Thelma Crouch will lead Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s annual homecoming parade as its marshal starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, on Alva’s downtown square.
A 1960 graduate of Northwestern, Crouch earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university.
Crouch served as the alumni director at Northwestern, 1979-1988. She refers to this as a rewarding time that she will always remember. She enjoyed getting to know the graduates and honoring those who graduated many years before.
Beginning with head coach Woody Roof in 1983, she began making cookies for all of the football team’s away games and continues the tradition still. She has earned the nickname “The Cookie Lady” by the players.
“It has been fun getting to know them,” Crouch said. “They thank me for the cookies even after they’ve graduated. There are now coaches who were players that I made cookies for.”
She served as the secretary for career services, 1988-1992, and was director of career services from 1992-2000. She retired in 2000 and has remained an enthusiastic Ranger fan. After retirement, Crouch established the Thelma Crouch Staff Employee of the Year Award.
“I noticed how the faculty and administration were recognized for their efforts, and I felt the employees behind the faculty and administration deserved credit for their efforts,” Crouch said.
To be eligible for the staff award, one must be a full time employee in good standing at Northwestern for at least five years. They are nominated by students and employees of the university. The recipient is chosen based on the following areas: professionalism and dedication to excellent service by putting forth the extra effort; continuously seeks innovative ideas to improve services for the benefit of students and Northwestern; and shows outstanding “Ranger Pride.”
Crouch served on the Northwestern Foundation Board of Trustees for several years and in 2015, received the first Outstanding Ranger Spirit award from the Northwestern Foundation and Alumni Association during its annual spring alumni reunion banquet.
Dr. David Pecha, Homecoming chairman and vice president for administration, noted how honored the university is to have Crouch serve as this year’s marshal.
“Each year the Homecoming Committee receives a number of parade marshal recommendations,” Pecha said. “This year the homecoming committee chose a true ‘Northwestern treasure’ as parade marshal. I have known Thelma for many years both as a co-worker and as a friend. I can attest that she truly lives and shares the Ranger Spirit every day. Her contributions to the university and the Alva community are endless.”
All three members of Crouch’s immediate family graduated from Northwestern. Her husband Allen graduated in 1960 followed by her son Tony in 1986 and daughter, Linda Kidd, in 1988.
“Serving Northwestern for 21 years has enriched my life,” Crouch said. “Coming from a small country school, I didn’t have the advantages that a lot of graduates had, and going to Northwestern has made a big difference in my life.”
For more information on the homecoming schedule visit www.www.nwosu.edu/homecoming.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu 580-327-8480