Awards & Recognition

Suzie Brewster
Suzie Brewster

Distinguished Alumni

The tradition of SWOSU’s Distinguished Alumni began in 1976 with Congressman Glen English and James Witherspoon and has been continued every year since. Our Distinguished Alumni Award is given to nominees who’ve achieved greatness in their disciplines, careers, and lives. Each recipient has exemplified what it means to be a graduate of Southwestern Oklahoma State University. Recipients are asked to give the convocation speech at SWOSU’s graduation ceremonies each year. Any SWOSU Alumni can be nominated using the Nomination Form provided below.

2009 Recipients

Suzie Brewster and David L. Tautfest are being inducted into Southwestern Oklahoma State University's Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.

David Tautfest
David L.Tautfest

Brewster is a government relations professional with the Kelley Drye; Warren Government Relations and Public Policy Group in Washington, D.C., and Tautfest is a long-time successful businessman in Weatherford.

Both Brewster and Tautfest will be honored at the May 9 SWOSU Convocation on the Weatherford campus and will be the featured speakers. The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. at Milam Stadium on the SWOSU campus. [read more...]

*Complete Recipient List*

*Nomination Form*


Athletic Hall of Fame

SWOSU has been very fortunate to have such talented student athletes and coaches. The Athletic Hall of Fame was introduced in 1963 to commemorate these fine individuals and their achievements.

2009 Recipients

*Complete Recipient List*


President's Award of Merit

Recipients of the President’s Award of Merritt are recognized by SWOSU’s President for their achievements and contributions that make life better for those they serve. President John Hays introduced the award in 2004. This award is not necessarily given each year.

2006 Recipients

Recipient Grad Year Career
Ed Berrong, Jr. 1961 Past Mayor
Lisa Birdwell 1990 Assistant DA
Mike Brown 1978 Mayor
Randy Cumby 1973 Jr. College President
Ricky McPhearson 1984 Assistant DA
Dr. James Utterback 1978 Jr. College President
Dr. Joe White 1967 Jr. College President
Albert Gray 1974 CEO-The Children's Center

*Complete Recipient List*


Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award

Dr. Bill and Theta Juan Bernhardt have established a fund that will make possible special recognition of faculty who have exhibited exceptional achievement in teaching, scholarship, and service. All full-time faculty, who have completed a minimum of one academic year at Southwestern, may be nominated.  All nominations should be submitted to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Foundation and Alumni, Adm-201.

2009 Recipient

Dr. William and Theta Juan Bernhardt (left). Next to Woods is SWOSU President Dr. John Hays
Dr. John Woods (third from left) won the Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award for 2009 at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford. The award for exceptional achievement in teaching, scholarship and service is made possible by Dr. William and Theta Juan Bernhardt (left). Next to Woods is SWOSU President Dr. John Hays.

*Complete Recipient List*


President's Service Award

The President’s Service Award is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond to serve and advance the SWOSU Alumni Association. The President of the Association chooses these stand-out individuals and recognizes them at Homecoming each year.

2008 Recipients

  • John Buck
  • Mike Wilkes

*Complete Recipient List*


50 Year Medallions

Homecoming attendants celebrating 50 years removed from Southwestern each receive an anniversary medallion. These individuals are invited to the 50 year reunion and awards reception prior to the Homecoming Football game.

 Also given at Homecoming are the coveted “O” blankets for the alumni that has traveled the furthest, the eldest alumni, and the alumni present with the most children who’ve graduated from SWOSU.