Members of The Null Values gaming team from Northwestern Oklahoma State University show Tulsa’s KOTV News on 6 reporter Dan Brewley (seated at left end of table) the game they created for the second annual Heartland Gaming Expo at the University of Tulsa. Evan Vaverka helps Brewley as he maneuvers through the game while other team members watch, including (from top, clockwise) Taylor Dowling, Adam Burnett, Christian Coffey, James Skinner and Justin Ashton.

In their first competition of this sort, students in the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Computer Science Club earned the respect of their peers with a third place People’s Choice Award at the University of Tulsa’s second annual Heartland Gaming Expo.

Northwestern’s “The Null Values” team was comprised of Justin Ashton, Waynoka senior; Adam Burnett, Conway Springs, Kan., post-graduate; Christian Coffey, Alva senior; Taylor Dowling, Alva junior; James Skinner, Alva senior; and Evan Vaverka, Hennessey senior. Computer science instructors Mark Bagley and Debra Hogan accompanied the students to the event.

“The Heartland Gaming Expo brought together teams from universities throughout Oklahoma and Kansas to engage in a wide variety of game-related activities,” Bagley said.

The team’s award came in the final competition of the Expo where members must display and present a game created prior to the event.

Bagley explained that a number of teams in the competition had been working on their game for nearly two years. The Null Values members started talking about their game in November and in January began working to meet the entry deadline for the competition.

“In spite of this time disadvantage the team completed a working game using the Unreal game engine, “Bagley said. “The first person shooter games pits a robot tasked with exploring a new planet against an ever increasing number of enemy robots. The team chose as the game’s abstract the words ‘intended to introduce the user to the concept and feeling of desperation.’ They accomplished their goal over and over as the exciting game-play drew many to try out their game. The response was uniformly positive and as a result of this, the team received third place in the People’s Choice Award category that included more than 30 teams.”

Bagley said team members also had fun when Dan Brewley of KOTV/News on 6 in Tulsa chose their team and game to extensively interview and film.

“Of the 30 minutes of filming only 50 seconds made the air, but the team members hope to obtain the remaining video so they can put together a more complete presentation of their experiences,” Bagley said.

Team members also competed in other gaming events including the 24-hour Hack-A-Thon designed to test the team’s command of their program language and game engines.

Bagley said Northwestern’s team members produced a conceptual design of the requested Roller-coaster game but were unable to implement it in their 64-bit graphics tools. The teams that completed the project all used 8-bit graphics and wrote simple games.

“The Null Values team shot for a highly complex game but were unable to finish it,” Bagley said. “The effort itself was a great experience, and the team members picked up many ideas that will enable them to complete this in future competitions.”

Team members also took part in an opportunity to play a Japanese game that was designed for the Sega game box before being ported to Germany then ported to America. Bagley said several team members placed in the top 10 of each group but none higher than fifth place.

To be a first effort and to be selected as the third place team in the People’s Choice category was a huge win for the group, Bagley said, and added that they hope to receive funding to assist in their future efforts. Team members also plan to enter multiple competitions each year, and hope their efforts will become a major recruitment tool for the Computer Science Department and for Northwestern.

“The team has already begun the process of plotting new games and building the strategy needed to continue working on their competition game,” Bagley said. “Their game design efforts tie in to the Computer Science Department’s new efforts to introduce Robotics and Robotics Programming to the curriculum. The team member’s experiences will be used to fine tune the curriculum the department offers as well.”

Team member Vaverka also is looking to the future and added, “The team has the opportunity to establish something that lasts at Northwestern.”

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International concert pianist Dr. Sergio Monteiro will be giving a recital, masterclass and discussion in Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Herod Hall Auditorium on Friday, April 18, from 1-2:15 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Monteiro is a Steinway Artist and has won numerous awards and international competitions, including the 2003 Martha Argerich International Piano Competition. The Brazilian pianist currently heads the piano department at Oklahoma City University.

The recital will occur from 1-1:30 p.m., with the masterclass instruction of Clint Cropp, an Alva junior majoring in piano performance, taking place from 1:30-2 p.m. There will be a general discussion with music majors and the audience from 2-2:15 p.m.

“This event brings international musical artistry and knowledge to our campus and is significant in broadening the understanding of fine arts and humanities in this region,” said Dr. Sarah Chan, assistant professor of music and director of keyboard studies at Northwestern. “The performance, instructional and experiential expertise of the artist and professor will give insight into the kind of training, studies and experience necessary for those interested in pursuing music studies at very high levels of achievement. The opportunity to listen to Dr. Monteiro perform, teach and talk also broadens the audience experience in understanding the world-at-large through music, musical enjoyment, knowledge and understanding.”

For more information on this special event or keyboard studies at Northwestern, contact Chan at (580) 327-8690 or sschan@nwosu.edu.

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Sage Allen, an incoming freshman from Pawhuska, has signed to rodeo for the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Rodeo Team. Allen will compete as a breakaway roper for the Ranger Rodeo team in the fall.

“I am very excited to have Sage Allen coming to rodeo for Northwestern,” said Stockton Graves, rodeo coach. “She will be a great addition to our rodeo team.

“Sage’s family has a rich history in the sport of rodeo, and I have known her and her family all of my life. Sage is a very smart young woman who is very talented -- just the type of students we are looking for here at Northwestern.”

Allen plans to major in pre-dentistry at Northwestern.

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Hasenauer, a social science education major, was selected to serve as a Congressional Intern for U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns of Nebraska for the summer of 2014.  This recognition is a competitive application process and only three applicants are selected each summer to serve in the U.S. Senate with Sen. Johanns. Hasenauer will work in the offices of Sen. Johanns learning about federal budget setting processes, policy making and law making. She will reside with other Congressional Interns in Washington, D.C. 

Martinez was selected as the Brad Henry Scholar and will represent Northwestern at Swansea University in Wales, United Kingdom, in the spring semester of 2015.  Martinez, a political science major, plans to pursue graduate school upon returning from his stay in Wales.

Pethoud received the Newman Award for Civic Engagement, which is sponsored by Campus Compact and the Oklahoma State Regents office. Pethoud was also awarded the Oklahoma State Senate Legislative Internship for 2014 and will work with state Sen. Bryce Marlatt at the Oklahoma State Capitol in the final weeks of the legislative session.  Pethoud is a social work major and political science minor and plans to pursue her Master of Social Work in policy and advocacy upon completing her undergraduate program at Northwestern.

