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ISSUE 10 December 2013

PARTNERS MAKE CONTRIBUTION TO NEO’S DIGITAL COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS HELP WELCOME BOARD OF REGENTS TO CAMPUS

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SPRUCE UP SOUTHEAST CORNER OF CAMPUSPARTNERS COLLABORATE WITH STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENT TO

RENOVATE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE SUITEPARTNERS REWARD HOMECOMING ROYALTY WITH SCHOLARSHIPSPRESIDENT’S PARTNERS HONOR MISS INDIAN OKLAHOMA ROBYNN

RULONEO RECRUITMENT MAKES STRIDES IN TULSA WITH THE HELP OF

PARTNERSPRESIDENT’S PARTNERS ENJOY NEO FOUNDATION FUNDRAISERFALL FESTIVAL PARTYPRESIDENT’S LETTER

NEO inducted 10 of its brightest student-leaders during their fifth anniversary ceremony on Nov. 8. Each student was presented a $200 scholarship awarded by the President’s Partners.

During the ceremony, award winning social entrepreneur, Shawn Askinosie of Askinosie Chocolate, urged students to seek creative solutions to global problems while serving their neighborhoods and communities during his keynote address. A chocolate sampling reception and Top Ten Freshmen reunion dinner followed.

Established in 2009, the Top Ten Freshmen program is sponsored by NEO’s Center for Academic Success and Advisement and President’s Partners. NEO College President, Dr. Jeff Hale started the program during his inaugural year at NEO.

Ten sophomores were chosen to receive the distinction and were honored at the reception. In addition to a scholarship, the

Back row, left to right: Dr. Jeff Hale, NEO A&M College president, Clarissa Davis, Michael Fusselman, Chris Basden, Blane Gee, Ethan Propp, and Rachel Lloyd, Center for Academic Success and Advisement (CASA) directorFront row, left to right: Samantha DeGenero-Scheib, Kelsey Williams, Lindsay Tasos, Morgan Marley, and Lea Crump.

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PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS TO TOP TEN FRESHMEN

NEWSLETTER FOR PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS

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“These are students who understand that earning a college degree requires dedication, sacrifice and a desire to make the most of their future. “These students have proven their leadership abilities, and they exemplify the type of students which NEO prides itself upon.”Dr. Jeffery Hale, NEO A&M College President

Top Ten Freshmen receive special privileges, participate in leadership development activities and have opportunities to practice leadership skills together.

The following students represent the fifth class selected to the Top 10 Freshmen program:

• Christopher Basden, Okemah, OK• Lea Crump, Calhoun, GA• Clarisa Davis, Afton, OK• Samantha DeGenero-Scheib,

Miami, OK• Michael Fusselman, Melissa, TX• Blane Gee, Colony, OK• Morgan Marley, Elkins, AR• Ethan Propp, Adair, OK• Lindsay Tasos, Madera, CA• Kelsey Williams, Commerce, OK

Dear President’s Partner,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support of the President’s Partners program at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College. As a Partner, you have helped us accomplish many exciting milestones on campus in 2013.

From the construction of a $1.5 million multipurpose athletic center and

completion of Phase I of the renovation of Red Robertson Field to the formal dedication of the Charles Banks Wilson Art and Cultural Education Center, these are just a few of the highlights of a truly historic year for NEO A&M.

Thanks in large part, we celebrate our many successes to the generosity of the President’s Partners and the many friends and alumni of the college.

This year the Partners have supported nearly $50,000 in campus projects and initiatives. Your contributions have sent students to study abroad, funded ACT Prep classes for future students, sponsored the Freshmen Top Ten Program, and our winning Governor’s Cup competition entry, just to name a few.

On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of NEO A&M, thank you for your loyal support of the college. Your generosity has shaped NEO to become an institution we can all take great pride in.

Dr. Jeffery HalePresidentNortheastern Oklahoma A&M College

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The digital communication program at NEO A&M College is seeing new life, thanks to generous support by the President’s Partners.

“Students are very interested in digital communication careers, so enhancing this program to provide opportunities for real-life work experience in this field is very important,” says Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “One of the most obvious improvements has been NEO Channel 13. Students have taken an active role in airing new programing that is entertaining to both NEO students and local viewers.”

To help provide the program with some additional manpower and creative talent, the President’s Partners provided Charlie McQuigg with a paid internship. In addition to benefitting the program, the internship provides McQuigg the opportunity to gain valuable work experience.

