STATE Magazine, Spring 2021

S P R I N G 2 02 1

The The official official magazine magazine of of Oklahoma Oklahoma State State University University

The of ficial magazine of Oklahoma State University

THE THE HARGIS HARGIS YEARS YEARS A TRANSFORMATIONAL A TRANSFORMATIONAL PRESIDENCY PRESIDENCY AND AND ENDURING ENDURING LEGACY LEGACY

VO L . 1 6 , N O. 3

Robin Ventura Student Assistant

• 6-time Gold Glove Winner • 2-time MLB All-Star • College Baseball Hall of Fame • Cheese Fries Aficionado

Celebrate

the Inaugural Season of OSU’s O’Brate Stadium at Eskimo Joe’s Collectible Tee Adult & Youth Available Now Online in Stillwater & Woodland Hills Mall, Tulsa

Robin’s Go-To Eskimo Joe’s Dinner: “I like to start off with Sweet Peppered Bacon Cheese Fries. Love the Mushroom & Swiss Classic Burger, but sometimes that famous Fowl Thing® hits the Spot. Of course, you have to top it off with a frosty beverage!”

Let’s have some fun!

Thank you to everyone who chose to

on April 6-7!

On Oklahoma State's annual day of giving, you: • Helped students meet their urgent and immediate needs through the Cowboy Strong Emergency Fund • Provided scholarships to students through the Brighter Orange, Brighter Future campaign • Enhanced the future of agriculture at OSU through New Frontiers • Supported student athletes in every athletic program • Reached nearly every corner of campus

Every year the Cowboy Family comes together and accomplishes so much.

To see the full impact of this year's Give Orange event, visit:

In T his Issue

A Historic Presidential Transition President Burns and First Cowgirl Ann Hargis are riding off into the sunset this summer. We celebrate their years and achievements at OSU in this special section.

Pages 22-45 On April 2, the OSU/A&M Board of Regents named Dr. Kayse Shrum (left, with Hargis) the next president of OSU. Visit okla.st/presidentshrum to learn more about Dr. Shrum, OSU’s 19th president and first woman president. Check out the fall issue for an in-depth report on her vision for OSU and more.

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Time of Transformation

Preparing for OSU

Bold Orange Impact

First Cowgirl’s Projects

President Burns Hargis has led an amazing rejuvenation of OSU’s campus in his 13 years at the helm of the university.

Burns Hargis didn’t dream of being president of OSU — but all of his career moves built the perfect foundation for the post.

The president had a substantial impact on seven notable areas around Oklahoma State.

Ann Hargis powered projects that made life better for all at OSU, including wellness initiatives and Pete’s Pet Posse.

ON THE COVER

2 SPRING 2021

President Burns Hargis and First Cowgirl Ann Hargis ride in the 2015 Sea of Orange Homecoming Parade.

(Cover photo and above photo by Gary Lawson)

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Working Toward A Brighter World Oklahoma State University renews its strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

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OSU Enters Esports Arena With a new arena and certificate program proposal, OSU is primed to lead the Big 12 in esports.

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Setting Up the Grand Finale Dr. Joseph Missal is laying down his baton after 35 years of conducting OSU bands.

Plus...

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Editor’s Letter

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Socially Orange

25 President’s Letter 50 Campus News 96 Cowboy Chronicles 100 Legacy Link 102 Alumni Virtual Engagement 104 New Life Members 113 Alumni Update 117 Births 118 In Memory 119 Weddings

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Seniors of Significance Named The OSU Alumni Association announces its class of honorees for 2020-21.

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STATE

Letters

BR A N D M A NAGEMENT

Kyle Wray | Vice President of Enrollment and Brand Management Erin Petrotta | Director of Marketing and Student Communication Megan Horton | Director of Branding and Digital Strategy Monica Roberts | Director of Media Relations Shannon Rigsby | Public Information Officer Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator Dave Malec | Design Coordinator Dorothy Pugh | Managing Editor

Lacy Branson, Codee Classen, Paul V. Fleming, Valerie Kisling, Chris Lewis, Michael Molholt & Benton Rudd | Design Phil Shockley, Gary Lawson & Brandee Cazzelle | Photography Kurtis Mason | Trademarks & Licensing Pam Longan & Leslie McClurg | Administrative Support Department of Brand Management | 305 Whitehurst, Stillwater, OK 74078-1024 405-744-6262 | okstate.edu | statemagazine.okstate.edu | editor@okstate.edu osu.advertising@okstate.edu Contributors: David Bitton, Derinda Blakeney, Mack Burke, Will Carr, Alexis Embry, Sarah Harris, Amanda O’Toole Mason, Karolyn Moberly, David C. Peters, Sara Plummer, Shannon G. Rigsby, Monica Roberts, Gary Shutt, Kyle Stringer and Sarah Bildstein Wanzer.

O S U A L U M N I A S S O C I AT I O N Tony LoPresto I Chair Tina Parkhill | Vice Chair Kent Gardner | Immediate Past Chair Rob McInturf | President Gina Lowe | Vice President of Marketing David Parrack | Vice President of Finance and Operations Jessica Medina-Benningfield | Executive Director of Engagement Treca Baetz, James Boggs, Larry Briggs, Ann Caine, Michael Carolina, Kurt Carter, Kent Gardner, Angela Kouplen, Tony LoPresto, Mel Martin, Aaron Owen, Tina Parkhill, Joe Ray, Tom Ritchie, Darin Schmidt & Tina Walker | Board of Directors Lacy Branson, Will Carr, Chase Carter, Sarah Harris, Lerin Lynch & Sarah Bildstein Wanzer | Marketing and Communications OSU Alumni Association | 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Stillwater, OK 740787043 | 405-744-5368 | orangeconnection.org | info@orangeconnection.org

O S U F O U N D AT I O N Jerry Winchester | Chair Blaire Atkinson | President Donna Koeppe | Vice President of Administration & Treasurer Chris Campbell | Senior Associate Vice President of Information Strategy Shane Crawford | Senior Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, Leadership Gifts David Mays | Senior Associate Vice President of Philanthropy Robyn Baker | Vice President and General Counsel Pam Guthrie | Senior Associate Vice President of Human Resources Blaire Atkinson, Bryan Begley, Bryan Close, Jan Cloyde, Patrick Cobb, Ann Dyer, Joe Eastin, Jennifer Grigsby, Helen Hodges, David Houston, Gary Huneryager, A.J. Jacques, Brett Jameson, Griff Jones, Robert Keating, Diana Laing, John Linehan, Joe Martin, Greg Massey, Robert McInturf, Ross McKnight, Bill Patterson, Jenelle Schatz, Becky Steen, Terry Stewart, Lyndon Taylor, Vaughn Vennerberg & Jerry Winchester | Trustees Jennifer Kinnard, Lauren Knori, Chris Lewis, Amanda O’Toole Mason, Heather Millermon, Karolyn Moberly, Michael Molholt, Benton Rudd & Kyle Stringer | Marketing and Communications OSU Foundation | 400 South Monroe, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749 800-622-4678 | OSUgiving.com | info@OSUgiving.com STATE magazine is published three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring) by Oklahoma State University, 305 Whitehurst, Stillwater, OK 74078. The magazine is produced by the Office of Brand Management, the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation, and is mailed to current members of the OSU Alumni Association. Magazine subscriptions are available only by membership in the OSU Alumni Association. Membership cost is $45.

Call 405-744-5368 or mail a check to 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Stillwater OK 74078-7043. To change a mailing address, visit orangeconnection.org/update or call 405-744-5368.

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies.

Contact the Director of Equal Opportunity at 408 Whitehurst, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; telephone 405-744-5371; or email eeo@okstate.edu. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator at 405-744-9154.

This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the vice president of enrollment management and marketing, was printed by Royle Printing Co. at a cost of $0.97 per issue: 37,622 | April 2021 | #8764 | Copyright © 2021, STATE magazine.

All rights reserved.

4 SPRING 2021

From the Editor's Desk After nearly two years at STATE magazine, there are still a lot of things I don’t know about Vaden Burns Hargis.

Case in point, I just recently found out what the “V” stood for. But in my relatively short time here, I’ve seen his leadership in action, and it’s been nothing short of inspiring. With love and dedication, he has steered his alma mater to higher ground, bolstering Oklahoma State University’s fundraising, academic and athletic excellence, diversity and inclusion initiatives, facilities and everything in between. He leaves office with the university poised to build on a tremendous legacy that embodies what it means to be “loyal and true.”

In this issue, we celebrate the accomplishments of President Hargis and First Cowgirl Ann Hargis with a retrospective on their leadership and the countless ways their service has helped transform OSU. Just before press time, we learned Dr. Kayse Shrum will be the next president. We look forward to welcoming OSU's first female president and her vision for the future, which we'll explore in detail in the fall issue.

As we look forward to a bright orange future, we also acknowledge exciting developments from around the OSU system happening right now. This spring, the Student Union celebrated the grand opening of a new, state-of-the-art esports arena, which brings with it tremendous recruitment opportunities.

More good news: With a $2 million gift, the Hardesty Family Foundation has made a commitment to fuel transformative research at the National Center for Wellness & Recovery. The Glass family has made a $1 million contribution to support students, athletics, alumni and more. In December, the new veterans hospital coming to OSU Medical Center in Tulsa received millions of dollars in federal funding. In February, the College of Veterinary Medicine launched its new INTERACT series, with special guest Philip Dormitzer, Pfizer vice president and chief scientific officer of viral vaccines. OSU alumni, like Dr. Sarah Ledgerwood of the National Institute of Health, continue to lead public health efforts to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

In January, OSU marked Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a celebration that united both the Stillwater and university community.

A new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force has been formed that aims to expand the scope of these important initiatives.

Goodbyes are often bittersweet, but the Hargis legacy lives on.

There’s never been a better time to be a Cowboy.

Mack Burke Editor STATE Magazine 305 WHITEHURST OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY STILLWATER, OK 74078

EDITOR@OKSTATE.EDU STATEMAGAZINE.OKSTATE.E D U

#okstate

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Thank a Cowboy

Orange Love @OSUAdmissions

@okstate Every year, we have much to be grateful for as a community. This year we are especially thankful for the #CowboyFamily.

In the last 365 days, we’ve come through stressful and uncertain times. We’re proud of our students who have persevered and inspired us, our faculty and staff who rose to many challenges, and our alumni around the world who are making a difference for the better.

Together the #CowboyFamily has served many & achieved greatly. Join us and #ThankACowboy.

Looking for a Valentine? You and an OSU degree are a match made in heaven We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day full of candy , rom-coms or whatever you’re feeling Go Pokes! okla.st/applytoOSU

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Thank you to the #CowboyFamily for all of the gifts you’ve given to support Oklahoma State this year! With your help, we can ensure that #okstate is America’s Brightest Orange.

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S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 5

Connected for Life

OSU alumni couple strengthens their future marriage with life-saving donation

A

common wedding vow is to love someone through sickness and health, and Hannah Maggiore got a head start on that promise to fiancé Tyler Cortinas.

Cortinas and Maggiore first met when they were serving as Homecoming directors for their respective fraternity and sorority in 2016. Cortinas knew Maggiore was the woman for him from the first time they met.

Hannah Maggiore and Tyler Cortinas were on the field for the halftime Homecoming celebration in 2016.

6 SPRING 2021

“We met at the first Homecoming meeting,” Cortinas said. “By the time we walked out of the meeting, I was very interested in Hannah. I didn’t care about Homecoming anymore. I knew when I saw her that she was the one.”

Even though Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity already determined they would be paired with Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Cortinas still set up a meeting with Maggiore, a member of Alpha Xi Delta, at Chick-fil-A, hoping to spend more time with her.

“Little did I know I was being bamboozled into a date,” Maggiore said. “Obviously, Tyler intended for it to be a date, and the rest is history.”

Cortinas graduated from OSU in 2017 with a degree in accounting and a minor in finance, then moved to Waco, Texas, to attend law school at Baylor University. That led to a long-distance relationship for the couple. After graduating in May 2020 with degrees in strategic communications

and hospitality and tourism management, Maggiore moved to Waco to join Cortinas.

In July 2020, while spending some time with friends in Dallas for the Fourth of July, Maggiore contracted COVID-19. All of the people she was in close contact with went to get tested, including Cortinas. A shocking reading of his blood pressure was the initial warning sign for Cortinas’ diagnosis.

“My blood pressure was 190 over 125,” Cortinas said. “They said I could have a stroke at any time because my blood pressure was so dangerously high.”

Cortinas made an appointment with his family doctor the following week. After a couple of tests, he received an alarming call that night while he was out walking with Maggiore.

“He basically told me that my kidneys were failing,” Cortinas said. “My renal function was at about 19 percent, and he told me I needed to get in touch with a nephrologist right away.”

Cortinas was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger’s disease. It is a kidney disease that occurs when an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys.

This results in local inflammation that can hamper the kidneys’ ability to filter waste from the blood over time. There is no cure for IgA nephropathy, and Cortinas needed a kidney transplant.

“There was nothing that gave us any indication Tyler was sick,” Maggiore said. “There wasn’t anything for us to know besides potentially high blood pressure. I don’t know how we would have found out if I didn’t catch COVID-19.”

Immediately after the diagnosis, many of the people closest to Cortinas went to get their kidneys tested for a potential donor match. The initial ideal donor was one of Cortinas’ best friends, Mark Skinner.

Skinner and Cortinas attended the same schools from kindergarten until graduating from OSU. They were roommates and fraternity brothers in Stillwater, so it was no question for Skinner that he was willing to help his friend.

STORY WILL CARR | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HANNAH MAGGIORE

“I didn’t think it was as heroic as everyone was saying,” Skinner said. “Tyler is my friend, and I have known him forever.”

In September 2020, plans were made for Cortinas and Skinner to have surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston in December. This decision would allow both of the patients to recover over the holiday break. However, Cortinas worsened throughout September and October.

“At that point, I was at 13 percent kidney function,” Cortinas said. “They let me know if I got to 10 percent, I was going to have to go on dialysis. I really didn’t want to do that.”

On Oct. 23, the nephrologist called Cortinas and told him he needed to get to a hospital immediately.

His kidney function had dropped to 5 percent, and he was in danger of losing his life. Cortinas and Maggiore immediately left Waco and went straight

to the hospital in Galveston where Cortinas started dialysis treatment.

Skinner, who lived in Austin at the time, made plans to get his last step of testing completed, so he could be ready for the surgery as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the testing revealed cysts on Skinner’s kidneys, which made him ineligible to be a donor for Cortinas.

“That was a really sad day,” Skinner said.

“I was pretty confused. I felt bad and like I had let Tyler down.”

After Skinner was eliminated as the donor, the next best match was Maggiore.

She completed her final tests and blood work, and the transplant surgery took place on Dec. 3. The couple spent a few days in the hospital before finishing their recovery at home with Cortinas’ parents.

Cortinas with lifelong friend Mark Skinner.

Cortinas and Maggiore recover in the hospital after the successful kidney transplant.

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This experience really forced the already-close couple to lean on each other even more. The bond they have was strengthened by this process.

“I know that Tyler would have done the same thing for me,” Maggiore said. “We really had to be each other’s rock through all of this.”

Skinner is also happy to see his friend healthy and back to being himself.

“When he got the news, you could hear it in his voice that he had the weight of the world on his shoulders,” Skinner said. “It changed him. Now that he has the new kidney, he has more life. You can tell he is excited.”

As Cortinas and Maggiore prepare for life together as a married couple, Cortinas reflected on the sacrifice that Maggiore made to help save his life.

“We have been together for a long time,” Cortinas said. “In wedding vows, they say through sickness and through health. Well, we have gone through the sickness, and she is the reason I am healthy again.”

Tyler Cortinas proposes to Hannah Maggiore at Magnolia Silos in Waco, Texas.

Cortinas and Maggiore celebrate their engagement in New Orleans.

8 SPRING 2021

Burns and Ann, Your support of OSU-Tulsa as OSU’s urban-serving metropolitan branch campus has enabled thousands of Tulsans to enhance their careers and improve their lives. Through your example of service and commitment, we continue to grow and seek ways to better serve our neighbors.

Thank you for your leadership, and for championing a vision of OSU as an integral part of Tulsa.

Loyal and True,

ARKANSAS RIVER

RIVE RSID

THE HARDESTY CENTER

E DR IVE

E. 66th PLACE

RIVE RSID

E DR

BUILDING HOPE IVE

Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience is advancing research and finding answers to combat addictive behaviors

RIV ER SID ED RIV E

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STORY AARON ANDERSON | PHOTOS PHIL SHOCKLEY AND MATT BARNARD

RIA AVE

Building is in career entrepreneur Roger Hardesty’s DNA. So is his family’s commitment to bettering the lives of Oklahomans. When these drives align, a unique solution for a complex problem comes to life.

E. 66th PLACE

S. PEORIA AVE

Along Riverside Drive in Tulsa, OSU Medicine has transformed an aged facility into one of the country’s finest research centers. The new Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience, spurred by a $2 million gift from The Hardesty Family Foundation, equipped with space for clinical trials and home to the most advanced MRI system in the state, is poised to lessen the impact addictive behavior disorders have on Oklahomans.

“OSU’s medical school, hospital and the National Center for Wellness & Recovery are important to our city because they are all Tulsa-based and serve our local community,” Hardesty said. “By supporting charities and entities from our state, we can expand economic and health multipliers. This helps make our state a thriving, healthy and pleasant place to live, have a family and work.”

The Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience includes the NCWR clinical trials unit, research initiatives and the OSU Medicine Biomedical Imaging Center.

“Results are important,” Hardesty said. “I needed to understand the work that was going to be done in this facility was true to the mission, which is to understand addiction, then implement treatment. In advanced research, I know some roads are unexpected but

still lead to finding the right solutions. I wanted to make sure that the sights are always focused on people suffering from addictive behaviors.”

OSU has made a strong commitment to fighting addictive behaviors. From medical education and patient care to cutting-edge research and innovative treatment plans, OSU is at the forefront of the field. With this in mind, Hardesty knew he found the right partners with OSU Medicine and NCWR and their visionary leader, OSU Center for Health Sciences President Dr. Kayse Shrum.

“Dr. Shrum and the leaders of the center spoke so passionately about the individuals who need transformative treatment options and what advanced treatment solutions could mean to end many of the societal challenges people suffering addictive behaviors face that I was encouraged and excited about the opportunity to be a part of this,” Hardesty said.

“We are deeply indebted to Roger and the Hardesty family for this magnanimous gift, which will allow us to develop personalized, evidence-based therapies for patients suffering from addiction,” Shrum said. “As the national leader in addiction research, OSU Medicine aims to unlock the mystery of addiction through groundbreaking biomedical and clinical research.”

S. PEORIA AVE

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TEAMWORK

To unlock these mysteries of addictive behaviors, collaboration is key. “[My wife] Donna and I know that addiction can limit and destroy the potential of individuals who otherwise would lead productive and fulfilling lives, so better understanding causes of addiction and developing tangible treatment solutions is critical to Tulsa’s growth and improved quality of life for its residents,” Hardesty said. “By having OSU’s medical school, hospital, and now NCWR, Tulsans can directly benefit from the collaborative work being done at each of these institutions like never before and take the solutions across the globe.”

Two key collaborators working to unlock answers at the new center are NCWR population and clinical research executive director Julie M. Croff, Ph.D., MPH, and NCWR director of biomedical imaging Kyle Simmons, Ph.D. “The Hardesty Center is built upon interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration. These values are the bedrock that supports the facility,” Croff said. “Our team members include clinicians, neuroscientists, family scientists, trauma scientists, psychologists and a public health team working in communities. The collaborative values of our team and the center ensure a number of partnerships that will move the field of addiction science forward.”

NCWR’s involvement in the prestigious National Institutes of Health-funded HEALthy Brain and Child Development study, is leading Croff and others to explore the impact of early opioid exposure on infant and child development, among other initiatives.

With enhanced research techniques made possible by the OSU Medicine Biomedical Imaging Center, teams at the Hardesty Center will examine neural correlates of addiction and how that can lead to new recovery strategies.

“Our work promises hope and change — hope for a better version of the future and the tenacity to address the changes that need to be put into place,” Croff added. “Our teams are builders, and we are here to build a better and brighter future. The tools at the Hardesty Center allow us to determine approaches to

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The Hardesty Center is built upon interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration. These values are the bedrock that supports the facility.

— JULIE M. CROFF, PH.D.

From left: Dr. Julie Croff, Dr. Kayse Shrum and Dr. Kyle Simmons in the MRI monitoring room.

Joining Roger and Donna Hardesty (seated) for a Hardesty Family Foundation photo are (standing, from left) Debbie Cristo, Alex Cristo, Connor Hardesty and Michelle Hardesty.

prevention and treatment more quickly.

Our integration with clinical services means we can translate the science to action, with the help of our advocacy team, who ensure that commercial and state insurance agencies see the benefit of our approaches.”

IT’S PERSONAL

The saying “It’s not personal, it’s business” doesn’t apply there. The final key to this partnership is personal.

“Like thousands of other families in Oklahoma, our family has been personally touched by addiction. We all know someone who is battling this terrible brain disease whether it’s our loved ones, neighbors or co-workers,” said Michelle Hardesty, executive director of the Hardesty Family Foundation. “Addiction does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any age. We feel honored to play a small part in giving Oklahoma families hope for a better, addiction-free tomorrow.”

A strong connection to OSU is also key for the Hardestys. Roger and Donna’s grandson Connor Hardesty graduated from OSU in 2019, and

this gift reflects the positive role the university has played in his life.

“What OSU and the NCWR are doing in the fight against addiction will lead to more advanced research techniques and processes that can be implemented in other therapeutic environments and aid in the bigger challenge of pain management solutions,” Connor Hardesty said. “I have been taught by my grandfather and through my time at OSU that building on positive results can transfer to success in other areas.

The success we expect to see from the NCWR will be a great source of pride for OSU and Tulsa’s reputation as places for global innovation and advancement.”

The family has also been a strong supporter of the OSU College of Education and Human Sciences through the Roger Hardesty Aviation Collection, Roger Hardesty Lectureship in Aviation Science Fund, Roger Hardesty Scholarship Fund and Roger Hardesty Chair in Aviation Science.

The Hardestys have strong Oklahoma roots and a commitment to support the people who live and work in the state. As a career entrepreneur, Hardesty has founded and operated more than 25 different business ventures including the Quarry Landfill, Mid-Continent Concrete, and BizJet International Sales and Support. The Hardesty Co. began in Tulsa in 1959 building single-family homes.

In a short time, the company became the largest single-family construction firm in the area with divisions in nine midwestern states. Hardesty Realty Corp. was established in 1986 in Tulsa as a real estate management and leasing business. Today, Hardesty is president and CEO of United States Aviation, which provides a wide range of aviation services including private aircraft charter, Black Hawk helicopter air crane operations, and complete fixedbase operator flight services at Tulsa International Airport.

The Hardesty Family Foundation is one of Tulsa’s most active and visible philanthropic foundations with a commitment to the city as a major priority. The Hardesty Center’s creation is made possible through a gift of land in Stillwater that will be sold with the proceeds underwriting the purchase and renovation of the center’s property at 1013 E. 66th Place in Tulsa.

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Ginny and Bob Sherrer (center) share a moment with Student Foundation members.

A Family Affair

A deep-rooted Cowboy tradition stretches back four generations

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ith a gift to the New Frontiers campaign, Bob and Ginny Sherrer are memorializing the man they say is responsible for planting their family’s roots at Oklahoma State University.

“Our family ties to OSU really begin with my daddy,” Ginny Sherrer said of her late father, Vincent Garner. “He was an incredible man whose life story represents the values that are so important to the Oklahoma State culture.”

The Sherrers are one of over 200 donors who have contributed to the $50 million fundraising campaign that will create a new teaching, research and Extension facility for the Ferguson College of Agriculture. Remaining naming opportunities within the building range from $25,000 to several million dollars.

When the facility opens in the fall of 2023, the Vincent Garner Soils Lab will welcome students eager to learn about agronomy. The first-floor lab is a fitting tribute to Garner, whose story is full of grit, determination and one instance of hitchhiking.

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Born in 1911, Garner was the sixth of eight children who grew up on a farm near Lexington, Oklahoma, in Cleveland County.

“We believe Daddy graduated high school when he was about 19 or 20 years old, but we knew education was very important to him,” Ginny said.

“He was a very studious person who loved to read, and he knew that he was going to go to Oklahoma A&M and study agriculture.”

Garner had to delay his dream of attending Oklahoma A&M when his father, John, became ill.

To help support his family, Garner joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program that allowed unemployed single young men the opportunity to earn wages to send back to their family through public works projects.

“Daddy signed up for the Civilian Conservation Corps, and his group was sent to Wyoming,” Ginny said. “They’d sign you up for six months at a time and would pay each man $30 a month, $25 of which had to be sent back home.”

STORY KYLE STRINGER | PHOTOS COURTESY GINNY AND BOB SHERRER

“Daddy learned so much at OSU, and he passed it on to his daughters, and we’ve passed it to our kids.”

GINNY SHERRER

Garner’s mother, Louella, was very frugal and began saving a portion of that $25 each month to pay for his college.

“Even during the struggles of the Great Depression, my granny was creative and always found a way to make money,” Ginny said. “Whether it was selling eggs or other small things, she always had her own income so she could save as much of Daddy’s checks as possible for him to go to college.”

Over a two-year span, Garner did two stints with the CCC, finally returning home around 1937.

His mother asked him if he still planned on going to college. He answered yes, saying that furthering his education was the only way to better his life and his family’s lives.

“Daddy started college at 26 or 27, which was very unusual, but he had it in his mind that it was something he had to do,” Ginny said. “He packed up his tin suitcase, and Granny gave him the money she had saved, which ended up being about $40.”

Garner hitchhiked more than 100 miles from Lexington, to Stillwater. He arrived on campus knowing he needed a place to live and a job.

“Daddy was very well-spoken and presented himself very well, so when he got to campus, he went to President [Henry] Bennett’s office, introduced himself, said he wanted to study agriculture and that he needed a place to live and a job,” Ginny said. “Dr. Bennett must have been so kind, because he said, ‘OK, I can help you.’”

Garner was sent out to one of the research barns and jumped into a job immediately. He was admitted into the College of Agriculture and became interested in soil. While at OSU he became an active member of the agronomy club.

He married Ginny’s mother, Connie, in 1940 and graduated with a degree in agronomy in 1941.

“After he graduated, Daddy applied for a job with the [U.S.] Department of Agriculture, and he got one that took him and my mother to Kenbridge, Virginia,” Ginny said. “So that was a new adventure for them, but ultimately Daddy had the goal to get back to Oklahoma.”

While in Kenbridge, the couple had their first daughter, Margaret, in 1943; Ginny was born a year later. Soon after, Garner was transferred to Soil Conservation Services, which led to his family moving to Antlers, Oklahoma, where his youngest daughter, Nancy, was born in 1949. He spent the next 40 years with Soil Conservation Services.