The Social Sciences Department strives to bring the best possible external learning opportunities to its students each year through externships, internships and civic engagement activities. An emphasis on civic life involving leadership, motivation, dedication and collaboration, are core components of the Social Sciences Department at Northwestern.  Through its Citizenship Institute, the department is able to assist college students in finding the connections.

For more information about all of the academic programs in the Social Sciences Department, please contact Dr. Kay Decker, chair, at (580) 327-8521 or kldecker@nwosu.edu.

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Dr. Eric J. Schmaltz, associate history professor at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, will be at the Sod House Museum in Aline on Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, to present “Germans from Russia in South America: New Research Frontiers.” Schmaltz is serving as scriptwriter and historical consultant for the upcoming Fargo, N.D.-based Prairie Public Broadcasting documentary film on the German-Russian experience in South America.

For this project, he traveled to Argentina with producers and a film crew in October 2013. He will present a brief history of the migrations, settlement patterns and contributions of German-Russians in Argentina and Brazil beginning in the late 19th century. Moreover, he will reflect on more recent developments affecting South America’s German-Russians and how this documentary project and other current outreach efforts taking place worldwide among them appear to be intimately connected with broader and quite dramatic early 21st century technological and research trends.  The film will premiere in summer 2015.

On the following day, Sunday, April 27, Schmaltz will speak to the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia’s Golden Wheat Chapter at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kan., from 1:30 to 3 p.m.  His presentation is titled “A Historic October 2013 Tour of German-Russian Settlements in Argentina.”

Schmaltz teaches Modern European and World History at Northwestern, publishing widely in the United States and abroad either online or in newsletters, local newspapers, interdisciplinary academic journals, as well as major international anthologies.  With Dr. Aaron Mason, associate professor of political science at Northwestern, he serves as co-executive director of the endowed Northwestern Oklahoma State University Institute for Citizenship Studies and as senior editor of its journal Civitas. He also is Heritage Review editor in Bismarck, N.D., and a member of the Board of Academic Advisers at the Center for Volga German Studies at Concordia University in Portland, Ore. 

In recent years, Schmaltz also presented an academic paper in German for a panel hosted by the German Cultural Forum of Eastern Europe in Potsdam, Germany, took an extensive tour of the former German settlements near Odessa, Ukraine, and spoke at the Workshop on the German Diaspora in Eastern and Central Europe and the Former Soviet Union sponsored by the School of Government and International Affairs at Durham University in England.  His most recent articles have appeared in the Society for German American Studies Yearbook from the University of Kansas at Lawrence and the online journal of the Eurasian Studies Society of the United Kingdom.

In July, Schmaltz will be presenting on topics concerning German minorities in the former Soviet Union at international conferences in San Jose, Costa Rica and Spokane, Wash.

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The Psychology Club at Northwestern Oklahoma State University-Enid is having a dog wash Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Enid Campus, 2929 E. Randolph.

The proceeds from the dog wash will go toward the Enid Psychology Club Endowment Fund. The students are trying to reach the goal amount needed to offer scholarships from the fund for psychology majors. The fund is up to $6,800 and needs to reach $10,000 before scholarships may be awarded.

All supplies for the dog wash have been donated by community businesses, faculty, staff and students. The cost to wash a dog is $1/pound up to 20 pounds. Once $20 has been paid the rest is donation-based.

For more information contact Dr. Sherril Stone, associate professor of psychology, at (580) 213-3119 or smstone@nwosu.edu.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) invite all students and employees as well as local and area residents to donate blood on April 24 in the Student Center Ranger Room. The blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Donors may credit their donation to Alva’s own Connor Sneary by request. 

Sign up tables will be in the commons area.  The day of the blood drive, to save time, health screening questions are available online at http://obi.org/donor-express/. Print your confirmation sheet and bring it with you.

Ranger men’s basketball team members are sponsoring this event. 

To volunteer or ask questions about the drive, contact Rachel Stewart, special events coordinator, at (580) 327-8178 or rsstewart@nwosu.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University students will be enjoying Bahama Breakaway on Alva’s downtown square Thursday, April 24, from 1-4:30 p.m.  Each year Northwestern’s Student Government Association sponsors this fun event for students before they dive into finals.

Free hamburgers and hotdogs will be available for students. They also will have a chance to win up to $120 in a volleyball match. The runner-up team will take home $80. Volleyball game sign up ends at 1:15 p.m. that day

More activities including a slip and slide, dunk tank, bungee run, tug of war, water balloon toss, sack race, three-legged race and a wheel barrow contest will be set up on the square for student participation.

This year the Student Government has more than $600 to offer in prizes as well as giveaways throughout the event.

T-shirts are still available in the Northwestern Business Office for $10 per shirt; they also will be sold at the event.

Contact Kaylyn Hansen, director of student life and counseling, with questions about Bahama Breakaway at (580) 327-8439 or klhansen@nwosu.edu.

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Dr. Sarah Chan, Northwestern Oklahoma State University assistant professor of music, will be lecturing on “Songs of the American West Frontier” at the 2014 Oklahoma Historical Society Conference Thursday, April 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the Stillwater Community Center, 315 west 8th Avenue.

The conference is held over a three-day period, from April 23 to 25, with the theme being "Crossroads of Commerce.”  Chan's presentation will present a survey of the musical cultures that accompanied the westward expansion of American frontier and pioneer settlement during the antebellum period through the early 1930s.

“The journeys of Native Americans, pioneers, railroaders, soldiers, miners, bandits, cowboys, ranchers, homesteaders, and others who sojourned and traversed the American continent produced transformations in the social, economic, and cultural landscape of America for generations to follow,” Chan said.  “Illuminating the history of travel and travail through the music of its people, this presentation offers a rare glimpse into the lament and joy of those souls who dared traverse the rugged American West during one of the greatest times of territorial expedition and expansion.”

For more information on the lecture and conference visit http://www.nwosu.edu/dr-sarah-chan-lecture-at-oklahoma-historical-society-conference or contact Chan at sschan@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8690.

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Walker earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics education in 2003 and master’s degree in secondary education in 2004, both at Northwestern.

