SWOSU Physics Banquet Celebrates Student Achievements

Front (left to right): Pres. Diana Lovell, Clinton Lloyd, Austin Jones, Christopher Svebek, Cody Conrady, Andres Arrieta, Isaac Martyn, Dr. Terry Goforth.

Back (left to right): Dr. Wayne Trail, Ethan Layman, Mason Hart, Benjamin Smith, Gunner Snowden, Geoffrey Marlow, Dr. Tony Stein.

The 2024 Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Physics Banquet was hosted on April 27 at the Stafford Air & Space Museum, with over 50 guests in attendance. Attendees arriving early had the opportunity to explore the museum's exhibits before dinner.

The awards ceremony featured the induction of two new members into the SWOSU chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, the national Physics Honor Society. Several awards were presented, and the achievements of students were recognized, including the awarding of scholarships to ten recipients for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Award winners (left to right): Isaac Martyn, Gunner Snowden, Ethan Layman, Bryce Lagunas, Mason Hart, Cody Conrady, Austin Jones, Christopher Svebek, Goeffrey Marlow, Benjamin Smith, Andres Arrieta.

Winners not pictured: Jonathon Barrett, Tristen Fleck, Clinton Lloyd, Tess Tracy.

The honorees for the evening included the following students:

• Andres Arrieta: Senior; Weatherford, OK; Distinguished Service Award; Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Graduate.

• Isaac Martyn: Junior; Weatherford, OK; Sigma Pi Sigma Induction; JR Pratt Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Clinton Lloyd: Freshman; Weatherford, OK; McClelland Memorial Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Bryce Lagunas: Sophomore; Sayre, OK; Outstanding New Physics Club Member.

• Austin Jones: Freshman; Elk City, OK; Benny J. Hill Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Cody Conrady: Junior; Canton, OK; Ray C. Jones Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Gunner Snowden: Junior; Calumet, OK; Benny J. Hill Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Jonathon Barrett: Freshman; Anadarko, OK; Benny J. Hill Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Mason Hart: Senior; Enid, OK; Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Graduate; Graduating with Honors; J.R. Pratt Award for Outstanding Student in Physics.

• Benjamin Smith: Senior; Edmond, OK; SWOSU Distinguished Student Award; Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Graduate; Graduating with Honors; J.R. Pratt Award for Outstanding Student in Physics.

• Tristen Fleck: Freshman; Blanchard, OK; J.R. Pratt Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Tess Tracy: Junior; Stillwater, OK; J.R. Pratt Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Ethan Layman: Freshman; Spearman, TX; Garabed Armoudian Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000.

• Geoffrey Marlow: Senior; Flower Mound, TX; Sigma Pi Sigma Induction; SWOSU Distinguished Student Award; Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Graduate; Graduating with Honors; J.R. Pratt Award for Outstanding Student in Physics.

• Christopher Svebek: Junior; Siloam Spring, AR; J.R. Pratt Scholarship, $1,000; OSRHE STEM Workforce Development Scholarship, $1,000; Leadership Award.

Dr. Wayne Trail, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry & Physics and club sponsor for the Rocket Dawgs, provided updates on the students' extracurricular activities, highlighting the Rocket Dawgs' third consecutive victory in the Argonia Cup, an annual rocketry competition. SWOSU President Diana Lovell expressed her support for the program and the university's rocketry team.

The awards banquet concluded with an address by 2014 SWOSU alumnus Tyler Overton of Texas instruments. During his time at SWOSU, Overton studied Engineering Physics and played baseball. He shared insights into the field of semiconductors in his talk, "Semiconductors-An overview of transistors, component isolation problems, and problems along the way," in which he discussed transistor isolation techniques, problems encountered during production, and practical advice for students entering the workforce. Overton emphasized the importance of practical experience and problem-solving skills in the industry, ending with personal advice on maintaining mental and physical well-being for a fulfilling life.

SWOSU congratulates all student awardees and looks forward to their continued success in the field of physics and beyond.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Since 1901, Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) has proudly stood on the hilltop in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Offering over 100 affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon, SWOSU provides a diverse range of academic opportunities with high-quality education to its students. The university boasts a vibrant community of nearly 5,000 scholars and over 200 dedicated faculty and staff. With strong academic programs and a commitment to excellence, SWOSU continues to be a top choice for students seeking a quality education.

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