By: Journalist Andrea Gooden
At the Capitol Event Center, dressed to the nines and surrounded by fellow leaders and alumni, members of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL) celebrated not just their achievements but the community they’ve built and the impact they hope to leave behind.
The Governor’s Gala was more than just an event — it was a moment to reflect on what it means to lead and serve.
State Representative Matt Gress, an OIL alum and keynote speaker, brought the room to life with his inspiring words.
“OIL taught me not just how to legislate but how to collaborate—how to disagree with respect and how to think critically about the world we want to build,” he said.
His message reminded everyone that OIL is a place to grow not only as future public servants but as people.
Gress emphasized the importance of relationships in leadership, urging attendees to stay grounded.
“Don’t take yourself too seriously, for when you do, it is almost impossible to develop bonds with other people,” he said. “My family, neighbors, colleagues, constituents. And in a legislative context, the lack of solid, working relationships with your colleagues, the cartilage of the legislature, will undermine your effectiveness at every turn.”
His words hit home for anyone who has ever worked through a tough debate or long committee session. Relationships aren’t just a bonus — they’re the foundation of success.
Reflecting on OIL, Gress spoke to its unique role in shaping the next generation of leaders.
“OIL is Oklahoma’s premier civic gymnasium for college students and inspiring public servants,” he said.
“The Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature isn’t just an organization, it’s an idea. It’s a proving ground. Protect it, cherish it, strengthen it; so that the students that come after you can get the civic exercise they need to sustain the longest-lasting democratic republic in the world.”
For many, his reminder that “citizenship, the quality of one’s participation in a society, is not a skill to be learned but a muscle to be exercised,” felt like a call to action. OIL isn’t just about writing bills or debating — it’s about preparing to make a difference, in Oklahoma and beyond.
“We will all live on in the future that we made,” Gress said as he wrapped up. His words reminded everyone in the room that their work today matters. The relationships they build, the lessons they learn and the communities they foster will shape the legacy of OIL and its impact on the state.
The gala ended with laughter, handshakes and a renewed sense of purpose. The friendships made within these walls and the lessons learned will endure far beyond this event. For the future leaders of OIL, the takeaway was clear: protect what you’ve built, cherish the people alongside you, and take these lessons into the world you’re shaping.