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  • October 2, 2026
  • Sean Doherty

Northwestern Receives Award for Support of Employees Serving in National Guard, Reserves

Six people stand in front of a bronc-rider wall emblem in the Student Center Ranger Room; Steve Maier and Paul Ray jointly hold the Pro Patria Award plaque.
Military personnel, Northwestern administrators and faculty gathered in the Ranger Room Friday, Sept. 25, to receive the Pro Patria Award from the Oklahoma Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). From left: Lt. Col. Darral Garner, Force Support Squadron commander of the 184th Wing, Kansas Air National Guard, at McConnell AFB in Wichita, Kansas; 2nd Lt. Kirk Rogers, of the 184th Force Support Squadron and Northwestern instructor of criminal justice; Dr. Steve Maier, Northwestern vice president for academic affairs; Chief Master Sgt. (Ret.) Paul Ray, state chair of the Oklahoma ESGR; Dr. Roxie James, dean of faculty; and Dr. Eric Schmaltz, chair of the Northwestern Department of Social Sciences.

ALVA, Okla. — Northwestern Oklahoma State University received the Oklahoma Committee of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s (ESGR) highest state-level honor during a presentation Friday, Sept. 25, in the Student Center Ranger Room on the Alva campus.

About the Pro Patria Award

Retired Chief Master Sergeant Paul Ray, State Chair of the Oklahoma ESGR Committee, presented the Pro Patria Award in recognition of Northwestern’s support of employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

Nomination and University Representatives

2nd Lt. Kirk Rogers of the 184th Force Support Squadron and criminal justice instructor in Northwestern’s Department of Social Sciences, nominated Northwestern for this award. University representatives associated with the recognition include:

  • Dr. Eric J. Schmaltz, chair of the Department of Social Sciences
  • Dr. Roxie James, university dean of faculty
  • Dr. Steve Maier, university vice president for academic affairs
  • Dr. Bo Hannaford, university president

“Northwestern is proud to support those who serve our nation while also serving our university community,” Schmaltz said.

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) works to strengthen cooperation between Reserve Component service members and their civilian employers. Its motto, “We All Serve,” emphasizes the shared contributions of service members, families, employers and communities.

Media Contact:

Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: 580-327-8480

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