SWOSU Press Release

Crowder Lake University Park at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) kicked off the 2025 season on April 4 with the annual North Family Lecture and Friends of Crowder Lake Dinner.

The event was held at the North Family Building at Crowder Lake University Park. 2020 SWOSU alumnus Thomas Lindley was the featured presenter of the evening as the 2025 North Family Endowed Lecturer. Lindley spoke about his experiences as a Climbing Ranger for Mount Rainier National Park.

Following the lecture, members of the Friends of Crowder Lake were treated to a cocktail hour & dinner catered by Blue Mountain Smoke.

The North Family Endowed Lecture in Parks & Recreation Management is a testament to the commitment of longtime SWOSU benefactor and 1980 alumnus Mike North of Oklahoma City and his wife, Marilyn Flinchum. Thanks to their unwavering generosity, the lecture series continues to significantly enrich the academic and professional experiences of SWOSU students and the wider community, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for parks, recreation, and natural resource management.

The Friends of Crowder Lake program and the North Family Endowment are administered by the SWOSU Foundation, Inc. The Foundation was established in 1977 to promote philanthropy, award scholarships, and distribute funds to support the activities and programs of SWOSU. For more information, visit www.FriendsofSWOSUCrowderLake.com or contact Madison Taylor, Madison.taylor@swosu.edu, (580) 774-7068.