The Darci Sander Memorial Scholarship has been created to assist students in the science field, making it financially easier while attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
Darci Lynn Sander was a 2016 graduate from Seiling (Okla.) High School. She graduated as a National Merit Scholar and had her choice of many colleges. Following in her two siblings' footsteps, she chose to attend Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Okla., because it felt like home.
During her three years as a Ranger, Sander was a member of the President's Leadership Class and Student Government Association. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in 2019 and was awarded Outstanding Senior recognition. Sander had originally planned to further her education in medicine following her graduation from Northwestern, but in her post-graduate experience decided to combine her love of science with her passion for skin care and aesthetics. A week before she was to begin aesthetician training, Sander passed following a tragic automobile accident.
Sander was best known for her love and devotion to her family and friends. She loved to travel, enjoyed wine tastings, was a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, and would never pass up a good concert. Northwestern was a significant piece of Sander’s short but vibrant life. She had the fortunate opportunity to attend Northwestern entirely on scholarship. Sander’s family hopes her scholarship will help keep her memory and spirit alive through future Rangers as they follow their passions through education.
“Darci and her family are an important part of our Ranger Family,” said Dr. Bo Hannaford, Northwestern president. “She was a special young lady who had the world ahead of her. I am so happy this scholarship was established to honor her memory; this will help future students for years to come.”
Applicants must be incoming freshmen or continuing full-time students pursuing the field of science with preference given to pre-med (biology) majors. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. If applicants are continuing students, they must be involved in on-campus leadership organizations and be members of a departmental club/organization. If applicants are incoming freshman, they must have been involved in high school activities such as National Honor Society, Student Council, etc