2015 OSU Homecoming Publication

HOMECOMING 2015 OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY

STILLWATER, STILL LOYAL, STILL TRUE

HOMECOMING Walkaround 2015

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LOCATION OF DECORATIONS

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1.Alpha Gamma Rho & Pi Beta Phi 2. Sigma Nu & Kappa Alpha Theta 3. Kappa Alpha Order & Alpha Omicron Pi 4. Sigma Chi & Chi Omega 5. Pi Kappa Alpha & Alpha Chi Omega 6. Delta Tau Delta 7. Kappa Sigma and Delta Delta Delta 8. Sigma Alpha Epsilon & Kappa Kappa Gamma 9. Phi Gamma Delta & Gamma Phi Beta 10. Phi Kappa Tau & Phi Mu 11. Sigma Phi Epsilon & Zeta Tau Alpha 12. Alpha Tau Omega & Alpha Delta Pi 13. FarmHouse & Kappa Delta 14. Stout 15. Patchin-Jones 16. Drummond 17. The Villages 18. Iba 19. Kamm/Peterson/Friend 20. University Commons 21. North Monroe 22. Bennett

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First Aid

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ATHLETIC

Alumni Center

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PARKING GARAGE

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Denotes barriers that will go up beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Closed Streets Porta-Potties

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Handicap Access Bus Routes for Walkaround Bus Stop for Walkaround House Decorations Residential Halls

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Carnival Homecoming Hub - Information Station

Stillwater

TABLE OF CONTENTS 40 Homecoming 2015 Publication

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Campus Map | 02 Calendar of Events | 04 Letter from Jimmy Hutson | 07 Letter from Burns Hargis | 08 Letter from Chris Batchelder | 09 Board Members | 10 Two Strong Traditions | 11 Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True | 14 Meet the 2015 Homecoming Executive Team | 16 Stillwater Favorites | 17 Homecoming Steering Committee | 18 Big Committee | 20 Winners of Homecoming 2014 | 22 Walkaround | 26 Grand Marshal: Gina Noble | 32 Homecoming by the Numbers | 35 Homecoming Royalty Court | 36 All About Ann | 40 Parade Floats | 44 Meet the Class of 1965 | 50 Homecoming Then & Now | 54 Gameday Perspective | 58

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Still Loyal, Still True

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CALENDAR of events

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FRIDAY, OCT.

Football Frenzy A student football tournament kicks off Homecoming each year. Teams are made up of students from Greek Life, Residential Life and Student Organizations who compete in a Greek bracket and an open bracket.

Friday, Oct. 16 - Sunday, Oct. 18 Colvin Intramural Fields and Boone Pickens Stadium

Homecoming Tailgate Join the Homecoming tradition designed specifically for on-campus residents. The fun includes music, games and food!

5 - 7 p.m. | Kerr-Drummond Plaza

MONDAY, OCT.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 4

2015

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TUESDAY, OCT. Hester Street Painting Spread the spirit of Homecoming by encouraging our Cowboys to beat the Jayhawks! Paint words of encouragement for the team to see during the Spirit Walk.

5 - 7 p.m. | Hester Street

Sign Competition Drop by Library Lawn to see the creativity of the living groups and campus organizations.

5 p.m. | Library Lawn (on display all week)

Orange Fountain Dyeing Watch the Homecoming Executive Team pour the first cups of orange dye in the fountain to prepare for a week filled with orange spirit.

5:30 p.m. | Library Lawn

Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off Harvest Carnival, an old-fashioned children’s carnival, and the Chili Cook-Off, Homecoming’s tastiest tradition, combine into one event the whole family can enjoy!

Bring a canned food item for entry.

6 - 8 p.m. | Payne County Expo Center

Orange Reflection The residence halls will light up campus with orange decorations at dusk that will remain lit through the weekend. Travel through campus to feel the power of orange.

Dusk | Residence Halls

THURSDAY, OCT. Stillwater

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20th Annual Black Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament 7 a.m. Registration | Lakeside Golf Course

University Store Official Homecoming apparel available for purchase.

8 a.m. - 9 p.m. | OSU Student Union 5 - 9 p.m. | Walkaround

College of Human Sciences Reunion Lunch and Award Presentation 10 a.m. | Coffee 11 a.m. | Pin Presentation | 106 HS Building 11:30 a.m. | Lunch | Taylor’s Dining Room

Alumni Registration Pick up your commemorative Homecoming giveaways (while supplies last) 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center 4 - 10 p.m. | Homecoming Hub at Walkaround

Class of 1965 Check-In and Hospitality Room Hosted and sponsored by the OSU Alumni Association and the Homecoming Steering Committee.

1 - 4 p.m. | Craig Family Room, OSU Alumni Center

Class of 1965 Campus Tours 1 - 4 p.m. | OSU Alumni Center

OSU Band Reunion Registration 4 - 6 p.m. | Seretean Center

Class of 1965 Campus Reception The OSU Foundation is hosting a reception prior to Walkaround for all members of the Class of 1965.

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | OSU Foundation

Class of 1990 Campus Reception The OSU Foundation is hosting a reception prior to Walkaround for all members of the Class of 1990.

Reunion Reception for Classes of 2010 and 2005 5 - 7 p.m. | Lot 12 (NW corner of Hester & 4th Street)

Joe State Homecoming Tailgate Featuring Cody Canada with special guest Mike McClure 5 p.m. | Eskimo Joe’s

College of Education Picnic 5 - 7 p.m. | Willard Lawn

Black Alumni Society Trailblazer Reception

5:30 p.m. | Click Hall East, OSU Alumni Center

Walkaround The streets are closed off and overflowing with excitement for the viewing of the house decorations.

5:30 - 9 p.m. | Greek Neighborhood

Homecoming & Hoops Join us for a night of OSU basketball and lots of orange spirit.

9 - 10:30 p.m. | Gallagher-Iba Arena 7:30 p.m. | Doors Open

4:30 - 6:30 p.m. | OSU Foundation

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SATURDAY, OCT. OSU Band Reunion TBD | OSU Campus

University Store Official Homecoming apparel available for purchase.

8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | OSU Student Union

Sea of Orange Parade 9 a.m. (8 a.m. if 11 a.m. kickoff) | Main Street Still Loyal, Still True

College of Arts & Sciences Tailgate TBD | East side of Noble Research Center

Alumni Registration Pick up your commemorative Homecoming giveaways (while supplies last)

College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Reception 3 hours prior to kickoff | 106 Ag Hall

3 1/2 hours prior to kickoff | OSU Alumni Center

College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology Reception and Tailgate

3 1/2 hours prior to kickoff | OSU Alumni Center

2 hours prior to kickoff | North side of Architecture Building

3 hours prior to kickoff | West side of Business Building

Boone Pickens Stadium

Cowboy Corral

Spears School of Business Reception

Football Game Kansas vs. Oklahoma State

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The OSU Alumni Association thanks our corporate partner for supporting “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.”

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Stillwater

LETTER FROM JIMMY HUTSON

We are fortunate at Oklahoma State University to be the home of “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.” With more than 80,000 people gathering each year to celebrate their passion for this university, OSU sets itself apart from any other school in the nation.

The theme ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True’ embodies two aspects of my college experience that I will always remember, especially as I become an alumnus of Oklahoma State in seven short months. The Stillwater community’s continuous support of the students and the university has given me a reason to forever call Stillwater home. No matter where I find myself living after college, Exit 174 will be a familiar road sign that holds a special place in my heart and serves as a reminder of the best four years of my life. The words “Still Loyal, Still True” are two powerful phrases stemming from our school’s alma mater but are also impactful statements reminding me to be loyal to my roots and true to the Cowboy name.

OSU’s Homecoming is a result of the countless hours and hard work of the Homecoming Executive Team, Steering committees and the OSU Alumni Association. I have had the opportunity to serve with 10 selfless student leaders on the executive team who have devoted the past year of their time to make Homecoming a memorable experience for all. As an executive team, we were fortunate enough to work with 67 students on Homecoming Steering who have a passion for this university unlike any other. They deserve a huge thank you for the time they gave to ensure Homecoming remains “America’s Greatest.” Last but not least, thank you to the board of directors, the administration and the staff at the OSU Alumni Association for taking time out of their own lives to stand behind us during this yearlong journey.

