Opening Joint Session Marks 54th OIL Meeting
By Journalist Kennedy Thomason (OSU)
Opening Joint Session was led by Lt. Gov. Grace Minter on Wednesday Nov. 16.
Opening Joint Session, which was held in a chamber of the Oklahoma Capitol Building, marks the beginning of the 54th OIL Session. Delegates sat excitedly in seats across the chamber. Nervous anticipation buzzed among the delegates as they waited for session to be called to order.
Lt. Gov. Minter called session to order with proper parliamentary procedure. After attendance was taken, justices and cabinet officers were escorted in and welcomed with claps from delegates.
Chosen delegates were then released from chambers to find Gov. Thompson, who was hiding in a secret location of the Capitol Building.
Lt. Gov. entertained motions from many delegates for “cow jokes” while the delegates searched for Gov. Thompson. The comedic break in session allowed delegates to relax while waiting for Gov. Thompson to arrive.
Upon arrival, Gov. Thompson was recognized to speak. He welcomed the delegates and encouraged them to make connections and push themselves outside of their comfort zone.
Gov. Thompson’s speech was followed up by guest speaker, Joe Dorman.
OIL alum and former member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, Dorman shared advice with the delegates.
“This is an amazing experience if you give it that opportunity,” Dorman said. “The connections that you make will carry you far past OIL.”
Dorman expressed his love for the organization and encouraged delegates to get involved.
Lt. Gov. Minter ended Opening Joint Session around 6:30 p.m.