OSU Student Affairs honors six leaders for contributions to student experience

OSU Student Affairs honors six leaders for contributions to student experience

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Media Contact: Samantha Siler | Assistant Director of Marketing | 405-744-8108 | [email protected]

Oklahoma State University hosted its inaugural Division of Student Affairs Hall of Fame ceremony on Oct 4 recognizing six distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to the university and the lives of its students. The honorees received awards in three categories: the Distinguished Service Award, the Rising Star Award and the Distinguished Alumni Award.

The event celebrated the work of individuals who have significantly impacted the student experience at OSU through leadership, service and personal dedication. Each award recipient exemplifies the values of the Division of Student Affairsand highlights the importance of fostering a welcoming, supportive and empowering campus community.

"This Hall of Fame event is an opportunity to honor the unsung heroes whose work behind the scenes has shaped the lives of countless students," said Amber Manning-Ouellette, interim vice president for student affairs. "These honorees have created a lasting legacy that reflects the best of OSU's mission to support, inspire and develop future leaders."

Distinguished Service Awards

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes faculty or staff members who have dedicated their careers to improving the student experience at OSU. This year's recipients were Ronald Beerand Lee Bird.

From long-standing leadership roles to meaningful student development initiatives, both Beer and Bird made indelible contributions to OSU.

Beer, former vice president for student affairs at OSU from 1980-2000, has been a transformative leader in higher education. His contributions extend beyond academia, including founding Habitat for Humanity in Stillwater and helping establish OSU's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

Bird served as vice president for student affairs at OSU for 18 years, where she oversaw all areas of the division and chaired the OSU Threat Assessment Team. A nationally recognized expert in student conduct and First Amendment rights, Bird continues to contribute to her community in retirement through volunteer work at Stillwater Medical Center and the American Red Cross.

Rising Star Award

The Rising Star Award recognizes OSU alumni under the age of 40 who demonstrated exceptional leadership during their time at OSU and have since made a significant impact in their professional career. This year's recipient was Kyle Buthod.

During his time as a student at OSU, Buthod was actively involved in leadership roles within the Student Government Association and served as a mentor in the university's leadership development programs. He also contributed to various campus initiatives, helping to enhance student engagement and foster a strong sense of community at OSU.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes OSU graduates who, through their careers and personal endeavors, have been champions of student affairs and have carried OSU's spirit of service and leadership into the broader world. This year's recipients were Diane Greene, Randy Thurmanand Randall Whittaker.

Greene, a 1987 OSU graduate, was actively involved in student leadership during her time on campus, serving as RHA President and playing a key role in keeping Willard Hall open as an all-women's residence. Now chief legal officer at GSFS Group in Houston, Diane has had a distinguished 34-year legal career, while remaining an engaged OSU alumna and dedicated community leader.

Thurman, CEO of Retirement Investment Advisors, Inc., holds both a bachelor's in electrical engineering and an MBA from OSU. With a 38-year career as a financial advisor and author, he's been recognized nationally for his leadership in the investment industry, while maintaining deep ties to OSU through scholarship endowments and alumni engagement.

Whittaker holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in English and a master's in student personnel and guidance from OSU. His diverse career has spanned 24 years as a business owner and international educator, with deep involvement in OSU campus life as Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity President, an IFC Senator and an active leader in numerous student organizations.

"These six honorees set the standard for what it means to make a difference at Oklahoma State University," Manning-Ouellette said. "Their commitment to student well-being, leadership development and community building reflects the very best of our Cowboy values and we are honored to recognize them with these awards."

For more information on the Division of Student Affairs, visit studentaffairs.okstate.edu.

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