Cowboy family,

 

Cowboys and Cowgirls are different — cut from a more substantial cloth. We live by a code that defines hard work, integrity and grit. We do what’s right even when it’s hard. As a university, we use our research to make a difference in society. Imagine what we can accomplish if we — as Cowboys — found a way to serve.

 

This holiday season, join the entire Cowboy family and find opportunities for individual acts of service to better the communities in Oklahoma and beyond. I ask each of you — students, faculty, staff and alumni — to join me in helping others at least once from Dec. 19 until classes start again on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

 

We’re partnering with the Oklahoma State University Alumni Association, implementing a new take on their Cowboys for a Cause. Your act of service can be as simple as raking leaves for your elderly relative to helping a food bank package holiday meals. One by one, each act of kindness will create a groundswell of goodwill.

 

Without interrupting the privacy of someone you’re helping, we ask that you snap a photo and share it on your social media with the hashtag #CowboysForACause. Photos will be collected on the website www.orangeconnection.org/cfac.

 

Let’s start a tradition that makes good communities great and share our Cowboy culture. Once your finals are over and you’re home for the holidays, it’s time to do something purposeful, giving and kind for someone else. I can’t wait to see the pictures and hear the stories.

 

Happy holidays, Cowboys.

 

Dr. Kayse Shrum
President