He didn’t know it at the time, but he planted the seed of an OSU family tradition that now spans four generations.

“My sisters, their husbands and their children are all graduates,” Ginny said. Her husband Bob Sherrer, who also holds an agronomy degree from OSU, added that they have two grandsons on the OSU wrestling team — Sam and Bennett Sherrer.

Bob was a member of the soils judging team while at OSU and the soil monolith he brought from home is still used to this day as a teaching aid. The couple have been great supporters of the OSU Alumni Association, giving to its endowment fund and the Alumni Traditions Society Fund. In addition, they have two memorial scholarships for their son, Cordell, who they lost in a farming accident when he was 13.

With the naming of the soils teaching lab in Vincent Garner’s honor, they are ensuring the memory of his selflessness and commitment to his family will carry on through the years.

“Daddy learned so much at OSU, and he passed it on to his daughters, and we’ve passed it to our kids,” Ginny said. “He loved his time at OSU, he loved the land and sacrificed so much for his family, so we are so excited to honor him like this.”

Vincent Garner

FOR MORE INFORMATION about creating a named space within the new building for OSU Agriculture and home of Ferguson College of Agriculture, contact Heidi Williams at 405-385-5656 or hwilliams@OSUgiving.com. Additional information about the campaign can be found at OSUgiving.com/new-frontiers.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 15

As of March 2021

CORNERSTONE DONORS Ferguson Family Foundation​ John & Virginia Groendyke​ Anonymous​ Dr. Barry Pollard/P&K Equipment​

Win and Kay Ingersoll​ Frank & Ludmila Robson​ Sunderland Foundation​ A.J. and Susan Jacques​ Jeff & Lynn Hilst

OTHER MAJOR GIFT DONORS Jay & Cathy Albright​ Dana & Barry Bessinger​ Jarold & Jennifer Callahan​ Linda Cline​ Rhonda & Tom Coon​ Dillingham Family Foundation​ Dorma Hobbs​ The Hodgen Family​ Helen Hodges​ Tammy Lee​ Meibergen Family ​ Dave & Jean McLaughlin​ Jim & Lou Morris​ Donald & Willadean Ramsey

Memorial​ Jim Rutledge​ Scott Sewell​ Ginny & Bob Sherrer​ Rob & Mary (Kalka) Shuey​ Ken & Kathy Starks​ Doug & Ranet Tippens​ Terry & Donna Tippens​ Susanne Wasson​ Dr. Dennis & Marta White​ Joe & Sue Williams ​ Jerry & Rae Winchester​ Yancy & Christina Wright​ Ross Seed Company​ AgPreference​ American AgCredit​ Oklahoma AgCredit​ Farm Credit of Enid FLCA​ Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma​ McCasland Foundation​ BancFirst​ Oklahoma Farm Bureau​ American Farmers & Ranchers​ BancCentral​ Wheeler Brothers Grain Co.​ Shawnee Milling Company

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BY THE NUMBERS OVERALL PROJECT COST: $100 MILLION CAMPAIGN GOAL: $50 MILLION TOTAL RAISED AS OF MARCH 2021: $43 MILLION TOTAL NEW FRONTIERS DONORS: 200+

CAMPAIGN UPDATE On April 23, OSU Agriculture hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for the new facility, which will be built just north of the Henry Bellmon Research Center on the east side of Monroe Street. The event, which occurred while this magazine was being printed, celebrated the over 200 donors who have invested in the future of OSU Agriculture through the campaign. Of those, 120 made commitments since the campaign’s launch in 2020.

Full coverage of the event will be included in the fall edition of STATE magazine, and a livestream of construction is available at OSUgiving.com/New-Frontiers.

Ag Hall north will be razed to make room for the new facility, which is expected to welcome students in fall 2023.

“It’s really wonderful to see this project come together thanks to the entire OSU Agriculture family,” said Dr. Tom Coon, vice president, dean and director of the Ferguson College of Agriculture. “This is a special moment and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all of us.”

RENDERINGS PGAV & STUDIO ARCHITECTURE

SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION FOR THE FIRST COWGIRL — AND SCRUFF — WITH A GIFT TO THE

Ann Hargis

PETE’S PET POSSE ENDOWED FUND

Thanks to Mrs. Hargis’ leadership, OSU is an even friendlier place with more than 100 Pete’s Pet Posse teams serving the OSU system through this unique and nationally celebrated pet therapy program. Since it was established in 2013, Pete’s Pet Posse has accounted for 263,000 interactions in the form of ear scratches, belly rubs and unconditional love for students, faculty and community members alike. On our best days and especially during times of trouble, Pete’s Pet Posse has brought so much happiness to the Cowboy family!

In partnership with Women for OSU, the university has established the Ann Hargis Pete’s Pet Posse Endowed Fund to celebrate the First Cowgirl’s incredible impact and provide meaningful support to this beloved program.

TO HELP US HONOR ANN HARGIS AND CONTINUE HER LEGACY OF LOVE AT OSU, VISIT:

OSUgiving.com/Hargis

Ike and Marybeth Glass

Caring Cowboys

$1 million gift supports students, athletics, alumni and more

M

arybeth and Marlin “Ike” Glass Jr. care about students. Whether they know a student personally or not, they are determined to help Oklahoma State University students any way they can.

With a recent $1 million gift to the university, they are supporting student veterans, providing scholarships through the Women for OSU endowment, helping students stay connected through the OSU Alumni Association and assisting student-athletes. Ike says he was inspired to give to outlying groups who are in need of funds.

“Ike and Marybeth are shining examples of what it means to be a member of the Cowboy family,” said Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis. “With their unwavering support of OSU and higher education through the years, they have created endless opportunities for students to achieve their dreams.”

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Ike and Marybeth have a deep history with Oklahoma State University, dating to when they met. After serving in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 as an air controller, Ike attended OSU on the G.I. Bill. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and graduated with a bachelor's degree in human resources management in 1961.

Ike says without the G.I. Bill, he wouldn’t have been able to attend OSU. This experience inspired him to help student veterans on campus.

“We have been very blessed,” Ike said. “OSU is doing great things to help young students, and that is exactly what we want to do, too.”

Ike and Marybeth’s daughter, Jennifer Johnson, says her father’s service is a point of pride for their family.

“It warms my heart to know that he attended OSU on the G.I. Bill,” she said. “Oklahoma State has afforded him lifelong friendships and the

STORY KAROLYN MOBERLY | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE GLASS FAMILY

“It really warms my parents’ hearts that our opportunity to be successful and then, in turn, family has continued to choose OSU,” Jennifer said. the capacity to give back. All of that wouldn’t be “We are not only the Glass family, but we are part of possible without the G.I. Bill.” the Cowboy family as well.”

As the owner and president of Glass Operating Ike and Marybeth have a passion for higher Group, Ike returned to campus in 1996 to serve education in general and helping young people as president of the OSU Alumni Association. His achieve their dreams. Ike served on the Oklahoma experiences as president inspired the portion of the State Regents for Higher Education for 18 years gift dedicated to the alumni organization, which is and was instrumental in developing Oklahoma’s one of the largest gifts dedicated to programming Promise, a scholarship program that helps more in the organization’s history. families send their children to college.

“Ike and Marybeth have championed the “It is my personal standpoint that everything is mission of the Alumni Association for many done to help the student,” Ike said. years, and they are terrific examples of how That personal philosophy has been made clear engaged alumni can make a positive impact on through the years with the couple’s dedication their alma mater throughout their lifetime,” said and philanthropy for Oklahoma’s students at Rob McInturf, president of the OSU Alumni OSU and beyond.

Association. “This donation to the Alumni “Their hearts are as big as campus,” Jennifer said.

Association is really a gift to the entire Cowboy family. With their passion for OSU as our guide, we “They want to do good for everyone and if they can help achieve that good, they are going to do it.” will utilize this gift to develop new ways to deepen pride and love for OSU within our alumni and students.”

Marybeth is an active member of Women for OSU and previously served as a Women for OSU council member and on the OSU BURNS HARGIS, OSU PRESIDENT Foundation’s Board of Governors. A portion of the couple’s gift created a new scholarship under the Women for OSU scholarship endowment. The scholarship was first awarded this spring and will continue to support students with an interest in philanthropy for years to come.

“We are truly grateful to Ike and Marybeth for establishing their Women for OSU Scholarship,” said Michal Shaw, director of Women for OSU. “This new scholarship will provide financial support to student leaders making an impact on campus and in their community. It’s a testament to their vision and belief in the mission of WOSU — to inspire leadership and a culture of giving and service.”

And OSU has continued to be a family affair for the Glasses. Their son, Robert Glass, graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in management in 1984 and now works in the university’s athletic department. Their daughter, Jennifer, also graduated from OSU with a bachelor’s degree in family relations and child development in 1987.

Several of the couple’s grandchildren have also attended and graduated from OSU — with one attending currently in 2021.

“From a young age, I saw my parents involved at OSU — seeing their affection for OSU and how unwavering it is,” said Robert, assistant athletic director at OSU. “They have such a great passion for this university.”

“Ike and Marybeth are shining examples of what it means to be a member of the Cowboy family.”

Marlin “Ike” Glass Jr. served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956 as an air controller and attended Oklahoma State University on the G.I. Bill.

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Sun Patterns, Dark Canyon: July 6 - October 30, 2021 Sun Patterns - Dark Canyon explores the art and career

of New Mexico were an endless source of inspiration to

of the highly successful twentieth-century American

Reed. This exhibition brings attention to this significant

printmaker and painter Doel Reed (1894-1985). Reed is

but understudied artist and demonstrates how Reed

best known today as a Southwestern artist and “master

was both influenced by and contributed to national and

of the aquatint;” his conservative yet modernist approach

international artistic trends over his long and prolific

to the New Mexican landscape found a ready audience

career. The rich and varied American landscapes of the

among curators and collectors during his lifetime. Reed

Midwest and Southwest were his primary sources of

began summering in the Taos artists’ colony starting

inspiration. Included in the exhibition are over sixty works

in the 1940s and permanently moved to New Mexico in

of art by Doel Reed and his contemporaries. An exhibition

1959. The mountainous topography, geology, and history

catalogue will be available.

O K L A H O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y M U S E U M O F A R T 7 2 0 S H U S B A N D S T, S T I L LW AT E R , O K 74 0 74 M U S E U M .O K S TAT E . E D U

Image: Doel Reed, Sun Patterns, Dark Canyon, 1979, Ed. 17/30, aquatint and etching on paper, 7 7⁄ 8 x 17 1 ⁄ 2 inches. Oklahoma State University Museum of Art, Stillwater, OK, DRC2011.015.001. This exhibition has been organized by Oklahoma State University Museum of Art. Support for the catalogue and exhibition has been provided by the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Family Foundation, the Terra Foundation for American Art, Kent and Jeanette Young, the Doel Reed Center, Neal and Lora Buck, the Vaughn Vennerberg II Endowed Chair in Art, Malinda and Dick Fischer, and the OSU Museum of Art Advocates.

Your new home for the performing arts From Broadway to ballet, world-class symphonies to fascinating films, we guarantee you’ll be entertained.

Explore The McKnight Center online to learn more about upcoming events and buy tickets.

BOX OFFICE HOURS: MON-FRI 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. AND TWO HOURS BEFORE SHOW TIME.

McKnightCenter.org | Box Office (405) 744-9999 705 W UNIVERSITY AVE, STILLWATER, OK 74074

A Time of

Transformation Burns and Ann Hargis are leaving an OSU much changed for the better with the thanks of a grateful campus — and state

I

n many respects, the best measure of success boils down to one simple question: Did you leave things better than you found them?

For Burns and Ann Hargis, the answer is clear and historic. They depart as president and first lady of Oklahoma State University after leading a 13-year transformation that has elevated the university to new levels of achievement, ignited a campus makeover and injected new pride in all things orange.

The Hargis presidency, which began March 10, 2008, and ends July 1, 2021, has greatly strengthened OSU’s academic position and facilities, engaged more alumni and donors and prepared Oklahoma State for continued success.

In the eyes of many, the future has never been brighter for Oklahoma State University.

“Along with First Cowgirl Ann, Burns has overseen an extraordinary resurgence at OSU during the past 13 years and has been a transformational leader,” Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said. “As a graduate of OSU, I am proud of my alma mater. As governor, I am grateful to both Burns and Ann for their exceptional service.”

“Oklahoma State University is stronger today than at any time in its 130-year history due to the historic leadership of Burns Hargis,” said Rick Davis, chairman of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. “We are grateful beyond words for the dynamic leadership and dedicated service of both Burns and Ann.”

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When Hargis was named to the position in 2007, then-Gov. Brad Henry was strikingly prophetic, saying Hargis “has the vision and intellect to take OSU to even greater heights in the state’s second century. More than anything, Burns loves his alma mater, and he will work harder than anyone else to see that it succeeds at all levels. I think he will be a perfect fit for OSU.” However, when the Board of Regents began the presidential search to replace David Schmidly, serving as a university president was about the last thing on Hargis’ mind.

Current OSU Regent Doug Burns was chairing the search committee and suggested to Hargis, then a member of the Board of Regents, that he consider the position. Doug Burns said Hargis replied, “You must be out of your mind.” But Hargis talked to Ann about the idea and continued to mull the possibility.

“I started considering my experience as it related to a modern university,” Hargis said. “I was seeing a lot of instances where nontraditional individuals were becoming presidents of universities. I just decided maybe I would be qualified for this.”

To apply for the position, Hargis was required to resign from the Board of Regents and had to convince the faculty and others he was qualified for the job despite his lack of an academic background. For some on the search committee, that was a major red flag.

STORY GARY SHUTT | PHOTO PHIL SHOCKLEY AND GARY LAWSON

HARGIS CELEBR ATION

Burns and Ann Hargis enjoy an orange carpet entrance at The McKnight Center’s Opening Night Gala. The music on Ann’s dress is the Oklahoma State “Alma Mater.”

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 23

OSU/A&M Regent Doug Burns (left) receives a retirement gift from President Burns Hargis for his service to the board.

See More There’s more to the celebration of Burns and Ann Hargis at okla.st/ hargiscelebration.

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The search committee asked Hargis directly why he thought he was prepared and qualified to be OSU president.

“He said he had been thinking about that for months,” Doug Burns recalled. “He said that as he looked back at his career since graduating from OSU, he had been preparing to be the president of OSU the entire time. His explanation of how to connect all that past experience to what OSU needed for the future absolutely blew the whole place away. His answer convinced everyone he was the right person for the job.”

What Hargis lacked in academic credentials, he more than made up for through his business, legal, public service, television and community experience. His previous jobs led to vast and diverse connections and allowed him to build expertise in fundraising, managing and leading large organizations, communications, consensus building and navigating the political landscape.

Hargis was the 18th president of Oklahoma State and is its third-longest-serving president behind Henry Bennett (23-plus years) and Oliver Willham (14-plus). Hargis and Willham, who was president when Hargis arrived as a student, are the only two OSU graduates to serve as its president.

While Hargis guided OSU through historic success, he also led the university and the broader Cowboy family through times of horrific tragedy.

Hargis was a comforting voice during the 2011 plane crash that killed women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke and three others, as well as the 2015 Homecoming parade tragedy that killed four.

From the moment he became president, Hargis took seriously OSU’s land-grant charge to educate the masses, do great research and share its knowledge and teaching through extension and service.

Hargis approached his position at OSU with the same philosophy he recommended to students throughout his time as president. “Preparation coupled with passion creates results and great success,” he said.

No person worked closer with Hargis than Gary Clark, who, as OSU senior vice president and general counsel, has an office next to the president.

“He has worked tirelessly to unite students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors behind his vision of a stronger, more impactful university,” Clark said. “With just the right balance of seriousness and humor, Burns has led us to many successes and changed the arc of OSU’s history.”

Hargis’ impact reaches beyond Stillwater. As president of the OSU System, he oversaw growth and success at OSU’s campuses in Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Okmulgee, including significant advances at the OSU Center for Health Sciences.

“Burns and Ann inspire and empower those around them and lead by example and conviction,” said OSU Center for Health Sciences President Dr. Kayse Shrum. “Our state has been made better and stronger because of them.”

Mike Turpen, former Oklahoma attorney general and a current state regent for higher education, and Hargis became close friends and sparring partners on the long-running Oklahoma City-based television show Flashpoint. Turpen said Hargis has been successful “because he’s likeable, he listens well and he builds a consensus.”

Of course, the Hargis success story at OSU was a team effort, with much work from First Cowgirl Ann, a fixture on campus.

“She absolutely embraced OSU,” Burns said.

“She loved the students and all the richness of the university experience. I could not have done this job without her by my side.”

For Burns Hargis, his 13 years as OSU president continued a long career grounded in an ethos of public service that established its roots when he was a freshman at Oklahoma State University.

Clearly, he is happiest when he is serving.

“I just love it,” he said. “It’s not work for me. I love people; I love to work with people.”

Love, of course, goes both ways. The Cowboy family loves Burns and Ann Hargis.

From the President

Remaining Loyal and True It is with mixed emotions that I write this message. This is the last issue of STATE magazine during my time as Oklahoma State University president.

For First Cowgirl Ann and me, these have been the most rewarding times of our careers. It is difficult to step away. But we also look forward to the exciting next chapter in our lives.

The success Oklahoma State has enjoyed the past 13 years was made possible by the support, generosity and passion of the entire Cowboy family.

Students, employees, alumni and donors united in record numbers to transform our university. It’s hard to wrap my head around all that has happened and all we have accomplished together, and yet the years have flown by quickly.

Ann and I will miss the boundless energy on our beautiful campus. We will miss selfies with students, visits with alumni across the globe, hearing donors explain the passion behind their incredible donations, the joy and energy of a sunny day on library lawn.

We will miss the innovative and life-changing research and teaching of our talented and dedicated faculty, the commitment and hard work of staff, and the creativity, talent and exuberance of students. The list goes on and on.

As we retire at the end of June, you can be assured we will remain as loyal and true as ever. Thank you for your support. We encourage you to stay connected and continue to do your part to write the OSU story. I know the university is poised for continued success.

Ann and I have been overwhelmed by your response and your love during our time at OSU. Words cannot express the depth of our gratitude. You have made the last 13 years a period we will cherish with the fondest of memories.

In closing, thank you! Best wishes and Go Pokes!!

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 25

The

Prep Years Burns Hargis built the perfect background for leading OSU

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HARGIS CELEBR ATION

Vaden Burns Hargis wasn’t born in Oklahoma, but he got here as fast as he could. Sort of.

H

e was born Oct. 29, 1945, in Victoria, Texas.

His father was a geophysicist, moving his family (including Burns’ younger brother, Dick) across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Canada for his work in the oil patch.

“Nobody’s sure the exact count, but we think I moved about 21 times, and my parents moved about 52 times,” Hargis recalled. “So, we never lived anywhere very long at all. Most of the moves were when I was very young. San Antonio was the longest we lived anywhere.”

From an early age, Vaden was called Burns, which was his mother’s maiden name. Vaden was his grandmother’s maiden name (dad’s side).

“When you’re red-headed and named Burns, that’s a hard way to grow up,” he said. “You can pretty well count on getting into a fight at each new school, and I learned it’s best to just go ahead and let the guy win because if you beat him, somebody tougher is coming along.”

His dad’s work brought the family to Oklahoma City during Burns’ sophomore year of high school. He attended John Marshall High School where he played football, baseball and golf. When it came time for college, his family moved again, to Bartlesville and later to Houston.

“All my family is from Texas, and everybody went to the University of Texas. My great-grandfather was in the first graduating law class at the University of Texas in 1885. His name was J.C. Burns. He practiced law for 70-some-odd years and was a judge in south Texas,” Hargis said.

“My father was the first in his family to go to college, and he went to the University of Texas and was a diehard Longhorn fan.”

When it was time for Burns’ college decision, he felt comfortable in Oklahoma and had friends going to Oklahoma State.

“It was always assumed I would attend UT,” Hargis said. “But I’d moved so many times. I liked living in Oklahoma, and I didn’t want to start over again.”

STORY GARY SHUTT | PHOTOS PROVIDED

When he visited the OSU campus, he found much of the same thing prospective students find today.

“I loved the campus and the friendliness of the people. So, I’d like to say I came to Oklahoma State for some academic reason, but I really didn’t. I knew I wanted to go to law school and I needed a bachelor’s degree first. I enrolled in legendary Department Head Wilton T. Anderson’s basic introduction to accounting,” Hargis said. “To my shock, I really loved it because he was such a great teacher. He just had a way of bringing the whole subject to life. Before I knew it, I was an accounting major.”

Hargis arrived as a freshman at OSU in the fall of 1963, just months before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas. He joined Sigma Nu Fraternity, and it wasn’t long before a meeting set him on a course that helped define his entire career.

Fraternity leaders told him they selected him to run for freshman class officer — and he didn’t really have a choice. “I had never done anything like that, but I did it,” he remembered. “Thanks to my pledge brothers and fate, I was elected freshmen class vice president. I continued to be active in student government and served as president of the Interfraternity Council.

“I always talk to our students about finding their passion. If you find your passion, you’re going to be happy, and you’re going to be rich. Sometimes it is with money, sometimes just with job satisfaction, but you will be enriched. The goal is to make your vocation your avocation. The passion I found was service.”

With that political victory under his belt, Hargis became extremely active on campus for all four years, “which was far longer than I’d lived anywhere,” he said.

“This was my first real community.”

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 27

Above, from left: Burns Hargis with Henry Bellmon; on the set of Flashpoint, Hargis (third from left) with with Mike Turpen and Kelly Ogle (center); Hargis during his unsuccessful run for Oklahoma governor in 1990. Below: Hargis served in both the Air Force ROTC and the Army ROTC at OSU.

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Hargis was involved in many campus activities, including the Blue Key honor society. “There was always something, and that’s the great thing about a college campus,” he said. “There are tons of things to do, and you meet so many people doing them, and unknowingly, you’re learning how to collaborate and be a team member.”

Another activity that kept him busy at OSU was Air Force ROTC, mandatory at the time. He switched to Army ROTC his senior year, going into military intelligence. “It just sounded good to me.

The first James Bond movie was out then.”

After graduation, Hargis enrolled in law school at the University of Oklahoma instead of the University of Texas.

“I went to OU Law School because I loved Oklahoma, and I didn’t want to leave. I was very involved in that community.”

In law school, he worked one summer in Houston (where his parents lived) and met Ann Whiting through an OSU friend.

“Ann went to the University of Texas, so that made my dad happy,” Hargis said. “She graduated with degrees in math and Latin and was working for IBM as a systems engineer in Houston.”

Ann and Burns became engaged Christmas 1968 and married in June 1969. Son Matt was born in 1971, and daughter Kate joined the family in 1974. Ann and Burns have three grandchildren, Peighton, Preston and Oliver.

After graduating from law school while completing his military obligation, Hargis settled into Oklahoma City and began a 28-year legal career.

He was a litigator and handled many bankruptcy reorganizations. He represented the FDIC in the high-profile closure of Penn Square Bank.

“The goal is to make your vocation your avocation.

The passion I found was service.”

It wasn’t long after his return to Oklahoma City that Hargis jumped into politics and community service. He worked on Henry Bellmon’s successful campaigns for re-election to the U.S. Senate and governor of Oklahoma. He was chairman of the Department of Human Services during Bellmon’s administration. Hargis ran for governor in 1990 to succeed Bellmon but lost in the Republican primary.

In 1992, he teamed with Mike Turpen, a Democrat and former Oklahoma attorney general, to debate the presidential campaign between Bill Clinton and George H.W. Bush on KFOR-TV. The Hargis-Turpen pairing was so popular that KFOR launched Flashpoint in 1993. Hargis teamed with Turpen for 15 years before he left the weekly news and politics program when he became OSU president in 2008.

“We had enough common sense to make it informational, but enough nonsense to be entertaining,” Hargis said. The pair also took their political perspective and wit on the road, entertaining crowds across Oklahoma.

As if he didn’t have enough to do, Hargis became more active in community service.

“My real passion is service,” he said. “I enjoyed law and banking, and the other things I’ve been involved in kind of supported my passion for service and trying to make things better.”

One of his proudest community service accomplishments was helping establish the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, where he served as founding chairman. He was chairman of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce and he supported the first MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) initiative.

“MAPS was a creative idea with value,” Hargis said. “Creative ideas that have value can result in positive outcomes that no one ever envisions or anticipates.” His passion for creativity, imagination and collaboration was also on display when he became the founding chair of the Oklahoma Creativity Project.

In 1993, Hargis joined the board of the Bank of Oklahoma and in 1997, he went to work for the bank as vice chairman. Hargis continues to serve on the bank’s board. He was appointed to the OSU/A&M Board of Regents in 2002 and left the board in 2007 when the opportunity to become president of OSU presented itself.

But that’s another story.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 29

New Heights The Hargis years elevated OSU in historic fashion, situating the university perfectly for the 21st century

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STORY GARY SHUTT | PHOTO PHIL SHOCKLEY

HARGIS CELEBR ATION

Here, we offer a deeper look into seven notable areas where the president’s impact shines bright.

THROUGH THE YEARS

Academics and Research

2007

hroughout his OSU presidency, Burns Hargis strove to advance academics and research. The primary focus of fundraising was to boost Oklahoma State’s academic standing through student scholarships, endowed faculty chairs and professorships, academic and research facilities and other initiatives. He also pushed to improve OSU’s U.S. News and World Report rankings.

But the most prominent gain, for Hargis, was the addition of a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation’s oldest and most distinguished academic honor society.

OSU had solid gains in scholar development under Hargis’ presidency. The OSU Honors College is rated among the best in the nation and has enjoyed steady growth. Through the Henry Bellmon Office of Scholar Development, OSU students continue to win the nation’s most prestigious awards, including the university’s 18th Truman Scholar in 2020.

Hargis had a bold vision of a modern land-grant university that cuts across disciplines. Beyond the traditional academic experience, Hargis emphasized service and leadership, creativity and innovation, undergraduate research, entrepreneurship, team building and international exposure.

He wanted to provide OSU graduates a well-rounded education that gave them an edge as they pursued their careers in a global economy.

“President Hargis was always quick to state that he was not an academic by background and would say that he didn’t really understand the world of research,” said Kenneth Sewell, OSU vice president of research. “But in reality, he was a champion of the research enterprise at OSU. He knew the value of how our faculty create new knowledge through their research, share it with the world to benefit society and prepare our students to do likewise.”

The Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents names Burns Hargis as the 18th president of Oklahoma State University.

T

DECEMBER

2008 MARCH 10

Burns Hargis becomes only the second OSU graduate to lead the university, after Oliver S. Willham.

MAY 21

Alumnus T. Boone Pickens announces a $100 million academic gift to endow faculty chairs and professorships.

JULY 1

OSU’s Stillwater campus bans tobacco use.

