Center for Social Innovation to celebrate graduates on May 17

The fourth cohort of graduates from the Center for Social Innovation at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City will cross the stage May 17th.

This year’s graduating class of 21 marks the largest class yet for the program. Four of this year’s students obtained 5 degrees during their time in the program, while the rest are continuing their education at OSU-OKC until degree completion.

Many program participants are referred to CFSI after completing addiction recovery programs and jail diversion programs, while others apply after hearing about it through one of numerous different community partners. All CFSI students have overcome huge challenges such as homelessness, trauma, abuse, addiction, foster care involvement, poverty, or domestic violence - the program is designed to give hope to individuals overcoming a wide array of barriers such as these.

A graduation ceremony for all the participants will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on May 17, 2024, in Room 1300 of the Allied Health Building on the OSU-OKC campus at 440 North Portland Avenue in Oklahoma City.

“We’ll hear some remarkable stories of transformation from the graduating students, watch a heartfelt video about their cohort, and end the event with a butterfly release!” said Ariel Moore, Senior Director of the Center for Social Innovation.

The keynote speaker for the graduation is Donovan Woods.

Donovan Lawrence Woods is currently the Director of Development for the Oklahoma State University Foundation focusing efforts on OSU-OKC and the Division of Access and Community Impact. His primary role includes identifying, cultivating, and soliciting ongoing relationships with major-gift supporters of Oklahoma State University. He is a proud alum of Millwood High School and OSU where he majored in Business Marketing. While at OSU, Donovan played football and was a 4-year starter at three different positions (Quarterback, Safety, Linebacker). He went on to play professional football spending time with the Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and Pittsburgh Steelers winning a Super Bowl in 2008. He and his wife Megan, Continuum of Care Coordinator for Adult Emergency Services (OU Health), live in Oklahoma City with their daughter Henley Grace Woods.

Participants in the program are given laptops to use for their courses, school supplies and lunch in the cafeteria each day that they are on campus. CFSI pays them a stipend for their time spent in program and connects them with internships to gain workplace experience and credibility for their path forward

“This is the first time these students have ever been able to fully focus on building a new identity, figure out what they’re good at, and think about what they want to do with their lives. It is an opportunity for them to decide on and pursue a career with fresh perspective while also receiving numerous opportunities to grow and thrive. It is truly a dream come true for many of them and we are excited for the community to come and be a witness to these unbelievable transformations!" Moore said.

The CFSI extended network includes friends, leaders, and businesses who partner with OSU-OKC and make a commitment to these students’ futures.

The Center for Social Innovation is accepting applications until the end of May 2024 for the upcoming August 2024 Cohort # 5 at https://osuokc.edu/cfsi/apply.

CFSI Graduation

Friday, May 17, 2024

10:30 am - 12 pm

Allied Health Building

Room 1300