CHICKASHA, Okla. — The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s class of 2025 celebrated the opening ceremony of its senior gift project, a concrete half-basketball court beside Lawson Clubhouse, last Friday at 2 p.m.
The ceremony was free and well-attended by the public.
“I’m excited to get to share this accomplishment with everybody,” senior Bella Wilson said. “It has been a team effort and wouldn’t have happened without their contributions. This ceremony not only celebrated the official opening of the court, but it also was a time to recognize all those who made this possible.”
The class of 2025 settled on the idea in December and broke ground in February. Students raised over $20,000 from over 60 donors during the past five months. Construction finished last week.
“We raised over $20,000 by engaging with local businesses, university alumni, regents, and close friends and family by simply asking for donations to this student led community-driven project,” senior Luke Cantrell said. “We raised over $3,000 from four calls one night by calling our friends and loved ones with our story.”
The class of 2025 organized several fundraisers during the spring semester, including “chuck-a-duck night” during halftime of USAO’s men’s basketball game on Feb. 13. and a pickleball tournament earlier this month.
“Our hope is that this project turns into a tradition of giving back to our school and community, the generous donations by everyone to this project will not only allow us to establish this court, but any extra will go towards the next class’s efforts,” Cantrell said. “We are making sure to allow the next projects leaders to have a path set out for them with helpful guides, being available for assistance, and the leftover money from this year’s project. We also hope to come back one day and see the next generation of Drovers enjoying the court and growing that sense of community that we’ve loved so much during our experience here.”