AUG. 18

The Monroe Street Parking Garage opens with 1,100 new parking spaces.

OCT. 27

Boone Pickens contributes an additional $63 million to complete OSU’s football stadium that bears his name and its West End Zone.

DEC. 12

Nancy Randolph Davis, the first Black student to enroll at OSU, is honored with the Oklahoma Human Rights Award at the State Capitol.

2009 JAN. 12

The North Classroom Building opens.

SEPT. 5

OSU celebrates the opening of the expanded and updated Boone Pickens Stadium with a 24-10 victory over the University of Georgia.

OCT. 17

The OSU Alumni Association inducts Garth Brooks, Barry Sanders and Robin Ventura into the OSU Hall of Fame.

NOV. 12

Burns Hargis is in the 82nd class inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, receiving his medal from presenter Boone Pickens.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 31

2010 FEB. 23

OSU and Southwest Jiaotong University in China agree on a reciprocal exchange student program.

FEB. 26

Burns Hargis unveils the seven-year, $1 billion Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University to fund scholarships, faculty positions, research and more.

APRIL 8

A remarkable four Morris K. Udall Foundation Scholarships are awarded to OSU students Jeremy Bennett, Alesia Hallmark, Brooke Hill and Lauren White.

APRIL 16

The renovated Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture Building is dedicated during the school’s 100th anniversary celebration.

OCT. 19

Boone Pickens extends and enhances his $100 million challenge gift to the Branding Success campaign.

NOV. 27

Alumni Ross and Billie McKnight commit $15 million to Branding Success for an endowment.

2011 APRIL 21

OSU’s Clean Energy compressed natural gas fueling station is dedicated.

MAY 4

OSU unveils a 7-foot-tall Cowboy boot topiary at the southwest corner of Theta Pond.

SEPT. 9

Oklahoma State University dedicates the Henry Bellmon Research Center for interdisciplinary research.

NOV. 17

Former Cowgirl basketball coach Kurt Budke, assistant coach Miranda Serna and OSU supporters Olin and Paula Branstetter die in a plane crash in northern Arkansas while on a recruiting trip. A memorial to honor the four is dedicated in 2018.

DEC. 2

OG&E and OSU announce a 20-year agreement to provide wind power to the Stillwater campus.

32 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

The Arts

S

oon after he became OSU president, Burns Hargis learned of another item for his to-do list.

When he asked a faithful OSU alumna why she had given a beautiful art collection to the University of Oklahoma, she said, “Well, you don’t have an art museum. There’s nowhere to put the art.”

She was right. And Hargis set out to change that.

He knew OSU had outstanding visual arts and performing arts programs with extremely talented faculty and students.

And while the Seretean Center had served the university well, Oklahoma State desperately needed new facilities.

What followed was the OSU Museum of Art in Stillwater’s former Postal Plaza; the enhanced Doel Reed Center in Taos, New Mexico; The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts; Greenwood School of Music; public art across campus and more.

Oklahoma State announced ambitious plans for a worldclass performing arts center in 2014. Thanks to Billie and Ross McKnight and more donors, The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts opened its doors on Oct. 11, 2019, with the New York Philharmonic.

“I think this will transform how we think of ourselves and the experience our students, faculty and community are going to have,” Hargis said at the opening. “To be around the greatest musicians on the planet is an amazing opportunity for any college student, but for a center like this to be at your own home — it’s just incredible.”

Thanks to lead donors Anne and Michael Greenwood and others, the Greenwood School of Music building opens this year.

The state-of-the-art facility will connect to The McKnight Center and create an environment to teach, learn and perform that is second to none.

Hargis and his wife, Ann, led an impassioned mission for the arts. Along the way, the two received the George Nigh Public Service in the Arts Award for their outstanding support of the arts.

Family members of late civil rights pioneer Nancy Randolph Davis gather to celebrate the dedication of her statue in 2019.

Diversity and Inclusion

2012

o understand why Oklahoma State University has made significant progress in diversity over the past decade, Dr. Jason F. Kirksey says look no further than Burns Hargis.

Kirksey should know — as the vice president for institutional diversity and the chief diversity officer, he has been the head of OSU’s diversity office since 2009.

“A significant aspect of President Hargis’ legacy is the university’s unwavering commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion,” Kirksey said. “His efforts unquestionably have broadened and deepened OSU’s comprehensive efforts to sustain and enrich our culture of inclusion. He was the right person, at the right time to lead the university through this important, enduring and meaningful cultural transformation.”

Under Hargis, OSU has worked hard to grow minority enrollment, increase minority faculty members and address inequality. During his presidency, OSU saw a 139 percent increase in minority freshman enrollment. Along the way, the university has won numerous awards for its leadership in diversity and inclusion.

None were more prestigious than the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award presented by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. OSU is one of seven institutions across the country and the only one in Oklahoma to earn the award for nine consecutive years. The magazine also has named OSU as one its few elite Diversity Champions for being a national leader and role model.

As America confronted horrendous incidents of racial injustice this past year, OSU strengthened its commitment to advancing social justice and equity and creating a campus that welcomes, respects and values all members.

In the past year alone, OSU has taken many positive steps, including the un-naming of Murray Hall and North Murray Hall and the creation of a Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council. In 2020, 25 percent of Outstanding Seniors were students of color and two buildings on the Stillwater campus were renamed to honor civil rights pioneer Nancy Randolph Davis, the first African American student to attend OSU.

Mike Gundy’s No. 3 Cowboys capped OSU’s first Big 12 Championship season with a 41-38 overtime victory over No. 4 Stanford in the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona.

T

INSIDE OSU Watch the last episode of “Inside OSU with Burns Hargis” at okla.st/inside.

JAN. 2

SEPT. 14

The Student Union celebrates its grand reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony after a $63 million renovation.

SEPT. 25

Oklahoma State University launches OStateTV for OSU video.

NOV. 1

Alumni, faculty members, students and friends share ideas worth spreading during the first TEDxOStateU, themed “IGNITE.” NOV. 13

Oklahoma State University receives the first annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award. As of fall 2020, the university has won the award every year since 2012.

2013 JAN. 17

President Hargis and other campus leaders participate in the inaugural installation ceremony for the OSU chapter of Phi Beta Kappa (Gamma of Oklahoma Chapter) in the historic Old Central Assembly Hall. The Phi Beta Kappa Society is the oldest and most distinguished academic honorary society in America.

APRIL 23

Burns Hargis joins a ribbon-cutting celebration for OSU’s new state-of-the-art Mathematics Learning Success Center.

APRIL 24

OSU surpasses its Branding Success goal of $1 billion nearly two years ahead of schedule.

SEPT. 20

Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett and Burns Hargis headline a “flip the switch” ceremony to mark the beginning of live broadcasts from the new KOSU studio in downtown Oklahoma City’s historic Film Row.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 33

Facilities and Grounds

2014

f you’ve seen Burns Hargis walk across the OSU campus, you might have seen something unusual for a university president: He picks up trash.

Hargis, after all, treats the OSU campus like it’s his own yard.

“President Hargis knew that the grounds were the first impression of campus,” said Steve Dobbs, director of landscape services.

OSU graduates who have not been to Stillwater in recent years are amazed at the new and updated buildings and the beauty of the grounds.

From day one, Hargis knew OSU had to upgrade and modernize its facilities to attract students and faculty, and to remain competitive in academics, research and athletics.

The construction list is mind-boggling. Here are just a few highlights (see map on page 36 for a more complete picture):

The OSU Museum of Art unveils the first formal exhibition at the Postal Plaza Gallery, located in the historic former Stillwater post office.

I

The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts and

adjoining Greenwood School of Music.

The new Business Building.

An updated and expanded Student Union.

The Henry Bellmon Research Center.

The ENDEAVOR research building.

The new wing of the Nancy Randolph Davis building

(formerly Human Sciences).

JAN. 10

FEB. 4

OSU announces a $1.45 million grant from the National Math and Science Initiative to replicate UTeach, which is addressing the nation’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education crisis by producing qualified math and science teachers across the country.

SEPT. 17

OSU launches Pete’s Pet Posse, the nation’s most comprehensive, full-time, universitywide pet therapy program with 13 lovable, highly trained dogs — including Scruff, owned by Burns and Ann Hargis.

NOV. 15

The Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center is dedicated.

NOV. 19

OSU is recognized as a leader for its use of green power practices and technology with a Green Power Leadership Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

DEC. 5

The OSU/A&M Board of Regents approves the creation of the University College at Oklahoma State University, which coordinates university-level services that support undergraduate-level student success.

A refurbished Old Central.

The expanded Donald W. Reynolds Architecture

Building.

2015

The new Central Plant.

The West End Zone of Boone Pickens Stadium.

OSU receives a 2015 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation.

The Greenwood Tennis Center.

O’Brate Stadium for baseball.

Branding Success is celebrated after raising more than $1.2 billion for OSU.

To further revamp the campus, Burns and Ann Hargis had a vision for campus landscaping, improving streets and walkways, adding parking garages and offering plenty of trash cans.

“Burns and Ann are truly the reason for the beautiful campus transformation that has evolved at OSU,” Dobbs said. “They were passionate advocates for the outdoors and sustainability. They frequently gave donor tours of our many unique gardens and were our biggest cheerleaders.”

Dobbs said the single most important Hargis initiative for landscaping was installing an irrigation system.

“That changed the entire look of campus and recruitment,” he said. “Without having to hand water, our team had more time to devote to landscaping, creative seasonal color displays and maintenance.”

HARGIS’ IMPACT Take a look at the impact President Burns Hargis has had on OSU at okla.st/impact.

34 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

JAN. 8

MARCH 24

MAY 15

OSU recognizes 282 donors who have each given $1 million or more cumulatively to OSU at the inaugural Proud and Immortal Society ceremony. Boone Pickens is the group’s first member.

AUG. 21

Chickasaw and Choctaw nation leaders officially launch the OSU Center for Sovereign Nation Engagement and Partnerships.

OCT. 23

OSU holds a grand opening and ribbon-cutting for the University Commons, a residential life facility.

OCT. 24

Four people are killed and dozens injured when a woman crashes her car into OSU’s annual Sea of Orange Homecoming Parade. A Stillwater Strong memorial is dedicated at the corner of Hall of Fame and Main just over three years later.

DEC. 4

OSU creates the Unmanned Systems Research Institute.

2016 FEB. 5

The City of Stillwater, American Airlines and Oklahoma State University announce nonstop American Airlines jet service to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport from Stillwater.

FEB. 17

The Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center opens.

MARCH 4

OSU earns the Institutional Excellence Award for 2016 from the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, which calls OSU “one of higher education’s exemplary models.”

MARCH 30

Alumni Ross and Billie McKnight donate $25 million for a programming endowment for The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

AUG. 9

The new North Wing of the Human Sciences building (now part of the Nancy Randolph Davis Building) is dedicated.

2017 MAY 30

OSU’s College of Education and various partners receive a five-year, $25 million grant from NASA to fund a variety of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities for under-represented K-12 students, as well as higher education, across the country.

AUG. 30

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine names OSU one of 11 Diversity Champions.

SEPT. 24

Alumni Michael and Anne Greenwood make a significant gift to name the new home for music education programs at OSU the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music.

SEPT. 29

OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa celebrates the grand opening of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Academic Building.

“Billie and I developed the McKnight Scholars Program to fill a need at OSU pointed out by Burns.

The McKnight Center gift was an idea envisioned by Burns that started as a request for building support.

These ideas for these programs both came from Burns’ visions of what OSU could be and now is.”

— Ross McKnight

Fundraising

S

omeone once joked to Burns Hargis that if the university ever did a statue of him as president, he would have his hand out.

During his more than 13 years as president, Hargis did ask often — and OSU was rewarded to the tune of more than $2.2 billion in private support. The donor generosity and the numbers are astounding — 82,000 new donors, doubling OSU’s endowment and raising the number of $1 million-plus OSU donors from 137 to 422.

Jump-starting Oklahoma State’s fundraising success was the late Boone Pickens, who donated an extraordinary $652 million to his alma mater during his lifetime.

“Boone’s incredible generosity inspired others to join in the transformation of Oklahoma State,” Hargis said. “Boone’s impact has gone far beyond his own gifts and is changing OSU forever. His gifts showed us what we could do and changed how we thought about ourselves.”

For former OSU Foundation president Kirk Jewell, it was a blessing and the highlight of his career to serve alongside Hargis during this historic period.

“Burns fully embraced his role as chief fundraiser,” Jewell said. “His vision to make OSU a top land-grant university was always at the forefront of his plans and actions. His passion to make OSU greater inspired not only the donors but the Foundation staff. OSU will be forever changed because Burns and Ann invested themselves at our alma mater.”

When Hargis became OSU president, he knew his No. 1 job was to raise much-needed funds for student scholarships, faculty, facilities and programs. The need was huge, and Hargis wanted an audacious goal. OSU reached its seven-year, $1 billion Branding Success goal nearly two years early.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 35

2

DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING LAB

BERT COOPER ENGINEERING LAB

FIRE PUBLICATIONS WAREHOUSE

FIRE SERVICE TRAINING

WILLIS

FIRE PUBLICATIONS OFFICES

MCDONALD

WILLIAMS APARTMENTS

6

GRAPHIC ARTS STUDIO

EXCELSIOR

McELROY

PHYSICAL PLANT WAREHOUSES 1-4

VO-TECH WAREHOUSE

WEST APARTMENTS

P SE HY RV SIC IC AL ES P NO LA RT NT H

CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTAL PLANT FACILITY

PH T AN PL S AL CE IC VI YS SER

WILLIS

WESTERN

Brick by brick, President Burns Hargis has led a revitalization of campus during his 13 years in office.

Dozens of buildings have been renovated, expanded and even created to enhance educational and experiential learning opportunities. With state-of-the-art research hubs, purpose-built classrooms and premier athletic facilities, OSU is positioned to be a leader in higher education for decades to come.

WEST CHILLED WATER PLANT

MCDONALD

Burns the Builder

RID BU P IL PA DI NG

GE

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY LIBRARY AUXILIARY

SER WE CE INTRAMURAL FIELDS

PATILLO’S COMMUNITY CENTER

MCFARLAND

KAMM HALL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES FACILITY OKLAHOMA ANIMAL DISEASE DIAGNOSTIC LAB

FARM ROAD CVM ACADEMIC CENTER

USDA STATE OFFICE

22

ROGER J. PANCIERA EDUCATION CENTER

STE

BOREN VETERINARY MEDICINE TEACHING HOSPITAL

WE

COLVIN AN

AGRI CENTER OFFICES

ORCHARD

4

RN

BRUML

COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE

ADMIRAL

ADMIRAL

NOT SHOWN ON MAP:

RLAND

WE

ST S

ORCHARD

KING

MCFA

WILLIS

WEST ARROWHEAD AerospaceSHERWOOD Systems Discovery Lab Allied Health Building, Oklahoma City A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Academic Building, Tulsa The Botanic Garden at OSU (renovation) ARROWHEAD Charles and Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center Chesapeake Compressed Natural Gas Training Center, Okmulgee Doel Reed Center, Taos, New Mexico Equine Exercise Physiology Lab SUNSET Facilities Management Multipurpose Facility Ferguson Family Dairy Center KOSU Broadcast Studio, OKC OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah (under construction) Oklahoma Foundation Seed Stock building OSU Discovery and Parking Garage, OKC Postal Plaza Gallery Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center (under construction) Venture One,3RD Oklahoma Technology Research Park WILLIS

RIDGE

UNIVERSITY

YLER LANE

4th Avenue Parking Garage Bert Cooper Engineering Laboratory Central Plant CVM Academic Center ENDEAVOR EXCELSIOR Greenhouse Learning Center Henry Bellmon Research Center Information Technology Library Auxiliary The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music Michael and Anne Greenwood Tennis Center Monroe Street Parking Garage Multimodal Transportation Terminal Neal Patterson Stadium New Frontiers Agricultural Hall (under construction) North Classroom Building North Wing of the Nancy Randolph Davis Building Northern Oklahoma College, Stillwater O’Brate Stadium Roger J. Panciera Education Center Sherman E. Smith Training Facility Spears School of Business Building Track Facility and Storage University Commons Residences/North Dining Hall Welcome Plaza Wentz Lane Parking Garage

Boone Pickens Stadium (West End Zone) Colvin Center Donald W. Reynolds Architecture Building Social Sciences and Humanities/Psychology (formerly Murray) 33. National Wrestling Hall of Fame 34. Old Central 35. Student Union

10

PETERSON-FRIEND HALL

MAJOR RENOVATIONS SINCE 2008 29.

30.

31.

32.

WEST APARTMENTS

9

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

NEW CONSTRUCTION SINCE 2008 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

27.

28.

WATER TOWER

FIRE PROTECTION AND SAFETY TECHNOLOGY LAB

UNS

ET

ESKRIDGE PL TYLER PROSSER APARTMENTS

TYLER

RF

IEL

D

MCPHERSON HALL

GA

N WILLHAM

TYLER

UNIVERSITY LAUNDRY

JEFFERSON

MONROE

CARREKER EAST

MICHEAL AND ANNE GREENWOOD TENNIS CENTER

DEMAREE APARTMENTS

NORTH DINING

NEW FRONTIERS AGRICULTURAL HALL

ENGINEERING NORTH

WILLARD HALL

35

MONROE

MILLION BRICKS

used for campus projects

BARTLETT CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

MORRILL HALL

GENERAL ACADEMIC BUILDING

MORRILL

STUDENT UNION

WELCOME PLAZA

PAUL MILLER JOURNALISM AND BROADCASTING

THETA POND

ATHERTON HOTEL

27

34

CONOCO PHILLIPS OSU ALUMNI CENTER

OLD CENTRAL

FIRE STATION NO. 2

BENNETT CHAPEL

MCKNIGHT CENTER

1

4TH AVE PARKING GARAGE

SERETEAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

UNIVERSITY

11 12

MICHAEL AND ANNE GREENWOOD SCHOOL OF MUSIC

KNOBLOCK

THATCHER HALL

24

KNOBLOCK

MATH SCIENCES

HESTER

LIFE SCIENCES WEST

SPEARS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

CLASSROOM BUILDING

WHITEHURST HALL

SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

3.3

31

HESTER

of new/updated facilities

ENGINEERING SOUTH EDMON LOW LIBRARY

32

LINCOLN

GARFIELD

CLEVELAND

WALNUT

2.5

MILLION SQUARE FEET

DONALD W. REYNOLDS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE

ATHLETIC AVE

LIFE SCIENCES EAST

THE PSYCHOLOGY BUILDING

WENTZ LANE PARKING GARAGE

STOUT HALL

28

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE

SCOTT HALL

INSTITUTE FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING EXCELLENCE

WENTZ

UNIVERSITY

3RD

MONROE

PATCHIN-JONES HALL

PARKER HALL

WENTZ HALL

PATCHIN-JONES HALL

REDWOOD

MELROSE

T

NANCY RANDOLPH DAVIS NANCY RANDOLPH DAVIS WEST

5

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER

ATHLETIC AVE

19

DRUMMOND

PHYSICAL SCIENCE

GUNDERSEN HALL

DRUMMOND HALL

OLIVER

NOBLE RESEARCH CENTER

WASHINGTON

KERR

8

WASHINGTON

CEAT ENDEAVOR LAB

ROBERT M. KERR FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS CENTER

B

F

COWBOYS

ANIMAL SCIENCES

29

AGRICULTURAL HALL

E

GALLAGHER-IBA ARENA

17

JEFFERSON

CLEVELAND

FIT

KERR HALL

D

WEST END ZONE

AGRICULTURE NORTH

FARM ROAD

THE VILLAGE

BOONE PICKENS STADIUM

POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTER

UNIVERSITY HEALTH CENTER

IBA HALL

18

COWBOYS

WALNUT

NORTH CLASSROOM BUILDING

OG&E

GREENHOUSE LEARNING CENTER CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LAB

UNIVERSITY ASSESSMENT AND TESTING

PRACTICE FIELDS

RAMSEY

BIOSYSTEMS AND AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING LAB

7

MILLER

WES WATKINS CENTER

3

HALL OF FAME

LINCOLN

30

C

CENTRAL PLANT

4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

COLVIN POOL

LEY APARTMENTS

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

HENRY BELLMON RESEARCH CENTER

WALNUT

15

UNIVERSITY COMMONS

HALL OF FAME

23

THE MARKET

26

SOUTH

N CENTER NNEX

14

SCOTT

WEST

SHERMAN E. SMITH TRAINING CENTER

WASHINGTON

MONROE PARKING GARAGE

STINCHCOMB BOOKER HALL

NORTH

KNOBLOCK

CONNELL

ZINK-ALLEN HALL

COLVIN RECREATION CENTER

OUTDOOR TENNIS COURTS

NORTHERN OKLAHOMA COLLEGE

BOST HALL

GRIFFITH COMMUNITY CENTER

NEIL PATTERSON STADIUM

INDOOR HITTING FACILITY

YOUNG HALL

20

DAVIS HALL

COWGIRL SOCCER COMPLEX

RETEAN ELLNESS ENTER

13

CANTWELL SITLINGTON HALL

16

25

TRACK COMPLEX

21

McELROY

MORSANI-SMITH HALL

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

O’BRATE BASEBALL STADIUM

MONROE

E YN IS PA LL E

CARREKER WEST

LINCOLN

WA

LN

UT

MORRISON NEIGHBORHOOD

2018 JAN. 16

OSU opens the doors to Spears School of Business classes in the new $72 million Business Building.

JAN. 25

The university celebrates 10 years of its acclaimed Energy Management Program during a Decade of Excellence ceremony. Systemwide energy savings from the program are approaching $50 million, with nearly $40 million of that on the Stillwater campus.

SEPT. 22

ENDEAVOR begins a new era in undergraduate engineering learning with 23 engineering science and project labs, including four that are each the size of a basketball court.

OCT. 23

OSU installs Singing Heart, a sculpture by Allan Houser, in the Mother’s Garden on the west side of the Atherton Hotel. In December, a second Houser sculpture, Abstract Orange, is unveiled north side of the Student Union.

OCT. 31

The Cherokee Nation and OSU Center for Health Sciences announce the nation’s first college of medicine to be located at a tribal health facility — the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation.

2019 JAN. 31

A statue of Nancy Randolph Davis, the first African American student to attend Oklahoma A&M, is dedicated.

MARCH 26

Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter and OSU leaders announce a historic settlement with Purdue Pharma, establishing a nearly $200 million endowment at the OSU Center for Wellness and Recovery to address the nation’s addiction epidemic.

AUG. 29

The OSU Foundation launches the $375 million Brighter Orange, Brighter Future campaign to ensure students have the resources to attend OSU. SEPT. 25

Thousands of Cowboy faithful flood Gallagher-Iba Arena to celebrate the life of T. Boone Pickens, who died Sept. 11 at the age of 91. He gave a combined $652 million to the university during his lifetime.

OCT. 11

The New York Philharmonic kicks off the inaugural season at The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

38 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Leadership

I

t seems only right that Burns Hargis began to develop his leadership skills as a student at Oklahoma State. After all, he returned to become one of the finest leaders in the history of his alma mater.

“Without a doubt, if not our greatest president, certainly in the top two,” said Doug Burns, an OSU regent throughout Hargis’ presidency. “It’s him and Henry Bennett. Burns has been transformative for the university. Can’t say enough about what a wonderful president he has been and what has been accomplished during his time.”

The transformation touches nearly every inch of the university. Hargis has overseen years of record enrollment, extraordinary fundraising that has totaled more than $2.2 billion, historic construction, iconic new facilities, new highs in levels of donor and alumni engagement, an eye-popping campus makeover and the list goes on.

The transformation went beyond the visible signs of success. “President Hargis was transformative in how OSU thinks of itself and its ability to raise big money to accomplish big goals,” Doug Burns said.

Look at any list of leadership qualities, and Burns Hargis checks all the boxes: vision, communications, courage, humility, cooperation, integrity, enthusiasm and more.

“One of the things I admire most about President Hargis is that he takes his job very seriously, but he doesn’t take himself that seriously,” said Ken Eastman, dean of the Spears School of Business. “His sense of humor and his ability to poke fun at himself have endeared him to thousands, and it has greatly enhanced his leadership ability. He really energized our alumni, and the proof is in our fundraising totals and the passion of our grads.”

The university will continue to draw from Hargis’ leadership insight and skills after his retirement as he will lead OSU’s student-focused Center for Ethical Leadership.

Students

W

ithout question, the one thing Burns and Ann Hargis missed most during the pandemic was interacting with students.

Thanks to record enrollment gains — including the five largest freshmen classes in university history — and improvements in retention and graduation rates, there have been plenty of students during the Hargis years.

“The thing that has been the most rewarding is how invigorating it is to be around our students,” Hargis said.

“There’s an energy transfer that is just amazing. Ann and I love engaging with students.”

Kyle Wray, vice president of enrollment and brand management, saw that love and concern for students firsthand.

“They were mainstays at scholar recruitment programs.

Parents and prospective students would form lines to visit with them. Burns and Ann always stayed until the last family had a chance to talk and ask questions. They epitomized what OSU stood for and meant to so many people.”

That rock-star status continued when students came to campus. A selfie with Ann and Burns was a must-have for students.

“I had the privilege of meeting the president and the first lady at a Black alumni award meeting,” said Godwin Ekpek, class of 2013. “They were lovely and down to earth; the speech they gave still motivates me to keep pursuing excellence.”

Erik Williams, class of 2018, said, “Burns and Ann embodied true servant leadership as they listened, cared and acted to improve, promote and build OSU. When I think about the beloved family reputation of OSU, I immediately think of the Hargises.”

Lee Bird, who served as vice president for student affairs for much of Burns Hargis’ presidency, said, “What I appreciated most about President Hargis was his sense of humor and his genuine care and concern for students.”

2020 JAN. 15

Oklahoma State University and alumni Kayleen and Larry Ferguson announce a $50 million gift from the Ferguson Family Foundation that will transform the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in many ways, including a new name — the Ferguson College of Agriculture. The funds create a $25 million endowment for the college’s operations and $25 million to kick-start the New Frontiers fundraising campaign for a new building.

JAN. 24

The OSU/A&M Board of Regents approves the creation of the College of Education and Human Sciences, combining the College of Education, Health and Aviation and the College of Human Sciences at OSU. MARCH 7

Oklahoma State announces a $1 million naming gift from Ray and Linda Booker during a special groundbreaking ceremony for the new flight training center.

MARCH 12

OSU begins conducting classes online for the two weeks following spring break. This marks the beginning of historic changes to fight COVID-19. OSU went online for the rest of the spring semester and held virtual commencements in the spring and fall.

APRIL 15

NASA recognizes a team of OSU researchers with the University Leadership Initiative Award. OSU is one of five university teams to receive the honor and a lead share of $32.8 million in funding over the next four years to address some of NASA’s strategic research initiatives.

