Over the weekend, volunteers from OSU Institute of Technology (OSUIT) flocked to the streets of Okmulgee in bright orange attire, supporting Oklahoma State University’s new service project – State of Orange: A Day of Cowboy Service. Led by OSU President Kayse Shrum, more than 3,000 participants at over 350 event locations across the nation demonstrated how OSU’s land-grant mission and Cowboy Code extend beyond the classroom and into the community.
In Okmulgee, OSUIT collaborated with Okmulgee Main Street to revitalize the downtown area. The partnership was a natural fit as Kamie Crawford, director of Student Life at OSUIT and president of the Okmulgee Main Street board, expressed. The group focused on three specific projects that aimed to bring new life to the heart of the town. More than 45 volunteers worked tirelessly weeding, planting colorful flowers, and relocating the beloved ‘umbrella alley’ to a new spot closer to the town square.
On Saturday, volunteers from local organizations such as First Family Federal Credit Union, Main Street board members, and Boy Scouts joined forces with OSUIT and Okmulgee Main Street to work on these projects. Rusty Milroy, one volunteer who took part in the event, commented on how everyone working together towards a common goal made a significant impact. “It’s amazing what happens when many hands work together,” he said. The collaborative effort resulted in an impressive transformation of Okmulgee’s downtown area.
Overall, State of Orange: A Day of Cowboy Service showcased how OSU’s land-grant mission and Cowboy Code go beyond just teaching students but also giving back to communities like Okmulgee through service projects like this one.