Desmond Mason named Grand Marshal for OSU Homecoming 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
“Desmond was chosen as this year’s Homecoming Grand Marshal because he represents
what OSU is all about,” said OSU Alumni Association President Larry Shell. “He is
a successful alumnus who is well known and well loved by our alumni, and he has had
many great accomplishments in his life.”
Mason majored in studio art at OSU and played basketball for Eddie Sutton from 1996
to 2000. He says this year’s Homecoming theme ‘Where Your Story Began’ reminds him
of one of his first experiences on the Cowboy Basketball team at Homecoming.
“My story began at the Eddie Sutton Basketball Bash in 1996,” Mason says. “As a freshman,
I did a backwards slam dunk in front of a packed house and broke the backboard. My
favorite Homecoming memories were always preparing for the basketball bash and watching
the football game.”
Mason was the 17th pick in the 2000 NBA draft. During his 10-year professional basketball
career, he played for the Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks, OKC/New Orleans Hornets,
Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings. In 2004, he founded the Desmond Mason
Art Show, which supports numerous local charities through the sales of his artwork.
Mason is married to his college sweetheart, Andrea, who was on the OSU women’s soccer
team. They have two children, Jada and Elijah, and reside in Oklahoma City, Okla.
As Grand Marshal, Mason will participate in numerous activities during the week of
Homecoming, including leading the Sea of Orange Parade and awarding Homecoming trophies
at the Baylor vs. OSU football game on Oct. 29.
“Being selected as the Homecoming Grand Marshal is a great honor, and I’m extremely
humbled by the opportunity,” Mason said.
OSU’s Homecoming is presented each year by the OSU Alumni Association and nationally
recognized as “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration”. The event returns tens
of thousands of proud alumni to Stillwater during the fall to partake in the festivities
and reconnect with their alma mater. Homecoming 2011: ‘Where Your Story Began’ will
be Oct. 23-29. For more information, visit orangeconnection.org/homecoming or call the Homecoming hotline at 405.744.5410.