JUNE 26

The OSU/A&M Board of Regents unanimously votes to remove the name “Murray” from Murray Hall and North Murray Hall on OSU’s campus. The buildings were formerly named after Oklahoma’s ninth governor, William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, who backed racist policies.

JULY 28

Baker Hughes donates its Energy Innovation Center in downtown Oklahoma City to OSU as part of a technology collaboration that will bring industry and academic experts together under one roof, creating experiential learning opportunities for OSU students and supporting Baker Hughes researchers in applying technology-driven solutions for energy and industrial sectors.

SEPT. 1

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine recognizes OSU as a 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award recipient and a 2020 Diversity Champion, the ninth straight year honoring OSU. OCT. 23

OSU President Burns Hargis announces his retirement plans at the regular meeting of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents in Stillwater.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 39

Ann Hargis has been a tireless advocate for health, wellness and everything Oklahoma State during her tenure as First Cowgirl, and we’re going to miss her enthusiasm and excitement as she and husband Burns retire. We asked her to share a bit about her experiences and memories at OSU.

ANN HARGIS See how First Cowgirl Ann Hargis has had her own impact on OSU at okla.st/ann.

40 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

HARGIS CELEBR ATION

‘An Experience Beyond’ As retirement approaches, First Cowgirl Ann Hargis reflects on her years at OSU

Is there a story that stands out from your first year as the First Cowgirl — something or someone who made you realize the impact you and President Hargis could have in your new roles?

It was a whirlwind. Every event is so different!

Early on, we attended a birthday celebration in Dallas for Boone Pickens. We were up until the wee hours of the morning and in the presence of celebrities such as Sarah Brightman and Andrea Bocelli. Less than 12 hours later, we were back in Stillwater and involved in a major fundraising announcement on the Library Lawn.

Boone was announcing a $100 million donation to the university.

As the event was winding down, a woman approached me with tears in her eyes. Kechia Bentley and her son, Dillon, were visiting campus and on a tour. They lived out of state, and she was overwhelmed about leaving her son on campus the following fall. I gave her a hug and assured her we would take great care of Dillon. We exchanged contact information and stayed in touch.

That August, I met Dillon and both his parents and helped him move in to his residence hall. It was such a joy to watch Dillon get settled and meet his roommate.

I felt like a freshman myself! Today, Dillon is a civil engineer, married and expecting his first child. Kechia and I stay in touch.

It made me realize we can all be overwhelmed in our own little worlds, and there were 25,000 other “Dillons” on campus who could also benefit from a little kindness.

I think that experience really set the tone for how I viewed students in future years.

STORY MONICA ROBERTS | PHOTOS PHIL SHOCKLEY AND GARY LAWSON

How have the last 13 years been different than you expected? How have they been exactly what you expected?

For some reason, I envisioned Friday nights in the basement of the house, inviting students over, throwing down bean bags, popping corn and watching movies. It was none of that but so much more!

Honestly, I am not sure what I expected, but the time we have spent at OSU has been an experience beyond anything I could have ever imagined [with] the relationships we’ve developed, the energy of the students, the creativity that exists on this campus. I felt at home from the moment we arrived, and that is a testament to the character of the Cowboy family. The people who represent this university are incredibly special.

When we talk about the Cowboy Code, just know that it truly exists.

What will you remember most about serving as First Cowgirl?

Reserved Princess Parking!

There’s no such thing as too much orange!

It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be part of something so incredibly fascinating and profoundly important. It has been more fun than I ever dreamed possible. No one tells you how exhilarating this position is.

As Burns says, “If you ever get the chance to be a university president, take it.” The same is true for my position.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 41

What initiative did you undertake that you are most proud of?

I wanted to identify initiatives that enhanced Burns’ mission as president without taking away from his impact. Since I am not employed by the university, I viewed my role mainly as cheerleader, celebrating all the magical things happening on campus.

Wellness is important to me personally. Being able to share my love of the nutritional, physical, spiritual and emotional components of wellness really completed the circle for me. I believe we are better together and when we try to improve ourselves, we also improve others around us. We are all a work in progress but providing resources and tools to help people live more fulfilled lives is very gratifying.

PETE’S PET POSSE Take a look at Ann Hargis’ groundbreaking project, Pete’s Pet Posse: okla.st/3ppp.

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Describe a favorite memory from the last 13 years.

There are so many favorites! Perhaps one of the most recent is The McKnight Center.

Opening Night was magical, but for me, the emotions were a culmination of all the wonderful accomplishments leading up to that moment. Seeing members of the New York Philharmonic mentor OSU students in every facet of performing during the weeks before the performance was incredibly special. The New York Philharmonic had not made an appearance in Oklahoma for more than 30 years, and here they were, in Stillwater, America, providing a world-class education to students from rural Oklahoma. It was so powerful to me to witness this mentorship.

For the Opening Night Gala, I commissioned a talented OSU mom to upcycle a ballgown from my closet.

It featured musical notes with orange rhinestones, depicting the score of our alma mater! The playing of the alma mater at the end of the performance, seeing the OSU faithful, many of whom we cheer alongside during sporting events, stand and sing and link arms ...

I will never forget it.

Once the event was over and the Philharmonic returned home, we sent each of the key players in the organization a pair of orange running shoes with a note that said, “Hurry back!”

Describe the hardest day in your role from the last 13 years.

There were, of course, challenges along the way; however, I don’t think anything could compare to the loss we shared as an OSU family after the women’s basketball plane crash and the OSU Homecoming Parade tragedy.

Watching Burns absorb these losses and take them so personally was especially difficult. The support shown to the families and the desire to be with other members of the Cowboy family during those times is a feeling I will never forget. There was so much shock, disbelief and hurt. There were so many heartfelt stories of Cowboys helping Cowboys without caring about receiving recognition. The compassion and love of friends and family gathered at the home of the Budkes the morning of the plane crash. Pistol Pete, Taylor Collins, rushing a young child injured in the parade tragedy to the ER. Tyler Zander, an OSU student who lost his leg in a farming accident, mentoring Leo Schmitz, who lost his leg in the Homecoming Parade tragedy. I hope one day all of these stories can be told.

We had no answers during these times. All we could do was try to comfort. However, in true Cowboy fashion, the OSU faithful came together, and we all lifted each other. It’s a testament to the strength and resiliency of the Cowboy family.

What is your favorite campus tradition / favorite spot / piece of art, etc.?

Graduation, of course! I love to disappear into the general seating at GIA and just randomly join a family and friends. Here is where one enjoys the very best stories of their sacrifices, pride and sheer joy. Taking pictures for them, screaming when their graduate’s name is called. It’s a celebration deluxe.

Tell us something about Ann Hargis that might surprise our readers. And something about President Hargis that would surprise us!

I have driven BOB (Big Orange Bus) and was crowned the ROADeo champion one year! I love big trucks and heavy equipment!

Burns starts every morning with a banana.

What does this next chapter look like for you? What will you miss most about being on campus?

It’s our turn to graduate. We have had the most incredible education and experience. Just like our students, I will look forward to being an OSU alumna.

Stillwater and OSU will always feel like home, and I plan to continue giving back to the place that has given so much to me.

I’ll remember little things that have become such a big part of my day, many I have taken for granted: The sound of the library bells, the roar of the crowd at athletic events, the seasonal plantings, the incredible zaniness of skateboards, unicycles and purple hair, students in hammocks, sidewalk chalk, A-frames, Clementine [her personal orange golf cart] carrying students to class, groups of potential students and families touring campus carrying their orange bags, the international influences of food, dance, dress or conversation, campus during class change. … And the short commute that makes Stillwater so wonderful!

What is next for Pete’s Pet Posse? Is there a new champion for it?

I could talk all day about the impact. Students have always championed this program, and we often encounter those who say they chose OSU because of pet therapy. I do think this emotional health program is part of our culture, and I hope its value continues to be embraced and celebrated.

Over 100 teams have been trained, over 250,000 lives touched, and we’ll soon expand to four campuses. Not only do the dogs make a difference by providing a touch of home and unconditional love, but the owners/ handlers also serve as ambassadors for the university by providing resources. The impact has been so positive, and I could not be prouder.

What advice do you have for students who will come to campus in the years ahead?

Enjoy every moment! Take advantage of every opportunity. Never be afraid to ask for help or share your thoughts and ideas. Get plenty of sleep, exercise and eat right! OSU is a wonderful place, filled with wonderful people who want to see you succeed. We are family. And I so want you to enjoy the journey.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 43

Congratulations! @OKStateAlumni

On behalf of all #OKStateAlumni, we want to extend our most heartfelt congratulations to President @burnshargis on a well-deserved retirement. President Hargis is only the second OSU alumnus to lead his alma mater.

@okstate

Transformative. Record-setting. Historic.

Over the last 13 years, #okstate has reached extraordinary heights. President @BurnsHargis’ vision for OSU will impact the #CowboyFamily for many years to come.

@GovStitt

Good ride, Cowboy.

Thank you, @burnshargis, for everything you have done to help change the lives of Oklahoma’s next generation.

@OSUFoundation

Congratulations to President @burnshargis and @OSUFirstCowgirl Ann Hargis on their upcoming retirement!

“We are eternally thankful for President Hargis’ outstanding service to our beloved university over the past 13 years. With the First Cowgirl Ann Hargis at his side, his vision and commitment to OSU will have a lasting impact. We are so grateful to have them among our Cowboy Family!”

— Blaire Atkinson, OSU Foundation President

HARGIS CELEBR ATION

@stillwaterwill | Mayor Will Joyce

As an @okstate alumnus, a Stillwater resident and mayor, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to @burnshargis and @OSUFirstCowgirl for all they have done for OSU and our community. They leave a profound legacy and have positioned us for a bright (Orange!) future ahead. #GoPokes

@thacoachmike | Mike Boynton @OSUAthletics

Nobody supported OSU Athletics more over the last dozen years than @burnshargis, and we can’t thank you enough for your vision and leadership. Good ride, Cowboy.

All the best to @burnshargis and @OSUFirstCowgirl on their pending retirement. Their support of me and my family, and their leadership, have made our experience in Stillwater very special. #CowboysForever #GoPokes

@OU_President | Joseph Harroz, OU President

President Hargis has had an exceptional tenure as President of @okstate. His achievements in education are consistent with his contributions in banking, the law, and in public policy.

@SenatorLankford | Sen. James Lankford

@OKArtsCouncil

Reflecting on the investment in #arts pursued by @burnshargis and @OSUFirstCowgirl during their time @okstate and how it will be a significant part of their legacy. Wishing them the best in their next chapter. @OSUMuseumofArt @McKnightCenter

America’s brightest orange shines because of the work, dedication, and pride @burnshargis and Ann have for the entire @okstate community and will leave a remarkable legacy. On behalf of all Oklahomans--thank you Burns and Ann.

OSU Alum Kerri Seller

The best OSU President Ever!! You will be missed is an understatement! You and @OSUFirstCowgirl were the best for OKState! Congratulations on retirement! Best wishes to you both.

Jimmy Chiconas

Thanks for all you have done for OSU and making it a great place for my kids to thrive. Good luck in retirement. You have earned it.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 45

A Brighter World Starts at OSU

University bolsters its strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

A

Dr. Leon McClinton

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t a time of deep division throughout the country, Oklahoma State University is looking inward to improve diversity, equity and inclusion for all.

With that goal in mind, the recently formed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force — made up of more than 40 OSU students, faculty, staff and alumni — hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week in January as its first event.

“Dr. King was the leader in advancing civil rights in America in the 1950s and ’60s,” said Dr. Leon McClinton, director of Housing and Residential Life and co-chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force. “He promoted and organized non-violent protests and won a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to fight racial inequality in a non-violent matter.”

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members wore face masks with King’s “I have a dream” quote on them. King’s 17-minute speech, made in 1963 from the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., echoed off the Edmon Low Library and newly named Nancy Randolph Davis building as marchers wove their way across campus.

“Dr. King gave his life to make this country great for everyone,” McClinton said. “Our students need to understand there is still work to do.”

Caileb Booze, OSU’s first black Interfraternity Council president, certainly realizes this. He is expected to graduate this semester with an applied sociology bachelor’s degree and minor in criminology and criminal justice, with a pre-law option. After law school, Booze plans to pursue a career in advocacy for underrepresented and disadvantaged people.

Booze, now a former Interfraternity Council president, spoke on the steps of The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

“I think the celebration of Dr. King in this time is very, very timely,” he told the marchers. “It seems you can’t turn on the TV or listen to a conversation for more than 30 seconds without hearing some

sort of division, disruption or disaster. As that rhetoric continues, or if we buy into that, it’s really hard to think that things can change and you end up in the headspace of ‘it is always going to be like this and there’s nothing we can do about it.’ So days like today are very important because Dr. King believed in something different, and in the middle of that, he believed that the best was yet to come.”

Fifty-eight years ago, King penned a letter from a Birmingham, Alabama, jail that Booze quoted.

“He said, ‘I’m convinced that men hate each other because they fear each other. They fear each other because they don’t understand each other.

They don’t understand each other because they don’t communicate with each other. They don’t communicate with each other because they are separated from each other.’

“I was thinking about that quote, and it is so, so good and so timely. Because if we are going to get where we want to go, if we are ever going to progress as people, then we can’t be separated from each other,” Booze said.

Unity is needed, Booze said, and that requires embracing uncomfortable truths.

“Right now, we are living in a world of chaos,” he said. “Unity is something that has to be intentionally sought after in order to be achieved, but the enemy of unity is always going to be comfort. It takes leaning into discomfort to get to the other side. Unity is where we can go. That is what Dr. King strove for. That’s what his vision was.

The Civil Rights Act was his mission, but it wasn’t all of his mission. It was just the beginning. The mission of Dr. King was actually to bring people together, to unify them at a heart level, so that we could all flourish. So, I would hate for us to settle and not keep going, not keep pressing, not keep trying to progress and move forward as a people.

That is my hope for us as a university that we would be different. That people could see us and see us unified when everything else is going crazy.”

STORY DAVID BITTON | PHOTOS PHIL SHOCKLEY AND GARY LAWSON

NEW CAMPUS STATEMENT At Oklahoma State University, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) matter.

Providing a wide range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identifying opportunities and creating solutions are core to our mission as a landgrant university. We fulfill our mission and enrich our campus community by maintaining a welcoming and inclusive environment that appreciates, values and fosters a sense of belonging for all.

The definitions of these three key words are important: ■

DIVERSITY means a variety of different and unique identities, characteristics, experiences and perspectives.

■

EQUITY is defined as making

available to everyone what they need to succeed by increasing access, resources and opportunities for all — especially for those who are underrepresented and have been historically disadvantaged.

■

INCLUSION is what we do. Inclusion

creates a welcoming culture where differences are celebrated and everyone is valued, respected and able to reach their full potential.

We also humbly recognize there are events in the university’s 130-year history that at times have not upheld these values; however, we are continually working toward a future that instills pride for all in our community.

Incidents of social injustice — both historical and recent — unfortunately exist within our society but are not welcome on the OSU campus. While the First Amendment allows considerable latitude with respect to free speech, we denounce acts, behavior, language or symbols representing or reflecting intolerance or discrimination toward any subpopulation affiliated with our university. OSU pledges to support and reinforce diversity, equity and inclusion efforts as they are significant to our campus culture and mission, improving the quality of life for all.

Former Interfraternity Council president Caileb Booze speaks during the “March for Unity” event at OSU.

Maddie Ward, a junior studying applied exercise science with a pre-physical therapy option, marched with her Alpha Chi Omega sorority sisters.

“I wanted to show support and honor Martin Luther King’s life and what he stood for,” she said.

“We are all sharing the dream now; it’s not just his dream anymore.”

She is part of a new sorority committee that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I think the university is taking the right steps to becoming a more diverse and inclusive school,” Ward said.

For Dr. Udaya DeSilva, that’s good to hear. DeSilva is an associate professor for the Department of Animal and Food Sciences, past faculty council chair, and a member of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force.

“Dr. King is very well known around the world for what he did and what he stood for,” said DeSilva, who grew up in Sri Lanka. “I’ve been a big fan since I was very little.”

While marching south on Monroe Street, DeSilva said, “We are walking in between two of the biggest achievements on this campus.”

The first was a statue of the university’s first African American student, Nancy Randolph Davis, who crossed racial barriers and became a civil rights pioneer when she started her master’s degree in home economics in 1949. The statue was unveiled in 2019 in the courtyard of OSU’s Human Sciences building, which has been renamed the Nancy Randolph Davis building.

The second was the removal of the name “Murray” from Murray Hall — now the Social Sciences and Humanities building — and North Murray Hall — now the Psychology building.

The building’s namesake, Oklahoma’s ninth Gov.

LEARN MORE about the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force at okla.st/ deiforce.

Send questions, ideas and additional feedback to deitaskforce@ okstate.edu.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 47

COMMITTEES In addition to the task force, four committees have been meeting since last fall. Four areas of concentration have been identified for enhanced impact on Oklahoma State University’s continued efforts to achieve inclusive excellence.

Task force members will provide guidance/feedback on the work of all four committees. The four committees are: ■ Faculty and Staff Nancy Randolph Davis statue

■ Student Recruitment and Retention ■ Campus Climate ■ Support for Marginalized Students

William H. “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, had a record of advocacy for racist policies including segregation and the promotion of Jim Crow laws, which in effect stripped many Black Oklahomans of their constitutional right to vote.

“I was on the committee to get the buildings’ names changed,” DeSilva said. “This was huge progress, but we still have a long ways to go.”

TASK FORCE WORK “The objective of the OSU Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force is to develop and publish a new comprehensive universitywide DEI plan detailing timed, measurable goals and specific initiatives that will be implemented across campus in coming years,” said McClinton, who co-chairs the task force with Dr. Jeanette Mendez, the interim provost. “The ultimate goal is to help foster an environment where OSU students, faculty and staff all have equal opportunities to find success as was outlined by the OK State Stand United organization in its list of urgencies published in the summer of 2020.”

Participants in the March for Unity at OSU listen to speakers outside The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts.

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS

DIVERSITY AT OSU

OSU’s enrollment for undergraduate students of color increased 103 percent from fall 2009 to fall 2020 with the following increases by ethnicity:

66.74% White

African American — 24.4%

9.51% Multiracial

Asian American — 53.2%

8.03% Hispanic

Latino/Hispanic — 289%

5.23% International

Native American — 53.4%

4.14% Black 4.06% American Indian/ Alaskan Native

Students of color earning bachelor’s degrees increased 107 percent from 2010 to 2020 with the following increases by ethnicity:

2.07% Asian American 0.12% Unknown

African American — 27.9%

0.10% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

Asian American — 61.2% Latino/Hispanic — 357.1%

STUDENTS

Native American — 48.2%

As of press time, the new plan is expected to be published by the end of the spring semester, McClinton said.

The importance of the task force can’t be understated.

“There are still subpopulations who feel as if their voices are not heard and that there aren’t adequate support systems in place to help them be successful in a predominantly white setting,” McClinton said. “This task force is responsible for developing a plan to address our shortcomings in this area.”

That said, OSU’s continued commitment to creating a culture of inclusion has been recognized with a multitude of national awards.

“We are the single most highly decorated institution in the nation in terms of nationally prestigious diversity and inclusion awards over the past several years,” said Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, OSU vice president and chief diversity officer. “We have plenty of room to grow and work to do, but it is important to recognize and acknowledge the work that we have done.”

70.67% White 10.16% Asian Amerian 9.07% International 3.02% Hispanic 2.75% Multiracial 2.13% Black 2.06% American Indian/ Alaskan Native 0.14% Unknown

FACULTY

80.57% White 4.14% Multiracial 4.09% American Indian/ Alaskan Native 3.54% Hispanic 3.46% Black 2.08% Asian American 1.85% International 0.18% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander

SEE MORE Watch videos from the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Week at okla.st/mlkplaylist.

STAFF

0.08% Unknown

SOURCE: 2020 Cowboy Data Round-up

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 49

CAMPUS NEWS

Shrum selected as OSU’s next president The OSU/A&M Board of Regents selected Dr. Kayse Shrum as the 19th president of Oklahoma State University.

“Dr. Shrum is an effective leader, innovative thinker and her collaborative style, in addition to her great love for OSU, means the momentum we have achieved with President Hargis will continue unabated. I am excited about the future of OSU, the system and the state of Oklahoma,” said Regents Chair Rick Davis.

The first woman to lead Oklahoma State University, Shrum has served as president of OSU’s Center for Health Sciences since 2013. She first joined the faculty in 2002, and became a CHS dean in 2011.

Regent and Selection Committee Chair Joe Hall said Shrum was chosen from a national pool of highly qualified candidates in large part because she brings a remarkable track record of success leading OSU’s medical school.

Under her leadership, OSU Center for Health Sciences has seen enrollment double. She also led the construction of the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy Medical Academic Building.

Her fundraising accomplishments also include securing a landmark investment in 2019 from Purdue Pharma for $197.5 million to create the National Center for Wellness and Recovery for addiction treatment and research to address the national opioid addiction epidemic. Shrum worked with the Cherokee Nation to establish the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, which opened fall 2020.

Shrum and her husband, Darren, still actively farm near Coweta. They have six adult children.

The April 2 announcement happened as this issue of STATE was going to press. Look for full coverage of this historic change in the fall issue of STATE. Dr. Kayse Shrum

Phillips 66 gift supports mental health on campus To help OSU students during the pandemic and support overall wellness, Phillips 66 recently made a gift to develop a new mental health initiative on campus. This initiative will establish a mental health ambassador program, helping to destigmatize the mental health struggles many students face.

“It’s important that students know they are not alone in these challenging times,” said Ann Oglesby, vice president, Energy Research & Innovation for Phillips 66. “Phillips 66 welcomes the opportunity to support this worthwhile endeavor.”

Students who volunteer as mental health ambassadors will receive special training. Many students may find it easier to talk with a peer rather than a professor or others on campus.

“By expanding outreach efforts, we can raise awareness and have students helping students navigate the college experience,” said Dr. Doug Hallenbeck, vice president of student affairs. “Through this gift, Phillips 66 is not only helping OSU students to strengthen their mental health, but also helping them be successful and in turn helping OSU and the state of Oklahoma be successful.”

Dr. Doug Hallenbeck

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The Ellis Walker Woods Memorial is located at Greenwood Avenue and John Hope Franklin Boulevard on the OSU-Tulsa campus.

OSU commemorates Tulsa Race Massacre anniversary This year marks a full century since one of the United States’ deadliest and most destructive racial episodes: the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

On May 31-June 1, 1921, 35 blocks of the Greenwood district — a predominantly Black neighborhood in Tulsa — were burned, bombed and devastated, and up to hundreds of Black residents killed. The trauma and devastation of the massacre lingers today.

Education and engagement around the truth of the massacre are profoundly important to Oklahoma State University, especially as OSU-Tulsa is built on the land where it occurred.

OSU-Tulsa is home to the Ellis Walker Woods Memorial, the OSU Center for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation, and the Ruth Sigler

Avery Tulsa Race Massacre Collection.

It also hosts an annual four-day workshop to give teachers resources and context for educating students about the massacre.

Starting in June 2020, OSU-Tulsa, in partnership with OSU-Stillwater and OSU Center for Health Sciences, began presenting 100 Points of Truth and Transformation — opportunities for students and the public to connect with the truth of the massacre and be inspired toward transformative justice.

These events include workshops, seminars, podcasts, for-credit and noncredit classes, candlelight vigils, art creation and tough conversations.

An in-depth look at the university’s commemoration of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre will be published in the fall 2021 issue of STATE Magazine.

LEARN MORE about the 100 Points

of Truth and Transformation at tulsa.okstate.edu/100points

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 51

CAMPUS NEWS

Pedersen selected as dean of Education and Human Sciences

Dr. Jon E. Pedersen

The OSU/A&M Board of Regents approved Dr. Jon E. Pedersen as the new dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences on the Stillwater campus.

Pedersen is a tenured professor of instruction and teacher education and dean of the College of Education at the University of South Carolina. He is expected to transition to OSU on or about July 1.

“I am honored and thrilled to be part of the OSU College of Education and Human Sciences family,” he said. “The unique combination of disciplines that make up this college made this a special opportunity.

Pedersen holds a doctorate in science education curriculum and instruction, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction

and a bachelor’s in agriculture-animal nutrition, all from the University of NebraskaLincoln (UNL). He has served as dean at the University of South Carolina since 2016 and has more than 30 years of experience as a faculty member and administrator, including appointments at UNL, the University of Oklahoma, East Carolina University and the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

Since the College of Education and Human Sciences was established in July 2020, Dr. Stephan M. Wilson has served as interim dean.

From 2008-2020, Wilson was dean of the College of Human Sciences. He also served as interim dean of the College of Education, Health and Aviation from 2019-2020, guiding the transition to one new college.

UHS rolls out vaccine plan

Regents approve leadership transition for athletic department

University Health Services has vaccinated more than 10,000 members of the Oklahoma State University community since January.

With Oklahoma entering Phase 3 for vaccine eligibility in March, UHS Director Chris Barlow said all remaining faculty, staff and students are eligible to make an appointment to receive the vaccine through UHS.

Oklahoma State University President Burns Hargis presented a leadership transition in the OSU athletic department at the OSU/A&M Board of Regents’ meeting in March, recommending Mike Holder become OSU’s athletic director emeritus to recognize his leadership and achievements over the past 16 years, and Chad Weiberg take over as athletic director, both effective July 1.

“It is hard to describe the magnitude of the impact Mike Holder has had on Oklahoma State athletics during his 16-year tenure,” said Rick Davis, chair of the OSU/A&M Regents. “He has elevated our athletic program to a level once unimaginable in national prominence and prestige by developing and building athletic facilities on par with any in the nation.”

Holder will continue to support the athletic department as a special advisor, raising funds and working on facility development.

“Today is about the future of Oklahoma State University athletics. Chad Weiberg is the new sheriff in town, and he needs all of us to saddle up and ride for the brand. Get ready, Cowboys and Cowgirls.

If you do your part, then the best is yet to come,” Holder said.

Hired in May 2017, Weiberg returned to Oklahoma State University as the department’s deputy director, where he has served as the chief operating officer. His degrees from OSU include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. He signed a fouryear contract at $750,000 annually.

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Chad Weiberg

Mike Holder

THANK YOU THE 2021 WOMEN FOR OSU SYMPOSIUM WAS AVAILABLE TO THE ENTIRE OSU FAMILY THANKS TO ITS GENEROUS SPONSORS!

This year’s event featured inspirational speaker Leigh Anne Tuohy, recognized 13 student scholarship recipients, celebrated Cathey Humphreys as the Philanthropist of the Year and announced the inaugural winners of the Partnering to Impact grant program!

Watch a recap of the 2021 Symposium, including a special tribute to First Cowgirl Ann Hargis, at OSUgiving.com/Women.

