roundUP Alumni Magazine Summer '17

round Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alumni Magazine

UP 2016-2017

WHAT’S

NEXT

NORTHWESTERN LAUNCHES ITS FIRST-EVER COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN WITH A GOAL OF RAISING $28 MILLION TO ADVANCE THE UNIVERSITY

10

ANSWERING THE CALL

14 HOUSE OF HEALING

22

RELENTLESS TO SERVE

roundUP 2016 – 2017

MAGAZINE

University President: Dr. Janet Cunningham Official Publication Published annually by the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association Editors: John Allen & Jennifer Grassano Art Direction/Designer: Jennifer Grassano 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

roundUP magazine is published by the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association office. It is mailed to more than 1,300 alumni, parents and friends of Northwestern throughout the country and 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.

PHOTO BY VALARIE CASE

table of CONTENTS

4 1

pg.

As a new business owner, Megan Stroup, ‘03, shares her journey of stepping out on her own and following “the dream”. Taking her love for the field of social work and putting her own creative spin on things, Stroup is able to provide families in the system with a one-of-a-kind visitation experience at Helen’s House.

IN EVERY ISSUE

04

LETTER FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR AND THE PRESIDENT

06

SPRING ALUMNI REUNION

08

ALUMNI EVENTS

12

HOMECOMING RECAP

6

8

12 34

CLASS NOTES

2

roundUP SUMMER 2017

36

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.

ON THE COVER

26

UNIVERSITY KICKS OFF FIRST-EVER

COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN FEATURES

10

ANSWERING THE CALL Rangers reach beyond the classroom to help those in need through the Samaritan’s Purse volunteer organization.

18

HE NAILS IT...

THE HUMANITARIAN SPIRIT One 1963 alum puts his retirement to good use, building more than 80 homes with Habitat for Humanity for the past 20 years.

22

10

RELENTLESS TO SERVE

18

Nurse practitioner Hilary Nicholson, ‘97, uses her passion for healthcare to provide free healthcare services to the medically uninsured in Collinsville, Okla.

26

IMAGINE NORTHWESTERN Northwestern launches the Imagine Northwestern campaign with a goal of raising $28 million.

22 NWOSU.EDU roundUP

3

letter from the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Dear Ranger Family –

I am pleased to introduce Donna Anderson, ’92, who has recently accepted the role of president, Northwestern Alumni Board. Donna, who also serves as the superintendent of Cherokee Public Schools, has provided insight and enthusiasm this past year as a Board member. Together, with our Board colleagues, we look forward to continuing strong alumni outreach and engagement.

Our past year has been one of embracing new opportunities. We introduced a change to our alumni association programming; lifetime membership fees are now considered scholarship donations. This investment in our Northwestern makes a difference to all of us as our students progress to careers that change our world.

We are continuing to look at new opportunities as we develop additional programming we believe will make a difference to our community.

Finally, our Spring Alumni Reunion 2017 banquet brought a crowd of nearly 300 alumni and Northwestern friends to Percefull Fieldhouse to celebrate Northwestern! In addition to recognizing four honored classes and five remarkable Outstanding Graduates (see page 6), the University and the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association kicked off the public phase of our first capital campaign. Imagine Northwestern: One Campaign. Countless Opportunities expands the opportunities for our students and our community. Learn more about the campaign on page 26 or visit ImagineNorthwestern.com.

This is an exciting time for Northwestern as alumni and community engagement continues. Please plan now to join us for Homecoming 2017 on September 30, where Ranger Pride will be in full swing.

Ride, Rangers, Ride.

John Allen Director, Alumni Relations, Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association

4

roundUP SUMMER 2017

Donna Anderson President, Northwestern Alumni Association

G

IN M O C E M HO

N R E T S E W H T NOR

. y c a g e L e h t .. Continue

Co

. k c a B e v i 017 me Back, G ember 30, 2 pt Saturday, Sedu/homecoming nwosu.e

SPRING ALUMNI

REUNION ABOVE: Pictured (from left to right) are the 2017 Outstanding Graduates, Doug Van Meter, ‘89, Business; David Elder, ‘73, Arts; Julie Zollinger, ‘92, Education; Phyllis Brunsteter, ‘49, Ranger Spirit; and James Erskine, ‘63, Humanitarian.

They were honored at the Spring Alumni Reunion banquet on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Each spring, Northwestern is proud to honor its alumni. Most recently, nearly 300 alumni and friends gathered in the newly-renovated Percefull Fieldhouse to celebrate their alma mater at Spring Alumni Reunion on Saturday, April 29, 2017. It was a special reunion. Not only did it bring classmates and friends together to reconnect, the event also played host to the announcement of Northwestern’s first-ever comprehensive fundraising campaign, Imagine Northwestern.

SAVE THE DATE for next year’s Reunion, honoring the classes of 1948, 1958, 1968 and 1993 on:

APRIL 28, 2018 6

roundUP SUMMER 2017

MY.NWFOUNDATION.COM roundUP

7

The Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association strives to take the term “Ranger family� seriously, hosting events that encourage community spirit, relationship-building and, last but not least, fun. Over the past year, students, alumni and friends enjoyed numerous opportunities to connect with their Northwestern. From Donor Appreciation Dinner and Sports Hall of Fame to Thank-a-Thon, Red Tie Jazz and Baseball, Hot Dogs & Apple Pie, there was something for everyone. Interested in attending one or more of these annual events? Stay updated on our schedule of events by visiting: my.nwfoundation.com

8

roundUP SUMMER 2017

2016-2017 EVENTS

To see more photos from Foundation & Alumni events, visit: Flickr.com/NWOSUalumni Facebook.com/NWOSUalumni

NWOSU.EDU roundUP

9

Kimberly Weast (center), Northwestern professor of theatre, works as a volunteer site leader for the Samaritan’s Purse organization.

