Phase 2: Save the Pool

Earlier this year, USAO’s indoor pool was scheduled to close due to budget cuts. However, a fundraising initiative led by Dr. Nancy Osborn, professor of physical education at USAO, raised enough money to keep the pool open through the summer. Dr. Osborn’s hard work has kept the pool open for summer swimming classes, community lessons, student open swim times and cross training for student-athletes.

The summer is ending, and the fall and spring trimesters are just around the corner. The pool is an important part of the university, but unless we can raise enough money to cover the operating costs for the coming terms, USAO will have no choice but to close the pool’s doors.

We need your help. Dr. Osborn is beginning phase two of the fundraising project: raise $25,000 to keep the pool afloat until the end of this year.

The pool has been at USAO since its days as the Oklahoma College for Women. Serving as training grounds for the OCW synchronized swimming team to being a key part of Drover athletics today, the pool remains as vital to students as it was in its early years. It serves as a practice site for the Chickasha High School swim team, and holds water aerobics classes for Chickasha citizens throughout the year as well. Our beloved pool sees a great deal of use, and we need to be sure it stays open for students and citizens alike in the years to come.

Dr. Osborn is working hard to make the pool self-sufficient by partnering with the community for swimming lessons and parties, but in the meantime we need all the help we can get. Any donations—big or small—are greatly appreciated and bring us one step closer to our goal. Whether it’s $8 for an hour of lifeguarding or $2,500 for necessary pool chemicals, all donations add up and make a huge difference to our school and community.