March 1, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) with locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon has announced the establishment of the Hook Family Endowment.
The new endowment has been generously funded by longtime SWOSU benefactors Carl and Sandra Hook of Norman. The endowment will provide scholarships support in perpetuity to SWOSU students of the Junior and/or Senior classifications who are studying in the SWOSU Department of Math and the SWOSU Department of Chemistry & Physics.
“We are deeply grateful to Carl and Sandra Hook for this latest major philanthropic investment in our work here at SWOSU,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana R. “Diane” Lovell. “SWOSU students in the Departments of Math and of Chemistry & Physics will benefit for decades to come from the generosity represented by the Hook Family Endowment.”
Carl Hook attended Thomas Public Schools prior to moving to Weatherford for high school. At SWOSU he studied Chemistry, Math, and Biology, graduating in 1967. Carl’s parents—father William Dean Hook and mother Dorothy K. Brundage—and older sibling—Dorothy Dean Hook—were all alumni of SWOSU, and his uncle, Thomas area pharmacist Bert Brundage, was instrumental in the establishment of the SWOSU College of Pharmacy and served on the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE). Carl’s wife, Sandra (Combs) Hook, is also a proud SWOSU alumnae along with Carl and Sandra’s grandson, Austin Loomis, who graduated in 2018 after serving as SWOSU’s Student Body President and playing for the SWOSU Football team; Austin’s wife, Meagan, graduated from SWOSU in 2019.
Carl Hook earned an M. D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine in 1970. Hook undertook surgical training at St. Anthony’s Hospital and specialty training in Otorhinolaryngology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Following just under three decades of private medical practice Hook became President, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and Chairman of Physicians Liability Insurance Company (PLICO), a firm owned by the Oklahoma State Medical Association (OSMA) that functions as the dominant provider of medical professional liability insurance in the State of Oklahoma. In 2015, Hook negotiated the sale of PLICO to The Medical Protective Company (whose parent company is Berkshire Hathaway), the largest medical liability insurer in the United States. Although retired from active management as of 2017 Hook continues to serve as Chairman of the PLICO Advisory Board of Physicians.
Carl Hook is a Past Chair of the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees and in 2019 he received SWOSU’s highest honor: induction into the SWOSU Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. Carl and Sandra have been married for over 59 years; the Hooks are proud parents of two, grandparents of five, and great-grandparents to one beautiful little girl. The Hooks are active members of McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church.
The Hook Family Endowment is stewarded by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. The Foundation 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 Hook Family Endowment or any SWOSU Foundation, Inc. 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.
Black Vultures Spotted in Beckham and Washita Counties: Farmers Urged to Follow Laws When Protecting Livestock
Sept. 16, 2024 Farmers in Beckham and Washita counties are raising concerns over an increase in sightings of black vultures, particularly during the ongoing fall calving season. These birds are known to prey on newborn calves that
2024 SWOSU Homecoming Set for October 26
Sept. 16, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The 2024 Homecoming at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) is set for the week of October 26.
Lightning Sparks Grass Fire in Black Kettle National Grassland
Sept. 16, 2024 A grass fire ignited by a lightning strike burned roughly 200 acres Saturday night in the Black Kettle National Grassland, located 3 miles east of Reydon in Roger Mills County. Fortunately, no structures were
Fatal Crash Near Elk City Claims Life of Granite Man
Sept. 13, 2024 A late-night crash on Thursday claimed the life of a Granite man following a collision between a semi-truck and a car just south of Elk City.
Two Arrested Following Death of Two-Year-Old Child
Sept. 12, 2024 OSBI Press Release Two Cordell residents were arrested after felony murder warrants were issued on September 11. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) announced the arrests following an investigation into the death of
Elk City Man Arrested for Illegal Firearm Possession After Felony Conviction
Sept. 12, 2024 An Elk City man is being held in the Beckham County Detention Center after being charged with possession of a firearm following a felony conviction.
CASA Volunteer Training Begins February 17, 2025
Sept. 12, 2024 CASA Press Release CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers are concerned citizens who are trained to be the eyes and ears of the juvenile court judge. These everyday heroes interview the children, their families
Great Plains Regional Medical Center Victim of Ransomware Attack
Sept. 12, 2024 It has been reported that Great Plains Regional Medical Center in Elk City is the victim of a ransomware attack, which has locked the hospital’s computer system and is demanding payment for its release.
