(STILLWATER, Okla., Dec. 5, 2024) — Playing in a giant pile of leaves might not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking to take a study break from finals, but if the Cowboys are known for one thing, it’s dreaming as big as the sky.
At the end of the semester, Oklahoma State University offers many opportunities to wind down and take a break from studying. From different arts and crafts to Late Night Cafe, OSU aims to help students de-stress during this busy time of year.
This event was different from most. It all started with a student idea that emerged on social media: combine all the leaves that landscaping collected on campus and create a giant pile to play in.
The idea reached John Lee, the OSU director of landscaping, who knew they had to pursue it.
“We love connecting with our students. OSU is a special place and we want to find unique ways for our students to enjoy our campus,” Lee said.
As the leaf pile grew in front of Edmon Low Library, so did the students’ excitement.
One student commented on Instagram that they “wouldn’t miss the opportunity for anything,” and another student posted that they had “never felt more heard.”
On Thursday morning, students joined Lee in a countdown before taking dives and flips into the pile. Maelynn Nelson, a junior, enjoyed a quick break during dead week with her friends, taking pictures and laughing in the leaves.
“It’s just like a fun thing to do. It’s nice to feel like a child again, especially in college. To have a moment of community, especially during such a busy time,” Nelson said. “It’s good to know that we’re being heard, even if it’s in a silly way, we’re still having an impact in some way for our community and that they listen.”
The pile grew to an impressive size. Before the facilities management crew evened out the pile to make room for more students to enjoy it, Lee believed it was roughly the height of 10-12 miniature horses, which OSU would know because of BB, the sidekick to horse mascot Bullet.
Students, faculty and staff joined together to enjoy the fun. Some wore inflatable costumes while others brought their dogs to have fun, too.
Lee hopes that this event will become an OSU tradition. It will be a time for the community to come together, jump in a pile of leaves with friends and connect with their inner child.
About Oklahoma State University
Oklahoma State University is a modern land-grant university that prepares students for success. OSU has more than 35,000 students across its five-campus system and more than 26,000 on its combined Stillwater and Tulsa campuses, with students from all 50 states and more than 127 nations. Established in 1890, OSU has graduated more than 290,000 students to serve the state of Oklahoma, the nation and the world.
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