THE OFFICIAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY >> SPRING - SUMMER ’10

MakingPlaceMatter

THE GIFT OF LEARNINGWadley Center for Reading & Technology

REGIONAL LEADERSHIPNSU partners to share regional vision

Spring at Northeastern is a cascade of colors, scents and energy, activities, events and programs. And this is in addition to classes and a complete intercollegiate athletic schedule wrapped in the luster of forsythia, azaleas and redbuds ablaze on our three campuses. Our academic year climaxed with commencement ceremo-nies at Tahlequah on May 15 and in Broken Arrow May 17. One of the signature happenings was the renaming of the NET building in Tahlequah to the W. Roger Webb Educational Technology Center on April 21. Faculty, staff, students and community members who were personally connected with the university during Roger’s 19 years as president gathered in Tahlequah. The lunch and dedication were highlighted by com-ments from friends, RUSO Regents Jan Gordon and Belva Howard, and former PLC students and alumni, Rebecca Gore and John deSteiguer. The mood was upbeat and Roger appreciated the opportunity to reconnect with those who helped achieve the numerous accomplishments from 1978 through 1997. Though we are in the midst of innumerable projects, spring is also a time for NSU to assess the outcomes of last November’s Regional Summit, “Giving Voice to Our Region.” Based on extensive reviews with our collaborative partners, the Cherokee Nation, SACC-EZ, and other participants, we continue to build on the encouraging outcomes of that gathering of almost 400 people representing dozens of eastern Oklahoma insti-tutions and entities. The dates for this year’s summit, “Regionalism: United Voice for a Shared Vision,” are Oct. 26-27. These partners see genuine opportunity in working as one team in creating economic development realities in eastern Oklahoma. This initiative is our response to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) pro-gram, “Making Place Matter.” The regents identified

this program to seed development across the state by calling upon universities to re-emphasize their roles as engines for economic progress and cultural develop-ment, and promote citizen engagement. I encourage you to learn more about this strategic initiative and NSU’s response and role in this edition of Imprints. Northeastern embraces its role here in the eastern counties of Oklahoma as a steward of this place and the promise of higher education in helping students learn and communities thrive. We have over 100 years of practice, and are committed to re-invigorate our efforts in effective partnerships with local governments and agencies, the business community and non-profits, as well as public and private education. This level of con-nection is one way to fortify the resilience and creative dynamism needed in Oklahoma to be successful and prosperous in this time of fresh challenges and multiple opportunities. Finally, if you have not visited our Tahlequah cam-pus recently, I encourage you to do so. The main entry sign and waterfall are complete and create an inviting welcome to Centennial Plaza, day or night. Now the university community and our friends can follow a walkway from Muskogee Avenue to the main entry of Seminary Hall, retracing the footsteps of the Semi-nary students as chronicled in archived pre-statehood photographs. The natural beauty of NSU in Tahlequah has been appropriately enhanced. The sign welcomes all who visit, study or work at this cradle of education in Oklahoma.

Welcome to NSU and our second century.

Don Betz

Dear Friends,

PRESIDENT / Diane Walker ’88, ’91PRESIDENT ELECT / Becky Gore ’91PAST PRESIDENT / Dr. Justin Lindsey ’92, ’95SECRETARy / Erin Feller ’09

Barbara Abercrombie ’93Rachel Anderson-Hill ’02, ’03 Carol Ann Barkley ’78Ron Evans ’60, ’64

Danna Fowble ’93Harlan Guthrie ’95Gilbert Hall ’81Stephen Highers ’05

Maci Jessie ’01Bill Moorer Attd. ’53-’56Ron Perdue ’62

Russ Riff ’03Gregg Simmons ’99Melanie Wicks ’01

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

NSU PRESIDENT / Dr. Don BetzVICE PRESIDENT FoR UNIVERSITy RELATIoNS / Mark KindersDIRECToR oF DEVELoPMENT / John GyllinDIRECToR oF ALUMNI SERVICES / Daniel Johnson ’91

This publication was printed by Press Group and issued by Northeastern State University as authorized by House Bill 1714. 6,000 copies were printed; the total cost was $3,387. This institution, in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD

Message from the President

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THE OFFICIAL ALUMNI MAGAZINE OF NORTHEASTERN STATE UNIVERSITY

S P R I N G - S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

FEATURES >>

ON CAMPUS >>

DEPARTMENTS >>

ALUMNI NEWS 6Letter from the DirectorBaby BibsAlumni ShopRefer a RiverHawkOutstanding SeniorsSnapshots

NSU NEWS 9SymposiumFounders DaySocial Work Grant

DEVELOPMENT 10 Redmen Heritage WallProject ReconnectFoundation NewsBancFirst DonationEndowed Scholarships

ATHLETICS 30Athletic Hall Of FameFundraisingSpring Wrap-upFootball Schedule

CLASS ACTS 26

Rennard Strickland 18Allyson Leggett Watson 20James Wilhite 22

Webb Dedication 4New Administration 5NSU’s Changing Face 24

Regional Economic Leadership 12

Capitola “Cappi” Wadley Center for Reading & Technology 14

DIRECTOR / Nancy Garber

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS / Stephanie Weygandt ’11, Tina Frazier ’03, ’04

LAYOUT & DESIGN / Ross A Maute ’05

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / Sean Michael Kennedy, D. Sean Rowley ’92, Laura Butler ’10, Casey Woodard

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR / Jennifer Zehnder

Produced by the Northeastern State University Office of Communications & MarketingIMPRINTS MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHY / Peter Henshaw ’10, Eric Davis ’09, Amanda Gray ’10

ON THE COVER >>A recent gift of $1 million by Gregg Wadley & Dr. Betsy Brackett will establish the Capitola “Cappi” Wadley Center for Reading & Technology.

Making Place Matter

This edition of Imprints has a fresh new look, reflecting the changing face of Northeastern that you’ll read about on p. 24. In addition to updating the look of our inside pages to mirror our new brand, the cover mast has been redone using the Aldine font that characterizes our new logo. We’ve also bid farewell to the leaf motif—adopted with our first edition in 1999 to symbolize the leaves imprinted on campus sidewalks nearly 60 years ago—but the magazine’s name continues, in tribute to the ‘imprints’ our alumni make through their careers and endeavors, in Oklahoma and globally.

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The distinctive white arch that greets visitors to the campus of Northeastern’s main campus now bears the name of the man who made possible the construction of the facility that was dedicated 13 years ago.

The W. Roger Webb Educational Technology Center was formally renamed on April 21 as a tribute to the leadership of NSU’s 14th president whose vision became reality when the building opened in 1997 as the Northeastern Education Technology Building.

Webb, who is now president of the University of Central Oklahoma, expressed his gratitude for a gesture that recog-nizes his contributions to NSU during the 19 years he served as president.

“How do you thank, from the bottom of your heart and as sincerely as you possibly can, every person who has walked through our collective lives?” Webb asked.

The legacy created by Webb symbolizes a golden era in NSU’s history.  During his tenure dating from 1978 through 1997, the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry and the Fitness Center opened, the Branscum Alumni Center was dedi-cated, the university expanded to include a branch campus in Muskogee, numerous annual programs featuring arts and culture were established, and enrollment nearly doubled.

Webb was a young and “unconventional” choice to run North-eastern when he was selected by the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma.

NSU’s current president, Dr. Don Betz, noted the contrast of architecture between the late-19th and early-20th century buildings on NSU’s campus and the 1997 design of the Webb Educational Technology Center.

“This notion that while we have a storied past and we embrace it with all of our heart—we embrace the virtue, the values and the opportunities—we’re also about the future,” Betz said. “This building in so many ways represents a sense of that future. And it is appropriately dedicated today.”   

The decision to rename the building was approved in Febru-ary by the board of regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma—NSU’s governing body—to honor Webb’s enduring impact on NSU as one of the two longest serving presidents in the institution’s history.

Jan Gordon, chair of the RUSO board, along with Belva Howard, member and former RUSO board chair and John deSteiguer, a 1984 graduate of NSU who is now vice president for advancement at Oklahoma Christian University, spoke during the dedication ceremony.

Nearly 200 university and community members, along with alumni and colleagues from around Oklahoma, were on hand to view the unveiling of a plaque in the main lobby that de-scribes Webb’s impact on the institution. Among these were a number who worked or attended classes at NSU in 1997.

Dedication of the NET Building was considered the capstone of Webb’s career at NSU and a milestone for the institu-tion. Under Webb’s visionary leadership, the university laid claim to the distinction of becoming Oklahoma’s first fully electronic campus at a time when computer networking technology and the Internet were still in their infancy. Cen-tralizing the campus computer system was the culmination of a philosophy that Webb established in the mid-1980s—investing in technology would ensure a competitive edge with other universities.

“Everywhere on this campus, and on our campus in Musko-gee, there is evidence of the dreams Roger Webb guided to reality,” said Betz. “His vitality and enthusiasm gave direction to the work we accomplished, and the successes continue to impact the university today. Anyone who has attended classes here, worked here, or has connected in any way with North-eastern has benefited from his vision. Roger brought out the best in each of us, and challenged us to live the promise of our creativity in helping students learn and communities thrive.”

On Campus

Dedication honors vision of W. Roger Webb

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Dr. Martin Tadlock assumed his position as provost in December after serving as assistant vice chancellor and professor of curriculum and instruc-tion at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. The provost, or chief academic officer, serves as second-in-command at the university and assumes the top leadership role in the president’s absence.

Tadlock, who holds a doctorate in administration and leadership from Miami (Ohio) University and a master’s degree in English secondary educa-tion from Utah State University, joined the UW Oshkosh administration in 2007. He has been dean of the College of Professional Studies, gradu-ate dean and professor of Educational Leadership at California State-Monterey Bay, 2006-2007;

dean of the College of Professional Studies, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and professor of Professional Education at Bemidji State University, 2001-2006, and interim associate dean of the Col-lege of Education, Middle Level Education coordi-nator and program chair, and associate professor in the department of Elementary Education at Utah State, 1993-2001.

Tadlock holds professional memberships with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the Professional and Organizational Development Network, the Association of Ameri-can Colleges and Universities, the World Future Society and Educause.

Dr. Christee Jenlink was named as dean following a nationwide search for prospective candidates. She had served as the interim dean for the Broken Arrow campus since January. Jenlink previously was assistant dean for the NSU College of Education.

Jenlink’s connection to NSU began in spring semes-ter of 2000 as an adjunct instructor in the depart-ment of teacher education. She joined the faculty in the fall as assistant professor of education.

A native of Carmen, Okla., Jenlink began her career as a public school administrator at Skelly Elementary School where she was named assistant principal in

1996. A year later, she was appointed principal of Cherokee Elementary School in Tulsa and served there for four years.

She is a graduate of Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where she earned a bachelor of arts in mu-sic education and a master of education in music. She holds a doctor of education in educational administra-tion from Oklahoma State University.