ANSWERING

THE CALL Professor, alumni making a difference outside the classroom 10

roundUP SUMMER 2017

ANSWERING THE CALL

I

t’s the end of another semester and Kimberly Weast, professor of theatre, sits in her parked car exhausted as the past five months finally catch up to her.

Her phone beeps. She looks down to see a message from her volunteer organization, Samaritan’s Purse, calling for people to help the victims of the recent Carolina floods. Her first thoughts are – “It’s the end of the semester, I’m too worn out to help; I don’t want to drive 18 hours; there’s no one who would make that drive with me” – or in her own words, “excuses”.

In the midst of her convincing herself of all the reasons why she shouldn’t go help, a song floats from the radio as if speaking directly to her: I’m so tired of talking/About how we are God’s hands and feet/But it’s easier to say than to be/Live like angels of apathy who tell ourselves/It’s alright, “somebody else will do something”/Well, I don’t know about you/But I’m sick and tired of life with no desire/I don’t want a flame, I want a fire/I wanna be the one who stands up and says,/“I’m gonna do something/If not us, then who/If not me and you/ Right now, it’s time for us to do something/If not now, then when/Will we see an end/To all this pain/It’s not enough to do nothing/It’s time for us to do something (Do Something by Matthew West)

After hearing those words, she immediately made up her mind she was going to “do something”.

Weast joined Samaritan’s Purse as a volunteer in May 2011 after watching the devastation of the Joplin, Mo. tornado on her television. After reaching out to her pastor at Alva Wesleyan Church and securing a floor spot at a church in Joplin to sleep, she and two Northwestern alums – Jesse and Amanda Schroeder, ‘03 – hit the road.

“When the TV showed miles and miles of houses just flattened and a picture of Joplin High School, it just tore me up,” Weast said. “I thought to myself, ‘I’m sitting here less than five hours away with nothing to do – why can’t I go help?’ We all use so many excuses of why we can’t go do something, but it’s important to get out of our comfort zone and realize there’s a world in need greater than ourselves.”

Since her first volunteer experience with Samaritan’s Purse, Weast has deployed to five other natural disaster areas including the Shawnee and Moore, Okla. tornadoes in May 2013; the Sand Springs, Okla. tornado in March 2015; the Dallas, Texas tornado in December 2015; and most recently, last summer to Charleston, W. Va. and the surrounding communities to help with flood relief efforts.

It isn’t unusual for Weast’s current or former students to join these journeys, and thankfully this time was no different.

One of her recent graduates at the time, Sara Acosta, ‘14, accompanied her on the thousand-mile trek.

“It’s very obvious to me that Northwestern is a place that encourages community involvement, encourages leadership and encourages investing in others,” Weast said. “That’s who Northwestern is. So it means a lot when my fellow Rangers go

Sara Acosta, ‘14, (far left) stands with other Samaritan’s Purse volunteers after removing debris from foundations of houses affected by floods in Charleston, W. Va.

with me even though the disaster could be states away.”

With summer upon her and a big move to Florida approaching, Acosta decided she wanted to make her free time useful for others.

“When Professor Weast called me to ask if I was interested in going, I took a few nights to think about it; ultimately, I felt that it was something I just had to do.”

After arriving in Charleston, Weast – a site leader for the organization – was sent to assist in the coordination of volunteers while Acosta was sent with a group to do field work.

She removed drywall and nails from the framework of houses, vacuumed dust and debris, and shoveled mud from affected areas before spraying them down with pressure washers and a chemical used to kill and prevent mold.

“I also put on a Tyvek® suit, gloves, a mask and goggles to go within the foundation of a few houses and remove flooded and muddy air ducts and debris that had washed up underneath,” Acosta said. “I learned quite a bit about how air ducts and electric lines were arranged in houses, but I also experienced the similarities as well as the differences between the small towns and communities of northwest Oklahoma where I’d grown up and the small towns of West Virginia.”

Both women encourage others to make time to answer calls for help, whether near or far.

“If it’s at home, states away or halfway across the world, do what you can,” Acosta said. “You not only get to witness different points of view from listening to those you are helping, but you also get the chance to be that person’s saving grace. You may be the only good thing that has happened to them that day and that is important.”

Weast adds, “There are so many things that divide us in the world today – it’s nice when everyone can come together for a common cause.”

MY.NWFOUNDATION.COM roundUP

11

HOMECOMING

2016

Alumni John Spencer, ‘85 (left), and Clayton, ‘88, and Tammy Phillips, ‘87, reconnect at the alumni tent during the 2016 Homecoming parade.

There’s nothing quite like Homecoming week at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.

On Oct. 1, 2016, Ranger alumni and friends gathered around the downtown Alva square for the annual Ranger Run, Homecoming parade and alumni lunch. The streets were blanketed in Red and Black, and the rumble of Ranger spirit was deafening. The crowds made their way to Ranger Field and fans celebrated as the Rangers defeated East Central University 42-26.

Want to join in on the Ranger fun? Don’t miss this year’s Homecoming, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017. More details at nwosu.edu/homecoming.

12

roundUP SUMMER 2017

NWOSU.EDU roundUP

13

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HELEN’S HOUSE

14

roundUP SUMMER 2017

House of

Healing W

alking past the large, blue and white house on a street in Marion, Ind., one might think it was your average residential home. However, there’s more to this big blue house than meets the eye.

