, Northwestern’s first capital campaign – beginning in July 2013 – is nearing its $28 million goal. Donors have endowed 38 new scholarships, one new professorship, 11 new lectureships and 27 new chairs. These investments support the educational goals of our students and provide enrichment in the classrooms and labs through various means. Because of the generosity of donors, Northwestern’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program – the University’s first doctoral program – welcomes its second class of students this fall. Private funding also has provided new construction and the continuation of renovation for several facilities on campus. In this issue of roundUP, we share donorsupported initiatives that are providing enriching experiences for our education students in a Literacy Center and an Early Childhood Education Laboratory. Another initiative, with the creation of two labs, has allowed Northwestern to offer a robotics educational track.
Literacy Center and Early Childhood Education Classroom Laboratory With the support of Darrell, ‘68, and Grace Wessels, Cherokee, Okla., Northwestern focused on giving new teacher candidates a way to apply theory in classrooms through the Early Childhood Education Classroom Laboratory, which received funding for materials and renovation. In conjunction with the Early Childhood Education Classroom Laboratory, the Wessels also provided funds to enhance a Literacy Center that provides tutoring services for students from the local elementary schools. Applications for tutoring in the Literacy Center are open to students and volunteers who are available Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons. Two classrooms provide space for the tutors – Northwestern education majors – to conduct lessons while a resource room is available to gather materials for lesson plans. Both classrooms come equipped with Promethean boards; i.e., smart panels that utilize touch and gesture technology to allow interactive lessons for students. NWOSU.EDU | roundUP Magazine
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Dr. Jenn Oswald reads a book on wolves with Paisley Jackson.
Tiffany Schlup tutors Makinzie Hofen.
McKenzie Billy, an elementary education major, presents her lesson plan to her peers in the Early Childhood Education classroom.
Cinthya Nevarez is a volunteer for the Literacy Center and tutors Donivan Bryant.
Dr. Jen Oswald, assistant professor of education, is enthusiastic about having this technology available to both the young students and tutors. “I try to make it one-on-one because research says students make greater gains,” said Dr. Oswald. “I believe it. I’ve seen it work.” As for the Early Childhood Education Classroom Laboratory, the classrooms were designed to provide actual, authentic environments so teacher candidates can understand how to proceed in classrooms. The lab is separated into two classrooms that are designed and geared toward different grades. Throughout the class period, four candidates present their lessons to the class in a simulated classroom setting. “They have to do all of the lesson planning that a teacher would have to do in a classroom,” said Roxann Clark, instructor of education. “They research the topic and pull in the materials, designing their lessons using the Northwestern lesson template they would use during their student teaching. Then they present to their peers.” These presentations help each teacher candidate learn about classroom management as they conduct their lessons with their peers as the students, as well as how to modify their instructions for the class. While teaching methods have evolved, so too has the technology. Both classrooms come equipped with Promethean boards for the candidates to use in their lessons if they choose. Virtual Reality (VR) goggles also are available as potential teaching tools in the Early Childhood Education Laboratory. With VR, students can travel across the world and view the Taj Majal, or they can tour an art museum without ever stepping on a bus. VR remains an emerging technology and its potential in the classroom is still being explored. 32 |
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Pictured left to right are education majors: Katie Couey, Jacy Bales, Heather Armbruster, Bailey Chavez and Sadie Vore.
