Freshman Follies draws crowds, raises money for charity

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

With wide smiles, dazzling costumes and a plethora of jazz hands, Oklahoma State University freshmen took over the Student Union Theater to compete in Freshman Follies Oct. 23-26. 

A tradition at Oklahoma State University since 1970, Freshman Follies provides the opportunity for freshmen to perform an array of choreographed songs and dances. Fraternities and sororities pair with each other and compete against other Greek houses, all while raising money for charity.

This year, the event boasted sell-out shows and raised $30,000 for Hearts for Hearing with 100 percent of the ticket sales from opening night donated to the organization. The cast members raised almost two-thirds of the funds through benefit nights and other fundraising events. Follies has donated to Hearts for Hearing, a company in Oklahoma City focused on helping adults and children across Oklahoma with hearing loss, since 2014. 

“We feel so fortunate that Freshman Follies continues to support our organization,” said Christian Boone, the director of development at Hearts for Hearing. “To see a show that spotlights singing, dancing and music paired with kids with hearing loss who can attend shows and enjoy them because of the technology we have is a beautiful picture.”

Out of the many groups that performed this year, Gamma Phi Beta & Sigma Chi won first place, Kappa Alpha Theta & Beta Theta Pi won second and Chi Omega & Sigma Phi Epsilon won third.

“It is amazing to see all the creativity and hard work students put into Freshman Follies,” said Paula Jimenez, graduate teaching assistant for fraternity and sorority affairs. “Not only are they representing the Greek community at Oklahoma State, but they are performing for a cause that is bigger than themselves. The talent shown by students only increases and we are proud to continue to impact the lives of many families across Oklahoma with outstanding performances.”

See a full rebroadcast from the Oct. 26 show at https://okla.st/follies2019. 

Media contact: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405.744.5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu