In recognition for service to the community, East Central University’s Rhetta Farrill is one of 11 inspirational college students from across the state to be named a 2015 Newman Civic Fellow by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.
A sophomore from Stratford, Farrill has led efforts to improve the welfare of children which have resulted in thousands of dollars in aid to children. She has also worked with several partner organizations to improve conditions for adults and families.
“I always knew I wanted to do something to help people,” said Farrill. “Foster care is really something close to my heart. I had some friends in foster care and it’s something I’m really passionate about."
Farrill has worked with the Department of Human Services and engaged the community to organize a toy and book drive and provide Christmas gifts to local foster children. She is also secretary of ECU’s Business Leaders Association and an active member of Enactus.
Farrill said she would like to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship.
“I would like to be involved in some sort of non-profit company or be involved with people who like to give back to the community and are not stingy with their time and companies that just don’t care about themselves and their money,” Farrill said.
In addition to school volunteerism, Farrill has worked more than 50 hours at the local soup kitchen. She mentors at-risk youth at her church and, as her church’s youth pastor, for 10-12 year-olds, she organizes and participates in events and fundraisers for its ministry.
Farrill, who also spearheaded two food drives that provided more than 50 families with assistance over the holidays, considers the award as a high honor.
“I would love to thank Dr. (Pat) Fountain and all my other professors in the (Stonecipher) School of Business for their help. ECU has been really good to me,” said Farrill.
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