Robotics Design and Build Laboratories Alva, Oklahoma: robotics may not come to mind at first, but it will. It began when long-time Alva residents Dr. Charles Tucker and his wife, Jane, asked about robotics at Northwestern. The answer was “nothing... yet”. What followed was Northwestern and Dr. Tucker working together to find funding for a potential Robotics program. The idea attracted fellow longtime Alva residents, Bill and Billie Buckles. The Buckles invested in an endowment and a facility renovation, including equipment. This culminated into two modern, state-of-the-art robotics labs. The Bill and Billie Buckles Robotics Design and Build Laboratories opened to students in the fall of 2017. With the establishment of the labs, the Tuckers invested in the Dr. Charles and Jane Tucker Computer Science Lectureship at Northwestern to support computer science faculty, staff and students. Northwestern, and northwest Oklahoma at large, will greatly benefit from these opportunities. Robotics is more than science fiction; there is real world practicality. Rural Oklahoma opens the possibility of robotics being used in agriculture and in the oil and gas fields. In agriculture today, robotics is used to feed livestock, harvest crops, and clear and replace fence posts. Future possibilities are endless and Northwestern now has the opportunity to be part of the innovation. In summer 2018, Northwestern students began developing a robot that is submersible up to 150 feet in water. Though fine-tuning will take approximately two years, there is expectation of a working prototype by the end of summer. Professor Mark Bagley of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department says this will be used in ponds, where
The Power of Donors
facial recognition software will give an account of various marine and plant populations in the lake, from snapping turtles to cattails. With this information, recommendations can be made to improve or balance the pond ecosystem. Examples of this may be that snapping turtles are too numerous for the size of the lake, or that catfish are unfed and the pond needs a nutritional boost. Participants will receive video of the dive and a database printout of the information collected by the robot. The program is available entirely through donations, with participants not required to pay for the opportunity. In return, the robotics students are continuously learning. Bagley said, “The students are able to see their creativity and ingenuity come to fruition. They are able to actually handle and touch a project, which isn’t always the case in computer science.” He adds that the labs have been a great opportunity for kinesthetic learners in particular. The impact the Buckles Robotics Design and Build Laboratories have on Northwestern cannot be overstated. The labs serve as great recruitment tools with tours and interested
students always in the lab. For current students, the labs offer free tutoring in Computer Science courses, as well as the opportunity to learn teamwork, which is needed in the field. “As a Computer Science student with limited access to a computer, the labs have enabled me to not only manage schoolwork, but also get into other projects and explore the fields in ways that interest me,” said Jackson Gardner, a junior Computer Science major. The labs are equipped with high-end computers, a 3-D printer, protective gear, and a workshop to work on materials ranging from plastic to metal. Yet the most priceless addition to the lab is the students. Gardner said, “The labs are their own micro-community that has allowed not only computer science students, but other students interested in what we do in the lab, to connect and work together.”
A LOOK AT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE: ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS
INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Kenneth L. Adkison Memorial Scholarship Anonymous Math, Math Education, Computer Sciences Major Scholarship E.L. (Bud) and Sophia Barton Scholarship Hershel F. & George T. Baxter Scholarship Frankie Rogers Baxter Scholarship Beeler-Stites Family Scholarship Earl and Margie Brunkest Estate Music Scholarship Kathleen & Gary Earnest English Stipend for Student & Alumni Outreach Enid Friends of Psychology Scholarship Enid Higher Education Council Scholarship Endowment Kenneth and Sue Fellers Family Scholarship in Math and Science Kenneth and Sue Fellers Family Scholarship in Music Dr. Deena & Tom Fisher Scholarship Clara Haack R.N. Scholarship Vernon & Doris Harper Scholarship Jane Hartwig Early Childhood Education Scholarship Jim and Mary Holder Scholarship Marguerite Johnson Education Scholarship Walter “Junior” Johnson Scholarship Ava Keeney Basketball Scholarship Kent and Darcy Kisling Scholarship Florence Louise McCoy Scholarship (Alva Campus) Florence Louise McCoy Scholarship (Woodward Campus) Lavonn Meier-McKnight Memorial Scholarship Larry Nash Memorial Scholarship Nay Family Scholarship David P. Parker Scholarship Bobette Buchanan Pfeifer Visual Arts Scholarship Gloria Piersall English Scholarship Ranger Dugout Club/Brit Shuck Memorial Scholarship Louise Anna Seitz Nursing Scholarship W. Frank & Lourine Smith Scholarship Brad and Angela Szczepaniak Nursing Scholarship Keith Vermillion Memorial Scholarship Eugene B. Vickers Scholarship Joe Wesley Wenzel Memorial Scholarship Allen L. and Carolyn J. Wilson Scholarship Dale and Duane Zeman Scholarship