Upon graduating with her master’s degree, Walker found a home at her alma mater where she currently teaches college algebra, trigonometry, pre-calculus and mathematics for elementary teachers.

 “The Ph.D. process has provided me with a number of educational resources that will improve classroom instruction as well as assist in increasing student engagement in the classroom,” Walker said.

Walker will graduate Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. from Oklahoma State University at Gallaghar-Iba Arena. 

“Completing a doctorate is a big accomplishment, and we are proud that Dena has reached this milestone,” Dr. Tim Maharry, professor of mathematics and chair of the department of mathematics and computer science, said.  “Over the past several years Dena has taken a variety of mathematics and education classes as part of her doctoral studies.”

 Walker is the daughter of Dennis and Dianna Walker and granddaughter of John and Marianne Denny and the late Harold and Zelphia Walker, all of Pawnee.

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NWOSU Foundation Release

Nine Northwestern Oklahoma State University seniors are among the award recipients at this year’s Spring Reunion Day Awards Ceremony, April 26, at 5:15 p.m. in the Student Center Ranger Room on the Alva campus.

A committee selected Drew Cunningham, Drew Fischer, Macy Gibson, Sapana Kadel, Gilda Palacio, Janelle Przybylski, Audrey Richmond, Carmen Sander, and Jana Washington as 2014 Outstanding Seniors.

To apply, December 2013 or May 2014 graduating seniors were required to have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5, with at least 60 credit hours at Northwestern, be involved in campus and/or community activities, show promise of future achievement and never have been subject to academic or disciplinary action. The award, sponsored by the Northwestern Foundation and Student Government Association, includes a plaque and gift card.

Outstanding Seniors

Drew Cunningham

Cunningham of Alva, will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Cunningham was elected president of Delta Mu Delta and is a member of Phi Beta Lambda. He also has earned acceptance in Northwestern’s prestigious leadership programs: Northwestern Scholar Ambassadors, President’s Leadership Class and Leadership Northwestern. Drew has been accepted to the University of Oklahoma Law School this fall.

Drew Fischer

Fischer, from Jet, graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in December 2013. While at Northwestern, he was a member of the President’s Leadership Class, vice president of the Red & Black Scroll Honor Society and represented Northwestern as one of its Scholar Ambassadors.

Macy Gibson

Gibson, a native of Afton, graduated magna cum laude in December 2013, with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. In addition to her strong academic performance, Gibson competed on the Northwestern women’s basketball team all four years, and was named as a Daktronics Scholar Athlete for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. She was active in several campus organizations, including Chemistry Club and the Medical Services Club.

Sapana Kadel

Kadel will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in biology. She has been named to the President’s Honor Roll and is the recipient of both the Foster Science scholarship and the Crain Science scholarship. A native of Nepal, Kadel has been active in the Northwestern International Student Association, and the Chemistry and Medical Sciences clubs. Since 2011, she has been a tutor in Academic Success to help students with science and mathematics.

Gilda Palacio

Palacio, from Woodward, will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, with a minor in chemistry. Palacio was a member of the President’s Leadership Class. She has been active in the Student Government Organization, holding several leadership positions. Palacio’s campus involvement includes Chemistry Club, Rangers Excelling at Leadership, Medical Services Club, and several others. She has extensively volunteered in the community. And in 2012, the student body elected her Homecoming Queen.

Janelle Przybylski

Przybylski, from Medford, will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in biology, with a minor in mathematics. Przybylski was inducted in the Red and Black Scroll Honor Society in 2011, and also received the Valedictorian, Freshmen Academic, Crain, David Parker and Fellers Family scholarships. She has been active in the Chemistry Club and the Math Club. Przybylski also has been a volunteer judge for the BEST (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology) Robotics competition.

Audrey Richmond

Richmond, a Cherokee native, graduated as magna cum laude in December 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education. In the same year, Richmond received Alfalfa County Retired Educators Outstanding Education Student scholarship, which is based on a senior recipient’s academic record and campus involvement. She also was a student athlete who started for the Ranger women’s basketball team.

Carmen Sander

Sander, from Seiling, will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in biology, with a minor in chemistry. She was selected to the President’s Leadership Class, and held several collegiate officer positions, including the Medical Sciences Club, as a Northwestern Scholar Ambassador, and the Red and Black Scroll Honor Society. Sander earned several scholarships, including the Vernon McNally Pre-Med, David Parker Memorial, Randy Murrow Scholarship and the NIGH Academy. She was Miss Northwestern in 2011. This fall, she plans to attend the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center to receive her Masters in Health Sciences as a Physician Associate.

Jana Washington

Washington, an Alva native, will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. Jana is a member of the Oklahoma Nursing Student Association and the Student Nurse’s Association. She has been active in a number of campus organizations, including University Singers, University Chorale, Medical Science Club, Biology Club, Chemistry Club and Phi Delta. She was a member of the President’s Leadership Class.

Other Award Recipients

Sapana Kadel will be awarded the T.C. Carter Award, presented to the graduating seniors with the highest grade point average.

Other Northwestern students and faculty to be recognized include: Anjeela Shrestha, receiving the John F. Kennedy Award; April Swinnea-Ogg, receiving the Dr. Joe Dollins Merit Award; Nathan Jones, receiving the John Ted Meier Student Teaching Award; Cameron Allen, Rhonda Fosnight and Katelyn James, receiving the Psychology Student of the Year Award; Matthew Blundell, receiving the Sabin and Pearl Percefull Scholarship Award; Kylie Pethoud receiving the Newman Civic Fellow Award; Angela Bryan receiving the deSERVING Ranger Award; and Matt Adair, receiving the John Sheffield Teacher of the Year Award.

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NWOSU Foundation Release

The Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alumni Association will recognize five Outstanding Graduates during the annual Spring Reunion Banquet on Saturday, April 26, at 6 p.m.

The honored alumni include: Marvin Wiebener, class of 1968, Outstanding Arts Award; Chad Moore, class of 2001, Outstanding Business/Professional Award; James “Jim” Rodgers, class of 1975, Outstanding Education Award; Linda Ybarra-Kotich, class of 1964, Outstanding Humanitarian Award; and, J. Stewart Arthurs, class of 1962, Outstanding Ranger Recognition Award.

