OCLA: 60 Years of Legacy, Homecoming 2025
Contact: Hannah Thompson | 405-574-1362
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma invites students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members to its annual Homecoming celebration, themed "OCLA: 60 Years of Legacy." The week of events begins Monday, Oct. 27, and culminates with major activities on Saturday, Nov. 1.
The theme honors the university’s unique history and its enduring commitment to the liberal arts. Founded in 1908, the institution was originally the Oklahoma College for Women (OCW). In 1965, the school transitioned to a co-educational, public liberal arts college, adopting the name Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts (OCLA) - the 60-year milestone celebrated this year. The name was formally changed to the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma in 1974, but the foundation of an interdisciplinary, liberal arts curriculum established during the OCLA era remains the core mission of the university today.
The week features daily dress-up themes and several student events reflecting the college's spirited history:
Monday, Oct. 27 – Tie Dye Day
The week kicks off with a Tie Dye Dress Up Day. Complimentary donuts will be available at the oval from 9 a.m. to noon.
Tuesday, Oct. 28 – Rock N’ Roll Day
Students and alumni can join the Rock N’ Roll Dress Up Day. An activity to Decorate Your Own Hat is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. outside the cafeteria, followed by the Drover Men’s Basketball team playing against the Ecclesia College Royals at 7 p.m. at the Drover Fieldhouse.
Wednesday, Oct. 29 – Western Wednesday
Western Wednesday features a Star Observing, “Night Sky View” with Dr. Joshua Hakala from 7:45 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 30 – Flower Power Day
Thursday’s Flower Power Dress Up Day includes the Drover Drive-In movie screening, which will be held in the campus oval as the theater will be closed. The evening will also kick off the opening of the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series.
Friday, Oct. 31 – Halloween or Drover Dress Up Day
The final weekday of the celebration is a dual-themed dress-up day. Family-friendly events include Trunk or Treat in the oval from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by "Creature Feature: Glamageddon" beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Drover Volleyball team plays at against the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggies at 7 p.m. at the Drover Fieldhouse.
Saturday, Nov. 1 – Main Event Day
The main event day begins with the Scholarship Donor-Recipient Event at Jourdan House at 10 a.m. The Drover Volleyball team will play against the Wayland Baptist Pioneers at 1 p.m. at the Drover Fieldhouse. In Stevens Alumni House, The Annual Business Meeting will be take place from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., followed by a Memorial at the Alumni Chapel from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Two separate art exhibitions, titled "Un-Herd" and "Strange & Unusual" will occur from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Davis Hall. Campus tours begin at 3:15 p.m. The Men’s Basketball team will play against the Barclay College Bears with the presentation of the Homecoming Court set for 4 p.m. at the Drover Fieldhouse. The evening concludes with the Hall of Fame Gala at 5:30 p.m.; a fundraising event to raise funds for the USAO Alumni Association and alumni scholarships. This final homecoming event will be held in the Ballroom, followed by an After Party at Legends Pub House & Venue, beginning at 8 p.m.
USAO welcomes all community members to experience the historic campus and celebrate the 60-year legacy of OCLA.
ABOUT USAO:
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma is Oklahoma’s only public liberal arts college. Located in Chickasha, USAO is a distinctive institution offering a challenging interdisciplinary curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. With a focus on broad-based education and civic responsibility, USAO prepares students to become well-rounded, adaptable leaders ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.