NEWS
OKLAHOMA CITY – Throughout the day Wednesday, the state Capitol was infused with crimson and cream as the University of Oklahoma hosted OU Day at the Capitol – an opportunity to celebrate the university’s significant contributions to the state at large and its fundamental partnership with state leaders. OU administrators, faculty, staff and students were on hand to express appreciation to state leaders for their dedication to higher education.
The day’s festivities began with OU spirit ringing through the halls, with Capitol guests being greeted by the OU mascots, the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band and OU Spirit. A come-and-go breakfast in the rotunda included special guests OU President Joseph Harroz Jr., OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione and OU Head Football Coach Brent Venables.
“OU Day at the Capitol is our chance to express our gratitude to our state leaders and to champion the bold ambitions we all share for Oklahoma’s future,” Harroz said. “OU’s role as Oklahoma’s flagship research university is essential to the prosperity of our state and its people, but the partnership of our state leaders is pivotal to our success. We are incredibly thankful for their support and the work they do on behalf of all Oklahomans.”
Later, the state Senate and House of Representatives both presented resolutions to OU’s reigning national championship teams – softball and women’s gymnastics – who were represented today by Head Softball Coach Patty Gasso, softball team captain Grace Lyons and 2022 women’s gymnastics team member Karrie Thomas.
OU student leaders from the Student Government Association and Crimson Club also visited with lawmakers during the day Wednesday. Members of the OU Board of Regents also attended various OU Day at the Capitol events, including Regent Rick Nagel and Regent Robert J. Ross.
The day’s formal events concluded with a luncheon held in partnership with the Norman Chamber of Commerce, where attendees heard from Harroz, Norman Chamber President/CEO and former state representative Scott Martin, and the leadership of the S.O.U.L. Mission, a student-athlete development program Venables established to holistically prepare players for a lifetime of impact and service. During the luncheon, OU Capitol Club Plates were presented to legislators who are OU alumni in recognition of their service to Oklahoma.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information visit ou.edu.
