Awards & Recognition
Distinguished Alumni
Distinguished Alumni Award Criteria
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.
2012 Recipients
Mike Aneshansley of Tulsa and Dr. Russell Rother of Oklahoma City were inducted into Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame during 2012 graduation ceremonies on the Weatherford campus.
Aneshansley is one of two founders of ENERCON and Rother is executive vice president and chief operating officer of Selexys Pharmaceuticals in Oklahoma City and formerly chief scientific officer of Alexion Pharmaceuticals in Cheshire (CT).
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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.
2012 Recipients
- Rex Ryan
- Rob Ryan
President's Award of Merit
Recipients of the President’s Award of Merit 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.
2012 Recipient
| Recipient | Grad Year | Career |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Henry Kirkland, Jr. | 1969 | SWOSU Biology Professor |
Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award
Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award Criteria and Nomination form
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, Burton House 102.
Dr. Brian D. Campbell (middle) won the Bernhardt Academic Excellence Award for 2013 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 of Midwest City. SWOSU President Randy Beutler (left) and last year’s winner Dr. Tim Hubin congratulate Campbell, who won a $5,000 cash award made possible by the Bernhardts.
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.
2011 Recipients
- Harvey Minton
- Bryan Blackwell
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.