The Anita Hairston Scholarship
The Anita Hairston scholarship was established to honor the legacy of the founding member of the Tulsa Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. She founded Alpha Xi Sigma Chapter on November 12, 1944. She was the first African American female to receive a Masters Degree from the University of Tulsa in 1952.
2023-2024 Scholarship Recipients
Education is the Passport to the Future
Since 1996, over 125 students have received over $150,000 from the Anita Hairston Scholarship, Sigma Gamma Rho Senior Stipends, Anna B. House Scholarship, and the Philo Affiliate Scholarship.
Meet the 2024 Recipients...
JoAnna Hefton received science kits to develop her critical thinking skills at a young age. By age ten, she was so engrossed in these projects that she took them over from her older brother. She built a spin art machine and a Bluetooth speaker, to name a few. This sparked her passion for engineering.
She is particularly focused on Mechatronics and Robotics, whether it's building robots with Artificial Intelligence or designing the next best roller coaster. Her dream job is to become an Imagineer at Walt Disney World, bringing joy and magic to families as she experienced during her childhood visits to Disney parks.
Attending Oklahoma State University will provide the best opportunity to pursue her dream. OK State offers the best engineering program, specializing in Mechatronics and Robotics. Despite the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated field, she is determined to excel. Her competitive spirit and creativity have led to notable achievements, such as her AP Calculus BC project displayed at Will Rogers College High School.
Kennedy Thomas' passion for science and dedication to serving others drive her ambition. She hopes to use her skills to help surgical patients feel better and experience less discomfort. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is deeply committed to community service, actively participating in local food drives trash pick-ups, and as a fellow with the Terrance Crutcher Foundation. These experiences have not only enriched her community but also taught her the value of working alongside diverse groups and organizing community-centered events.
These experiences fuel her ambition to become an anesthesiologist, and she is determined to continue her community engagement. She believes in the importance of community-led health actions, awareness campaigns, and involving community leaders in healthcare decisions to build trust and develop culturally sensitive solutions.
Previous Scholarship Recipients