In addition to her duties as assistant dean of the col-lege, Jenlink was associate professor of education and taught graduate level courses in school administration at NSU prior to her appointment as interim dean.

David Koehn assumed his role as vice president in January after serving as assistant vice president for finance at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Koehn, who holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UCO, received his master’s degree in business administration from the institution in May 2010. He joined Central’s staff in 1987, and was named assistant vice president for finance in 2001 after serving nine years as controller.

Koehn’s affiliations with the American Institute of CPAs and Oklahoma Society of CPAs date to 1983. He is a member of the National Association of College and University Business Officers since 1988. In 2008 he graduated with the fifth class of the Oklahoma Citizen’s Academy.

On Campus

Spring 2010 saw a number of new faces assuming leadership roles at Northeastern, including Dr. Martin Tadlock, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, David Koehn, vice president for Administration and Finance, and Dr. Christee Jenlink, dean of NSU-Broken Arrow.

NSU welcomes new leadership

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Dear NSU Alumni & Friends, We are blessed here in northeastern Oklahoma to enjoy an ever-changing landscape as each new season brings with it a new look. Spring has certainly

moved through NSU and there are more than new leaves and f lowers springing up around our three campuses. Northeastern State University has a new look, too. Drive to the main campus along Muskogee Avenue and you will find a beautiful new entry way welcoming you to the university. The NET Building was recently rededicated as the W. Roger Webb Educational Technology Center. Work has begun on the Redmen Heritage Wall. At Broken Arrow, the new Sip & Surf Café is open and thriving. The look of the Muskogee campus is evolving, too, as the part-nership with Connors State continues to take shape. The changing face of Northeastern goes beyond foun-tains and names on buildings. There is new energy and vibrancy stemming from the people associated with this institution. Students, alumni, faculty, staff and administra-tors are stepping up in a myriad of ways to make this place matter. I invite you to spend some time with this issue and read about how our alumni and faculty are “making place matter” beyond the campuses of NSU. Read about how Gregg Wad-ley and his wife, Dr. Betsy Brackett, are going to change the levels of reading proficiency in Tahlequah and beyond. Learn the story of Dr. James Wilhite, who led the effort to build the National Military Academy in Afghanistan. Be sure to also check out the other great profiles on Dr. Allyson Leggett Watson and Dr. Rennard Strickland. Undoubtedly, there are many more stories about the great works alumni from NSU are doing. We want to hear about them. If you know of someone who is “making place matter” in some special way, share their story with us. E-mail us at alumni@nsuok.edu, or post a story on our NSU Alumni Association Facebook fan page. We all make our own places matter in some way or another. Maybe it’s at our home or in our workplace or at our place of worship. Regardless of how you go about it, you are always welcome back to NSU. You will note on the back cover the upcoming dates for Homecoming. I hope you make plans to attend so you can see firsthand the changing face of this wonderful university.

See you soon.

Daniel Johnson ’91Director of Alumni Services

Alumni News

Know someone who might be interested in attending NSU? Refer a RiverHawk, a prospective student referral program, allows alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university to let us know about out-standing high school juniors and seniors.

For more information on the Refer a RiverHawk program, please call the NSU Alumni Association at 800-722-9614, ext. 4200, or the Of-fice of High School & College Relations at 800-722-9614, ext. 4675.

Looking to buy some special Northeastern State University gear to show your pride in your alma mater? The Office of Alumni and Development has launched an online store where you can purchase brooches, shirts, ties and other items to showcase your pride in NSU.

Orders typically are shipped within three business days after an order is placed, but please allow up to two weeks for delivery. Shipping charges apply to all online and phone orders. All items are also available for purchase at the Branscum Alumni Center.

To see the items available for purchase, visit online at nsualumni.com/shop or in person at the Branscum Alumni Center.

Have you recently had a baby or a grandchild? Contact the Office of Alumni and Development to get your free RiverHawk Baby Bib. For more information, contact (918) 458-2143 or e-mail alumni@nsuok.edu

Marc Willis ’00, ’03 with Shon Alan Willis, born January 5, 2010.

NSU offers baby bibs to alumni

Refer a RiverHawk

Shop offers alumni merchandise

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Alumni News

> > J A C K K A U F M A N o U T S TA N D I N G S E N I o R S 2 0 1 0

April Collins

HOMETOWNWestville

MAJORHospitality and Tourism Management

PARENTSLanny and Nancy Collins

Patrick VaughanHOMETOWNCleveland, Okla.

MAJORHospitality and Tourism Management

PARENTSMike and Valerie Vaughan

Erin Cole

HOMETOWNOwasso

MAJORHuman Resources Business Management

PARENTSPage and Rhonda Cole

Todd Newcomb

HOMETOWNOologah

MAJORPolitical Science

PARENTSSteven and Judith Newcomb

Ashton Dobbs

HOMETOWNSallisaw

MAJORInternational Business

PARENTSWyman and Michelle Dobbs

Rachel Lynn

HOMETOWNBroken Arrow

MAJORHospitality and Tourism Management

PARENTSAaron and Teresa Lynn

Glen Evans

HOMETOWNLocust Grove

MAJORPublic Relations

GRANDPARENTSGlen and Ann Evans and Joyce Rose

Lexi Woods (Catterlin)HOMETOWNTahlequah

MAJOREarly Childhood Education

PARENTSVol and Tami Woods

Ellen Slack

HOMETOWNBroken Arrow

MAJORSpanish

PARENTSKevin and Debbie Slack

Sarah Millar

HOMETOWNBayswater North, Victoria, Australia

MAJORChemistry

PARENTSAndrew and Heather Millar

Jordyn Raney

HOMETOWNJay

MAJORBiology

PARENTSKenny and Sharon Raney

During the 2010 Ovation Ceremony on April 23 in the Herb Rozell Ballroom, 11 Northeastern State University students were presented Jack Kaufman Outstanding Senior Awards. The seniors receiving the award were nominated by NSU faculty and staff. Each recipient had a cumulative grade-point average of at least 3.25, demonstrated a commitment to Northeastern through campus involvement and regarded as an all-around student who typifies the spirit of NSU. The award is named for the late 1934 Northeastern alumnus Jack Kaufman, who is remembered as one of the most influential and vigorous alumni in NSU’s history. He was also one of Tahlequah’s most civically active citizens. Kaufman was instrumental in the effort to save Bacone House, which today is home to the Center for Tribal Studies. He lived by the philosophy, “Leave the woodpile a little higher than you found it.”

Rachel Lynn was named the Jack Kaufman Outstanding Female Senior and Patrick Vaughan was named the Jack Kaufman Outstanding Male Senior.

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>> SNAPSHOTS

Tim Baker ’69, Dr. Roger Webb and Dr. Isabel Baker ’50 share stories during the W. Roger Webb Educational Technology Building renaming luncheon.

Becky Gore ’91 and Peggy Glenn-Summitt ’90 take a break from the festivities at Emerald Ball.

Jack Kaufman Outstanding Seniors Patrick Vaughan and Rachel Lynn pause for a photo at the Ovation reception.

John deSteiguer ’84, Kent Lashley ’67 & ’69, and Kent Lashley Jr. chat during the W. Roger Webb Educational Tech-nology Building renaming luncheon.

Dr. Brett Howell ’05 & ’08, Cassie Woods ’04 & ’06 and Jared Girten ’03 show off T-shirts they won at NSU Hockey night.

Maurice ’48 and Clarice

Turney were honored for their

contributions at the President’s

Circle Reception.

Scott and Tommye Wright

share a quiet moment at

Emerald Ball.

Participants in the inaugural Founders Day 5K Run take off down Muskogee Avenue in Tahl-equah.

NSU Student Foundation members Jared Rusk, Matt Wood, advisor Penny Moore ’82, Layna Austin, Courtney Carrino, and Jennifer Hatley, with RiverHawks fan Wayne Mitchell during Pack the House Pink.

Dr. Jack Dobbins ’51 getting his copy of the Centennial book signed by author, Dr. Brad Agnew.

If you have photos you would like to submit, contact the Office of Alumni & Development at (918) 458-2143, e-mail alumni@nsuok.edu or send to 812 N. Cedar Ave., Tahlequah, Okla. 74464.

Alumni News

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Students pursuing bachelor and master of social work degrees will benefit from a high-ly competitive grant recently awarded by the National Child Welfare Workforce Insti-tute’s Child Welfare Traineeship Projects to the university’s social work program. NSU is one of only 12 universities nation-wide to receive these grants, funded through the Children’s Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The funding

provides a significant traineeship stipend for social work students pursuing a child welfare career in tribes, counties and private agencies that contract child welfare services. NSU leads all Oklahoma universities in placement of child welfare workers since 1993 and its graduates have a reputation for academic and ethical preparedness. Social work students who participate in the pro-gram will graduate with a child welfare spe-cialization.

The 38th Annual Symposium on the Ameri-can Indian at Northeastern was dedicated in honor of Wilma Mankiller, who passed away April 6 following a courageous battle with pan-creatic cancer. This year’s symposium was themed “Oklaho-ma Fancy Dance” in recognition of a style of dance developed in Oklahoma in the 1920s. Mankiller was involved in planning the event and would have been the keynote speaker at a

panel discussion that she helped create, “Indig-enous Studies in the 21st Century.” At the time of her death, Mankiller was active as the first NSU Sequoyah Fellow and was exploring initiatives for Northeastern State that would expand women’s leadership oppor-tunities. She was deeply committed to helping NSU become a gathering place for indigenous peoples from around the globe and establish a global presence through indigenous studies.

In celebration of Founders Day 2010, Northeastern State University added 10 names to its list of Centurions. Recipients were honored during a special luncheon in the University Center Rozell Ballroom. President Betz (center) presented awards to the 2010 Centurion group which included those who accepted for posthumous honorees. From left to right : Lori Walker, accepting for Dr. Cesaro (Chet) Lombardi; Dr. Harold and Mary Battenfield; Dr. Tom Cottrill; George Elliott; Dr. Isabel Baker; Virginia Russell, accepting for Joe Davis; Beth Herrington; Patsiann Smith, accept-ing for Sue Crafton; and Marjorie Malone, accepting for Dr. Jim Malone.

In March, NEO President Jeffery Hale and NSU President Don Betz formalized a Smart Choice agreement between the two in-stitutions, allowing NEO students to pursue an NSU bachelor’s degree.

Northeastern & NEO make higher ed a Smart Choice

Social Work Program Receives Competitive Federal Grant

Symposium dedicated in honor of Wilma Mankiller

Coach, pioneer, musician, educators and alumni honored at NSU Luncheon

Tina Van Brunt, Chouteau gradu-ate, and Baylee Pittman, Valliant senior, were honored as DaVinci/Martin Scholars, and Dr. Linda Wilson, associate professor of curriculum and instruction at NSU-BA, received a 2010 DaVinci Institute Fellow Award from the DaVinci Institute in March.