While employed as a social worker for the Department of Child Services (DCS), Megan Stroup – a 2005 alumna of Northwestern – began to feel there were different ways to help families in need, especially when it came to visitations.

“Visitations are a requirement for families in the system,” Stroup said. “Visitation places are usually in brick office buildings and children visit their families in spaces that are the size of an office while being watched through a window. I didn’t like that setup. I wanted to see what would happen behaviorally with these families if we put them in a more natural environment.”

As she began to think of a more creative solution, she came across her “adopted” Grandmother Helen’s eulogy. Being born to a

16-year old mother created informal relative care for Stroup. Growing up, she came to know Helen by the endearing word “nanny”. While not a blood relative, Nanny raised her when her mother couldn’t.

“My nanny would take me to her house all week long and then on Friday night my mom would come visit me,” Stroup said.

“She was the best little lady in the whole world.

It didn’t matter who you were coming into her house, she loved everyone.”

Reading through Nanny’s eulogy that day, Stroup began thinking how she wanted to be able to treat individuals and families in visitation centers the same way her nanny had done for everyone that walked through her door. She envisioned the type of visitation center she wanted to create, and the name immediately followed.

“I decided then that I wanted to name this place after her to remind myself of how I felt walking into my nanny’s house.”

And so Helen’s House was born.

MY.NWFOUNDATION.COM roundUP

15

Stroup, along with her husband Jake, first saw the 100-year old home in May 2016. After one look, they knew it was “the one” – the place that was meant to hold the dream of Helen’s House. However, dreams require work and in order to open this agency, the Stroups had to stand up to the challenges ahead.

After turning in their business proposal to DCS in May, they were to be reviewed in June for approval and were told they needed to be operational by July 1.

“That gave us three weeks from the time we would be approved to when we would have to serve families,” Stroup said.

“Our offer on the house was contingent upon our proposal and vote approval. When it came to our review meeting with DCS in June, there was a system malfunction and our meeting was pushed back to July. My heart dropped. We had a mortgage and business loan pending our approval and now it was delayed.”

Despite the challenges, Helen’s House was officially approved July 8, 2016.

“God has drop-kicked doors open for us,” she said. “A year ago this was an idea; when you look at it from the beginning to our October 2016 opening, it’s amazing to see we’ve created a successful business. The success is being shown not only in the level of referrals we’ve been getting, but from the consistent positive feedback from families.”

16

roundUP SUMMER 2017

Helen’s House receives a continuous stream of funding by providing services to the DCS. Stroup and her staff provide visitation supervision, case management and parental skill-building for families involved in the child welfare system.

They also serve families through private referrals for divorce cases, domestic violence, reintroduction of parents to children and even post-adoption.

“Families come to us in a variety of different situations, but typically there’s been a lapse in judgment or decision making somewhere in their parenting.”

No matter the situation, Stroup wants families to feel comfortable when entering through her doors, just as she felt when she would go to her nanny’s home. While at Helen’s House, families can sit together at a custom-built 10-person wood table surrounded by brightly painted walls and large, airy windows. The children can play with toys and families can even come together and cook at the agency.

Stroup says, “Not only does this environment make both the children and parents feel more comfortable, but it also models for families what a nice home looks and feels like.”

The feeling of comfort doesn’t end with the activities or appearance of the house, but also with those 13 employees who fill it.

“I don’t care what people have done. I want my entire

HOUSE OF HEALING

“If you truly feel like you have a skill or talent the world needs, I can’t think of a better time to do it. Have plans in place and be smart about it, but there’s something to be said about following the dream and doing it wisely.” staff to be genuinely happy to see these families – that’s a value we hold,” Stroup said. “We bring our hearts to work every day for these families. Being real and engaging in these relationships is an important part in connecting with them. Their outcome is so much better when they know someone is in their corner.”

She adds, “I created this agency to be good to families, but knew that wouldn’t work if I wasn’t good to my staff. I pay them on average $10,000 more than any other social work job in the area. I don’t want them worrying about bills when they’re investing time and energy into these families.”

Stroup says she is proud of the work Helen’s House is accomplishing and is grateful for the opportunity to train new, young social workers on how to treat people in the field. She also encourages others who may have a dream-career to take a chance and “go for it”.

“If you truly feel like you have a skill or talent the world needs, I can’t think of a better time to do it. Have plans in place and be smart about it, but there’s something to be said about following the dream and doing it wisely.”

NWOSU.EDU roundUP

17

HE NAILS ...the Humanitarian Spirit

F

aith saw a dream come true, and James Erskine, ’63, recalls the story about one of the Habitat for Humanity homes he worked on as a volunteer.

“Habitat for Humanity of Southern Brazoria County (HFHSBC) was building a home across the street from an elementary school,” Erskine said. “A teacher brought her class to see what was involved in building a Habitat home. One of the girls was so impressed that she later told her parents she believed they could qualify for such a home. Her parents were not as convinced; yet, their daughter said with hard work and faith they could do it.

“A year later, the girl and her family moved in to their new home. It was this girl’s faith, persistence and hard work that earned her family the house. Ironically, her name is Faith. The Habitat home is known to this day as ‘Faith’s House’.”

Erskine enjoys many similar stories of working side-by-side with the future homeowners of Habitat homes. He embraces the value of one of the criteria Habitat homeowners must support: the willingness “to partner with Habitat for Humanity and contribute hundreds of sweat equity hours to the construction of their own home, or their neighbor’s home.”

