University of Tulsa Graduate Student Association

As Graduate Student Week comes to a close, we reflect on one of the defining moments from the The University of Tulsa Graduate School Banquet.

The GSA President opened his remarks with the words of Bob Marley:
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only option.”
Reflecting on his journey as an international student stepping into leadership, he spoke about the uncertainty that often comes with new responsibilities—and the strength that emerges in the process.

What stood out most was a simple but powerful realization: he was not alone. Alongside fellow international students on the Executive Council, what began as uncertainty evolved into curiosity, support, and ultimately, a strong sense of team.

As the week concludes, this moment reminds us of what defines the graduate student experience—resilience, community, and the courage to step forward even when the path is uncertain.

Read the full speech in the link below.
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Speech by the GSA President – Kwame Mawuenyega Ackah at the Graduate Students Banquet, April 16, 2026 The GSA Executive Team – 2025-26 The President, Provost and Vice-Provost, Deans, Distinguished Members of Faculty, Fellow Graduate Students, Alumni, our honored guests, Ladies and Gentlemen –…

🎓University of Tulsa Graduate Student Association congratulates Stacy Leeds on her appointment as the President of The University of Tulsa, effective July 1.

President-designate Leeds’ appointment represents a meaningful moment for our university community. A proud alumna of UTulsa’s College of Law (Class of 1997), she returns home with an exceptional record of leadership in higher education, national academic distinction, and a deep commitment to student success and institutional excellence.

Throughout the presidential search process, the Graduate Student Association through its President, Kwame Mawuenyega Ackah had the privilege of representing the voices and perspectives of graduate students. We appreciate the Board of Trustees for conducting a thoughtful and comprehensive national search that has culminated in this important decision for the future of our institution.

As graduate students, we recognize the vital role leadership plays in advancing research, strengthening academic collaboration, and fostering an inclusive campus environment where scholars from across the world can thrive.

President-designate Leeds’ homecoming as a sixth-generation Oklahoman and TU alumna speaks to the enduring strength of the UTulsa community and its connection to the City of Tulsa and beyond.

The Graduate Student Association looks forward to working with President-designate Leeds to continue advancing the mission of The University of Tulsa and supporting the success of graduate, undergraduate, and international students across our campus.

Congratulations and welcome home, President-designate Leeds.

💙💛

Happening now! Come and get some in Lorton Hall — special thanks to Charcuteray catering!

Happy First Day of Graduate Appriciation Week!
Fill your plate from the Beautiful Charcuterie Board!
Lorton Hall | Graduate Conference Room 202

Join us from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm and enjoy this artistic display of specialty cheeses and meats paired with seasonal produce and other accoutrements. Vegetarian/vegan, gluten free options available. Bon Appetit!

Graduate Student Appreciation Week begins this Monday! Woohoo!!! 🥳 We want to honor each and every one of you who tirelessly show up day after day, committed to learning and growing in your respective fields of interest.

In this spirit, I am so excited to announce the first-ever, annual Graduate Student Banquet & Dance Party! This is sure to be THE event of the year—mark your calendar for Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 6PM. We have worked with the Graduate School and TU President Brad Carson to put together this formal evening recognizing all TU graduate students and the contributions you are making to science, business, philosophy, medicine, and the arts. This is your night to be celebrated!

We’re transforming the Reynolds Center stadium into a sort of grad’utopia – complete with banquet tables, fine dining, professional photography, cash bar, dance floor, and live music. There will be graduate G.O.A.T. awards for grad students, and awards for favorite mentors as well. The evening will culminate with a nightclub adjacent dance party with Zodiac!

All graduate students and their plus ones are invited to attend. If you have not yet RSVP'd, you may do so here: https://www.greenvelope.com/card/.public-8214af6201c44247bf393322475ada4335323835373530

We look forward to seeing you there!
Christy Mather, GSA President

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is an annual commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. We will initiate our commitment to generate positive change by recognizing Juneteenth as an official TU campus holiday on Friday. This means that TU offices will be closed on June 19, providing employees the opportunity to connect with the community and engage in Juneteenth related programming.

Don't forget to utilize campus resources like our Writing Center, located in McFarlin Library, 3rd Floor

Hours of Operation:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM - 6 PM
Thursday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 12 PM - 3 PM

Walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability.
Advance appointments are strongly encouraged.

TU Writing Center The Writing Center periodically closes for Writing Program staff meetings and events, and for other university-wide closures. Please check our online schedule for availability.

They are everywhere. You cannot escape.

Have a great summer all of you!
~John

We will be cancelling our breakfast and afternoon pick-me-up this week. Instead have some snacks and coffee at the Research Colloquium in the Allen Chapmen Student Union all day every day this week!