Three students from Edmond have been awarded the prestigious Rita H. Lottinville Prize for 2025 at the University of Oklahoma (OU). This recognition celebrates their academic excellence and leadership on campus. The announcement, made on Wednesday, highlighted the achievements of Fawwoz Ayodele, Alexandra “Lexi” Dillon, and Ojas Lakhotia, who were among five recipients selected from a competitive pool of applicants.
Fawwoz Ayodele, a graduate of Edmond Memorial High School, is pursuing dual majors in electrical engineering and economics with aspirations of attending law school. His interest in energy policy was sparked by his childhood experiences with frequent power outages in Nigeria. “That experience showed me how critical reliable energy is for opportunity and community well-being,” Ayodele stated, reflecting on the impact of his early life on his academic pursuits.
Alexandra Dillon, who graduated from Heritage Hall, is studying biomedical engineering and classical studies as part of a pre-medical track. She has made significant contributions to campus life by co-founding Alpha Sigma Kappa, a sorority aimed at supporting minority women in STEM fields. Additionally, she takes on a leadership role as a small group leader with Reformed University Fellowship.
Also receiving recognition is Ojas Lakhotia, a graduate of the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics. He is focused on biomedical engineering and is on a pre-med path. Lakhotia actively contributes to the OU community as the treasurer for the MedLife chapter and mentors freshman President’s Community Scholars.
The Rita H. Lottinville Prize, established in 1952 and endowed in 1982, includes a scholarship of $1,500. To qualify, recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.8 during their freshman year. This year, the award received applications from 104 out of 795 eligible students, demonstrating the competitive nature of the selection process.
The recognition not only highlights the academic efforts of these students but also underscores their commitment to community engagement and leadership within the university. As they continue their studies, their contributions to both their fields and the OU community will likely have a lasting impact.