“This truly is a ‘hand up, not hand out’ organization, where homeowners can take pride in their participation and in their work,” Erskine said.

18

roundUP SUMMER 2017

S IT

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF SOUTHERN BRAZORIA COUNTY

MY.NWFOUNDATION.COM roundUP

19

“It is very satisfying, rewarding work to build decent, affordable housing for low income families who want to earn their first home.�

20

roundUP SUMMER 2017

HE NAILS IT...THE HUMANITARIAN SPIRIT

The Habitat for Humanity organization, founded in 1976, has “built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved more than 600,000 houses worldwide”. This equates to providing shelter to more than 6.8 million people.

In Southern Brazoria County, Texas, Erskine has worked on Habitat construction since 1997.

“My church sponsored Habitat home build #13 in June 1997, providing the materials and all volunteer construction labor. I decided to help and I’ve been hooked ever since. It is very satisfying, rewarding work to build decent, affordable housing for low income families who want to earn their first home.”

Mike Heather, Executive Director for HFHSBC, says Erskine is the “ideal volunteer”.

“He cares about the families he serves and the other volunteers he works beside,” Heather said. “He willingly gives of his time and talents, expecting nothing in return. Jim pulls together all of our house plans, maintains a system to keep regular and first time construction volunteers informed of upcoming builds, and works onsite as a ‘skill leader’ leading and training other volunteers. I wish we had a lot more Jims.”

The Journey to Lake Jackson

A native of Alva, Okla., Erskine’s father encouraged him to study chemistry. Attending Northwestern, Erskine often found himself in the campus library studying with other science students. After graduating with a chemistry degree in 1963, Erskine chose to earn his Master’s degree at Oklahoma State University.

Immediately upon graduation, he moved to Lake Jackson, Texas,

to begin a 41-year career at Dow Chemical.

Erskine enjoyed his career as a chemist, serving in leadership positions in several of Dow’s groups. Before retirement, he was the research leader specializing in mass spectrometry techniques.

His retirement in 2001 allowed him the opportunity to give more time to the local Habitat mission. Erskine has been involved in more than 80 homes in some capacity, including drawing plans, foundation preparation, framing, roofing, insulation, drywall – from hanging to finishing, installing trim and cabinets, landscaping and volunteer coordination.

His humanitarian spirit also includes volunteering at a Dallas soup kitchen, including helping with its day care program.

He has joined youth and adult mission trips using his construction skills to make improvements on homes, school buildings and churches.

Outstanding Graduate

Erskine’s heart for service to others was recognized at Northwestern’s Spring Alumni Reunion banquet on April 29, 2017, when he was honored as the Outstanding Graduate, Humanitarian. In what has become known as “typical Jim Erskine fashion”, he humbly accepted the award, then joined other HFHSBC volunteers to begin House #104 the day he returned from the Oklahoma trip.

And next, House #105 may hold the dreams of a child like Faith. Erskine’s hands and heart will make it happen.

NWOSU.EDU roundUP

21

RELENTLESS

TO SERVE 22

roundUP SUMMER 2017

RELENTLESS TO SERVE

N

ot many people pick up a book thinking it will change their life, but that’s exactly what happened to 1997 nursing alumna Hilary Nicholson after reading Francis Chan’s Crazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God. With each turn of the page, she realized her calling.

After graduating as a registered nurse from Northwestern, Nicholson began her career on the night shift at Great Plains Regional Hospital in Elk City, Okla. She went on to an impressive eight-year career as a flight nurse with Tulsa Life Flight before a horrific 2 a.m. call changed her career path.

“We got a call to a car wreck and arrived to see a single car on the other side of a large ravine – we assumed we would be picking up adults. When we got closer we realized there was a nine-year-old girl with a severe head injury. Mom and dad were both intoxicated. As we were loading, someone started knocking on the helicopter door telling us we needed to check on another kid. I ran a quarter mile to the ambulance and saw a two-yearold curled up on her side, unresponsive. I needed to secure her airway but nothing was working. I remember stopping and saying, ‘God, if you will get me out of this, I will not do this again.’ I was able to secure her airway and we got her to the hospital.”

Many people would hear this story and automatically look down on the parents involved. Nicholson admits she did as well – but she quickly learned a valuable life lesson.

“It’s easy to judge – I judged so quickly; but to watch a dad lay next to his dying child and mourn was gut wrenching.

God told me, ‘you cannot judge that.’ This began my journey of figuring out who and what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I decided I wanted to become a pediatric nurse practitioner.”

In 2005, Nicholson enrolled in the University of South Alabama’s online nurse practitioners program. During this time, she first had the thought of opening a clinic in Collinsville, a more rural community just north of Tulsa, Okla., to care for children.

“I appreciate rural Oklahoma and rural healthcare,” Nicholson said. “We tend to think everyone should just drive to the city to get the care they need, but I wanted to go to the rural communities. So that was my plan.”

When she graduated in December 2008, Nicholson already had five job offers which took precedence over her dream of opening a free clinic. She started working as a pediatric nurse practitioner for Pediatric and Adolescent Care (PAC) in Tulsa, but the dream continued to linger in the back of her mind.

“While I was at PAC, my husband and I started looking at a budget for opening up our own clinic. As we’re sitting down putting some figures together, the numbers we got at the time were between $400,000 and $600,000. We thought, ‘Where are we supposed to get that money?!’ I quickly dismissed the idea and thought, ‘I will never be able to open my own practice. I will never have enough money.’ ”

Then one day, Nicholson was talking with her local veterinarian who recommended she read Crazy Love. Suddenly, things began to “click”.

