Local P.E.O. Chapter Establishes RSU Scholarship

Bailey Steckline dressed in cap and gown holding diploma.

Bailey Steckline of Claremore was selected as the inaugural recipient of the newly established P.E.O. Restricted Scholarship Fund.

A Rogers State University scholarship has been established thanks to a recent Claremore appearance by noted Oklahoma Mike Turpen that was organized the P.E.O. Chapter BM in Claremore.

Funds for the P.E.O. Restricted Scholarship were raised by the chapter, which arranged for Turpen to make an April 28 appearance in Claremore. Chapter officials expressed their gratitude for his efforts to raise money for scholarships through his appearance at this year’s Herrington Distinguished Lecture Series at RSU.

Bailey Steckline of Claremore was selected as the inaugural recipient of the newly established P.E.O. Restricted Scholarship Fund. Steckline, a valedictorian of Claremore High School’s 2016 class, will receive a $2,500 scholarship for the 2016-17 academic year as she begins her studies with plans to enter RSU’s nursing program.

P.E.O. is a philanthropic organization where women celebrate the advancement of women, educate women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. P.E.O. motivates women to achieve their highest aspirations. Local Chapter BM, through its annual book review, raises money for these programs. Believing in Rogers State University and its goal of affordable education, the organization has launched its P.E.O. Scholarship for outstanding women at RSU.

Turpen is the co-host of the long running, Emmy award-winning television show, “Flashpoint,” on KFOR in Oklahoma City. He presently practices law in Oklahoma City with the firm, Riggs, Abney, Neal, Turpen, Orbison and Lewis, and he serves a board member for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. While no longer serving in public office, Turpen has remained politically active, especially through his television show and regular online and newspaper columns. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2010, in addition to the many other awards and recognitions he has received during a lifetime of public and private service.

For more information, contact the RSU Foundation at 918-343-7773.