DaVinci Institute honors three from NSU

The National Clearinghouse for Commuter Programs recently selected NSU-Broken Arrow as the new home for the organiza-tion. The University of Maryland established the NCCP in 1972 to encourage scholarship for com-muting students in higher educa-tion and share resources and information about this population.

NSUBA new home to NCCP

The Confucius Institute at the University of Oklahoma, sup-ported by the University of Okla-homa and Confucius Headquar-ters, recently opened the second Confucius Institute Classroom in the southern United States at Northeastern State University-Broken Arrow. The Confucius Institute is a global network numbering more than 120 insti-tutes in 50 countries that seeks to facilitate engagement with China in ways that strengthen the understanding, opportuni-ties and bonds.

Second Confucius Institute Opens At NSUBA

NSU NEWS BRIEF

The hardcover commemorative history book, “Roots from the Cherokees, Promises for Our Future: The Chronicle of North-eastern State University,” was one of six books nominated for an Oklahoma Book Award for Design Illustration from the Oklahoma Center for the Book.

NSU Centennial history book nominated for Oklahoma Book Award

For complete stories or more information, visit www.nsuok.edu.

NSU News

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In the spirit of honoring the past while charting the future, construction on the Redmen Heritage Wall began in April. The basic framework of the monument is expected to be completed by Homecoming 2010, said Tim Foutch, associate vice presi-dent for administration and finance.

Formed from the remnants of the grounds that served as Northeast-ern’s football field from 1936 to 1964, this monument captures in moving imagery the achievements, experiences and victories of the Redmen era and accommodates areas for group gatherings as well as individual reflection. A single wall still stands and will again become a gathering place of tradition for Redmen and RiverHawks alike.

Approximately half of the estimated $100,000 needed to complete the project has been raised so far, and efforts continue to raise funds to complete the project. To donate to the Redmen Heritage Wall, visit www.nsugiving.com/centennialcampaign/redmen.php or contact the NSU Foundation at (918) 458-2143.

Development

Project Reconnect, NSU’s effort to re-establish contact with alumni, took the top prize at the Council for Advancement and Support of Edu-cation (CASE) Awards held in Austin, Texas, in March.

One of three awards received by the university during the CASE South-west District IV Conference, Project Reconnect won the Grand Award for the Best New Alumni Program. Project Reconnect also received the Award of Excellence for Outstanding Project.

Since its inception, the program has accumulated or updated the con-tact information on more than 30,000 alumni, many of whom may now receive newsletters and information about alumni events.

The Office of Communications and Marketing received the Grand Award in Radio Spots for “NSU Answers-Radio.” The ad promoted the 2009 NSU Answers campaign, which encouraged students to submit online questions about university life, academics and policy.

Robin Johnson (’81), assistant director of financial services in the Office of Development, was recognized for 20 years of service. Her certificate cited her “dedicated professional commitment to the advancement and support of excellence in our American educational institutions.”

NSU’s Project Reconnect wins big at CASE awards

Construction begins on Redmen Heritage Wall, donations still accepted

Donations to Northeastern State Univer-sity increased greatly in 2009 and are on an upward trend. A total of 2,219 donors made 5,390 contributions to the NSU Foundation amounting to $1,975,045. The numbers are all-time highs for the univer-sity in a given year.

“Our alumni are being as philanthropic as they can, in spite of the economy,” said John Gyllin, executive director of the NSU Foundation. “Whatever program they are supporting, whatever area of campus, peo-ple genuinely want to support Northeast-ern. It is a testament to this institution, its leadership and the direction we’re headed.”

Despite decreases in charitable giving nationally over the past two years, NSU increased its contributions in both 2008 and 2009. Donations to Northeastern rose approximately $700,000, or 64 percent above 2008.

The inaugural President’s Circle reception, which honors outstanding donors to the university, was held March 6 at the Broken Arrow campus.

Members of the President’s Circle were treated to food and beverages and an opportunity to meet NSU President Don Betz. They were also recognized for their generosity and shown how their contribu-tions help the university.

Membership in the President’s Circle is open to donors who make annual contribu-tions to NSU amounting to at least $1,000. Lifetime contributors of $10,000 or more were also recognized at the reception.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO NSU ON THE RISE

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE RECEPTION HONORS DONORS

EMERALD BALLSaturday, December 4, 2010

SAVE THE DATE1 3 T H A N N U A L

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Through the generosity and support of BancFirst, NSU was able to create and equip a state-of-the-art conference room in the Cen-ter for Admissions and Student Enrollment. A dedication of the BancFirst Conference Room in the CASE building was held in December.

“BancFirst has always been a strong supporter of Northeastern, from the local bank in Tahlequah to the headquarters in Oklaho-ma City,” said John Gyllin, director of development and executive director of the Foundation. “The continuing partnership and coop-eration between NSU and BancFirst has provided a state-of-the-art conference room for use in the newly renovated CASE building.”

The BancFirst Conference Room provides a convenient meeting room for the seven departments in the CASE building, complete with video conferencing, TVs, computers and other networking equipment that aids in communication with the university’s cam-puses in Muskogee and Broken Arrow, or to other locations across the state or nation.

Development

BancFirst donation funds CASE conference room

Endowments establish scholarships at NSUProviding assistance so that Northeastern State students can achieve their dreams of a college education, several alumni and friends of the university have established scholarship endow-ments through the Foundation.

The Jack and Jane Cochran Endowed Scholarship was established by Sue Catron, director of business affairs at NSU. Catron wished to assist students who are parents, because of her personal experience with the encouragement and assis-tance provided by her parents. It will not require recipients to attend school full-time, but does stipulate that they complete nine hours per semester and 18 hours per academic year with a grade-point average of 2.5.

The Dr. Stephen E. Smith Endowed Scholarship was estab-lished to assist students in the College of Education. Smith, who graduated from NSU with a bachelor’s degree in 1991 and a master’s in 1995, credits NSU with preparing him for a career in higher education and wanted to show apprecia-tion by endowing a scholarship. Smith is president of Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. The scholarship will be awarded to upperclassmen.

The Ed and Denise Bell Endowed Scholarship in Education provides additional scholarship opportunities for students pursuing education degrees. The Bells wished to provide scholarship assistance to students after putting their four children through college. The Bells are educators in Stigler and Northeastern alumni. The scholarship is for NSU juniors who graduated from high school at Stigler, Quinton, Keota, Kinta or McCurtain, Okla.

The Crafton and Leoser Families Endowed Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students, arranged by the Nix Foundation, offers assistance to non-traditional students. The Nix Foun-dation and Patsiann Nix Smith, a donor to the scholarship, wanted to assist those pursuing degrees in a non-traditional fashion. Recipients must show a record of employment and vol-unteer service, with preference given to those in financial need.

The Frank Haven Memorial Scholarship, established by NSU’s Department of Computing and Telecommunication, provides funds for students pursuing degrees in fields related to management information systems. The scholarship is in honor of Frank Haven (’00), a C&T employee who furthered his education while working at NSU. Applicants must show financial need, with preference given to C&T student workers.

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Region

After moving to Tahlequah from Texas as a child, Rachel Farinelli fell in love with the rural Oklahoma community, with its lavish scenery, cultural heri-tage, and embracing spirit. Growing up though, she always felt she would have to leave this place in order to pursue personal and career opportunities that are more readily available in big cities like Houston, Dallas and Chicago.

“As a young person, I felt I had to go away from here to have a decent living,” said Farinelli (’97, ’06), director of continuing education. “When I returned to Tahlequah, I realized this was my home and there were some things I was willing to trade off so I could remain here. My goal is to help this region become an economic engine so that my children can choose whether to stay here or go somewhere else, instead of feeling like they have to leave.”

That vision lead Farinelli to work with Dr. Ron Cambiano, special assistant to the president, in building the university’s inaugural regional economic summit held in November 2009. “Giving Voice to Our Region: Leaders Crossing Borders to Build the Economy and our Communities,” hosted by NSU, the Cherokee Nation and SACC-EZ (Sequoyah Adair Cherokee County Empowerment Zone), brought together business, community and educa-tion leaders from a seven-county area in northeast Oklahoma to discuss the long-term economic well-being of the region.

“It is our responsibility as an institution of higher learning to play a part in developing the economy of our region,” said Farinelli. “The goal of the inaugural regional summit was to make ourselves a gathering place for community partners to come together to

MakingPlaceMatter

Northeastern State University partners with others to share regional vision.

IMPRINTS >> 12

Region

discuss the issues we’re facing, identify com-mon goals, and establish a plan of action to achieve our goals.”

The regional economic summit is a product of “Making Place Matter,” an initiative of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education through the American Associa-tion of State Colleges and Universities. AASCU includes 430 public universities and systems nationwide including NSU.Northeastern has taken a leadership role in collaborating with community partners through various initiatives and programs in response to needs within northeastern Oklahoma.

“The summit is much more than annual isolated events,” said Farinelli. “As a result of our initial gathering, we have identified areas we want to focus on ranging from infrastructure to communication to educa-tion. We continue to meet in smaller work groups to develop a strategic regional plan with specific goals targeted to our objec-tives.”

The strategic plan will be unveiled at the second regional summit, “Giving Voice to Our Region” on Oct. 26-27, 2010.

“This second regional summit builds on the achievements established during our initial conference in 2009, where we uncovered our communities’ assets and strengths, and laid the groundwork for collaborative efforts between local, tribal, state and national agencies to address the challenges we face in northeast Oklahoma,” said Cambiano. “Regional cooperation is key to our suc-cess, so we will bring together business and community leaders from around the area to further study and address the issue of regional development.”

Interest in the regional well-being of the area has intensified since the first regional summit. More community partners are stepping forward to get involved in the various discussions taking place, including people outside the original seven-county

targeted area. Community leaders from a 24-county area in Oklahoma and parts of Northwest Arkansas have joined the conversation.

“These groups are finding we have common needs and common goals,” said Farinelli. “Areas feel like they’ve been left out of the conversation in their regions and are joining with us to make sure their voices are heard.”

Ensuring that the region’s voice is loud and the message is consistent is as important as making sure that the message is getting to the right audience.

“At the first regional summit we gener-ated some great conversations that opened up a lot of participants’ minds to the fact that eastern Oklahoma can impact, if not change, other parts of the state, nation and world,” said Jerry Cook, director of com-munity relations. “We’re encouraging an enhanced level of sharing with our state representatives and the regional summit provides a venue where we can share infor-mation and facilitate conversations with our representatives at every level.”

