SWOSU Press Release

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) President Dr. Diane Lovell attended the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony on September 18, 2024, at the U.S. Capitol.

The event honored NASA’s “Hidden Figures”—women like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Christine Darden—who made critical contributions to America’s space efforts despite racial and gender barriers. Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas of Cheyenne hosted the ceremony, which also recognized all women who worked as mathematicians and engineers for NASA from the 1930s to the 1970s.

Dr. Lovell expressed her honor in witnessing the recognition of these pioneering women, whose perseverance helped shape America’s space achievements and inspired future generations in STEM fields. For more info on SWOSU’s STEM initiatives, visit swosu.edu