Beyond the Classroom: OSU Volunteers Revitalize Okmulgee with Cowboy Code in Action

Over the weekend, OSUIT volunteers flooded the streets of Okmulgee in bright orange to support State of Orange: A Day of Cowboy Service. Led by OSU President Kayse Shrum, over 3,000 participants at more than 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. 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. The partnership between these two groups felt like a natural fit as OSUIT contributed to the community while supporting Main Street’s efforts to enhance the downtown area.

On Saturday, volunteers from local organizations including First Family Federal Credit Union, Main Street board members and Boy Scouts joined OSUIT and Okmulgee Main Street to work on projects. One volunteer, Rusty Milroy noted that it was amazing what happens when many hands work together towards a common goal. The collaborative effort resulted in a beautiful transformation of the downtown area in Okmulgee.