Chenango Stories: Robert Scudder

Robert Scudder says that after graduating from Norwich High School, he wanted to go to school to become a firefighter. He says he had enjoyed being a volunteer firefighter in the Maydole Hose Company of the Norwich Fire Department, and wanted “to turn a passion into a career.”

Scudder began pursuing a liberal arts degree at the State University of New York at Potsdam. Unable to find enjoyment with the degree programs offered there, Scudder transferred to Onondaga Community College, where he received an associate’s degree with honors in Fire Protection Technology.

While at OCC, Scudder said he took part in the South Onondaga Fire Department’s Bunk-in Program which allows volunteer firefighter students to live at, and respond from, the fire station. “The experience was great,” he said.

Scudder was then offered a scholarship to attend Oklahoma State University. After pursuing that opportunity, he ended up graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Protection & Safety Engineering Technology.

Scudder says immediately after his transfer to OSU, he fell in love with the school and the entire area. “To this day, I maintain a close relationship with faculty and friends,” said Scudder. “I met my wife Kathleen through campus life involvement. We fell in love, and were married at Willard Hall on the OSU campus three months after I graduated.” Both Robert and Kathleen agree their involvement with the campus will be a life-long commitment.

Showing support for one’s alma mater is something Scudder has perfected over the years and in doing so, has been recognized for his efforts. While a student at OSU, he began to attend football games with friends. He says he became passionate about supporting the team, and decided to paint his face on a bet.

After that, he says it became popular, so he painted his face for every game. “I still paint my face and go to games. It’s an unusual activity, but it’s harmless. I often get asked to have my photo taken with children of other OSU fans. We like to call them future Cowboys and Cowgirls,” he said. For Scudder’s face painting efforts that can take up to four hours to do, his face has been seen on ESPN, the Taipei Times through the Associated Press, TBS, Fox college sports and local Oklahoma news stations.