“The storyline of the book is about the crazy things you do for God because He is calling you to do them,” said Nichol-

“I appreciate rural Oklahoma and rural healthcare. We tend to think that everyone should just drive to the city to get the care they need but I wanted to go to the rural communities. So that was my plan.” son. “As I’m reading this book, it’s like it is written on every page that I’m supposed to open a free health clinic. I was skeptical because nothing is free. Where was the money going to come from? After a month of thinking about it, I started telling my friends. They thought I was crazy! But the thought was there. It would not go away.”

Nicholson approached her church “family” with the idea, hoping they would support her mission. To her surprise, they did.

If You Build It…

As she began this new journey, Nicholson assembled a volunteer team and board and received her 501(c)(3) status. In order to learn the ins and outs of the free clinic world, she and several team members visited three community clinics for ideas on how to operate theirs – which had yet to be named.

One day – after having no luck deciding on a name for her clinic – Nicholson asked her son, Jayden, 12-years-old at the time, what they should call it.

“He said, ‘let’s Google Hebrew words for health’. All of these words popped up that we couldn’t pronounce except the word Arubah, which means restoration to sound health. It was perfect. It encompassed our whole mission.”

With a purpose and fitting name established, the Arubah Community Clinic officially opened Nov. 10, 2011 – 18 months after “God had given her the vision”.

The clinic saw eight patients its first night with one volunteer provider. Today, Arubah is open Monday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The clinic has four paid part-time employees, eight providers and around 150 consistent volunteers. With an annual budget of approximately $300,000, the clinic gains its largest contribution from its annual Healthy Lives, Healthy Laughs fundraiser held each September. They also operate from individual contributions, grants and assistance from local churches and other organizations.

“These days everyone is so busy and caught up in their own lives, but through this journey I have seen the goodness in people and have learned how precious people are,” Nicholson said. “Everything in this building is donated to us.”

MY.NWFOUNDATION.COM roundUP

23

RELENTLESS TO SERVE

...They Will Come

When asked about the patients at the Arubah Clinic, Nicholson’s eyes well with happy tears as she speaks about the impact the clinic has made on so many lives – both medically and spiritually.

“We’ll have people come in and say, ‘I don’t necessarily need to see a doctor, I just need someone to pray with me’. We get prayer requests often,” Nicholson said. “You don’t have to go to a third world country to serve – they’re in our backyard.”

Nicholson says there are many success stories, but the one she remembers most often is of a veteran who came into Arubah with a large mass on his neck.

“He came in one day because he felt he wasn’t getting proper attention at the VA hospital. One of our doctors started him on meds, prayed with him and encouraged him to go back to the VA since we needed to save our appointments for those who were uninsured. I’ll always remember the message this man left me on my phone. He said, ‘Listen, I was in your clinic a couple weeks ago. I was the old man with a long pony tail. Your staff was amazing. They prayed over me and loved on me. I went back to the VA because they encouraged me to and it was as if an

24

roundUP SUMMER 2017

angel of the Lord had appeared. They took one look at me and got me right into a specialist. They’ve removed it – it was cancerous – and now I’m on the path to recovery.’ ”

Each unique story exemplifies the mission of the clinic, which is “to provide quality care with dignity to restore the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of those underinsured or unable to obtain healthcare in the northeast Oklahoma region.”

“I get to wake up and serve people every day,” Nicholson said. “I get to help families raise their children and watch them grow. I am blessed that God took me through nursing school and gave me the gift of healthcare to help people achieve their optimal health.”

In August 2015, Nicholson opened her own practice – Treasured Pediatric Care. While she isn’t physically inside the Arubah Clinic as often as before, she says she loves to “sit back and watch the place move.”

It’s easy to keep a close eye on Arubah. Her new practice is located right across the street.

As for Crazy Love? The book sits on display in her dining room as a reminder of what encouraged her to start this journey in the first place.

NWOSU.EDU roundUP

25

26

roundUP SUMMER 2017

Northwestern launches the Imagine Northwestern comprehensive campaign with a goal of raising $28 million to advance the university.

N

orthwestern Oklahoma State University announced an ambitious $28 million comprehensive campaign on Saturday, April 29, renewing its commitment to students and faculty, and a continued promise to the state of Oklahoma.

At its annual Spring Alumni Reunion, Northwestern also announced it has raised nearly $24 million to date in support of the Imagine Northwestern campaign, the first comprehensive campaign in the University’s history.

“One hundred and 20 years ago, the pioneers who settled northwest Oklahoma imagined a school that would serve as the cornerstone for education and opportunity in a new land,” said Dr. Janet Cunningham, president of Northwestern. “Their dreams built a university that has forever changed the landscape of northwest Oklahoma. Today, we honor their legacy and show the world why we

believe in Northwestern.”

The Imagine Northwestern campaign will support three major areas across the university, including:

• Creation of scholarship endowments that will increase the number of students receiving financial assistance to 70 percent;

• Increasing direct support for academic programs and faculty through the creation of new endowed chairs, professorships and lectureships, along with new initiatives and programs; and

• Renovation of several existing campus facilities, including the central mall area, Herod Hall Auditorium and the Fine Arts Building, the oldest academic building on campus.

“This campaign comes at a critical time for Northwestern,” Cunningham said.

“The collapse of state funding for public higher education places the University at a MY.NWFOUNDATION.COM roundUP

27

WHAT $28 MILLION WILL DO By investing in Northwestern, you are investing in our students, our university and our future. Your investment in this campaign also is an expression of your Ranger spirit, your belief in the mission of Northwestern, and your hope for the generations of students to come.

