ONCE
the lad’s dad. Yes, disrespect is
when I was on
vacation, I saw one of these funny
a curious thing. So, I suppose, is
cowboy signs that read, “IT
respect for that matter. Respect
AIN’T BRAGGIN IF YOU CAN DO IT.”
has to be earned, and it appears we earned some.
Well … we did it, didn’t we? And
But now that we have it, let’s be
you sort of get the distinct feeling “it” is not going to be a one-and-done
sure and remember our cowboy
deal. This successful trip to the top
roots.
building for a while, and it’s not
There is a COWBOY CODE OF THE WEST, as laid down by James
going away.
Owen in Cowboy Ethics. It is as
of the Big 12 Conference has been
follows:
We have seen things growning for Oklahoma State University over the last few years. There has been a widening of perspective and expectations. It has been a process. All of you have been, and will continue to be, an integral part. Some steps have been ugly, others have been glorious.
LIVE EACH DAY WITH COURAGE TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR WORK ALWAYS FINISH WHAT YOU START
No doubt there will be more of each.
DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE
But from trick-or-treat to the Big 12
BE TOUGH, BUT FAIR
elite, the journey has provided both
WHEN YOU MAKE A PROMISE, KEEP IT
serendipity and fulfilled expectations. And like most trips, the destination was but one small part of the process.
RIDE FOR THE BRAND TALK LESS AND SAY MORE
The real education was delivered
REMEMBER THAT SOME THINGS AREN’T FOR SALE
during the expedition.
KNOW WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE
The Cowboy excursion has encountered doubtful and
It’s a nice time to be a Cowboy,
disrespectful enemies along the way.
isn’t it, particularly the hue of orange
Disrespect is a curious thing. How
spanning the state of Oklahoma.
many times have we seen it in real life,
Cowboys have always been proud
movies and song? Typically, it doesn’t
to wear our colors, but it seems an
turn out well for the disrespecting
even brighter orange when it’s asso-
party. You remember the line from
ciated with a Big 12 Championship.
Tombstone that starts with, “You
80
GO POKES!
called down the thunder, well now
you got it”? Contempt can be a motivator, and it can stick around for
a long time. I’ve heard tell of a real life story
about a cowboy who focused for 19
years on avenging his father’s death. Several individuals disrespected
DECEMBER 2011
KYLE WRAY VICE PRESIDENT ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT & MARKETING