The streets of Okmulgee were alive with energy over the weekend as volunteers from OSU Institute of Technology (OSUIT) descended on the town in bright orange, 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 showcased how OSU’s land-grant mission and Cowboy Code go beyond the classroom and into the community.
In Okmulgee, OSUIT collaborated with Okmulgee Main Street to revitalize the downtown area, focusing on three specific projects to breathe new life into the heart of the town. More than 45 volunteers worked diligently weeding, planting colorful flowers, and relocating the beloved ‘umbrella alley’ to a new spot closer to the town square.
Kamie Crawford, director of Student Life at OSUIT and president of the Okmulgee Main Street board, expressed that pairing these two groups for the State of Orange – Cowboy Day of Service felt like a natural fit. The partnership allowed OSUIT to contribute to the community while supporting Main Street’s efforts to enhance the downtown area.
On Saturday, volunteers from various local organizations, including First Family Federal Credit Union, Main Street board members, and the local Boy Scouts, joined OSUIT and Okmulgee Main Street to work on the projects. One volunteer, Rusty Milroy, noted the impact of everyone coming together to work towards a common goal: “It’s amazing what happens when many hands work together.” The collaborative effort resulted in a beautiful transformation of the downtown area in Okmulgee.