With its history as a gathering place in eastern Oklahoma, NSU is continuing to facilitate the discussion on infrastructure, education, communication, socio-economic issues, business and leadership develop-ment as it prepares for the second regional summit.

“Every single person in this region needs to know the effort starts with them,” said Farinelli. “We all have a part to play and it’s time we recognize it. We have to make this place matter because it does matter. This is not a place for us to grow up and leave be-hind, this is our home. It’s so important in everything that we do to let our home know that it’s important to us. It makes us feel connected, that we came from such a place.”

To learn more about the ongoing regional summit efforts, visit www.neokregion.org.

Northeastern State University recently received a Journal Record Innovator of the Year award for the “Giving Voice to Our Region” Summit. NSU shared the recognition with its partners the Cherokee Nation, SACC-EZ (Sequoyah Adair Cherokee County Empowerment Zone) and many other collaborators.

Join NSU, the Cherokee Nation, SACC-EZ (Sequoyah Adair Cherokee County Empowerment Zone) and other collaborators as we look to grow a sustainable regional economy by building our workforce, educational opportunities, and community capacity.

SECOND ANNUALREGIONAL SUMMIT

Regionalism: A United Voice For a Shared Vision

October 26 & 27, 2010

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Million dollar gift establishes the Capitola “Cappi” Wadley Center for Reading and Technology

A Life Well Read: Capitola “Cappi” Wadley

Photograph courtesy NSU University ArchivesIMPRINTS >> 14

Upon my mother’s passing in 2005, Betsy and I knew that we

wanted to do something significant to recognize her amazing

life. We were sure that it would involve NSU because she and my

Dad spent most of their lives there. Their connection started as

college students and continued throughout their lives through

teaching, coaching, volunteering and charitable giving. Their lives

were literally interwoven in the tapestry of Northeastern and

Tahlequah.

We decided that we wanted something that would impact

lives not only today, but well into the future—something that

would be monumental in the lives of children for generations to

come and something that Cappi would have loved and embraced…

The answer was reading. Last December, Gregg Wadley and

his wife, Dr. Betsy Brackett, formally announced a $1 million gift to es-

tablish the Capitola “Cappi” Wadley Center for Reading and Technology

on the Northeastern State University Tahlequah campus—where young

students can overcome reading deficiencies and educators can become bet-

ter prepared to help them learn to read. The milestone donation, in honor

of the 31-year teaching veteran, came as college administrators were look-

ing at ways to best use the newly restored third floor of Bagley Hall, which

houses the College of Education.

“Reading is the common thread to educational success and lifelong ful-

fillment. It is the skill that either advances us as a society or, if we lack the

skill, holds us back throughout life,” said Gregg. “Cappi knew how impor-

tant reading was and how time-consuming and difficult it was to overcome

reading deficiencies.”

Cappi spent a lifetime helping Cherokee County children and young

adults achieve the magic of an education. Gregg and his siblings watched

firsthand as their mother worked tirelessly to get and keep the children

of poor rural families in school. Her obligation to her students spanned

many roles—social worker, bus driver, teacher, cafeteria worker, coach and

friend. Without her dedication, he contends, some children might never

have had the opportunity to survive in a complex modern world.

“This project is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the many accom-

plishments of Cappi,” said Betsy. “She was a tremendous woman and role

Born July 26, 1916, in Bowlegs, Okla., Capitola Joy Anderson graduated high school at the age of 16. She attended East Central State College and then began her 31-year career in teaching. During her tenure, Cappi led classrooms from rural Seminole county to urban San Diego, all the while stressing the opportunities that education offered young people. She married D.M. “Doc” Wadley in 1940 and welcomed three sons—Dean, Gregg and Timothy. In 1955, she received her master’s degree in teaching from Northeastern, where her husband served as long-time athletic director. Inspired by her library work at the university, Cappi pursued her second advanced degree, graduating from the University of Oklahoma in 1966 with a master’s degree in library science. The lifelong educator was named NSU’s assistant professor of Library Science and served as a librar-ian in the technical processes depart-ment until her retirement in 1979. After a long and fulfilling retirement, Cappi lost her extended and brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease on August 6, 2005.

What I remember most about Cappi was her incredible work ethic. She was constantly in motion and always actively doing something. She was ambitious—never satisfied with the status quo. She was continually moving forward, advancing her education, taking on new challenges. If she saw a need to get something done, she didn’t wait for someone else to do it. She just jumped into the middle of it and attacked it a piece at a time until she achieved her goal. I think it was part of her upbring-ing on a farm near Seminole, Okla. Life was difficult, but along with her broth-ers and sisters, she was taught that she could do anything. If she worked hard, studied and applied her intellect, she could accomplish any goal and compete in any arena. That attitude dominated her life and was passed on to her stu-dents. GW

—Gregg Wadley ’69

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Capitola “Cappi” Wadley1916-2005

Through her son’s eyes

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Graduate student Tamara Campbell enjoys the chal-lenges and ever-changing pace of working with children in the McAlester Rite Care Outreach Speech and Language Clinic on the Muskogee campus.

“I recently had a new client and his only problem was the ‘r’ sound. He has only been in therapy for one semester, but has already improved 100 per-cent,” the Wagoner, Okla., native said. “It’s amazing to see that you can do some good things in this line of work. It doesn’t sound like much, but to a child that may be getting teased because he can’t say his ‘r’ sound—it means the world.”

The McAlester Scottish Rite partnered with the NSU College of Science and Health Professions Speech Language Pathology program to offer an outreach clinic to children with speech, language and reading development delays from 18 months through 11 years. The clinic, open one day per week while classes are in session, provides free services to children in the Muskogee area by graduate students in the NSU Speech Language Pathology program under the supervision of a licensed speech language pathologist.

Providing essential services to children in need and educational opportunities for students were the crucial points behind the opening of the clinic. Communication disorders are the most common problem for children, affecting more than all other disorders combined, and the Scottish Rite is the leading private benefactor for childhood language disorders in the United States.

Campbell’s second year in graduate school involves internships and she plans to intern at both schools and adult sites, such as a hospital. She is interested in working with adults with aphasia, an acquired communication disorder that impairs a person’s ability to process language.

For more information on the McAlester Rite Care Outreach Speech and Language Clinic, contact Dr. Karen Patterson at (918) 444-3769.

The McAlester Rite Care Outreach Speech and Language Clinic

NSU Muskogee CampusOPENED APRIL 2008

o T H E R N S U o U T R E A C H

model who earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees while trying to raise a family.” In addition to the establish-ment of the center, the gift will be used to create two endowed chairs for Northeastern’s reading program, ensuring the region’s young people have the resources necessary to improve their reading skills. NSU faculty, administrators and representatives from Tahlequah Public Schools are currently meeting with architects from PSA Dewberry and Nabholtz who will serve as contractor to design an overall plan for the entire third floor. Establishing a reading and technology center on NSU’s

main campus will allow the college to relocate and expand a computer lab and ITV class-room, and replicate elements of a successful new reading clinic on the NSU Broken-Arrow campus, according to Dr. Kay Lallier Grant, dean of the Col-lege of Education. Creating an endowment of support to meet reading program needs and providing additional faculty will benefit families of children who have reading difficulties. “Right now some parents have to drive to Tulsa to get special tutoring if a child has reading difficulties,” Grant said. “For years it has been our goal to ‘raise the roof ’ at the

NSU President Don Betz (center) makes a special presentation to alum-nus Gregg Wadley (right) and his wife Dr. Betsy Brackett (left) during the university’s Emerald Ball event on Dec. 12. The couple pledged a milestone gift of $1 million in honor of Gregg’s mother, longtime educator Capitola “Cappi” Wadley.

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Working in the Reading Clinic at the Broken Arrow campus has given graduate student Bobbi Scrivener skills to assess the reading proficiency of the students in her third-grade classroom at Jay Public Schools.

“I have gained a plethora of knowledge and experi-ence from NSU to help me better assist all of my students in reading regardless if they are strug-gling or advanced,” said Scrivener, a native of Eucha. “I now understand why my low readers are having difficulties and what I can do to help them. I also know what I can do to continue to push my advanced readers.”

The Reading Clinic provides tutorial assistance to students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade as part of the graduate level reading program. Educa-tion majors in the program gain practical experi-ence working in the clinic under the supervision of university faculty, while students from the Tulsa metropolitan area enrolled at the clinic receive additional instruction in reading and literacy skills. Children participate to improve academic problems or to enhance their reading skills.

The goals of the Reading Clinic are to prevent lit-eracy problems in the early years of school, offer a supplemental instructional program for those who need it, and provide specialized services for the few whose problems persist after intervention.

Scrivener urges other education majors to consider the reading program.

“I have the tools, skills, experience and knowledge to do this thanks to the reading program at NSU,” she said. “I personally think more teachers, regard-less of the grades they teach, should take the classes this program offers and work in the reading clinic so that they can better understand and deal with the problems their struggling students are facing.”

For more information on the Reading Clinic in Broken Arrow, contact Dr. Stephan Sargent at (918) 449-6513.

o T H E R N S U o U T R E A C H

The Reading Clinic

NSU-Broken ArrowOPENED APRIL 2008

College of Education, both in terms of bricks and mortar and expanding programs,” she noted. “The generosity of Gregg Wadley and Dr. Betsy Brackett has made it possible for us to meet our goals and continue the momentum we’re experiencing at our reading clinic on the Broken Arrow campus. We are honored to be chosen as a way to perpetuate the memory of Cappi Wadley and her dedication to improv-ing the lives of children.” When speaking to nearly 350 NSU donors and support-ers that attended the Emerald Ball where the formal an-nouncement of the gift was made, NSU President Don Betz commended the couple for perpetuating the legacy of a lifelong educator well-known

for her commitment to her students. “This gift will reach into the future and ensure people who are not even born yet will have a place to go and someone there to help them learn to read,” Betz said. “As a result, they will grow up to be bet-ter informed and more well-rounded, productive citizens and will benefit from the work of someone whom they never knew but whose life’s passion was to educate young people.” The long-term impact on students will be “exponential,” Gregg noted. “The benefits will multiply by the number of teachers who spend time there, learning how to apply tech-niques that help thousands of children.”

The reading and technology center will be housed on the newly restored third floor of Bagley Hall.

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Rennard’62

A nationally recognized expert in American Indian law, this Norman, Okla., alumnus has been a pioneer for Native American issues in both the courtroom and the classroom.

Strickland

Interview by Jennifer Zehnder >> Photograph courtesy Register Guard

GATHER HERE.GO FAR.

IMPRINTS >> 18

Rennard Strickland grew up in Muskogee in the heartland of the Five Civilized Tribes with a talent for debate and passion for his Native roots. He found his “voice” early, and today continues to influence American Indian progress through his written works and the accomplishments of his students.

By blood, I am Osage and Cherokee. There are no two tribes that hate each other more.

