Go Plaid!

Background Information

For centuries, families in Scotland and Ireland have proudly worn their family tartan — a plaid, like no other, to identify their "clan." The College of Health and Human Services, headed by Department Chair Leslie Burns organized the OSU Tartan Design Competition providing students with an opportunity to apply their skills to a real-life project and leave a lasting mark at Oregon State.

Goals of the competition were:

• Demonstrate, encourage, promote and reward creativity in textile design
• Foster excellence in design scholarship among students
• Provide a real-life opportunity for students to apply their learning and skills
• Engage OSU alums and friends in the selection of the OSU Tartan Textile Design

A total of 24 entries were narrowed down to 3 finalists which were then posted on the University web site. More than 1,600 alumni, students, faculty, and staff voted online for the winning design.

Krisja Lorenson, a '07 Apparel Design student with minors in Merchandising Management and English submitted the winning design and received $500 and lunch with President Ray.

"After years as a competitive Scottish highland dancer, I've had a lot of experience with plaids and tartans. A tartan becomes a source of family pride, so I wanted to design one that demanded attention and represented our OSU family well. I designed the tartan with a balance of orange, black and white meant to represent the balance of work, school, and activities. This is what Oregon State is all about — a place to get an excellent education, while enjoying your college experience and building lasting memories."

Oregon State University is one of only two U.S. universities designated a land, sea, space and sun grant institution. Its more than 19,000 students come from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. OSU programs touch every county within Oregon, and its faculty teach and conduct research on issues of national and global importance. The tartan is a way to connect and unite the Oregon State family wherever their lives may take them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tartan?
The definition of a tartan is: cloth woven in a checkered or cross-barred pattern with narrow bands of various colors; cloth woven in a plaid pattern. Historically, tartan materials were worn by members of a particular clan and came to represent that clan. It is worn as a symbol of academic family.

Where did the money come from to fund the creation of the tartan?
Funding came from a private donation to the Department of Design and Human Environment to support student engagement activities such as the tartan competition.

How will the tartan be applied to OSU?
The tartan will be presented in the form of scarves, blankets, ties, and additional merchandise. The possibilities are endless!

Where to Buy

OSU Bookstore
2301 SW Jefferson
Memorial Union Building
Oregon State University Campus

Melhaf's Clothiers
300 SW Madison Ave
Corvallis, OR 97333-4704
(541) 757-8070

Made in Oregon
Click to see Store Locations

Also available at various Pendleton Woolen Store locations