For generations of students at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, it wasn’t just a meal – it was a tradition, a memory, and for many, a weekly ritual that brought people together.

Now, after decades away, that beloved staple is making its long-awaited return.

OSUIT students and alumni have rallied together to revive the legendary Pizza Bread, culminating in a lively, community- wide celebration set for Tuesday, April 7, during the inaugural Pizza Bread Day on campus.

From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the OSUIT Culinary Patio outside the State Room will transform into a hub of excitement, complete with games, music, competitions and – of course free Pizza Bread for all who arrive early enough to grab a slice of history.

-A Celebration of Flavor & Tradition The event promises to be more than just a nostalgic nod to the past – it’s shaping up to be one of the most fun and spirited gatherings on campus this spring.

The schedule is packed with activity:

• 11 a.m. – Special announcement from Okmulgee Mayor Mickey Baldwin

• 11:05 a.m. – Pizza Bread is served (while supplies last)

• 11:30 a.m. – Pizza Bread Eating Competition

• 12 p.m. – Pizza Bread Building Competition • 12:30 p.m. – Event concludes Students and community members are encouraged to come early, as organizers expect the crowd – and the appetite – to be large.

— A Recipe That Became a Legacy

The story of Pizza Bread dates back to the early 1970s, when longtime OSUIT baking instructor Glenn Shoaf set out to create something practical, affordable and satisfying for students.

“[It had to be] something that would be good for the students, production-wise, skillwise, teamwork, and it dawned on me, ‘Well, we’ve never had pizza.’ And I thought, ‘This could be complicated, or it could be simple,’” Shoaf said.

He chose simplicity and unknowingly created a campus icon.

Using a half-loaf of the bakery’s homemade French bread, Shoaf and his team layered on sauce, cheese and toppings like pepperoni or hamburger, then baked it to perfection.

“It was a matter of slicing the bread, putting the sauce on it, putting the meat on it, which is pepperoni or hamburger back then, putting the cheese on it, putting it back in the oven, melting the cheese, putting it in the bag, putting it out in the store,” he said.

Each Friday, between 200 and 250 Pizza Breads were made – and just as quickly disappeared.

Sold for just $1, the 18inch creation became a staple for students, many of whom relied on it as a filling, affordable weekend meal.

“So, it continued on. [The students] wouldn’t let us quit,” Shoaf said.

Beyond campus, its reputation grew. Students took it home, families requested it, and people traveled from Tulsa, Oklahoma City and beyond just to get a taste.

“Of course, they had to get here quickly because it went quickly,” he said. “It got a lot of mileage.”

— A Community Effort to Bring It Back Although Pizza Bread was discontinued in the mid-1990s, its legacy never faded.

Former students held onto the memories. Current students heard the stories – and wanted to experience it for themselves.

That passion turned into action.

Over the past month, students, alumni and supporters launched a grassroots campaign to bring Pizza Bread back to OSUIT. Hundreds signed petitions, both online and in person, showing overwhelming support for reviving the campus favorite.

The effort paid off. OSU President Jim Hess officially announced the return of Pizza Bread on March 31, setting the stage for what is expected to become a renewed tradition.

— Back in the Oven & Where It Belongs For Pizza Bread Day, OSUIT culinary faculty and staff will recreate the iconic recipe and serve it free to attendees – while supplies last.

Even more special, Shoaf himself will be there, helping ensure the Pizza Bread of 2026 lives up to its legendary status.

Reflecting on its impact, Shoaf emphasized what mattered most all those years ago – and still does today.

“We didn’t get rich off of it, but we didn’t lose either. And the big thing was the students were very, very happy. That was one of our main missions – for the students,” he said.

Pizza Bread’s return is about more than just a recipe – it’s about reconnecting generations of students, celebrating shared experiences and honoring a piece of OSUIT history that never truly went away.

For alumni, it’s a taste of the past.

For current students, it’s a chance to be part of something legendary.

And for the community, it’s another reason to gather, celebrate and enjoy something uniquely Okmulgee.

On April 7, one thing is certain – the line will be long, the smiles will be wide, and Pizza Bread will once again bring people together.