Desmond Mason Named OSU Grand Marshal
MR. HOMECOMING: Desmond Mason has been named Grand Marshal of OSU’s Homecoming 2011: ‘Where Your Story Began.’
The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association and the 2011 Homecoming Executive team have announced former Cowboy Basketball player Desmond Mason has been named Grand Marshal of Homecoming 2011: “Where Your Story Began.”
“Desmond was chosen as this year’s Homecoming Grand Marshal because he represents what is all about,” says Alumni Association President Larry Shell. “He is a successful alumnus who is well known and well loved by our alumni, and he has had many great accomplishments in his life.”
Mason majored in studio art at and played basketball for Eddie Sutton from 1996 to 2000. He says this year’s Homecoming theme ‘Where Your Story Began’ reminds him of one of his first experiences on the Cowboy Basketball team at Homecoming.
“My story began at the Eddie Sutton Basketball Bash in 1996,” Mason says. “As a freshman, I did a backwards slam dunk in front of a packed house and broke the backboard. My favorite Homecoming memories were always preparing for the basketball bash and watching the football game.”
Mason was the 17th pick in the 2000 draft. During his 10-year professional basketball career, he played for the Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks, /New Orleans Hornets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Sacramento Kings. In 2004, he founded the Desmond Mason Art Show, which supports numerous local charities through the sales of his artwork.
Mason is married to his college sweetheart, Andrea, who was on the women’s soccer team. They have two children, Jada and Elijah, and reside in Oklahoma City.
As Grand Marshal, Mason will participate in numerous activities during the week of Homecoming, including leading the Sea of Orange Parade and awarding Homecoming trophies at the Baylor vs. football game on Oct. 29.
“Being selected as the Homecoming Grand Marshal is a great honor, and I’m extremely humbled by the opportunity,” Mason says.
OSU’s Homecoming is presented each year by the Alumni Association and nationally recognized as “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration.” The event returns tens of thousands of proud alumni to Stillwater during the fall to partake in the festivities and reconnect with their alma mater. Homecoming 2011: ‘Where Your Story Began’ will be Oct. 23-29. For more information, visit orangeconnection.org/ or call the Homecoming hotline at 405-744-5410.
Updated 10-23-2011
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