February 27, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
Seven Parks and Recreation Management (PRM) students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) have been named North Family Scholars for Academic Year 2023-2024.
North Family Scholars each receive a scholarship award from the North Family Endowment. The North Family Endowment was established in 2021 by 1980 SWOSU alumnus Mike North of Oklahoma City and his wife, Marilyn Flinchum, to support the SWOSU Department of Parks & Recreation Management (PRM).
The 2023-24 North Family Scholars include:
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- Taylor Bonsor, Weatherford, junior majoring in Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement.
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- Hunter Dodson, Sayre, senior majoring in Parks & Recreation Management.
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- Raigan Geisler, Clinton, freshman majoring in Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement.
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- Ethan Haggard, Enid, sophomore majoring in Parks & Wildlife Law Enforcement.
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- Ian Hodge, Indiahoma, freshman majoring in Parks & Recreation Management.
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- Drew Ramer, Harrah, freshman majoring in Wildland Fire Management.
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- Hardy Sperle, Clinton, sophomore majoring in Parks & Recreation Management and Wildland Fire Management.
The North Family Endowment is so named to honor the rich heritage of the North Family at SWOSU. In addition to Mike North and his grandmother, the late Lucille North, his brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Julie (Classes of 1979 and 1980 & 1994, respectively) and their daughters, Kayci (Classes of 2007 & 2008) and Ali (Class of 2008) are all proud SWOSU alumni. Additionally, North’s aunt, Margaret A. (North) Wrucha, is a 1965 & 1968 alumnae of SWOSU.
North was born in Tacoma (WA) and raised in Weatherford. Following graduation from Weatherford High School in 1973, he served his country in the United States Navy, being honorably discharged in July of 1977. He began his undergraduate work at SWOSU in 1977 where he studied accounting and economics.
Lucille North, born in 1905, was a devoted educator who graduated from SWOSU in 1927. She taught until her retirement in 1971, leaving a lasting impact on Weatherford’s educational landscape. Beyond her professional contributions, Lucille was deeply involved in community service, actively participating in organizations like Kiwanis and Meals on Wheels. Her commitment to improving the lives of others earned her the prestigious “Volunteer of the Year” award from the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce in 1990, a testament to her lifelong dedication to education and civic engagement.
The SWOSU Foundation, Inc. was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy, award scholarships, and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information about the North Family Endowment or any SWOSU Foundation funds, please contact the SWOSU Foundation, Inc., at (580) 774-3267 or visit www.SWOSUFoundation.com
Copyright 2023 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
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