On behalf of the Executive team, I must also recognize the current students, alumni and the people of Stillwater for keeping this rich tradition alive. The Homecoming celebration is a tradition that influenced myself and many other students to choose Oklahoma State. Without the student body, alumni and Stillwater community, prospective students would not be persuaded and encouraged to choose “America’s Brightest Orange.”

We hope you enjoy ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True’ and thank you for your support of Homecoming 2015.

Jimmy Hutson 2015 Homecoming Executive Director Still Loyal, Still True

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LETTER FROM BURNS HARGIS OSU Homecoming Guests, First Cowgirl Ann Hargis and I are pleased to welcome you to Oklahoma State University for another edition of “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.”

This year is the 125th anniversary of the founding of our great university in 1890. It is the perfect time to celebrate the community OSU students call their second home – Stillwater. OSU’s roots are firmly embedded in Stillwater, which was the first town incorporated after the Land Run of 1889. Some of the city’s first residents donated land for the university, and several went on to be the first of our Loyal and True graduates.

Like OSU, Stillwater has seen big changes over the years. Many alumni, including members of the Class of 1965 who are back for their 50-year reunion, might not recognize our community, but one thing they’ll find unchanged is the friendliness of the people who live and work here.

In addition to attending our Homecoming events, I hope you’ll take time to explore Stillwater and enjoy new gems such as the OSU Museum of Art in downtown’s historic Postal Plaza Gallery. You can find a complete list of places to shop and dine in Stillwater at visitstillwater.org and at the Stillwater Visitors Center on west Highway 51.

As always, I appreciate the work of our students and the OSU Alumni Association. They spend countless hours planning and creating one of OSU’s greatest traditions. Homecoming is an event we can all enjoy in a city that holds a special place in our hearts — ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True.’

Go Pokes!

Burns Hargis, ’67 President, Oklahoma State University

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Stillwater

LETTER FROM CHRIS BATCHELDER Dear OSU Alumni and Friends, The OSU Alumni Association and the city of Stillwater are excited you’re joining us for Homecoming 2015: ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True.’ No matter when you attended OSU, the community surrounding our alma mater undoubtedly influenced your college experience. We’re excited to celebrate it this year and highlight all the ways Stillwater supports our Cowboy Family.

We are especially proud to welcome Stillwater mayor and OSU graduate Gina Noble as this year’s grand marshal. Noble has also been a part of OSU’s faculty since 2002 and has received numerous awards for her excellence as an educator. We are thrilled that such a prominent figure in both the city of Stillwater and the OSU community will serve as the grand marshal for this year’s celebration.

Homecoming 2015 will mark the second year the Alumni Association is able to provide additional support to our student participants thanks to the Homecoming and Student Programs Endowment. It’s up to all of us to ensure OSU’s Homecoming remains “America’s Greatest.” As someone who values this great tradition, I’d encourage you to pledge your support at orangeconnection.org/ endowhomecoming.

I would like to thank our student volunteers and staff members who started planning for Homecoming 2015 only a month after last year’s events. Much of their hard work goes on behind the scenes so that you – our alumni, students and friends – can enjoy the festivities and elaborate displays created by our living and student groups.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. Make sure it’s on your list of Homecoming destinations so you can register your attendance.

Welcome home, and Go Pokes!

Chris Batchelder, ’95 - Life Member President and CEO Oklahoma State University Alumni Association Still Loyal, Still True

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OSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Phil Kennedy, Chair Kent Gardner, Vice Chair Jennifer Grigsby, Immediate Past Chair

EX OFFICIO Chris Batchelder V. Burns Hargis Kirk Jewell 10

BOARD MEMBERS

HOMECOMING EXECUTIVES

Treca Baetz Gregg Bradshaw Larry Briggs Bill Dragoo Russ Florence Jami Longacre Tony LoPresto Mel Martin Travis Moss H.J. Reed Tom Ritchie

Josie Blosser Allison Christian Robert Confer Hammons Hepner Amy Hocker Ridge Howell Jimmy Hutson Josh Jackson Amanda Jones Emma Schemmer

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE Amanda Jones, Executive Morgan Beier, Designer Hannah Jo Berg, Designer Alli Owen, Writer Katy Sanderlin, Writer Isabella Simerson, Writer

Stillwater

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klahoma State is fortunate to claim the title of “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration” because of the diligent efforts of our students, staff and supporters everywhere. As this spirited season settles in, we welcome home the Cowboy family, which encompasses generations of loyal and true alumni, friends and fans.

Among OSU’s many supporters is Phillips 66, the Houston-based energy manufacturing and logistics company that is proud to be home to more OSU alumni than any other university. This year, the OSU Alumni Association is honored to recognize Phillips 66 as the exclusive sponsor of Homecoming 2015: ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True.’

“Phillips 66 is among our most loyal and valued partners,” says Kirk Jewell, president of the OSU Foundation. “Across the entire Cowboy nation, Phillips 66 has made an important difference in the lives of thousands of students.

The company’s role sponsoring this year’s Homecoming celebration is another example of how deeply rooted Phillips 66 is within America’s Brightest Orange.”

Not only does Phillips 66 support the university through Homecoming but also throughout the OSU experience. As longtime supporters of the university, the company actively recruits OSU students, often leading to employment opportunities.

“As OSU continues to cultivate the brightest students, Phillips 66 is excited to be a part of a world that is being innovated and revolutionized by OSU graduates,” says Doann Nguyen, Phillips 66 IT auditor and 2008 OSU alumna. “We know that today’s student group leaders are the leaders of tomorrow’s civic groups, non-profits and businesses.”

Whether supporting various academic initiatives or advancing leadership opportunities through campus life, Phillips 66 supports OSU students in a variety of ways and shares many university values.

“The relationship between Phillips 66 and OSU is strong, unique and exciting,” says Kyle Buthod, project manager analyst for Phillips 66 and 2012 OSU alumnus. “OSU is not a normal university. It is an exciting place where students not only learn in the area of study but also where they gain skills in community engagement, leadership and more. Phillips 66 has similar values and is committed to OSU and all areas that students touch – from campus life to scholarships and more.”

Still Loyal, Still True

TWO STRONG TRADITIONS

By A lli Owen

As a land-grant university, OSU is also committed to community outreach.

This value is evident at the heart of Homecoming, which is one of the many reasons why Phillips 66 is a proud supporter and sponsor.

“Our vision is to provide energy and improve lives by contributing to the economy and giving back to our communities,” says Ann Oglesby, general manager of lubricants at Phillips 66 and 1987 OSU alumna. “Participating in ‘America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration’ is such a wonderful connection for us because, after all, Homecoming is an impressive feat of logistics, and it certainly energizes the OSU community. We are honored to be a part of this wonderful celebration with the OSU family.”

As generations of Cowboys return to Stillwater, it is the perfect time to reflect on the loyalty and community that make Oklahoma State the experience of a lifetime.

“Homecoming is more than a connection between a school and its alumni,” says H.J. Reed, manager of government affairs for Phillips 66 and 1978 OSU alumnus. “It is more than a weekend or even a week of events. It’s a celebration, a chance to reconnect with friends and to see how the campus has changed and remember a place that many of us called ‘home.’”

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#53 Harvest Carnival #56 Kansas vs. OSU Game

#52 Orange Fountain Dyeing

#55 Sea of Orange Parade

#54 Walkaround

The Alumni Association’s new Tradition Keepers Program is enhancing the OSU experience for our students. Check out a few of the traditions available for them to complete this fall during “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.”

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ABOUT THE THEME

STILLWATER, STILL LOYAL, STILL TRUE

“There is just no better way to show our thanks and gratitude to the city of Stillwater than to incorporate it into the theme,” Hutson says.

By Isabella Simerson When the Homecoming Executive Team was deciding the Homecoming 2015 theme, members wanted to focus on the common experience linking together all the students and alumni of Oklahoma State University. Students and alumni of OSU share a common connection to the community that surrounds OSU: Stillwater. Without Stillwater, the college experience at OSU would not be the same, and there is no better time to celebrate OSU’s home than during Homecoming. The Homecoming Executive Team wanted to honor this relationship with the Homecoming 2015 theme of ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True.’

Jimmy Hutson, the Homecoming executive director, played an important role in deciding the theme for Homecoming. The Stillwater theme idea was developed early in the Homecoming meetings, and every team member responded positively to the idea.

