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SAML Grand Opening

The University of Oklahoma

By The University of Oklahoma

November 29^th, 2023

The Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Lab Grand Opening

Yesterday, government, military, and defense industry leaders attended a grand opening event for the University of Oklahoma’s new Sooner Advanced Manufacturing Lab. The lab enables research and workforce development to support the growing defense industry in Oklahoma.

Gen (Ret) Robin Rand, left, with Brig Gen (sel) Brian Moore, right.

An attendee looks for his name tag.

Attendees look for their name tags.

Pam Kloiber, left, with Zahed Siddique, right. Brig Gen (sel) Moore in background

University President Harroz speaks with OU Vice President for Research and Partnerships.

Attendees talking prior to event.

University President Harroz speaks with Don Wetekam.

Brig Gen (sel) Brian Moore addressing the crowd.

Vice President for Research and Partnerships Tomás Díaz de la Rubia with Mrs. Judy Kirkand and OU President Harroz, presenting Mrs. Kirkland with a flag in honor of her late husband’s service to the country and the university.

Zahed Siddique addressing the crowd.

Mark Benedict, the Advanced Manufacturing Lead for the Air Force Research Laboratory, addressing the crowd.

Mark Benedict, the Advanced Manufacturing Lead for the Air Force Research Laboratory, addressing the crowd.

Interim Executive Director of OU’s Oklahoma Aerospace and Defense Innovation Institute Gen (ret) Robin Rand addressing the crowd.

Attendees examining a build plate for additive manufacturing.

Lt Gen Stacey Hawkins (left) with field representatives from the Oklahoma Republican delegation.

Attendees speak after the event.

Attendees talk in the new lab.

University President Harroz talks with an attendee.

Attendees speak in the new lab.

From left to right: Lt Gen (ret) Don Wetekam, Gen (ret) Robin Rand, OU Vice President for Research and Partnerships Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, OU President Joseph Harroz Jr, Col Brian Moore and Mark Benedict pose for photo.

Footnotes

Photos by Rob Johnson

FootNotes

Photos by Rob Johnson

© 2026 The University of Oklahoma

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