Alva Review-Courier -

Stockton Graves, Northwestern Oklahoma State University rodeo coach, was awarded the Donovan Reichenberger Fundraising Award at the annual Northwestern Foundation & Alumni Association Donor Appreciation Dinner on Oct. 1.

He is an award winning professional rodeo athlete in addition to being a successful rodeo coach for seven seasons at Northwestern. He was the Steer Wrestling Champion at the Titletown World Champions Rodeo Alliance (WCRA) in Green Bay, Wisconsin, in June. Additionally, two of his student-athletes won in two categories at the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) this summer. Graves graduated from Northwestern in 2002 with a Bachelor's of Science in Agricultural Business.

The recent fundraising award recognizes Graves' work in securing funding from multiple private donors to build a new 24-foot by 200-foot 20-horse pen. This improvement at the Campbell Rodeo Complex will serve students while also aiding in recruiting efforts.

Graves said he was humbled and surprised upon receiving this award.

"First, I want to thank Donovan Reichenberger for his legacy and for creating this award," said Graves. "Second, we could not have built the new pens at the rodeo complex without the generosity of the individual private donors. They made this happen.

"Our growing team has brought a lot of success to Northwestern, both athletically and academically. I am always wanting more for our student-athletes; whatever it takes to get them to where they need to be, I'll do it."

"Our team of rodeo students has seen great success under Graves' leadership," said Dr. Janet Cunningham, President, Northwestern Oklahoma State University. "He exemplifies the qualities it takes to earn this award and we are proud of his accomplishments, both with the rodeo team and in his personal career."

The Reichenberger Fundraising Award was created in 2010 as an endowment to recognize the staff and faculty of Northwestern who are diligently working to further the mission and vision of the University through private fundraising. The award was named after Reichenberger for his generosity and fundraising service.