1. Provide greater financial aid resources to deserving students, with a focus on upperclassmen.

CAP CAMPAIG

2. Attract and retain a greater number of students, improve graduation rates and increase the number of degrees awarded.

3. Enhance Northwestern’s impact to the economy of Oklahoma with a generation of new alumni dedicated to servant leadership in their communities.

4. Provide critical resources to academic departments to support teaching excellence and innovation.

5. Create campuses that provide students with a physical environment that supports the total student life experience.

6. Build upon the momentum created by the University reaffirmation of accreditation and transition to NCAA Division II.

#ImagineNWOSU ImagineNorthwestern.com 28

roundUP SUMMER 2017

crossroads. Private support of Northwestern will be the catalyst that allows the University to thrive, and fulfill its mission and promise to the people of Oklahoma. Our alumni and supporters have spoken with transformational gifts during the early phase of the campaign.”

The University began working with the Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association in 2012 in preparation for the campaign.

“Throughout its history, the Northwestern Foundation has worked hand-in-hand with the University to secure private support and transform the passion of our donors into life-changing opportunities for students,” Cunningham said. “The current volunteer leadership of the Foundation, along with the staff, has devoted countless hours preparing for this moment.”

Skeeter Bird, chief executive officer of the Foundation & Alumni Association, echoed her comments.

“Our first comprehensive campaign has been successful because of the people involved,” Bird said. “Our volunteers,

GN STORY

our donors, as well as the staffs of both the University and the Foundation & Alumni Association have never worked as well together in my 12 years here. The work has been challenging and simultaneously uplifting. Everyone is focused on the support and the success of the students and the University.”

To date, the campaign has resulted in the establishment of 28 new endowed scholarships, 26 endowed chairs and eight endowed lectureships. As a result of the Endowed Chair Program, the Doctor of Nursing Practice will begin fall 2017.

Academic infrastructure improvements as a result of campaign funding include establishment of the R. Deane and Esther M. Wymer Nursing Lab, and the construction of the William R. and Billie Dean Buckles design and build labs for robotics. A $1 million gift has been made to begin renovation of the Fine Arts Building.

The Dean Linder Press Box headlines improvements to athletic facilities, along with a new artificial turf playing surface at Ranger Field, construction of the Dunning Performance Cen-

ter, and improvements at the Campbell Rodeo Complex.

The volunteer leadership of the campaign steering committee includes co-chairs Joe Shirley and Pat Headlee of Alva.

Shirley is a 1970 graduate of Northwestern and owner of Shirley Farms. Headlee is a 1970 graduate and is a retired bank executive from BancCentral in Alva.

Other volunteer members include Kenneth Fellers (’63) of Byron; Warren and Beverly (’67) Little of Alva; and Sen. Roland (’72) and Terry (’73) Pederson, of Burlington.

Northwestern representatives include Cunningham (’76) and Steve Valencia (’84).

Foundation representatives include Bird (’85), John Allen, Shane Engelken (’14) and Melissa Jenlink.

NWOSU.EDU roundUP

29

A LOOK AT WHAT WE’VE DONE: With the support of many investors, several major projects have been established since the quiet phase of the Imagine Northwestern campaign, which began in 2013.

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS

R. Deane and Esther M. Wymer Nursing Lab dedicated August 2016.

Dunning Performance Center completed January 2017.

• Enid Higher Education Council Scholarship Endowment • Eugene B. Vickers Scholarship • Marguerite Johnson Education Scholarship • Bobette Buchanan Pfeifer Visual Arts Scholarship • Gloria Piersall English Scholarship • W. Frank & Lourine Smith Scholarship • Kathleen & Gary Earnest English Stipend for Student & Alumni Outreach • Biomedical Science Research Fund • Nay Family Scholarship • Louise Anna Seitz Nursing Scholarship • Beeler-Stites Family Scholarship • Vernon & Doris Harper Scholarship • Hershel F. & George T. Baxter Scholarship/ Frankie Rogers Baxter Scholarship • Larry Nash Memorial Scholarship • Dr. Deena & Tom Fisher Scholarship • David P. Parker Scholarship • Earl and Margie Brunkest Estate Music Scholarship • Anonymous Math, Math Education, Computer Sciences Major Scholarship • Wes Wenzel Scholarship • Allen and Carolyn Wilson Scholarship • Clara Haack R.N. Scholarship • E.L. (Bud) and Sophia Barton Scholarship • Kenneth L. Adkison Memorial Scholarship • Enid Friends of Psychology Scholarship • Lavonn Meier-McKnight Memorial Scholarship • Ava Keeney Basketball Scholarship • Ranger Dugout Club/Brit Shuck Memorial Scholarship • Jim Holder Scholarship

INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE • Dean Linder Press Box • Ranger Field Turf • William R. and Billie Dean Buckles Computer Science Robotics Labs • Woodward Campus Sim Man • R. Deane & Esther M. Wymer Nursing Lab • Dunning Performance Center • $1 Million for Fine Arts Building • Updates to Armory Weight Room

ENDOWED CHAIRS • Sue Hildreth Fellers Endowed Chair for Vocal Music • Donovan Reichenberger Endowed Chair in Theatre II • Charles Morton Share Trust Endowed Chair in Nursing (8) • J. Louis Bouchard Endowed Chair in Biology • Ryerson Family Endowed Chair in Business II • Wisdom Family Foundation Endowed Chair in Nursing (10) • Kenneth L. Fellers Endowed Chair for Mathematics • Douglas Van Meter Endowed Chair for Accounting • Ryerson Family Endowed Chair in Business III • Anonymous Math Chair

ENDOWED LECTURESHIPS • Dr. Charles and Jane Tucker Computer Science Lectureship • William R. and Billie Dean Buckles Endowed STEM Initiative for Computer Science • The Stock Exchange Bank/Benbrook Business Lectureship • John and Margaret Barton Communication Lectureship

William R. and Bille Dean Buckles Computer Science Robotics Labs dedicated April 2017.

