Oklahoma State University‑Oklahoma City will hold its annual Spring Gathering, a public service lecture, at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, in the North and South Conference Rooms of the Student Center. This year’s keynote speaker is OSU‑OKC alumna and Bethany mayor Amanda Sandoval.

The Spring Gathering brings together students, faculty and community members to discuss pressing social issues and explore innovative solutions. The event is part of OSU‑OKC’s ongoing commitment to public service and community engagement.

In early 2025, Sandoval was elected mayor of Bethany, becoming the first Latina to hold the office in Oklahoma. In 2019, she made history as the youngest city councilor and the first person of color elected to the Bethany City Council. Sandoval credits OSU‑OKC with sparking her interest in community engagement and providing her with opportunities to become a campus leader.

“OSU‑OKC is where I started understanding myself and coming into my own. It’s where I realized how much potential I had,” Sandoval said. “My mentors at OSU‑OKC saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped shape the leader I became.”

Lathonya Shivers, public service program coordinator at OSU‑OKC, said the lecture helps students understand how those dedicated to public service make a difference in their communities. 

“The Spring Gathering is our signature public service event on OSU‑OKC’s campus,” Shivers said. “We invite a public servant to speak to our students about their work in the community. It’s a great opportunity for students to hear from people who are truly making an impact.”

Sandoval said the lessons she learned at OSU‑OKC continue to influence her work today.

“I still use so many skills I learned at OSU‑OKC — community engagement, public speaking, relationship building, leadership development and professional development. And that’s just scratching the surface,” she said.

The lecture is open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as seating is limited. For more information, contact the OSU‑OKC Public Service Program at 405‑945‑6792.