Armory Weight Room Updates Dean Linder Press Box Dunning Performance Center Early Childhood Education Classroom Labs Fine Arts Building Renovation Literacy Center Ranger Field Turf Sim Mom for the Nursing Lab (Alva Campus) William R. and Billie Dean Buckles Computer Science Robotics Labs Woodward Campus Sim Man R. Deane & Esther M. Wymer Nursing Lab
ENDOWED CHAIRS
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Anonymous Endowed Chair in Mathematics J. Louis Bouchard Endowed Chair in Biology Kenneth L. Fellers Endowed Chair for Mathematics Sue Hildreth Fellers Endowed Chair for Vocal Music Charles Morton Share Trust Endowed Chairs in Nursing (10) Donovan Reichenberger Endowed Chair in Theatre II Ryerson Family Endowed Chair in Business II Ryerson Family Endowed Chair in Business III Wisdom Family Foundation Endowed Chairs in Nursing (10)
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIP • Douglas Van Meter Endowed Professorship for Accounting
ENDOWED LECTURESHIPS • • • • • • • • • • •
Anonymous Literacy Center Lectureship John and Margaret Barton Communication Lectureship William R. and Billie Dean Buckles Endowed STEM Initiative for Computer Science Cunningham Family Accounting Lectureship Cunningham Family Criminal Justice Lectureship Chad & Kimberly Moore Lectureship for Accounting Nay Family Lectureship School of Arts & Sciences Endowment The Stock Exchange Bank/Benbrook Business Lectureship Dr. Charles and Jane Tucker Computer Science Lectureship Keith Vermillion Literacy Center Lectureship
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MARRIAGES ‘14 Kaitlin (Parsons) and Clay Bouziden, on May 19, 2018. Bridesmaids included fellow Rangers ‘14 Cheyenne Harper, ‘13 & ‘14 Brenda Hearn and ‘13 Megan Stratton. Wedding photographer was ‘15 Brittany Austin.
‘72 Dr. Kathleen Earnest, assistant professor of English at Northwestern, was one of the contributors for colleague Dr. Kathryn Lane’s essay collection “Age of the Geek: Depictions of Nerds and Geeks in Popular Media.” Dr. Earnest’s essay is titled “Changing Faces: Exploring Depictions of Geeks in Various Texts.” ‘74, ‘95 Audrey Piersall was named as the Banking Officer and Human Resources Generalist at First Fidelity Bank in Edmond, Okla. Piersall graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration.
Current students, Macey (Ford) and Jason Alexander, on June 9, 2018. Macey is an English major, while Jason is a Health and Sports Science major. They reside in Alva, Okla. Current student, Savannah (Breeden-Leaper) and Sylvain Cote, on March 10, 2018. Savannah is an English major. The couple reside in Alva, Okla.
CLASS NOTES ‘68 Angela and ‘73 Tom Reid celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 25, 2018.
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‘86 Tony Crouch was hired at Seminole State College as the college’s new Vice President for Fiscal Affairs. Crouch graduated from Northwestern with a major in accounting and a minor in business management. ‘88 Eric Thompson is managing the day-to-day operations of Humphrey & Guarantee Abstract in Enid, Okla.
‘00 Willie Spears has written his fifth book, “Culture Creators: Creating Culture for Your Team or Organizations.” Spears is the athletic director and head football coach at Bullock County High School in Alabama and a motivational speaker. Fellow Northwestern alumni ‘99 Korina Dove Pattinson served as the book’s editor, while ‘85, ‘00 Valarie Case completed the book layout. ‘03 Meghan Eliason was named the principal at Will Rogers Elementary in Stillwater. She was previously a principal in Middleton, Idaho, and in Ponca City, Okla. ‘05 Casey Kramer was hired by the Chicago Bears to be their assistant strength coach. Kramer previously served as the director of athletic performance at Tennessee Tech and as a civilian tactical strength and conditioning specialist for the U.S. Army Special Forces.
‘16 Naicee (Gugelmeyer) and Matt Sutter, on May 27, 2018. Naicee graduated with a degree in music. She is currently a vocal music teacher at South Barber schools (Kiowa, Kan). The couple reside in Kiowa, Kan. ‘18 Kimberly (Bell) and Daniel Orellana, on June 16, 2018. Kimberly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The couple reside in Texas.
leaders to quickly gather information on global threats, share intelligence, evaluate potential risks and implement solutions.
