Bishop Buck, a senior social work student at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, has been honored with this year’s deSERVING Ranger Award from the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SL/CE) program.
Kaylyn Hansen, director of assessment and institutional effectiveness who also leads the service-learning and civic engagement program, said each spring the award recognizes an outstanding Northwestern student who demonstrates the following :
- Dedication to service and a sense of responsibility to the Northwestern service-learning and civic engagement vision
- Serves as a community service model for other students
- Exceptional leadership and organizational skills and
- Consistent work ethic and availability
The Vinton, Virginia, native has completed more than 100 service hours in volunteer opportunities. A few of these activities include her involvement with the Compassion in Action Dignity Drive, Thanksgiving-themed food drive for the Campus Cabinet, Primp for Prom, Child Abuse Prevention Month initiatives, Baseball and Apple Pie event with the Northwestern Foundation and Alumni Association, Warmth for Winter Coat Drive, Homecoming Ranger Run and others.
Buck said she has always known that she was meant to help and serve others. She said her involvement with the Northwestern Social Work Department, J.R. Holder Wellness Center and Northwest Family Services in Alva have allowed her to pursue her dreams. Buck said she loves being able to serve others because it is the best way to learn.
“You see new perspectives and are pushed outside your comfort zone, but that is when you grow the most as a person,” Buck said. “Any opportunity that is presented to me, I do my best to take advantage of it because I want to grow and help anyone I possibly can.”
Buck serves as the vice president of the Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) and through this club, she takes the most pride in their Dignity Drive. This year the group collected personal hygiene items and delivered them to Taft Elementary School in Enid and Alva Middle School. Buck said she understands that not every family can afford these items, and the group wanted to make sure these items were accessible for these students.
“Bishop embodies ‘service’ and elevates service to others above self-interest on a daily basis,” Dr. Kylene Rehder, professor of social work and chair of the Department of Social Work, said. “She volunteers her time to help anyone in need and is the bright spot to all of her fellow students and community members who pass through the wellness center.”
Buck also served as a peer leader for a fall 2022 Ranger Connection class and said the experience taught her more than she ever expected.
“Forming relationships with the freshmen provided me with so much gratitude,” Buck said.
Buck said working at the J.R. Holder Wellness Center has been a positive experience getting to meet the community members of Alva along with Northwestern employees and students.
“Bishop is an outstanding young woman who exemplifies selflessness and service,” Olivia Yandel, J. R. Holder Wellness Center director, said. “She has done a tremendous amount of work assisting with various community service events, several of which she held a leadership position in making sure that the event ran smoothly and was successful.”
The deSERVING Ranger Award is awarded once a year to a qualified Northwestern student who is nominated by a Northwestern faculty or staff member. The award started in 2015 and has been awarded to students from a variety of majors.
Buck said she knows how important it can be to have someone be consistent and reliable in life, and that is what she wants to be to others around her.
“I believe strongly in the importance of human relationships,” Buck said. “Everyone deserves to feel like they belong and are valued. I keep this at the forefront of my mind in all my interactions.”
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu, (580) 327-8480