Thunder Thursdays Bring Community Spirit and Celebration to the Hudson College of Public Health

Since late April, the Office of Sovereignty, Opportunity, Belonging and Engagement (SOBE) at the Hudson College of Public Health has rallied the college community around the Oklahoma City Thunder during their exciting playoff run. Each week, SOBE’s “Thunder Thursdays” brought students, faculty, and staff together in the college auditorium to cheer on the team, show off their Thunder pride, and enjoy a break from the daily grind.

Led by Dr. Dee Terrell and Dr. Lancer Stephens, the weekly gatherings offered snacks, camaraderie, and Thunder-themed prize drawings. Attendees proudly wore blue and orange, bonding over a shared love of basketball and community spirit.

When the OKC Thunder clinched the 2025 NBA Championship title, SOBE hosted a college-wide celebration on June 26 that brought the season to a festive close. A potluck luncheon was held in the auditorium, featuring meat generously donated by Dean Dale Bratzler and a delicious spread of sides and desserts brought by faculty, staff, and students.

“Thunder Thursdays started as a fun way to build community, and it ended in an incredible championship celebration,” said Dr. Stephens. “It was a reminder of how shared moments—big and small—can bring us together.”

With Thunder pride still going strong, the Hudson College of Public Health looks forward to more community-building moments ahead, both on and off the court.