McQuigg was a member and co-founder of the NEO13 news team in 2012. Teaming up with founder Delayna Fitzgerald, McQuigg assisted in recruiting team members, dreaming up the potentialities of a future news station at a small-town community college, animating and creating graphics, as well as production.

McQuigg said, “It feels great to have been part of the initial spark to re-ignite the digital communication department at NEO. Delayna came to me with the idea of starting a news team, and we took it and ran with it.”

The two students averaged at least 10 hours a day of video editing during the first week.

“We were told time and time again that the show required countless man hours, and by one individual’s estimates, half-a-million dollars to get this program off the ground, but we had the show recorded, edited, and posted online with all our own equipment and materials borrowed from departments around school,” McQuigg said. “The program is still in its humble beginnings, but the seed has been planted. Here, I see a fruitful investment for the future of NEO, and hopefully other people can see that as well.”

It was a night of “Denim and Diamonds,” as NEO A&M welcomed the Board of Regents of Oklahoma A&M Colleges to Miami and hosted a dinner in their honor. President’s Partners, faculty and staff showed their support of NEO at the bling-studded event. The NEO Arena was transformed to host the dinner and the President’s Partners provided the entertainment for the evening. The Jenny Sims band, featuring Wyandotte Native and NEO alum Jake Simpson, provided fiddle entertainment for the guests. As part of the dinner festivities, Dr. Shannon Cunningham unveiled the plans for the expansion of the Synar Farm project. The two-day hosting of the Regents at NEO offered the college a chance to showcase its campus, students, faculty and staff. “Thanks to the President’s Partners, NEO was able to put its best foot forward with a great event,” said Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “NEO definitely gave a warm welcome and made a great impression on the Regents.”

PARTNERS MAKE CONTRIBUTION TO NEO’S DIGITAL COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

P R E S I D E N T ’ S P A R T N E R S . . . I M P A C T I N G C A M P U S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

From left: David Frazier, digital comm. supervisor, Lou Berry, President’s Partner, Charlie McQuigg, intern, and Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Foundation

From left: President’s Partners Renick and Jackie Kreeger, Jake Simpson, President’s Partner Amy Ishmael and Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Hessee.

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS HELP WELCOME BOARD OF REGENTS TO CAMPUS

President Hale kicks back with members of NEO Student

Body Government (SBG) and admires the remodel of the renovation of the President’s suite,

thanks to funding from SBG and President’s Partners.

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The southeast corner of campus now has a fresh and inviting look, thanks to funding from President’s Partners. Adding a little “curb appeal” to campus, the project included modern landscape with the college’s founding date of 1919 in black rock. A new mesh banner around the soccer field was added to promote the various athletic programs on campus. “This is a main entrance to our campus, so it’s important that it’s warm and inviting,” said Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “A first impression is so important, and this is the route that several guests to our campus travel when attending a sporting event or performance at the Fine Arts or Commons Hall.” The project was completed in early August

The President’s Partners joined forces with NEO’s Student Body Government (SBG) Officers to fund the recent renovation of the President’s suite. Renovations included an update of the lobby area, carpet, granite countertops, cabinets, and new furniture. SBG officers elected to use their annual allotment of $5,000 to help fund the improvements. The renovation project began in the summer and was completed this fall. The conference room, next to the president’s office, has new features including a refurbished conference table, updated office chairs, and a remodeled wall graced with the school seal. “With help from the Partners, the SBG Officers were able to make a real difference

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS SPRUCE UP SOUTHEAST CORNER OF CAMPUS

PARTNERS COLLABORATE WITH STUDENT BODY GOVERNMENTTO RENOVATE PRESIDENT’S OFFICE SUITE

Season’s Greetings from the NEO Development Foundation. It is a very busy time on campus as the fall semester draws to a close. Homecoming 2013 highlights one of the many successful activities this year.

As part of the festivities, one member of the President’s Partners, David Thomas, was honored as an Outstanding Alumnus and joined the ranks of NEO’s finest alumni. In addition, Artist Ted Watts, Mike Sexton, and Joe and Dee Ann Neil were also honored for their outstanding career and civic accomplishments.

The President’s Partners have been hard at work supporting various projects and initiatives. This semester the program has provided funding for NEO’s digital communication program, a reception to honor Miss Indian Oklahoma, scholarships for NEO’s Top Ten Freshmen, and several campus beautification projects, just to name a few.

