OSU Institute of Technology flooded the streets of Okmulgee on Saturday with volunteers outfitted in bright orange in support of OSU’s visionary new service project – State of Orange: A Day of Cowboy Service.

Led by OSU President Kayse Shrum, over 3,000 participants at more than 350 event locations nationwide demonstrated how OSU’s land-grant mission and Cowboy Code extends beyond the classroom and into the community.

In Okmulgee, OSUIT partnered with Okmulgee Main Street to revitalize the downtown area, with three distinct projects breathing new life into the heart of Okmulgee. More than 45 volunteers diligently weeded, planted vibrant flowers and orchestrated the relocation of 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 said it felt natural to pair these two groups together 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 the work they do downtown,” said Crawford. “OSUIT has built relationships with businesses and organizations in Okmulgee through many of our student clubs with community outreach over the past several years, and this was a great opportunity to give back to the heart of Downtown Okmulgee while nurturing another great connection with a local organization that works really hard to foster community pride and engagement.”

Joining the two organizations on Saturday were volunteers from other local organizations such as First Family Federal Credit Union, Main Street board members, and the local Boy Scouts.

“It’s amazing what happens when many hands work together,” said Rusty Milroy, an Okmulgee Main Street volunteer and local. “It looks great, very beautiful.”