For more information, contact John Allen, Northwestern Alumni Association director of alumni relations, at 580-327-8594 or jwallen@nwosu.edu.

Outstanding Graduates

Marvin Wiebener
Outstanding Arts Award

Originally from Alva, Marvin Wiebener graduated from Northwestern with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1968. Wiebener went on to earn a Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas.

While a student at Northwestern, Wiebener’s athletics career was cut short when he was hurt in his first football game and never played again. Yet the lessons learned in and out of the classroom were immeasurable.

“The most significant event in my time at NSC occurred during the winter semester. Dr. Marie Arthurs took me aside and told me I wasn’t going to pass and that I needed to mature. She said, ‘I will give you a D grade if you join the military.’ That moment was the beginning of my true education.”

After a three-year stint in the United States Marine Corps, Wiebener returned to Alva and finished his undergraduate degree.

Wiebener has spent most of his career in the social work field, from working directly with delinquent youth to providing strong administrative leadership for agencies and programs in the social work field.

Wiebener’s life and career changed in February 2002, but the same tenacity that served him earlier in his life helped him to find, again, success with change. He was diagnosed with primary lateral sclerosis, a disorder of the central nervous system. He and his wife moved from Tulsa to Thomas, Oklahoma. After settling into their country home, Wiebener refocused his energies and talents and wrote The Margin and The Moriah Ruse, two novels of mystery and espionage.

Wiebener and his wife, Peggy, enjoy their children – Erik, Erin, Tamara and Tyler – and seven grandchildren.

Chad Moore
Outstanding Business/Professional Award

A native of Enid, Chad Moore graduated from Northwestern with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 2001. While still in school, a professor suggested an internship with BKD, LLP, a national CPA and advisory firm. After his internship, Moore was asked to join the firm after graduation and, in 2013, he became its youngest partner.

At Northwestern, Moore played football during his freshman year. Although studies and work consumed a lot of his time, Moore’s fond memories of Northwestern include the friends he made and the people he met. His fondest memory is meeting his future bride, Kim, in speech class during his freshman year and following her career in college basketball.

Moore has more than 13 years’ experience in audit and consulting services for electric utilities, manufacturers, state and local governments and not-for-profit organizations. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Oklahoma Society of CPAs, Government Finance Officers Association and the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives.

Moore was named the 2013 Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants Trailblazer recipient, being nominated by his peers based on his professional work and for developing future young leaders. In that same year, he was named YMCA Volunteer of the Year.

“I am blessed with a beautiful family,” Moore said. “They have supported my endeavors, moves, long hours away from home and travel. Without them, I would not have been able to accomplish what I have today.”

Moore and his wife, Kim, and children, A.J. and Ragan, live in Edmond.

James “Jim” Rodgers
Outstanding Education Award

A native of Gore, James “Jim” Rodgers graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1975. He went on to receive both a Master’s and his Doctorate of Arts in Political Science from Idaho State University.

While at Northwestern, Rodgers was president of Ament Hall, member and parliamentarian of the student senate, student body president and a college council member. In addition, he was a member of both Pi Sigma Alpha and Blue Key. He also served as political science tutor for international students.

Early in his career, Rodgers taught at Idaho State University, Saint Mary’s Junior College and Saint Mary’s Graduate School. In 1981, he began as assistant professor at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and was promoted to full professor in 1998. He has taught numerous political science courses, including Political Theory, Public Administration, International Politics and Comparative Politics.

In addition to his time in the classroom, Rodgers has served the faculty in a number of capacities, including chair of the faculty body and education policies committee member. He has authored a number of publications, including three books in political science. A fourth book is in the works.

Outside of academia, Rodgers is active in his church, and has been involved in local PTA, Human Rights Commission and political boards.

Rodgers resides in Winona, Minnesota. He is proud of his three “wonderful and beautiful” children, and remains grateful for the years of teaching many excellent students.

Linda Ybarra-Kotich
Outstanding Humanitarian Award

Originally from Shattuck, Linda Ybarra-Kotich graduated from Northwestern with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1964. Ybarra-Kotich was active in student senate and Delta Zeta Sorority, and was secretary for both her junior class and the state chapter of Student Education Association.

Her fondest memory of Northwestern is meeting A.J., her husband of 41 years. She also remembers the wonderful homecoming parades and games.

“My years at Northwestern gave me the confidence and educational foundation to become the teacher that I was and will continue to be,” said Ybarra-Kotich.

Ybarra-Kotich’s teaching career began in elementary schools, teaching third through seventh grades at various times. Her role as an educator also found her teaching high school students, as well as training middle and high school reading teachers – particularly teachers of English Language Learners (ELL) students. She was responsible for implementation of the ELL program at Topeka High School.

A number of awards and honors marked Ybarra-Kotich’s passion for both literacy and opportunities for students, including her induction into the Kansas Teacher’s Hall of Fame in 2010. But her impact continues to go beyond the classroom.

Ybarra-Kotich mentored Hispanic students after school, helped begin a program for Hispanic teens involving social workers and she worked to educate Hispanic students and parents about diabetes. She volunteers with her church and works on an as-needed basis with Hispanic families to learn English. She is presently serving as education technical advisor on the Kansas Hispanic & Latino American Affairs Commission. Yet, she feels her greatest accomplishments are being the mother of “five wonderful children” along with being given the opportunity “to teach many incredible young people.”

Ybarra-Kotich and her husband, A.J. (Business/Professional Outstanding Graduate, 1996) reside in Topeka, KS.

J. Stewart Arthurs
Outstanding Ranger Recognition Award

Originally from Bristow, J. Stewart Arthurs graduated from Northwestern with a Bachelor of Arts in 1962. He received a Certificate of Completion from the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, England, in 1963. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma in 1966.

The leadership for which he is known today was evident during his college career. Arthurs served as president of his freshman class, Vinson Hall and Student Senate. He was listed in Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and universities, and was on both the President’s and Dean’s honor rolls throughout his academic career.

A triple-sport athlete, he lettered all four years in football, basketball and track, and was named the Small College All American in Football in 1960. He also was named Academic All-American in Football in 1960 and 1961. Arthurs was inducted into the Northwestern Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.