For this team, it was a quick and easy decision to make. Although team members considered other possibilities, they always returned to the Stillwater theme.

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During a student’s time at OSU, Stillwater transforms into more than a temporary destination to attend school. For many people, Stillwater grows into their own personal home filled with friends, experiences and a whole new life. The iconic institutions of Stillwater are as integral to OSU as they are to Stillwater. Students and residents of Stillwater alike connect with Eskimo Joe’s, Hideaway and the Strip. Exit 174 to Stillwater beckons students home, and Gallagher-Iba Arena and Boone Pickens Stadium connect everyone together. Stillwater is the foundation of what makes Oklahoma State University feel like home for all students, staff and alumni.

“Without Stillwater, Oklahoma State would not be what it is today,” Hutson says.

Stillwater

Still Loyal, Still True

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EXECUTIVE TEAM

Homecoming 2015

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Jimmy Hutson Executive Director Burns Flat, Oklahoma Agribusiness & Agricultural Communication Senior

Emma Schemmer Harvest Carnival Norman, Oklahoma Human Development & Family Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy Senior

Amanda Jones Promotional Design Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Strategic Communications Senior

Amy Hocker Parade/Bands Overland Park, Kansas Communication Sciences & Disorders Senior

Josie Blosser University Spirit Cashion, Oklahoma Human Development & Family Sciences Pre-Occupational Therapy Junior

Robert Confer Public Outreach Flower Mound, Texas Finance & Accounting Senior

Josh Jackson Campus Life Coweta, Oklahoma Marketing Senior

Allison Christian House Dec/Walkaround Duncan, Oklahoma Animal Science Pre-Vet Junior

Hammons Hepner Athletic Pride Freedom, Oklahoma Agricultural Economics/Finance Junior

Ridge Howell VIP Checotah, Oklahoma English/History Junior

Stillwater

STILLWATER FAVORITES More than 1,100 Cowboys responded to our online poll.

El Tapatio/El Vaquero 9% J.R. Murphy’s 12%

Student Union 11% Gray Fox 9%

Coney Island 7% BoBo’s Mexican 6 %

Favorite Place to Eat

Hideaway Pizza 45%

Favorite Place to Socialize

Wormy Dog Saloon 10%

Other 39% Other 23% Eskimo Joe’s 19% Freddie Paul’s/Latigo’s (tie) 5%

Student Union 15%

Student Union 11% Intramural Fields 6% Lake Carl Blackwell 9%

Favorite Place for Recreation

Colvin Center 35%

Boomer Lake 9%

Favorite Place to Hang Out

Other 8%

The Strip 56%

Downtown Stillwater 7%

Boomer Lake 24% Other 15%

Movie Theaters 5% Boone Pickens Stadium 20%

Theta Pond 26%

Favorite Place on Campus

Kerr/Drummond Halls 26%

Other 34%

Favorite OSU Dorm Other 18%

Student Union 14%

Willham Halls 11% Gallagher-Iba Arena 10%

Still Loyal, Still True

Library Lawn 12%

Bennett Hall 14% Greek Life 10%

The Villages 5%

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STEERING COMMITTEES

Homecoming 2015

ATHLETIC PRIDE Chair: Morgan Hearrell Members: Julia Benbrook, Garrett Hall, Seth Housley, Lawson Thompson, Sierra White, Emily Williams

PARADE Chairs: Hannah Bingham and Gatlin Squires Members: Andrew Davis, Emma Johnson, Emily Koetting, Kelsey Landreth, Garrett Sill, Erik Williams, Nolan Wilson

CAMPUS LIFE Chair: Catherine Wilson Members: Allison Cook, Ricki Schroeder, Kathryn Vaugn, Caitlin Wilguess, Beau Wilson

HARVEST CARNIVAL Chairs: Laurie Fitch and Jaci Hodges Members: Cassie Cline, Andrew Latham, Christina Lloret, Catie Beth Tutt, Carson Vineyard, Tyler Whitehead

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Stillwater

WALKAROUND Chairs: Mollie Goodbary and Taylor Collins Members: Stephen Cochran, Alexandra Duval, Chance Dyess, Bray Haven, Ethan Gingrich, Kalyn Sparks

PROMOTIONAL DESIGN Chair: Isabella Simerson Members: Morgan Beier, Hannah Berg, Alli Owen, Katy Sanderlin

PUBLIC OUTREACH Chairs: Colton McCurley and Raney Lovorn Members: Madison Andersen, Trent Cleary, Lauren Hall, Alli Hill, Katie Rose, Andy Zahl

UNIVERSITY SPIRIT Chair: Cody Dean Members: Abigail Alred, Kelsey Bridges, Whitney Bruneau, Alex Cash, Hannah Felder, Kaylee Jennings, Jenna Johnson

VIP Chair: Katie Lippoldt Members: Aaron Cromer, Jade Franks, Charlie Gibson, Tyler Grace, Sarah Sauer, Trev Schoenhals

Still Loyal, Still True

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Homecoming 2015

BIG COMMITTEE Dear Homecoming Big Committee, As we reflect on another season at Oklahoma State, it is inspiring to know how many students give their time and talent to make Homecoming 2015 a reality.

Your hard work, passion and dedication have helped to make this year the best experience yet. We are thankful to you all for contributing your time and labor.

It’s been an honor to work alongside such an incredible group of student leaders who truly understand the power of the Cowboy Family. Through every small detail, you have helped enhance the OSU traditions that make our university such a special place. Thank you again for your tremendous work this year. Your efforts represent the kind of excellence we seek in our OSU Homecoming Steering Committees, and we hope you continue to be involved in “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.”

Go Pokes!

Best Wishes, 2015 Homecoming Executives 20

Stillwater

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THE WINNERS

of Homecoming 2014 Homecoming King & Queen:

Harvest Carnival:

Brandon Hubbard and Erin Scanlan

1st - CASNR Ambassadors 2nd - Omega Phi Alpha / Alpha Sigma Phi 3rd - Theta Chi / Sigma Phi Lambda People’s Choice - Pre-Vet Club Harvest II Philanthropy Award - Omega Phi Alpha

Sweepstakes: Student Organizations: 1st - Omega Phi Alpha / Alpha Sigma Phi 2nd - Dairy Science Club 3rd - Theta Chi / Sigma Phi Lambda

Residental Life: 1st - Bennett Hall 2nd - Parker / Wentz 3rd - Stout Hall

Greek Life: 1st - Kappa Kappa Gamma / Lambda Chi Alpha 2nd - Pi Beta Phi / Sigma Nu 3rd - Chi Omega / Phi Gamma Delta

Chili Cook-Off: Student Organizations: 1st - Alpha Phi Omega 2nd - Alpha Zeta 3rd - Alpha Xi Delta People’s Choice - Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association

Residental Life:

Residental Life: 1st - Kerr-Drummond 2nd - Bennett Hall 3rd - The Villages People’s Choice - Kerr-Drummond Harvest II Philanthropy Award - Bennett Hall

Greek Life: 1st - Chi Omega / Phi Gamma Delta 2nd - Zeta Tau Alpha / FarmHouse 3rd - Kappa Kappa Gamma / Lambda Chi Alpha People’s Choice - Zeta Tau Alpha / FarmHouse Harvest II Philanthropy Award - Delta Delta Delta/ Beta Theta Pi

Football Frenzy: Open Bracket: 1st - The Independents 2nd - The Villages Female MVP - Kelsey Jones Male MVP - Eric Wickliffe

Greek Life: 1st - Pi Beta Phi / Sigma Nu 2nd - Zeta Tau Alpha / FarmHouse Female MVP - Rachel Lurvey Male MVP - Jake Miller

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1st - Bennett Hall and CASNR Village (tie) 2nd - North Monroe 3rd - Kamm / Peterson / Friend People’s Choice - The Villages

Student Organizations:

Stillwater

Orange Reflection:

Sign Competition:

1st - The Villages 2nd - Kamm / Peterson / Friend 3rd - Bennett Hall

Student Organizations:

Jerry Gill Spirit Awards:

Residential Life - The Villages Greek Life - Gamma Phi Beta / Sigma Alpha Epsilon

