Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame

Transforming the Whole Person

OKWU emphasizes the value of Christian Spiritual Formation in all persons with the goal of developing the whole person in Christ in order to influence the whole world for Christ. Stewarding the heads, hearts, hands, and habits for the advancement of God’s Kingdom is paramount.

• Heart transformation is the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit for shaping persons into the image of Christlikeness with our focus on the Primacy of Christ, the Priority of Scripture, the Pursuit of Truth, and the Practice of Wisdom.
• Developing the head or educating the mind of a person comes on the heels of the heart transformation that only God ultimately accomplishes to prepare one for both a career and cultural engagement that honors Jesus Christ.
• Following Christ’s example of sacrifice and selflessness, servant leaders use their hands to compassionately minister to the needs of others with gladness.
• The transformation of the head, heart, and hands are sustained by habits or spiritual disciplines that deepen our relationship with God in order to have the holy character of Christ every day.

We pray God will renew, transform, and empower each person to use their head, heart, hands, and habits to bring hope and healing to those in their sphere of influence and be “One Sent” into a world that needs the grace and truth of Jesus Christ every day.

Alumni Award Categories

Alumnus/Alumna of the Year Award (Habits)

Selection Criteria:

• Is an alum of OKWU or an antecedent institution
• Lives as “One Sent” into their world (Matthew 28:18-20) to make a difference through:
  • Vibrant personal relationship with God
  • Godly character and integrity in public and private life
  • Respect for each person as someone created in the image of God
  • Integration of their faith in daily interactions
  • Defense of biblical truth and justice to all of humanity
• Advances the work of the Kingdom of God through:
  • Noteworthy, long-term record of accomplishment in professional endeavors
  • Distinguished leadership in their profession and/or other organizations
  • Significant service to church, community, and family
  • Positive impact on the lives of others

Young Alumnus/Alumna Award (Head)

Selection Criteria

• Awarded to an alum under the age of 40
• Is an alum of OKWU or an antecedent institution
• Lives as “One Sent” into their world (Matthew 28:18-20) to make a difference through:
  • Vibrant personal relationship with God
  • Godly character and integrity in public and private life
  • Respect for each person as someone created in the image of God
  • Integration of their faith in daily interactions
  • Defense of biblical truth and justice to all of humanity
• Advances the work of the Kingdom of God through:
  • Noteworthy record of accomplishment in professional endeavors
  • Distinguished leadership in their profession and/or other organizations
  • Significant service to church, community, and family
  • Positive impact on the lives of others
• Shows promise of future growth professionally and personally

Servant Leader Award

The Servant Leader Award honors Oklahoma Wesleyan University alumni who exemplify the heart of OKWU’s mission: to develop and send servant leaders who advance the Kingdom of God. Rooted in the principles of OKWU’s Kingdom Path—servanthood, education, community, and transformation—this award recognizes alumni who demonstrate Christlike love, pursue truth through a biblical worldview and lead with wisdom and grace.

Recipients of the Servant Leader Award are individuals whose lives reflect their God-given calling to serve others, make a meaningful impact in their communities, and boldly share the Gospel. Through their faith-driven leadership and dedication to advancing the Kingdom, they embody the spirit of being “One Sent” and inspire others to follow the path of servant leadership.

Athletic Hall of Fame Categories

Outstanding Athlete

Selection Criteria

• Awarded to an athlete who participated on an OKWU varsity athletic team for at least two years
• An athlete may be considered for induction five years after their participation in the sport occurred
• Is an alum of OKWU or an antecedent institution
• Documented outstanding athletic achievement and statistics while an OKWU athlete
• Lives as “One Sent” into their world (Matthew 28:18-20) to make a difference through:
  • Vibrant personal relationship with God
  • Godly character and integrity in public and private life
  • Respect for each person as someone created in the image of God
  • Integration of their faith in daily interactions
  • Defense of biblical truth and justice to all of humanity
• Advances the work of the Kingdom of God through:
  • Documented personal, professional, and/or athletic accomplishments since graduation, in or out of their sport
  • Positive impact on the lives of others

Champion of OKWU Athletics

Selection Criteria

• Awarded to someone who has been involved with the OKWU athletic program or a specific sport for at least five years (examples include a volunteer, supporter, coach, trainer, statistician, faculty, staff, administrator, etc.)
• Lives as “One Sent” into their world (Matthew 28:18-20) to make a difference through:
  • Vibrant personal relationship with God
  • Godly character and integrity in public and private life
  • Respect for each person as someone created in the image of God
  • Integration of their faith in daily interactions
  • Defense of biblical truth and justice to all of humanity
• Advances the work of the Kingdom of God through:
  • Exemplary commitment to serving the athletic program or a specific sport in some capacity
  • Noteworthy and generous contributions of time, talent, and/or treasure which were integral in developing, strengthening, or growing the athletic program or a specific sport
  • Positive impact on the lives of others

To Make a Nomination

• Nominations for an Alumni Award or induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF) may be made by alumni, members of the OKWU community, or friends of OKWU.
• Nominations received by January 31 are considered for presentation that calendar year.
• Nominations received after January 31 are held for consideration the following year.
• Nomination information includes:
  • description of how the candidate meets the criteria for the specific award
  • information about career, education, honors, organizations, etc.
  • contact information for someone who knows the nominee well
  • if nominating an athlete for induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame, please provide documentation of athletic achievements and statistics
• We will conduct interviews and research, but the more information provided about the nominee, the stronger the nomination.
• Please do not tell others about the nomination.  We will inform recipients once they are selected.
• To nominate an individual, please either:
  • complete the nomination form online
    OR
  • mail the nomination information to:
    Alumni Office
    Oklahoma Wesleyan University
    2201 Silver Lake Road
    Bartlesville, OK 74006

Selection Procedures and Eligibility

• Nominations are accepted through January, followed by interviews and research.
• Recipients are chosen and notified in March; they are honored during Homecoming.
• A specific award or induction may or may not be granted every year.
• A specific award or induction is granted to an individual one time only.
• Alumni Board members or their family are not eligible for Alumni Awards or induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame during their term of service on the Board.