NSU’s Alumni Association names 2018 Outstanding Seniors

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) - Northeastern State Universitys Alumni Association has announced the 2018 Outstanding Seniors and the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction.

The Outstanding Senior recognition honors graduating seniors, nominated by NSU faculty and staff, who have made significant contributions to NSU through academic achievement, campus activities, community service, honors and awards. The Alumni Association bestows this recognition for the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses each spring.

Honored seniors are Kyle Bacon, of Kiefer; Darien Ball, of Tulsa; Brooke Bergman, of Blackwell; Alondra Bustamante, of Beaver; Alex Butcher, of Muldrow; Seth Clark, of Roland; Samira Darbandi, of Tulsa; Meisha Floyd, of Broken Arrow; Miranda Griffin, of Ketchum; Haley Griggs, of Poteau; Heather Hill, of Oktaha; Kirstien Lindley, of Tulsa; Ian McAlpin, of Tahlequah; Chloe Moyer, of Idabel; Gemini Parker, of St. Louis, Missouri; Madison Smith, of Coweta; and Kaylee Switzer, of Keys.

All honorees received a commemorative stole to be worn at graduation, a framed award certificate and a one-year membership to the Alumni Association.

Through interviews with the Outstanding Seniors, the Alumni Board of Directors awards committee selected Darien Ball as the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction.

Ball is an early childhood education major with plans to begin teaching kindergarten at Darnaby Elementary School in the fall.

It was such an honor to win the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction award this year, she said. NSU quickly became home for me, and I am so grateful for all of the leadership opportunities that I had over my four years in school. Winning this award helps me to know that my time at NSU and in Tahlequah was meaningful and impacted others as much as it impacted me.

As the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction, Ball will receive a three-year membership in the Alumni Association, two complimentary tickets to NSUs Emerald Ball, a monetary award of $500 and the Kaufman Medal.

Alumni Association President Andrea Tucker commended the seniors for their hard work.

The accomplishments of our 2018 Outstanding Seniors have far reaching impact on NSU and their communities, she said. On behalf of the NSU Alumni Association, it is a privilege to bestow this award on each of them, and were thrilled to be a part of their journey and desire to maintain a lifelong connection with NSU.