ADA, Okla. – East Central University (ECU) alumnus Trevor Sutton is set to be honored at ECU’s Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. in the ECU Foundation Hall, located inside the Chickasaw Business and Conference Center.

Sutton is a graduate of ECU, where he earned his Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting in 2014 followed by his Master of Science (M.S.) in Accounting in 2015.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this award,” said Sutton. “ECU has played such an important role in shaping me, so to be recognized by the university that means so much to me is especially meaningful.”

In addition to his studies in the Accounting Program, Sutton was a member of the Business Scholar Leaders where he had the opportunity to travel to New York with classmates and faculty. “That experience exposed me to a world much bigger than what I was accustomed to,” he said.

Sutton also served as a student worker in ECU’s Linscheid Library as well as the Stonecipher School of Business, stating that the experience, “gave me an opportunity to see the university from a different perspective and grow closer to mentors and faculty.”

Speaking on his extracurricular collegiate experience, Sutton said, “my involvement in collegiate ministry was another significant part of my college experience. The relationships I built there and the opportunities to serve and grow in my faith had a major influence on who I became.”

Those experiences continue to shape Sutton as he prepares to receive ECU’s Rising Star Award, “I am grateful to the people who nominated me and to the selection committee for this recognition. At the same time, I don't want to view this honor simply as recognition of anything I have accomplished. I believe the gifts, opportunities, relationships, and abilities I've been given are ultimately from God, and I want my life to point people back to Him. My hope is that whatever I accomplish - professionally, in my family, at ECU, or in my community - can be used to serve others and reflect my God well.”

In 2015, Sutton joined Citizens Bank of Ada where he began as an intern. He currently serves the bank as Credit Administration Officer.

“I want people to know how grateful I am that ECU has continued to be a part of my life even after graduation,” he said. “Being able to come back and teach financial literacy and assist with athletics and college ministry, I feel like I've been given opportunities to give back to the place that invested in me. I would love for my involvement with the university to be something that grows over time - not simply because I am an alumnus, but because I genuinely care about its students and future.”

To purchase tickets for ECU’s Alumni Gala Dinner and Dance, visit ecok.edu/alumni/homecoming/gala.php or contact the Office of Alumni Relations at alumni@ecok.edu or at 580-559-5651. Advanced tickets are recommended.

-ECU-