For more than 50 years, Ed and Sylvia Brickman have been known in Alva, northwest Oklahoma, for four things: their beautiful farms and ranch, their progressive business dealings, their welcoming smiles, and their sense of humor.

One of eight children in a Seventh-day Adventist family, Edward Brickman grew up on an Alva wheat farm. His life was spent farming some of Oklahoma’s best land. In later years, he added a hobby to his holdings—a cattle ranch east of Alva. “He was known all over as a manager,” explained Sylvia.

Sylvia’s grandfather came to Oklahoma in the 1889 land rush. She grew up in Hitchcock, Oklahoma, also on a wheat farm, and as a third-generation Adventist. After graduating from Hitchcock High School, she attended Union College for two years and then graduated from Northwest State University at Alva with a Bachelor of Science degree in home economics and history. It was while she was attending Northwest State that she and Ed met, courted, and began a 46-year marriage and business partnership.

When asked why she set up a scholarship fund at Southwestern, Sylvia said, “I am impressed with the young people working hard to get a higher education. They are our future. My husband left these financial decisions to me. I think he’d have favored helping the young people.”

Scholarship Award Requirements

This scholarship is awarded to students with academic achievement and financial need.

2025 - 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Maycie Anderson, Nursing
Alvin Kimanga, Management
Andrea Richards, Nursing
Abril Garza, Nursing
Mariana Medina, Elementary Education
Avery Taylor, Nursing
Bethsaida Sanchez, Nursing