View a full listing of the sponsors who made this year’s Symposium possible at

OSUgiving.com/Women

OSU is primed to lead the Big 12 with a new esports arena and a certificate program proposal

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STORY MACK BURKE | PHOTOS PHIL SHOCKLEY

POP QUIZ: WHAT SPORTING EVENT ATTRACTED THE MOST VIEWERS IN FY 2019? IF YOU ANSWERED THE SUPER BOWL, THEN YOU’D BE WRONG. WHILE THE NFL’S SEASON FINALE BROUGHT IN OVER 98 MILLION VIEWERS, THAT DISTINCTION WENT TO … A VIDEO GAME TOURNAMENT. With nearly 100 million unique viewers — most through streaming services like Twitch — the “League of Legends” World Championship finals achieved something that would’ve been unthinkable just 10 years ago. It was a remarkable moment, but it was no one-off. The skyrocketing popularity of esports — a broad term encompassing the vast universe of online gaming — is not a fad; it’s a movement. And OSU has now entered the arena.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 55

This spring, OSU opened a brandnew, state-of-the-art esports arena in the Student Union. With 40 highpowered PCs, a Twitch station, green screen and a slew of other amenities, the 1,690 square-foot arena is a gamers’ playground. But it’s a lot more than that.

“We’re primed to be the Big 12 leader,” said Adam Barnes, Student Union assistant director of meeting and conference services. “There’s nobody we know of that is as far along in terms of a dedicated esports arena — not some computer lab out in the corner of campus somewhere, but a dedicated space. We strategically chose the Student Union because it’s the heart of campus.”

For OSU esports, the arena represents a giant leap, and its potential impact extends far beyond its walls.

Varsity Esports Foundation Executive Director Bubba Gaeddert, an OSU

alumnus, said universities are seeing a major return on these kinds of investments in recruiting, potential sponsorships and brand awareness.

“There’s no ceiling on it,” he said.

“It’s the fastest-growing industry in the world. Strictly competitive esports marketing is valued at almost $2 billion, but the ecosystem around gamers who are also influencers is a $25 billion industry. And that’s not even including the broader gaming industry.”

Gaeddert’s fellow OSU alumnus Bill Young, head of games at Twitch, said OSU already has strong programs that could easily feed into an esports/ gaming curriculum. Having an arena is another major boost to OSU’s allure as a destination for young people looking to build their future in the gaming world.

“Esports is one important component of a much larger gaming industry,” he said. “In fact, at $180 billion [in revenue] in 2020, video games are now bigger than movies and North American sports — combined.

“There are over 260,000 people employed in the video game industry, a number growing by almost 5 percent per year in the U.S. The disciplines needed by the gaming business are remarkably varied, ranging from art and design to computer programming. But don’t forget about business, architecture, finance, IT/IS, marketing and public relations.

Universities worldwide have already recognized this as a significant growth area and are now competing for the best and brightest who are dedicated to building careers in the games business.”

MORE ONLINE Read STATE’s special Q&A with Bill Young, head of games at Twitch, at okla.st/billyoung.

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Players compete in a gaming festival that was part of the 2019 Tribal Esports Conference at OSU.

The arena’s roots can be traced back to a cross-country road trip in the summer of 2018.

Shaun Noll, the Student Union meeting and conference services manager who serves as the fulltime advisor for the largest student group on campus — Gamers of OSU — set off with a Cowboy contingent in search of universities that were “doing esports right.” Noll, accompanied by Barnes, Student Union Senior System Administrator Chris Conway and thenStudent Union Director and Assistant Vice President Mitch Kilcrease, wanted to see if a robust esports push would make sense for a Power 5 institution.

On the road, they looked for inspiration at the University of Utah, Boise State University, University of CaliforniaIrvine and the headquarters of gaming giant Blizzard Entertainment.

“As we went on this tour, we realized that esports definitely fit on college campuses, but it really fit with student affairs,” Barnes said. “Inclusion, retention, engagement … it checked all of the boxes. It brought people together.”

Noll and Barnes saw tremendous potential and decided to get students involved. So they took a follow-up visit to the West Coast in 2019 with new Student Union Director Tracie Brown, Student Union IT Assistant Director Mike Peaster, Student Union Multimedia Producer Coleton Gambill and four officers from the Gamers of

OSU club. They returned to Blizzard headquarters and esports heavyweight UC-Irvine. By the time they headed home, they had a crystallized vision for the new arena, and construction began in the fall of 2019.

Brown isn’t a gamer, but she said backing the arena project was an easy call once she saw the potential firsthand.

“What was our ‘why’? Really it comes down to one thing for me: We are here for the students. We know this is going to be a recruiting tool, but we also know that it’s going to provide opportunities for retention. An engaged and involved student is going to stay.”

On top of that, she said the esports arena is a truly inclusive space — a place to belong.

“Esports transcends everything,” she said. “From an inclusive perspective, it runs the gamut. There’s no limit. That’s exciting to me.”

The arena is located in the Cowboy Underground, in a space that Barnes said had been underutilized. Instead of just a reimagining of that space — which at one point was a bowling alley — the esports arena has transformed it into something completely new and different.

“It gives us an opportunity to engage our students and be on the cutting edge of something that’s extremely popular and inclusive,” Noll said.

Brown is quick to credit her predecessor and the many people who helped bring the project to fruition, like Noll and Barnes, as well as Conway, who handled the installation and configuration of technology, and Student Union Building Operations maintenance staff member Al Maxwell, who did the majority of the construction and brought forward design recommendations. Noll said the project wouldn’t have been possible without the Student Union leadership, the Student Affairs Office and the backing of leadership. And, of course, the students.

Gamers of OSU President Sam Williams said the planning process was very student-oriented and the group’s feedback was incorporated at every step along the way.

“Of course, the arena is an amazing opportunity for students and faculty of OSU to be able to partake in a common interest and meet like-minded individuals,” Williams said. “That fits into our club’s goals as a student organization and nonprofit. The gaming arena is much larger than that, however, as it represents OSU recognizing and jumping into the esports industry.”

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As building got under way, Noll and Barnes started conversations with assistant professor Skye Cooley in the School of Media and Strategic Communication about exploring options for an academic unit or entry point associated with esports.

A committee was formed with representatives from the School of Media and Strategic Communication, O’Colly Media Group, Student Union Operations and Brand Management.

The committee devised a new esports certificate program. The program was approved by the OSU/A&M Board of Regents in March and now awaits approval from the state regents. It incorporates marketing and productionrelated curriculum and aims to provide an introduction to the world of esports from a business and event-planning perspective.

Cooley said the plan is to launch the program this fall and continue to hone it to students’ needs and interests, building intentionally, one step at a time.

“I know nothing about esports, but I do know about changing media landscapes and changing technology,” Cooley said. “We live our lives in front of screens now, and esports presents an opportunity to expand and flex what media can be as a science, as a discipline, both academically and in terms of placing people in careers. Every business now is a media business in some shape, form or fashion. We’ve got

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faculty here who get it, and we’re looking for something we can center around that’s future-oriented.”

Cooley sees esports as a relatable and exciting way of attracting students interested in media that goes beyond the bounds of traditional media.

“We normally get people who are interested in public relations or communications skills, and of course journalism. Esports brings in all kinds of students — students who might be interested in programming, coding, big data systems, research, graphic design or entertainment.

“Because concurrent [enrollment] allows high school students in the state of Oklahoma to take classes toward their degree, this would be open to them. And what more awesome program could you get as a high school student to start your college career than taking an esports related class that would introduce you to media studies and get you interested in the media universe.”

Barnes said the academic component adds another dimension to the arena, making it a learning lab, giving students the knowledge and tools to produce esports content right from the start.

Director of Student Media Max Andrews, for instance, will be teaching a class on how to produce streaming shows, similar to ESPN’s SportsCenter but for the wide world of esports.

Andrews, who was instrumental in forming the certificate committee,

wants to broadcast events from OSU’s new arena with students behind the camera. Those are the kinds of opportunities — the chance to learn and do — that make this program so attractive to students.

“It’s not just an auxiliary or a plaything,” Barnes said. “It has an air of legitimacy to it when the university backs it with a degree or a certificate. This will be a place for students to put what they’re learning into practice and get that out-ofclassroom experience. This is the perfect foundation to build on.”

Under the direction of Vice President of Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck, many contributors from across the university played a significant role in making the esports arena project a reality.

Will OSU be enticing rising esports stars to campus with scholarships?

Will there ever be a full academic unit dedicated to esports? Noll and Barnes feel those are exciting questions that the arena and certificate program will help answer. Cooley said there’s no lack of ambition, but they want to be as thoughtful in that pursuit as they have been to this point.

“That’s the next challenge,” he said. “The first couple of years, we’ll be monitoring where students go after they complete the certificate, getting feedback on the other offerings that are out there, and then seeing what we can do better.”

“The industry is so huge. You can do everything, from being a broadcaster to producing the content to designing games, designing logos and art, to being an actual competitor. It’s really holistic, and I think figuring out where we want to land with our specialties and offerings is the next phase. We’re going to do that with the help of the students.”

Gaeddert, who describes his Varsity Esports Foundation as the “connective tissue of esports in the scholastic space,” said hundreds of schools offer degrees, certificates, minors or courses in esports. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed a lot of schools to take an

expedited approach to esports, he said, but OSU was already taking intentional steps and continues to do things the right way.

“Because people at the administration level got in with early adoption, OSU is better off,” he said. “[OSU] spent almost two years building this certificate program, where a lot of colleges have just decided that esports is a sexy term and seen it as a way to just slap an ‘E’ on their communications class and call it good. … But there are no ‘nerds’ in the class, there’s no one who actually knows the stuff. This is happening across the country and it’s sad. It’s almost predatorial. [OSU] is taking the path to actually creating esports education for its students.”

From a recognition standpoint, Gaeddert said it doesn’t hurt that OSU counts some major esports names among its alumni — head of games at Twitch Bill Young, Envy Games President Geoff Moore, NCSOFT Vice President Kendall Boyd, Special Reserve Games CEO and product designer Jeff Smith, and Intel Gaming Global Account Manager Brian Bruning.

“This is just another way for OSU to connect with students, to show what’s out there, what’s possible,” he said.

SOURCE: Varsity Esports Foundation

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global gamification In 1977, Milton Bradley spokesperson Michael Moone infamously predicted video games would be a passing fad, brushing them off as “just another gadget.”

The industry’s blossoming into a multibillion-dollar juggernaut proved Moone’s prediction spectacularly wrong, but the industry is still fraught with misconceptions and continues to be underestimated even today.

The world is changing, but Gaeddert said the conversation surrounding video games and esports is often stuck in the past.

“The average age of a gamer is 35,” he said. “So what that means is alumni, boosters and foundation supporters, they’re probably also playing some sort of video game. The video game industry as a whole is worth over $150 billion worldwide. Half of that is mobile. If you play Candy Crush or Words with Friends, you’re a gamer.

“Gamification is everywhere. We as a society have perpetuated video gamers as young kids in their basements drinking soda and eating chips. That’s what we’ve been doing for 60 years.

The problem is that [demographic] is a minority.”

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When Envy Gaming President Geoff Moore graduated from OSU in 1989, there was no esports industry. As the industry grew, esports became a bigger blip on his radar, but the industry’s growth potential came into focus in 2018, pushing him to take the leap into the esports world.

“When Envy started talking me through the audience size, the different games they were in, things like that, as someone who had been part of a group that had been responsible for selling the [National Hockey League] in Texas, esports did not seem like a risky choice by comparison.

“Just in the game of Overwatch — which is a popular game but not the most popular game — there are more people in north Texas playing Overwatch than playing high school football in the entire state of Texas. So when you start comparing the participatory numbers with other things that are wildly successful, you can really start putting things into context.”

Moore said esports is still in its early life cycle. When it matures, he said it’s “going to be a monster.” It’s unique, too, in that esports are global and inclusive, transcending nationality, gender, race, body type, height, weight and, in many cases, disability.

“There are almost no barriers, and there are hundreds of different types of games so there’s something for almost everybody,” he said. “That’s a very powerful variable. … Gaming is not limited by anything but an internet connection.”

Moore said gamification is everywhere, and that, even more than esports, is at the heart of the cultural sea change surrounding gaming. He believes esports will evolve and be absorbed into the wider culture.

“Esports isn’t even really the thing; it’s the gamification of life,” he said.

“That’s the thing, esports is just the competitive gaming element.

“Gamification really just means what are your rewards for achieving certain things? Starbucks, for example, has a great rewards program. They’ve gamified selling coffee. So when people say ‘I’m interested in gaming,’ that can be applied to everything because everything in the world is going to be gamified — or they’re not going to have enough customer engagement to survive as a company.

“What I don’t want people to do is think, ‘There are only so many esports jobs in the world — how do I get one?’

That’s the wrong way to look at it. The right way to look at it is, ‘I am a user and consumer of technology. Instead of just consuming it, how can I look behind it and learn how to produce it, engineer it and adapt it?’ Because, then, everywhere you look there’s a company or a person that needs help doing that and connecting with other people. Your dad’s law firm or your mom’s insurance company — they all need to get better at it. Everyone does … every company in the world needs to get better at it.”

Moore said that’s why he’s so keen on OSU’s certificate program idea. When it comes to technology and media, he said there’s no better place to start than gaming.

“It’s the competitive tip of the spear of technology,” he said.

SEE MORE Watch a video showing Oklahoma State’s new esports arena and more at okla.st/esports.

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INTERACT to Advance Medicine OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine launches institute to find health care innovations for both animals and people

“We’re at the cutting edge of research in this area. It’s a fantastic revolution to not be invasive in treating tumors. … We’re really at the center of this and it’s very exciting.”

BURNS HARGIS, OSU PRESIDENT

Rhino the cat is undergoing cancer treatment through OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine that utilizes high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

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klahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine is making strides in research that can help both people and animals with its new Institute for Translational and Emerging Research in Advanced Comparative Therapy (INTERACT), which focuses on developing and translating new discoveries into therapies for patients.

“The idea for INTERACT came from our long successful history in conducting clinical trials in diseases that affect both small and large animals to develop or discover new therapies and diagnostics,” said Dr. Carlos Risco, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “With our collaborations, INTERACT will provide our faculty and our

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college with the resources and expertise needed to innovate in animal and human health, and we are excited to launch it.”

Directed by Dr. Ashish Ranjan, professor and Kerr Foundation Endowed Chair, INTERACT includes faculty participants from almost all OSU colleges, as well as industrial, nonprofit and academic institutions across the country. The institute aims to fulfill one-health research by doing parallel investigations in humans and animals.

“Our short-term goals include identifying clinical trial opportunities that involve pet patients in the OSU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital,” Ranjan said. “I have been involved in clinical trials utilizing veterinary patients for some time.

STORY DERINDA BLAKENEY | PHOTOS GARY LAWSON

President Burns Hargis and First Cowgirl Ann Hargis talk with Dr. Ashish Ranjan, director of INTERACT.

INTERACT will provide a strong footing to pursue and move these efforts further. It will allow me to collaborate with other faculty members from the teaching hospital as well as across the campus.

“As the name suggests, INTERACT is a platform to support collaborative research. We hope these open interactions move the needle toward figuring out new treatments for our patient populations — both animal and human. We welcome partners to work together to figure out new therapeutic and diagnostic solutions.”

On Dec. 3, OSU President Burns Hargis toured and officially launched INTERACT. He watched a demonstration of what non-invasive treatment technologies (high-intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU) mean for animal and human health in treating cancer tumors.

“We’re at the cutting edge of research in this area,” Hargis said. “It’s a fantastic revolution to not be invasive in treating these tumors. We’re moving toward One Health where you’re dealing with animal, human and plant health. This is just another example that is completely transferable to human treatment. We’re really at the center of this, and it’s very exciting.”

Dr. Danielle Dugat, associate professor of small animal surgery in OSU’s Veterinary Medical Hospital, said INTERACT is a large part of her work. “We have been able to treat quite a few cancer patients with HIFU. My goal is to continue to develop research that ultimately advances the care of my patients. When you bring together individual researchers and clinicians, you can develop a plan that is far beyond what your initial idea might have been.”

“INTERACT provides a platform for researchers from many disciplines to answer the question of ‘How do I take my research and get it out there in the public sphere?’” said Dr. Jerry Malayer,

associate dean for research and graduate education at the veterinary college. “How do we develop these approaches that we’re thinking about and identify resources and partners and collaborations that help us accomplish that goal? INTERACT helps us bring One Health principles into our college, our programs and our general thinking. The things that help our companion animals and livestock are developed with the same biological interfaces that apply to human health and in some cases to environmental health.”

“INTERACT is a group of people who really understand that in this day and age, big science is team science. It has to bring people together from different disciplines and from different parts of the research community to solve the big problems, and that’s what I see this group doing,” said Dr. Kenneth Sewell, vice president for research at Oklahoma State University and president of the OSU Research Foundation.

“INTERACT, in my opinion, is going to have benefits for many parties, but especially at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital,” said Dr. Jeff Studer, hospital director. “It’s going to lead to research that we can translate from bench-side to application for our patients in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. I think the impact for our patients, and thus our clients, our referring veterinarians and our students will be significant.”

LEARN MORE See more about the launch of INTERACT at okla.st/interact.

Anesthesia technician supervisor Sue McKenzie monitors Rhino during treatment.

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Improving Care for Veterans

New Tulsa hospital receives $120 million federal funding boost

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irst announced more than a year ago, the veterans hospital in Tulsa received $120 million in federal funding in December 2020. The project is the work of a collaboration involving the federal government, state of Oklahoma, city of Tulsa, private philanthropy and Oklahoma State University.

The new veterans hospital will be located in downtown Tulsa at 7th Street and Houston Avenue on the expanded OSU Medical Center Campus. The project will convert the existing KerrEdmondson buildings on the site into a modern 275,000-square-foot, 58-bed medical-surgical

hospital for veterans. The partially occupied KerrEdmondson buildings have been owned by the state of Oklahoma, and ownership is being transferred to OSU/A&M Regents by the state for the purpose of the hospital project.

Dr. Kayse Shrum, president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences and OSU president designee, said making sure veterans receive the very best care is the least that can be done to honor them for their service.

“Our veterans in northeast Oklahoma deserve a much-needed, easily accessible modern medical center where they can receive quality, compassionate care in a timely manner. For

The new veterans hospital, shown in this architect’s rendering, will be located in downtown Tulsa at 7th Street and Houston Avenue on the expanded OSU Medical Center campus.

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STORY SARA PLUMMER | RENDERING GH2 ARCHITECTS

“Our veterans in northeast Oklahoma deserve a much-needed, easily accessible modern medical center where they can receive quality, compassionate care in a timely manner. For OSU-CHS, it’s been a great privilege to be part of this visionary project.”

DR. KAYSE SHRUM, OSU CENTER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES PRESIDENT

OSU-CHS, it’s been a great privilege to be part of this visionary project,” Shrum said. “While caring for veterans is a top priority, the affiliation with the veteran affairs hospital near our Tulsa campus will benefit our students and residents tremendously and further enhance our medical school nationally.”

Many physicians today benefited from training at a Veteran Affairs hospital, Shrum said.

The veterans hospital is a unique opportunity to develop a large and important veteran resource, operated by the VA but focused on and for the local community. The proximity to OSU’s academic health care facilities will support many opportunities for collaboration, joint physician appointments, increased medical residencies and shared services, all of which will improve ease and efficiency for veterans.

Sens. James Inhofe and James Lankford, along with U.S. Reps. Markwayne Mullin and Kevin Hern, strongly supported the original application for the new hospital and led the effort to prioritize the project.

OSU President Burns Hargis called the project special to the university.

“We have great respect for the women and men who have served and are serving our country in defense of liberty and the pursuit of peace,” he said.

“We enjoy a longstanding relationship with the military, proudly graduating many students who become leaders in our armed forces. The approval of the federal funding for this project represents a significant achievement and step forward in reaching our shared goal to provide our veterans in northeast Oklahoma with an exceptional medical facility to care for them.

“We also appreciate the generosity of the Zarrow Family Foundations. Without their unwavering support, this project would never have proceeded.

Lastly, I recognize the leadership of Dr. Kayse Shrum, president of the OSU Center for Health Sciences, for her visionary leadership in bringing this project forward.”

More than two-thirds of the 47,000 veterans who receive services at the current Jack C.

Montgomery Medical Center in Muskogee live in and around the Tulsa metro area. Of the 115,400plus veterans in the Eastern Oklahoma VA area, approximately 68 percent are closer to Tulsa than to Muskogee, leading planners to estimate the new hospital could serve up to 14,000 more veterans annually.

The Eastern Oklahoma VA Healthcare System has initiated plans to convert the Muskogee center into a much-needed regional facility for behavioral health, rehabilitation and potentially long-term care for veterans in Oklahoma and surrounding states.

The total cost of construction for the Veterans Hospital in Tulsa is estimated at $130 million, funded by the $120 million federal appropriation and $10 million in philanthropic support. The state of Oklahoma has finalized the transfer of the KerrEdmondson property valued at $35 million, and the city of Tulsa has committed $8 million toward a parking garage for the facility.

The project was made possible by the congressional CHIP-IN for Veterans Act of 2016 — Communities Helping Invest through Properties and Improvements Needed for Veterans. The act allows local communities to serve as developers for health care facilities that are stated VA priorities.

Cap Strategic CHIP-IN partnerships such as the one in Tulsa allow the Veterans Administration a pathway to build facilities more efficiently and quickly than traditional approaches. Local communities are in a better position to identify the most advantageous sites, ensure service collaboration and better oversee construction costs and deadlines in their local markets.

Construction is slated to be completed and turned over to the VA for outfitting by late 2023 and open to patients in late 2024.

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SALUTING TWO ICONS FOR THEIR YEARS OF D E D I C AT E D S E R V I C E T O O K L A H O M A S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

ANN

BURNS

A S TAT E LY A F F A I R I N T U L S A | L U C I A & J O H N O ’ C O N N O R , C H A I R S

THURSDAY, JUNE 24 , 2021 COX BUSINESS CENTER • DOWNTOWN TULSA • 6 PM

Join us as we celebrate Oklahoma State University’s impact in Tulsa.

Proceeds from the event will fund student scholarships.

Visit astatelyaffair.com for sponsorship information.

For questions, contact OSU Foundation in Tulsa at osuintulsa@osugiving.com or 918-594-8500.

We all look for that sparkle and excitement in the students’ eyes when they see the future of agriculture education at Oklahoma State University. The P&K Equipment family and I also look forward to seeing the faculty and staff work together in this new environment that allows for the free exchange of ideas and thoughts to further enhance agriculture research. With the opening of this facility the future will look even brighter for the university with ‘The Brightest Orange.’”

Dr. Barry Pollard, ’73, New Frontiers Cornerstone Donor

When you give to the New Frontiers campaign you are investing in OSU Agriculture and the efficacy of its research, the quality of education, the power of Extension and OSU’s important role in feeding the world.

To learn more about the campaign and to view construction progress visit OSUgiving.com/New-Frontiers

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Vaccine Hunter OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine alumna tackles challenges in battling COVID-19

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r. Julie Ledgerwood, D.O., has spent her career studying viruses and developing vaccines against them through her work with the National Institutes of Health’s Vaccine Research Center (VRC), part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

But nothing prepared the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine alumna and her team at the VRC for COVID-19.

“I couldn’t have imagined what it would be like.

We’ve been responding and conducting research on outbreaks for almost 20 years in our center, we had a lot of experience, but nothing fully prepared us for this,” said Ledgerwood, who serves as deputy director, chief medical officer and chief of the clinical trials program.

But thanks to her nearly two decades of experience with the VRC, as well as her education and training at OSU-COM, she said she was as prepared as she could be to take on the monumental task of being part of the largest — and fastest — vaccine response in U.S. history.

RESEARCH AND MEDICINE COINCIDE While attending Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, Ledgerwood spent her summers doing entry-level research projects in the science labs, sparking her interest in research. When she started thinking about medical school, she said she really only considered the two in Oklahoma.

“I really just felt more excited and interested in the OSU-COM campus and the faculty and students I met. The engagement was really positive,” she said. “Growing up in Oklahoma, I had a lot of exposure to D.O. physicians, and I worked in an osteopathic physician’s office in college, so I had a lot of positive experiences with osteopathic medicine in my life. OSU-COM was the obvious choice for me.”

And it only got better once she was attending OSU’s medical school.

“I loved it— I made really strong friendships and had really great experiences, not only pure educational experiences, but also the rotations

Dr. Julie Ledgerwood

I had throughout the state and even outside the state,” Ledgerwood said.

In medical school, she continued to seek out research opportunities as well, spending summers and part of her internship in the immunology and renal physiology labs.

“My interest in research coincided with my interest in medicine, they went hand-in-hand.

They were never distinct, they were always coupled,” she said.

Ledgerwood went to Baltimore to complete her internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center before being accepted into the allergy immunology fellowship program at the National Institutes of Health, which proved to be a pivotal moment in her early career.

STORY SARA PLUMMER | PHOTOS DR. JULIE LEDGERWOOD AND PHIL SHOCKLEY

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“I love conducting research in a setting that is devoted to improving public health, pure and simple.”

DR. JULIE LEDGERWOOD

BECOMING A VACCINE RESEARCHER In 2002, during Ledgerwood’s first year at the NIH, the allergy immunology fellowship was closely aligned with the Walter Reed Army Medical Center’s allergy immunology fellowship so both program’s fellows trained together.

“I spent a lot of time at Walter Reed with my Army colleagues in training. … I was on the team that launched the smallpox vaccine re-initiation campaign at Walter Reed. In doing so, I was completely immersed in vaccine immunology, vaccine adverse event evaluation, special population considerations — all those topics became very interesting to me,” she said.

The second and third years of the fellowship were primarily spent on research, so Ledgerwood chose to complete her fellowship at the Vaccine Research Center.

“That’s how I became a full-time vaccine researcher. The VRC was very new at that Dr. Julie Ledgerwood’s medical school graduation time, and I was able to be there from the photo, class of 1998. earliest days,” she said. “As I trained, it just became more and more clear to me that I wanted to become a vaccine researcher.”

She officially joined the VRC in 2005 as staff member conducting clinical research. She has since been promoted to chief of the clinical trials program, chief medical director and deputy director. She leads a team of 64 clinical researchers and regulatory experts, has authored more than 85 publications and has conducted more than 60 clinical trials studying vaccines and monoclonal antibodies targeting HIV, influenza, Ebola, malaria, Chikungunya and Zika in over 13 countries.

“It was just a natural progression of my career to remain there but accept greater responsibility and take on a broader role over time,” she said. And Ledgerwood loves her work.

“I love conducting research in a setting that is devoted to improving public health, pure and simple. There is no other motivation behind what we do. It gives me a chance to do fun, exciting and cutting-edge research with an important, valuable mission,” she said.

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VRC Director Dr. John Mascola, M.D., called Ledgerwood an important contributor to the VRC and the field of clinical research.

