On Saturday, the streets of Okmulgee were flooded with volunteers from across the country donning bright orange attire to support Oklahoma State University’s new service project, State of Orange: A Day of Cowboy Service. Led by OSU President Kayse Shrum, over 3,000 participants in more than 350 locations worked together to demonstrate how the university’s mission and Cowboy Code extend beyond the classroom and into the community.
In Okmulgee, OSUIT partnered with Okmulgee Main Street to revitalize the downtown area. Three distinct projects were undertaken to breathe new life into the heart of Okmulgee. More than 45 volunteers focused on weeding, planting vibrant flowers, and relocating the beloved ‘umbrella alley’ to a new location closer to the town square.
Kamie Crawford, director of Student Life at OSUIT and Okmulgee Main Street board president, expressed that it felt natural to pair the two groups for the State of Orange – Cowboy Day of Service. “OSUIT had a need to enhance the community and Main Street had a desire to continue their work in downtown,” said Crawford. She highlighted the relationships built with businesses and organizations in Okmulgee over the years through student clubs and how it made this event an excellent opportunity to give back while fostering connections with a local organization committed to community pride and engagement.
Volunteers from various local organizations such as First Family Federal Credit Union, Main Street board members and Boy Scouts joined forces on Saturday alongside OSUIT students. Rusty Milroy, an Okmulgee Main Street volunteer expressed his amazement at what could be achieved when many hands came together.”It looks great; very beautiful,” he said of the revitalized downtown area.