Thank you for your support of NEO A&M College. As a Partner, your generosity will help ensure that our students receive an outstanding education and experience college life at its best. If you know of someone who would make a great addition to the Partners, please contact the Foundation office at 918-540-6250.

I hope you enjoy the winter edition of President’s Partners Preview and take great pride in the many projects you have supported this semester.

Jennifer Hessee

Executive Director

NEO Development Foundation

P R E S I D E N T ’ S P A R T N E R S . . . I M P A C T I N G C A M P U S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Jennifer HesseeExecutive DirectorNEO Development

Foundation

and served as a great welcome mat for new and returning students. The mesh banner was designed to encompass all of the sports on campus since athletics is such an important tradition on our campus. “Not only do NEO fans and opposing teams travel this route to watch the sporting events, but supporters of high school football also access campus from this corner as well,” adds Hessee. “Its definitely a high traffic area.”

on campus with this project,” said NEO President Jeff Hale. “The President’s Office Suite is a very high traffic area. This renovation leaves a great impression on parents, students, alumni, and community members.” SBG officers serve many roles on and off campus, including planning certain school projects and listening to the students voice their needs. Each year the officers sponsor a campus beautification project. The remodel of President Hale’s office was the project of choice and masterminded by the former 2012-2013 SBG President Levi Mitchell. This year’s SBG officers include President Jake Swicegood, James Warren, Tandy Kidd, Lindsay Tasos, Hunter Rhodes, Brooke West, Lauren Crudup, Madison Vaughn, Trae Wilkins, and Dylan Conley.

President’s Partner Scott Donaldson and NEO Athletes Jennifer Williams, Jamil Powell, and Jake Roach, and Foundation Director Jennifer Hessee

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The President’s Partners honored the 2013 NEO Homecoming King and Queen with a $250 book scholarship for the spring semester. As part of their royalty duties, the king and queen will represent the college throughout the year at many campus and community functions. This year’s homecoming queen is Kelsey Williams. She represented Phi Theta Kappa and is a natural science major. She is from Commerce, Okla., and is the daughter or Kevin and Kim Williams. David Stephens was crowned homecoming king. He represented Phi Beta Lambda and is a business administration major. He is from Vinita, Okla., and is the son of Dale and Elizabeth Stephens. “Being crowned NEO royalty is a very big honor and has become very competitive, said Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “I am confident Kelsey and David will do an outstanding job of representing the college.” Most recently, the couple assisted the NEO Foundation at their annual Fall Festival Fundraiser by volunteering their time to raise money for scholarships.

The President’s Partners and NEO’s American Indian Center for Excellence (AICE) joined forces to host a reception to honor Robynn Rulo. The NEO sophomore was crowned Miss Indian Oklahoma. Partners, tribal leaders, alumni, faculty and staff attended the event on Oct. 10 in the Charles Banks Wilson Art and Cultural Education Center. “Last fall, Robynn was named Miss Indian NEO and has spent the past year representing NEO well,” said Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “This was a great opportunity for the Partners to recognize her for her state crown.” Oklahoma Federation for Indian Women, a not-for-profit organization operated by non-paid volunteers, sponsored the state pageant. It was the 40th anniversary of the Miss Indian Oklahoma title, and Rulo is the second student in NEO’s history to hold this title since its inception. The first NEO student to be crowned Miss Indian Oklahoma was Carrie Wilson in 1974. A Pawhuska, Okla. native, Rulo is a sophomore at NEO A&M College majoring in Native American studies. She is of the Osage, Delaware, Quapaw and Shawnee tribes. She is very active on campus and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Dean’s Honor Roll, president of the Native American Student Association and serves as the AICE student liaison.

PARTNERS REWARD HOMECOMING ROYALTY WITH SCHOLARSHIPS PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS HONOR MISS INDIAN

OKLAHOMA ROBYNN RULO

NEO’s Royalty David Stephens and Kelsey Williams entertain the guests at the NEO Foundation’s 12th Annual Fall Festival Fundraiser.