Most Spirited College: College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Sea of Orange Parade: Large Band Competition: 1st - Stillwater High School 2nd - Noble High School 3rd - Ringwood High School

Small Band Competition: 1st - Perkins-Tryon High School 2nd - Ripley High School 3rd - Henryetta High School

Community Parade Entry:

1st - Mortar Board 2nd - Alpha Xi Delta 3rd - Alpha Phi Omega

Residental Life: 1st - Stout Hall 2nd - Parker / Wentz 3rd - Kamm / Peterson / Friend

Greek Life: 1st - Kappa Alpha Theta / Kappa Sigma 2nd - (tie) Kappa Kappa Gamma / Lambda Chi Alpha and Alpha Omicron Pi / Pi Kappa Alpha 3rd - Delta Delta Delta / Beta Theta Pi

House Decorations: Alumni Association Chairman’s Cup:

1st - Chi Omega / Phi Gamma Delta 2nd - Kappa Kappa Gamma / Lambda Chi Alpha 3rd - Pi Beta Phi / Sigma Nu 4th - Gamma Phi Beta / Sigma Alpha Epsilon 5th - Alpha Chi Omega / Sigma Chi

1st - The Wondertorium 2nd - Stillwater’s Wild Pair - Eskimo Joe’s 3rd - Payne County Youth Services

Engineering Excellence Award:

Student Organizations:

Chi Omega / Phi Gamma Delta

Chi Omega / Phi Gamma Delta

Safety Award:

1st - Dairy Science Club 2nd - Sigma Phi Lambda / Theta Chi 3rd - Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen’s Association

Residential Life: 1st - Bennett Hall 2nd - Parker / Wentz 3rd - Kerr-Drummond

Grand Marshal’s Cup: Delta Delta Delta / Beta Theta Pi Still Loyal, Still True

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TRANSFORMING MEDICAL EDUCATION IN OKLAHOMA The A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Foundation has donated $8 million to help fund the construction of a new academic building at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences. In honor of the historic gift, the largest ever given to OSU Center for Health Sciences, the facility will be named the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Academic Building. The Tandy Foundation’s generous investment in our students will provide state-of-the-art training for the next generation of Oklahoma physicians and transform medical education in Tulsa.

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Tulsa, Oklahoma

918-582-1972

www.healthsciences.okstate.edu

WALKA TRADITION IN MOTION

ALPHA CHI OMEGA & PI KAPPA ALPHA

From land run to land grant, Stillwater remains in constant motion. Withstanding the test of time, Stillwater’s progression has proved invaluable to all who have experienced its traditions. The women of Alpha Chi Omega and the men of Pi Kappa Alpha know that no matter how much Stillwater and Oklahoma State University move forward, all aspects remain still loyal and still true. Join us as we celebrate our community — “Stillwater: Tradition in Motion.”

TIME IS THE GREATEST DISTANCE Our theme, “Time is the Greatest Distance,” represents the idea that time is the only thing that separates OSU Cowboys. Regardless of how far Cowboys travel from Stillwater, they are always part of the OSU family.

Our dec strives to show that although the past, present and future might look different, we all share the common bond of being OSU Cowboys. Distance is at the forefront of this weekend as alumni travel back to Stillwater from all over the world for this time-honored tradition. Alpha Tau Omega and Alpha Delta Pi would like to do our part in honoring this tradition and our treasured alumni. Students and alumni should always know that no matter how great the distance from Stillwater, our experiences and memories will bind us all into eternity!

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A MILLION HEARTS, 125 YEARS, ONE HOME Today, 125 years after the founding of Oklahoma State University, more than 1 million people have been a part of the Cowboy Family. To each student, Stillwater is not only a short stop in his or her life but also a second home. Our house decoration honors the memory of those we follow and serves to continue the timehonored tradition that is “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.”

ORANGE RUNS DEEP Chi Omega and Sigma Chi are proud to present “Orange Runs Deep,” a memorial to Stillwater, Oklahoma State and the feeling of being forever changed by this school and town. We hope to capture the feeling of Stillwater as a student and reflect on the history OSU and Stillwater share. Our use of an optical illusion is a nod to the illusion of time, which is an emotion the alumni surely feel as they return and realize one’s experience at OSU and in Stillwater is never forgotten. The different tones of metal throughout the dec are symbolic of how we enter OSU a fresh canvas, and the orange in us only grows deeper as we age. Finally, the layers throughout the dec reflect the connection OSU has to Stillwater and the land it was built on.

CHI OMEGA & SIGMA CHI

Still Loyal, Still True

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WALKA STILL THE HOME THAT HAS YOUR HEART A quote from the 1927 yearbook says, “ Where once the buffalo roamed and the Indians hunted; where once the straggling bonds of boomers paused to watch a colony of gibbering prairie dogs; there stands today one of the mightiest institutions the state can boast.” From the very beginning, Stillwater has welcomed students in, and over the years, it has become a beloved home to all. This homecoming season, we want to celebrate a town that has captured our hearts through an event that brings back more than 80,000 OSU alumni every year. Oklahoma State gives us the tools to reach our fullest potential, and no matter where life takes us, we know that Stillwater is “Still the Home that Has Your Heart.”

DELTA DELTA DELTA & KAPPA SIGMA

WE ARE OSU Homecoming at Oklahoma State University is a timeless tradition for alumni and generations of Cowboys to come. The women of Gamma Phi Beta and the men of Phi Gamma Delta have chosen “We Are OSU” to go hand-in-hand with ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True.’ Through the years, students at Oklahoma State University have made Stillwater their second home by connecting with the community surrounding them. We as a university believe giving back and sharing our experiences with the people around us is what makes us unified with the town of Stillwater. “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration” is the perfect time for alumni to come back to their roots while making future Cowboys feel at home.

GAMMA PHI BETA & PHI GAMMA DELTA

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TIED TO OUR ROOTS

No matter where they come from before college, all OSU Cowboys begin their journey in Stillwater. Upon KAPPA ALPHA THETA & becoming a Cowboy, they instantly develop roots in Oklahoma State and the town that it calls home. As we graduate and become alumni, we are tied to our roots that were planted in Stillwater during our time as students.

SIGMA NU As we journey back to Stillwater, we find that it feels just like where we left off, and we can soak in all the memories that were made here. In the end, we feel tied to OSU and have deep roots in Stillwater, and these feelings keep us coming back to the university that gave us an unforgettable experience. Without Oklahoma State and Stillwater, we would not have this sense of community rooted inside us and feel tied to such a remarkable alma mater.

ALWAYS...

KAPPA DELTA & FARMHOUSE

Still Loyal, Still True

Always... ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal and Still True.’ The women of Kappa Delta and the men of FarmHouse want to show “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration” how the journey here never ends. We are always united in everything we do at Oklahoma State University. The memories on this campus will never be forgotten.

On and off the field or in the stands, we are always champions. When passing the last exit on the way to Stillwater, we know it will always be home. For the past and the future, our house decoration portrays how Stillwater is “Always…”

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WALKA STILL OURS Since 1890, Oklahoma State University and its host town of Stillwater have provided an environment for willing students to grow academically and develop personally. The theme of this year’s Homecoming celebration, ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True,’ is an accurate way to describe the emotions of all alumni when they return to the place they once called home. In the event of this great celebration, it is our goal to show the current student body and the alumni that this great home is “Still Ours.” Stillwater is still ours because our memories here will always survive; no matter how much the landscape may change, our friendships and memories will remain.

KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA & SIGMA ALPHA EPSI LON

ROOTED IN TRADITION OUR LEGACY GROWS The Homecoming directors of Phi Mu and Phi Kappa Tau believe our past is what makes us who we are today, which is why we have decided to name our house decoration “Rooted in Tradition Our Legacy Grows.”

Our dec is a portrayal of the traditions we are so deeply rooted in not only as Cowboys but also as residents of Stillwater, Oklahoma. The rich traditions of the Stillwater community and Oklahoma State University serve as solid foundations on which we build our legacy. This legacy Stillwater and OSU have formed will surely impact generations to come. The tradition and the loyalty we owe to our Cowboy Family and our Stillwater family continues to grow the legacy we leave behind for future generations.

