The Office of Development and Alumni Relations has
announced the establishment of the Loreta Vaughan and William “Bill”
Walker Scholarship Endowment at Western Oklahoma State College.
The Walker Scholarship Endowment has been established by their
children and spouses as a reminder that the Walkers succeeded in
life against all odds. They did this, in particular, by providing an
education for their children that has allowed them to become
successful. Loreta and Bill Walker are role models in their strong
work ethic and strength of character.
The Walkers are both descendants of pioneering Jackson County
families. They were both reared in Altus and attended Altus schools.
Loreta is the daughter of Sterling and Irene Vaughan, and Bill is
the son of William Gardner and Billie Faye Walker. Loreta and Bill
were married on June 25, 1949. Their children are Stephanie Kay,
Kristi Lynn and William Bradley “Brad” Walker.
Except for nine years working in a medical lab, Loreta devoted her
life to being a homemaker and mother. Bill served his country four
years during World War II and the Korean War. In 1954 Bill began his
38 year career with Conoco Oil Company in Ponca City. While employed
with Conoco, Bill was transferred to Korea, and the Walkers lived in
Seoul for four years. During this time Loreta taught English
conversation.
At the time of his retirement in 1992, Bill was serving as manager
of manufacturing operation of the Concarb Division for Witco
Corporation in Houston.
The Walkers returned to Altus in 1995 to enjoy retirement, which has
afforded them opportunities to enjoy their friends and family. It is
not uncommon for Loreta to spend leisure time exercising at the
swimming pool at Western Oklahoma State College.
Bill is an avid golfer who claims the heat or cold is the best time
to play. As parents, Loreta and Bill are known as encouragers and
have always demonstrated a positive attitude in all life’s
endeavors. These outstanding qualities have been recognized by
family members, friends and colleagues.
Members of the family that are making a commitment to fund the
Loreta Vaughan and William “Bill” Walker Scholarship Endowment are
Stephanie Kay and D. Craig Brater, Kristi Lynn Walker and William
Bradley “Brad” and Valerie Walker.
To be considered for selection, the student(s) must be a full time
student enrolled or planning to enroll at Western Oklahoma State
College pursuing a degree program in any academic field of study.
The recipient(s) must have a desire to achieve a four-year degree
program. The student(s) must have at least a 2.5 GPA based upon a
4.0 grading scale. The scholarship may be retained as long as the
student(s) maintains a 2.5 GPA while attending Western Oklahoma
State College.
The scholarship is intended to provide funding for student(s) from
the Western Oklahoma State College primary geographic area of
service, which includes the counties of Jackson, Kiowa, Harmon,
Greer and Tillman or within a 150 mile radius of Altus. The
recipient(s) must demonstrate a strong work ethic, be of good
character and have a positive attitude.
For more information about the scholarship, contact Larry Duffy,
Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, at 580.477.7705
or larry.duffy@wosc.edu.