“Dr. Ledgerwood is an outstanding physicianscientist committed to advancing biomedical solutions for public health needs,” Mascola said.

“She has dedicated her career to conducting clinical research both domestically and abroad, and her work has led to major advances in the development of novel vaccine and antibody products, including those targeting COVID-19.”

‘NEVER BEEN DONE BEFORE’ Ledgerwood said the VRC has been involved in the research component of every pandemic or outbreak since SARS-CoV-1 and West Nile in the early 2000s.

“A component of our work has been to respond with a research agenda for those pandemics, so we have to pivot each time,” she said. “In each case, we’re responding by developing medical countermeasures, usually vaccines or antibodies.”

Whenever there is evidence of an outbreak, especially of a viral disease, Ledgerwood said the VRC and NIAID are watching closely and ready to be part of the research response. By December 2019, her colleagues were already watching the outbreak in China and talking with their collaborators there.

Less than a month later, on Jan. 10, 2020, colleagues and collaborators at Moderna had determined the sequence to make a COVID-19 vaccine.

“We had a pre-existing long-term collaboration with Moderna on another vaccine project and separately we have a pre-existing coronavirus vaccine research program at the VRC that started with our first SARS vaccine. There was a lot of obvious expertise and existing relationships that allowed us to move quickly to help create this first vaccine,” she said. “The sequence was selected, and 65 days later the first subject was injected with the vaccine in Seattle. That’s a record that had never been done before.”

Ledgerwood said the first part of 2020 was an intense time getting regulatory documents

together and utilizing existing knowledge of SARS vaccines and prior mRNA vaccines to make the case to the FDA that vaccine testing could move quickly into humans.

“In early January, we weren’t sure how COVID19 was going to be, but by February we knew this was different. After following outbreaks for many years, you just have a sense,” she said. “That was a busy time — January, February and March.

Around that time, it became clear that this was a big problem, bigger than anything we had handled or been involved with before and that it would essentially need to be an all-hands-on-deck, allgovernment pivot to respond, so our entire center became focused on COVID research and response.”

The U.S. government developed project coordination teams for the different vaccines being developed, and Ledgerwood was assigned to multiple efficacy trial teams including the Moderna team. She also served as the U.S. government lead for the predictive analytics work group.

“Those were my main COVID-related jobs.

That’s how I spent my year, working on those teams while also maintaining the Vaccine Research Center’s clinical trials and regulatory programs; those are my day jobs,” she said. “It was a really busy year, everyone worked really hard seven days a week, almost around the clock. There were no holidays, there were no weekends; we just worked all the time to get the work done.”

HOW TO MAKE A VACCINE There are many kinds of vaccines, but when it came to developing COVID-19 vaccines, the U.S. government chose three types: mRNA, which included Moderna and Pfizer’s vaccines; viral vector, which included Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca’s vaccines; and protein vaccines, which included Novavax and Sanofi.

Ledgerwood was most involved with the Moderna vaccine, which was built on pre-existing research on SARS and MERS as well as Moderna’s research on previous mRNA candidates. The annual flu vaccine is quite different because it’s developed from inactivated virus, but that wasn’t a type chosen for COVID vaccines, Ledgerwood said.

“We took newer technologies, newer approaches.

What’s most important to know about mRNA is it’s fast, and it’s a platform. That means that you can make it in almost the same way for SARS-CoV-1 as you can for another virus. You’re not reinventing the wheel for each vaccine,” she said. “The platform is consistent and the antigen, the viral gene, is what’s new. That makes it very reassuring for regulatory and safety experts because very little is changing from vaccine to vaccine — unlike with a protein vaccine or an inactivated vaccine, which are all very distinct.”

Ledgerwood said she understands some people are concerned about the relatively quick development of the COVID vaccines.

As OSU was working on tests for COVID-19, Dr. Julie Ledgerwood was working on a vaccine through her work with the National Institutes of Health’s Vaccine Research Center.

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“In vaccine development there are required elements that generally always occur in a series — you do some studies in a lab, then you analyze the data, you do some studies with animals, then you analyze the data, then you launch a regulatory packet to go into human studies and you analyze the data,” she said, and that data analysis often takes months or even years. “What we did with the COVID vaccines was … move in parallel. We did laboratory work, animal work and the regulatory packet simultaneously, and then started the human trial.”

No corners were cut, and no steps were skipped, she said.

“Think of it as trying to build something quickly. If you have more people, more resources involved and you worked around the clock, you could build it more quickly. It wouldn’t be built any less robustly, it was just all built at the same time and then it came together,” she said. “It’s not that we skipped steps — we didn’t skip any steps, we did them as fast as humanly and technologically possible, and as much as possible, we did everything at the same time.”

OSU is continuing its COVID-19 vaccination clinics at University Health Services.

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‘I’M REALLY PROUD’ Ledgerwood said even though there are now several COVID-19 vaccines being utilized around the world, it doesn’t mean the job of researchers and scientists is done, noting another pandemic could happen anytime.

That’s why it’s important epidemiologists, immunologists and vaccine researchers around the world are prepared with advanced technologies and anticipate the most likely needs in the next outbreak or pandemic.

And Ledgerwood said the next time may be different and more difficult.

“Some viral families we don’t know as much about, and we should. Having some pandemic preparedness research occur for all the major or most likely virus families involved in an outbreak is essential. If you’re prepared with the knowledge to respond quickly, you can do so,” she said.

Still, her home state is doing impressive work on the vaccination front, she said.

“Oklahoma is doing really well; it’s one of the frontrunners for the whole country. I’m really proud of what Oklahoma is doing, and it’s great to see you all are doing so well getting those vaccines out,” she said. “I’m super proud to be part of this endeavor.”

OKLAHOMA NEEDS DOCTORS LIKE YOU

Choose a career in medicine and make a difference.

OSU-trained physicians work and live across the state providing excellent patient care to generations of Oklahoma families. Learn how the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine can help you achieve your dream of becoming a doctor.

Learn more about applying to medical school at medicine.okstate.edu.

ONCE A COWBOY, ALWAYS A COWBOY

Continue your Cowboy legacy with an online graduate degree.

OSU is waiving the application fees for our OSU alumni, making an OSU graduate degree even more affordable.

Learn more at osuonline.okstate.edu

Beginning and Intermediate Fly Fishing Nick Streit, Fly-fishing Guide and Owner of the Taos Fly Shop and The Reel Life Taos: A Mecca for Modern Art and Culture That Changed The World Lois Rudnick, Professor Emerita in American Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston Exploring Watermedia: Creating Art in The Taos Landscape Sara Schneckloth, Associate Professor of Drawing, University of South Carolina A Taste of Taos Carol Moder, Ann and Burns Hargis Professor, Director of The OSU Doel Reed Center in Taos The Presence of the Past: Public History in Taos and Northern New Mexico Bill Bryans, Emeritus Faculty, Department of History, OSU A Pueblo Pottery Journey Bruce Bernstein, Director of Innovation, Chief Curator, Coe Center

Leisure Learning Classes July 19-23 | Taos, New Mexico

The OSU Doel Reed Center in Taos is a living laboratory for interdisciplinary learning. Nestled in Taos, New Mexico’s art mecca, the Doel Reed Center features numerous and beautiful mountain views — an inspiration for the various courses, artists and writers it hosts.

We invite you to join us this summer for Leisure Learning classes. These weeklong educational experiences are designed by expert instructors for inquiring adults. You'll explore the art, culture and recreational experiences that multicultural northern New Mexico has to offer through lectures and discussions, workshops, visits to local sites and hands-on activities.

COVID-19 related precautions will be mandatory to ensure the safety of the students, instructors and community.

Visit DoelReed.okstate.edu for full course descriptions and to enroll today!

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STORY SHANNON RIGSBY | PHOTOS PHIL SHOCKLEY, GARY LAWSON AND ROBIN HERROD

As he steps down, Dr. Joseph Missal reflects on 35 years of leading the OSU band program

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r. Joseph Missal put down his baton for the last time as director of bands and Regents Professor of Conducting for the Oklahoma State University band program on April 17, the last concert of the season. The pandemic stole his annual opportunity to conduct the “Alma Mater” at OSU’s football games, so he ended the concert with the familiar song before closing the books on 35 years as a Cowboy in May, leaving behind a band program that has been revolutionized under his leadership.

Missal, who was recently inducted into the Oklahoma Higher Education Heritage Society Hall of Fame, once wrestled with being an architect or a musician. Architecture, after all, Missal said, is just still music. In the end, the music won.

“When I went to Michigan State as an undergrad, I thought I wanted to be a jazz music player,” Missal said.

“I thought I wanted to play with Stan Kanton or Buddy Rich or someone like that.”

He made the top jazz ensemble. He could hold his own, but others were better. He decided he could be the world’s greatest college marching band

director. He was good at that too, but not where he wanted to be.

While studying for his master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Missal discovered his calling. He found a home on the podium, becoming a channel for the music. He likens it to a work in visual interpretation, — passed to musicians through gestures, movements and facial expressions — that inspires “the shape of the musical line.” A former student called Missal so aurally gifted that he “can hear grass grow.”

“I love conducting,” Missal said. “It enables me to collaborate with people who love to make music toward an artful goal. Together, we combine what we know intellectually with what we feel intuitively to create something beautiful. Like all mysteries of great art, it is hard to put into words. The same piece will always sound unique with a different conductor.”

After graduating with his master’s in 1978, Missal and his wife, Denise, packed their things and moved to Billings, Montana, where Missal became the instrumental professor for tiny Rocky Mountain College.

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“Two of the most dynamic years of my life were spent in Stillwater with Dr. Missal. He has a deep, profound and completely honest love of the art form. And he’s a man of deep integrity. That integrity is actually what permeates how he teaches and deals with students.”

— FORMER OSU GRADUATE STUDENT CHAD SIMONS, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MUSIC AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

“I was 23 or 24 at the time, and you can embrace anything at that time in life,” he said. “We hooked a U-Haul up to our car and drove all the way to Billings. The state fair was there, and we couldn’t find a hotel. We found a dormitory that was open on campus, and we slept on the couches that night.

When you’re younger, you’re not really afraid of anything.”

Missal had 48 students the first year.

In three years, Rocky Mountain’s band program had expanded to 120 students out of a student body of 500. He often worked from 8 in the morning to 10 at night, and he loved it.

“It was exhausting,” he said. “A little over $10,000 (a year salary) on a tenure-track position and literally working 12- to 14-hour days. I had students older than I was.”

After three years in Montana and four years at Eastern New Mexico University, Missal came to OSU in the fall of 1986 to administer the entire band program, including 10 bands, scholarships, recruiting, tours and the budget. He expected to stay for five or six years but a few years turned into

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a decade, then turned into more than three.

“It just kept getting better and better,” he said.

When he began, his wind ensemble was more than half non-music majors.

Thirty-five years later, the wind ensemble is all music majors but one.

There are three concert bands and two jazz ensembles. The marching band grew from 135 to 350 members. The musical sophistication of the students has changed over time as well, with subsequent classes arriving more advanced than their predecessors.

“It’s another level than what I was dealing with when I first came here,” Missal said. “Now we have kids from all over the United States who come for our program. We have 12 different states represented in my top group right now.”

The years read like a travel guide of musical excellence, with performances down the road in Tulsa and as far away as Japan.

“There have been some amazing musical performances when you have a reciprocal relationship with the audience,” he said. “They were so into

what we were doing, and we were so into the appreciation that it took the music to another level.”

Music has been the gravity that held Missal’s career in orbit, but his students and colleagues understand that his greatest gift may have been relationships. Missal said a person must embrace two things to be successful as the leader of a collegiate band program: You must love people, and you better love the music.

“I don’t think you can do either one without the other,” he said. “You have to love people and you have to love music to be successful. I love that it’s different every day. There’s always new music to explore, and there are always different ways to achieve excellence.

You have people who are rotating every year, a different class of students with different strengths and weaknesses.

You all have to work together to make it go somewhere.”

Ryan Gartner, assistant band director for Jenks (Oklahoma) High School, studied with Missal from 2005 through 2012 for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“I really owe everything I have career-wise to Dr. Missal,” he said.

Gartner was set to attend another university, but his father convinced him to set up an audition at OSU to be sure.

Gartner found Missal kind, open and willing to answer questions — and so he changed his commitment to OSU at the last minute.

“It was the best thing that happened to me,” he said. “I think OSU has the better program.”

Former OSU graduate student Chad Simons, now associate professor of music at the University of New Mexico, agrees. His years with Missal were transformative — personally and professionally.

“Two of the most dynamic years of my life were spent in Stillwater with Dr. Missal,” he said. “He has a deep, profound and completely honest love of the art form. And he’s a man of deep integrity. That integrity is actually what permeates how he teaches and deals with students.”

Gartner and Simons believe Missal has gained

almost legendary status in the world of collegiate bands, and rightly so.

His musical prowess coupled with his personality made it inevitable.

“The program is what it is because of him,” Gartner said. “There’s no doubt about that. The school of music is losing a big force in the music world. Truly, it’s a huge page in the history books for Dr. Missal to retire. His influence will still be there for years to come through other faculty, and students will probably want to carry on his expectations and standards of excellence. He’s one of a kind.”

Simons agrees.

“He has got to be considered one of the most impactful faculty members in the School of Music in the last 100 years. He’s got to be,” Simons said. “He built that program from humble beginnings into something respected nationally and internationally.”

Dr. Jeff Loeffert, director of the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music, said he is grateful to Missal and his career-long investment in OSU’s music program.

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“Dr. Missal is among a small number of faculty in the Greenwood School of Music who have created a trajectory of long-term success for our program,” Loeffert said. “We owe our current position to music faculty like Dr. Missal who invested their careers in ensuring that the program achieves at its maximum potential and that we steadily improved year after year.”

Missal said the past year was more tiring than his first at the small Montana college. In response to COVID-19, he has been conducting behind a 7-footby-7-foot plexiglass screen, wearing a mask and a visor. A band may have 50 musicians, but never more than 20 at a time were present, spaced 6 feet apart.

“It’s very difficult work. I feel like I’m working 10 to 20 times harder than I have ever worked in my life — and I’ve always worked really hard — to come close to achieving the same results,” he said. “The students make it worth it because they’re working so hard, and they’re so thrilled to have an opportunity to play during this awful pandemic time period.”

Loeffert calls it unfortunate that Missal’s last year at OSU occurred with the pandemic, but no one could have done it better.

“This year will be part of his legacy as well. When Dr. Missal’s students look back at this year, they

will remember a professor who was committed to helping them achieve at their fullest potential despite the difficult circumstances,” Loeffert said.

“Really, what better lesson could there be? We do not find a path to success — we create a path to success. Our aim is to serve our students, and even a pandemic will not stop us from meeting our instructional mission. Dr. Missal’s legacy at OSU will be predicated on this platitude, and in a strange way, overcoming the instructional challenges as a result of the pandemic provide a fitting closure to a long and successful career.”

Missal feels like he’s leaving the program in a good place for the next generation, as well as in good hands.

There’s a specialist for every instrument now, a goal he had for years.

“We have such a good applied wind and percussion faculty — the entire school of music is top-drawer people,” he said. “They’re really first-class.”

He’s also leaving with The McKnight Center and Greenwood School of Music in place, each changing the trajectory of Oklahoma State’s music program.

“I’m so grateful to Michael and Anne Greenwood for giving us the gift of such a beautiful facility to study and make music,” Missal said. “But it was never about being in a new building for me. It was about getting the

“I don’t think you can do either one without the other. You have to love people and you have to love music to be successful.”

— DR. JOSEPH MISSAL

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building and raising our status from a department to a school of music. That was a goal I wanted to achieve.”

Clarinet professor Dr. Babette Belter has known Missal for 32 years and said he has an impeccable record of distinction as a conductor, a scholar and a pedagogue.

“He has, without question, been a leading force in developing and establishing the Greenwood School of Music as one of the outstanding music programs in the country,” Belter said, adding that Missal’s ensembles have garnered invitations to perform at clinics and conferences around the globe.

Missal says that while he will miss his students and his colleagues, he won’t miss trying to stretch scholarship dollars, handling the paperwork or dealing with the meetings. He remains true to his principle: Life revolves around the music and the people.

“When I retire, I’ll continue to guest conduct and whatnot, but I’ll do it on my own time frame,” he said. “I have enough contacts around the world that I can work probably as much as I want. I want to not be on a schedule.

I want to let somebody have a chance to take the program another direction.

I’m not really quitting. I like to say I’m ‘modulating.’ I’ll continue to make music.”

2020 2021 The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association recognized 52 students as OSU Seniors of Significance for the 2020-2021 academic year.

The Seniors of Significance Award recognizes students who have excelled in scholarship, leadership and service to campus and community and have brought distinction to OSU. The Seniors of Significance are listed here with their hometown and major.

Josh Anadu, environmental science, Katy, Texas Courtney Andrews, biosystems engineering, Stillwater Jacob Auer, biosystems engineering, Lenapah, Oklahoma Ariane Ballner, management and marketing, Elmshorn, Germany Georgia Blackwell, biochemistry and molecular biology, Venus, Texas Adrienne Blakey, agricultural communications and plant and soil sciences, Stillwater Valentin Brito, mechanical engineering, Oklahoma City Madison Brook, design, housing and merchandising, Tulsa Adam Bronson, cellular and molecular biology and microbiology, Richardson, Texas Chance Cain, accounting and finance, Stillwater Seraiah Coe, biology and natural resource ecology management, McKinney, Texas Payton Dougherty, philosophy and political science, Yukon, Oklahoma Grant Eaton, agricultural education, Cashion, Oklahoma Makayla Elliston, animal science, Moore, Oklahoma Lane Fanning, finance, Laverne, Oklahoma Isabella Garagusi, apparel design and production and design, housing and merchandising, Tulsa Halle Hannon, nutritional sciences, Mustang, Oklahoma

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Ashley Henry, elementary education, Claremore, Oklahoma Kelly Hirschbuehler, hospitality and tourism management, St. Louis Amber Holle, chemical engineering, Ponca City, Oklahoma Ridge Hughbanks, agribusiness pre-law, Alva, Oklahoma Aundrea Jackson, American studies, Stillwater Cierre Jones, accounting, Midwest City, Oklahoma Jaden Kasitz, mathematics and mechanical engineering, Wichita, Kansas Landen Keffer, chemical engineering, Ponca City, Oklahoma Alice Keithly, communication sciences and disorders, Enid, Oklahoma Kaitlyn Kirksey, human development and family sciences, Stillwater Kelsey Lauerman, human development and family sciences, Cushing, Oklahoma Jennifer Litchfield, aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering, Midwest City, Oklahoma Alexis Main, animal science, Modesto, California Cathy Mapes, animal science, Alva, Oklahoma Sergio Mares, biochemistry and microbiology and molecular genetics, Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico Blaze McMellian, accounting and finance, Argyle, Texas Dalton Miller, agribusiness, Amber, Oklahoma Luke Muller, agribusiness and plant and soil science, Altus, Oklahoma

Eden Patton, political science, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Zane Pedersen, physiology, Edmond, Oklahoma Kaitlyn Pixley, microbiology and molecular and cellular biology, Tulsa Alec Puckett, health education and promotion, Bixby, Oklahoma Johna Pulliam, physiology pre-med, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Casandra Salinas, biochemistry and molecular biology, Atolinga, Zacatecas, Mexico Halie Schovanec, agricultural communications, Garber, Oklahoma Maddie Stevens, natural resource ecology and management, Dallas Parker Strickland, accounting and finance, Tulsa Carolina Quijada, nutritional sciences pre-med, Elk City, Oklahoma Monique Walker, political science and global studies, Oklahoma City Maximum Waller, finance and accounting, Tulsa Braeden Weyhrich, music education, Boone, Iowa Erica Wiebe, agribusiness, Hooker, Oklahoma Lora Wright, agribusiness, Monett, Missouri Erin Yen, architecture, Oklahoma City Wanying Zheng, civil engineering, Oklahoma City

STORY SARAH HARRIS

Your class never goes out of style.

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Outstanding SENI RS 2020–2021 The OSU Alumni Association is proud to honor 22 students with the 2020-2021 OUTSTANDING SENIORS AWARD. This award recognizes students who distinguish themselves through academic achievements; campus and community activities; academic, athletic and extracurricular honors and awards; scholarships; and work ethic.

After reviewing the students’ applications, the Alumni Association Student Awards Committee met virtually with the 52 Seniors of Significance who were announced in November and selected 22 for this prestigious honor.

JOSH ANADU Katy, Texas Environmental science

ARIANE BALLNER Elmshorn, Germany Management and marketing

ADRIENNE BLAKEY Stillwater, Oklahoma Plant and soil sciences and agricultural communications

VALENTIN BRITO Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Mechanical engineering

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Anadu was a Goldwater Scholar and served as president of the Environmental Science Club. He was on OSU’s track and field team and a two-time College Sports Information Directors of America academic all-American. He also served as chapter

president for the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

Ballner was on OSU’s track and field and cross-country teams. She was a three-time Big 12 Champion and a three-time College Sports Information Directors of America academic all-American. Ballner was also a Spears School of Business Global Student

of the Month and made the President’s Honor Roll nine times.

Blakey was named a Truman Scholar in 2020. She also completed undergraduate research as a Niblack Scholar, Wentz Research Grant recipient and Freshman Research Scholar. She co-developed multiple wheat varieties, served as an Oklahoma FFA state reporter from

2016-2017, and volunteered for the Oklahoma FFA Association and National FFA Organization.

Brito was Mr. Hispanic/Lantinx OSU and an ExxonMobil Future Leader’s Academy Scholar. He founded an outreach program where he spoke about OSU and higher education to minorities in Tulsa and OKC. He was also named an HSF Scholar and hosted the Pinwheel Project.

After graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in environmental engineering. His goal is to protect and sustain natural resources and human health by contributing to the sustainable development of physical infrastructure.

He is currently a doctoral student at the California Institute of Technology in the Division of Geologic and Planetary Sciences.

After graduation, Ballner hopes to work in sports marketing for a German soccer club or sports brand.

After graduating in December, Blakey began her role as a fellow for the USDA’s Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement in Washington, D.C.

STORY WILL CARR | PHOTOS OSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

CHANCE CAIN Stillwater, Oklahoma Accounting and finance

SERAIAH TATE COE McKinney, Texas Biology and natural resource ecology and management

PAYTON DOUGHERTY Yukon, Oklahoma Political science and philosophy

RIDGE S. HUGHBANKS Alva, Oklahoma Agribusiness

JADEN KASITZ Wichita, Kansas Mechanical engineering and mathematics

KAITLYN M. KIRKSEY Stillwater, Oklahoma Human development and family sciences

During his time at OSU, Cain served as the leadership development facilitator for New Life Ranch and scholarship chair for Beta Theta Pi. He was also named a Top 20 Freshmen Male. Cain was the professional development chair for the Spears School of

Business Student Council and served as a small group leader for Countryside Church.

During her time at OSU, Coe was published in the nationwide journal Wildlife Biology and was named a McKnight Leader Scholar. She also received the Housing and Residential Life Commitment to Advocacy Award and won first place for her undergraduate research presentation

at the 34th Annual Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences National Conference. She was also a Women for OSU Scholar.

Dougherty was a founding organizer of OK State Stand United and was named an Outstanding Senior in Philosophy. She served as chief justice and senator for OSU’s Student Government Association’s Supreme Court. She won Best Legislation in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature twice, served as the director of diversity for

the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature and was a coach for the OSU Delegation Moot Court.

During his time at OSU, Hughbanks served as a National FFA officer and chair of OSU’s Student Government Association’s Public Affairs Committee. He was a U.S. agricultural ambassador to Japan and Canada. He was also attorney general for

OSU’s Student Government Association and a horse leader and feed team member for Turning Point Ranch.

Kasitz served as student body president for OSU’s Student Government Association.

She was also named a Women for OSU Scholar and Top 10 Freshmen Woman.

Kasitz also participated in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology’s

(CEAT) scholar program and was a CEAT Undergraduate Research Scholar.

Kirksey served as the student body president for OSU’s Student Government Association and coached basketball at Stillwater Junior High. She was named a Top 10 Senior for Human Development and Family Science. Kirksey was also named a College of Education and Human Sciences Senior of Distinction and served as an OSU campus tour guide.

After graduating in December 2020, Kirksey began working as a secretary for Edmond Public Schools. She will begin teaching family and consumer sciences at the high-school level in the fall. She will also serve as a Family, Career and Community Leaders of America advisor.

After graduation, Cain will be moving to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to join Tyson’s Financial Analyst Development Program.

After graduation, she plans to attend graduate school and hopes to pursue a career as a conservation biologist.

Upon graduation, she plans to spend a year doing policy and community organizing work before beginning law school in the fall of 2022.

Hughbanks plans to attend law school this fall.

After graduation, Kasitz plans to pursue a career as an engineer in the medical device industry.

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KELSEY LAUERMAN Cushing, Oklahoma Human development and family sciences

SERGIO EMILIO MARES Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico Biochemistry and microbiology and molecular genetics

DALTON MILLER Amber, Oklahoma Agribusiness

LUKE MULLER Altus, Oklahoma Plant and soil sciences and agribusiness

EDEN PATTON Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Political science and Spanish

JOHNA PULLIAM Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Physiology

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During her time at OSU, Lauerman served as vice president for Phi Mu sorority and a College of Education and Human Sciences ambassador. She volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and served as facilitator for the President’s Leadership Council. Lauerman made the President’s Honor Roll six times.

After graduation, she will be attending the University of Oklahoma School of Law, where she will study to become a family law attorney. She hopes to work with juveniles, families and survivors of domestic violence.

Mares was a member of the Hispanic Student Association and the Multicultural Affairs Committee. He was part of the Stillwater High School Advocacy Program for Latinx Communities and was published in the Microbiology Journal with Dr. Marianna Patrauchan. Mares was also an OSU representative in a presentation at the state Capitol.

After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctorate in bioinformatics at UCLA. He hopes to propel voices that have historically been unheard through advocacy programs, diversity and inclusion initiatives and mentorship teams.

Miller was president of the Ferguson College of Agriculture Student Council and president of Collegiate American Farmers and Ranchers. He was named a Top 20 Freshmen Male and Pioneer Telephone Cooperative Scholar. Miller also participated

in the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter.

During his time at OSU, Muller served as student body vice president for OSU’s Student Government Association. He was named an OSU Top 10 Freshmen Male and OSU’s Outstanding Greek Man. Muller was also a National Science Foundation Global Food Insecurity Scholar and participated

in the Oklahoma Agriculture Leadership Encounter.

Patton had an internship with the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. She also studied abroad in Granada, Spain. During her time at OSU, Patton enjoyed her OSU Honor’s College and Stout Hall experiences.

She also served as president of Phi Alpha

Delta Pre-Law Fraternity and volunteered at Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center.