PHI MU & PHI KAPPA TAU

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IT’S YOUR TURN NOW For 125 years, Oklahoma State University has provided students with a place to grow not only in their education but also as a member of the Cowboy Family. As students and alumni, you have experienced the booming and rhythmic thunder of the paddles against the stadium walls, yelled “ORANGE POWER” at the top of your lungs and swayed to our Alma Mater to help lead the Cowboys to victory in Boone Pickens Stadium. You’ve listened to rich red dirt music that persuaded you to “blame it on your roots and show up in boots,” and stopped on campus to admire all of the details that make Oklahoma State beautiful. Stillwater quickly became your easiest hello, your hardest goodbye and a home away from home. To all of the future students of Oklahoma State, “It’s Your Turn Now” to experience ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True.’

Still Loyal, Still True 31

ZETA TAU ALPHA & SIGMA PHI EPSILON

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Established in 1890 and still strong in 2015, Stillwater is not just our home for the next four years but for life. The women of Pi Beta Phi and the men of Alpha Gamma Rho proudly present our house decoration: “Stillwater, The Town That Built Us.” With our Homecoming decoration, we hope to welcome back our alumni by sharing our favorite memories from Stillwater and recalling theirs. While exemplifying how the traditions at OSU live with us forever, our house decoration shows Stillwater is not just a town — it’s the town that built us.

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STILLWATER, THE TOWN THAT BUILT US

GRAND MARSHAL GINA NOBLE

By A lli Owe n “You don’t say Stillwater without OSU, and OSU needs Stillwater. We are a team, and we are a good team.”

— Gina Noble

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tillwater, Still Loyal, Still True,’ highlights the strong relationship between our campus and our community, so it is only fitting this year’s grand marshal represents both so well.

Mayor Gina Noble wears many hats, and each is deeply rooted in a true passion for the town, the university and, above all, the people of Stillwater.

She has been an Oklahoma State University professor in the School of Media & Strategic Communications for several years, served on the Stillwater City Council last year and was elected mayor last spring.

Beyond her professional roles, Noble has personal connections to both the town and the university that have grown stronger since her first experience at OSU in the 1980s.

“OSU changed my life twice,” Noble says, “The first time was earning my degree, and the second was earning my second degree and deciding to raise my son here. OSU employed me and showed me my true passion. I’ve worked a lot of places, but there’s nothing better. Everyone has a happy place, and this is mine.”

Homecoming is especially nostalgic, offering a time to reminisce over the sweetest experiences, the strongest friendships and the sense of

community that comes only from working so tirelessly on a common goal. For Noble, it’s an experience unlike any other.

“My first Homecoming experience was my first year of college in 1981, and I had never seen anything like it,” Noble says, “I learned how to pomp, a new skill, and I was overwhelmingly excited. My parents came in from Missouri, and they couldn’t believe what a big deal it was. It’s always been my favorite time of year.”

As an alumna, Noble appreciates the Cowboy spirit that Homecoming brings to life.

“You get to see people you haven’t seen in years, and you walk around and see the beautiful campus,” Noble says, “You also get to see the next generation of stars. You see their excitement and realize it’s an honor to be here.”

For Noble, her deep connection to Oklahoma State is rooted just as deeply in Stillwater itself, which she calls her second home. From the moment she moved here with her son, she noticed the famous small-town charm and welcoming spirit distinguishes our community.

This Homecoming season is particularly special for Noble, not only as the mayor and the grand marshal, but also because of a new family tradition. This year, she will be sharing the experience with her son, who is now a freshman at OSU. “He had many choices,” Noble says, “but he chose to stay in Stillwater because OSU is home.”

Although many things about the university have changed through the years, the intangible bond of the Cowboy Family has not. The Loyal and True spirit remains unwaveringly strong, apparent even more during Homecoming.

“I love Walkaround,” Noble says, “The week before Homecoming, the people and the community come alive. Stillwater becomes anything but still.”

For Noble, this special relationship between OSU and Stillwater is critical. She says it is a true honor to serve as grand marshal with such a unifying theme.

“You don’t say Stillwater without OSU, and OSU needs Stillwater,” Noble says. “We are a team, and we are a good team.”

Still Loyal, Still True

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The app for you to stay Loyal and True!

Stay connected to OSU with the Alumni Association’s Orange Connection app.

Timely push notifications Campus and alumni news Event calendar OSU social media and videos Mobile membership card and benefits Homecoming information and updates Download for Apple and Android devices at ORANGECONNECTION.org/app.

HOMECOMING 80,000+ By the Numbers

2,000 mums planted throughout campus

visitors attend and support the traditions of Oklahoma State’s Homecoming

3.75 million squares per house decoration

72 ounces 5,000 gallons of orange dye is used to color the

7,200 sheets

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130 boxes

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of tissue paper used per average house decoration

1913

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Still Loyal, Still True

of water in the Edmon Low Library Fountain

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of tissue paper inside of each box

19,834 pounds of food was collected at Harvest Carnival in 2014 35

2 0 1 5 KING CANDIDATES JOSEPH BROWN

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Chemical Engineering Favorite Stillwater Location: Theta Pond

MATTHEW CHUNING JASON WETZLER Barnsdall, Oklahoma Mechanical Engineering Favorite Stillwater Location: Camp Redlands 36

Clackamas, Oregon Agricultural Education Favorite Stillwater Location: McAlister’s Deli

PRICE BUCKLEY

Tulsa, Oklahoma Mechanical Engineering Favorite Stillwater Location: Sonic

TYLER ZANDER

Enid, Oklahoma Pre-Med Entrepreneurship Favorite Stillwater Location: Qdoba Stillwater

R OY A L TY QUEEN CANDIDATES CARLIE GOEKELER

ALLISON MEINDERS Woodward, Oklahoma Accounting Favorite Stillwater Location: Boomer Lake Still Loyal, Still True

KACI KENNEDY

Tulsa, Oklahoma Microbiology Favorite Stillwater Location: Lake McMurtry

Edmond, Oklahoma Human Resource Management Favorite Stillwater Location: Aspen Coffee Co.

LYNDSAY PARKS

COURTNEY WOLFE

Edmond, Oklahoma Management Favorite Stillwater Location: Sonic on Main Street

Lucas, Texas Architecture Favorite Stillwater Location: Sanborn Lake

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Future Home of the Spears School of Business Building Bu si n e ss Su c c e ss

The new $75 million, state-of-the-art Business Building will bring all Spears School personnel – students, faculty and staff that are currently housed in six different buildings in Stillwater – under a single roof.

When completed in 2018, the 145,000-square-foot facility will allow the Spears School’s more than 4,500 undergraduate and nearly 1,000 graduate students to pursue their educations in one building.

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hether walking through campus with her favorite sidekick, Scruff, or chauffeuring students on her orange golf cart, Clementine, Oklahoma State’s First Cowgirl Ann Hargis epitomizes the OSU spirit – all while dressed in America’s Brightest Orange.

When her husband Burns Hargis took office as OSU president in 2008, Ann wanted a title she could feel comfortable with, so she coined the term “First Cowgirl.” The title captures the Oklahoma State charm, and it has become a part of OSU tradition.

“Burns and I love working together,” Ann says. “We are fortunate to be around so many bright, articulate and poised students, employees, alumni and friends.”

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All About Ann

Through the years, Ann has been instrumental in establishing several university initiatives. One of her biggest accomplishments is making OSU “America’s Healthiest Campus,” as well as hiring America’s first chief wellness officer, Suzy Harrington.

Ann credits the wellness program’s success to several people and encourages students to take advantage of the many resources available on campus.

“It is important for each of us to remember there are many components to wellness,” Ann says. “None of us are perfect, but together we can encourage each other, celebrate options and be the best we can be. Healthy people are typically productive, happy people – and I want to live a productively happy life!”

Stillwater

Working with university programs is only one of the many perks of being First Cowgirl.

Ann jokingly claims the best part about her job is never searching for a parking spot, but her daily activities are beyond anything she could have dreamed.

“Every day brings a different blessing,” Ann says.

“I love getting up each morning, putting on America’s Brightest Orange and wondering where the day is going to take me.”

Although Ann proudly wears OSU orange each day, nothing ignites her university passion quite like Homecoming.

“OSU is a wonderful place every day of the year, but when Homecoming rolls around, the enthusiasm and pride go to another level,” Ann says.

This year’s theme is particularly powerful for Ann, who loves the partnership between the university and the Stillwater community.

