Weatherford, OK – The Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Computer Club and SWOSU Esports hosted their annual Extra Life lock-in fundraiser, raising $1,000 to support the Oklahoma Children’s Hospital. The funds help support needed medication, equipment, and other resources for children receiving care.
This year marked the 12th year that SWOSU has held the public lock-in to support the cause. Approximately 60 individuals attended throughout the evening, including students, parents, siblings, and friends. While referred to as a lock-in, attendees were able to come and go.
The Computer Club and Cybersecurity Club jointly prepared for this year’s event, which welcomed a variety of gaming interests. Participants brought their own equipment and took part in activities such as electronic gaming, tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, card games, and group puzzles. A 1,000-piece Halloween puzzle was also completed during the night by Dr. Brian Rickel, Dr. Karen Sweeney, and Dr. Sherry Westmoreland.
The lock-in is volunteer-led and supported by donated food from Weatherford businesses, with the Computer Club providing additional items as needed. Dr. Westmoreland, Dr. Rickel, Dr. Sweeney, and Dr. Hayden Harrington assisted with planning and operations before and during the event.
“The event demonstrates to our students the need for volunteer work and what can be accomplished when good teamwork and planning take place,” said Westmoreland, faculty sponsor for Computer Club.
Recently, the Computer Club met with Special Agent Brian Exinia from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), who shared insight into his role as a Polygraph Examiner and answered questions from students. The visit provided students pursuing careers with government agencies a better understanding of the polygraph process, which can be stressful as part of security clearances. The session offered practical insight and helped students feel more prepared for future opportunities in related fields.
The SWOSU Computer Club provides opportunities for students interested in technology, gaming, and computer science, offering events, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences throughout the year.
For more information about the SWOSU Computer Club or upcoming events, contact Dr. Sherry Westmoreland at sherry.westmoreland@swosu.edu.
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.
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