WILBURTON, Oklahoma – Eastern Oklahoma State College President Dr. Janet Wansick attended the Congressional Gold Medal ceremony at the U.S. Capitol honoring the trailblazing women featured in the film Hidden Figures on Sept. 18. Wansick was invited to witness this historic tribute by Rep. Frank Lucas, as one of the leading female educators in Oklahoma.

The honorees, including mathematicians Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and engineers Mary Jackson and Christine Darden, were recognized for their pivotal roles in NASA’s space race, breaking barriers as some of the first black women working in STEM at NASA.

The ceremony highlighted the legacy of these extraordinary women, whose calculations made critical contributions to missions like John Glenn's orbit of Earth. The event was attended by various leaders in education, science, and government, paying homage to the extraordinary perseverance and intellect of these women.

"Their contributions continue to inspire future generations of scientists, engineers and innovators,” Wansick said. “As an educator, it’s empowering to see how their legacy shapes our students' aspirations, especially young women in STEM."

This recognition comes as a powerful reminder of the impact of diversity in science and technology, a mission that EOSC shares through its commitment to fostering innovation and opportunity for all students.