Million Dollar Gift "Raises the Roof" for NSU's College of Education

When Northeastern State University's education building was remodeled and the third floor restored earlier this year, college administrators looked at ways to best use the new classroom space. Now, the institution's first $1 million private donation-the largest in NSU history-will provide a reading clinic where young students can overcome reading deficiencies and educators can become better prepared to help them learn to read.

Gregg Wadley, Northeastern class of 1969, and his wife, Dr. Betsy Brackett, pledged the milestone gift in honor of Wadley's mother, Cappitola "Cappi" Wadley, who passed away in 2005.

"We think this will be transformative," Wadley said following a formal announcement of the gift during NSU's 12th Annual Emerald Ball on Dec. 12. "Mother knew that education was the way out of poverty and reading was the foundation of education. That's why this donation is so important to us."

Speaking to nearly 350 NSU donors and supporters attending the Emerald Ball, NSU President Don Betz commended Wadley and Brackett for perpetuating the legacy of a lifelong educator well-known for her commitment to her students.

"This gift will reach into the future and ensure people who are not even born yet will have a place to go and someone there to help them learn to read," Betz said. "As a result, they will grow up to be better informed and more well-rounded, productive citizens and will benefit from the work of someone whom they never knew but whose life's passion was to educate young people."

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Vision Underway for NSU, Connors Campus Collaboration

The vision of a joint education venture between Northeastern State University and Connors State College at NSU's Muskogee campus moved a step closer to reality last month when the two colleges held groundbreaking ceremonies for a new classroom building.

Dr. Don Betz, NSU president, and Connors State President Dr. Donnie Nero were joined by civic and education leaders in ceremonies that will lead to the construction of a 10,000 square foot building, the key component in combining the 23 academic programs now offered to regional residents.

The two higher education institutions have agreed to co-locate on the NSU campus and are already collaborating through an educational program to serve Muskogee's health care industry cluster, one of the largest and fastest growing in Oklahoma.

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Online Form Available for NSU Centurion Nominations

In celebration of Northeastern State University's Founders Day 2010, the university will add 10 names to its list of NSU Centurions.

During last year's Centennial Celebration, NSU selected 100 individuals to be the inaugural recipients of its Centurion Awards. The honors were given to memers of the NSU Family-alumni, faculty, staff and students whether past or present-who impaced the life of the nominator, the Northeastern community or the public at large.

All are invited to make a nomination. The nominee may be living or deceased and should embody the legacy of NSU. To submit a nomination , please click here and fill out the form. Nominations must be submitted by Jan. 15, 2010.

For more information contact Dr. Amber Fite at fiteam@nsuok.edu

NSU's 2010 Homecoming, Emerald Ball Scheduled

Northeastern State University has announced the dates of two of its biggest annual events, Homecoming and the 13th Annual Emerald Ball.

Homecoming week will run Oct. 4-9. The festivities culminate when the RiverHawks face the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions in the Saturday homecoming football game.

The 13th Annual Emerald Ball is Saturday, Dec. 4, at 6:30 p.m. in the UC Rozell Ballroom, and features an evening of dinner, games, dancing and entertainment. The black tie optional affair raises funds to support future scholarships and programs.

For more information about Homecoming or the Emerald Ball contact the NSU Alumni Association at (918) 458-2143

Facility Visions for the Future

With an eye on the future health and wellness of the university population, the Northeastern State University Foundation is seeking resources to build a Health/Wellness Center and a Multipurpose Arena.

"The Health/Wellness Center and the Multipurpose Arena are the top priorities on our capital improvement projects list," said Tim Foutch, assistant vice president for administration. "We are looking to both internal and external funding sources for assistance with these projects."

Working with GH2 Architects, based in Tulsa, Okla., University administrators have selected designs for the two separate facilities that will create much-needed space and provide updated facilities for the use of students, faculty, staff, and community members.

"We plan to create a state-of-the-art wellness facility that our students can be proud of," said Foutch. "The Multipurpose Arena will be similar in structure to our Indoor Practice Facility, but much larger in dimension, with space to house basketball, volleyball, and other team sports."