May 13, 2024
SWOSU Press Release
The Department of Social Sciences at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) recently hosted its annual awards ceremony, recognizing student achievements in various disciplines within the department. The event, held on the evening of Thursday, April 25, demonstrated the exemplary work and dedication of students across Criminal Justice, History, History Education, Political Science, and beyond.
The evening began with the presentation of awards and scholarships by each department. In Criminal Justice, Dr. Howard Kurtz and Dr. Daniel Kavish announced the department’s 2024 Honor Graduates, including Ashlyn Acosta from Yukon, OK; Aimee Oster from Elk City, OK; Piper Steele from Oklahoma City, OK; and Delaney Owen from Burkburnett, TX, who also received the Distinguished Honor in Criminal Justice. Additionally, scholarships were awarded to students, with Luis Corral from Woodward, OK and Jessi Atchley from Weatherford, OK awarded $2,000. Talyn Burkhalter from Amarillo, TX and Kavi Cline from Weatherford, OK were awarded $1,000. Mary Ardoin from Jackson, KY and Franky Dicintio from Lawton, OK were awarded $500.
The SWOSU Criminal Justice Honor Society inductees were also recognized: Ashlyn Acosta, Jessi Atchley, Caden Ballard from Weatherford, Megan Chlouber from Carnegie, Alexis O’Connor from Fairview, Aimee Oster, Delaney Owen, Jennifer Perez Sandoval from Yukon, and Piper Steele.
Dr. Suzanne Dunai and Dr. Sunu Kodumthara presented the History awards to the department’s 2024 Honor Graduates, June Parker from Weatherford, OK and Marleigh West from Edmond, OK, along with the Outstanding Student in History, June Parker. The Brenda Lumpkin Scholarship, named in honor of a distinguished former SWOSU student who graduated in both 1974 and 1978 and taught at Weatherford Public Schools, SWOSU, and Clinton Public Schools during her career, was awarded to Daniel Ballinger from Tulsa, OK.
The History Education awards, presented by Dr. Becky Bruce, included Cloie Banks from Rocky, OK and Jenna Nelson from Clinton, OK, both recognized as 2024 Honor Graduates. Jeston Laney from Weatherford, OK received the Randy Beutler Scholarship.
Dr. David Searcy and Dr. Heather Katz presented the Political Science awards, recognizing Jennifer Perez Sandoval as the major’s 2024 Honor Graduate. Their outstanding student awards were presented to freshman Paul Thomas from Luther, OK; sophomores Montana Byrd from Hinton, OK and Jacob Miller from Custer City, OK; juniors John Kilhoffer from Dill City, OK and Cailby Perez from Cheyenne, OK; and seniors Caden Ballad and Jennifer Perez Sandoval. The departments also awarded scholarships: $2,000 to John Kilhoffer and Cailby Perez from Cheyenne, OK and $1,000 to Jeric Ortiz from Cibilo, TX.
Dr. Fred Gates announced the Social Sciences awards, honoring students for Outstanding Academic Achievement. June Parker and Jennifer Perez Sandoval received recognition for their excellent performance across the department’s disciplines.
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