By: Journalist Andrea Gooden (ORU)
As the First Session of the Fifty-Sixth Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature (OIL) begins, leadership encourages all members to build meaningful connections and foster friendships that will last beyond these walls.
Since its inception in 1969, OIL has served as a platform for college students from Oklahoma institutions to strengthen their voices at the state legislative level. This beginning was marked in the spring of 1969 and has continued to hold two legislative sessions annually since. The mission was and has continued to be fostering an environment of collaboration in governance, debate and politics.
Pictured: House leadership OILY Fam
OIL promotes communication between students regardless of major or school. The friendships formed during session benefit participants both personally and professionally, as these connections provide support both within and outside of chambers. The Student Liaison Groups provide some support in making these connections. These groups were designed to help new members integrate into the OIL community by building a network, having mentoring connections and enriching members to confidently contribute to OIL’s mission and community.
Groups’ returning members have expressed the value of their current and ongoing connections as they brimmed with joy to make even more family and friends.
Grant Molder (OKWU) in a freshman liaison group said he already feels part of the group.
“I have made more friends in my first session here than during my first semester back at school,” Molder said.
Speaker Pro Tempore of the House Maddy Cantrell said the chamber is close-knit.
“We are all ‘famOILY’ as cheesy as that sounds,” Cantrell said.
Although the cheesy line has been carried on through many delegations, its meaning has not diminished. The impact of connection and discussing passionate topics among peers have the power to truly make each other feel like “fam.” This culture created and fostered by OIL delegates around Oklahoma has shined brightly here at session, creating a unique sense of belonging. The ‘famOILY ’ motto reflects the inclusivity and supportive atmosphere that pervades each session.
Governor Adam Clifton, OIL’s 55th Governor, reminded members the competition is also a way to connect with others.
“Most importantly, we learn, encourage and care for others through everything we do,” he said.
This positive community is now at the collective call for action for new and returning members. Each session is more than just a debate — it’s an opportunity to build relationships that extend beyond the chambers of OIL.
During the joint session on Wednesday evening, Gov. Clifton reinforced this message, offering three main focus points for the 2024 session.
“Make connections — they’re going to help you along the way,” Clifton said.