Oklahoma State Cowgirl wins $20,000 in MidFirst Bank sweepstakes
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Life after graduation can be filled with stress and worry, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But one lucky 2020 graduate now has 20,000 reasons to smile.
MidFirst Bank, the exclusive provider of the OSU Alumni Association credit card, recently hosted a “Seize the Day with 20K” sweepstakes, surprising one graduate at partner institutions with a gift of $20,000.
“When MidFirst approached us with this idea, we knew we had to participate,” said Chase Carter, Alumni Association director of marketing and engagement systems.
Rachel Bridenstine, a 2020 business administration graduate, was randomly selected
as the winner. Carter used
the premise she’d been chosen to be interviewed for STATE magazine story about graduating during the age of COVID-19 in contacting her.
“I was a nervous wreck when I talked to her on the phone, because I knew I had to convince her to be on the call under a false pretense just so she could win the sweepstakes,” Carter said.
Bridenstine, who currently works at a daycare center in Yukon, Oklahoma, was reluctant but ultimately agreed.
“I really didn’t think I had much to say,” Bridenstine said. “The only thing that really changed for me was not being able to walk across the stage for graduation.”
The Zoom call took place on June 29 with several MidFirst employees disguised with OSU logos on the screen. Carter revealed a “special guest” on the call wanted to say hello, and MidFirst announced the surprise.
“I thought she was lying to me,” Bridenstine joked. “I really couldn’t believe it. I didn’t think it was me.”
After her initial shock, Bridenstine revealed the gift was needed now more than ever following an accident that had happened just hours before.
“My husband had just totaled his car that day,” Bridenstine said during the announcement. “This is such a blessing for my family, so thank you.”
Bridenstine had a unique OSU experience. She completed her degree completely online while working full time and taking care of two children.
“Our kids are very active, so it was easier to go online if I wanted to go back full time,” Bridenstine said. “Plus, I don’t live in Stillwater, and the degree program they offered was just what I needed.”
Alumni, students and fans can show their OSU pride at retailers and restaurants while supporting the university with the Midfirst OSU credit card. To learn more or apply for a card, visit MidFirst.com/pistolpete.