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OU Dance Marathon 2022

735,000 dollars raised, 2,500 participants across campus, and 300,000 kids across 77 Oklahoma counties served

“OU Dance Marathon is a network of passionate, selfless, and hardworking individuals that want to make an impact on children’s health. OUDM is truly one generation fighting for the next and looking to build a better tomorrow for Oklahoma’s kids."
- Jaden Smicklas

This year, over 2,500 participants came together to help OUDM raise $735,000. This donation will directly benefit 300,000 Oklahoma children across 77 counties. OU Dance Marathon (OUDM) is OU’s largest student-led philanthropy, as well as the official philanthropy of Campus Activities Council (CAC) and one of the top ten largest dance marathons across the nation.

Every year, work begins in April for the OU Dance Marathon Leadership team. From April to the day of the dance marathon, these students work tirelessly around the clock year to ensure the biggest impact possible is made for the Children’s Hospital.

“Hundreds of hours are put in by our leadership team and our executive team in order to make OUDM what it is,” said Jaden Smicklas, an OU junior studying psychology, who served as the Executive Chair for OU Dance Marathon 2022. “I will forever be amazed at what our community can do when it comes together for kids that need it most. Watching over 2,500 individuals come together to make a positive impact in the lives of others is second to none.”

For those who would like to be involved during their time at OU, there are many positions offered for those interested. The first level of leadership is open to a committee of 250 individuals who will be trained by other executive members. There are ten committees students may enjoy, and each plays a unique role in OUDM. To join an executive committee, the application opens every August and closes in September. For those who wish to make a larger impact, a student can apply to be a team captain or family liaison on rolling applications that last year-round.

For students who are passionate about philanthropy, making an impact on their local community, and helping shape a better future for the next generation, OUDM is an organization that checks all the boxes.

“My ‘why’ is because no child should ever have to live their lives in a hospital room, no parent should ever outlive their child, and no kids should ever have to know a childhood without their sibling,” Jaden said. “OUDM is a family of college students and a home away from home that wants the best for the kids of Oklahoma who need it most.”