17 scholarships awarded at Women for OSU Symposium

Amy Mitchell named Philanthropist of the Year 

(STILLWATER, Okla., April 27, 2026) — Women for OSU awarded 17 scholarships to Oklahoma State University students on Thursday at its annual symposium, which was presented by Bank of Oklahoma.

These scholars have a strong passion for philanthropy and display leadership in their communities. The recipients’ dedication to help others includes making a difference in areas such as education and mentorship, health care access, community service and outreach, and support for underserved and underrepresented populations.

Two student Philanthropists of the Year were also selected: Kevin Kuteesa of Mukono, Uganda, and Carleen Mejia Perez of Collinsville, Oklahoma. The complete list of Women for OSU student scholars includes:

• Kevin Kuteesa | Mukono, Uganda
• Student Philanthropist of the Year
  • Master of Business Administration, Entrepreneurship | 2027
• Carleen Mejia Perez | Collinsville, Oklahoma
• Student Philanthropist of the Year
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine | 2027
• Trell Amoss | Albia, Iowa
  • Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness | 2027
• Sydney Bales | Bixby, Oklahoma
  • Applied Exercise Science | 2026
• Cayden Brickman | Stillwater, Oklahoma
  • Microbiology: Pre-Medical Sciences | 2026
• Carly Clark | Edmond, Oklahoma
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine | 2027
• Eden Dowell Canard | Edmond, Oklahoma
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine | 2028
• Kyleigh Harrell | Roland, Oklahoma
  • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine | 2028
• Ivy Hartman | Kingfisher, Oklahoma
  • Applied Exercise Science | 2027
• Gracie Maschmeier | Edmond, Oklahoma
  • Human Nutrition: Pre-Medical Sciences | 2027
• Lily Meyer | Stillwater, Oklahoma
  • Physiology: Pre-Medical Sciences | 2027
• Bridget Nye | Edmond, Oklahoma
  • Multimedia Journalism| 2027
• Andi Reuter | Stillwater, Oklahoma
  • Data Analytics | 2028
• Nicholas Ssebalamu | Wakiso, Uganda
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Soil Science | 2028
• Sachinthani Ayabadda Devage | Sri Lanka
• Ike and Marybeth Glass Women for OSU Endowed Scholarship
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry | 2027
• Lindsay Owens | Sand Springs, Oklahoma
• Sandra K. Trennepohl Women for OSU Endowed Scholarship
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences | 2029
• Spring Sendele | Rozet, Wyoming
• Sheryl Benbrook Women for OSU Endowed Student Scholarship
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Sciences | 2027

The Women for OSU Symposium celebrates the Cowboy family’s culture of philanthropy. Since its inception, the group has awarded nearly $900,000 to 185 student scholars, said Blaire Atkinson, OSU Foundation president.

“We are doing so much more than awarding scholarships. We are investing in future leaders and difference makers,” she said. “And our scholars demonstrate that their mission of philanthropy continues. In total, past scholars have given more than $266,000 to OSU.”

The annual symposium also honored Amy Mitchell as the 2026 Women for OSU Philanthropist of the Year.

Mitchell, a 1983 OSU graduate, has made a tremendous impact on campus through her giving over the years. In 2008, Amy and her husband, Malone, made a $57.2 million gift that benefited the Spears School of Business and OSU Athletics. The Mitchells, founders of Riata Energy, have supported numerous entrepreneurship initiatives at OSU, and Amy has held numerous leadership roles on campus promoting philanthropy within the Cowboy family.

Along with student scholarships, Women for OSU also selected four “Partnering to Impact: Campus Grants Program” award recipients. Partnering to Impact is a donor-funded program that awards grants up to $15,000 each to areas at OSU that focus on four initiatives: Health and Wellness, Education, Campus Beautification, or Arts and Culture.

This year’s recipients include:

• Dr. Diane Cannon, DNP, MHA, RN 

College of Education and Human Sciences

“Empowering Advanced Practice Nurses as Entrepreneurs: Expanding Access to Care in Oklahoma”

• Dr. Ina Agnew, Kyle Allen and Kamie Crawford 
  Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology 

“The Women for OSU Wellness Courts: Fostering Intergenerational Health and Community Connection”

• Claire Leffingwell and Dr. Aleigha Mariott

Campus Life, Division of Student Affairs 

“Support Within Reach: Marketing Campaign for Victim Advocacy Services”

• Dr. Nicole Tracy-Ventura and Dr. Sara Loss
  College of Arts and Sciences, Department of English
  “Critical AI Literacy for English Teachers: Building an Open Educational Resource Hub”

The event also hosted keynote speaker Jill Donovan — the founder of Rustic Cuff, a jewelry business known for its meaningful designs and deep connections they create. As a national speaker, Donovan uses her signature storytelling and humor to share messages of hope, freedom and faith with audiences across the country.

“Amy Mitchell exemplifies what it means to answer The Code Calls — to live with generosity, lead with purpose and invest boldly in the next generation,” Atkinson said. “Through her philanthropy, leadership and steadfast commitment to Oklahoma State, Amy has helped shape opportunities that reach far beyond campus. Honoring her alongside our student scholars and campus partners at the Women for OSU Symposium is a powerful reminder of how the Cowboy family comes together to make a lasting difference in lives across OSU and our state.”

Next year’s Women for OSU Symposium will be held on April 22, 2027. It will feature keynote speaker Courtenay DeHoff, a 2011 Oklahoma State University graduate in agricultural communications and former OSU rodeo team member. DeHoff is known as a dynamic keynote speaker, television personality and proud Cowgirl dedicated to sharing the story of agriculture.

A producer, storyteller and founder of the global movement, Fancy Lady Cowgirl, she has inspired audiences worldwide and shared the stage with leaders and celebrities alike, most recently addressing more than 65,000 attendees at the National FFA Convention. Through her work — including co-hosting Backroad Cowgirls — DeHoff is passionate about bridging rural and urban communities and empowering women to overcome self-doubt and live authentically.

To learn how you can support Women for OSU and its programs, contact wosu@osugiving.com. For more information about the Women for OSU Symposium and to see a complete listing of event sponsors, visit OSUgiving.com/women.

About the OSU Foundation

The Oklahoma State University Foundation serves as the private fundraising organization for OSU, as designated by the OSU Regents. Its mission is to unite donor passions with university priorities to elevate the impact of OSU.

About Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a premier land-grant university that prepares students for success. Through teaching, research and Extension, OSU engages communities and empowers servant-leaders to meet society’s most pressing challenges. OSU is the largest university system in Oklahoma and has more than 36,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 27,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and more than 127 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 300,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.