The Cameron University Alumni Association has named seniors Belinda Foley and Tawny Vanover as its Outstanding Aggies of Tomorrow. The award recognizes well-rounded and successful students who epitomize the values of a true Cameron Aggie. Selection of candidates is based on three areas: academic achievement/honors, career-related experience and extracurricular activities.
Belinda Foley
Even though Belinda Foley, Altus, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from CU in 2014, she decided one degree wasn’t enough. After the mother of three returned to CU in 2022, she earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in information technology. She continued her studies and graduated from CU (again) with a Bachelor of Science degree in computing technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in information technology with a concentration in management information systems.
In addition to her academic work, Foley revitalized CU’s chapter of the Association of Computing and Technology Students, which had languished during the COVID pandemic. Under her leadership, the club held game nights and hosted opportunities for members to network with professionals in the field. Her efforts ensured the club is active and involved across campus. In 2024, she won the Outstanding Student Organization Leader Award.
Foley has also had a positive impact on the Lawton/Fort Sill community. She felt Lawton needed a Trunk-or-Treat, so she took charge and created an event, coordinating logistics, advertising and student organization involvement. The event resulted in a great turnout and is poised to return next year.
In addition to her academic and student organization work, Foley was a student worker in the Department of Information Technology Services, where her supervisor upgraded her to intern status due to her outstanding work ethic and performance. She has been a fixture in offices across campus fixing computers and troubleshooting tech issues, addressing IT issues with enthusiasm and a smile.
Foley is an ardent supporter of Cameron University. She wants everyone to have a great experience and has immersed herself in contributing to the university’s success.
Tawny Vanover
A 2021 graduate of Ryan High School, Tawny Vanover has consistently demonstrated leadership, service and a deep commitment to enriching the lives of her peers and the broader community. As a member of Cameron’s PLUS program, she worked tirelessly to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in strategic communication with a concentration in public relations, while making a significant impact on campus.
She has been an active member of the Programming Activities Council and served as the Event and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Cameron Collegian. Vanover has been at the forefront of planning and implementing events that promote student involvement, engagement and overall enrichment for CU students. She served on the Cameron 2025 Senior Class Gift Committee, where she has helped foster a sense of tradition and pride among her fellow students.
For the past four years, Vanover was a student worker in the Office of Admissions, a role in which she demonstrated exceptional dedication and service by giving campus tours, assisting prospective students with the application process and effectively communicating admissions requirements to both students and their families. Her contributions in this role were instrumental in helping numerous students navigate their journey to higher education.
Outside of her academic and campus responsibilities, Vanover’s passion for serving others is evident through her volunteer work. She judged numerous public speaking contests for rural high schools, where she says she connected deeply with her education in strategic communication while giving back to the community. Additionally, she has provided invaluable tutoring services to high school students seeking to improve their public speaking skills. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation is further demonstrated through her annual volunteerism with the Lawton AIM (Apprenticeship, Internship, Mentorship) program, where she has advised high school students on college transitions, career paths, and degree choices.
Vanover has not only exemplified leadership and service, but has also been a driving force in creating a more connected and engaged campus environment at Cameron University.
###
PR#25-081