Arthurs has practiced law in Cushing since 1966, and remains city attorney since 1970. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Oklahoma; the U.S. Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit; U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Oklahoma; Oklahoma Supreme Court; and the U.S. Court of Military Appeals. Arthurs has served on the Board of Governors of the Oklahoma Bar Association and as a Trustee of the Oklahoma Bar Foundation. He is a retired colonel, Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Army Reserves.

“My favorite memories of Northwestern include the quality of education and the friendliness of the students, faculty and university staff,” said Arthurs.

Over the years, Arthurs has remained active in a number of capacities with Northwestern. He is currently serving his second term as a Foundation trustee, having spent the last two years as Chair of the Executive Committee. He also is active in Cushing Lions Club, Cushing United Fund and the First United Methodist Church.

He and his wife, Cheryl, live in Cushing. They have six children – Dawn Arthurs, Stephanie Arthurs, Jamie Ward, Adrienne Love, Todd Adrian and Julie Smith – and eight grandchildren.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University Spanish department students and sponsors prepare for their upcoming Cinco de Mayo Fiesta set for Thursday, May 1. A Salsa Tasting Contest will begin the event at 3:30 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom with an authentic Mexican food meal to follow at 5 p.m. Pictured are (front, left to right) Tony Loustaunau, Cristina Carranza, Melissa Ashenfelter, Ellen Trotter, Gabriella Hernandez, (back, left to right) Dr. Claudia Young, Dr. Francisco Martinez and Kelsey Ingram.

A Cinco de Mayo Fiesta sponsored by the Spanish Department will take place in Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s Student Center Ballroom in Alva Thursday, May 1, and is open to the public.

The event will kick off from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. with a Salsa Tasting Contest followed by an authentic Mexican food meal at 5 p.m. All proceeds from the evening’s events will go toward the Spanish Scholarship Fund.

Salsa contestants may register for the contest until 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. Those making salsa have been encouraged to prepare either mild or hot salsa, which will be judged on consistency, appropriate heat level and taste.

Dr. Claudia Young, assistant professor of Spanish, said Monday that more people have entered to make mild salsa, so she is encouraging additional hot salsa entries. Ten entries are being accepted in each category.

For the contest, salsa tasters can pay $1 to sample the salsa and vote for a People’s Choice Award. Prizes will be given to the first and second place winners in each category.

Salsa-making contestants must prepare their version of salsa prior to the start of the competition and must display a list of ingredients. The Student Center kitchen is available for preparation if needed.

Northwestern’s celebration is sponsored by members of the Peninsular Spanish/American Culture class, as well as members of the Spanish Club and Hispanic American Leadership Organization. Members from these organizations, along with the guidance of Alva community member Teresa Ramirez, will be preparing Mexican style ground meat tacos for the meal that takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Local Mexican food restaurant El Maya also is donating side items and chips for the fundraiser. Tickets for the meal are $5 for adults and $3 for students and children.

Students involved include Melissa Ashenfelter, Fredonia, Kan., junior; Rebecca Black, Claremore freshman; Cristina Carranza, Enid senior; Gabriella Hernandez, Fort Worth, Texas, senior; Kelsey Ingram, Holdenville senior; Tony Loustaunau, Perryton, Texas, sophomore; José Luis Martinez, Woodward senior; Ana Parra, Barnias, Venezuela, freshman; Luis Plascencia, Chicago, Ill., freshman; Ivelin Stoychev, Zlatitsa, Bulgaria, graduate student; and Ellen Trotter, Norman junior.

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that celebrates the defeat of the French by Mexico at the Battle of Puebla. Mexican troops won the fight on May 5, 1862.

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact sponsors Dr. Francisco Martinez, associate professor of Spanish, at (580) 327-8566 or fjmartinez@nwosu.edu, or Young at (580) 327-8464 or coyoung@nwosu.edu.

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Construction of a new press box at Ranger Field will affect guests attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s 115th spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m.

The construction process will limit access to the west grandstand and some seating will be eliminated in order to provide a buffer zone around the construction site. Construction also will affect handicapped seating in the grandstand.

“The ongoing construction will present a few challenges for spectators, but we have worked to make sure that our guests have several different options for viewing the ceremony,” said Steve Valencia, associate vice president for university relations.

Access to the west grandstand will be available only at the northwest corner. Guests in wheelchairs will have spaces reserved on the west side of the stadium at field level, or may watch the ceremony from their vehicles at reserved parking spaces on the first tier of the south bowl.

Seating will be available at the east grandstand as well.

To accommodate the changes, the stage will be moved to the north side of the field, facing south.

Northwestern will have additional personnel available at the stadium to assist guests with seating.

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A national online publication has ranked the nursing program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University as one of the nation’s best.

In its national rankings released this week, CollegeAtlas.org ranked Northwestern’s nursing program at No. 18, based on academic quality, affordability and accessibility, as well as what percent of nursing graduates pass their board certification tests (NCLEX-RN).

Northwestern was the only school from Oklahoma to make the top 20, and ranked just below the University of Kansas. Other schools on the list included the University of Missouri-Columbia, the University of Iowa and the University of Utah.

“We’re obviously very pleased that our nursing program is receiving national recognition,” said Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president. “Our nursing program is vitally important to healthcare in rural Oklahoma, and the fact that Northwestern is recognized alongside much larger, nationally known universities, is significant.”

“Thanks to a dedicated faculty, supportive donors and hard-working students, the stature of our Division of Nursing is growing.”

Graduates of Northwestern’s nursing program have achieved 100 percent pass rates on the NCLEX-RN exam in three of the past four years. CollegeAtlas.org says Northwestern’s pass rates are in the top 5 percent nationally.

Among the top 20 schools on the list, Northwestern ranked second, behind only Brigham Young University, in the cost of in-state tuition.

“As a university, one of our great advantages is the combination of academic quality and affordability,” Cunningham said. “Students considering a career as a nurse should take a very close look at what our nursing program has to offer them.”

The complete list of top nursing schools is available at www.collegeatlas.org/top-nursing-schools-2014.html.
For more information about Northwestern’s nursing program, please visit www.nwosu.edu/nursing or contact Dr. Shelly Wells, chair, at (580) 327-8489or scwells@nwosu.edu.

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The Enid/Drummond native earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in business administration and a minor in economics from Northwestern.  He continued his education at Oklahoma City University Law School where he graduated in 1993.

