SWOSU President Lovell Attends Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony Honoring NASA’s Hidden Figures

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) President Dr. Diana "Diane" Lovell was honored to attend the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on September 18, 2024, commemorating the remarkable contributions of NASA's "Hidden Figures." The ceremony celebrated the groundbreaking achievements of women who played critical roles in advancing America's space exploration efforts.

Hosted by Oklahoma Congressman Frank Lucas, the ceremony recognized Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Dr. Christine Darden. Their work, which included crucial calculations for the Apollo 11 mission and other space milestones, was historically overlooked due to racial and gender barriers. A fifth Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to honor all the women who contributed to NASA's success as mathematicians, engineers, and "human computers" between the 1930s and the 1970s.

Dr. Lovell joined other Oklahoma higher education leaders at the prestigious event, which was held inside Emancipation Hall. "It was an honor to witness the recognition of these extraordinary women whose work not only propelled America to the moon but also paved the way for future generations in STEM fields," said Dr. Lovell. "Their perseverance in the face of adversity is a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have on history."

The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian award in the United States, bestowed by Congress for distinguished achievements that have made a lasting impact on American history and culture. The honorees' contributions were notably brought to light in the 2016 film Hidden Figures, based on the best-selling book of the same name.

Dr. Lovell's attendance at this event highlights SWOSU's ongoing commitment to recognizing and promoting diversity in STEM fields, aligning with the university's mission to foster inclusive academic excellence.

For more information on SWOSU's involvement in STEM initiatives or to learn more about this historic event, please visit www.swosu.edu.