I decided I was going to be a lawyer around the age of six. People always said I should become one because I liked to argue so much.

I went to Northeastern because it had a particularly strong debate program. I had been a national champion extemporaneous speaker and finished third in the nation in debate [in high school]. In four years, I earned degrees in history, speech and theater, and English.

I was admitted to Yale, Columbia and Harvard and the University of Virginia after graduation. My father had a heart attack during my senior year, so I went to the latter because they offered me a DuPont scholarship—of course it was also one of the best law schools in the country.

I never thought I would spend an entire career teaching law. Neal Alford [professor at UVA] called me into his office one day and said, ‘You should be a law professor.’ I said no, no, no, no, no. Pardon me, but yourself and just a few others on this faculty are the only people that I even enjoy. He said, ‘that’s the reason I’m suggesting this—you can make a difference.’

There really wasn’t a field [in Indian law] when I started. Minority issues were to be explored after tenure, not before. I met resistance, but I didn’t care. I just went on and did it.

I’ve taught at 20 universities and have been dean at four—University of Tulsa, Southern Illinois University, Oklahoma City University and the University of Oregon, and I was the founder of the American Indian Law and

Policy Center at the University of Oklahoma created back in 1990.

As an author, I’ve written 43 books in my lifetime. My favorite title to date is Tonto’s Revenge: Reflections on American Indian Culture and Policy [written in 1997]. My current book project is The Red Chronicles, 500 years of Native American Survival.

I was the editor-in-chief of the 1982 revision of the Federal Handbook of Indian Law, the so-called Felix Cohen Bible. It was originally published by the Solicitors Office in 1942.

I just wish I had gotten just one percent of the action on the Indian gaming case [I served on]. I was the historic ex-pert in the original Muscogee/Creek gaming case in 1987.

Any time a student had a question, they simply had to pick up the phone. I wasn’t interested in telling them the answer, but I would help them explore it—this is why I knew so much more than anybody else in the field.

Cherokee mythology tells of a raven mocker who could be in many places at the same time. My students do that for me—as I send them out, I am able to be everywhere.

I think the most important thing that Indians have to look out for is that they be respected and that their traditional ways be respected.

I just finished reading the Indian Tribes of Oklahoma by Blue Clark. I think he captures the concept that I at-tempted in The Indians in Oklahoma book I wrote—place is crucial to the tribe.

An Indian law professor is not necessarily an Indian. White folk, colored folk and all sorts of other folk have also begun to practice, educate and be professors of Indian law.

As I say in the conclusion of Tonto’s Revenge, if the United States is to survive, and I’m not sure that it will, it will depend upon the country adopting the American Indian philosophy.

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IMPRINTS >> 19

AllysonLeggett WatsonAllyson Leggett Watson joined the Northeastern faculty ranks in 2003 with a keen understanding of the classroom and a desire to make a difference in the lives of future teachers and their students.

Interview by Jennifer Zehnder >> Photography by Pete Henshaw

GATHER HERE.GO FAR.

IMPRINTS >> 20

From her NSU classroom duties as associate professor of Educational Foundations & Leadership to her national work as president of the Gates Millennium Scholars Alumni Association, Allyson Leggett Watson, inspires future generations to embrace creativity, diversity and lifelong learning.

I’m originally from the Washington, D.C., area. I always considered myself a Yankee until my family said, ‘You’re below the Mason Dixon line—you’re a southerner.’ As a child, I never had a bad experience in the class-room. No one ever held me back. All my teachers pushed me, and wanted me to do the best that I could. It was always, without question, a belief that I would go to college—there were no other options. I think the ques-tion was more where. I was a pre-medicine major because I wanted to be a pediatrician. But, I found out after a few visits to the hos-pitals that I loved children so much that I didn’t necessar-ily want to see them sick. That’s when the light bulb came on. I changed my major to education and from the first classroom visit, I was hooked. I received both letters the same day—one said I had been accepted into the University of Oklahoma doctoral program [educational administration, curriculum and supervision], and the second said that I was named an inaugural Gates Millennium Scholar. I learned a lot from Dr. Sue Ellen Read through the Oklahoma Institute of Learning Styles. So much of what I learned from her, I still use in my classroom. Not everyone learns sitting at a desk with their chair erect and their hands folded. So, I embraced creativity and ran with it. If students can remember how to explain a qualitative research report just from throwing around a beach ball, then I’m doing my job in a creative way.

My ultimate goal as an educator has always been to impact students that I come in contact with—impact and empower. I can remember telling the HR person, ‘I don’t mind if you put me in the worst school you have, I just want to help kids learn.’ I ended up at Bryant Elementary. The interesting thing about Bryant in 1998 was that it was a heavy clan area. I remember an older grandparent walking his grandchild in to my classroom and walking her right back out after seeing me. When I did the math, I was making a bigger, broader impact by teaching in higher education [than primary education]. One day I had a premonition…Northeastern is a teacher preparing school, you should check their website. I did, and there was a job posted for an assistant professor tenure track in educational foundations and leadership. No one told me about it, and I had never even been to the website before. Teachers should appreciate the differences that students bring to the table—whether it’s learning, socio-economic, or even racial and ethnic differences. I want my children to be outstanding citizens. I want them to be lifelong learners and to love learning. I want them to be passionate about something good—something that’s going to change lives. Honestly, I feel like I have the best job in the world. My job gives me the largest wingspan because I can touch kids, adults, future teachers, and they’re touching me. There is a connection I have as an NSU faculty mem-ber that will never leave me—whether I’m at my local church, shopping at the local grocery store in my commu-nity, or representing the university on a national level—I’m making place matter. I believe in the whatever-it-takes approach—what-ever I need to do as the teacher to help the student get the most out of their learning experience.

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IMPRINTS >> 21

JamesWilhite

GATHER HERE.GO FAR.

For more than 30 years, retired Northeastern State education professor James Wilhite has answered the call for education—stateside and abroad.

Interview by Jennifer Zehnder >> Photography by Pete Henshaw IMPRINTS >> 22

Feature

Military veteran James Wilhite came to Northeastern in 1982 with a background in school administration and a can-do attitude. Called into active duty in 2004, he was given the task of a lifetime—to create a university in the war-torn land of Afghanistan, in only 10 months.

As teachers, we provide a service. Without the teaching profession, there would be no other profession. In the classroom, they don’t learn it and they fail. In the field, they don’t do it right and someone dies. I had offers to go other places, but you couldn’t beat Northeastern. They supported me from beginning to end. When I got back from active duty [2005] I was asked if I wanted to go to West Point and teach. I didn’t want to leave NSU because I felt I owed them because they cer-tainly supported me. I was 57 years young when the call came in. I had one day warning that I was leaving for Afghanistan. When I got there my job had been filled by someone else. I wan-dered around for a couple weeks while they tried to figure out what to do with me—this is where divine intervention reared its little head. I was asked to build a four-year university using the U.S. military academy at West Point as a model. I started from ground zero—no money, no staff, no build-ings, not even a paper clip. A five-year-old once told me he was going to be the greatest hurdler in the world. I said, How are you going to do that? ‘To be the greatest hurdler in the world you have to run for the tape. If you run for the hurdle you just trip over the next hurdle.’ He was only 5 years old and he had a vision for his dream. Afghans have proverbs and when you use them, people listen. I started using Oklahoma proverbs. I was trying to get them to move forward—stop discussion, start action. I said, ‘We must continue to push the snow-

ball down the hill, or else it will melt.’ The West Point people thought I had lost my mind, but the Afghans knew exactly what I meant. A student showed up five weeks late and the general wouldn’t let him in. He had come from the upper northeastern part of Afghanistan. He started to Kabul three weeks before he was supposed to report. The first day his car wrecked so he started walking. The second day he was robbed. For the next seven weeks and five days he lived off of his wits, his cunning, and his ability to survive. I got out a map and asked him to show me where he came from. After he finished his story I stuck out my hand and said, Welcome to the National Military Acad-emy of Afghanistan. Son, you’re going to make a hell of a soldier. I questioned God a lot when I was in Afghanistan. Why was I there? It took about 8 or 9 months to figure that out. I was there to provide a service, to try and make a difference. All of the work God put me through to teach me, to train me to be a teacher—I got to put it into practice—this was it. A lot of people had to buy in on this dream for it to happen, but they did. The National Military Academy of Afghanistan opened its doors on February 5, 2005. I tell people if you want the impossible done, get a teacher to do it. The average high school student spends 7 minutes of quality time per week with a parent. For elementary chil-dren, it’s about 15 minutes. The teacher is without a doubt the most important influence on a child’s life—whether they like it or not. The inspiration for my book [We Answered the Call] about the experience came from West Point graduate Vinnie Viola and Rush Limbaugh. I worked on it for four years and released it officially this March. The education profession is a very powerful organiza-tion—it’s powerful on the inside.

IMPRINTS >> 23

Making Place Matter

The CHANGINGFACE NSUof

In the heart of Centennial Plaza, the statue of Sequoyah offers all who enter campus the pen of knowledge, symbolizing NSU’s commitment to a cul-ture of learning and discovery. Immortalized in bronze in front of Seminary Hall—the iconic image of Northeastern State University and educational excellence in Oklahoma, Sequoyah stands as the embodiment of the institution’s history and exemplifies the physical changes taking place on campus in pursuit of the university’s mission.

“The landscape of Northeastern State University in Tahl-equah continues to change as the institution moves ahead in its second century,” says President Don Betz. “We are pursuing the fulfillment of our university mission of creating and sustaining a culture of learning and discov-ery, thereby empowering our students and re-affirming our resolve to be a gathering place for learners, creators and socially responsible citizens in the eastern counties of Oklahoma.”

An excellent manifestation of that change is the new NSU sign with its illuminated, cascading waterfalls which welcomes visitors as they approach campus from the south. The bilingual lettering in English and Chero-

kee clearly marks the entry way through the historic Seminary archway to Centennial Plaza and the statue of Sequoyah.

GATHER HERE. GO FAR.Change comes in more than just a physical manifestation at Northeastern. The state’s oldest institution of higher learning recently underwent a comprehensive internal and external review of how the university is viewed by its constituents and developed a branding campaign based on the results.

“We know where we are and we know where we aspire to be,” said Mark Kinders, vice president for university rela-tions. “This branding campaign clarifies where we stand and what is special and unique about Northeastern State University.”

IMPRINTS >> 24

Making Place Matter

The branding campaign encompasses a number of pieces, including a new website, academic logo, publications, and slogan. “Gather Here, Go Far,” the slogan of this new campaign, highlights the university’s message that this is a gathering place for growth, creativity, leadership and collaboration, and that from this place, you can go anywhere.”

