Orange All Year: OSU unveils world’s first orange soda fountain

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Media Contact: Hayley Hagen | Assistant Director of Digital Communications | 405-744-6242 | hayley.hagen@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University has embarked on a new campus beautification project: permanently turning the iconic Edmon Low Library fountain orange by continuously pumping orange soda through the waters. 

The initiative, which will expand on the university’s tradition of turning the waters orange during Homecoming, will maintain a vibrant orange hue throughout the year. 

Jeff Sweeden, director of operations and maintenance at OSU, enthusiastically described the innovation. 

“We’ve developed a sophisticated circulation system that will continuously filter and replace orange soda, ensuring the fountain will maintain its bright orange color,” Sweeden said. “Our team has calculated that we’ll need approximately 500 gallons of orange soda per week to keep the fountain at peak OSU orange.”

A unique feature of the fountain is that the circulating orange soda remains completely drinkable. 

“Students and visitors can actually drink directly from the fountain,” Sweeden said. “We’re calling it the world’s first drinkable public art installation.”

OSU Interim President Jim Hess marked the project as a statement of university identity. 

“This fountain represents more than just soda,” Dr. Hess said. “It’s a symbol of Oklahoma State’s creativity and commitment to standing out. When visitors see the fountain, they’ll immediately know they’re in Cowboy territory.”

The project reportedly required significant modifications to the fountain's infrastructure, including specialized pumps, filtration systems and a storage facility for orange soda near the library. 

“We’re not just changing the fountain,” Sweeden said. “We’re revolutionizing campus hydration. Now, school spirit can be refreshing.”

In an unexpected twist, local campus squirrels made comments on the new fountain upgrade. 

“We’ve been drinking from the fountain for years, but this is the first time we’ve been jealous of human beverage options,” one squirrel said. “If you’re still reading, this is an April Fool's joke.”

Story By: Mak Vandruff | makenzie.vandruff@okstate.edu