Northeastern State University names outstanding seniors

(TAHLEQUAH, OK) - On Friday, April 25, Northeastern State University<br>named Kristina Robel and Ryan Hiesterman, the top Outstanding Seniors<br>for 2002-2003.<br><br>The Outstanding Senior Award program,

Wednesday, April 30th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(TAHLEQUAH, OK) - On Friday, April 25, Northeastern State University
named Kristina Robel and Ryan Hiesterman, the top Outstanding Seniors
for 2002-2003.

The Outstanding Senior Award program, or Jack Kaufman awards, are given
to deserving seniors each year who are nominated by NSU faculty and
staff. Award guidelines include that a nominee must: have a cumulative
grade-point average of 3.25 or higher; have demonstrated his or her
concern for Northeastern through campus involvement; and be an
all-around student who typifies the spirit of NSU.

The NSU Alumni Association chose eight students as 2002-2003 Outstanding
Seniors. They include: Kristi Bippus of Owasso, OK; Dale DeWoody of Fort
Gibson, OK; Kristin Green of Muskogee, OK; Warren Gladd of Norris City,
IL; Ryan Hiesterman of Washington, KS; Bridgett Jamison of Tulsa, OK;
Kristina Robel of Jay, OK (Hamburg, Germany); and Desiree Watts of
Tahlequah, OK.

â€œThese seniors exemplify Northeasternâ€™s best, campus leaders who truly
exemplify our students as a whole,â€ said Dr. Larry Williams, NSU
President. â€œWe proudly recognize these talented, driven and intelligent
individuals that have freely given themselves to NSU, as well as a
number of civic and student organizations.â€

Robel, originally from Hamburg, Germany, garnered the top undergraduate
senior award. She is the daughter of Jens Robel and American host
mother, Nancy Dykes. Robel is a Meetings and Destination Management
major and will graduate in May with a grade-point average of 3.8. She
was nominated by Kin Thompson.

â€œKristina is an exemplary student. Her graciousness puts others at ease
and students always enjoy being around her. Not only is Kristina highly
motivated, but she brings out the best in others,â€ said Thompson. â€œI
canâ€™t think of a more deserving student for this prestigious award.â€

Active in student organizations, Robel holds affiliations with and/or is
a member of several organizations including the Meeting International
Professional Club (MJP), Meeting and Destination Meeting Club, Resident
Hall Association, Campus Christian Organizations and Northeastern
Activities Board. She has received honors from the Tau Eta Honor
Society, Rho Theta Sigma Honor Society and the been named to NSU
Presidentâ€™s and Deanâ€™s Honor Rolls.

Hiesterman, of Washington, KS, took home the top graduate senior award.
He is the son of Dale and Arlene Hiesterman. A student in the Doctor of
Optometry program, Hiesterman will graduate in May with a grade-point
average of 3.61. Dr. George Foster nominated Hiesterman for the
prestigious award.

â€œRyan has been a star in our program from the very beginning. He has
excelled in both the classroom and in the clinic. But more importantly,
he has displayed unusually great character and high moral values,â€ said
Dr. Foster. â€œOur goal is to graduate the most competent ethical
practitioners to diagnose, manage and treat the vision/medical eye
problems of our patients. They are also expected to be leaders in their
communities. Ryan has demonstrated all these characteristic these last
four years. I am confident that he will be a super star for the
profession and for his community.â€

Hiesterman has remained an active student throughout his studies at
Northeastern. He holds affiliations with and/or is a member of several
organizations including the Optometric Student Association, American
Optometric Student Association, Beta Sigma Kappa Optometric Honor
Society and Fellowship of Christian Optometrists.

Jack Kaufman began elementary school in 1915 at Northeastern State
Normal School, where his father was a custodian in Seminary Hall.
Fifteen years later, he completed his bachelor of science degree in
education and began his teaching career. From that point on, his career
and life were dedicated to helping students
achieve their goals. Mr. Kaufman also never forgot his roots and was one
of NSUâ€™s most active and influential alumni. He took great pride in
helping and watching students of all ages accomplish their goals and
find success. Because of his dedication to NSU and to students, the NSU
Alumni Association board of directors named the Outstanding Senior
program in honor of Jack Kaufman.