“When you look at a flyer, brochure or program from Northeastern, you should be able to see the unique aspects and qualities that make us different from every other institution,” said Kinders. “We must have consis-tency of message in everything we do, from the verbiage and tone in media releases and radio advertisements, to our interactions with students and alumni on a personal level.”

Though only officially in effect since the start of 2010, the campaign is already paying dividends as the university has reversed a downward enrollment trend, with enroll-ment up 19 percent for summer and posting higher gains for the fall semester.

SECOND CENTURYCreating gathering places for students, faculty, staff, alumni and constituents for the institution’s second century is a continuing effort. Though the final phase of work on Centennial Plaza recently finished with the installation of the new welcome sign, work has already begun on a new campus gathering place, Second Century Square. The large area between the University Center and Business and Technology building is being reshaped into a gathering place that will include Culver Courtyard, Garrison Memorial Fountain, a stage, Second Century Clock, and greenery.

“Second Century Square is a natural gathering place and pathway from the residential complex to the academic quadrant of the university,” said Betz. “Second Century Square will embody the translation of the spirit of NSU historic roots in the opportunities of the 21st Century.”

Part of the second century vision for Northeastern includes a new fitness and wellness center and a mul-tipurpose arena. These initiatives are top priorities for

Northeastern as the university strives to address health initiatives and create a space for indoor graduations, con-ference and convention facilities, and a concert venue.

“These projects are at the forefront of what we want to accomplish,” said Tim Foutch, associate vice president for administration and finance. “These will not only be university facilities, but will also be open to the commu-nity to use.”

While the larger projects highlight more extensive chang-es to the university’s physical structure, smaller scope projects are taking place across campus, but having just as big an impact. From the external work taking place on Fine Arts to the student-driven renovations planned to the exterior of Wilson Hall, the changes planned to con-vert the former Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation building into a state-of-the-art research lab to the plans formulating for changes to the Rosamund House, all are gathering places receiving new life on campus.

BE THE CHANGEHeading south out of Centennial Plaza, down Sequoyah Circle, visitors to the university are given one final mes-sage, “Be the Change.” Carved into the back of the wel-come sign and reflected in the cool water in the fountain below, this is the final visage people see as they leave on their journey from Northeastern.

“The message is clear,” says Betz. “This is a peaceful gath-ering place to visit, learn and prepare for lives of engage-ment in our society. As the message on the entry sign declares, Be the Change.”

IMPRINTS >> 25

Dr. Jack Kisner ’32 was inducted

into the Oklahoma Tennis Hall of Fame posthumously.

Charles Clark ’61 was hired as

a primary counselor for the Riverbend Center for Mental Health.

Rev. Don Nichols ’72 has retired

after 30 years of service with the Church of Nazarene, most recently as pastor of the Tahlequah Church of the Nazarene for 14 years.

Linda Shipley ’80 & ’81 was named

the Bartlesville Public School District’s Teacher of the Month for January.

Lisa Clay ’81 & ’83 was named Teacher of the Year for Coweta Junior High School.

Pam Johnson ’81 was named Teacher of the Year for Copan Public Schools.

Joel Ward ’81 was promoted through the Oklahoma Army National Guard and will assume command of the 45th Infantry Brigade.

S.D. Brook ’82 has released a book titled A Cowboy in Time.

Pat Herald ’82 has retired after 39 years of working with the Collinsville School District, most recently as superintendent for 24 years.

Phyllis Kindle ’85 & ’92 was named a district administrator of the year and will be recognized at the Cooperative Council of Oklahoma School Administration’s summer conference.

Dr. Bill Parker ’85 & ’87 has joined Dr. Bill Miller as a new doctor at Vian Eye Clinic and Optical.

Debbie (Luna) Stephens ’85 & ’96 was hired as county director for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services.

Coletta Russell ’86 was named the Hilldale Public School’s 2010 Teacher of the Year.

Valencia Crites ’87 was hired as a registered nurse at Hillcrest Medical Center.

Darren Melton ’88 was named Coach of the Year for the Tulsa World’s All-State football team.

Shelli Brown ’90 was named VYPE

high school sports magazine’s Coach of the Month for October 2009.

Denise (Withee) Engstrom ’91 was hired as Regional Underwriting Manager for National City Mortgage.

Sylvia (Taylor) Fairman ’91 was hired as a special education educator for Commerce public schools.

Lee Ann (Drummond) Fry ’91 & ’94 was nominated for the Broken Arrow Public School District’s 2009 Teacher of the Year.

Sherry (Head) Paxton ’91 was hired as a reservations & catering coordinator for the University of Oklahoma.

Kimberly Caywood ’92 was named Teacher of the Year for Coweta High School.

Terry Due ’92 was promoted to superintendent for the Collinsville school district.

Lance Turlington ’95 was in Iraq with the 1st Corps and returned to the United States in March.

Jarod Mendenhall ’97 was selected by the Broken Arrow school board for the job of superintendent.

Loren Montgomery ’00 was named

head coach of the Bixby football program.

Amy (Biles) Gilliam ’01 was hired as the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program receptionist for the Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless.

Michele Graham ’01 was selected as the Eastside Elementary School 2009-10 Teacher of the Year.

Amy (Wallace) Saxon ’01 was hired as director of group ticket sales for the San Diego Padres.

Dawnylle (Ashcraft) Boutwell ’02 received her MLA degree from LSU Shreveport.

Jessica Hiseley ’02 was selected as the Muskogee Public School’s 2010 Teacher of the Year.

Jeremy Marshall ’02 helped start the Tailholt Community Nonprofit Organization. They have started a nutrition program for elders, an after school program for youth, and are currently working to finish the installation of a new water line system that will provide area residents with fresh drinking water.

Bernadette Hall ’03 was hired as Employee Services Generalist, WSS for Cherokee Nation Entertainment.

Chris Coulter ’04 was hired as vice president of logistics for Southern Cross Chemicals.

Rebecca (Watrous) McGovern ’04 was promoted to vice president/sales coordinator for Arvest Bank.

Heather (Sanders) Spiegel ’04 was hired as a nursing instructor at Eastern Oklahoma State College.

Kaycee Young ’04 was hired as the director of youth and FUEL Ministries for St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Pedro Zardeneta ’04 was named the Muskogee PD Community Relations Officer.

Melissa Bell ’05 was accepted to the University of Tulsa law school.

Cami (Hamilton) Highers ’05 was hired as child support specialist for DHS.

Kari Koster ’05 was hired as an executive assistant for Foundation Management, Inc.

Erica (Fogler) Lewis ’05 is now certified to teach Pre-K through 12th grade. She is a master teacher at the O-Gah-Pah Learning Center.

Julie Moore ’05 and her optometry practice were recently featured for participating in InfantSEE, a program that offers free eye and vision assessment for children 6 to 12 months old.

Kaylahne (Sowers) Wybrant ’05 was certified as an Oklahoma public accountant and is working as a financial accountant in Tulsa.

Jacey McDaniel ’06 was hired as a Quickbooks Pro adviser for Cuite & Associates accounting firm.

Tracy (Clark) Tipton ’06 became a Licensed Professional Counselor in April 2009 and has been working as a clinical supervisor of mental health for Family and Children’s services.

Austin Bray ’07 was hired as a technical sales representative for Eve Bit Sales.

Justin Buford ’07 has been hired as an associate for Century 21 Wright Real Estate.

Jennifer Davies ’07 was hired as the Mountain Administrative Assistant at Alyeska Resort.

Lisa (Phillips) Haldeman ’07 was hired as a teacher for Marshall Elementary in Tulsa.

Shelby (Wheat) Willis ’07 was hired as a legal assistant at Foliart, Huff, Ottaway & Bottom law firm.

Courtney (Roderick) Wilson ’07 was hired as a counselor for the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Justin Brown ’08 was sworn in as a new Duluth police officer in March.

Brian Darrough ’08 was named support specialist for the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.

Patricia (Hertz) Lynne ’08 was hired as a Pre-K teacher for Tulsa Public Schools.

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IMPRINTS >> 26

Kendall Packard ’08 has been hired as an associate for Century 21 Wright Real Estate.

Tammy (Boone) Shaw ’08 was hired as a senior finance manager for Golden Living.

Amanda Carter ’09 recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Jacob Rule ’09 accepted a position in tax services for Ernst & Young and is currently studying for the CPA exam.

OTHERSAaron Adams completed coursework at the state Police Academy and is now a full-time officer for the Owasso Police Department.

Perry Evans, Jr., D.O., was honored by Cleveland Area Hospital for National Doctor’s Day.

Sharon Humphrey was named the November Employee of the Month at the Department of Human Services.

Andy Howard was promoted to investigator at the Creek County District Attorney’s Office.

Stacy E. Pratt was hired as an instructor of English for Jefferson Community College.

Tonya Standley was nominated for the Broken Arrow Public School District’s 2009 Teacher of the Year.

Tammy Strickland was nominated for the Broken Arrow Public School District’s 2009 Teacher of the Year.

MCIVER-GREENWOOD

Ann L. McIver ’94 and James Greenwood were married December 4, 2009.

CHANDLER-BEBB Amy Chandler and Michael Bebb ’96 were married July 18, 2009.

BEST-MARTIN Kelby Mary Best and Todd Ross Martin ’97 were married March 13, 2010.

CURLISS-HUMPHREYS

Samantha Curliss ’02 and Lee Humphreys were married December 5, 2009.

FITZGERALD-ALBERGUCCI Jennifer Fitzgerald ’04 and Noah Albergucci were married on December 19, 2009.

AGENT-NEFF Ricki Jo Agent and Nick Neff ’05 were married January 31, 2010.

BENHAM-CHRISTENBERRY Blair Marie Benham and Brandon Heath Christenberry ’05 were married November 21, 2009.

LORMER-MANSFIELD Melissa Lormer ’06 and Matthew Mansfield will be married on June 12, 2010.

SHARP-BUCHANAN Jessica Sharp ’06 & ’08 and Daniel Buchanan were married December 26, 2009.

ARMSTRONG-LANDONO Cassie Mae Armstrong ’07 & ’09 and Robert Landono Jr. were married June 27, 2009.

CONAWAY-SMITH Beth Conaway and Blake Smith ’07 were married in April 2010.

JOHNSON-AGEE Ashley Nicole Johnson ’08 and Luke Anthony Agee were married September 19, 2009.

FOSTER-HENRY Amanda Foster and Joshua Henry ’09 were married December 12, 2009.

JUSTICE-JONES Jennifer Justice ’09 and Trent Jones were married on May 1, 2010.

KIRBY-LASATER Taran Kirby ’09 and Kurtis Lasater ’09 were married December 5, 2009.

MATLOCK-MILEY Brookelyn Jade Matlock and Michael Donovan Miley ’09 were married on May 1, 2010.

OTHERSLAWSON-COLLINS Lindsey Michelle Lawson and Craig Allen Collins were married on June 19, 2010.