(front row, left to right) Claudia Little Axe, director of the American Indian Center for Excellence, Robynn Rulo, Miss Indian Oklahoma, and Dr. Jeff Hale, NEO A&M College president. (back row, left to right) Chief Billy Friend of the Wyandotte Nation, Chief Bill Follis of the Modoc Tribe, and Chief Doug Lankford of the Miami Tribe

P R E S I D E N T ’ S P A R T N E R S . . . I M P A C T I N G C A M P U S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

“Last fall, Robynn was named Miss Indian NEO and has spent the past year representing NEO well. This was a great opportunity for the Partners to recognize her for her state crown.”Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation

“Being crowned NEO royalty is a very big honor and has become very competitive. I am confident Kelsey and David will do an outstanding job of representing the college.”Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation

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The President’s Partners sponsored a special keynote speaker in honor of the 5-Year Anniversary of the Top Ten Freshen Ceremony. Shawn Askinosie, of Askinosie Chocolate, was recently named “One of the 14 Guys Who are Saving the World” by Oprah Magazine for his unique fair trade, profit sharing business model that sources 100% of their beans directly from farmers world-wide and produces award-winning, internationally sold chocolate. “This was a great experience for our top student leaders to hear first hand from a entrepreneur who has experienced world-wide success,” said Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Foundation. “Shawn’s story is one of perseverance and civic responsibility that inspired everyone who attended the ceremony.” During the ceremony, the award-winning social entrepreneur urged students to seek creative solutions to global problems while serving their neighborhoods and communities. A former defense attorney, Askinosie came into the chocolate business striving to empower those responsible for nurturing and harvesting cocoa beans while educating others on the importance of direct trade. Sourcing all its beans directly from farms in Ecuador, Honduras, the Philippines and Tanzania, Askinosie Chocolate shares the profits with all of its cocoa farmers. Following Askinosie’s address, guests were treated to a reception and chocolate sampling.

President’s Partners, community members, NEO faculty, staff, students, and alumni were on campus to celebrate the formal dedication of the new Multipurpose Athletic Center and introduce the 2013-2014 NEO wrestling team and coaches. The day included tours of the new facility, a meet-and-greet with the coaching staff, and a barbecue lunch. Following the dedication, more than 200 guests cheered on the NEO wrestlers as they hosted their first Blue vs. Gold Dual. “The dedication was rich with tradition and Norseman pride,” said Jennifer Hessee, executive director of the NEO Development Foundation. “The entry way of the new facility

TOP 10 FRESHMEN FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH KEYNOTE SPEAKER SHAWN ASKINOSIE

MULTIPURPOSE ATHLETIC CENTER DEDICATION

P R E S I D E N T ’ S P A R T N E R S . . . I M P A C T I N G C A M P U S A N D T H E C O M M U N I T Y

Shawn Askinosie, of Askinosie Chocolate

features photos of the former coaches as well as collages of former NEO athletes. There is also recognition of NEO’s wrestlers who earned the title of All-American.” NEO’s former coaches include Ray Judkins, Bill Yocum, and Alan Lauchner. In the spring, Joe Renfro was announced as the program’s new head coach. The 8,000-square-foot facility is located on the southeast corner section of campus, near the Nursing Sciences Building and soccer fields. This new facility houses NEO’s new wrestling program and includes designated space for indoor hitting facilities for both the baseball and softball programs. The NEO Development Foundation Inc., led the effort to design and construct the new facility with the help of Crossland Construction. Crossland Construction President, Bennie Crossland, presented the College with a lead gift of $100,000 which was announced last April. “The NEO Development Foundation Board of Trustees is proud to have overseen the financing and construction of the project,” said Hessee “This facility provides a top notch practice space for the new wrestling program, as well as much needed indoor practice space for our nationally competitive baseball and softball programs.”

Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College

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NEO A&M COLLEGE PARTNERS’ SUPPORTING NEO

Several President’s Partners and community supporters took part in the annual “Fall Fundraising Festival,” hosted by the NEO Development Foundation. The event raised a record $30,000. All proceeds will benefit the work of the Foundation through scholarships and other campus initiatives. Since the inception of the festival 12 years ago, the event has raised more than $200,000 and assisted more than 750 students. According to Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Hessee, this year’s fundraiser also hit an all-time high in attendance, with 240 people present. “Thanks to the generosity of many loyal supporters of NEO A&M – including several of our President’s Partners – the money raised from this event will help fund scholarships for several deserving students,” Hessee added. “For many students, without a foundation scholarship they would not be able to realize the dream of a college education.” NEO students from various campus organizations provided great service and additional entertainment throughout the night. Two students, Atira Harrison and Chloe Patterson, were each awarded a $300 book scholarship for generating the most tips at their tables. “A special thank you to the more than 100 area businesses who donated items to the live and silent auctions,” Hessee said. “Our auction items were a huge hit with our guests.”

