The day's festivities began with a breakfast, where OU mascot Boomer and the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band greeted guests with the unmistakable OU spirit. House Speaker Charles McCall and OU President Joseph Harroz Jr. provided brief remarks before inviting to the podium former OU Football Coach Bob Stoops, who was later recognized by both the state House of Representatives and Senate for his impact on the university and state.
"We're so grateful for the opportunity to gather with state leaders and to celebrate the shared vision we all have for the future of Oklahoma," said Harroz. "OU certainly plays a role in benefiting the prosperity of our state, but we must have the partnership of state leaders to be successful; we are so thankful for their support. We're also excited to recognize someone in the OU Family whose impact stretches far beyond our campus. For more than two decades, Coach Bob Stoops has inspired us, not just because of his success on the field, but because of his character. His 18 years as head coach of Oklahoma Football are marked by many accolades, but it's his iconic leadership, unmatched enthusiasm and deep loyalty to the University of Oklahoma that make him a true legend."
The House and Senate chambers were full as a resolution was read honoring Stoops' remarkable success as OU's winningest head football coach and his generous charitable efforts to support Oklahomans across the state.
The day's formal events concluded with a luncheon held in partnership with the Norman Chamber of Commerce. Attendees heard from OU Head Men's Basketball Coach Porter Moser, one of the most successful coaches of the past half-decade. During his remarks, Moser reflected on his first year at the university and took questions on his vision for the future of OU men's basketball.
OU Board of Regents member Rick Nagel was present for the day's festivities, and during the luncheon, he presented OU Capitol Club Plates to legislators who graduated from OU.
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