by Ashley Watts, Sports Editer
Graduated from Northwestern and honored as a continued Ranger fan, Alva community member Thelma Crouch has been awarded the title of this year’s 2019 homecoming parade marshal.
Crouch graduated from Northwestern in 1960, obtaining her bachelor’s and master’s degree. Crouch also was employed as the alumni director here at Northwestern for nine years in 1979-1988.
Dr. David Pecha, vice president for administration and homecoming chairman, said the university is honored to have Crouch serve as parade marshal for this year after receiving a number if recommendations. “This year the committee chose a true ‘Northwestern treasure’ as parade marshal,” Pecha told NWOSUs University Relations.
Not only has Crouch served as the alumni director for Northwestern, but she is also known as the “Cookie Lady” by the football players. Since 1983 Crouch has made cookies for all of the football team’s away games.
“It has been fun getting to know the players,” Crouch told University Relations. “Even after they graduate they thank me for the cookies.”
Crouch has also served as the secretary for career services for four years, and she was the director for career services for eight years. She retired in 2000, but she has remained a passionate Ranger fan. After retirement, Crouch established the Thelma Crouch Staff Employee of the Year Award.
“I noticed how the faculty and administration were recognized for their efforts, and I felt the employees also deserved credit for their efforts,” Crouch told University Relations.
The Thelma Crouch Staff Employee of the Year Award has many requirements to be eligible. The employee must be a full time employee in good standing at Northwestern for at least five years and then the employee is nominated by students and fellow employees of Northwestern.
The employee is awarded based on the following areas: professionalism and dedication to excellent service; continuously seeks innovative ideas to improve service for Northwestern and students; and shows outstanding “Ranger Pride.”
In 2015, Crouch received the first Outstanding Ranger Spirit award from Northwestern Foundation and Alumni Association during the annual spring alumni reunion banquet.
“Serving Northwestern for 21 years has enriched my life,” Crouch said.
The annual Homecoming parade starts at 10 a.m. on Oct. 26, in Alva’s downtown square. The parade will have all Northwestern sports team, business floats, Ranger Royalty nominees and bands from Northwestern and other bands from surrounding areas.
The bands will also join Northwestern’s band at mass band before the Homecoming game set to start at 4 p.m.