Bowkers’ generosity adds up to Becker’s education

Oklahoma State University accounting sophomore Shane Becker says he likes numbers, but he also seems to enjoy three-letter abbreviations.

Talk to the member of TKE (Tappa Kau Epsilon) fraternity about his future and he will mention he has to keep up his GPA at OSU so he can get an MBA and become a CPA.

The Ponca City native is the recipient of the Jack C. and Patti J. Bowker Endowed Scholarship. It awards $1,000 per year  to two OSU students – one from Ponca City and another from Kay County.

The Bowkers attended  OSU and live in Ponca City, where Jack owns Jack Bowker Ford Lincoln-Mercury.

“I just want to thank (the Bowkers) for the opportunity,” Becker said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have my GPA or the opportunity to be at OSU.”

Becker said he has already thought about endowing a scholarship when he finishes school.

“You’re giving people a chance to better themselves and their life,” he added.

Becker is the second of four children. His older sister, Serenity, earned an elementary education degree at OSU. His younger brother, Donovan, is a mechanical engineering freshman at OSU. His youngest sister, Shelly, is still in high school and may continue the family practice of pursuing higher education in Stillwater.

Because of OSU’s proximity to Ponca City – a 45 minute-drive separates them – Becker is able to return home for weekends, breaks and holidays. That is certainly one advantage he has over many of his collegiate peers. Another is his four scholarships, which allow him to pursue a debt-free higher education without working.

“I study more and focus more on that,” said Becker, noting his sister had to work to help pay for college. “That has helped my GPA.”