Oklahoma State University’s annual giving campaign, Give Orange, provides the Cowboy family the ability to support what matters most to them, wherever that passion is found.
The multi-day campaign’s launch event brought that idea to life on April 7, filling the OSU Student Union plaza with several student organizations, each representing a different reason to give.
Give Orange raised an impressive $1.2 million from 2,012 donors over the span of 1,890 minutes. In total, 358 funds were supported, reflecting the wide range of opportunities for donors to make an impact across the entire OSU system.
On the plaza, that impact became something you could see, one table at a time. Pete’s Pet Posse drew a steady crowd as therapy dogs offered a moment of calm in the middle of a busy afternoon, while students moved through the space discovering new ways to connect with the OSU community. More than $7,000 was raised for the program.
Cowboys Care Ambassadors greeted visitors with a mission centered on connection and care.
Their work focuses on mental health initiatives that encourage awareness, connection and support across the OSU community. The group trains student, faculty and staff ambassadors to recognize when someone may be struggling and connect them with resources.
“We want students to remember that support is available, that resources exist and that every person can make a positive impact on someone else’s well-being,” said Bella Ridener, president of Cowboys Care Ambassadors.
With the help of Give Orange, the group raised over $6,000 to support these efforts, expanding programs designed to meet students where they are and ensure they do not navigate challenges alone.
The Forage Bowl Team offered a look into hands-on learning and academic competition, bringing together students from across the Ferguson College of Agriculture to compete in a national contest focused on forage identification, grazing management, soils, plant science and livestock production.
Preparing for competition requires more than knowledge. It takes time, teamwork and resources to cover travel, materials and training. With donor support, the team raised $2,650 to help fund their journey to the national competition.
“Representing OSU is an opportunity to showcase the strength of our students and the interdisciplinary nature of agricultural education at OSU,” said Mason Henson, OSU Forage Bowl Team coach. “We are proud to highlight OSU’s leadership in forage, livestock and natural resource education while competing alongside students from universities across the country.”
The International Physics Team brought a global perspective to Stillwater by hosting the International Physicists Tournament, marking the first time the event took place in the United States. The experience connected students with peers worldwide, expanding their academic experience beyond campus.
“We are very proud to have successfully hosted an unforgettable, authentically Oklahoman, welcoming experience for about 200 participants from around the world,” said Dr. Donghua Zhou, OSU associate professor and IPT organizing committee member. “It cemented OSU’s legacy as the first United States institution to host this prestigious global tournament.”
With an initial goal of $10,000, the OSU physics team surpassed expectations, raising $25,648 with the help of Give Orange to support preparation and hosting efforts.
The Euphoria Fashion Show team highlighted a student-led production that blends creativity and philanthropy, raising $1,765 to support the show, while the Military Science Club shared how it fosters an academic and professional development environment for Army ROTC cadets, raising $1,710 to enhance its programming.
“Walking through the plaza, you can see just how many different passions exist across OSU,” said Kyle Stringer, director of pipeline growth at the OSU Foundation. “Give Orange provides every member of the Cowboy family the chance to connect with something meaningful to them and be part of creating that impact.”
Photos by: Aubrey Layton
Story by: Estefania Martinez | STATE Magazine