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS ENJOYNEO FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER

NEO students from various campus clubs and organizations volunteered their time to serve and entertain guests. Many of the students are attending NEO with the help of a foundation scholarship.

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NEO A&M COLLEGE PARTNERS’ SUPPORTING NEO

Partners’ Preview Issue 10Dec. 2013

Mr. & Mrs. Alex Acupan (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Stan Beasley (2011-2013)Mr. & Mrs. Tom Berry (2009-2014)Ms. Annette Black (2012-2014)Mrs. Jessica Boles (2011-2012)Mr. & Mrs. Tom Bomford (2013)Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Bowman (2009-2012)Mrs. Carol Calcagno (2012-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Norm Carnett (2000-2011)Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Chesnut (2010-2011)Mr. & Mrs. Jim Conard (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Casey Cook (2009)Ms. Carmen Couch (2010-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Jim Couch (2010-2012)Mr. & Mrs. Art Cousatte (2009-2014)Mrs. Becky Bowman Custred (2009)Mr. & Mrs. Doug Doll (2009-2012)Mr. Scott Donaldson (2013-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Cy Elmburg (2009-2014)Dr. Bethene Fahnestock (2013-2014)Chief & Mrs. John Froman (2009-2012)Ms. Nancy Gee (2009-2014)Mr. Charles Glasscock (2011-2012)Rep. & Mrs. Larry Glenn (2009-2014)Mr. Art Goad (2013-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Steve Gwartney (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Brent Hackett (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Sid Hackwell (2010-2014)Dr. & Mrs. Jeff Hale (2009-2012)Mr. & Mrs. Joe Hall (2009)Mr. & Mrs. Bobby Hayes (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Buff Highland (2010-2012)Mr. & Mrs. Jack Horner (2010-2011)Mr. & Mrs. Tim Ingram (2010-2011)Mr. & Mrs. Jason Ishmael (2011-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Erik Johnson (2009-2011)Mr. & Mrs. Curtis Jurgensmeyer (2009-2012)Mr. & Mrs. Pat Jurgensmeyer (2009-2012)Mr. & Mrs. Terry Jurgensmeyer (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Virgil Jurgensmeyer (2009-2014)Ms. Sally Kelley (2013)Mr. & Mrs. Renick Kreeger (2009-2014)

PRESIDENT’S PARTNERS MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO GROW

To date the Partners have contributed a total of $175,000.00. The impact of this team of donors is evident on our campus. Thank you to the following members:

Mr. & Mrs. Jessie Langston (2011-2012)Mr. & Mrs. Dick Lillard (2009-2012)Ms. Brittany Martin (2013-2014)Dr. & Mrs. John McFerron (2010-2012)Dr. & Mrs. Clark McQuigg (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Milligan (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Larry Mocha (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Chuck Neal (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Bill Osborn (2013-2014)Dr. & Mrs. Clark Osborn (2012-2014)Dr. & Mrs. Matt Osborn (2010-2014)Mr. & Mrs. William Osborn (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Donne Pitman (2009-2014)Mr. Mark Rasor (2013-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Barry Reynolds (2009-2010)Mr. & Mrs. Clay Roblyer (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Dan Rotelli (2009)Mr. & Mrs. Stacey Satterwhite (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. David Slatton (2010-2011)Mr. & Mrs. Larry Smith (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Smith (2013-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Charles Stoner (2010-2014)Ms. Virginia Swanson (2010-2014)Mr. Mark Swanson (2012-2014)Mr. & Mrs. David Thomas (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Paul Thomas (2009-2011)Mr. & Mrs. Steve Turnbo (2009-2013)Mr. Bill Turner (2013-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Toby Tyler (2010-2011)Mr. Rick Vandaveer (2009-2014)Mr. & Mrs. Marcel Walther (2009-2011)Mr. & Mrs. Jack Wimer (2009)Ms. Sally Whittenberg (2013-2014)Ms. Ann Willey (2013-2014)Ms. Phyllis Worley (2009-2014)Mr. Mike Youngwirth (2009-2014)

CORPORATE PARTNERSJ&M Farms (2011-2012)Integris (2012-2014)Chapters (2012-2014)