“Stillwater is certainly a special place,” Ann says. “I want to celebrate the city as much as I want to celebrate all the university has to offer. We are all part of a great community whether we work at the university or at a local business. What is good for OSU is good for Stillwater, and what is good for Stillwater is good for OSU!” And when asked about her bright orange wardrobe, Ann says she cannot reveal all of her style secrets but said she loves shopping locally.

With the dawn of Homecoming comes the rich traditions that compose the fabric of the Cowboy Family. For Ann, the season is a time to reflect on what she loves most about the university and about the community – the people.

“From the first moment the president and I arrived on campus, I was welcomed with open arms and made to feel special,” Ann says.

“The people at Oklahoma State are an incredible group, and I am honored to be included as part of the family.”

One of her favorite parts of “America’s Greatest Homecoming” is the view from the Edmon Low rooftop, a sight available only once a year.

“It is such a special opportunity to look over campus from that viewpoint,” Ann says. “When I look across the campus at the beautiful lawns set amidst such historic buildings, I can’t help but think about all those who have experienced the magic of OSU, paving the way for generations to come.”

Walkaround holds another special place in Ann’s heart, and she says it is one of her favorite events. She notes it is one of the most polite public events she attends.

“Where else can you gather 80,000 people, packed so tightly in one area, saying ‘Excuse me’ and ‘Pardon me’ as they try to get from one point to another,” Ann says. “I also love that everyone participates in the celebration – residence halls, student organizations, etc. The additional component of raising funds for different community charities ties into our mission of giving back, and I love that aspect.”

Still Loyal, Still True

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SEA OF ORAN STILL STANDING IBA-DRUMMOND

We chose the theme “Still Standing” to represent the age and durability of the historic residence halls. It ties in with the Homecoming theme this year as well, with the continued usage of the word “still.” To us, the word represents a constant pride in everything OSU, which we are displaying through the tradition held in our residence halls.

STILL LOYAL STILL TRUE SINCE THE VERY FIRST BUILDING AT OSU STOUT HALL

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To express our pride in being a part of OSU’s Honors College, Stout Hall chose to exemplify Old Central, the home of the Honors College and the first building of OSU. Old Central is also a part of the history of OSU that every alumni can share.

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NEW & TRUE The University Commons is celebrating its first Homecoming with the theme “New and True.� We want to display the evolution of Oklahoma State University from its beginning back in 1890 to present day. Pistol UNIVERSITY COMMONS Pete will be standing at the end of the float beside a mural depicting Old Central, Edmon Low Library and the new University Commons. Our float will show the best of OSU and highlight how we are proud of our past, but we also look forward to our future. The joint efforts of the three new buildings bring together the sense of community that so many of our alumni and family have experienced before us. We have high hopes to establish our own traditions for other students to experience for years to come. Although we may be new, we are still true.

STILL FAMILY THE VILLAGES

Still Loyal, Still True

We chose this theme to represent that the Villages and OSU as a whole are a family. We take pride in who we are, and we care for all who surround us!

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SEA OF ORAN BACK TO THE FUTURE NORTH MONROE

The NoMo area is known for being filled with athletes and engineers. This year we found a way to incorporate athletics and engineering in one float. This float is a perfect blend of brawn and brain. This is a perfect representation of us. We are NoMo United!

PASSING ON THE TRADITION BENNETT HALL

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Our theme was chosen to express the love and loyalty of the Oklahoma State University fans and alumni.

It shows that family is important to Cowboys and that alumni and fans alike pass on their love of orange, football and Cowboy traditions.

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SPEARS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

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SPEARS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IS WORLDWIDE

Wherever we come from, wherever we go, whatever we do, we are still loyal, still true, still OSU.

ROLLING OUT THE ORANGE CARPET SIGMA PHI LAMBDA & SIGMA TAU GAMMA

Still Loyal, Still True

We wanted to showcase the history of Stillwater and OSU through a filmstrip. We are telling the story in chronological order of the university and Stillwater using points of interests or events that happened throughout time.

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YOU CAN BE A PART OF TOMORROW’S

INNOVATION ceat.okstate.edu/scholarships

1965

Celebrating the Class of

T

he annual Homecoming Celebration at Oklahoma State emphasizes the tireless and enthusiastic community of past, present and future Cowboys. The university would not be what it is today without the loyalty and involvement of our alumni. Each year, special attention is granted to the graduating class that is celebrating its 50-year reunion. The OSU class of 1965 is a perfect representation of our Homecoming theme: ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True.’

Caroline Ames is a 1965 graduate who received her Bachelor of Science in Vocation Education through OSU’s College of Home Economics. Ames especially enjoys the Grandparent University program that is hosted by the OSU Alumni Association because it allows her to share her OSU experience with her family. She fondly remembers her days of living in Willard Hall, and she still keeps in contact with the women she met there. Ames encourages current students to make the most of their time at OSU and form relationships like the ones she did.

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By Katy Sanderlin “Be active in all events, while making experiencing all OSU has to

student activities and lifelong friends and offer,” Ames says.

Larry Davis graduated from the OSU School of Architecture in 1965, and since then he has been highly involved on campus through the OSU Alumni Association. In 1984, he was elected president of the OSU Alumni Association Board of Directors.

One committee Davis served on was the group that selected the official OSU shade of orange, which is Pantone 166. He and other committee members, specifically, Myron Roderick, who was athletic director at the time, and then-Vice President Dick Stillwater

Pool, spent time studying different football, basketball and band uniforms in various settings, such as Lewis Field, now known as Boone Pickens Stadium, the press box, Gallager-Iba Arena and multiple TV screens. After careful consideration, the committee eventually selected the color we know today as “America’s Brightest Orange.”

“It surprised us when some orange uniforms looked almost red up against the green grass,” Davis says. “We sure didn’t want them to look red like some other state school or like Tennessee’s yellow-orange.”

Davis also had the privilege of judging the Homecoming house decorations and the Sea of Orange Parade during his time as president of the board. He remembers that it had rained that particular Homecoming weekend, and all of the wooden moving parts of the decorations had stopped working.

“I was nervous I’d be a bad judge,” Davis says. “Because of the rain, the students had to tell us how they were supposed to move, and we judged them on how cool we thought they would look in motion.”

Ed Dobson, a 1965 graduate from the College of Arts and Sciences, held a particularly well-known role on campus during his time at OSU. During his sophomore and senior year, he was Pistol Pete. Dobson grew up on Long Island, New York, and was hesitant to try out for the role of Pete at the end of his freshman year because he felt that his roots didn’t fit the “cowboy” part. However, after he realized that Frank Eaton himself had originated from Connecticut, he felt confident enough to take his RA’s advice and try out.

Dobson is particularly fond of the 1962 OSU vs. Army football game that took place at West Point.

“I convinced the selection committee on the importance of getting Pistol Pete to that game and to all road games in general,” Dobson says. “The rest was history. Pete was there, and we pulled off the upset, 12-7.”

One of the more challenging aspects of being Pistol Pete, Dobson admits, was the limited visibility that Pete’s “eyes” provided.

“My senior year as Pete, I perfected my run,” he says. “I led the football team onto Lewis Field by jumping over the sidelines bench.”

Despite the fact that his limited peripheral vision caused him to lose sight of the bench a couple of steps before the jump, Dobson says he never crashed.

Memories such as the ones shared by these Cowboys show the OSU experience is one that sticks for life. Students at Oklahoma State are happy to welcome back our alumni as they return home for “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.”

Still Loyal, Still True

Photos provided by the 1965 yearbook

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A r t s & Sc i e n c e s pre s e nt s...

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gameday

enter tainment

“In Arts & Sciences, we’re more than just marching band!”

Katie Sajewski, fine arts junior / Colorguard Caleb Wilson, psychology junior / Tuba

www.cas.okstate.edu FOLLOW US:

Pete says,

“THE WORLD NEEDS MORE OSU COWBOYS.” You can help us find the next generation of Cowboys by identifying potential students. You provide the contact information. We do the rest.

HOMECOMING ...

THEN & NOW

By Isabella Simerson

O

ver the last 102 years, Oklahoma State University has grown the tradition of Homecoming into the celebration it is today.