William R. Morris Scholarship Endowment Established at SWOSU
Sept. 11, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the receipt of a major gift from William and Gail Morris of Wichita (KS).
High-Speed Chase in Oklahoma Uncovers Human Trafficking Scheme, Suspects Arrested
Sept. 11, 2024 More details have been revealed about the high-speed chase in western Oklahoma back in August, which uncovered a possible human trafficking case.
Child Safely Recovered in Oregon After Parent Violates Custody Agreement, Thanks to Multi-State Law Enforcement Efforts
Sept. 10, 2024 In a complex case that spanned across the country, the Beckham County Sheriff’s Office were called upon by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to assist in locating a parent who had absconded with
Endangered Missing Advisory Issued for Diabetic Man Last Seen in Weatherford
Sept. 10, 2024 An Endangered Missing Advisory has been issued for 56-year-old Lanny Dean Wineberger, who was last seen on August 27 in Weatherford.
Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash Claims Life of Oklahoma City Man in Wheeler County
Sept. 9, 2024 A tragic single-vehicle crash claimed the life of 76-year-old Willie Curry of Oklahoma City on Friday afternoon. The crash occurred at approximately 3:41 p.m. on State Spur 556/Business I-40, roughly 1.6 miles west of
SWOSU Names 2024-25 Dr. Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholars
Sept. 9, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has named Danni Sottile of Elk City, Oklahoma and Justin Childress of Tulsa, Oklahoma as the Dr. Gerry & Phyllis Church Scholars for Academic Year 2024-2025.
Troy Lee Named 2024 Clinton Citizen of the Year at Annual Chamber Banquet
Sept. 9, 2024 The Clinton Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual banquet last week, celebrating the contributions of community members across various sectors. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Troy Lee as the 2024
Local Schools Preparing to Save Lives
Sept. 6, 2024 SWODA Press Release Did you know… Drug-related deaths claimed 107,941 American lives in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are responsible for approximately 70%
Mercy Clinic Oklahoma Provides Major Sponsorship to SWOSU
Sept. 6, 2024 SWOSU Press Release Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced a major sponsorship from Mercy Clinic Oklahoma Communities, the university’s Official Sports Medicine Provider.
Smithsonian Exhibit on American Democracy Debuts in Cheyenne This Weekend
Sept. 5, 2024 A new exhibit from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History will debut in Cheyenne this weekend. The traveling exhibit is part of the Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street Program.
Medal of Honor Recipient and Merritt Graduate to Be Inducted into Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame
Sept. 5, 2024 Army Master Sergeant Earl D. Plumlee, a 2021 Medal of Honor recipient and Merritt graduate, will be inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame on October 26 at the Embassy Suites, located at
MA+ Architecture is Official 2024 SWOSU Homecoming Sponsor
Sept. 4, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The 2024 Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Homecoming festivities are slated for the week of October 26.
Weatherford Police Arrest Suspect in String of Burglaries
Sept. 4, 2024 A homeless man was arrested on charges of first-degree burglary following an investigation into a series of break-ins at a local trailer park in Weatherford. The incidents, which began on August 7th, led officers
UPDATE: Feed Provider Issues Statement
Sept. 3, 2024 The Beutler and Son Rodeo Co., a respected provider of rodeo livestock for over 90 years, recently faced a heartbreaking tragedy, losing nearly 70 bucking horses in the last two weeks. The cause has
Missing Altus Couple Located in South Texas
Sept. 3, 2024 Police have located an Altus woman and her husband, who went missing last month, in Texas.
Great Plains Regional Medical Center Welcomes Dr. Grant Detten to Orthopedic Clinic
Sept. 3, 2024 GPRMC Press Release Great Plains Regional Medical Center (GPRMC) is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Grant Detten, an accomplished Orthopedic Surgeon, to the Great Plains Orthopedics. Dr. Detten joins the team led
Rodeo Rush – Elk City Rodeo Results
Sept. 3, 2024 Provided Press Release For the 2024 bull riding champ at the Elk City Rodeo of Champions, it was payback time.