For David Thompson, a senior in Psychology and Sociology from Derby, Kansas, the future holds many things. He plans to go on to earn a master’s in forensic psychology and work for federal law enforcement as a criminal profiler. He plans to marry Coloeen, his fiancée of five years. He plans to move far beyond his start in humble Stillwater, Oklahoma.

He just has one last duty as a Cowboy.

Faculty members of the College of Arts and Sciences voted Thompson as the Orange Gown representative for the Fall 2016 Undergraduate Commencement at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at Gallagher-Iba Arena.

“From every college, they select a student I assume based on their academic performance and outside activities,” Thompson said. “They are selected to wear the orange gown and lead the class from the reception to commencement.”
One Orange Gown student is selected for each of OSU’s six colleges participating in undergraduate ceremonies.

In addition to a 4.0 grade point average, Thompson worked as a research assistant in the OSU Psychology lab, working in data entry and collection. Thompson was also chief of staff in the 1 in 4 club, a member of the Psi Chi national psychology honors society, and a member of the psychology club.

“I appreciate the distinction brought to our graduation ceremonies by our Orange Gown program,” Dr. Bret Danilowicz, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said. “This award provides the opportunity to recognize a truly outstanding CAS graduate- someone who has earned the confidence of the college that they possess the ability and determination to change the world for the better.” 

Thompson has enjoyed his experiences at OSU and in the College of Arts and Sciences, lauding his professors and OSU’s student services as excellent and highly helpful, just one point in his memories of his undergraduate life at OSU.

“I really remember Homecoming, particularly being part of it my sophomore year when I was on the drumline,” Thompson said. “I’ve had a lot of fun time training different research assistants and getting to know them through that.”

All of our graduates deserve recognition for their achievement, and there are many among them who similarly aspire to become leaders,” Danilowicz said. “Our Orange Gown graduate has become symbolic of the potential among all of our graduates to effect positive change as they step beyond the boundaries of Oklahoma State University.”