Patricia Bear
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology-Okmulgee
I had gotten to know Tricia on a personal level since she started volunteering in Pete's Pantry and she is an exceptional human! OSUIT is lucky to have such a fine individual who has a heart so full of kindness and compassion for others. She has personally purchased clothing for our clothing closet because she is very aware of the need and wants to make sure students know they do not have to go without. She is an inspiration to her fellow classmates as well as to faculty and staff. Tricia demonstrates leadership in and out of the classroom on a daily basis and thrives in the community. Tricia Bear is the perfect candidate for the Newman Civic Fellowship.
Personal Statement
I am a culinary student at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology. I served in the military for 21 years. I’m a member of the OSUIT Future Chef Association, the National Honor Society, and the Veteran Service Officer for the VFW Post in Henryetta, Oklahoma. As a volunteer Veteran Service Officer, I help with the VFW feed the vets program, deliver and set up hospital beds for disabled veterans, and complete VA claims paperwork for veterans and their dependents. I’m also a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a Mission 22 ambassador who is united in the war against veteran suicide. I wrote a song about soldiers in 1999 called March on Soldiers and designed a picture montage video on my website: www.theamericansoldier.org to encourage all soldiers to never give up hope. I volunteer for all of the OSUIT culinary events including providing meals to the women’s shelter, distributing food to needy college students, and donating clothing to Pete's closet at OSUIT which provides dress clothes to college students to help them prepare for job or scholarship interviews. I have the exceptional ability to impact others with my compassion, work ethic, and dedication to philanthropic efforts.