‘77 Jane McDermott was named to the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma. McDermott was the previous executive director of the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association. She earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Northwestern.
‘92 Max Ridgway, Northwestern instructor, published “Modernism: The Strange Story of Art and Music in the Twentieth Century.” Ridgway earned his bachelor’s from Berklee College of Music, before completing his master’s degree in Music Education from Northwestern. He currently instructs guitar and strings courses.
‘77 Gloria and ‘87 Norman Winter are retiring after 47 and 33 years in teaching, respectively. Both educators worked in special education in Kansas. They each earned their master’s in special education from Northwestern.
‘95 Keri Lurry was named the Sunset Elementary’s Teacher of the Year in Edmond, Okla. Lurry is in her 22nd year of teaching, with the past 14 spent at Sunset. She graduated from Northwestern with a bachelor’s in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
‘78 Robert Reeg is president of Global Technologies, Mastercard International. He recently opened the Robert Reeg Cybersecurity Fusion Center, which empowers business
‘99 Shane Dent, Chisholm High School (Enid, Okla.) principal, added volleyball coach to his duties. Dent earned his master’s degree from Northwestern.
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‘05 Greg Shamburg is the new president and CEO of Denny Price Family YMCA in Enid, Okla. Shamburg has more than 25 years of experience in leadership development. Shamburg holds a Master’s of Education from Northwestern. ‘05 Ashley Johnston was named as the new softball coach at Northern Oklahoma College-Enid. Johnston previously played softball at Northwestern, leading the Rangers in a series of home runs before her graduation. ‘06 Anne (Rath) Heathman was named as the assistant principal of Longfellow Middle School in Enid, Okla. Heathman has been the instructional coach at Longfellow since 2012. She has two decades of educational experience. She graduated with her master’s in Educational Leadership and Reading Specialist from Northwestern.
‘07 Ryan Sproul was named as the northwest field representative for Oklahoma Sen. Jim Inhofe. Sproul graduated with a degree in agricultural business and animal science. ‘07 Lacey Ann Duffy joined the prestigious International Nurses Association with her publication in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare.
community. Herbst graduated from Northwestern with a degree in biology. ‘13 Kyle Irwin competed in the National Finals Rodeo. This is his third time qualifying for the National Finals. Irwin competed in steer wrestling for Northwestern. ‘14 Drew Cunningham passed the Oklahoma State Bar Exam in September. He joins his father, Rick, ‘76, at Cunningham Law in Alva, Okla. ‘16 Travis Harmon-Smith has accepted an on-air reporter position with ABC36 in Lexington, Ky. He does morning news and local events from 5 pm to 7am.
‘10 Amy Pottinger appears on the Food Network Star: Comeback Kitchen. Pottinger earned a degree in education from Northwestern. Amy, her husband, and their two children currently reside in Hawaii. ‘11 Garrett Bebermeyer was named the new coach for Burlington boys’ basketball team, Burlington, Okla. ‘13 Dr. Stephanie Herbst, DDS, of Enid, is taking over Dr. Dennis Moreheart’s practice as he retires after 46 years of serving the Enid
‘16 Joby Saint Fleur signed with the Dallas Cowboys in August. He was a former defensive end for the Northwestern Ranger football team who led the Great American Conference with 10.5 sacks during the 2015 season. During that season, he was named first-team All-GAC, first-team All-Region and was given an All-American honorable mention.
IN REMEMBRANCE ‘38 Ramona O. Herren, on May 25, 2017 at age 100. ‘48 Willard B. Lee, on July 19, 2017. ‘51 Robert S. Wharton, on Dec. 24, 2016 at age 89.
‘51 Clyde W. Robertson, on July 30, 2017 at age 91.
‘70 Michael W. Mitchel, on July 1, 2018 at age 69.
‘53, ‘75 Gwendolyn Nixon, on June 19, 2018 at age 86.
‘71 Rose M. (Maxwell) Collins, on Oct. 4, 2017 at age 97.
