Stillwater NewsPress

Local News

October 13, 2012

Alums, fans flock to Oklahoma State University's Homecoming walkaround

By Chase Rheam Stillwater NewsPress

STILLWATER, Okla. — Thousands of Oklahoma State University alumni and fans will pack University Avenue and surrounding streets for a traditional homecoming spectacle which begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

Walkaround showcases the work of the Greek community, residential life and student organizations through decorations that can span a hallway, adorn a building or are completely fabricated through steel pipes, chicken wire, mechanics and pomping.

Homecoming Adviser Melisa Parkerson said the event drew huge numbers last year.

“We were just over 80,000, which was expected,” she said.

Those estimates, from the city of Stillwater, are expected. Parkerson said she would love to see that grow.

“We always expect more,” Parkerson said. “We would love it if more people came for Homecoming.”

There are a few changes to Walkaround this year, including Farmhouse fraternity’s new location at 305 S. Monroe as opposed to their original location on the north side of campus. Alpha Tau Omega will be constructing a house deck this year.

Much of Walkaround will remain the same.

“I know Delta Tau Delta is having their carnival again and all their proceeds will go to Coaches versus Cancer,” Parkerson said. “That’s a wonderful thing, so if you have family be sure to stop by ... they are continuing that tradition on.”

Parkerson said that 12 pairs will be competing in the Greek life category.

“Typically, we would have 11,” she said.

Thirteen house decorations will be on display and up for judging on Friday night.

“The judges are actually alumni that come back to the university for the weekend,” she said.

Representing different age groups, the judges will make their selections, which will be announced at midfield during halftime of the Cowboys game against Iowa State.

Parkerson said those attending Walkaround may find parking hard to find.

“I always encourage people to park where they can and walk into the Greek area,” she said. “It’s probably going to (be hard to) find something close because there’s so many people coming into town for Walkaround.”

However, it’s a tradition any alumni shouldn’t miss.

“The students put in so much work and so much time in making this tradition a wonderful thing to come back to,” Parkerson said.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
Stilly Studio
  • Savory_Stilly_Studio_05_01_13.jpg Savory crosses off goals with fifth album

    “I love the high energy stuff,” he said. “Even though it’s country, being able to rock it up, distorted guitars and just seeing the crowd, feeding off of that.”

    May 2, 2013 1 Photo

NewsPress Specials
AP Video
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Stocks