NSU Alumni Association announces Outstanding Seniors

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--Northeastern State Universitys Alumni Association has named this years Outstanding Seniors for the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses. Each year, students are selected for this distinction based on their level of contribution to NSU through university and community service, academic achievements, honors and awards.

This year, 12 students were selected as Outstanding Seniors:

NSU-Tahlequah Outstanding Seniors:

• Stephanie Bolen of Muskogee, English education and theater majors
• Steven English of Broken Arrow, corporate communications major, political science minor
• Allison Feather of Tahlequah, human family sciences-dietetics major, business and chemistry minor
• Jami Guthrie of Park Hill, elementary education major
• Casey McCullough of Mustang, cellular biology major, chemistry and Spanish minors
• Allison Medlin of Tahlequah, speech-language pathology major
• Taylor Melone of Tulsa, environmental management major, business minor
• Natali Melton of Beggs, elementary education major
• Matthew Ozturk of Park Hill, finance and accounting majors
• Sadie Spurlock of Wagoner, elementary education major

NSU-Broken Arrow Outstanding Seniors:

• Christina Forrester of Broken Arrow, elementary education major
• Krystie Johnson of Okmulgee, early childhood education major

NSU staff and faculty members nominate students for this award. Those nominated are extended an invitation to submit an Outstanding Senior application. The Alumni Association Board of Directors reviews all applications from which the final selections are made. The Outstanding Seniors participate in personal interviews with the Alumni Association boards selection committee from which the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction is determined.

I was surprised when I was notified that I had been nominated as one of the Outstanding Seniors, Medlin said. When I later found out I was one of the top ten chosen, I felt very honored and humbled to know I was one of the few chosen among all of my peers. Being selected has made me realize that I really have lived up to my potential in my four years at Northeastern.

To be eligible, the nominee must be graduating with a bachelors degree; have an overall 3.25 grade point average or higher; demonstrate commitment to NSU, the community and/or student life through extracurricular involvement or service to others; be a well-rounded student who typifies the spirit of NSU; must be of outstanding quality, high moral and ethical character, and a leader; they must also be held in the highest regard by faculty, colleagues and their peers.

I have had a wonderful experience during my undergraduate studies here at Northeastern State University, Guthrie said. I am humbled and honored to receive such a prestigious award from faculty and peers. I am excited to begin my new journey with my degree in education. I hope to make a difference in young students lives to continue their higher education.

The Outstanding Seniors from the Tahlequah campus will be recognized at the Ovation Awards on April 11. Those from the Broken Arrow campus will be honored at the Student Leadership Awards Banquet on April 30. At these ceremonies the 2015 Jack Kaufman Seniors of Distinction will be announced.

The Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction awardis named for a man whose life was forever intertwined withNortheastern. Mr. Kaufman was born in 1909, the same year NSU was founded as a state institution. He began elementary school in 1915 at Bagley School, which is now home to NSUs College of Education. And 15 years later, he completed his Bachelor of Science degree in education from NSU.From that point on, his career and life were dedicated to helping students achieve their goals.Mr. Kaufman was one of NSUs most active and influential alumni, and one of his greatest accomplishments was leading the effort that led to the construction of the Branscum Alumni Center.

Mr. Kaufman was a tremendous advocate for all things Northeastern, but especially a great champion for its students. Given his affinity for working with students and his leadership with the Alumni Association, it's only natural that we honor his memory and contributions with this prestigious award, Daniel Johnson, director of Alumni Services said.

For more information about the Outstanding Senior Awards or the Jack Kaufman Seniors of Distinction, contact the Alumni Association at 918-458-2143.