SWOSU Press Release

Weatherford, OK – Weatherford community members and SWOSU students joined together to raise more than $20,000 for the American Cancer Society during Relay for Life of Beckham and Custer County. The event brought together student organizations, local businesses, and community members to support individuals and families affected by cancer.

Relay for Life is an annual fundraising event benefiting the American Cancer Society, with proceeds supporting cancer research, patient services, and advocacy. The event gives communities an opportunity to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost to cancer, and commit to fighting back against the disease. This year’s event reflected those goals, with activities that encouraged participation, honored local survivors, and recognized the dedication of those working toward a future without cancer.

The evening featured a luminaria ceremony and survivor walk, creating space to reflect on the personal impact of cancer in the community. Attendees also participated in games such as musical chairs, Simon Says, and Ships & Sailors, while enjoying performances from the Alex Drumline, Chris Pollman Karate Academy, and TD Dance Productions. Awards were presented to the event’s top fundraising teams in recognition of the contributions of participants who helped drive the event’s success.

Several SWOSU student organizations helped organize the event, including Zeta Phi, Phi Lamb, Tau Kappa Epsilon, SWOSU Physics and Engineering Club, SWOSU Nursing Student Association, Sigma Phi Lambda, and Team Awesome.

Sponsors for this year’s Relay for Life included Bar-S Foods of Clinton, Clinton ICE, LLC, Bank of Hydro in Weatherford, Jett Distributing, More than Medicine, 28 Rentals, LLC, The Shed Grill & Bar in Weatherford, King Legal, PLLC, SWOSU, Marquis Family, Weatherford Daily News, Clinton Daily News, West OK Weekly, Endurance Federal Credit Union of Elk City, Alex Drumline, Chris Pollman Karate Academy, TD Dance Productions, Mrs. Marla Pankratz (guest speaker), Bailey Shaw (national anthem), SWOSU Foundation, Et Cetera Shop, Arapaho Public Schools, First United Methodist Church of Hobart, Collegiate Activities Board, and Wright Wradio.

Leadership for the event included Vivian Shipley (event lead), Kamlee Ebisch (fundraising), Jaycee Williams (social media), Jaque Ponce (luminarias), Sage Heldermon (entertainment), Brynlee Bustin (survivors), Dr. Veronica Aguiñaga (corporate sponsor chair), and Kyna Tate (senior development manager).

Funds raised through Relay for Life events support the American Cancer Society’s mission through advocacy, research, and patient services.

About Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.