Varsity Revue 2025

OSU Varsity Revue Benefits United Way of Payne County

Varsity Revue held its 96th annual show from March 3-8, 2025, at the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts to showcase months of students' hard work and reveal raising $84,000 to benefit United Way of Payne County. 

Varsity Revue is an all-campus variety show where fraternities and sororities pair together to create performances featuring singing, dancing and acting. Pairings between fraternities and sororities happen in early November, and the students of the casts work tirelessly up until they perform to live audiences in March. 

“It is a rewarding experience to watch the shows come together,” said Destiny King, head of the philanthropy steering committee. “As a director you are seeing all of your hard work come to life which brings a large feeling of pride, but I also found that feeling on steering seeing all of the casts improve and find the sweet spot of their shows.”

On top of creating and mastering their performances, students fundraise all the way up to the final show. Through benefit days, coin wars, button sales, letter writing, and ticket sales, Varsity Revue raised $84,000 this year, with 100% of proceeds benefiting United Way of Payne County.

“I have always admired the philanthropic aspect of shows as I have been taught to serve others and your community. I think it is very important to get college students involved in philanthropic activities whether it be through fundraising or volunteering with different organizations. It can be easy to get wrapped up in the life that a college campus brings and forget about the amount of privilege we have to be able to experience it,” King said. 

Donations made to United Way of Payne County directly benefit the needs of individuals in the community. Its annual campaign is from September to December and raised over $1 million in 2024. The donation from Varsity Revue will be added to its annual campaign total. 

The total amount of funds raised by United Way of Payne County are allocated to 24 partner agencies. These agencies focus on critical needs in Payne County from serving children and families, those facing food insecurity, and individuals with developmental disabilities, to providing affordable medications and mental health counseling. United Way partner agencies are vital to improving the lives of those in Payne County. 

“We are so impressed by the talent and tenacity of the Varsity Revue cast members and
organizers,” said Ruth Cavins, executive director of United Way Payne County. “While raising dollars for United Way, they are also learning really important life skills related to serving for and with the community. No doubt this experience will stay with them post-college. We are extremely grateful!”

United Way is committed to creating a future where everyone, everywhere can reach their full potential. With help from organizations like Varsity Revue, they are able to create positive change for those in need. Varsity Revue reminds us that when people unite to take action, change is possible.