30

roundUP SUMMER 2017

• Cunningham Family Criminal Justice Lectureship • Cunningham Family Accounting

Lectureship • Nay Family Lectureship for Academic Enrichment • School of Arts & Sciences Endowment for Academic Enrichment

“As a Ranger, it has been an exciting ride to be part of the very first comprehensive campaign in the history of Northwestern Oklahoma State University. Through this campaign, many have taken the opportunity to reconnect with Northwestern and to invest in the generations of students who will follow us. Our goal is to inspire many more Rangers to get excited and become part of the Imagine campaign.

Every gift is important and every gift makes a difference.”

— Skeeter Bird, CEO, Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association

NWOSU.EDU roundUP

31

class NOTES Marriages

Class Notes

‘13 Clay Reed and Amy (Dunaway-Knight) were married June 25, 2016. Reed double majored in chemistry and biology and went on to the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine. He recently was accepted into the residency program at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.

‘13 Chris Chamberlain and ‘15 Natalie (Malone), were married on March 18, 2017.

Chris graduated with a degree in social science and Natalie graduated with a degree in biology. The couple currently reside in Lubbock, Texas.

‘16 Jordan Evans and ‘16 Natalie (Sacket), were married on July 16, 2016. Jordan graduated with a degree in history and Natalie graduated with a degree in English. The couple currently reside in Oklahoma City.

32

roundUP SUMMER 2017

‘78 Greg Sidwell is an insurance broker-agency owner in Lewisville, Texas.

‘91 Trent Goss celebrated 15 years of marriage to his wife, Cindy. He has worked at Hopeton State Bank for 25 years, with the past seven as president-CEO. He also serves as the treasurer for the City of Alva. He and his wife have three children, Avery, Graham and Quinn.

‘58 J.C. Riekenberg was selected as an inductee at Dodge City High School’s Ring of Honor ceremony in Sept.

2016. He became the athletic director at DCHS in 1971 and led the athletic program for 28 years before retiring in 1999. He played football while at Northwestern and became the university’s first NAIA Football All-American in 1957. He was inducted into the Ranger Hall of Fame in 2001. He and his wife, Dottie, reside in Dodge City, Kan. ‘68 Dennis O’Bosky is a retired social worker. He resides in Springville, Calif. and celebrated his 75th birthday Jan. 2017.

‘73 George Martinez teaches and coaches high school football in Phoenix, Ariz.

He spent 11 years coaching college football and five years as an assistant coach in the National Football League. He and his wife, Katherine, have three children, Tara, Scott and John.

‘74 Marvin Henry is a retired elementary school teacher. He and his wife, Carolynn, reside in Las Cruces, N.M.

‘92 Sharon Struckle resides in Olathe, Kan. with her husband, Jeff, ‘89, and two children, Katelyn and Carter.

‘93 Angie Gordon Miller is a counselor at Taft Middle School. She resides in Oklahoma City with her husband, Robert. They have one child, Tanner.

their daughter Madison.

‘95 Dr. Kevin Sweeney went on to receive his doctorate at OSU. He currently teaches history at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas and recently published the book Prelude to the Dust Bowl (OU Press 2016), which is based on research done on the influence of drought on the history of the southern plains.

‘96 Vicki Trousdale is an assistant principal in Bayfield, Colo. She and her husband, Jason, ‘96, have two children, Riley and Rhys, who are currently students at Northwestern.

‘93 Jay Randels was named president of Community Bank in Alva, Okla. He and his wife, Jodie, have three children, Blake, Brooke and Brock.

‘95 Kevin Jackson is an Installation Planner for the U.S. Army.

He is currently in Bagram, Afghanistan assisting American and NATO military on shortand long-term planning projects. He and his wife, Shawna, reside in Fletcher, Okla. with

‘07 Rachelle Burleson was named chief nursing officer at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center in Jan. 2017. She received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern and a master’s from the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing. She also received a doctorate of nursing practice from Vanderbilt University.

She resides in Enid, Okla. with her husband, Wade.

‘98 Gusta Elfving went on to finish his studies at American University in Washington, DC. He graduated in 2000 and resides in the area.

‘98 Crystal Ramirez is an Intake Manager and resides in Oklahoma City.

He has two children, Annie and Sam, and resides in Ponca City, Okla.

‘00 Willie Spears is the Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Vernon High School.

He resides in Panama City, Fla. with his wife and two children.

‘06 Elizabeth Davis is the Director of Distance Learning at Allied Health Career Training in Wichita, Kan. She resides in Andover, Kan. with her husband, Stephen.

‘02 Jamil Ahsan is a cybersecurity analyst. He resides in Pikesville, Md. with his wife, Sadaf Raza, and daughter, Layla.

‘14 Elizabeth Hemme owns Serenity In Solutions, LLC where she is a Licensed Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Counselor. She also is an adjunct psychology professor at Redlands Community College. She resides in Kingfisher, Okla. with her husband, Ronnie, and two children, Jessie and James.

‘03 Adam Leaming is the 2017 Ponca City Area Chamber of Commerce incoming Chairman of the Board and current CEO of the University Center.

