NSU honors 18 Outstanding Seniors, Senior of Distinction

Northeastern State University recognized the 2017 Outstanding Seniors and the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction during the inaugural Kaufman Medal Reception April 26 in downtown Tulsa.

NSU Alumni Association President Andrea Tucker said each year it becomes more difficult to select the Outstanding Seniors because of the high quality of NSU students.

Im in awe of the level of community engagement, the leadership and talent that this years Outstanding Seniors have demonstrated throughout their years here at NSU, she said. I know that each one of them will continue with this momentum and carry it forward into their careers, making a positive impact upon their communities and chosen fields.

The 2017 Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction Rachel Jackson, of Owasso, is a psychology major with a minor in social welfare. After graduation, Jackson plans to attend the University of Oklahoma for the clinical and mental health program. She hopes to become a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor.

Being selected as the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction is such an honor, Jackson said. It means that I have an obligation to uphold as a new member of the Alumni Association. I feel that with being selected as the Senior of Distinction, I need to motivate and empower the other future alumni members to continue our love and support for the university that has given us so much.

In addition to receiving the Kaufman medal, Jackson received a complimentary three-year membership to the NSU Alumni Association, two tickets to the Emerald Ball and a check for $500.

What an honor it is to award Rachel and each of her fellow Outstanding Seniors these prestigious honors, Tucker said. We know their hearts will be forever connected to this institution as they continue forward in their journey. Congratulations to each of them, and we thank them for their contribution and positive impact on our beloved alma mater.

The Outstanding Seniors from NSUBA are:

• Samir Ali, Tulsa, Cellular & Molecular Biology, minor in Psychology
• Sheena Bottorff, Cave Creek, Arizona, Environmental Health and Safety Management
• Jason Featherngill, Broken Arrow, Social Work
• Sarah Hartje, Bixby, Elementary Education
• Sarah Long, Claremore, Elementary Education

The Outstanding Seniors from NSU Tahlequah are:

• Ashton Beauvais, Oktaha, Health & Human Performance, minor in Pre-Health
• Paige Butler, Inola, Hospitality & Tourism Management
• Sarah Butler, Blaregnies, Belgium, English Education
• Ryan Christie, Stilwell, Cellular & Molecular Biology
• Dillan Davis, Inola, Media Studies, Public Relations & Advertising, minor in Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Elizabeth DePriest, Muskogee, Speech-Language Pathology, minor in Music
• Taylor Eversole, Oklahoma City, Special Education, minor in American Sign Language
• Rachel Jackson, Owasso, Psychology, minor in Social Welfare
• Johnathon Ozturk, Park Hill, Accounting, Finance
• Jaclyn True, Pryor, Cellular Biology, minors in Chemistry & Mathematics
• Heather Wallace, Edmond, Hospitality & Tourism Management, minor in Communication
• Jared Ward, Ramona, Health & Human Performance, minor in Business
• Sky Wildcat, Muskogee, Psychology, Geography

The NSU Alumni Association bestows the Outstanding Senior recognition annually, honoring graduating seniors who have made significant contributions to NSU through academic achievement, campus leadership and involvement, community service, honors and awards. One individual is named from among all the Outstanding Seniors as the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction. The inaugural 2017 Kaufman Medal Reception marks the first time NSUs Outstanding Seniors from different campuses have been brought together to share in the recognition.