A large group of approximately 50 people pose for a photo on a grassy area near a cliffside overlooking the ocean. Many are wearing orange or floral-patterned clothing, with some shirts displaying 'OSU' logos. The group is smiling and waving, with palm trees, umbrellas, and lounge chairs visible in the background, suggesting a resort setting. The coastline and ocean extend to the right under a clear sky.

A Cowboy reunion in Bali: OSU alumni celebrate global ties in Indonesia

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Media Contact: Hailey Rose Viars | Communications Specialist | 405-744-5496 | hviars@okstate.edu

Indonesia at a Glance

Location: Between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, comprised of more than 17,000 islands Capital: Jakarta
Population: 284 million
Language: Indonesian; English widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Climate: Tropical — warm year-round with distinct wet (Nov–Mar) and dry (Apr–Oct) seasons
Famous For: Islands, volcanoes, beaches, batik (native fabric), Bali, spices

In 2024, Oklahoma State University strengthened its global ties by bringing together Cowboy alumni from across Asia and beyond for a unique reunion in Bali, Indonesia.

From July 26-28, the OSU Global International Alumni Gathering welcomed more than 60 alumni, family members and university leaders representing Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Bangladesh and the United States.

The event underscored the university’s expanding international reach and the deep pride OSU graduates share, no matter where they live.

“This was a defining moment for OSU,” said Dr. Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean of OSU Global. “The reunion in Indonesia was the product of a year’s careful planning and surpassed all expectations. It gave alumni a meaningful chance to reconnect, reflect on their shared history, and celebrate their ongoing commitment to the university.

“We’re eager to keep this tradition alive and continue building our global alumni network.”

A Reunion in Paradise

The gathering took place at The Edge Resort in Uluwatu, a stunning cliffside property overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Owned by OSU alumnus Rosan Roeslani, a 1992 Spears School of Business graduate and previously the Indonesian ambassador to the United States, the five-star resort provided an unforgettable setting for the weekend’s events.

Choosing Bali was intentional. With its rich culture, vibrant hospitality industry and a strong OSU alumni presence in Southeast Asia, the island was the perfect place to celebrate the global Cowboy community.

Before the formal events, the gathered Cowboys and Cowgirls explored Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, which is known for its temples, traditional arts and lush forests.

“We wanted alumni to experience local culture and connect with one another in ways that reflect OSU’s core values: curiosity, community and global citizenship,” Kluver said.

Five people stand together outdoors near a pool with palm trees in the background. They are smiling and appear to be enjoying themselves. One person holds a glass of white wine, another has a drink with ice, and one wears an orange 'Oklahoma State' shirt.

Ten people stand together outdoors in front of a modern house, surrounded by palm trees and greenery. They are dressed in colorful clothing, mainly in orange and pink tones, and are smiling at the camera.

Strengthening the Global Cowboy Family

The weekend’s highlight was a festive evening at The Edge, where there was a sea of OSU orange for a night of toasts, storytelling and new friendships.

OSU Provost Jeanette Mendez addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of the university’s international alumni.

“Building strong ties with our global alumni community is vital,” Mendez said. “Seeing their loyalty and pride firsthand was inspiring. Their achievements embody the OSU spirit and mission.”

That mission — to cultivate academic excellence, research innovation and community engagement — was reflected throughout the event. Alumni shared stories of how OSU shaped their careers and values, connecting diverse successes across industries and continents.

“There’s a unique bond among Cowboys,” said an alumnus from Malaysia. “Even after 20 years away, that connection remains strong. We share an unbreakable bond.”

group of people gathered outdoors near a pool and modern house, surrounded by lush greenery. They are dressed in colorful clothing, mainly in orange and red with floral patterns. Some individuals are smiling at the camera, while others are conversing or looking at items in their hands.

Building a Global Legacy

For OSU Global, the Bali reunion wasn’t just a celebration; it was a strategic step toward deepening alumni engagement worldwide.

“Alumni relationships don’t end at graduation,” Kluver said. “They evolve, opening doors to collaboration, mentorship and innovation across borders.”

With over 10,000 international graduates living outside the U.S., OSU Global is focused on nurturing these vital connections as part of the university’s broader global strategy. As the event closed, excitement about future gatherings was palpable, with alumni already discussing hosting and participating in upcoming reunions.

“There’s clear momentum,” Kluver said. “Our alumni want to stay connected to OSU and to one another. These ties are the foundation of a truly global Cowboy network.”

This network supports OSU’s mission as a forward-thinking land-grant university, fostering academic partnerships, cultural exchange and research collaboration. Alumni play a key role in opening doors to these opportunities. Plans for future international gatherings are underway, with OSU Global exploring new locations and partnerships where alumni communities thrive.

“These events are more than reunions,” Kluver said. “They’re part of a growing tradition. Our alumni are ambassadors who multiply OSU’s global impact.”

x people stand outdoors near a body of water with greenery and a railing in the background. The group includes four adults and two children. One adult wears a beige polo shirt and holds a glass, another is in a red dress, one wears a blue checkered shirt, and another wears an orange 'Oklahoma State' t-shirt.

Continuing the Cowboy Connection

Even after the last toast was made and the final sunset admired from the cliffs of Uluwatu, the legacy of the Bali gathering lives on — in the photos, the shared stories and the rekindled friendships.

For many attendees, the weekend offered more than a vacation or professional networking opportunity. It was a reminder of who they are and where they come from, and of the university that helped shape their journeys.

“We didn’t need to be in Stillwater to feel like we were back at OSU,” said one alum from Singapore. “Because the Cowboy spirit travels with us — it’s woven into who we are.”

Whether thousands of miles away or right back on campus, Cowboys everywhere are part of one global family. As OSU continues to build bridges across cultures, countries and continents, it’s clear that the future of that family is brighter (and more connected) than ever.

Note: The 2025 reunion in Seoul will be covered in the 2026 edition of GLOBAL. Check global.okstate.edu for news on the 2026 International Alumni Gathering.

Six people stand together on a wooden deck under a covered outdoor area, surrounded by plants and wooden structures. They are dressed in orange-themed clothing, including patterned shirts and solid tops, and are holding drinks such as cocktails and juices.

Four people are conversing at an outdoor event on a patio or deck area. One wears a gray Oklahoma State University t-shirt and a white cap, another wears an orange shirt with a name tag, and the others are dressed casually.

Photos By: JuliYan

Story By: Hailey Rose Viars | GLOBAL Magazine

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