May 28, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
One of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the United States, Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, a company of Arca Continental, has generously established a scholarship benefitting first-generation students at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU).
The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Scholarship Fund at SWOSU will provide meaningful financial support to SWOSU students who, upon degree completion, will be the first members of their families to graduate from an institution of higher education.
“SWOSU and Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages have a long-standing partnership and we are deeply grateful for this kind investment in our students,” said SWOSU President Dr. Diana R. “Diane” Lovell. “This thoughtful gift from Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages will help us put invaluable resources into the hands of our first-generation Bulldogs here on the Hilltop.”
First-generation students are commonly defined as students whose parent(s) did not earn a four-year college degree. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, “research shows that first-gen students often confront significant obstacles in accessing higher education, succeeding after enrollment, and graduating.” Such students are more likely to attend classes part time, or must find ways to make their class schedule work with a full-time job.
A Pew Research Foundation study in 2021 found that first-generation college graduates incurred substantial levels of debt when paying for their education.
The Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Scholarship Fund 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 Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Scholarship Fund or any Foundation funds, please contact Ms. Dani Ledonne, Advancement Communications Coordinator, at 580-774-3267, dani.ledonne@swosu.edu
Copyright 2024 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
Candidate Filing Opens for Board of Education Positions in Roger Mills and Custer Counties
November 21, 2024 The filing period for Board of Education candidates in Roger Mills and Custer Counties opens Monday, December 2, and runs through Wednesday, December 4, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Candidates must file
Rep. Archer Elected House Republican Caucus Vice Chair
November 21, 2024 Oklahoma House Republicans this week selected their leadership team for the 60th Legislature, with Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, stepping into a prominent role as Caucus Vice Chair. The 81-member Republican majority maintains its
Elk City Commissioners Give Unanimous Support for City Manager
November 20, 2024 After a nearly two-and-a-half-hour executive session, the Elk City Commission on Wednesday publicly showed unanimous support for City Manager Tom Ivester.
Lawsuit Filed Against City of Shamrock Over Cattle Deaths Linked to Contaminated Water
November 20, 2024 The City of Shamrock, Texas is facing a federal lawsuit after Kellen Allison Cattle Company and related businesses claimed city water caused the deaths of 650 cattle, leading to damages exceeding $1 million. Originally
Custer County Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest for Major Drug Trafficking
November 19, 2024 A traffic stop on Interstate 40 Eastbound led to the arrest of a Florida man for trafficking over 200 pounds of marijuana on November 11. The suspect, identified as Samuel Wayne Waters, 76, from
Anthony Moore Elected Speaker Pro Tempore of Oklahoma House
November 19, 2024 District 57 Representative Anthony Moore (R-Clinton) has been elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives by the Oklahoma House Republican Caucus.
Elk City Commissioners to Address Key Issues
November 19, 2024 The Elk City Commission is set to convene on Wednesday afternoon in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. The agenda includes several significant topics, including going into an executive session to discuss the performance
$17M Broadband Expansion Projects Kick Off in Western Oklahoma
November 19, 2024 Oklahoma’s push to expand broadband services with federal funding took center stage in western Oklahoma this week, as eight new projects totaling over $17 million were launched.
Governor Stitt Appoints Donna Dirickson as District Judge for Oklahoma’s Second Judicial District
November 19, 2024 In an official announcement on Friday, Governor Stitt appointed Donna Dirickson as the district judge for Oklahoma’s Second Judicial District.
Ransomware Attack Confirmed By Great Plains Regional Medical Center
November 18, 2024 Great Plains Regional Medical Center has confirmed a ransomware attack that compromised the personal information of over 133,000 patients. In a statement, the hospital said it discovered the attack on September 8; however, investigators
Elk City High School Launches Aviation and Drone Pathways for 2025-2026 School Year
Elk City Public Schools Press Release During the 2025-2026 school year, Elk City High School will make available to students, The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) four-year pathways of coursework.
Granite Man Hospitalized, Faces Charges After Multi-County High-Speed Pursuit
November 18, 2024 A Granite man was hospitalized and now faces multiple charges after leading authorities on a high-speed pursuit through multiple counties. According to Beckham County Sheriff Derek Manning, 24-year-old Samuel Herman Pence allegedly stole a
Fatality Motorcycle Accident Near Snyder
November 16, 2024 A tragic motorcycle accident claimed the life of a 64-year-old Altus man on Saturday. The fatal collision occurred at approximately 4:35 PM on US-62 near the 55-mile marker, about five miles west of Snyder
Candidate Filing Begins For Board of Education
November 15, 2024 Roger Mills County Election Board Press Release Candidate filing for the Board of Education begins Monday, December 2nd for 9 Roger Mills County school districts.
Miss SWOSU 2025 Scholarship Pageant Winners Announced
November 15, 2024 SWOSU Press Release The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has announced the winners of the Miss SWOSU 2025 Scholarship Pageant, held on Nov. 9 at the Weatherford Performing Arts Center. Mia Macias from Leedey
Custer County to Host Launch of $11.2M Broadband Grant Initiative
November 15, 2024 The Oklahoma Broadband Office (OBO) has been awarded an $11,233,311 grant from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to help new internet users effectively access and utilize online services. This funding aims to
Foss Man Arrested on Fentanyl Possession Charge
November 15, 2024 A Foss man has been arrested for allegedly possessing more than 5 grams of a mixture containing fentanyl.
Elk City School Employees to Receive Bonuses
November 15, 2024 Good news for employees of the Elk City School District!
Clinton Man Arrested for Meth Trafficking and Obstruction
November 14, 2024 42-year-old Anthony Reynolds of Clinton was arrested on Oct. 28 on charges of trafficking over 20 grams of methamphetamine and obstructing an officer.
Burns Flat Man Wanted on Multiple Rape Charges Arrested in Michigan, Says Oklahoma Highway Patrol
November 14, 2024 The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) announced last week the arrest of Eric Little Mchan, a 43-year-old man from Burns Flat, who was wanted in connection with multiple rape charges in Washita County.
Train Derails Near Lone Wolf; No Injuries Reported
November 14, 2024 Crews responded to a train derailment Wednesday near Lone Wolf in southwestern Oklahoma.
OSIDA to Explore Space Launch Feasibility and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Advancements in Western Oklahoma
November 13, 2024 The Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority (OSIDA) is set to meet to discuss critical advancements that could position western Oklahoma as a hub for space launches and unmanned aircraft systems. The authority’s agenda includes
Elk City Named Among U.S. Favorite Towns by WorldAtlas
November 13, 2024 Elk City has earned a spot on an impressive list of U.S. towns, recently highlighted by WorldAtlas. This recognition places Elk City alongside other beloved Oklahoma towns, including Bartlesville, Durant, Tahlequah, Guthrie, Ponca City,
Child Neglect Arrest in Elk City Apartment
November 13, 2024 A child neglect case has emerged following an eviction at an Elk City apartment, with disturbing conditions leading to the arrest of two adults.
Elk City School Board Approves EMT Program
November 12, 2024 The Elk City School Board met Monday night for their regular monthly meeting and, among other things, approved a new program that Superintendent Mike Sparks says will give high school students an opportunity to
