Southeastern to present Heritage, Benefactor awards at Homecoming

Press Release Date: 09-29-2010

DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University will present the Heritage and Benefactor Awards as part of Homecoming 2010.

The Heritage Award will be presented posthumously to Mr. John Props. This award honors individuals who have impacted the history of Southeastern in some unique way.

The Benefactor Award will be presented to the family of Amanda Whorton. It is awarded to individuals, businesses or foundations who support the University through financial means.

Both awards will be presented at the Distinguished Alumni/Former Faculty Awards Banquet at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.

John L. Props began his Southeastern teaching career in 1927 and retired in 1959 as a Professor of Chemistry and Chair of the Department of Physical Sciences.

Born in Center Point, Ark., in 1889, he started a 9-year career in country-school teaching after passing the county certification examination. He came to Southeastern and earned his lifetime teaching certificate in 1918 before completing his bachelor’s (1922) and master’s degrees (1927) at the University of Oklahoma.

Props served as Chair of the Physical Sciences Department and Dean of Men. For most of his years at SE he was the pre-medical advisor and no area of his work prompted greater appreciation. His service to medical school admission committees was called "invaluable" and "of monumental importance." His recommendation to medical school was like an appointment.

Props passed away July 26, 1972, leaving behind a multitude of grateful students and friends.

Arnold Walker served 19 years as Chair of SE’s Physical Sciences Department until his retirement in 1997. Walker said, "I came to Southeastern because of Mr. Props. His standards demanded hard work and he was outstanding at motivating his students to learn. He had the ability to recognize talent and career potential in his students. He was honest and frank with his opinions, insisted on hard work and the adherence to high moral standards. I loved the man like a father and I owe my career at Southeastern to him.

The Benefactor Award will be presented to Richard and Linda Whorton who have established the Amanda Kay Whorton Endowed Scholarship with the help of many family members, friends, residents of Caddo and Southeastern staff and faculty.

Amanda was a senior majoring in Business Administration when she was tragically killed in an automobile accident shortly before her graduation. Southeastern awarded her a Posthumous Bachelor’s Degree at the end of the Spring 2004 semester.

Amanda was a sports fan and loved playing softball. She was born in Durant and graduated from Caddo High School in 1998. She enjoyed attending Southeastern and Caddo football and baseball games. She was also a fan of the local band, "Potential Getaway Drivers," and served as the unofficial photographer.

Southeastern’s John Massey School of Business is proud to be a part of the scholarship and the Amanda Whorton Memorial Golf Tournament, which primarily funds the scholarship for students majoring in Business Management at Southeastern.

The first golf tournament was held in July 2005 and 12 students have received the Amanda Whorton scholarship since the 2005-06 school year. The tournament has raised a total in excess of $118,000. The goal was to reach three scholarships per year and that goal has been reached.