It was a jam-packed year at OKWU! Before we set our sights on 2024, let’s look back on some of the highlights of 2023!
OKWU hosts John C. Maxwell at dunn institute
Renowned leadership expert and author John C. Maxwell headlined the Dunn Institute in March. He led multiple sessions, including the Tomorrow Needs Leaders Dinner, during his time on campus.
OKWU Give Day – March
Our OKWU community came together to raise more than $85,000 on Give Day 2023. We’re already looking forward to expanding the celebration of generosity; Give Week is coming April 8-12, 2024!
Sending them out
At our Spring and Fall graduations, we celebrated more than 200 graduates as they became OKWU Alumni, including our first cohort of DNP Graduates! Check out the video highlights of our December Commencement.
Rebecka Peterson on CBS Mornings.
Peterson Named National Teacher of the year
Rebecka Peterson (’09) was named the National Teacher of the Year by the Council of Chief State School Officers. Peterson is currently serving as an ambassador and advocate for educators and students.
Welcoming new Eagles to campus
We welcomed another record-breaking freshman class to campus in August. NSO Weekend included a community service day. New students and student leaders served at B the Light Mission in Bartlesville.
OKWU launches Beyondu, the OKWU podcast
In late summer, OKWU launched BeyondU. The new podcast featured hosts Dr. Jim Dunn, Rev. Torrey Martin, and Ben Rotz, who spoke with OKWU alumni and friends about faith, culture, and higher education. Catch up on the first season now. Season 2 is coming in 2024!
Homecoming 2023 – Past, present, and future collide
OKWU Homecoming was a celebration to remember as hundreds of OKWU alumni returned to campus to celebrate shared heritage and a bright future. Alumni award winners were honored at the banquet, and three men were inducted into the OKWU Athletics Hall of Fame. Don’t miss the fun next year — Homecoming 2024 is scheduled for October 4-5!
Reaching new heights
OKWU Athletics continues to roll. In the spring, our men’s basketball program qualfied for another NAIA Tournament, while the fall saw men’s soccer, women’s soccer, and volleyball claim KCAC titles and appearances in the NAIA Tournament. It was an especially notable season for volleyball, who won the KCAC tournament for the first time and advanced to the NAIA Tournament for the first time in school history.
New mascot makes first appearance
OKWU’s brand-new mascot was introduced in chapel in December. We can’t wait to see all that the Eagle will do for OKWU! Be sure to follow @OKWUniv on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all his latest adventures.