Wyant was first elected as District Attorney in the summer of 2002 and was re-elected in the summer of 2006 and 2010.  Prior to being elected, he was an Assistant District Attorney serving two years under District Attorney John Wampler in 1994-95 and under District Attorney Ben Loring in 1996-98, both in Washita County. Wyant also was in the private practice of law as a partner with Loring and Wyant, P.C.

Wyant is the current president of the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Association, the chairman of the Oklahoma District Council and received the 2013 Outstanding District Attorney of the Year award.

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The 115th spring commencement at Northwestern Oklahoma State University will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 10, at Ranger Field.  In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved to Percefull Fieldhouse.

Eddie Wyant, a 1990 graduate of Northwestern, will deliver the commencement address. Wyant, a native of the Enid and Drummond areas, currently serves as the elected District Attorney for both Delaware and Ottawa counties. Wyant is the current president of the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Association, the chairman of the Oklahoma District Attorney’s Council and received the 2013 Outstanding District Attorney of the Year award.    

Music will be provided by the Ranger symphonic band.

Two hundred thirty-two students are candidates to receive bachelor’s degrees, 28 will receive Master of Education degrees, 12 will receive Master of Counseling Psychology degrees, and two will receive Master of Arts in American Studies degrees.

Twenty-four of those receiving bachelor’s degrees will graduate with honors. Students with cumulative grade point averages between 3.70 and 3.79 are designated cum laude, those with GPAs between 3.80-3.89 are magna cum laude and those above 3.90 are summa cum laude.

Those honor graduates, their degrees and their hometowns are as follows:

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

OKLAHOMA

BEAVER – Nathan Jones, Bachelor of Science Education in health and sports science.

MEDFORD – Janelle Przybylski, Bachelor of Science in biology-health science option.

SEILING – Carmen Sander, Bachelor of Science in biology-health and science option.

SOUTH DAKOTA

DUPREE – Trey Young, Bachelor of Business Administration.

NEPAL

KATHMANDU – Sapana Kadel, Bachelor of Science in biology-health science option.

MAGNA CUM LAUDE
OKLAHOMA

ALVA – Drew Cunningham, Bachelor of Business Administration; Kristina Jones, Bachelor of Science in criminal justice-law enforcement.

ENID – Courtney Goodwin, Bachelor of Science in nursing; Brooke Lee, Bachelor of Business Administration.

SHARON – Dalton Lamberth, Bachelor of Music in vocal music.

WAUKOMIS – Alissia Hart, Bachelor of Science Education in special education; Katelyn James, Bachelor of Science in psychology.

NEPAL

KATHMANDU – Anjeela Shrestha, Bachelor of Science in biology-natural history.

CUM LAUDE

OKLAHOMA

ALVA – Rhonda Fosnight, Bachelor of Science in psychology; Cheyenne Harper, Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting; Ryan O’Neal, Bachelor of Science in criminal justice-law enforcement.

BURLINGTON – Sarah Armbruster, Bachelor of Science in biology-health science option.

DACOMA – Koy Koehn, Bachelor of Science in agriculture.

ENID – Eric Emerson, Bachelor of Business Administration; Alexandrea McBee, Bachelor of Science in psychology; Tanner Schantz, Bachelor of Arts in history.

MOORELAND – Brooke Dewald, Bachelor of Science in nursing.

CALIFORNIA

MORENO VALLEY – Renee Golliday, Bachelor of Science in mass communication.

NEPAL

KASKI – Bimala Gurung, Bachelor of Science in mass communication.

MASTER OF EDUCATION

OKLAHOMA

ALINE – Christy Wallace, educational leadership.

ALVA – Renna Bowers, educational leadership; Paige Fischer, adult education; Rebecca Hankins, adult education; Jeremy Jones, adult education, Chesnei Thomas, adult education.

BROKEN ARROW – David Kinnamon, educational leadership.

DOVER – Amanda Matthews, educational leadership.

ENID – Rene Stoffels, elementary education.

GUTHRIE – Jeffrey A. Ball, educational leadership; Lesley Cotton, educational leadership; Patsy Ritter, educational leadership; Marsha Todd, educational leadership; Trisha Vanderpool, educational leadership; Contessa Wallraven, educational leadership.

HENNESSEY – Kimberly Stafford, school counseling.

HOBART – Leandra Johnson, adult education.

LAVERNE – Brice Gibson, secondary education.

LOCUST GROVE – Daryl Heston, educational leadership.

LONE GROVE – Tyler Young, educational leadership.

MEDFORD – Annalisa Wittum, educational leadership.

MENO – Marsha Cusack, educational leadership.

PONCA CITY – Timothy Williams, educational leadership.

PRYOR – Mark Jones, adult education; Mikkel Stump, educational leadership.

RINGWOOD – Gina Bohlen, school counseling.

WOODWARD – Mark Zadorozny, educational leadership.

KANSAS

PROTECTION – Susan Jarnigan, school counseling.

MASTER OF COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY

OKLAHOMA

ENID –Teresa Byrne, Linda Chavis, Aranda Gulick, Kelli Osburn, Lauren Vanderloo, April Wallace.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Ngulala Mutshipayi.

PONCA CITY – Candace Kemble, Courtney Lowe.

WAUKOMIS – Jessica Pendergraft.

WOODWARD – Kristin Bell, Elizabeth Hemme.

MASTER OF ARTS IN AMERICAN STUDIES

CLEO SPRINGS – Jana Brown.

ENID – David Lewis.

BACHELOR OF ARTS
OKLAHOMA

ALVA – Kelli Schlarb, general studies.

CASHION – Erik Robinson, history.

ENID – Estefany Guzman, general studies; Ian Layne, general studies; Jimmie McBride, English; Jennifer Newton, general studies.

HENNESSEY – Marla Smith, general studies.

LONGDALE – Denethea Bartel, general studies.

OKEENE – Darrell Roever, general studies.

TULSA – Jonathan Dunn, general studies.

WOODWARD – Sara Acosta, speech and theatre; Jose’ Martinez, Jr., political science.

KANSAS

HUGOTON – Mikayla Morgan, general studies.

TEXAS

HILLSBORO – Megan Lewis, history.

BACHELOR OF ARTS AND APPLIED SCIENCE

ENID – Jacob Roberson, technical management.

