University of Oklahoma Claims Tenth Davis Cup Win

College/University Partners, News Item, Program Update

On stage in front of a red wall, OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr , Phil Geier, JoAnn Holden, Emelie Schultz, and Craig Hayes stand together to celebrate the Davis cup win. — [L to R] University of Oklahoma President Joseph Harroz, Jr., Phil Geier, JoAnn Holden, Emelie Schultz (Sweden, UWC Red Cross Nordic), and Craig Hayes at the event celebrating OU’s 10th Davis Cup win.

For the tenth time in the past 11 years, the University of Oklahoma has been awarded the Davis Cup in recognition of its enrollment, the largest in the nation, of first-year Davis United World College Scholars.

A total of 328 Davis UWC Scholars represent 108 countries at OU, including 87 who began their studies last fall. Nearly 100 American higher education institutions participate in the program, but OU remains the only public university in the nation to receive the honor.

“Being awarded the prestigious Davis Cup for the tenth time fills us with immense pride at the University of Oklahoma,” said OU President Joseph Harroz, Jr. “Davis UWC Scholars embody service-minded leadership and a commitment to positively impact our world. Their profound contributions are leaving an enduring mark on our university community that will resonate for years to come.”

Davis UWC Scholars at the University of Oklahoma pose together on risers in a gymnasium. — Many of the record-setting number of Davis UWC Scholars gather at the University of Oklahoma to take part in celebrating winning the Davis Cup yet again.

Since OU enrolled its first Davis UWC Scholars in 2008, they have earned recognition as members of the President’s Leadership Class and President’s Community Scholars, and as Outstanding Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. They have served in a variety of leadership roles, including as Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth team leaders, International Advisory Committee executive officers, and resident advisers.

”My experience at OU was enriched by the myriad of opportunities, and a strong sense of community and inclusion fostered for Davis UWC Scholars throughout the campus,” said Tenzin Tsomo (Tibet, UWC Atlantic), a senior Davis UWC Scholar with a double major in community health and anthropology.

Since 2008, OU has received more than $60 million from the Davis UWC Scholars Program to support student scholarships. This year alone, the program’s grant will surpass $11.5 million for the 2023-24 academic year.

“We are so proud of the University of Oklahoma for its long-standing commitment to advancing the cause of international understanding through the Davis UWC Scholars Program,” said Shelby Davis and Phil Geier, the program’s co-founders. “We remain hopeful that the relationships and educational growth taking place in Norman will serve the world well in the decades to come.”