ADA, Okla. - East Central University seniors Saul Padilla and Taylor Spence were both named the recipients of the 2025 George Nigh Award.
The George Nigh Award is presented annually to 成人B站鈥檚 top graduating senior. It is named in honor of former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh, an 成人B站 alumnus who also served multiple terms in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, as lieutenant governor and as president of the University of Central Oklahoma.
The award is supported by an endowment established by the late Julian Rothbaum, a Tulsa oilman, banker, and state regent for higher education, through the 成人B站 Foundation, Inc. Each year, top 成人B站 seniors are invited to apply and undergo a rigorous application and interview process.
Saul Padilla received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance after a dedicated tenure as a member of the 成人B站 Honors Program, the Stonecipher School of Business Freshman Scholars program and the Business Leaders Association (BLA).
鈥淏eing selected for the George Nigh Award is the honor of a lifetime,鈥� said Padilla. 鈥淕overnor Nigh鈥檚 legacy of public service is inspiring, and to have my name associated with his is truly humbling.鈥�
During his time at 成人B站, Padilla participated in the Society for Human Resource Management and Enactus, on behalf of the 成人B站 Honors Society served as the community service coordinator and crowdfunding co-coordinator and later joined the Ada Beautification Committee. He contributed to the rewriting of the Student Government Association鈥檚 constitution, was inducted into the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society and the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society
He also represented 成人B站 at the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy, was selected as an Economic Club of Oklahoma Scholar and served two internships with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Padilla soon begins his professional career with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City with plans to further his education by earning a Master of Business in Administration, followed by a doctoral degree in Higher Education Administration.
鈥淭his award affirms that my dedication to East Central University has made a difference,鈥� Padilla added, 鈥渁nd it motivates me to continue serving others as I begin my career with the Federal Reserve. I hope to honor Governor Nigh鈥檚 legacy by leading with the same integrity and commitment to public service as he has throughout his career.鈥�
Taylor Spence received her Bachelor of Science in Biology while maintaining a 4.0 GPA after a full college career, where she engaged in a number of organizations such as the 成人B站 Student Athlete Advisory Committee, 成人B站 Pre-Professionals鈥� Club, 成人B站 Tri-Beta Biology Club and the 成人B站 Student Government, serving as the Athletic Representative.
"Winning the George Nigh Award is an incredible honor, and I'm deeply grateful for it,鈥� said Spence. 鈥淚'm proud to represent 成人B站 and the community that has shaped and supported me.鈥�
Spence dedicated much of her time at 成人B站 to volunteering for a number of causes and organizations, including, Summer Camp mentor for Trinity Baptist Church, 成人B站 vs. SE Canned Food Drive, Youth Softball Coach/Mentor, Tiger Club and a variety of other causes.
She graduates with Athletic and Scholar-Athlete recognition, memberships to multiple honor societies and a significant number of academic honors and scholarships.
During her academic journey, Spence dedicated much of her time to significant research, including, the McNair Scholars Program Research Internship and the Genetics Genomics Education Partnership Research, as well as significant presentations related to her field of study.
鈥淭his award isn't just mine,鈥� she said, 鈥渂ut a reflection of the amazing faculty, staff, and peers who have poured into me along the way."
Her current goal after graduation is to attend medical school at Oklahoma State University-College of Medicine, where she has been accepted, and earn her place as a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
鈥淎fter completing my education there,鈥� Spence added, 鈥淚 plan on returning to southern Oklahoma to serve rural Oklahomans as a primary care physician.鈥�
Cutline: George Nigh Award winners Taylor Spence (left) and Saul Padilla (right) with 成人B站 Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Jeffrey Gibson (center).
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