OSU Institute of Technology's annual Student Scholarship & Donor Recognition Banquet was held on March 23, which honored students for their academic achievement and provided an opportunity for donors to visit with the students positively impacted by their generosity. 

"We are delighted to allow the opportunity for student recipients to sit down across the table and meet the people responsible for the scholarships received," said Dr. Bill Path, OSUIT president. "We appreciate the generosity of our donors, and we love our students, and we know each of them will go on to do great things."

OSUIT Culinary Arts students prepared the dinner and served guests in the State Room on campus.

Jennifer Ellis, vice president of distribution operations at the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, shared with the audience the importance of OSUIT's High Voltage Line Technician program on the industry. 

PSO's partnership with OSUIT spans over two decades and has been recognized with the Regents Business Partnership Experience Award in 2022. Their support is shown through participation in the advisory board, internship and job opportunities, scholarships and annual rescue training for students.  

"PSO really values its partnership with OSUIT," said Ellis. "The High Voltage Lineman Technician program is a huge benefit to PSO in terms of students coming into the workforce. A large majority of our line person positions are made up of OSUIT graduates."

Grace Mitchell relayed a message of gratitude as a recipient of the PSO/AEP Diversity High Voltage Lineperson Scholarship Fund. She shared her experience as a student pursuing an Associate in Applied Science in High Voltage Line Technician from the School of Engineering & Construction Technologies. 

"Deciding to go to OSUIT is one of the best I've ever made. I thoroughly enjoy my classes and instructors. I am currently on my first internship at PSO/AEP Okmulgee, which is going very well. I greatly appreciate how much I've learned about the high voltage industry and the company PSO/AEP. I specifically like their attention to safety and their employee's willingness to create a good working and learning environment," Mitchell said. 

Through her internship at PSO, Mitchell shared with the audience that she is learning new skills and is excited to begin a successful career as a female line person in a male-dominated field. 

"Not only does receiving this scholarship provide financial stability, but it's very encouraging to know that the company I work for fully supports women in the industry. Being a woman in this industry can be challenging. Still, with the support of PSO/AEP, along with the outpouring of support and encouragement I've received from OSUIT, I can confidently say I cannot wait to be a lineman," said Mitchell.

OSUIT President Bill R. Path closed the evening with a thought for students to remember.

"I want you to remember this time in your life and the generosity of donors as you go on to become successful in your industry and life," said Dr. Bill Path. "I hope one day you can come back to this banquet as a donor and share your story and success with a student scholarship recipient."

To learn more about becoming a scholarship contributor for OSUIT students, contact Charlie Carroll with the OSU Foundation at 405.332.6298 or visit the OSU Foundation website at osugiving.com/your-passion/osuit.

If you are a student interested in more information on receiving scholarships at OSUIT, contact the Student Financial Services Office at osuitfinancialaid@okstate.edu.