Kylie Roper receives Raymond D. Thomas Award, several other prestigious honors from OSU

Friday, April 5, 2013

Kylie Roper grew up in Edmond, Okla., in a house that bled crimson and cream. Her father was an ecstatic University of Oklahoma fan. But when it came time to decide what to do with her life and where to focus her studies, Roper contemplated a decision between OU and Oklahoma State University 

After visiting the two schools, Roper said OSU made her feel more at ease and impressed her with its outstanding accounting program.

“I felt so much more at home (at OSU),” Roper said. “They’re both wonderful universities, but this was definitely the place I wanted to come and spend my four years, and call my home away from home.”

OSU embraced Roper with open arms and watched her succeed throughout the next four years. Roper, who will graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, was recently selected to receive one of the most coveted awards given to OSU students.

Roper was the recipient of the prestigious 2013 Raymond D. Thomas Award, given annually to the top senior in the Spears School of Business. A faculty committee in the business school votes who will receive the award and the $750 lifetime membership to the OSU Alumni Association.

As well as the Raymond D. Thomas Award, Roper was also selected as one of the 15 OSU Outstanding Senior recipients.

“I was honored to receive the Raymond D. Thomas Award this year,” Roper said. “I was so honored and humbled… I honestly had no idea and I am just so honored to be able to represent the Spears School of Business at graduation.”

Roper will carry a flag as a part of the opening ceremony to graduation and be the first business student to receive her diploma.

The 22-year-old is a member of Chi Omega sorority, Business Student Council, Beta Alpha Psi, and Order of Omega. In addition, she has been involved in numerous committee service projects and leadership positions on campus.

During her college career, Roper was chosen as a member of OSU’s homecoming royalty and crowned Homecoming Queen of 2012.

“Kylie Roper is an amazing example of the best of Oklahoma State University. She is not only an excellent student, as evidenced by this and other recognitions, but she is also actively involved in numerous campus and charitable organizations,” said Robert Cornell, head of the School of Accounting. “We commend Kylie for her achievements and wish her the best as she continues to set an example for all of us throughout OSU and the state of Oklahoma.”

Upon graduation, Roper plans to attend graduate school at OSU. After the completion of her master’s degree in accounting, she will begin working a fulltime job with Ernst & Young in Oklahoma City.