NSU's OIL delegation shines again

The second session of the 42nd Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature was held at the State Capitol in Oklahoma City on Nov. 3-7 and the delegation from Northeastern State University again distinguished itself by being named Best Delegation of the House.

The NSU Delegation of OIL meets Thursdays at 8 p.m. in Room 224 of the University Center. Led by chair Dustin Woods, the weekly meetings are used to train students to write, debate and pass legislation. Some students also play executive, judicial and journalism roles. All training is designed to prepare students for the five-day mock legislative sessions held once each semester at the state capitol.

"Our group were predominantly zero-stars, or freshmen delegates who have never attended a session, but they exploded out of nowhere into an active, involved group that earned due recognition from the organization," said Woods. "The Best Delegation in the House award belongs purely to our new members, and I am very proud of the integrity with which they represented both themselves and their university."

The NSU contingent competed with more than 20 Oklahoma colleges and universities and, in addition to the Best House Delegation award, personal awards were won by political science majors Katie Fallen and Tyler Keen. Fallen won second runner-up for best legislation for her proposed reforms for the Department of Human Services, and Keen won first runner-up for Best Freshman Delegate.

"Although the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature may sound like a verbose political festival, it's actually an epicenter of the best and brightest minds from Oklahoma's colleges," said Woods. "Ask any delegate who attended the recent session, and they'll try to tell you through words how energizing and empowering and magnificent a session experience is."

OIL was founded in 1969 by Lt. Governor George Nigh as an educational model for Oklahoma college students. The organization has grown to become a comprehensive simulation of state governance, comprised of an executive branch, a bicameral legislative branch, a judiciary and a journalism corps.

Students practice at their home delegation meetings and meet once a semester on the floors of the Oklahoma Capitol to present, amend, debate, caucus and vote on legislation.