About the Jess Chouteau Outstanding Senior Award
The Jess Chouteau Outstanding Senior Award recognizes TU seniors who demonstrate exceptional achievement in both academic and service endeavors. The Jess Chouteau Outstanding Senior Award is bestowed upon no more than ten seniors each year. Winners are selected by alumni of The University of Tulsa.
2012 Jess Chouteau Outstanding Seniors
Claire Atkinson is the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Dean Atkinson of Edmond, Okla. A psychology/pre-med major, Claire is president of Delta Delta Delta sorority, vice president of membership for Order of Omega, Mortar Board membership chair and secretary of Alpha Epsilon Delta. Claire is a volunteer at Good Samaritan Health Services, a mentor at Big Brothers Big Sisters and has worked as a counselor at Diabetes Medical Camp. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend medical school and eventually practice pediatric endocrinology in Oklahoma.
Andrew S. Brooks is the son of Mark and Patricia Brooks of Woodbury, Minn. A double major in political science and economics, Andrew is a past president of John Mabee Hall Government. He is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, the National Residence Hall, the TU Honors Program and was a nominee for the 2011-2012 Harry S. Truman Scholarship. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a doctorate in comparative politics or international relations to later teach at a university.
Audrey M. Buxton is the daughter of Phil and Joyce Buxton of Springfield, Mo. A biochemistry major, Audrey is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority, Mortar Board, Iota Sigma Pi National Honor Society for Women in Chemistry and TU University Ambassadors. She volunteers at Tulsa’s Neighbor-for-Neighbor Dental Clinic and has donated her time to Ronald McDonald Care Mobile of the Ozarks, Habitat for Humanity and Children’s Miracle Network. In the future, she plans to attend dental school and work as a dentist in the military.
Jennifer Daer is the daughter of Todd (BS '84, MBA '86) and Kathie Daer (BS '85) of Tulsa. A double major in psychology and music, Jennifer is president of both Psi Chi Honor Society and Mortar Board Senior Honor Society and is a past recipient of the Outstanding Community Service Award in TU’s psychology department. Jennifer is a past Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Student Mentor and an online suicide intervention specialist at the QPR Institute for Suicide Prevention. Upon graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and earn a Ph.D. degree in clinical psychology.
Taber J. Hunt is the son of Gary and Lana Hunt of Fort Smith, Ark. An economics major, Taber has served as president and secretary of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity as well as vice president and treasurer of TU University Ambassadors. The Presidential Scholar and National Merit Scholar serves as a Will Rogers Mentor and currently volunteers with the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Relay for Life, Up With Trees, TU Service Day and Oklahoma Academy. After graduation, Taber plans to attend law school and obtain a federal clerkship or an international government office.
John Lepine is the son of TU alumni Bob (BS ’78) and Mary Ann Lepine (BSN ’77) of Little Rock, Ark. An economics major, John is a member of the TU Student Association, The Collegian newspaper staff, Reformed University Fellowship and the President’s Honor Roll. He is a past counselor and summer activity leader for New Life Ranch, a Christian camp based in Colcord, Okla. After graduation, John hopes to teach high school economics, history and English and eventually work in education administration and policy.
Sara Lewis is the daughter of Sharon and Andrew Lewis of Colorado Springs, Colo. A double major in economics and environmental policy, Sara is historian of Kappa Delta Sorority and a member of TU University Ambassadors, Mortar Board and TU’s Earth Matters club. She is a National Merit Finalist who volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, the Kendall Whittier Food Pantry and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. Sara plans to attend graduate school after graduation and pursue either a doctorate in economics or a master’s degree in public policy.
Rick Shipley is the son of Scott and Amy Shipley of St. Louis, Mo. An electrical engineering major, Rick is executive director of the TU Student Association Information Services, president of the Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society, vice president of IEEE and peer minister of the Newman Center. He is a member of Mortar Board Honor Society, Tau Beta Pi Honor Society and Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and the Newman Center and serves as a U.S. Secret Service student researcher. Upon graduation, Rick plans to earn a master’s degree in electrical engineering and work in TU’s nationally recognized Cyber Corps program.
Shaliah Denise Thierry is the daughter of Keith Thierry and Shamika Lucre-Thierry of Tulsa. A finance major, Shaliah is president of the National Association of Black Accountants and vice president of the Theta Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She is a TU University Ambassador and member of the Phi Beta Sigma Honor Society. Shaliah has volunteered at the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, the American Heart Association: Heart Walk, and Heifer International. After graduation, she plans to earn a Master’s of Business Administration and work as an investment banker.
Jake Turner is the son of Pat and Greg Turner of Warrensburg, Mo. A double major in sociology and economics, Jacob is a member of Lambda Chi Alpha, Student Economics Association, TU University Ambassadors and Mortar Board. He has served at the Tulsa Institute for Trauma, Abuse and Neglect, volunteered at Johnson County Adult Abuse Survival Center and worked as a researcher at the University of South Florida during the Hurricane Research Experience for Undergraduates. Upon graduation, he plans to earn a doctorate in sociology and eventually teach in the areas of social movements and environmental sociology.