Homecoming began with the Harvest Carnival in 1913, but the celebration continued to grow for seven more years before the OSU Alumni Association hosted the first official Homecoming geared toward both students and alumni. On October 30, 1920, Homecoming Day was born and alumni participation was a hallmark of the day. The first Homecoming Day featured 50 alumni attending the football game, a dinner and a dance. Since that time, extensive combined efforts of students, alumni, the university and the Alumni Association have transformed the first Homecoming Celebration into “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.”

Chris Batchelder, president and CEO of the Alumni Association, understands the importance of Homecoming for both the university and the alumni.

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Although students’ time at Oklahoma State is short, students build longlasting and meaningful relationships with peers, faculty and the university itself. Homecoming weekend brings back thousands of alumni to reminisce and celebrate their time at Oklahoma State University.

“There’s really only one time of year when everybody who possibly can comes back to Stillwater for one thing,” Batchelder says. “And that’s for everybody to be together, celebrate Oklahoma State and come back home during Homecoming.”

As the coordinator of Special Collections and University Archives, David Peters knows everything there is to know about Oklahoma State University.

The Homecoming celebration has changed since the beginning of the celebration a century ago, but the devotion and commitment to the alumni, Stillwater

“OSU has always tried to provide a nuturing environment for alumni and the community.”

— David Peters current students and the Stillwater community has never wavered.

“OSU has always tried to provide a nurturing environment for alumni and the community,” Peters says.

Prior to the establishment of OSU, Stillwater took the initiative to bring the university here, and the community wanted to introduce higher education to its citizens. Since the establishment of OSU, the economy and success of Stillwater has improved as the university grows alongside Stillwater. Over time, OSU and Stillwater have grown together to support and improve the other.

“The community has thrived because of OSU, and OSU has thrived because of the community,” Peters says.

Beginning in the 1900s, Oklahoma State University celebrated a Harvest Carnival and a May Carnival. The carnivals were held in the fall and spring, respectively, and they served as a time of peace and calm during the typically rowdy school year. The Harvest Carnival, the predecessor to Homecoming, was first held in 1913. The Carnival served as a fundraising effort, and all of the proceeds would be donated to the school’s annual yearbook. In an effort for universitywide unity, each class would nominate a Harvest Queen candidate, and during an assembly, the queen would be chosen in front of Still Loyal, Still True

all the students in the university. Later, the queen’s coronation would be held, and a parade and carnival celebration followed. At the actual Harvest Carnival, campus organizations would set up a fundraising booth or activity, carnival games were provided, and a free movie was played for all the guests of the carnival.

As early as 1916, the Harvest Festival began to transform into the type of Homecoming experience Cowboys are familiar with today. The Festival was renamed “Tiger Roundup,” in reference to the original Oklahoma A&M mascot, the tigers, and the celebration began to revolve around a football game. The emphasis of the celebration shifted from current students to include alumni. As the number of OSU alumni grew, there was a push to have an event that catered to alumni coming home. After graduating almost 30 classes, OSU began building a strong community of alumni returning to celebrate the university. Excluding a one- or two-year hiatus due to World War I, some form of a Homecoming celebration has occurred every single year since 1909. Around the same time as World War I, the Fall Festival celebration coined the term “Homecoming” as the official title of the event, and Homecoming became a well-loved OSU tradition.

Despite the new developments between the first and current Homecoming, many of the beloved traditions of today’s Homecoming traditions have historic roots in past Homecoming celebrations. A parade has always existed as a fixture in the celebrations. Early parades would weave through the entire campus and surrounding main streets. Streets would shut down and businesses would close for students, alumni and residents of Stillwater to partake in the parade. Parade floats would be displayed for days before and after the parade on the track on the football field. Although there were other festivities, the parade was the center of the celebrations.

House decorations have also been an integral part of Homecoming tradition.

Although the decorations have drastically changed since the 1900s, the campus has always had some form of Homecoming decoration. Perhaps one of the most iconic characteristics of Walkaround are the Greek Life house decs: huge, moving artistic displays of university life and Homecoming spirit built out of chicken wire and tissue paper. Sororities and fraternities partner up with a new partner each year, and the members of these houses spend months designing, planning and executing the house decs before Homecoming. Sororities and fraternities begin planning and sketching the design for their house decs in early September. After turning in their official sketches to the Alumni Association, the houses begin using computerrendering software to design the framework, the engineering and the electrical systems of the house decs. The construction of the framework begins a few weeks later, and Greek Row fills with metal skeletons of the house decs as Homecoming approaches. The partnering sororities spend hundreds of hours and supplies pomping and filling out the house dec’s framework. In a traditional All-Night Pomp, sorority and fraternity

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members spend the last few days prior to Homecoming pomping all day and all night. The hard work and dedication of the fraternities and sororities, the residential halls and the student organizations are highlighted and shown off during Walkaround.

House decorations began in a much more modest fashion in the 1900s.

The house decorations were quite literally that: banners, signs and ribbons strung across houses, campus buildings and residential halls. The decorations were put up weeks before Homecoming and left up through the football game. This tradition continued until the 1940s when fire safety protocol prompted the decorations to be moved away from the buildings.

Forced to remove the banners and signs from the actual buildings, students took the opportunity to expand and improve the house decorations tradition. The decorations began to grow in size, detail and popularity, and the activity shifted to be a primarily Greek life activity.

As one of the most popular Homecoming events, more than 80,000 people participated in Walkaround last year and viewed the Greek houses and other organizations’ decorations.

Some 70 years later, the incredible house decs of today’s Homecoming have become a well-known and well-loved exhibit of Walkaround.

Homecoming & Hoops is another event that was recently added to the Homecoming celebration.

Oklahoma State University’s Athletic Department will host its ninth Homecoming & Hoops

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Photos provided by Special Collections and University Archives and University Marketing

event during the 2015 Homecoming Celebration. With Eddie Sutton as the basketball coach, the basketball program began to garner more publicity and attention. Because of this, the Homecoming event was created to draw attention to the basketball team and create anticipation for the upcoming basketball season. The event features a pep rally for the football team, introductions of both the male and female basketball teams and a scrimmage game for both teams. Because Homecoming & Hoops occurs immediately following Walkraound, the event has led to an increase in Friday night attendance instead of simply Saturday and Sunday attendance.

America’s Greatest Homecoming has grown slowly over time into the celebration that is loved and enjoyed by all today. Although the celebration began in a much different way, today’s Homecoming still has all the heart and spirit of the first Homecoming celebration. The love, attention and dedication provided to students, alumni, family and friends every year at Homecoming draws tens of thousands of Cowboys and Cowgirls back to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to celebrate America’s Greatest Homecoming and America’s greatest university.

“... OSU has thrived because of the community.”

— David Peters

Stillwater

Celebrating 115 Years of Excellence Since the 1900s, the College of Human Sciences has been dedicated to solving human problems and enhancing human lives across Oklahoma, the nation and the world. humansciences.okstate.edu

GAMEDAY

A B E H I N D -T H E- S C E N E S L O O K

Photos provided by University Marketing

THE BAND The band weaves through Stillwater during the Sea of Orange Parade.

THE PLAYERS Cowboys charge the field to bring home another OSU victory.

THE PADDLE PEOPLE The deafening sound of the Paddle People fill Boone Pickens Stadium every home game.

By Katy Sanderlin

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ameday: the experience that students and alumni alike can never get enough of. The football game is the cornerstone of “America’s Greatest Homecoming” at OSU. Loyal fans often have their own personal agenda for gameday — perhaps tailgating, painting themselves orange or re-enacting superstitious rituals – but do they know the gameday experience that goes on behind the scenes?

One collegiate football game requires the hard work and collaboration of several different groups. The Homecoming football game especially represents this spirit and dedication. On Oct. 24 , athletes, musicians and self-proclaimed “super fans” will be hard at work from sunrise to sundown to put on an event worthy of OSU football and welcoming some 80,000 alumni and friends home.

The Sea of Orange Parade will be rolling long before kickoff. This event features floats from OSU’s Greek houses, residential halls and student organizations. It also features floats from OSU alumni and organizations from the Stillwater community. These groups include the Homecoming Royalty court, the soldiers of ROTC and the OSU Polo Team.

You’ll see Matti Diener, OSU’s featured twirler, leading the Cowboy Marching Band.