‘16 Katrina Henning, was selected to join the Peace Corps in the spring of 2016. She is in her second year with the organization where she is teaching English to children in Madagascar. She currently resides in Antsaribe, Mahajanga, Madagascar.

Submit your Class Note contributions to: nwalumni@nwosu.edu or mail them to: Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association, 709 Oklahoma Blvd. Alva, OK, 73717

WHERE ARE YOU NOW? Submit your Class Note and share your story at

MY.NWFOUNDATION.COM/CLASS-NOTES

NWOSU.EDU roundUP

33

class NOTES IN REMEMBRANCE

‘61 Audrey Rider, on Dec. 20, 2016 at age 91.

‘73 Robert Hoyt, on Sept. 7, 2016.

Lexi Hastings, on Dec. 29, 2016 at age 19.

‘38 Della Agnes King Jack, on Dec. 7, 2015 at age 101.

‘61 Joretta Buckles, on Feb. 19, 2017 at age 76.

‘74 Jerilyn Lakely, on Aug. 9, 2016 at age 64.

Jim Holder, on Feb. 8, 2017 at age 90.

‘39 Dr. Earl Alvin Sargent, on April 4, 2016 at age 98.

‘62 Richard Finton, on Dec. 10, 2016 at age 79.

‘77 Herschell Mosier, on June 5, 2017 at age 68.

Dr. John Marvel, on July 28, 2016 at age 94.

‘51 Dennis Rountree, on Nov. 1, 2016 at age 88.

‘63 Gerald “Garry” Dean Nelson, on Feb. 5, 2017 at age 78.

‘82 Gilbert Johnson, on Aug. 8, 2016 at age 56.

Tyler Mays, on Feb. 7, 2017 at age 29.

‘53, ’59, Leroy “Lee” Haley, on Feb. 24, 2017 at age 90.

‘65 Joe Wenzel, on Nov. 12, 2016 at age 74.

‘89 Deborah Bruton, on Aug. 7, 2016 at age 66.

William Seevers, on Feb. 15, 2017 at age 74.

‘53 Vertice Tucker, on Oct. 15, 2016 at age 84.

‘66 Betty Means, on Dec. 4, 2016 at age 72.

‘91 Jeff Converse, on April 4, 2017 at age 47.

Dr. Joe J. Struckle, on March 18, 2017 at age 83.

‘54 Phyllis McNeely, on Oct. 26, 2016 at age 84.

‘67 Joe Higginbotham, on Oct. 19, 2016 at age 71.

‘95 Adam Wayne Hooper, on April 17, 2017 at age 44.

Helen Louise Thiesing, on April 29, 2017 at age 87.

‘55 Wanda Kerr, on July 4, 2016 at age 82.

‘68 Elizabeth Lohmann, on Dec. 28, 2016 at age 80.

‘98 Terry Liggenstoffer, on Sept. 10, 2016 at age 61.

‘55 William Nighswonger, on Dec. 2, 2016.

‘72 Jay Benge, on Nov. 29, 2016 at age 66.

‘65 Jimmie Case, on Dec. 31, 2016 at age 74.

‘57 Gary Cropp, on Dec. 9, 2016 at age 81.

‘73 Lavonn McKnight, on Nov. 5, 2016 at age 80.

Patricia Ann Conder, on Nov. 4, 2016 at age 78.

Submit your Class Note contributions to: nwalumni@nwosu.edu or mail them to: 709 Oklahoma Blvd. Alva, OK, 73717

* Annual Memberships Only

*

34

roundUP SUMMER 2017

lil’ RANGERS

1

2

3

1. Richard and Laura (Chapman) Burdick, ‘11, welcomed son Watson on July 8, 2016. 2. David, ‘09, and Chelsie (Stewart) Cummings, ‘16, welcomed daughter Reagan on Nov. 5, 2016. She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces. 3. Daniel and Catherine (Wells) Davis, ‘08, welcomed daughter Annabelle Cate on Dec. 18, 2016. She weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces. 4. Kody and Ashlynn (Frey) Jones, ‘11, welcomed daughter Kanyn Willow on Oct. 2, 2016. She weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces. 5. Jeremy, ‘08, and Kelci Judd welcomed daughter Anastasia on Jan. 19, 2017.

6. Eric and Hannah Scott, ‘07, welcomed son Ezra on Oct. 4, 2016. He weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces.

5

Have you recently welcomed a

LIL' RANGER? Send us your birth announcement and we'll send you our NEW "I'm a lil' ranger" t-shirt!

What's the catch? We want YOU to send US a photo of your child wearing the shirt, and we'll print their picture in the pages of the roundUP alumni magazine.

Send your birth announcement to nwalumni@nwosu.edu.

Please include: Child's name, birth date & weight at birth Parent's names & Northwestern grad years Your mailing address

36

roundUP SUMMER 2017

4

6

Best Coverage in Oklahoma.

Truly unlimited data just

49

$

/mo.

Surprised? Don’t be. Pioneer Cellular now offers an unlimited data plan.

You’ll get access to our powerful network with truly unlimited data, unlike other providers. Pioneer also has the smartphones you want and the customer service from people who live right here. So go ahead-watch that movie, take that video chat, send that file and stream that music. Go unlimited today, with Pioneer Cellular.

Paige Fischer, Director of Recruitment

GoPioneer.com

Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association 709 Oklahoma Blvd.

Alva, OK 73717 580-327-8593 nwalumni@nwosu.edu my.nwfoundation.com

NONPROFIT ORG. Auto Postage Paid PERMIT NO. 18 Alva, Okla.

73717