BACHELOR OF ARTS EDUCATION
OKLAHOMA

TONKAWA – Ethan Huff, social science education.

KANSAS

COPELAND – Baylei Zehr, English education.

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

OKLAHOMA

ALVA – Jacobi Collins, Lacie McNett, Mandy Norman.

BROKEN ARROW – Tony Heard (accounting).

ENID – Stacy Arndt, Mallory Atchley, Valerie Carr, Austin Miles, James Mullen, Jr., Jacob Roberson.

KELLYVILLE – Jesse Buzzard.

LAMONT – Jillian Hobbs.

MEDFORD – Samantha Soper.

OWASSO – Janel Tackett.

TYRONE – Janessa Ruback.

WOODWARD – Chaunce Carrico, Sean Clemence.

CALIFORNIA

LA QUINTA – Jamey Alvarez-Braxton (accounting).

SOUTH DAKOTA

DUPREE – Trey Young.

TEXAS

AUSTIN – Brandon Wooley.

HOUSTON – Craig Phelps.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
OKLAHOMA

ALVA – Clay Bebermeyer, agriculture; Dalton Beeler, health and sports science education; Amanda Campbell, biology-health science; Christian Coffey, computer science; Sarah Coufal, psychology; Alishia Jamison, psychology; Aleta Nolan, health and sports science education; Trenton Penner, psychology.

BILLINGS -- Cade Oller, health and sports science education.

CANTON – Silvia Gaines, health and sports science education.

CARMEN – Ladena Standlee, mass communication.

CHEROKEE – Vicki Harmon, mathematics.

DRUMMOND – Chase Kokojan, biology-natural history.

EDMOND – Seth Garlitz, mass communication.

ENID --  Brooke Beckner, psychology; Loura Cantrell, criminal justice-law enforcement; Cristina Carranza, biology-health science; Concetta Cline, psychology; Edward Cumpston, biology-health science and health and sports science education; Jennifer Hoppe, psychology; Tyler Knight, health and sports science education; Stacy Sellers, psychology.

FAIRFAX – Michael Ben, biology-health science.

FAIRVIEW – Allie Morton, health and sports science education.

FORGAN – Kaleb Lemieux, health and sports science education.

FORT SUPPLY – Bradley Lowden, criminal justice-law enforcement.

FREEDOM – Taylor DeVine, psychology.

HENNESSEY – Jennifer Hau, psychology.

HOLDENVILLE – Kelsey Ingram, psychology.

LAHOMA – Austin Detrick, agriculture.

LAVERNE – Larissa Jett, agriculture.

MEDFORD – Brett Thomas, agriculture.

NEWKIRK – Samantha Shrewsberry, psychology.

NORMAN – Tengi Allison Jr., chemistry; Lacy Hansen, biology-health science; Alexandria Newton, criminal justice-law enforcement.

PAWNEE – Kristin Dickerson, biology-health science and chemistry.

PERRY – Brayley Running, health and sports science education.

PONCA CITY – Mark Bean, psychology; Curtis Koehn, psychology; Shyanne Long, criminal justice-law enforcement; Leslie Scott, psychology; Patrick Swain, health and sports science education; Amy Womble, psychology.

POND CREEK – Lexis Childress, mass communication; Tanner Culver, agriculture.

PRYOR – Kaitlin Parsons, agriculture.

REYDON – Stephen Beall, criminal justice-law enforcement.

STILLWATER – Jessica Gulick, biology-health science and psychology.

TONKAWA – Jake West, health and sports science education.

WAYNOKA – Justin Ashton, computer science; Mitchel Nutter, agricultural ecology; Dustin Unruh, agri-business.

WOODWARD – Shelby Barnett, biology-health science; Delta Farmer, psychology; Gilda Palacio, biology-health science; Clinton Whitewater, mass communication.

CALIFORNIA

FULLERTON – George Flores, Jr., criminal justice-law enforcement.

HUNTINGTON BEACH – Kyle Lancaster, criminal justice-law enforcement.

LOMPOC – Catherine Kelly, health and sports science education.

LOS ANGELES – Monique Zevada, criminal justice-law enforcement.

SAN DIEGO – Alyssa Nicole Taylor, health and sports science education.

FLORIDA

MIAMI – Joel Perez, criminal justice-law enforcement.

GEORGIA

ELBERTON – Anna Jameson, agriculture.

IOWA

CLARINDA – Nevada Turner, agriculture.

EVERLY – Jared Thompson, agriculture.

WELLMAN – Keaton Redlinger, health and sports science education.

ILLINOIS

CHICAGO – La’Paris Newsom, health and sports science education.

KANSAS

GREENSBURG – Shane Engelken, biology.

KIOWA – Olivia Yandel, health and sports science education.

OLATHE – Vernon Lunn III, health and sports science education.

PROTECTION – Levi Miller, agriculture.

REDFIELD – James Collins, agriculture.

WELLINGTON – Sarah Sauceda, mass communication.

MISSISSIPPI

HORN LAKE – Darryl Petty, Jr., criminal justice-law enforcement.

SALLIS – Dierra Gilmore, health and sports science education; Kierra Gilmore, health and sports science education.

NEW MEXICO

FARMINGTON – Kellie Mason, criminal justice-law enforcement.

TIJERAS – Brenda Hearn, health and sports science education.

NORTH CAROLINA

CONCORD – Norman Young, Jr., criminal justice-corrections.

PENNSYLVANIA

MT. PLEASANT MILLS – Kesley Pontius, biology-health science.

TENNESSEE

CORDOVA – Cameron Allen, health and sports science education and psychology.

TEXAS

ARLINGTON – Anthony Moffa, Jr., mass communication.

CEDAR HILL – DeAndre Wynn, health and sports science education.

CONVERSE – Ashley Reene Catlett, health and sports science education.

EULESS – Cathy Wabenga, biology-health science.

FORT WORTH – Gabriella Hernandez, mass communication; Tiffany Santistevan, health and sports science education.

HOUSTON – Javari Liggins, health and sports science education.

PEARLAND -- Ezekwesiri Akwari-Ibe, biology-health science.

SEALY – Resa Navarro, health and sports science education.

WAXAHACHIE – Monica Jaramillo, health and sports science education.

