The Dick and Thamazin Harrison and Kelli (Harrison) Schnebel Scholarship was created for an educational opportunity to make it financially possible for Northwestern Oklahoma State University students to graduate debt-free. Kelli and her husband, Dr. Brock Schnebel, developed the scholarship to honor Kelli's parents, Dick and Thamazin.
Education and Northwestern are important to this family. Brock and Kelli are Northwestern graduates, which they believe positioned them to succeed. Brock majored in biology and chemistry, and Kelli majored in business. The small class size and accessibility to their professors were important to the Schnebels, and were two of the things they enjoyed most about Northwestern. They both graduated in 1977.
Following graduation, Brock and Kelli moved to Oklahoma City. Kelli worked to help put Brock through medical school. They eventually started their family, which includes four children and nine grandchildren. Their family is the center of their lives.
Brock became an orthopedic surgeon at McBride Clinic and served as the head team physician for the University of Oklahoma Athletic Department. He also served as the head physician for the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team. Brock and Kelli are retired in Oklahoma City and are enjoying their family.
The Harrisons strongly supported the Alva community and Northwestern academics and sports. Among other activities, they were charter members of the Alva Community Theatre, Act 1, and served as Rainbow mom and dad to Masonic youth. They also mentored and read to students at Lincoln and Longfellow Elementary Schools. The Harrisons shared their love for Northwestern by giving to the Millennium Club and the President's Association, as well as attending Ranger athletic events.
The Harrisons’ lives were robust with accomplishment and service. They epitomized the northwest Oklahoma ideals of hard work and lifelong learning that have built Northwestern and its community into a driving force.
“What a wonderful way for Kelli to honor her parents with this scholarship,” said Dr. Bo Hannaford, President, Northwestern Oklahoma State University. “I am so thankful to her and her husband Brock for everything they do for Northwestern. This will make a difference for our students and is greatly appreciated.”
Applicants must be enrolled full-time with a minimum 3.0 GPA and be from Woods County or Alfalfa County. Applicants must be studying Theatre, Business, Healthcare Sciences, Chemistry, Biology or Math and be involved in on-campus activities.
For more information about the Dick and Thamazin Harrison and Kelli (Harrison) Schnebel Scholarship or investing in students at Northwestern, contact Skeeter Bird, CEO, Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association, at [email protected] or 580-327-8593.