ALVA, Okla. — Alana Shotpouch, senior social work major from Jay, has been honored with this year’s deSERVING Ranger Award from the Service-Learning and Civic Engagement (SL/CE) program at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
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
- Consistent work ethic and availability
Shotpouch serves as the secretary of the Northwestern Social Workers Association of Tomorrow (SWAT) chapter and has completed more than 200 service hours in volunteer opportunities with the Campus Cabinet Food Pantry, the Compassion in Action Dignity Drive, Day of Kindness in Northwest Oklahoma and the Garfield County Child Advocacy Center Wooden Children Project.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award,” Shotpouch said. “Serving my university and giving back to a community that has given me so much is truly a privilege. Thank you for this recognition.”
Even after completion of her service learning, she has remained a dedicated volunteer to the Campus Cabinet.
“Alana has spent the better part of two years being present, dependable and valued at our pantry,” said Angelia Case, Campus Cabinet Food Pantry coordinator. “She is a great leader and sets the standard for others. I trust her, I depend on her, and I’m so very happy she chose us to help.”
She also assisted with the Oklahoma Department of Human Servies (OKDHS) and Northwestern Social Work Department’s new Infant and Childhood Mental Health Grant Project in 2025.
“Alana has exemplified the highest standards of dedication and responsibility aligned with Northwestern’s vision for community impact,” said Dr. Kylene Rehder, professor of social work and chair of the Northwestern Department of Social Work. “What truly sets Alana apart is her embodiment of service beyond self-interest. She embodies the spirit of service, leadership and civic responsibility that Northwestern strives to promote.”
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.
To learn more about the Northwestern Campus Cabinet Food Pantry, visit their webpage or contact Case at arcase@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8577.
To learn more about Northwestern’s Department of Social Work, visit their webpage or contact Rehder at kdrehder@nwosu.edu or (580) 327-8135.
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Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: (580) 327-8480