NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma has been recognized by Operation Hat Trick, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting wounded U.S. combat veterans, for its outstanding efforts in aiding the recovery of wounded U.S. combat service members and veterans.
The organization named OU as one of five finalists for its 2017 Excellence in Service Award. Operation Hat Trick founder and President Dot Sheehan presented the award to OU at the Collegiate Licensing Company conference earlier this month in Nashville.
In recognition of OU’s impact, Operation Hat Trick will make a donation to Warriors for Freedom Foundation on the university’s behalf.
In addition to OU, the other finalists were Texas A&M University, Boise State University, The University of Alabama and Old Dominion University. Finalists were chosen based on their efforts to fully integrate Operation Hat Trick on their campuses through a presence in their bookstores and other retail outlets, promoting veterans’ causes through their social media properties and advertising campaigns, and generating additional revenue that will be used to support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans.
OU’s efforts generated thousands of dollars in donations to help veterans recover from the visible and invisible injuries suffered in combat.
“The University of Oklahoma is committed to honoring the men and women who bravely serve our country. Participating in Operation Hat Trick is one way we can fulfill that promise. We are honored to be chosen as a finalist for the Excellence in Service Award and look forward to seeing the impact the donation will undoubtedly have on the Warriors for Freedom Foundation,” said Candace Stimmel,
director of trademark licensing at OU.
A portion of each sale of Operation Hat Trick branded merchandise is donated to select organizations that support the recovery of wounded service members and veterans. Through the sale of branded merchandise and member donations, Operation Hat Trick donations have helped dozens of organizations that provide direct services and support to wounded service members and veterans. They include Project Sanctuary, The Yellow Ribbon Fund, Easter Seals/Veterans Count, the Navy SEAL Foundation Semper Fi Fund, the Warrior Bonfire Project, Liberty House, Ironstone Farm, Mac-v Veterans Alliance, Homes for Our Troops and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
“The University of Oklahoma has shown the kind of commitment to our veterans we’re hoping to inspire all over the country,” Sheehan said. “Raising funds is a critical part of meeting their needs, but just as important is raising awareness of their struggles so we never forget our obligation to help them overcome their injuries and enjoy full lives.”
About The Collegiate Licensing Company
The Collegiate Licensing Company, the trademark licensing affiliate company of IMG College, has been the leader in connecting passionate college fans to their favorite college brands for more than three decades. The company represents over 160 of the nation’s top colleges, universities, bowl games, athletic conferences, the Heisman Trophy and the NCAA. The collegiate partners that entrust the Collegiate Licensing Company to protect, promote and grow their brands comprise nearly 80 percent of the $4.6 billion retail market for collegiate licensed merchandise.
About Operation Hat Trick
Operation Hat Trick generates awareness, support and funding for the recovery of America’s wounded service members and veterans. The organization pursues these goals through the sale of Operation Hat Trick branded merchandise, proceeds of which are distributed to selected organizations supporting the organization’s mission. The nonprofit organization has partnered with hundreds of sports teams, including more than 350 universities and colleges, 130 high schools, 21 National Hockey League teams, 15 NBA teams, 165 high schools, more than 70 Minor League Baseball teams and over 80 companies.
