OSU-OKC celebrates its 2026 spring graduates

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Coordinator | 405-945-6733 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City celebrated the achievements of its spring 2026 graduates during commencement ceremonies Friday evening at the Bennett Event Center at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds.

Family, friends, faculty and staff gathered to honor students who completed their academic journeys and prepared to take the next step in their careers and communities.

The ceremony featured keynote speaker Lee Copeland, director of talent programs and partnerships for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. Copeland encouraged graduates to recognize the resilience, discipline and perseverance they developed throughout their academic journeys and reminded them those lessons will continue to guide them long after graduation.

“Labels and names can come to define us and shape our future,” Copeland said. “Many of you may have come to OSU-OKC with labels like, ‘I can’t do this,’ ‘Is it too late?’ or ‘This might be impossible.’ But despite all that, you began stacking up little victories and learned how to grow through failure and set goals. You learned you are resilient and strong, and that is far more important than any diploma you earn today.”

As part of the ceremony, OSU-OKC recognized its first class of Outstanding Graduates, an honor established this year to celebrate exceptional student achievement across the university’s academic schools. Honorees included Amber Norlin from the School of Health Sciences, Merrie Smith from the School of Human Services, Charisma Davis from the School of Professional Studies and Eduardo Cruz from the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Outstanding Graduates were nominated by their respective schools through recommendations from faculty, department heads and deans. Recipients were selected based on academic excellence, leadership and involvement in extracurricular activities that made a positive impact on the campus community.

Norlin said being named an Outstanding Graduate represented both personal and academic growth throughout her time at OSU-OKC.

“I am absolutely honored to be recognized as an Outstanding Graduate from OSU-OKC,” Norlin said. “It is an important reminder of all the hard work that I have put into my education and an exciting preview of the journey ahead.”

Norlin said the recognition also reflects the encouragement she received from those who supported her throughout her college journey.

“OSU-OKC has helped prepare me for the future in countless ways,” Norlin said. “It taught me the importance of community, discipline, leadership and a thirst for knowledge. OSU-OKC has forever changed my life for the better, and I will carry this with me throughout my career.”

Davis credited OSU-OKC faculty and staff for helping her build confidence and prepare for continued success in her career and education.

“OSU-OKC has set me up for success in many ways,” Davis said. “Since I started here, I received knowledge, support and opportunities, not just for success academically but success within my career as well. The professors here really challenge you to grow.”

Through balancing a full-time career while attending school full time, Davis said the recognition validated the hard work and determination she invested throughout her academic experience.

“Being recognized as an Outstanding Graduate is such an honor,” Davis said. “Receiving recognition for my hard work is very rewarding.”

Smith, a graduate of the Crime Victim Survivor Services program, said the distinction reaffirmed the value of perseverance, personal growth and stepping outside of her comfort zone.

“What an honor to be named an Outstanding Graduate,” Smith said. “To me, this distinction means that I can literally accomplish anything I set my sights upon.”

Smith said OSU-OKC’s supportive and challenging academic environment equipped her to continue serving others through her future career.

“Doing the best I can with what I have to work with each and every day, and asking for help when needed, adds up to a rich, meaningful life,” Smith said. “I will forever cherish this special chapter of my life.”

Cruz said being selected as an Outstanding Graduate reflected the support system he found during his time at OSU-OKC.

“It means a lot to be recognized,” Cruz said. “OSU-OKC will give you a lot of support throughout the journey to help you accomplish whatever your goals might be.”

Throughout the ceremony, graduates crossed the stage surrounded by cheers and celebration as the university recognized their hard work, perseverance and dedication to their educational journeys.

To watch the 2026 commencement ceremony again, visit the OSU-OKC YouTube channel.