The Cameron University Department of Business has announced the recipients of departmental awards. Students from each of the department’s degree programs – Associate in Science in Business (AS), Bachelor of Accounting (BACC), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership (ORGL), Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) – were selected, as well as awards honoring the top research student in the department.
Fernando Hermosillo, Lawton, was honored as the Outstanding AS in Business student. Hermosillo is a sophomore who initially planned to major in finance. After taking Bernadette Lonzanida’s Principles of Financial Accounting course, he says, “I knew accounting was for me.” Once he completes a Bachelor of Accounting degree, Hermosillo plans to obtain licensure as a Certified Public Accounting and aspires to one day have his own CPA firm.
Martin Hlavacek, Prague, Czech Republic, was selected to receive the Outstanding BBA award. A member of the Aggie men’s tennis team, he will complete his degree requirements in the Fall 2025 semester and then plans to pursue a master’s degree. He aspires to a career in finance and investing.
Tara Ostergard, Rockford, Ill., was honored as the Outstanding Accounting student. She is on track to complete requirements for Bachelor of Accounting and Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in the fall. Ostergard says she chose CU due to its affordability and proximity to Fort Sill and stayed here because of the outstanding professors and excellence in education. She says she looks forward to using her degree in accounting to help businesses ethically achieve their goals and improve efficiencies.
Anthony Mans, Hutchinson, Kan., was named as the Outstanding Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership student. He says that after touring CU and speaking with staff, “It felt like the right place for me,” adding that he was also able to seek out a field of study that suited him as a person. He is currently pursuing a managerial position, stating, “I am looking forward to employing the skills that I learned in the organizational leadership program as well as the insights that I have gained throughout my studies.
The Outstanding MBA Student award went to Preston Drain, Tishomingo. In addition to graduating this semester, he will also commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army through Cameron’s Army ROTC program. “Attending Cameron made it easy and efficient since my wife and I were already living in Lawton,” he says. He plans to serve in the Army for 20 years. After retiring as a commissioned officer, he aspires to find a management position in logistics.
Brian Hayes, Union Bridge, Md., was named Outstanding MSOL Student. A lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, he is currently the chair of CU’s George D. Keathley Department of Military Science. He decided to try the organizational leadership program. “The first few classes were great, so I committed to earning the MSOL degree,” says Hayes. Once he retires from the Army, he plans to work in an organization that makes a positive impact on the lives of community members.
Honored with the Outstanding Research Student Award was Camille Hale, Lawton. “I decided to attend Cameron University because it was close to home and offers small class sizes, which allows for more personal connections with professors and classmates,” she says. “I also value the opportunity to network with local businesses and gain real world experiences with school.” Hale says she is exploring career paths and has a strong interest in social media and sales. “I’m looking for opportunities where I can develop my skills, gain hands on experience, and grow professionally.
The Cameron University Department of Business is accredited by ACBSP, the specialized accreditation association for business education that embraces teaching excellence.
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