CANADA

ONTARIO – Jeffrey Davis, health and sports science education.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE EDUCATION

OKLAHOMA

ALVA – Danielle Cushenberry, elementary education; Pearlyn Lindquist, special education; Misty McCullough, elementary education; Robert Thrash, health and sports science education.

BEAVER – Kyler McDonald, health and sports science education; Kristy Noble, early childhood education.

BLACKWELL – Felicia Smith, special education.

BURLINGTON – Jeremy Harper, health and sports science education.

ENID – Mallory Eulberg, early childhood education; Kaeli Kaiser, special education; Katie Smith, elementary education.

HUNTER – Jacqueline Boss, elementary education.

JET -- Adam Smith, agriculture education.

MEDFORD – Malarie Cline, elementary education.

OKMULGEE – Joseph McGovran, agriculture education.

PAULS VALLEY – Patrick Driskill, agriculture education.

PONCA CITY -- Allison Bishop, early childhood education; Jenna Looper, elementary education.

SEILING – Garrett Bensch, agriculture education.

WOODWARD – Stefanie Dixon, elementary education; Bobbie Matthews, early childhood education.

VIRGINIA

WAYNESBORO – Breanna Gossen, elementary education.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING
OKLAHOMA

ALVA – Tabitha Diefenbach, Jana Washington.

CHEROKEE – Heather Collins, Heather Newlin.

DACOMA – Traci Maul, Karlea Pearson.

EDMOND -- Titus Bakare.

ENID – Anayo Chukwueke, Ryan Cooper, Zachary Floyd, Elsie Kandeh, Frances Landrigan, Kelly Nech, Toni Zumalt.

JET – Roxanne Bridges.

LAVERNE --  Jeffery Howard, Angela Shuman.

MARLAND -- Courtney Beck.

MCCLOUD – Krystal Elliott.

MOORELAND – Shala McIntosh.

OKLAHOMA CITY – Kelsey Gingrich, Drew Hunter.

PAWNEE – Kasey Miller.

SEILING – Amy Quesada.

WAKITA – Alisha Shrum.

WOODWARD – Allison Arnold, Molly Brooks, Traci Cook, Kaitlin Hostetler, Beth Inman, Natasha Kelso, Carley Thompson, Sandy Turner, Jenniffer Warfield, Brandon Wheelock.

CALIFORNIA

FRESNO – Mary Schurter.

COLORADO

WALSH – Alex Meltabarger.

KANSAS

ANTHONY – Karlie Parker.

KIOWA – Renata Simpson.

NASHVILLE – Emily Wadel.

NEBRASKA

OMAHA -- Colton Palmer.

NORTH CAROLINA

GASTONIA --  Shannon Germain.

SOUTH DAKOTA

OLIVET – Kelsey Fanning.

INDIA

NEW DELHI – Sugandha Aggarwal.

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK
OKLAHOMA

ALVA – Caitlyn McOsker.

BLACKWELL – Sarah Smith.

ENID --  Angela Bryan, Nerum Karben, Kayla Murray, Cassaundra Webb.

OKLAHOMA CITY --  Lindsey Terpstra.

SHATTUCK – Lorrie Corbin.

WOODWARD – Jennifer Tunks.

KANSAS

GARDEN CITY – Brenda Bribiesca.

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Julia Conneywerdy presents her research poster on arsenic testing at Research Day at the State Capitol.

Julia Conneywerdy, Red Rock senior, was selected to represent Northwestern Oklahoma State University at Research Day held recently at the State Capitol.

Twenty-five undergraduate students, representing 19 Oklahoma colleges and universities, presented competitive research posters to the state Legislature and the public during this annual event sponsored by the Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research or EPSCoR, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the National Science Foundation.

The event is designed to raise awareness of the outstanding research taking place in Oklahoma’s colleges and universities.

The pre-med major’s research focused on arsenic testing and is titled “Arsenic Testing in NWOSU’s Taxidermy Collections and Natural Science Museum.” Conneywerdy, along with fellow student-researchers Morgan Reinart, summer 2013 graduate from Okeene, and Jeff Martin, Ajax, Ontario, senior, presented this research at the Spring 2013 Ranger Research Day and tied for first place in posters. Dr. Aaron Place, associate professor of biology, is the faculty sponsor for this student project.

To learn more about how to prepare research posters for competition, including Northwestern’s own Ranger Research Day set for November 2014, visit www.nwosu.edu/ranger-research-day, or contact Dr. Shawn Holliday, associate dean of graduate studies, at (580) 327-8589 or spholliday@nwosu.edu.

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Northwestern Oklahoma State University social work faculty and students attended the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) 38th Annual Oklahoma State Conference on March 30-31 at the University of Oklahoma’s College of Continuing Education.

This year’s conference theme was “All People Matter.” Northwestern was represented by social work seniors Lindsey Terpstra of Garber and Sarah Smith of Blackwell, as well as Dr. Kylene Rehder, chair of the department of social work, and Dr. Michele Scordato, assistant professor of social work.

During the conference, social work practitioners and students had the opportunity to attend more than 15 different workshops covering topics such as homelessness, trauma, clinical interventions, motivational interviewing, domestic violence, developmental disabilities, poverty, dementia, corrections, cultural competency, social work ethics and social work licensure requirements and policy updates.

To learn more about Northwestern’s department of social work, contact Rehder at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8135.

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Each year, approximately 30 undergraduate students are selected through a highly competitive application process to participate. This year the institute will take place May 16-20 on the campus of the University of Oklahoma and expose participants to more than 50 women leaders from public life, which includes elected officials, business leaders, community organizers and members of the judiciary.

“I am so excited to be part of this influential institute,” Conway said. “An opportunity to be exposed to such rich curriculum and brilliant leaders in our state is such a privilege.”

The curriculum includes skill building workshops, a campaign simulation, a networking day at the Oklahoma State Capitol, a collaborative action project and panel discussions.

“Raquel is an exceptional student focused on public service and policy development that advances social well-being,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, social work department chair, said.  “I’m thrilled about her selection into this award-winning institute and for her opportunity to learn from some of the state’s most elite class of women.”

After graduation, Conway plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and obtain her master’s degree in social work.

For more information on Northwestern’s social work program contact Rehder at (580) 327-8135 or kdrehder@nwosu.edu or visit www.nwosu.edu/social-work.

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