Stokes Honored with Rosalee Mills Appleby Award as Outstanding Senior Woman at OBU

Chloe Stokes of Shawnee received OBU’s Rosalee Mills Appleby Award, the highest award given for a senior woman at the University. The presentation was made by OBU President Dr. Heath A. Thomas in a surprise visit to her home.

Awards to outstanding seniors in all Colleges and Divisions are typically presented in a special awards chapel, which was not held this year due to the University’s move to distance learning. Instead, these students received a personal touch in their individual presentations.

The Rosalee Mills Appleby Award is named for the donor, a member of the class of 1920 who served for many years as a missionary, writer and teacher in Brazil. This award was established in 1936 as OBU's first award, and has been given annually since that time. The selection is made by a committee named by the University president. In making the selection, the committee chooses the woman of the graduating class who most nearly exemplifies the qualities which characterize the ideal OBU woman, including personal character, scholarship, leadership, concern for others, and Christian commitment.

Stokes is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in biblical languages and a minor in children’s ministry.

Dr. Joy Turner, director of Global Outreach, believes Stokes exemplifies the character traits recognized by this award.

“Chloe is an outstanding young lady. She has the heart of a servant, has demonstrated strong leadership skills and relates well to her peers and to faculty and staff. She is committed to her studies, missions, as she has served on multiple Global Outreach Trips, her family and the local church.”