‘56 Ralph L. Engelken, on Oct. 30, 2017 at age 82. ‘57 Colin L. Pearson, on Feb. 14, 2018 at age 84. ‘57 R. Deane Wymer, on July 7, 2018 at age 84. Wymer earlier served on the board of the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association. ‘59 Robert L. Kirby, Sr., on Nov. 20, 2015 at age 80. ‘59 Shirley Ray, on May 28, 2017 at age 82.
‘73 Randy L. Cunningham, on May 7, 2018 at age 71. ‘73 Larry Dean Coontz, on July 27, 2018 at age 68. ‘74 Patty A. Cook, on Nov. 17, 2017 at age 65. ‘74 Darrell A. Gorre, on Dec. 13, 2017 at age 65. ‘77 Gayla Sue (Blasdel) Jordan, on March 6, 2017 at age 67.
‘59 Alvin B. Cochran, on Oct. 12, 2017.
‘77 Herschell C. Mosier, on June 5, 2017 at age 68.
‘59 Mary Lou Bryan, on March 9, 2018 at age 80.
‘77 Verna H. Dubben, on Feb. 19, 2018 at age 91.
‘60 Landon J. Morse, on July 2, 2017 at age 79.
‘79 Roberta M. Curtis, on May 24, 2017 at age 67.
‘60 David B. Dubbs, on Dec. 3, 2017 at age 85. ‘60 Myrna Lee Carney, on April 4, 2018 at age 79. ‘61 Donald L. Devine, on Sept. 14, 2017 at age 83. ‘63 Daniel B. Gottsch, on Sept. 3, 2017 at age 78. ‘63 James D. Washmon, on Nov. 1, 2017 at age 76. ‘63, ‘78, ‘89 Patsy Robertson, on June 9, 2018 at age 81. ‘68 Victor R. Fulton, on Sept. 30, 2017 at age 71. ‘68 ‘74 Bonnie Simpson, on March 1, 2018 at age 72. ‘70 John R. Gibson, on Oct. 11, 2017 at age 70.
‘72 Paulette R. Tanner, on Aug. 25, 2017 at age 67.
‘80, ‘87 Sue Matthiesen, on May 24, 2018 at age 78. ‘84 Ado M. Wessels, on Oct. 8, 2017 at age 56. ‘84, ‘92 Louise DeGeer, on July 22, 2018 at age 73. ‘86 Craig Michael Colson, on July 9, 2018 at age 54. ‘92 Everette W. Reeves, on May 21, 2017 at age 77. ‘92 Drew Longhurst, on Aug. 6, 2017 at age 51. ‘92 Dustin A. Goodrich, on Oct 4, 2017 at age 49. ‘99 Connie L. Randall, on Nov. 26, 2017 at age 68. ‘04 Keith A. Vermillion, on Oct. 19, 2017 at age 37. ‘06 Holly J. Redmond, on June 25, 2017 at age 34. ‘06 Elizabeth A. Black, on Feb. 23, 2018 at age 36. ‘10 Aryka D. Harding, on Oct. 5, 2017 at age 30.
Submit your Class Notes contributions to: nwalumni@nwosu.edu or mail them to: Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association 709 Oklahoma Blvd. Alva, OK 73717 NWOSU.EDU | roundUP Magazine
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Lil’ Rangers
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1. Leslie Renee, ‘03, and Minor Imler welcomed their daughter Sadie on September 26, 2017. 2. Stephanie, ‘08, and James Widick, ‘12, welcomed their son Judge on January 5, 2018. He weighed 8 pounds, 7.8 ounces. 3. Kylene (Whiteman), ‘12, and Robert Sharpton welcomed their son Trace on December 8, 2016. He weighed 6 pounds, 1.7 ounces. 4. Sadie (McLeod), ‘13, and Brandon Bier welcomed their son Dakota on June 28, 2017. He weighed 8 pounds, 9 ounces. 5. Clay, ‘11, and Hailey Cudmore welcomed their son Creece on September, 19, 2017. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces. 6. Gene, ‘14, and Jerrica Glenn, ‘15, welcomed their son Tuff on December 11, 2017. He weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces.
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Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association 709 Oklahoma Blvd. Alva, OK 73717 580-327-8593 nwalumni@nwosu.edu my.nwfoundation.com
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