true blue By Rod Jones
With an ever-growing selection of official Oklahoma City University merchandise, the Campus Store has become a place where shoppers can find something for any blue-blooded Star. Flip-flops, umbrellas, Christmas tree ornaments, golf balls, aprons, stuffed animals and coffee mugs in practically any style imaginable are on an extensive list of available products. They even have stethoscopes for sale. Store Director Laura Warren said she has made an effort to increase the variety of merchandise since she took the position a couple of years ago. “It’s fun to show school pride whether you’re a current student, parent of a student or an alumnus,” Warren said. “Merchandisers
have found some original ways to get people excited about their schools. T-shirts and coffee mugs are still very popular, but there are now many unique products that carry the OCU identity.” The store will soon release a new catalogue in time for the holiday shopping season and Warren gave some hints about some of the new gear. One of the items is a line of women’s luxe fabric pullover vests featuring the Goldstar logo. There will also be some new cold-weather hats and beanies. Shoppers can browse and purchase merchandise at the Campus Store website at www.myocubookstore.com/merchandise.aspx. Contact Rod Jones at Rod.Jones@okcu.edu.
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www.myocubookstore.com/merchandise.aspx
Blue It Up As if showing school pride wasn’t enough, the store is planning to pay people to wear OCU gear. A photo contest called Blue It Up has put shopping sprees on the line— $250 for first, $150 for second and $100 for third. Contestants sent photos of themselves or people they know wearing OCU gear. The contest committee selected the top five entries and put them on social media websites. The photos with the most votes were declared the winners, which were announced during Homecoming festivities. First place was awarded to Angelina Stancampiano, second place to Chris Garrett and third place to Josh Cassella. Campus Store Manager Laura Warren hopes to make the contest an annual tradition. The contest invited submissions from OCU’s earlier mascot eras, too—the Goldbugs and the Chiefs. It’s open to everyone who has OCU pride—young and old, humans and pets—and creativity is encouraged. The photo submissions from this year’s contest will be on display in the store until the end of the fall semester.
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