NSU Announces 2008-2009 Rozell Scholars

TAHLEQUAH A demonstrated ability to lead and desire to help others are just two of the many qualities shared by Northeastern State University seniors Josh Groomer and Ricky Shade. Through their appointment as Senator Herb Rozell Scholars, each is being rewarded for their leadership and service efforts.

Established to honor the outstanding works and deeds of the former state senator, who dedicated 28 years of public service to the people of District 3 and the State of Oklahoma, the Senator Herb Rozell Scholars Program recognizes NSU seniors with tremendous campus and community leadership, outstanding scholastic achievement, and commitment to excellence for the future. Funded by private donations to the NSU Foundation, the scholarship helps pay toward each recipients expenses for the upcoming year, freeing them to explore additional opportunities for service and leadership.

Receiving this scholarship is a tremendous honor because of who it represents, and the works and public service that Senator Rozell dedicated to the community and state. I see the reception of this scholarship not as recognition of my collegiate achievements, but as an opportunity to further demonstrate the importance of leadership on college campuses and the communities in which they reside, said Groomer. I believe that leadership is very important to college students because we are the future of our fields of study, and if we don't acknowledge this importance and acquire the effective skills needed to become constructive leaders, our attempts at making a positive impact on society may not result in success.

A 2005 graduate of Siloam Springs High School, Groomer is studying communication education at Northeastern. He is a member of Lambda Pi Eta National Honor Communication Association, Northeastern Student Government Association, NSU Forensics Team, Oklahoma Student Education Association, American Communication Association, Oklahoma Speech Theatre Communication Association, Central States Communication Association, National Communication Association, and the Association of Professional Communication Consultants. He has volunteered for the American Cancer Associations Relay For Life, is a mentor and co-founder of The Right Click, is a consultant for Planning Leaders of Today (PLOT), and currently works in the NSU Communication Lab.

Receiving the Rozell Scholarship is truly a blessing. This award will allow me to get useful hands-on experience through planning the Big Event, said Shade. I'm very pleased to represent something that truly gives back to the community.

A 2004 graduate of Gore High School, Shade is a visual communication major with a business minor. He is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, Rho Theta Sigma Honor Society, Northeastern Activity Board and Whos Who Among American Colleges and Universities. Shade is a Riverhawk Ambassador, Freshmen Orientation peer instructor, Rookie Bridge Camp volunteer and on the Camp War Eagle Leadership Team.

The Senator Herb Rozell Scholars Program was established in 2004 by Rozells friends and family upon the senators retirement from the state legislature to honor his outstanding work and accomplishments. Previous program honorees include Jaclyn Munson, Kristin King, Mary Betancourt, Natalie Morris, Breanna Walker and Cody Brumley.

9/19/2008

Published: 2008-09-19 00:00:00