Stillwater Oklahoma Fall 2025 | Page 48

... there is an open invitation for veterans and their families to drop by the Gardens whenever it is open, for them to share ownership for the Gardens’ continuing development, including serving as Trustees and working committee members.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 48
MOU-signing-President Ruth Ray Jackson( left) and Gardens Founder Stewart Williams signed a two-year renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between Langston University and Wm Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens during the 2024 Veterans Day Program.( Photo provided by Langston University) fellow Veterans has impressed his fellow veterans, their families and all those who know what he is doing.
SOM: How meaningful is it to have this memorial? AM: The high quality of programming, the extensive inclusion of veterans and citizens from all walks of life, and the transmission of the programming nationally through social media are paramount reasons that make this dedicated effort to show sincerest appreciation to those who have so gallantly and selflessly served our nation so pertinent. In addition, there is an open invitation for veterans and their families to drop by the Gardens whenever it is open, for them to share ownership for the Gardens’ continuing development, including serving as Trustees and working committee members.
SOM: How did the university’ s involvement begin? AM: Langston University ' s faculty and Staff members who are / were residents of the Town of Langston City were at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Gardens. Now Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Alonzo Peterson, served as
... there is an open invitation for veterans and their families to drop by the Gardens whenever it is open, for them to share ownership for the Gardens’ continuing development, including serving as Trustees and working committee members.
the Master of Ceremonies for the first Memorial Day and the first two of our Veterans Day Programs. The LU Concert Ensemble has graced the Gardens Program audiences with their melodious music for eight out of 10 years of programing. So much of the behind-thescenes program development, set-up and unseen work was performed and continues to be managed by LU students as individuals and members of Sororities and Fraternities. Equally, the faculty and staff of the University ' s Communication and Mass Media academic programs have helped us " GET THE WORD OUT!"
Three years ago, Dr. Peterson suggested that we move past the ad hoc solicitation of faculty, student and organization ' s participation by developing and implementing an official Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by then-acting President Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson. We are now operating under our second MOU with plans of extending another agreement on Nov. 11, 2026.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 48