One degree can open a door. One experience can change a life. One journey can inspire what comes next. OU Grad Stories offer a glimpse into the journeys, challenges, and successes that define the OU experience.
May 06, 2026
Last month, April Moreno-Ward successfully defended her doctoral dissertation in geophysics, capping a journey that began improbably with a degree in classics. She is a seismic geomorphologist specializing in deep-water channel systems and machine learning applications for subsurface visualization.
May 06, 2026
In a tower simulation lab at the University of Oklahoma, Jovana Dragovic speaks in calm, precise instructions as aircraft line up on a virtual runway. Every call matters. Every second counts. It’s a high-pressure environment – one she has prepared for since the fifth grade.
May 07, 2026
University of Oklahoma senior Evan Moros has honed his leadership skills through the JCPenney Leadership Program, the Wealth Management Club and other ventures. He will now head to New York City with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Economics.
May 07, 2026
Avery Dunlap always felt a strong connection to the The University of Oklahoma. Inspired by family members who attended OU, Avery arrived on campus with an interest in government and public policy before discovering a passion for economics and the real-world impact of fiscal policy. Through challenging coursework, campus involvement and meaningful experiences inside and outside the classroom, Avery found both her voice and her confidence at OU.
May 07, 2026
During her time at OU, Jhanvi Patel embraced opportunities to grow both academically and personally, building meaningful relationships with classmates, faculty and mentors along the way. Through hands-on experiences and campus involvement, she discovered confidence in her abilities and a deeper sense of purpose for her future career.
May 08, 2026
The inaugural cohort of the University of Oklahoma Polytechnic Institute will cross the commencement stage on May 12 in Tulsa. For these students, the milestone marks the successful launch of a new model for applied, workforce‑ready education in Oklahoma.
May 12, 2026
An electrical engineering major with a minor in music, Halle McFarlane shares how OU helped her pursue a wide range of passions — from entrepreneurship and campus leadership to hands-on engineering experiences and lifelong friendships. Rooted in a deep family connection to OU, her story highlights the spirit of the Sooner family and the impact of finding a place that truly feels like home.
May 12, 2026
Kamal Mahatara experienced deep-rooted poverty growing up in Nepal. Overcoming the odds, the University of Oklahoma student is earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Community Health and plans to help low-resource communities.
May 06, 2026
One hundred and sixty-six University of Oklahoma undergraduate students eligible to participate in graduation ceremonies maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average throughout their academic program at OU. Of the total, 88 reside in Oklahoma.
