Hammack Receives J.R.P. Sewell Award

Goodwell, Okla. — 2019 Graduate Hannah Hammack was named this year’s J.R.P. Sewell Award winner at the 109th Oklahoma Panhandle State University Commencement on Thursday, May 9, 2019.

Hammack was selected from a strong class of graduating seniors. She has been an outstanding presence on campus as a Student Ambassador, an officer in Block and Bridle, an officer in the Shooting Sports club, a Residential Assistant (RA) for three years and Head RA for one year.

In addition, Hammack competed as a member of the Equestrian Team, earning regional honors at two Intercollegiate Horse Show Association competitions. Through her campus involvement, she served as a representative for the University by going to the Higher Education Day at the State Capital and the National FFA Convention in Indiana. Hannah received the 2018 Undergraduate Scholastic Achievement Award for the American Society of Animal Science and is Panhandle State’s Outstanding Animal Science Student for 2019.

Hammack graduated with honors (cum laude) earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and she is continuing her career at Panhandle State as an Admissions Counselor.

“What an absolute honor it is to receive such a prestigious award. I was completely shocked. I knew I was one of the top five finalists but I didn’t think anything of it. I will always love being a part of the Panhandle family,” Hammack commented.

Originally from Mead, Colo., Hannah great enjoys Panhandle especially “how nice and kind the people are. I have grown up in a small agricultural town, so going to school in one makes me feel at home.”

In the future, Hammack would like to pursue a master’s degree in Animal Science. Currently, she is most excited to continue her career at Panhandle State, a place that is so near and dear to her. “I love showing prospective students what an amazing University OPSU is and why I love it.”

On behalf of the Sewell family, Hammack was presented with a gold watch, symbolic of her recognition as the J.R.P. Sewell Outstanding Graduate.

The J.R.P. Sewell Award was established in 1949 in memory of the late J.R.P. Sewell. A former Texas banker and civic worker, Mr. Sewell was instrumental in establishing and organizing the Panhandle Agricultural Institute, now known as Oklahoma Panhandle State University, in Goodwell.
This award was established to promote and honor scholarship, leadership, and citizenship among students attending Panhandle State. Only those graduating seniors who have completed all of their coursework at Panhandle State and have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) are eligible.