The scene sounds ominous: “In a soundproof room on campus one evening in 1934, 13 members of an exclusive student group stood still, eyes fixed on a red light.” But when the light blinked on and the music began, Phantom Mask was live on the air.

Long before podcasts and streaming existed, the University of Oklahoma’s coed radio drama fraternity, founded in 1931, brought comedy and tragedy to life over WNAD’s airwaves, complete with sound effects. 

Nearly a century later, OU’s student organizations continue to propel the novelty and enrichment of campus life. Some are steeped in decades of history; others are only weeks old. All reflect the evolving passions, talents and curiosities of OU students.

The current range of clubs is striking, as reflected on OU Engage, the website where students keep track of organizations and events. In any given week, students are invited to gatherings for aspiring improv comedians, entomologists, competitive Bollywood fusion dancers and STEM students who need a little sunshine and fresh air.

K. George Ahmadi, OU’s director of Student Government and Organization Services, says since the start of the academic year, 62 new groups brought the count of OU’s active registered student organizations up to 569, including a new speech team and a Crimson Cruisers skateboarding club.

Though club involvement is often a leisurely endeavor, Ahmadi says there are long-lasting career benefits to finding your people.

“Whether your post-college path is entrepreneurial, working for a team in a corporation, or going into public service, the diversity of organizations at OU gives students an opportunity to find their niche and get hands-on experience in leadership, cooperation and building skill sets for the future.”

Behind the scenes, gifts to the Student Affairs Development Fund at the OU Foundation help sustain the resources and programming that make this vibrant student life possible.

Kaylee Do, a junior biology and pre-optometry major from Tulsa, Okla., serves as the Director of Traditions at the Union Programming Board. She says showing up and getting involved can be life-changing.

“I’m thankful that I tried new things during my freshman year, like Dancing with the Stars through the UPB.” That experience led Do to a leadership role, and this year she directed the show. 

Perhaps the best illustration of the scale of OU’s student groups would be the existence of the Flyer Removal Club—a group dedicated to keeping bulletin boards current to ensure students aren’t reading about events already past.

Do says these activities also reflect what’s currently important to the student body. “You can see how traditions continue and adjust over time. It’s how we communicate and express ourselves.” 

Sara Morrell Cowan is assistant editor of Sooner Magazine. 

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