In the fall of 1895, Miss May Overstreet, the only woman on the faculty, was asked to
chair a committee to select the colors of the university. The committee decided the
colors should be crimson and cream and an elaborate display of the colors was draped
above a platform before the student body. The student body approved with great
enthusiasm and immediately pennants, banners, badges and decorations of every
description appeared on the streets, in the windows, at chapel, in classrooms, and
all public places; however, local merchants could not supply the demand.
Even though the school colors have evolved to red and white over the years, you can
ask any self-respecting Sooner what the colors are and they will proudly announce
“Crimson and Cream.”
On gamedays, a sea of crimson rolls through OU’s home arenas and all Sooners are
urged to wear the official colors to show the rest of the country what school spirit
and Sooner Pride is all about.