<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2fAeGJ_0wPot2t600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2fAeGJ_0wPot2t600" width="1763" height="1175" ><figcaption>OSU held its fountain dyeing Sunday, which began the start of Homecoming week. Connor Fuxa</figcaption></figure>OSU commenced Homecoming week with the traditional dyeing of the fountain Sunday outside of Edmon Low Library.Students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families filled the space around OSU's iconic fountain ready to kick off the Homecoming festivities. Adam Hildebrant, an on-air producer for OSU Brand Management spoke during the ceremony. “Homecoming is one of OSU’s most love traditions,” Hildebrant said.He added that Homecoming originated from the Harvest Carnival back in 1921 and the fountain dyeing was added in 1999. Hildebrant said OSU’s Homecoming theme this year is “Innovative visions… Timeless traditions.”“We showcase the rich heritage of our alumni while paving the way, for the future legacy of OSU,” Hildebrant said.Hildebrant said OSU honors the customs that have help shape the community of the university and Stillwater. Hildebrant told The O'Colly Homecoming this year is important for him because he has brought his family here every year and officially joined the cCowboy family as an employee in August."This is my first year fully back in Stillwater for Homecoming," Hildebrant said.There is no denying the impact and energy that Homecoming brings to OSU students, faculty and alumni as well as the community of Stillwater.“This is just a special time of year... You can feel the energy just coming over here today,” OSU President Dr. Kayse Shrum said. “Having everyone together the entire week and celebrating OSU is pretty neat.”This year marks President Shrum's fourth year with OSU and she said Homecoming is still just as nostalgic and special as her first. Shrum said she looks forward to seeing all the Homecoming decs and getting to go to All-Night Pomp and the other events.“It’s so exciting to see everyone making memories and bringing their families back to make more,” Shrum said.The tradition of Homecoming Royalty was also continued as the 2024 Homecoming King and Queen were announced. The Royalty court is chosen through a three-step application and interview process based on the Cowboy Code, Hildebrant said. Ten students out of this year’s 81 applicants were chosen.“I always knew I wanted to apply for Homecoming royalty,” said Paige Orr, a Homecoming nominee and sports media and strategic communications senior.“My sister was a part of the Homecoming royalty three years ago, and she had just the best time and I wanted to have the same opportunity,” Orr said.Homecoming events will continue throughout the week with the Homecoming Tailgate at 5:30 p.m. on Monday at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. Following this, the Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the Payne County Expo Center. For more events and details visit orangeconnection.org.</div></body>

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'You can feel the energy': Fountain dyeing marks start of 103rd Homecoming

OSU commenced Homecoming week with the traditional dyeing of the fountain Sunday outside of Edmon Low Library. Students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families filled the space around OSU's iconic fountain ready to kick off the Homecoming festivities. Adam Hildebrant, an on-air producer for OSU Brand Management spoke during the...