She, the band and the Grand Marshal Gina Noble will be leading the parade throughout

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the downtown area. Their performance is made possible through many early mornings and dozens of hours of practice, but Diener says that the hard work is always worth it.

“It’s our common mission to put on a great performance,” Diener says. “It’s worth it because game days are so much fun.”

As the game draws closer and groups begin to wrap up their tailgating sessions, there is frantic and enthusiastic prepping taking place throughout Boone Pickens Stadium.

The students who comprise Paddle People will be staking out their prime spirit section in the stands up to four hours before kickoff. Colin Price, a senior member of Paddle People, says there’s plenty to be done during that time.

“When we arrive, we all get painted up and decked out for the game,” Price says. “We pass out the paddles, get some practice swings in and show off for the cameras until the pregame fanfare.”

Julia Benbrook, a junior member of OSU’s Pom Squad, says one of her favorite pregame activities is the Spirit Walk, where she and her teammates accompany Coach Mike Gundy and the football team on their way to the stadium.

Stillwater

A FEW OF THE MANY FACES OF GAMEDAY THE POM SQUAD Julia Benbrook entertains the crowd during halftime with spirit and dancing.

THE TWIRLER Matti Diener leads the band through the annual Homecoming parade.

THE CHEERLEADERS Taylor Montgomery cheers the Cowboys on to victory.

BULLET AND RIDERS Bullet races down the field after every touchdown.

PISTOL PETE Pistol Pete shoots his rifle and leads the crowd in the “O-S-U” chant.

ROTC Members of ROTC race to do as many push-ups as points scored during game breaks.

“We get to feel the energy of the fans that line the streets,” Benbrook says. “I don’t think there is a single team with a fanbase like ours.”

He says that the group actively strives to be the best college marching band in the nation, and it’s a pleasure to perform for all of the fans and returning alumni.

Once the game finally commences, the most recognizable face of Homecoming, Pistol Pete, will be seen riding out on his Gator and shooting his famous shotgun. Pete, of course, is busy making appearances all throughout game day.

“The time commitment is very much worth it when [we] get out on that field and play the show the best [we] ever have,” Roy says.

This year’s Petes, Taylor Collins and Preston Whitlaw, agree that Homecoming is a fantastic OSU tradition, and Pistol Pete loves being a part of every event he can.

The actual game would not be complete without the regular performances of the OSU cheer team. When they’re not pumping up the crowd from the sidelines, they’re performing stunts on the field such as pyramids, baskets and tumbling. Taylor Montgomery, a junior member of the team, says she loves getting to stand on the field and see the excitement of the crowd.

“As students, we are very fortunate to be a part of such a great tradition,” Collins and Whitlaw say. “The alumni that have come before us are the reason why we are the great “It’s a really busy day, and [everyone] is really tired by the end, but gamedays are so university we are today.” fun and definitely one of the best parts about being an OSU cheerleader,” Throughout the game, the stands of Boone Pickens will be rocking with the signature Montgomery says. sounds of the Cowboy Marching Band. Marching band members have been playing As you can see, the experience of gameday is made possible by the tireless effort of our since early morning on gameday, all leading up to the halftime performance. student groups. The behind-the-scene hours of rehearsal and preparation that go into Zack Roy, the president of the band, is proud of the work that the members put into our Stillwater Saturdays reflect the dedication and passion of our university. OSU’s gameday, as well as the celebration of Homecoming, would not be possible without the their performance—especially the performance of the halftime show. commitment of every Cowboy and Cowgirl involved.

Still Loyal, Still True

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THANK YOU

to those who donated goods and services to Homecoming 2015: ‘Stillwater, Still Loyal, Still True’ and supported “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration!”

Alane Zanotti Amanda Harrison Amber Howell Bank First Belinda Butler Belinda Dawson Beth Firey Britney Rochell Carmike Theaters Chase Carter Crazy Cakes Cyndra Clary Daniel Stein Danny Shipka Dave Hunziker David Casey David Eck Dion Harrison Dirty Curty Doug Carlson

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Dr. Joe Weaver Dr. Lee Bird Dupree’s Sports Elizabeth’s Gary Clark Gene Day Hall of Fame Book Trader Heather Yates Holly Bergbower Jamie Loomis Jaron Noftsger Jennifer Glenn Jerry Fitch Jerry Petre John Mark Day Julia Cottom and Ty Herring Kimberly Anglin Knoblock and Co. Koy Ramsey Lacy Branson

Larry Reece Leslie Baldwin Leslie Taylor Lisha Oshman Matt Fletcher Matt Upson Matthew Barnes McAlister’s Deli Melisa Parkerson Melissa Mourer Neal Moore Noal Sinn Oklahoma 51 Olive Garden Orange Leaf OSU Foundation Paul Tikalsky Phillip Goodwin Pie Five Rena Hines

Rhinestone Cowgirl Richard Eck Rob Hill Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory Ruthie Loffi SGA Shake, Rattle & Roll Stephen Haseley Steve Daniels Still Posh Fashion Stillwater Flight Center Stillwater High School Deca Tarissa Jones Texas Roadhouse Tia Herring Traci Pitchford Uwe Gordon Wade Siebert Whitney Moore Wooden Nickel

Stillwater

HOMECOMING ENDOWMENT GRAND MARSHAL

Thank you donors for supporting “America’s Greating Homecoming Celebration.”

$100,000+

Russ Harrison and Natalie Shirley Family Steve and Pam Holton Ron and Cindy Ward

WALKAROUND $50,000+ Michael and Anne Greenwood Rick and Julie Krieger Jerry and Rae Winchester

SEA OF ORANGE

$25,000+

John and Nancy Allford Mike and Lori Dickinson Tom and Shelly Duff Rhonda (Burrows) and Stephen Hooper Robert Keating Family Robert Walker

ROYALTY $10,000+

ORANGE FOUNTAIN

$5,000+

William and Karen Anderson Cindy Batt Betty Binyon Lewis Larry and Michelle Briggs Ron and Ellen Bussert Luanne and Dennis Campbell Preston Carrier and Mike Bode Teresa and Richard Carrington Tim R. Clark Comanche County OSU Alumni Chapter Paul and Tabitha Cornell Cleo L. Craig Foundation Shane and Kristen Crawford Brent and Sue Curry Bill Dragoo Gentner Drummond James O. Ferrell Eddie and Chris Fields Kile and Sara Furr Guy P. and Cynthia (Downey) Griggs Family Jennifer and Steve Grigsby Tead and Pattie Haga Bill and Claudean Harrison Macey Hedges Kirk and Jan Jewell Cortney and Callie Ketchum Sean and Angela Kouplen Charlie and Kathy (Malchar) Laster John and Jami Longacre Tony and Lexi LoPresto Joe and Pam Martin Steve Martin Joe and Kelly Merrifield Jim and Claudia Miller Paul and Jonnie Neely Bob Noble (in memory of Judy Noble) OKC Metro OSU Alumni Chapter OSU Interfraternity Council

Lance and Tina Parkhill Tracy and Jennifer Poole Josh Pulver David and Kim Rose Gwen Shaw Bob and Ginny Sherrer John and Antonia Smith J.J. Stevak Celia Jane (Fry) Thompson Tulsa OSU Alumni Chapter Steven M. and Judy Wear Kent and Cynthia Yoesting

HARVEST CARNIVAL Alpha Xi Delta Foundation Miranda Fox Kent Gardner Mark and Dana Gibson Jerry and Susan Gill Steven Huckaby Phil Kennedy Keith and Marlene Kisling John R. Kitchens Pauline Martin Megan Moody Norman and Suzanne Myers Bill and Ann Oglesby OSU Alumni Association Helen Newman Roche Ross Seed & Grain Co. Inc. Jack B. Riley Richard and Alicia Smales Amber White Edwin A. Williams

$1,000+

Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook M. Kevin Bryant Kurt and Jenny Carter Leonard and Jody Court Paul and Pamela Crawford Dr. Brian and Amy Diener Family Dan and Nancy Gilliam Rex and Charlotte Horning Kent and Barbara Houck Ron and Janice King Jay, Richard and Lawana Kunze Jeff Linihan Family OSU Foundation Board of Trustees Jason & Natalie Ramsey Larry and Christy Shell Family For more information about the Homecoming and Student Programs Endowment and to make a contribution, visit orangeconnection.org/endowhomecoming.

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VOL . 10

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