During her time at OSU, Pulliam volunteered at Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center and was a Women for OSU Endowed Student Scholar. She studied abroad at the University of Basel in Switzerland. Pulliam also served as the freshman representative council coordinator for OSU’s Student Government Association and volunteered at Stillwater Medical Center.

After graduation, she plans to work in the medical field and gain more patient care experience before applying for physician assistant programs. She also hopes to become a Court Appointed Special Advocates volunteer.

After graduation, Miller hopes to work in agricultural policy, advocating for the interests of farmers, ranchers and rural communities at the state Capitol.

After graduation, he plans to pursue a master’s degree in agriculture economics with an emphasis in international development.

Patton graduated from OSU in December and plans to attend law school to become a corporate international lawyer.

CAROL QUIJADA Elk City, Oklahoma Nutritional sciences

MAXIMUM WALLER Tulsa, Oklahoma Finance and accounting

MONIQUE WALKER Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Political science and global studies

BRAEDEN WEYHRICH Boone, Iowa Music education

ERICA WIEBE Hooker, Oklahoma Agribusiness

LORA WRIGHT Monett, Missouri Agribusiness

Quijada was the executive director for the Student Government Association’s Multicultural Affairs Committee. She was also a new student orientation leader and diversity chair for Delta Delta Delta.

Quijada was named a Top 10 Senior for the Nutritional Science Department and served as the social chair for the College

of Education and Human Sciences’ ambassador program.

Waller participated in Homecoming, Varsity Revue and Freshman Follies with his fraternity, Sigma Nu. He was also the head of content creation and a board member for the OSU Speakers Board. Waller was a member of the Spears School of Business Student Council and volunteered for Into the Streets.

After graduation, he hopes to build a career in management consulting while continuing to lead operations for Tinstar Solutions, a software company that he and his brother own and manage together.

Walker was an Africa program intern at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. She was also a member of the Multicultural Affairs Committee for OSU’s Student Government Association and a member of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council. Walker also received an OSU Black Alumni Society

Scholarship and the Free Enterprise Society Scholarship.

Weyhrich was a member of the OSU Honors College and served as both the vice president of special projects and secretary for Tau Beta Sigma. She also served as vice president and secretary for the National Association for Music Education. Weyhrich

served as secretary for Sigma Alpha Iota and volunteered with Turning Point Therapeutic Riding.

Wiebe was named an International Collegiate Woman of Leadership and a Top 10 Freshmen Woman. She served as the philanthropy chair and nominating committee chair for Alpha Omicron Pi. Wiebe was also secretary for the OSU

Student Government Association and volunteered for Into the Streets.

Wright was a Ferguson College of Agriculture Outstanding Freshman and McKnight Scholar. She served as president of the Dairy Science Club and president of Sigma Alpha. Wright was also honored as a Top 10 Freshmen Woman.

After graduation, she hopes to attend law school. She wants to pursue a career helping farmers and ranchers through law.

Quijada graduated from OSU in December and hopes to pursue a dual degree in medicine and public health at OSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.

After graduation, she plans to research sustainable development within underdeveloped countries. She would like to get her master’s degree in international affairs or global development.

Weyhrich graduated from OSU in December and plans to become a public school band director in Iowa.

She is currently in her first year of graduate school at OSU, working toward a master’s degree in agricultural economics.

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Building the Future Couple establishes endowed scholarships and professorship

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eniece and Eddy Ditzler are investing in the future, one student at a time.

The Edmond, Oklahoma, couple recently finalized a gift to create an endowed scholarship and endowed professorship in the School of Accounting where Eddy is a proud alumnus and has worked as a lecturer since retiring in 2017. Their gift, which utilizes portions of their estate, also includes plans for an endowed football scholarship.

“Deniece and I come from families of meager means, and we know how important a college education is,” Eddy said. “My dad’s main focus in life was to ensure that my sister and I had the opportunity to earn our college degrees.”

Deniece worked her way through college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where she graduated in 1978. She said it’s important she and Eddy are helping others achieve their goals. “It changed our lives,” she said of their education.

Once Eddy graduated from OSU in 1978, he began working for Grant Thornton, an accounting firm in Oklahoma City. Among his duties was new talent recruitment, which often brought him back to OSU. His company’s matching program enticed him to make annual donations to OSU’s School of Accounting. During his career, he greatly enjoyed encouraging all OSU alumni at Grant Thornton to utilize the matching gift program and give back to OSU. More so, he enjoyed personally delivering those contributions to OSU. “It was great to be able to do that and see how appreciative those in the School of Accounting were. The School of Accounting always had a need for additional resources,” he said.

Eddy and Deniece expanded their involvement with OSU Athletics when they co-hosted a fundraising event to benefit the renovation of Boone Pickens Stadium. Subsequently, they have continued growing their friendships and affinity for OSU and OSU Athletics by holding season tickets in football, basketball and baseball and donating to the men’s and women’s golf programs.

“We give to athletics because we love the culture and want to do what we can to make OSU more competitive,” Eddy said. “For OSU Athletics, it’s not a win-at-all-costs culture. At the end of the day,

88 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

the culture is building young people and making them better citizens and adults.”

They view their investment with the School of Accounting the same way.

“The School of Accounting has a great reputation, and the goal is to keep it that way and help it stay competitive,” they said.

Audrey Gramling, head of the School of Accounting, said the program’s vision is “Building the Future of Accounting,” and she appreciates that the Ditzlers are making that possible.

“Their gifts will help us recruit and support outstanding accounting scholars, who will in turn help us build the future of accounting by educating our many students,” she said. “Their scholarship support is so important, as it will help transform lives and serve our school for years to come.”

The Ditzlers aptly incorporated “Building the Future of Accounting” into the name of their scholarship and professorship funds.

“That’s really the impetus for this gift,” Eddy said. “We are building the future by investing in students.”

Ken Eastman, dean of Spears Business, said the gift is especially meaningful coming from a member of the college’s faculty.

“Their gift demonstrates their passion and dedication to our students and the School of Accounting,” he said. “We are humbled that they care enough about us to give back as they have — including Eddy’s time as a lecturer. What makes this gift very special is that I know that it comes from the heart.”

The Ditzlers' gift is providing critical support for students and will be included in the Brighter Orange, Brighter Future scholarship campaign.

The initiative focuses on raising funds for both merit- and need-based awards.

Eddy and Deniece are hopeful their gift will inspire others and will make a lasting impact for students who struggle financially.

“We know what it’s like to work through school,” Deniece said.

“We want students to be able to focus on their education and take advantage of the opportunities college provides,” Eddy added. “Hopefully, we will help make that happen."

STORY AMANDA O’TOOLE MASON | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE DITZLER FAMILY

“Their scholarship support is so important, as it will help transform lives and serve our school for years to come.”

AUDREY GRAMLING, SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS The Brighter Orange, Brighter Future scholarship campaign gives hope to students and families who believe they can’t afford higher education or the lifechanging opportunities at OSU. Here are three reasons this campaign is vital to our students:

More than 82 percent of OSU’s student body rely on financial assistance.

Many of those students receiving financial assistance come from households with incomes of around $50,000 annually.

The cost of attending

OSU is pricing some students out, with one year here now estimated at more than $22,000 (excluding additional personal expenses).

Visit OSUgiving.com to learn how you can make a difference for students at OSU.

Your gift can be life-changing!

Scholarships oftentimes make the difference between a student choosing to attend OSU or foregoing college altogether.

To learn more about how you can make a difference for Spears Business students, please contact Tyler Hewitt at 405-385-5610 or thewitt@OSUgiving.com.

Eddy and Deniece Ditzler share their love of OSU with others through gifts benefiting the Spears School of Business and OSU Athletics.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 89

The world is a Brighter Orange when the brightest minds have the opportunities to grow and learn at a first-class institution. At Oklahoma State, we believe financial circumstances should never be a barrier to higher education. By making a gift to support scholarships, you remove obstacles that could prevent a student from achieving their dreams.

Needs-Based Scholarships

Merit-Based Scholarships

With dwindling state support, today’s students

Merit-based scholarships help keep Oklahoma’s

can no longer self-fund their college pursuits

brightest students in our state and provide them

and the financial burden is falling to students

with a competitive learning experience that

and their families.

rewards academic achievements.

Learn how you can remove financial barriers at

OSUgiving.com/Brighter-Orange

Excitement is continuing to build as we get closer to the opening of the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music this fall! In the meantime, our amazing music students have already been taking advantage of the large rehearsal spaces on the first floor this spring. We can’t wait to see what incredible things this world-class facility will do for our students and faculty!

Learn more about how you can support this incredible project by visiting:

OSUgiving.com/Greenwood

STUDENT NEWS

IMPACT Spotlight

Hometown: Beaver, Oklahoma Major: 2019 biochemistry grad, medical student at OSU-COM Tulsa

President’s Leadership Council — Cultivating Tomorrow's Leaders When you donate to President's Leadership Council (PLC), you equip students with important leadership skills, character-building service opportunities and lifelong friendships. PLC is OSU's signature freshman scholarship and academic leadership program. Your support allows students to complete a lifechanging year-long class that includes leadership and ethics seminars, community service and much more.

They will leave the program with the skills to help benefit others in their communities and careers.

For more information and to support PLC, visit: OSUgiving.com/student-life

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Alma

Rios Wilson Class of '19

What skills did you learn in PLC that you still use today?

There are many skills that a physician should have and being a good listener is absolutely one of them. Thankfully, PLC taught me how to really listen to others as they share their journeys, beliefs, thoughts and ideas in a respectful manner. Because of PLC, I have practiced this skill for several years and will continue to do so. I will strive for my future patients to feel truly heard and respected by me.

What are some of your best memories from PLC? The PLC retreat was always a favorite event for me throughout my undergraduate years. As a facilitator, I enjoyed watching these incoming freshmen get to know their small group members and work with each other to achieve certain goals. Additionally, as we would reflect on the past year each May, it was incredibly rewarding to witness how much the students grew within their first year of college. Throughout the academic year, PLC held some of my most cherished memories.

What advice would you give to current students who are/will be involved in PLC? My advice for any PLC student would be not to fear failure or rejection. College is filled with many let downs, whether that be a bad test grade or not getting a position you applied for. Take that as a learning experience. Gaining resilience from those hardships is the best thing you can do.

Hometown: Stillwater, Oklahoma Major: Biochemistry and molecular biology

Andre Abit

Class of '24

How did PLC help your transition into college?

Transitioning into college life, especially during a global pandemic, can be extremely stressful. Campus events are somewhat limited, so meeting new people is quite difficult.

Luckily, PLC has given me an opportunity to be around like-minded individuals and create new bonds in a new environment. The program has also taught me valuable lessons. I have incorporated some of these in my daily life and it has improved my attitude toward others and more importantly, toward myself. Without PLC my transition into college would have been more difficult.

What does it mean to have the PLC program offer support?

PLC is a unique class because it isn’t one. Instead, it’s a reserved time out of the week that gives students an opportunity to learn about different skills that are geared toward relational improvement and self-improvement. We aren’t a class, instead, we are one large family that’s always willing to help, and having this support makes college life a little easier.

What are some of your most impactful takeaways from the PLC program?

During this program I have learned several important lessons that will greatly benefit me in my future affairs.

The two most significant lessons are to understand others before seeking to be understood and to open up ourselves to discomfort.

Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma Major: Biology with a focus in pre-med sciences

Jada Lusk

Class of '22

How has PLC shaped your time at OSU? PLC gave me an instant community as a freshman. That was something I never expected to happen when I first got to campus. This program has given me joy, increased intentionality and lifelong friends. Without it, my roots at OSU would not run as deep as they do.

What are big takeaways from the program that you have used in your everyday life?

The biggest takeaway for me is that a leader isn’t defined — there is no one right way to lead. Being a good leader is doing your absolute best every day. There is power in the “everyday" leader.

What were some of your best memories from PLC? While events like the annual PLC Retreat and the leadership conference (TLX!) we put on are out-of-this-world experiences, I find myself holding on to the little moments that I’ve had with my PLC family and with the directors of the program. I didn’t expect to feel so loved and encouraged by people who have not known me long. Those five-minute conversations, countless emails, and messages have had a meaningful impact on my life.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 93

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THE COWBOY WAY

Dr. Lara Sypniewski spent 12 years in private practice before joining Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010. As a clinical professor in primary care medicine and surgery, she teaches practical hands-on skills to aspiring veterinarians and provides the highest standard of care to her patients at OSU’s Boren Veterinary Medical Hospital.

Dr. Lara Sypniewsky holds Tasha, a P3 team member owned by Ashlyn and Dr. Erik Clary.

STORY MACK BURKE | PHOTO PHIL SHOCKLEY

That includes animals from Pete’s Pet Posse (P3) such as Scruff, the Hargises’ canine companion.

“Scruff is the most spirited dog I have ever worked with in 22 years,” she said. “He has a truly effervescent personality! I absolutely love his resilience. He has overcome many obstacles — a gunshot wound, orthopedic surgeries, hospitalizations, extensive rehabilitation, homelessness and foster families, and he has done it all in a constant state of happiness.”

She called the P3 program a game changer and said high-profile stories like Scruff’s help to increase the program’s visibility and impact, highlighting the dedication of students, faculty and nursing staff who provide lifesaving care. Another P3 dog, Evie, who happens to adore Scruff, was also a high-profile story, surviving the 2013 Shawnee tornado, recovering from her injuries, adjusting to a new family and finding her place as a P3 therapy dog.

“I think impactful stories remind us of the good that veterinarians do and how hard we work for our community’s animals — small, large and everything in between. Veterinarians are really front-line heroes for these animals.”

Sypniewski, colloquially referred to as Dr. Syp by everyone, said she’s honored to be part of P3 because it represents the reason for her vocation.

“I absolutely adore animals, but I became a veterinarian in order to serve people,” she said. “The impact our companion animals have on each and every one of us is profound. In my opinion, the unconditional love of our pets is simply the closest thing to perfect that we can get! It is my job to keep these pets healthy and happy so they can continue to bring joy and happiness to those around them.”

Emotional fortitude and grit are keys to a long career in veterinary medicine, she said. She said remembering the victories is a powerful thing. She has saved every thank-you card, photo and note since 1994.

They’re a source of strength, a reminder that her work matters.

“Veterinarians are members of your family’s health care team, and we are expected to provide the best care possible and be open, honest and accountable for the care we provide. In addition, though, I hope more pet owners offer their veterinarian a little bit of grace. It is a tough job,” she said. “When a student receives a thank-you card or a note of appreciation, it literally can make their whole year. This small gesture helps to melt away the stresses of the job and reminds us why we have chosen this amazing profession.”

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 95

COWBOY CHRONICLES

The Earliest Social Media Oklahoma A&M found success moving into radio in the 1920s

A

Engineering faculty member James C. Kositzky designed and built the first radio equipment on campus.

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century ago, the earliest radio waves could have been described as social media. They transmitted through the Oklahoma skies to carry information and entertainment to isolated families, rural communities and urban centers. It may have seemed to them as magical and mysterious as if the sounds were coming from outer space.

The beginning of the Golden Age of Radio was an enchanted time for many families as they would gather around small, battery-powered wooden radio boxes to hear the voices of people located hundreds of miles away. Eventually, scheduled broadcasts occurred throughout the day and programs were designed for specific audiences at designated listening times. These developments took time, and the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Stillwater joined in the effort to enhance and expand radio listeners’ experience.

The first efforts using radio on the OAMC campus were quite primitive. In 1915, engineering students installed a wire running from the top of the smokestack at the Power Plant to the roof of the Engineering Building (Gundersen) as an antenna to receive Morse code transmitted via wireless telegraph. Years earlier, only telegraph lines transmitted these messages, but with recent improvements in wireless communication open airwaves carried the signals. By November 1917, the college began to offer classes for radio, or buzzer, operators for training to serve in the signal corps of the army during World War I. With promises of increased pay and rapid promotions, many signed up. Certification required that they send a Morse code message of 20 words per minute, each word being five letters or more. The dots and dashes of Morse code were difficult for the general population to decipher, but when broadcasts began including the sounds of voices and music, the popularity of radio soared.

OAMC leaders quickly recognized the potential of radio to assist with Extension efforts. Radio provided an opportunity to support outreach efforts and promote learning by directly reaching individuals in their own homes. Others on campus, especially the athletic department and the

STORY DAVID C. PETERS | PHOTOS OSU ARCHIVES

Left: The Hoke Electric Co. of Stillwater advertised its equipment in an ad for a radio presentation by OSU’s president. Right: Many of the early radio programs were interviews of OAMC faculty. The first radio studios on campus were small soundproof rooms equipped with a microphone, clock, table and chairs.

performing arts, began exploring broadcasting prospects with radio. Three initial requirements needed to be addressed: enhanced technical capacities, broadcast rights and the production of programming.

Purchasing appropriate technical equipment was the first step. Hilton Ira Jones, head of the chemistry department, funded the purchases through revenue from a special lecture he presented, then donated the several hundred dollars raised at the event for the equipment. James C. Kositzky, a recent addition to the electrical engineering faculty, provided the expertise and worked with students to install a radio receiving station during the fall of 1922. (Kositzky would teach a new class titled Electrical Communication and Radio for engineering majors beginning in the fall of 1923 and a little later add a class for nonengineering majors called Elementary Radio.)

A remote control panel installed in 1925 with a hardwire connection to the KFRY radio station in Bristow, Oklahoma, allowed for the broadcast of campus programing in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Later that year, the Bristow station moved to Tulsa under a new license and became known as KVOO (K Voice Of Oklahoma) with a 5,000watt capacity and remote control connection via Southwestern Bell telephone lines to the campus.

Programs included addresses from OAMC administration, concerts and recitals.

For several years, Oklahoma A&M officials had unsuccessfully worked with other land-grant

colleges to secure local radio stations on their campuses. OAMC ended up developing cooperative arrangements with existing radio stations in Oklahoma that allowed it to produce content at remote locations connected by telephone wires to the broadcasting stations. In September 1926, Roy C. Griffin, the managing director at KVOO, finalized these arrangements that included broadcasting home football and basketball games.

KVOO guaranteed that OAMC athletic events had priority over any games from the University of Oklahoma.

KVOO management also agreed to provide one hour on Mondays and Thursdays at 11:30 a.m. for the A. and M. College Farmers’ Hour Radio Program. Generally, the program was divided into six 10-minute presentations. Over the years, more radio stations joined the network of distributors and the broadcast schedule varied. The college developed a small remote studio under the stage in the auditorium with additional microphones in the main hall.

The production of occasional radio broadcasts in previous years was manageable, but the planning and preparations for two regular weekly broadcasts required assigning personnel to coordinate efforts.

Kositzky served as chief electrician and radio operator with D. Terry Martin, head of the speech department, selected as program director. Most, if not all, of the presenters had no experience in a radio studio, and some struggled to learn the basics. Speakers were required to stand from

D. Terry Martin served as head of the speech department until 1953.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 97

COWBOY CHRONICLES

OAMC agriculture faculty members replicate the sounds of making ice cream for their KVOO radio audience during a segment on the Farmers’ Hour.

one to three feet from the microphone and never allowed to adjust or touch it. They were to talk slowly, not slur their syllables, pronounce all words clearly and carefully, and avoid changing the tone or pitch of their voice suddenly. Directed to hold their manuscripts to the side, presenters

could avoid obstructing the sound waves of their voices to the microphone. Musicians had additional requirements. Stringed instruments were placed closest to the microphone, followed by the woodwinds, brass and percussion with all to be more than three feet away. Singers were warned that loud high notes could automatically throw the radio station off the air and musical conductors should avoid tapping their feet to the beat. The broadcast was live when the red light was on, and all were to avoid making any unwanted noises.

In 1925, it was estimated that 20 percent of Oklahomans had radios, but that number grew to 40 percent in 1930 and over 80 percent in 1940.

OAMC athletic events in Stillwater, especially the play-by-play descriptions of football games, were initially the most popular individual broadcasts in both urban and rural areas of the state.

By 1927, the Farmers’ Hour increased to three broadcasts per week and included short plays and musical numbers. In November of that year, the president of the national radio commission, Adm. William H. G. Bullard, stated, “The success of the Farmers’ Hour as broadcast from the A. and M. College is assured with the commendation given it throughout the United States. The agricultural school’s programs sent out from Stillwater are

The most popular early radio broadcasts were the live play-by-play announcements of football, wrestling and basketball contests from Lewis Field and the OAMC Gymnasium. Microphones were wired directly to KVOO in Tulsa.

98 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

doing more for the farmer of the South than any other organization.” Schools throughout the state purchased radios so that their students could listen to the Farmers’ Hour, and one of the show’s announcers, Carl P. “Hog” Thompson of the animal husbandry department, became a state celebrity.

Improved technical abilities and investments in radio programming production attracted additional Oklahoma radio stations to the Farmers’ Hour broadcasts in the 1930s. With the completion of Whitehurst Hall, a second radio studio was added there in 1929, then moved to Gundersen Hall in the 1930s and finally resided in Engineering (South) after its completion in 1939 and topped with two radio towers. In addition to KVOO, Oklahoma radio stations KOMA and KTUL began broadcasting OAMC productions in the late 1930s and with rebroadcasts on other stations, the college radio shows could be heard five days a week across the state.

Beginning the first Wednesday of October 1939, the School of Home Economics and the Extension Division sponsored a new program. Aunt Aggie made her debut on the radio during the Farmers Hour. Aunt Aggie, played by Ruth Musgrove, was a mature woman who dispensed domestic insights, hints and suggestions to her family and friends.

After the first airing, the feature soon became one of the most popular radio programs in Oklahoma.

Faculty in the school wrote a number of scripts involving a variety of themes. Regular characters included Mrs. Homa, a naive but enthusiastic homemaker, and her son Dickie. Topics included party preparations for children, clothing and dress, home decoration, food preparation, household purchases, relationships, home and furniture renovations and first aid. In response to the need for additional characters, a student group known as the Prairie Radio Workshop formed. With guidance from faculty and staff they filled roles in the Aunt Aggie skits and provided production assistance.

Students began training for careers in radio working on both sides of the microphone.

The Golden Age of Radio would continue for another decade. During World War II, OAMC served as a training site for radio technicians and eventually the college received broadcast licenses for two campus stations; KAMC, changed to KOSU (K Oklahoma State University) in 1959, and KVRO (Kampus Varsity Radio Organization), which started as a campus radio club. They had come a long way since the early days of Morse code and a wire antenna but soon faced competition from the next generation of social media — television.

The Aunt Aggie radio skits began in 1939 and proved to be one of the most popular features of the Farmers’ Hour.

Student members of the Prairie Radio Workshop provided characters for the show.

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 99

ALUMNI A S S O C I AT I O N

• Kneel with your bum on your heels.

• Take a deep breath in and stretch both arms above your head.

• Let the air out as you stretch both hands to the left.

• Curve your right arm like you’re holding a giant beach ball, bend at the elbow and wrist of your left arm like you’re holding a Hideaway pizza.

• Look at the yummy toppings! Breathe in and out, slowly, smelling fresh pizza before a great game.

• Switch sides and do the same after another big Cowboy win!

• Stand up tall and straight.

• Take a big breath in and stretch both arms above your head.

• Slowly let the air out as you curve your body down around a big beach ball.

• Keep your legs straight and try to touch your fingertips to your knees.

Bend your knees just a little bit if you have to.

• Breathe in and out, feeling the stretch in your back, neck and legs.

• Bend in your knees, relax your arms, and slowly roll all the way up to standing.

• Kneel with your bum on your heels.

Keep your chest upright.

• Behind your back, clasp your hands and fingers together. Press your palms tightly.

• Take a deep breath in, look up to the big blue Oklahoma sky and stretch your clasped hands down toward your feet.

• Slowly let the air out, tipping forward to place your forehead on the ground.

• Bring your hands up off your lower back and round your arms like the ‘O’ in orange.

• Take three deep breaths in and out.

To come back up, inhale and slowly bring your chest up.

• Kneel with your bum on your heels.

Keep your chest upright.

• Take a deep breath in, stretching both arms above your head and bringing your bum up off your heels like you are standing on your knees.

• As you exhale, stretch your left leg out to the side, making a wide triangle shape.

• Keep your right arm by your ear and stretch your left arm out towards the corner of the wall and ceiling.

• Breathe in and out three times, stretching your arms and legs straight out while stretching your head up toward the sky.

• Place your hands down on the ground, bring your left leg back to kneeling and start over on the other side.

• Lay on your back.

• Take a deep breath in and stretch your legs down and arms up above your head.

• Exhale, bringing your knees and arms in.

• Open your knees to the side and touch your toes together. Point your toes!

• Open your elbows to the side and touch your fingers together.

• Breathe in deeply, then slowly say ‘Goooooooo!’

See how long you can say the word.

• Sit on your bum with your legs stretched out straight in front of you.

• Take a deep breath in, stretch your arms above your head. Squeeze your legs together and flex your toes up to the sky.

• Exhale, bringing your straight right arm directly in front of you, parallel with the ground and your legs.

• Rotate your left palm to face away from you. Bend your left elbow, keeping it close to your ear while stretching your forearm forward.

• Stretch the top of your head up, trying to be as tall as you can.

Keep your back straight.

• Breathe in and out slowly three times.

Release the posture, shake out your arms and legs, and do the same sequence on the other side.

• Stand up straight. Inhale and stretch both arms above your head.

• Exhale and swing the right arm down.

Cross your left elbow as far over your right as you can. Bring the back of your hands together. If you can, bring your right thumb towards your nose and cross your hands again so they are palm-to-palm.

• Inhale and feel the stretch between your shoulders.

• Exhale, bend your knees and bring your hips down like you are sitting in a chair.

• Inhale and exhale here, or, challenge yourself to the next balance: cross your left leg over your right. Squeeze your legs together and try to twist your left ankle behind the standing right leg. If that’s too hard, try going from the chair position to lifting one foot off the ground a few inches, balancing without crossing your legs.

• Breathe deeply. Fix your eyes on a single spot on the wall. Try it on the other side, but don’t forget to switch your arms, too.

Going Virtual

OSU Alumni Association adapts to pandemic limits

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic ramped up, the OSU Alumni Association had to adapt how it engaged with students, alumni and friends. The organization has hosted more than 150 virtual events since March 2020.

“As an organization that focuses on providing unique events and experiences for our members and friends, we really had to evaluate alternative ways to connect through the pandemic,” said Jessica MedinaBenningfield, executive director of engagement.

Thousands of alumni and students have been able to connect with their alma mater virtually over the past year through events, including nearly 50

growth and career-focused webinars, virtual coffee happy hours with alumni from across the U.S., and a virtual Official OSU Class Ring Ceremony with a do-it-yourself kit for students to complete the iconic Orange Splash tradition at home.

Two feature event series include Fridays with the Family and the Orange Spotlights. Fridays with the Family began as a weekly virtual discussion with OSU and community representatives on a variety of topics.

