(STILLWATER, Oklahoma, October 14, 2021) - The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association is bringing back a longtime OSU Homecoming tradition for this year's centennial celebration.
Alumni, students and friends are invited to attend the Homecoming Pep Rally titled Cowboy Celebration on Friday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. on the west side of the OSU Student Union. Attendees will be able to gather in and around the Formal Gardens to hear from special guests who will be assembled on the west balcony of the Union.
"For many decades, alumni and students gathered at Lewis Field and at other locations on campus for an outdoor pep rally the night before the Homecoming football game," said Rob McInturf, OSU Alumni Association president. "We're excited to bring this tradition back for our centennial celebration and position it closer to the heart of Homecoming, which is Walkaround."
Special guests at the event will include: OSU President Kayse Shrum, 2021 Homecoming Grand Marshals Burns and Ann Hargis, members of the Homecoming Executive Committee and Royalty Court, and others.
Spirited performances from the Cowboy Marching Band, Pistol Pete and OSU Spirit Squads will also take place along with some special appearances form OSU Athletics personnel.
Awards for all Homecoming competitions taking place prior to Friday, Oct. 29 will also be announced during the event. These include the Sign Competition, Harvest Carnival, Chili Cook-Off and Orange Reflection.
The Homecoming Pep Rally is one of several events happening Friday evening, beginning with Walkaround from 5:30=9 p.m. in the Greek neighborhood southwest of the OSU campus and at OSU residence halls.
Teh Cowboy and Cowgirl basketball teams will also be hosting an outdoor exhibition starting at 9 p.m. after the pep rally at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity basketball court at 1207 West University Avenue.
The Homecoming Pep Rally and outdoor basketball exhibition are taking the place of the Homecoming & Hoops previously hosted inside Gallagher-Iba Arena.
"After collecting feedback from many individuals, both the Alumni Association and OSU Athletics felt these separate events would better allow us to connect and engage alumni and students," McInturf said.
To register for the centennial edition of America's Greatest Homecoming sponsored by Love's and view a complete list of events, visit the Alumni Association's website at ORANGECONNECTION.org/homecoming or download the Orange Connection app.
