Women for RSU scholarship recipients were Sophia Lowery (from left), Hanna Owen and Aubrey Mills.
Keynote speaker for the 2023 Women for RSU Banquet was Safenet Services Director Jody Moore, who spoke about the importance of community and mentorship.
Connections, support and the importance of mentor/mentee relationships were highlighted at this year’s Women for RSU Banquet.
Held April 27, the annual banquet brought together women from all backgrounds and walks of life to celebrate the importance of community, to recognize local women making a difference, to hear words of encouragement and affirmation, and to present scholarships to several deserving RSU students.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Safenet Services director and RSU alumna Jody Moore, who shared her own journey, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and support systems.
“I believe there’s something special about women building each other up, about speaking into each other’s lives,” Moore said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without a mentor. Mentors often see things in us that we do not see in ourselves. My mentors called out things in me that I didn’t think I was capable of, and if you have a good mentor, they’ll tell you the hard things, the things you don’t want to hear, but need to hear.
“When I heard that RSU was kicking off the Women for RSU initiative, I was so excited, because mentorship has played such a key role in my life,” she said. “I’m so proud of each of you for making this a priority. When we work together in community, we can accomplish so much more.”
Following the recognition of contributors and seniors, $500 scholarships were awarded to RSU students Sophia Lowery, whose mentor is Dr. Mary Millikin, associate vice president for academic affairs; Hanna Owen, whose mentor is Dr. Susan Willis, dean of the School of Professional Studies; and Aubrey Mills, whose mentor is Janet Valencia, outreach and development chair for Women for RSU.
Women for RSU is a group that exists to create meaningful opportunities that empower female students through building and sustaining a group of leaders who provide mentoring and networking opportunities, engaging students through unique programming opportunities, and providing annual scholarships to deserving students involved in the program.
Persons interested in mentoring an RSU student may contact the RSU Foundation at 918-343-8357 or by email at [email protected]. For more information, visit www.rsu.edu/WomenForRSU.
 RSU student Sophia Lowery (left) is all smiles after being named a scholarship recipient at the 2023 Women for RSU Banquet. Lowery’s mentor, Dr. Mary Millikin, associate vice president for academic affairs, congratulates her. |
 Dr. Susan Willis, dean of the School of Professional Studies (left) congratulates her mentee Hanna Owen on receiving a scholarship from Women for RSU at the group’s annual banquet. |
 Aubrey Mills received a $500 scholarship at the 2023 Women for RSU Banquet. Aubrey is mentored by Janet Valencia, outreach and development chair for Women for RSU. |