LOPER-BOCKMEULEN Rachel Loper and Casey Bockmeulen were married September 26, 2009.

Harold ’59 and Mary (Munn) ’60

Battenfield celebrated their 50th anniversary on December 19, 2009.

David G. ’53 and Mary S. Morris celebrated their 60th anniversary on October 5, 2009.

Don ’59 and Louisiana ’59 & ’68 Moss celebrated their 50th anniversary on May 15, 2010.

OTHERSGeorge and Mary Nell Rackleff celebrated their 60th anniversary on February 4, 2010.

Tosh Anthony Pivec, son of Tony

’92 and ’94 and Lisa ’91 and ’93 Pivec, was born October 21, 2008.

Juliet Michelle Lindsey, daughter of Dr. Justin ’92 and ’95 and Jennifer (Holsted) ’95 Lindsey, was born May 6, 2010.

Graham Rainbolt, son of Curt and Spring (Kreeger) ’94 Rainbolt, was born March 3, 2010.

Sydney Raye Trimble, daughter of Billy Trimble ’97, was born February 15, 2010.

Mia McNeese, daughter of Brian ’99 and Laura ’98 and ’04 McNeese, was born January 8, 2010.

Caitlin Elizabeth Meppelink,

daughter of Mike ’00 and Donna Meppelink, was born September 29, 2009.

Grayson Willet, son of Amy Willett ’00, was born October 16, 2009.

Shon Alan Willis, son of Marc ’00 and ’03 and Amber Willis and grandson of Phyllis Willis (late NSU English professor), was born January 5, 2010.

Joseph Benjamin Albin, son of Benjamin and Ginger Albin ’02 and grandson of Jerry and Martha Albin, was born March 27, 2010.

Cole Ryder Cook, son of Jason ’02 and Jacie Cook ’02, was born March 31, 2010.

Tyler Hill, son of Ed and Rachel Anderson Hill ’02 & ’03, was born April 7, 2010.

Ethan Gregory, son of Amanda (Fisher) Gregory ’03 and ’07, was born December 16, 2008.

Morgyn Paige Adney, daughter of Chris ’04 & ’07 and Heather (Winkleman) Adney ’06 & ’09, was born February 3, 2010.

Maximo Rai Martinez Beck, son of Dawn Beck ’04 and Roberto Martinez, was born October 17, 2009.

Gwendolyn Izora Hill, daughter of Cheri (Phelps) ’05 and Gabe ’01 Hill, was born February 2, 2010.

Kolby Bliss Christian, daughter of Kevin ’06 and Bristol Christian, was born February 12, 2009.

Luke Wesley Wickett, son of J.P. and Autumn (Fugget) ’06 Wickett was born April 8. 2010.

Jazyln Arabella Foreman, granddaughter of Deanie Hensley ’07, was born November 22, 2009.

Mason McElreath, son of Mark ’07 and Rachel McElreath, was born in February, 2010.

Riley White, daughter of William ’07 and Laura White, was born June 10, 2008.

Kolt Asher Keeling, son of Lindsay (Young) ’08 and Jacob Keeling, was born November 8, 2009.

Elizabeth Mannon, daughter of Margaret Mannon ’08, was born July 24, 2009.

Gracie Lynn Reeve, daughter of Molly (Spriggs) ’08 and Eric Reeve and granddaughter of Rosie ’94 and ’06 and Tom Spriggs, was born October 19, 2009.

WEDDINGS

ANNIVERSARIES

BIRTHS

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Class Acts

IMPRINTS >> 27

Victor Wayne Sebert, son of Ashlie (Hayes) ’08 and John ’05 Sebert, is expected in June 2010.

ShiAnne Shinn, daughter of Matt Sanchez and Amber Shinn ’08 and granddaughter of Randy ’79 and Lindy Vier, was born December 10, 2008.

Toby Cash Friend, son of Heidi (Stanley) ’09 and David Friend and grandson of John and Sally (Schultz) Stanley ’79, was born June 25, 2009.

Kyler Lee Kinsey, granddaughter of Terrie ’09 and Joe Kinsey, was born January 4, 2010.

Leeann Elizabeth Kinsey, granddaughter of Terrie ’09 and Joe Kinsey, was born September 4, 2009.

Jackson Scott, son of Jason ’09 and Breanna (Phillips) ’09 Ashmore, is expected June 12, 2010.

Emily Elizabeth Simington, daughter of Robert ’09 and Joanie (Peden) Simington ’03, was born December 5, 2009.

Leo C. Mayfield ’35, of Oklahoma

City, passed away on December 25, 2009.

Corrine McKinley ’41, of Tylertown,

Miss., passed away on December 15, 2009.

Lee Louden Beckham ’42, of Jenks, passed away on February 19, 2010.

Stanley Ervin Corley ’51, of Tulsa,

passed away on March 10, 2010.

Cleo Collins Hall ’53 & ’71, of Greenville, SC, passed away on October 27, 2009.

Orville L. (Bud) Eaton ’54 & ’59, of Muskogee, passed away on October 6, 2009.Buster Narcomey ’56, of Tahlequah, passed away in January 2010.

Mary Frances (Harrison) Matthews ’57, of Tulsa, passed away on November 13, 2009.

Carl Mayes Cunningham ’59, of Tahlequah, passed away on December 24, 2010.

Paul Franklin Dobbins ’60, of

Coweta, passed away on January 9, 2010.

Retta Bennett ’61 & ’70, of Braggs, passed away on October 26, 2009.

William Douglas “Bill” Mitchell ’63 & ’71, of Wister, passed away on December 10, 2009.

James B. (Brady) Cypert ’64, of Tulsa, passed away on November 8, 2009.

H.L. Helton ’64, of Tulsa, passed away on January 25, 2010.

Robert “Tex” R. Ritter ’65, of Muskogee, passed away on December 11, 2009.

Dorothy Barnett ’66, of Pryor, passed away on January 2, 2010.

Gerald Henry “Buck” Gay ’66, of Adair, passed away on March 3, 2010.

James Krone Malone ’66, of Tahlequah, passed away on December 11, 2009.

Cleatus Omar Boatman ’67, of Tulsa, passed away on March 13, 2010.

Martin Alexander Spears ’67, of Tahlequah, passed away on October 13, 2009.

Linda Jones Traw ’68, of Houston, Texas, passed away on March 19, 2010.

Darrell Eugene Wilson ’69, of Wagoner, passed away on January 10, 2010.

William Ross Wylie ’70, of Beggs,

passed away on September 9, 2009.

Rufus Lavonn Presley ’71, of Austin, Texas, passed away on March 6, 2010.

Kathleen Adair “Katy” Johnson ’73, of Claremore, passed away on December 13, 2009.

Thomas J. Grimes ’76, of Gore, passed away on November 8, 2009.

David Eugene Rice ’76 & ’93, of Claremore, passed away on March 17, 2010.

Shirley Roberson ’79, of Savanna, passed away on February 4, 2010.

Phillip Wayne Porter ’81 & ’86,

of Okmulgee, passed away on February 7, 2010.

Barbara Wininger ’82 & ‘84, of Stilwell, passed away on November 22, 2009.

James Wesley Frazier, Jr. ’86, of Plainview, Texas, passed away on February 14, 2010.

Rev. Oliver Junior Hill ’87, of Pawhuska, passed away on November 7, 2009.

Lisa Wood ’88, of Jenks, passed away on December 27, 2009.

Cheryl Lynn Shumaker ’89, of Copan, passed away on November 2, 2009.

Robert E. “Gunner” Catcher

’90, of Muskogee, passed away on November 7, 2009.

Carol Stohler ’96 of Pryor, passed away on February 15, 2010.

Denise Marie Gandee ’97, of Tulsa, passed away on February 16, 2010.

Joyce E. Foxx ’99, of Jenks, passed away on January 30, 2010.

Linda Carol Bradley ’01, of Big

Cabin, passed away on October 3, 2009.

OTHERSPaula Jean Greb Adney of Muskogee, passed away on November 3, 2009.Rita Lou (Fisher) Allen of Gore, passed away on November 18, 2009.

Mark Anthony Arnold of Foyil, passed away on October 13, 2009.

Gail Suzette Proctor Boudreau of Sallisaw, passed away on October 6, 2009.

Bob Quinton Campbell of Westville, passed away on October 15, 2009.

Carl Aubrey Cawthon II of Muskogee, passed away on March 10, 2010.

Cartha Geraldine Johnson Fuller of Muskogee, passed away on January 21, 2010.

Juanita Stratton Hamilton of Enid, passed away on October 24, 2009.

Dale E. Kunkleman, Jr. of Muskogee, passed away January 18, 2010.

Dr. Mitchel Mann of Tahlequah, passed away on Aril 5, 2010.

Geraldine Molanders of Tulsa, passed away on December 5, 2009.

J. Lee Perry of Tahlequah, passed away on March 3, 2010.

Amy Dawn Ragan of Enid, passed away on October 23, 2009.

Ruby Fisher Reno of Afton, passed away on April 11, 2010.

Suezan Stone of Pryor, passed away on October 19, 2009.

Lavoy Johnson Strong of Tulsa, passed away on December 10, 2009.

Phillip Tucker of Broken Arrow, passed away in February 2010.

Leo Lamons Tullis of Westville, passed away on November 9, 2009.

Lester Lionel VanZandt of Carthage, Mo., passed away January 27, 2010.

IN MEMORIAM

Class Acts

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IMPRINTS >> 28

In Memoriam

Francis Edward Wheeler ’56 1934-2009Francis Edward Wheeler, a longtime supporter of NSU and its athletic department, passed away on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at age 75.

Wheeler was born in Pawnee, Okla. on Octo-ber 24, 1934 to Antoine and Ruby Bell Burnett Wheeler. He graduated from Pawhuska High School in 1951 and attended Tonkawa Junior Col-

lege. He enrolled at Northeastern and earned honors in basketball and football in 1953 and 1954. He graduated with a secondary education degree in 1955.

Wheeler began his career as a teacher and coach. He later moved on to coach for the legendary Glen Dobbs at the University of Tulsa. He served on the NSU Foundation Board of Trustees and was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2008, he chaired the Hall of Fame Committee. At the time of his passing, he was as a member of the executive council for the NSU Athletic Association. Francis was instru-mental, personally and through contacts, in generating thousands of dollars for NSU’s student-athletes to enjoy their college experience.

