Students take a deep dive into OSU traditions

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Media Contact: Jeff Hopper | Communications and Media Relations Manager | 405-744-5827 | jeff.hopper@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University students ran silently through the fourth floor of Edmon Low Library, searching for a book to claim first place in the Amazing Traditions Race. 

On March 25, 18 teams set off to compete in the Amazing Traditions Race hosted by the Alumni Association student network. The hour-long race consisted of multiple challenges surrounding the longstanding OSU traditions that each group must complete to move on. 

Based on the popular reality TV show, “The Amazing Race,” the Alumni Association created this event to increase student engagement on campus. It serves to educate students about their alma mater and build a deeper appreciation for their traditions. 

“I would encourage them to get involved now, that's the best way to make your OSU experience,” said Allison Wendel, OSU’s Alumni Association coordinator of student engagement. “That's what makes a difference as a student, not just starting new things on campus, but also participating in what students have done for over 100 years.”

All the challenges and traditions come from the Cowboy Legends book, created in 2015 to keep OSU's heritage strong within its student body and alumni. 

Many OSU customs and challenges revolve around various historic buildings across campus, such as Boone Pickens Stadium and the Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture. One challenge involved participants reciting the OSU Alma Mater from memory and without mistake while in Boone Pickens Stadium to advance in the competition. 

Prizes were $200 for first place, $100 for second place and third place received a $50 gift card to the Student Union.

The first team finished the race in 32 minutes, and the second group came in quickly after at 35 minutes. All the other teams completed the competition within 50 minutes, with many of the teams getting hung up searching for a book on fashion in the fourth-floor library using the Dewey Decimal System. 

“Our true north at the Alumni Association is to deepen the pride and love for OSU, for anyone at any age with any affinity for or connection to OSU. That’s why we’re doing this, and that’s what we want students to know. This race is open to all OSU students; you don’t have to be a student network member, and this is just one of our ways to give back to the university,” Wendel said.

The Amazing Traditions Race is a short and easy way to learn about OSU’s history and heritage and get students involved on campus with other peers. 

Half of the students participating in the Amazing Traditions Race are not lifetime members of the Alumni Association, giving a good mix of students from across campus. Any student can become a lifetime member, getting access to multiple benefits that extend well past graduation. 

Story By: Darby Rains | darby.rains@okstate.edu