OSU, Alumni Association Cancel Homecoming Events For 2020 Due To COVID-19 Pandemic

Oklahoma State University and its alumni association have canceled homecoming events for 2020 due to the pandemic.

2020 would have marked the centennial of homecoming at OSU. Instead, the centennial celebration will be planned for fall 2021.

The decision was made by the Alumni Association's Board of Directors after careful consideration and collaboration with Oklahoma State University, OSU Athletics, OSU Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, and the City of Stillwater.

Homecoming was originally scheduled to happen Oct. 26 to 31 during the Texas Tech game.

The homecoming cancellation is unrelated to the planned football game against Texas Tech on Oct. 31.

“The Alumni Association understands the yearly return to the campus is a highlight for many OSU alumni and fans,” said Tony LoPresto, Alumni Association board chair. “While we understand this decision will disappoint many Cowboys, we want to ensure Homecoming events can be enjoyed in a safe manner and that the centennial celebration is hosted in such a way that is representative of this one-of-a-kind OSU tradition.”

This announcement pertains only to Homecoming festivities hosted by the Alumni Association, including the Harvest Carnival and Chili Cook-Off, Hester Street Painting, Walkaround, Homecoming and Hoops, and the Sea of Orange Parade.

OSU's first official Homecoming was hosted by the Alumni Association in 1920. It grew with the addition of the parade in 1930 and the Walkaround event in 1966.

“OSU’s nationally recognized Homecoming event is entirely student run, and a number of measures have been put in place for the fall 2020 semester to protect students both on and off campus,” said Rob McInturf, Alumni Association president. “These measures are vital to our students’ well-being, and we did not want to compromise their health for the Homecoming experience. America’s Greatest Homecoming is worth the wait.”