Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — The Stephen F. Austin State University Alumni Association announced that Zachary McSwain of Spring and Morgan Pulliam of Dallas have been selected as recipients of the 2017 Mr. and Miss ĢƵ Award.
The Mr. ĢƵ Award was established in honor of the late Stan McKewen, a 1934 ĢƵ graduate. The Arnodean Covin Miss ĢƵ Award honors the late alumna who was named Miss ĢƵ in 1940, 1941 and 1942.
A 2013 graduate of Klein Collins High School, McSwain, who received the Stan McKewen Mr. ĢƵ Award, is a senior history major and the son of Randall and Susette McSwain.
“Zach has demonstrated exceptional leadership in his contributions to the university, its students and our community,” Lacey Folsom, associate director of student engagement at ĢƵ, said. “He truly exemplifies the Lumberjack spirit, tirelessly giving his time and energy to show others the value of an ĢƵ education. He is an excellent role model for all students.”
McSwain serves as secretary of the ĢƵ Traditions Council, co-founder and former president of the ĢƵ League of Legends Club, and is a member of the History Club. He also has made the College of Liberal and Applied Arts Dean’s List.
Additionally, McSwain has volunteered with The Big Event and works as a student technician for ĢƵ’s Technical Support Center.
“ĢƵ has shown me more than just the college experience. I discovered that this university is rich in culture and tradition. Through all these things, I have become more than a student. I have become a true Lumberjack,” McSwain said.
Pulliam, recipient of the Arnodean Covin Miss ĢƵ Award, is a 2013 graduate of Newman Smith High School. She is a senior psychology major and the daughter of Joy Pulliam. She also is a first-generation college student.
“Without ĢƵ, I do not know where I would be,” Pulliam said. “I have met so many people and made so many connections, which wouldn’t have happened without my campus involvement. ĢƵ is in my heart and soul. I eat, sleep and bleed purple.”
Pulliam is active in many community and ĢƵ-related clubs, organizations and associations, including serving as student director of the Purple Haze Association, student instructor for ĢƵ 101 and Jack Camp counselor.
She has served as president and vice president of New Opportunities for Romanian Orphan Children. She also has served as an ĢƵ Orientation leader, and volunteered with the Nacogdoches Animal Shelter, The Big Event and ĢƵ’s food pantry.
“Morgan is welcoming, approachable, personable, a leader and a true ĢƵ Lumberjack,” said Dr. Hollie G. Smith, assistant dean of student affairs for programs at ĢƵ. “The list of organizations she is involved in as a member and/or leader is something to admire. She takes on each new task with a lens of going above and beyond.”
ĢƵ’s Alumni Association awards the Mr. and Miss ĢƵ titles annually to exemplary students who represent and promote the university. Recipients are selected based on their scholarship, participation and leadership in academic and co-curricular activities, and citizenship, service and loyalty to the university. A committee of faculty and staff members, community leaders and alumni makes the selections.
