Chapter News

Gillian Clinton, North Texas Chapter

Oklahoma State University sits at the top of Gillian Clinton’s list of favorite places, even after having lived all over the world.

Clinton refers to her hometown as Tulsa, but she only lived there for two years. She spent most of her youth moving, having lived in Houston; Venezuela; Ponca City, Oklahoma; and Singapore.

“We moved around a lot but would still be seen on any vacation wearing matching Eskimo Joe’s T-shirts,” Clinton said. “I loved OSU, and it was always the plan to go there.”

Clinton graduated with a degree in international business in 2014. On campus, some of her favorite memories include her sorority, Sigma Phi Lambda; her husband proposing to her on Engineering South Lawn; and America’s Greatest Homecoming.

Clinton now resides in Dallas with her husband, Dann, and their 5-yearold daughter. After moving, she joined the North Texas OSU Alumni Chapter to meet people and build new connections.

“I may not have much in common with someone who attended OSU in the ’80s,” Clinton said. “But there is always something to talk about when you have OSU in common.”

Clinton said her favorite chapter event is a fundraiser called Brighter Orange of North Texas. Clinton has served on the committee, been co-chair and chairperson on her own. As chairperson for Brighter Orange, she is tasked with planning the event. The fundraiser includes a live and silent auction to provide scholarships for future and current OSU students from North Texas.

“My proudest moment was when we hit $200,000,” Clinton said. “That was our goal for five years. Everyone was eager to get involved and we were excited to reach that goal. I hope it helped a lot of kids.”

NORTH TEXAS CHAPTER BY THE NUMBERS

18,125 alumni and friends

2,240 members

3,883 current OSU students from Texas

234 miles from Stillwater

Clinton encourages everyone to try to find their place in an alumni chapter. She advises alumni and current students to find value in working together and to always enjoy the connections that OSU brings.

“I do not care what your major or your experience is,” Clinton said. “There is something for everyone in an alumni chapter. You are welcome here, so jump right in.”

Gillian Clinton (left) and her husband, Dann, snap a picture with Pistol Pete at Brighter Orange of North Texas.

ALUMNI

ASSOCIATION

AIAS SCHOLARSHIP

Kate Kouplen (left), a biology and pre-med major, was presented with the first OSU American Indian Alumni Society scholarship at an event at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center in April. Twauna Williams helped celebrate the moment with a certificate for Kouplen.

AIR FORCE CHAPTER REUNION

In April, OSU Arnies and Angels from the 1970s and 1980s reconnected at an OSU Air Force ROTC reunion at Happy H Ranch in Comfort, Texas. Attendees enjoyed reminiscing and viewed memorabilia from their time in the OSU Air Force ROTC program.

COWGIRL SOFTBALL SOCIAL

Cowgirl softball coach Kenny Gajewski speaks to the crowd at the Cowgirl Softball Social at Plenty Mercantile in Oklahoma City. The event celebrated the team and its fans the night before the Women’s College World Series.

A group of young Cowgirls were all smiles as they waited for the softball team to arrive. The team spent time signing autographs and taking pictures with some of its biggest fans.

Get involved with an OSU alumni chapter, watch club or society at

ORANGECONNECTION.org/

chapters.

EATON FAMILY REUNION

Former Pistol Petes attended the Eaton Family Reunion to help celebrate and honor Frank Eaton, the inspiration for OSU’s beloved mascot.

KAY COUNTY JOCKEYS AND JULEPS

Cowboys and Cowgirls in Kay County dressed in their Kentucky Derbyinspired outfits for this year’s Jockeys and Juleps event at Marland Mansion in Ponca City. Attendees enjoyed traditional Derby fare, fun party games and watched the race together.

BRIGHTER ORANGE OF NORTH TEXAS

The Brighter Orange of North Texas committee took time to celebrate with OSU President Kayse Shrum at this year’s event on June 5. The event helped raise more than $200,000 for scholarships for OSU students from the North Texas area.

Current OSU students Avery Anderson (center) and Ryan Graham (right) took the stage with Larry Reece to share how the Brighter Orange of North Texas event and their scholarship helped them achieve their OSU dreams.

OKC GOLF

This foursome of Cowboys was among the 200 golfers who participated in the OKC Metro OSU Alumni Chapter golf tournament this year. The chapter looks forward to seeing everyone on April 17 for the 2023 event.