Wilma Pearl Mankiller 1945-2010Wilma Mankiller, the once dirt-poor farm girl who grew up to become an activist for American Indian causes and women’s rights, an author, and the first woman to hold the Cherokee Nation’s highest office, died April 6, 2010, at age 64. Mankiller, whose association with NSU extends to the early 1980s, was named the university’s

first Sequoyah Fellow last fall. She was committed to helping NSU be-come a gathering place for indigenous peoples from around the world and expressed a desire to see the university establish a global presence through indigenous studies. The recipient of numerous honors, she was one of only a handful of American Indians to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, from President Bill Clinton. Mankiller was also awarded the NSU President’s Award for Community Service in 2008 and an NSU Honorary Doctorate in 2009. Mankiller’s commitment to leadership and service earned her a place in American history when she was appointed the first female chief of a Native American tribe. Her legacy extends beyond gover-nance to a litany of projects she has championed. Awareness of health care and creation of social services, along with community revitaliza-tion and economic self-sufficiency, have characterized her work for more than three decades.

Robert R. Roady 1927-2010NSU Distinguished Alumnus Robert R. Roady, 82, passed away on January 4, 2010.

Roady was born in Paris, Ark. on August 7, 1927. After attending Northeastern from 1946-’48, Roady transferred to the University of Okla-homa, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in Geological Engineering. Roady retired from the oil industry in 1985, where he worked as a geological engineer.

Roady served in the U.S. Navy before marrying his wife Norma in 1953. Roady was involved in the Oklahoma City and Houston Geological Soci-eties, as well as Boy Scouts, the Houston Petroleum Club, and the VFW. Roady was a life member of the NSU Alumni Association and served on the NSU Foundation Board of Trustees. Roady and his wife were mem-bers of the NSU Foundation’s Seminary Society, which includes donors who have contributed at least $100,000. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 2006.

LaFerne (Holloway) Smith ’63, ’69 1931-2009Long civically active in Tahlequah and one of NSU’s first Centurions, LaFerne Holloway Smith, 77, passed away on April 8, 2009.

Smith was born in Stilwell on August 8, 1931. She was a graduate of Cave Springs High School, and went on to attend NSU where she earned a bachelor’s degree in science education in 1963 and a master’s degree in education in 1969. She served 31 years at NSU before retiring in 1993, though she continued working part-time for the business office and athletic ticket office.

During NSU’s inaugural Founders Day celebration on March 6, 2009, Smith was named one of the university’s first 100 Centurions. She was a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, received the university’s Alumni Citation of Merit and is in the Athletic Hall of Fame. She served as an election board inspector and on the Tahlequah City Hospital Aux-iliary. She was a recipient of the Outstanding Service Award from the Tahlequah branch of the American Association of University Women.

Bertie Jean (Kirk) Carter ’64, ’66 1937-2010 With a life dedicated to educating others in public schools and through public service, Bertie Jean Carter passed away on February 1, 2010 at age 72.

Carter was born to Clarence D. and Mary K. Kirk in Braggs on February 6, 1937. After her graduation from Tahlequah High School, she attended NSU and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1964 and her master’s in home economics in 1966. She began her teaching career at Union Public School before joining Tahlequah Public Schools.

Carter was a recipient of the Outstanding Service Award from the Tahlequah branch of the American Association of University Women, in which she served a term as president. She was also active in the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce and was a member of the Tahlequah Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. She served as president and on the board of the NSU Alumni Association and was a part-time instructor and coordinator for the College of Education. Carter did volunteer work for Meals On Wheels and was a mentor for the Tahlequah Public Schools Boys and Girls Club.

Dr. Brian Farmer Rader 1940-2010A longtime fixture in political science classes at NSU, Dr. Brian Farmer Rader passed away on Friday, January 22, 2010.

Rader was born on Dececember 31, 1940 in Washington, D.C. He was a polio survivor and Eagle Scout while growing up in Denver, where he graduated from West High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1964 and a master’s in 1966 from Colorado State University. He received a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Oklahoma in 1977.

Rader joined NSU as a political science instructor in 1967. As the lon-gest serving faculty member, Rader acted as faculty marshall and led the academic procession at university commencements. He served on the Tahlequah City Council for 16 years and as interim mayor. He was chair of the Tahlequah City Hospital board, a representative to the East-ern Oklahoma Development District, chaired the Sanitation Enterprise Committee and sat on the board of directors for the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce.

IMPRINTS >> 29

Athletics

Northeastern State inducted four former student-athletes into the Athletic Hall of Fame on February 20, including Class XXV members Carl “Corky” Cunningham, Cecil Devine, Angela (Prewett) Gleason, and Billy Joe Releford.

Cunningham graduated from Northeastern in 1959 and excelled as a tennis player by earning four letters during his career. He played two years for the Redmen, in 1952 and 1953, before joining the United States Marine Corps. He returned from military service and finished his career in 1958 and 1959. Cunningham was a member of the All-Marine Ten-nis team while stationed in Newport, R.I. Cunningham embarked on a career in education where he was a teacher, coach and administrator. After retiring, he became a city commissioner in Rancho Mirage, Calif. Cunningham passed away on December 24, 2009.

Cecil Devine graduated from Northeastern in 1953. Devine was a two-year starter at defensive end for the Redmen football team where he helped lead the teams to back-to-back Oklahoma Collegiate Confer-ence titles. He also played baseball at Northeastern. Devine went on to teach and coach at Catoosa and Burkburnett, Texas high schools. Devine also served as the head baseball coach and an assistant football coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State.

Angela (Prewett) Gleason graduated from Northeastern in 1991. An All-State product from Muldrow High School, she was a four-year letter winner in basketball for the Lady Reds from 1986-1990. She was chosen the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference Newcomer of the Year in 1986, was an Athlete of the Year nominee as a senior, selected to both the All-Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference and All-District IX teams and earned distinction as an Oklahoma All-Star. Gleason works as a teacher and coach at Belfonte School in Nicut.

Billy Joe Releford graduated from Northeastern in 1974. Releford lettered twice for the Redmen football squads in 1972 and 1973. Upon graduation, Releford signed a free agent professional football contract with the Pittsburg Steelers in 1974. For more than 30 years, Releford has served as a football and track coach at Fort Smith, Ark., Northside school district. He was inducted into the Fort Smith Northside Hall of Fame last year.

Four Inducted Into Athletic Hall of Fame

Pictured are NSU President Dr. Don Betz, Releford, Devine, Cunningham’s grandson Corky Abouresk, Gleason, and NSU Athletic Director Jeff Konya.

RIVERHAWKS BASKETBALL: WOMEN CELEBRATE RECORD SEASON, MEN FALL JUST SHORT IN POSTSEASON

Larry Gipson’s North-eastern State RiverHawks 2009-10 basketball team fell short of its goal of reaching the South Central Regional, but considered the season a success. NSU finished the year with a 20-9 season record and No. 9 South Central Regional ranking, just missing a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament. The River-Hawks also reached the semifinals of the Lone Star Conference Tournament.

The Northeastern State RiverHawks women’s basket-ball team enjoyed a record-setting 2009-10 season. Coach Randy Gipson and the RiverHawks advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 for just the second time in school history. NSU’s final record of 28-7 set a school record for victories in a single season.

IMPRINTS >> 30

Athletics

Northeastern State continues to refine plans for a new multipurpose arena on campus. The new construction will become a regional venue for a variety of activities like concerts, art expos, trade shows, career fairs, high school basketball playoffs and graduation ceremonies. The multipurpose arena will also serve as home to the RiverHawks basketball teams and of-fer NSU the opportunity to bid for NCAA regional basketball championships.

Fundraising is spearheaded by Athletics and the NSU Foundation. To date, several com-mitments and pledges have been secured and the opportunity still exists for alumni, fans and friends to become involved in this project.

“Our efforts have been focused primarily on identifying sponsors for naming opportunities,” says Jeff Konya, director of athletics. “We have found several individuals who are excited about this project because they understand the importance of what this type of venue will offer to Northeastern State University and the community.”

Several donor categories, are available for the multipurpose arena. For details, contact the NSU Foundation at (918) 458-2143 or Konya at (918) 444-3901.

Fundraising continues for multipurpose arena

NSU SPRING SPORTS REPORT

Women’s GolfNortheastern State, ranked 19th nationally, capped another successful women’s golf campaign in 2010 by qualifying for the NCAA West Region 4 Super Regional at Tascosa Country Club in Amarillo, Texas. The RiverHawks finished the event in ninth place overall, but missed making another trip to the NCAA National Tournament. It was the ninth time in 12 seasons Northeastern State has earned a bid to the spring regional classic.

Men’s GolfNortheastern State’s Brady Wood fired a final round 79 and Kyle Fouts an 81 to finish 38th and 56th respectively in the 2010 NCAA Division II Men’s Midwest/South Central Regional Golf Tournament at the Territory Golf Club in Duncan. Woods, a senior from Broken Arrow, completed the three-day tournament with rounds of 68, 83, and 79 for a 230 total. Fouts, freshman from Carrolton, Texas, completed the tournament with rounds of 74-79-81 for a 234 total.

TennisA tough draw in the NCAA Division II Women’s Tennis Championships saw Northeastern State bow out in the Round of 16 in Altamonte Springs, Fla. The RiverHawks, ranked No. 20 nationally, fell to two-time champion Armstrong Atlantic State to close out the year with a 15-5 record.

For a complete recap of Northeastern State sports, visit GoRiverHawksGo.com.

9/2 @Tarleton State# Stephenville, TX 7 p.m.9/11 Abilene Christian# Tahlequah, OK 7 p.m.9/18 @North Dakota Grand Forks, ND 4 p.m.9/25 @Southeastern Oklahoma* Durant, OK 2 p.m.10/2 West Texas A&M# Tahlequah, OK 12 p.m. CASINO NIGHT

10/9 Texas A&M-Commerce* Tahlequah, OK 2 p.m. HOMECOMING

10/ 16 @Southwestern Oklahoma* Weatherford, OK 2 p.m.10/23 Central Oklahoma* Tahlequah, OK 2 p.m.10/30 @East Central* Ada, OK 2 p.m.Nov. 6 Eastern New Mexico* Tahlequah, OK 2 p.m.10/13 @Midwestern State Wichita Falls, TX 2 p.m.

BOLD denotes home games at Doc Wadley Stadium/Gable Field# Lone Star Conference Crossover game* Lone Star Conference North Division game

NSU RIVERHAWKS FOOTBALL 2010

GORIVERHAWKSGO.COMTimes subject to change. For weekly updates, visit

The Northeastern State University Athletic Association is seeking new members to link with current student athletes, coaches and administrators. Maintaining the proud traditions of Redmen and RiverHawks Athletics, the Athletic Association gives friends and teammates the opportunity to rekindle old friendships and build new ones, and provide a network of professional and personal contacts for members. Learn more about the Athletic Association at goriverhawksgo.com/support_riverhawks/athletic_association/athletic_association_members

ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SEEKS NEW MEMBERS

IMPRINTS >> 31

stars in the summerj u n e 2 4 - a u g u s t 7, 2 0 1 0

river city players

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for complete schedule and ticket information

918.458.2075 or

www.nsuok.edu/si

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