Editor's note: This story was updated at 9:35 a.m. March 26 to reflect that OU Day at the Captiol took place on Tuesday, not Monday.
OU administrators and students gathered at the state Capitol on Tuesday for OU Day at the Capitol, where they met with legislators to highlight how the university benefits Oklahoma.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. addressed the Senate about the university’s mission and importance, and the softball team was recognized for their 2024 championship win with a Senate resolution. The Pride of Oklahoma also performed.
Marilou Bento, OU Student Government Association's external affairs committee chair, said the day focused on OU’s contributions and how the university can work with the state Legislature.
According to Bento, states with more college graduates have stronger economies, so the university is working to make education more accessible. Bento said the attendees highlighted how OU works to reduce student costs through scholarships and financial aid.
“What I find the most important is giving students the opportunity to come to OU at a low rate, or something that would not cost them a lot, so we can give back to Oklahoma and make Oklahoma more prosperous in the process,” Bento said.
In a mass email sent to the OU community on March 11, Harroz wrote that OU has increased need-based aid by 38%, enhanced scholarships awarded by more than 20%, and net tuition and fees for resident freshmen have reduced by nearly 30%.
SGA President Carter Strickland said OU benefits Oklahoma industries as the state’s flagship university. For example, he said OU Health contributes to the state medical industry by training nurses and operating the Stephenson Cancer Center working to prevent cancer.
OU is also a draw for prospective out of state students, Strickland said.
“We are keeping the knowledge that is taught and learned and ingrained in students' brains in this state to continue to better our state, and we can't do that without the financial support of our state Legislature,” Strickland said.
Bento said she enjoyed how everyone who attended was happy to represent the university.
“Everyone is so proud to be part of OU, and just to be surrounded by people who love our campus and love our state is just a really heartwarming experience,” Bento said.
This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Ismael Lele. Allie Clift and Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