Participants get an inside scoop on several aspects of the university and are able to ask their most pressing questions of the guests. The event has since transformed into a monthly series, and past guests include university

leadership, former Pistol Petes, OSU coaches and student leaders.

The Orange Spotlight series gives viewers an inside look at various OSU alumni-owned businesses or showcases alumni with unique stories. Past guests include chef Jennifer Hill Booker, Longwood Gardens CEO Paul Redman and former Cowboy football player D’Juan Woods.

“It has been great to highlight so many through these events, and we look forward to highlighting more members of the Cowboy family in the future,” Medina-Benningfield said.

The OSU Alumni Association is accepting guest suggestions for both series. If you have a suggestion for a guest or topic, visit ORANGECONNECTION. org/virtualrequest.

Lee Redick, better known to OSU fans as Mr. Orange Power, shared his story and how his signature orange jumpsuit and expressions came to be in an episode of Fridays with the Family.

Pistol Pete showed viewers how to complete the Orange Splash in the virtual Official OSU Class Ring Ceremony.

Joy Fieldsend, OSU Alumni Association coordinator of alumni programs and travel, presented on the Traveling Cowboys program and highlighted three feature trips for the upcoming year on Fridays with the Family.

Dr. Kelly Dunn, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at OSU-CHS, answered questions about mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic in an episode of Fridays with the Family.

STORY SARAH BILDSTEIN WANZER | PHOTOS OSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 103

New Life Members ALUMNI A S S O C I AT I O N

The OSU Alumni Association would like to recognize and thank the following individuals who are now connected for life to Oklahoma State University through their new life memberships purchased in 2020. This list includes 1,419 Cowboys who have taken advantage of life membership credits offered under our new membership model.

Visit ORANGECONNECTION.org/life to see how easy it is to become a life member today or call 405-744-5368.

*An asterisk designates life members who joined as OSU students.

Frank Aaron Jr., ’67 Dan Abel, ’95 William Abel* Logan Abernathy* Treasure Abington* Bob Ables, ’71, ’81 Dolores Abraham, ’58, ’72 Mark Acord, ’18 Conley Adams* Stephen Adams, ’76, ’86 Colton Adkison* Mike Agan, ’66 Mike Agnew, ’68 Julia Aguirre* Maggie Ahearn* Ronald Ahsmuhs, ’72 Barbara Aitchison, ’81 John Alexander, ’69 Jordyn Alexander* Katherine Alexander, ’16 Kenneth Alexander, ’79 Mackenzie Allen, ’20 Michelle Allen, ’20 Missy Allen, ’14 Roger Allen, ’86 Susan Allen, ’77 Bill Allison, ’66 Gladeen Allred, ’64, ’71, ’85 William Althaus* Matt Altick, ’14 Wadell Altom, ’63, ’65, ’70 Jim Alvey Jr., ’78 Barbara Ames, ’51 Madison Amons, ’12 Jim Anderson, ’50, ’54, ’59 Kody Anderson* Paula Anderson, ’84 Sam Anderson* E. R. Andrew Jr., ’59 Gale Andrew, ’66 Cade Andrews* John Andrews, ’92 Charles Annibale, ’54 Rick Antle, ’81, ’98 Catherine Appling, ’19 Marilyn Archer, ’75 Pamela Ardern, ’76, ’81 Matthew Argo*

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Max Arguello* Jonathan Armbruster* Mark Armbruster, ’83, ’85 Bill Armstrong, ’70 Cassidy Armstrong, ’20 Taylor Armstrong, ’20 Joe Arnold, ’79, ’80, ’81 Andrea Arstingstall, ’69, ’81 Micah Arthaud, ’20 Larry Arthur, ’66, ’81 Ronald Arthur, ’93 Joe Arthurs, ’92 Pravit Asavamonchai, ’73 Carroll Ashbaugh, ’70, ’77 Timothy Ashley, ’74, ’79 Janet Ashworth* Brad Atkinson, ’03 Michael Aubry, ’81 Alex Aultman, ’20 Aaron Austin* George Austin, ’64, ’71 James Avanzini, ’79 Kenneth Awtrey, ’73 Katy Aycock, ’20 Frank Babcock, ’82, ’83 Melissa Bacher, ’17 Charlotte Back, ’73, ’75 Matt Badgett, ’98, ’00 Jackie Badley, ’88 Pamela Baggett, ’69, ’71 Gregory Bailey, ’90 Jasmine Bailey, ’18 Katelyn Bailey* Kathy Bailey, ’77, ’90 Merissa Bailey* Tom Bailey, ’73 Matt Baine Lestie Baird, ’64 Trenton Baird Julia Bakeman, ’72 Alan Baker, ’73, ’76 Jerry Baker, ’61, ’68, ’72 John Baker, ’66, ’67, ’83 Michelle Baker, ’11, ’14 Sue Baker, ’64 Duncan Balderson* Mary Balderson, ’95 Carl Baldwin, ’77 Blain Ball, ’20

Jackson Ball, ’18 Ruth Ann Ball, ’61, ’65 Charles Banks* Cynthia Banks, ’17 Michael Banks, ’75 Philip Banks, ’74, ’76, ’78 Skyler Banta* Amanda Barber* Rebekah Bardoel* Jim Barkalow, ’71 Art Barker, ’94, ’05 Valerie Barker, ’03 Bradley Barlow, ’93, ’99 Nick Barlow, ’19 Hunter Barnard* Jessie Barnes, ’20 Susan Barnes, ’86 Janet Barnett, ’79, ’83 Grant Barrick, ’15 Jack Barrick, ’20 Nyomi Barrick-Womack* John Barron, ’79, ’82 Courtney Barry* Lexi Barry* Bart Bartholomew, ’55 Faye Bartlett, ’20 Sarah Bartlett* Cheyenne Bartling* Jane Bartusch, ’70, ’83, ’87 Kimberly Bates, ’83, ’86 Sam Baucom Jr.* Christen Bayliff, ’17 Savannah Beakley Lynne Beam, ’79, ’96 Tom Beam, ’66 Kourtney Bear* Kirk Beard, ’71, ’80 Brandon Beck* Ethan Beckham* Stephen Beckmann* Chauncey Beckner* Callie Bedell Josh Bedell, ’17, ’19 Jessica Begley, ’95, ’97 Eric Behnke, ’67 Kathleen Beisly, ’82 Janice Bell, ’60 Steven Bell* Andrew Bellamy* Emmaline Belwood*

Carly Bender, ’20 Caleb Bengs* Richard Bengtson, ’66, ’67, ’80 Greg Bennett, ’86 Sharon Bennett, ’72 Ann Bentley, ’76 Olivia Benton Jordyn Berberick, ’20 Julia Bercher* Sy Berger, ’49, ’50, ’59 Lynnea Berges* Diana Bergman, ’77, ’91 Reagan Berkinshaw, ’20 Burck Berry, ’11 Leah Berry, ’17, ’20 Meredith Berry Brayden Berryman, ’20 Richard Berryman, ’59 Roger Berryman, ’73 Claude Bess III, ’70 Diana Best, ’72 Ravyn Bevard, ’20 Joan Bevington, ’66, ’71 Victor Bey, ’66 Katherine Bezner, ’20 Jacob Bible, ’19 Rocky Bigbie, ’80, ’81 Logan Biggins* William Bigham, ’82 Chad Bilby, ’95 Daniel Bintz Karen Bintz, ’84, ’86, ’92 Melissa Black, ’04, ’05 Mike Black, ’67 Amy Blackburn, ’04 Philip Blackburn, ’71 Taryn Blackstock, ’20 Trevor Blackwell* Lisa Blaine, ’84 Jim Blake, ’66 Adrienne Blakey* Josue Blanco* Cathleen Blankenship, ’86 Kenneth Bledsoe, ’90 Mason Blinson, ’20 Camryn Blisard* Glenn Blood, ’77 Matthew Bloomfield* Barry Bloyd, ’67, ’73 Rebecca Blundon, ’20

Maddy Blunt, ’18 Mitch Blunt, ’20 Elijah Boado* Keith Boatright, ’92 Lydia Boatright, ’20 Richard Boatsman, ’62, ’64 Brenda Bodenheimer, ’63 April Boeckman* Randall Boehs, ’78 Vince Bogard, ’90, ’92 Cathey Bogert, ’82 Franklin Boles, ’56 Wayne Bollenbach, ’89 Emily Bollom, ’20 Laura Bolton-Cantrell, ’89 Anne Bomba, ’81, ’87, ’89 Kassy Bonham, ’18 Robert Boone, ’72 Tom Boone, ’68 Ali Booth, ’20 Jonni Booth, ’79, ’11 Preston Booth, ’15 Joey Borden* Sheyian Borgstrom, ’16 Ezekiel Born, ’20 Jenna Borrelli, ’20 Lisa Bossa, ’87, ’08 Jack Bossler Jr., ’77 Ronald Bostian, ’69 Don Bostwick, ’50 Brent Botts, ’81, ’93 James Boudreaux* Coleman Bourke, ’20 Bill Bowen, ’81 Steve Bowers, ’75, ’81 Lynn Bowles, ’73 Ann Bowles Gibson, ’65 Kaylee Bowman* Margaret Bowman Paige Boyd, ’20 Sarah Boyd, ’81 Karley Boyer, ’20 Richard Boyer, ’16, ’17 Johnnie Boyle, ’72 Dan Brace, ’15 Candace Braddock, ’00 Carolyn Bradley, ’70 Jacob Bradley* Marla Bradley, ’88, ’89

Mike Bradley, ’79 Katie Bradshaw, ’18 Lacy Brame, ’20 KaLynn Branham, ’18 David Branson, ’74 Bruce Brasington, ’79, ’81, ’90 Ivan Bravo-Barrios* W. A. Brence, ’59 Tegan Brennen, ’82, ’83 Alee Brewer* Dakota Brewer* Lee Brewer, ’73, ’75 Ronnie Brewer, ’64, ’66 Carol Bridges, ’68, ’75, ’89 Nita Bridwell, ’71, ’84 Patrick Brierley, ’88 Kelsey Briggs* Matthew Briggs, ’20 Riley Briggs* Gerald Briscoe, ’58 Joseph Briseno, ’18 Kailey Britt* Gene Brock Robert Brooks, ’98 Bart Brorsen, ’53 Konrad Broussard, ’85 David Brown, ’85 Dean Brown, ’64, ’66 Jennifer Brown, ’76 Jessica Brown, ’20 Rachel Brown, ’20 Rachel Brown, ’20 Sharon Brown, ’62, ’73 Talmage Brown Jr., ’61, ’65, ’72 Thomas Brown, ’20 Thomas Brown, ’71, ’74 Zachary Brown, ’20 Kayla Browne, ’20 Monica Browne, ’96 Christopher Browning* Schuyler Brubaker* Deann Bruce, ’84 Geoff Brueggemann, ’73 Kristi Brumback, ’86 Bailey Bruner, ’20 Cynthia Bruner, ’88 Steve Brusso Jr., ’70 James Bruzewski, ’79 Mariah Buchanan, ’18

Brenda Buck, ’88 Darren Buck, ’93, ’96 Homer Buck Jr., ’50 Bob Buckley, ’77 April Bulling, ’91 Scott Bulling, ’86 Bonni Bunting, ’72 William Buoy, ’17 Tyler Burch, ’20 Kevin Burditt, ’90, ’93 Beverly Burgin, ’81 Connor Burhop, ’19 Marisa Burke, ’20 Fred Burks, ’91 Richard Burling, ’73 Brooke Burnett* Darren Burns, ’94 Larry Burns Liz Burns, ’78, ’86 Roger Burns, ’81, ’82 Jay Burnside, ’65 Dan Burnstein, ’89 Frank Burright Jr., ’81 Philip Burris, ’76 Edward Burrows, ’88 Phil Burrows, ’77 Cheyenne Burton* Frank Burton, ’59 Gail Burton, ’71, ’73 Matthew Burton* Dianne Busch, ’68, ’71, ’81 Katey Butler* Monty Butts, ’66 Suzie Buxton, ’75, ’78 Bryan Byrd* Phil Byrd, ’13 Mason Cable, ’20 Donna Cadwalader, ’59, ’64, ’85

B.J. Cagle, ’69, ’83 Cristine Cain, ’20 Tracy Cain, ’86 Liz Calandra* Claire Caldwell* Hailey Caldwell* Emma Calhoun, ’20 R. L. Calhoun, ’66, ’70, ’94 Ryan Callahan* Mike Calnan, ’74 Brooke Cameron, ’19 Grace Campbell, ’20 Jeneane Campbell Stephen Canary, ’75 Celine Canava* Alex Cannon, ’20 Sydney Cannon* Mekaila Carey, ’19 Doug Carlson Deborah Carment, ’69, ’88 Thomas Carment, ’67, ’70, ’91 Jim Carmichael, ’61, ’65 John Carollo, ’73 George Carpenter, ’79, ’95 Barry Carr, ’71 Andrea Carrillo* Randel Carroll, ’82 James Carson* Phil Carson, ’57 Andrew Carter, ’20 Joe Carter Jr., ’81, ’84 Joe Carter Jr., ’82, ’83, ’90 James Cartmill, ’66 Mckenzie Carvalho, ’20

Mary Beth Carver, ’85, ’09 Sydney Carver* Makenzi Casebeer* J.D. Casey Jr., ’58 L.K. Casey, ’61 Carol Cash, ’70 Kirsten Caskey, ’17, ’18 Nicholas Cassell, ’19 Charlee Cassidy* Larry Cassil, ’56, ’64 Courtney Castello* Elmo Castle, ’58, ’80 Ryan Caudill* Cameron Cavalliere* John Cawley, ’77 Cari Cearley, ’20 Orie Chambers, ’11 Jeff Chambless, ’92 Jordan Chancellor* Walker Chandler, ’20 Karen Chapel, ’77 Addison Chapman* David Chapman, ’64, ’65 Victoria Chapman, ’20 Edwin Chappabitty Jr., ’67, ’80 Terry Charles, ’68 Jalen Chase* Mike Chase, ’74 Terry Chase, ’84 Bill Chaufty, ’74 Mark Chezem, ’84 Rahul Chidurala, ’16 Dara Childs, ’61 Foster Chin, ’83 Frank Chitwood, ’58 Larry Chitwood, ’71 Phil Chitwood, ’69, ’71

Whoi Cho, ’17, ’19 Donna Chrislip, ’67, ’69, ’96 Deborah Chrisman, ’72, ’86 Brendon Christensen, ’04 Carrie Christensen, ’09 Carolyn Christie, ’68 Victoria Christie* William Church* Ken Claar, ’75 Brett Clair* Claire Clark* Kathleen Clark, ’59 Dorothy Clark-Larkin, ’64, ’65, ’91 Allan Clarke, ’86 Hannah Clarkson, ’20 Gabriel Clem* Dale Clemens, ’68, ’78 Rachel Cleveland, ’20 Ally Clifft* Mark Clinard, ’77 Annika Cline* Ted Cline, ’56 Joe Clink, ’61 Laurie Clodfelter, ’82 Nancy Cloud, ’83 Christina Clovis, ’20 Kent Clovis, ’75 Allison Clymer, ’20 Andrew Coakley, ’20 Abigail Coates, ’20 Samantha Coats* John Cobb, ’68 Pamela Cobb, ’71, ’04 Don Coble, ’75, ’86 Tim Coburn, ’73, ’75, ’80 Denyce Codoni, ’71

C. A. Cofer, ’53 Anna Coffee* Diane Coffey, ’61 Doug Coker, ’81 Mackenzie Cole* John Coleman, ’85, ’86 Monica Coleman, ’86, ’90 Peighton Coleman, ’20 Michaya Collier, ’19 Bob Collins, ’77 Charles Collins, ’60 Ged Collins, ’59 Reginald Collins, ’64 Jordyn Collyar* Randy Compton, ’81 Whitney Condit, ’14 Chris Conine, ’82 Chris Conn, ’71 Leslie Conner, ’70 Jordyn Conover, ’20 Kennedy Conrad Kevin Conway, ’78 Ann Cook, ’90 Elaine Cook Loren Cook II, ’89 Robert Cook* Amy Cook Fisher, ’02 Allison Coonce David Coonce, ’07 Bo Cooper* Emily Cooper* Jonathan Cooper* Ken Cooper, ’73, ’76 Riley Cooper, ’20 Truman Cooper, ’16 Jill Cope, ’20 Bill Copeland, ’93 Kristina Copeland, ’93 Laura Corbin, ’02

Lindsay Cordier* Joy Cordova, ’18 Kelsea Corley, ’20 Lawrence Cornforth, ’69, ’71 Terrie Correll, ’78 Max Cosby* Grant Cotherman Jeanne Cotter, ’87 Karlee Cotter* Christian Couch* Ricky Couch, ’04, ’07 Courtney Coulson, ’20 Justin Courtney, ’97 Patty Cowan, ’78 Caroline Cowles* Reynolds Cowles Jr., ’67 Amberly Cox, ’20 Clifford Cox, ’62 Donald Cox, ’71 Eldon Cox, ’66 Eric Cox* Joanne Cox, ’73 Kayla Cox, ’20 Keith Cox, ’84 Kim Cox, ’91 Lloyd Cox, ’81, ’83 Ozel Cox Jr., ’62 Patrick Cox, ’70 Richard Cox Jr., ’70, ’81, ’85 Vicki Cox, ’72 Brian Crabtree, ’98 Kayla Crabtree* Berri Craddock* Kayleigh Crane, ’19 Kendall Cranston, ’70, ’81 Sam Craven, ’82 Adriann Crawford*

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 105

Dennis Crawford, ’79 Larry Crawford, ’59 Marseille Crawford, ’19 Joe Creider, ’90 Duane Crider, ’72 Janet Crider, ’72 John Crook, ’56 Nathan Crosby, ’06 Keegan Cross Sam Cross, ’20 Ron Crossley, ’61 Ralph Crotchett, ’76 Colette Crotty, ’85 Keegan Crow* Charles Crozier, ’74 Matthew Cullum, ’96 Madison Culver David Cummin, ’73, ’76 Sarah Cummings* Kelly Cummins, ’20 Sammi Curless, ’97, ’99 Johnny Curran, ’75, ’76 Ben Curtis, ’58, ’63, ’71 Erin Cusack* Josh Cutshaw* Vickie Dahnke, ’84 Jay Daniel, ’65, ’67 George Danz, ’69, ’70, ’87 Trent Darby* Brendan Darcy* Melisa Davenport, ’17 Jim David, ’73 Leslie Davidson, ’66 Pamela Davidson, ’91 Eric Davies, ’96 Andrew Davis, ’15 Carl Davis Jr., ’88, ’90, ’94 Corie Davis, ’94 Jennifer Davis, ’92 John Davis Jordan Davis* Libbi Davis, ’74 Lynn Davis, ’61, ’62 Olivia Davis, ’20 Philip Davis, ’17 Samantha Davis, ’20 Samuel Davis* Sharon Davis, ’71 Cameron Davison, ’20 Tate Dawson* Ashlyn Day, ’19 Florelee Day, ’53 Phil Dean, ’74 David Deason, ’70 Marion Deaton, ’71, ’90 Michael Deaton, ’81, ’82, ’89 Colton Deckard, ’20 Jacob Decker* Stephen DeFrees, ’74, ’76 Lea Del Rosso, ’95 Clint Delk, ’85 Donna DeLoach, ’83 Rebecca Dempewolf Timothy Denker, ’96, ’99 Brandy Denny* Kimberly Denson, ’84

106 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Ura Lee Denson, ’63, ’64 Ross Derrevere, ’78 Barbara DeSanto, ’82, ’91, ’95 Mark Desmond, ’78 Gerard Desormeau, ’66, ’71, ’72 Pat Desormeau, ’67, ’97 Daniel Determan, ’81 Jon Determan, ’82, ’84 Gary Detrich, ’71 Hannah Devane, ’18 Gary Dewbre, ’95 Dale DeWitt, ’70, ’74 Jake DeWolf* Charles Di Iorio, ’59 David Dickerson, ’67 Sandra Dickey, ’80 Travis Dickey* Bob Dickson, ’71, ’72 Bob Diehl, ’89 Stephen Diehl, ’85 R.A. Diggs, ’74, ’76 Stephen Dilday, ’19 Stacey Dilger, ’84, ’07 Jeannette Dill, ’66, ’68 Stanley Dilley, ’71, ’89 Teresa Dillon, ’81, ’89 Emma Dillsaver* Chase Divine* Hannah Divine, ’18 Julie Dixon, ’90 Mary Dixon, ’64, ’76, ’94 Chris Dizmang, ’85 Debbie Dizmang, ’85 Gregory Dlabach, ’88, ’92, ’05 Michael Dobbins, ’92 Steve Dobbs, ’81 Taylor Dobbs* Baylee Dobler* James Dobson, ’69, ’71 Susan Dobson, ’73 Bill Doenges, ’61 Cody Dollarhide, ’20 Kim Domnick, ’74, ’78, ’82 Daniel Donaldson, ’10 Lauren Donaldson, ’09, ’11 Mike Doran, ’81 Robert Doss, ’75, ’79 Robert Doty, ’57 Darius Douglas-Smith, ’20 David Douglass, ’89 Alan Dove, ’72 Joshua Dowdy* Cheryl Dowell, ’88, ’92 Larry Dowell Kaetlin Dowing* Jan Dowlearn Asha Doyle* Julia Draelos* Aliya Dragg* Gene Drechsler, ’59 Robert Drechsler, ’68 Donovan Dressler, ’97 George Drew Jr., ’76, ’79

Sarah Drown* Michael DuBois, ’97, ’98 Keith Ducotey, ’83, ’86, ’87 Garin Dudley* Kelly Dudney, ’83 Jada Duff* Karen Dugger, ’69 Kyndal Dugger* Kevin Duke, ’82 George Dula, ’91, ’94 Frank Dum, ’79 Fred Duncan, ’74, ’76 Gant Duncan* Mary Duncan, ’71 Mattie Duncan* Mike Duncan, ’70 Reid Duncan* Kent Dunlap, ’83 Diana Dunn-Williams, ’88 Jim Dutton, ’89 Kourtney Dutton, ’20 John Dzierzak, ’72, ’85 Cari Earnhart, ’99, ’01 Michael Easley, ’83 Rob Easterling, ’64, ’65, ’67 Wayne Easterwood Sr., ’58, ’59, ’60 Georgia Eastham* Lynn Ebbesen, ’70, ’72, ’76 Lauren Eberhart, ’20 Madison Echols* Gertrude Eckstein, ’62 Scott Eddings, ’79, ’81, ’90 Melanie Edelmaier, ’85 Anita Eden, ’77 Lynette Edmonds, ’82 Carla Edwards, ’81 Don Edwards Elizabeth Edwards, ’72, ’86 Michelle Edwards, ’05 Roger Edwards, ’72, ’73 William Egan, ’20 Godwin Ekpek, ’13 Kathy Elbert, ’80 Chuck Elder, ’61 Nick Elder, ’20 Robin Eldridge, ’19 Jenneen Elkhalid, ’17 Kevin Ellington, ’60, ’65 Edith Elliott, ’50 Jim Elliott, ’63 Jim Elliott, ’63, ’96 Larry Elliott, ’67, ’77 Zachary Elliott* Rick Ellis Jr., ’72 Joe Elsener, ’74, ’77 Keller Elwood, ’20 Kristin Emerson, ’90 Gary Engelking, ’79 Don England, ’73 Tasia England* Mindy Englett, ’17 Michael Ensign, ’84 Dirk Erdoes* Kenzie Ericson, ’20

Deb Ernst, ’79 Hap Escue, ’67, ’68 Dennis Essary, ’76 Will Essig* Robert Eudaley, ’57 Taylor Evanko, ’20 Beth Evans, ’84 Charlotte Evans, ’65 Debra Evans, ’78 Paula Evans, ’68, ’81 Andra Eve, ’20 Amy Evens, ’80 Kaleigh Ewing, ’19 Caleb Eyster, ’20 Tommy FaGalde, ’68, ’72 James Fagan, ’57 Paula Faillace, ’60 Jeff Fair, ’71, ’74, ’87 Kevin Fair, ’76 Ronald Fallon, ’72, ’74 Denise Farleigh, ’71, ’75, ’79 Harley Farmer, ’60 Nancy Farmer, ’76, ’82 Amanda Farquharson* Jerry Farrar, ’72, ’80 John Fasciano, ’54, ’69 Katie Faulkner, ’07, ’19 Christopher Fedor, ’18 Justin Feemster, ’18 Miranda Feemster, ’18 John Fellers, ’89, ’92 Alexandria Fenlason* Chris Fenton, ’88, ’00 Mike Fenton, ’64 Charles Ferguson Sr., ’18 Steven Ferguson, ’87 Calvin Ferrell, ’71, ’75 Mark Ferrell, ’80, ’83, ’88 Norma Fetzer, ’59 Scottie Fiehler, ’91 Greg Fielding, ’79 Jalen Fields* Natalie Filiatrault, ’20 Todd Fimple, ’93 Derika Fink* John Finley III, ’71 Csaba Finta, ’63 Audrey Firth, ’20 Leon Fischer, ’77, ’80, ’83 Steven Fiser, ’74, ’75 Deena Fisher, ’04 Glen Fisher, ’89, ’93 Lary Fisher, ’72 Janie Fitzgerald, ’74, ’84 Kylie FitzGerald* James Flasch, ’62 Connor Fleak, ’20 Abigail Fleitman, ’20 Tony Fleming, ’75 Gary Flesher, ’76, ’77, ’80 Dexter Flick, ’19 Spencer Flora* Jocelyn Flores, ’20 Javier Flores Guerra, ’19 Linda Flowers, ’76

Paul Flowers Jr.* Chris Floyd, ’93, ’95 Kristen Floyd* Thomas Folgate, ’72 Ian Folk* David Folks, ’74, ’75 Daniel Forbes, ’67, ’68 James Forbes Sheila Forbes, ’69, ’78, ’88 Jenna Ford, ’20 Kim Ford, ’63 Monty Forehand, ’90, ’92 Dalton Foreman* Kimberly Fortney, ’87, ’94 Bill Foster, ’64, ’66, ’68 Jeremiah Foster, ’20 Kyle Foster, ’19 Philip Foster, ’53 Braden Fouts, ’15 Faith Fouts, ’92 Grant Fox* Fred Franklin, ’78, ’80 Ashton Franks* Tom Franz, ’80, ’82 Kassidy Freeman* Mark Freeman, ’78 Suzy Freeny, ’84 Bill Freese, ’50 Dwight Freese, ’73 Larry Freese, ’74 Lynn Freese, ’79 Brittany Freimann* Rhonda Freiner, ’83 Bryan French, ’98 Jaryn Frey, ’20 Dee Friar, ’79 Andrew Fritz, ’20 Sharlyn Fritz, ’66, ’73 Tanna Frizzell, ’20 Debbie Fuhrmann, ’80 Jacqueline Fuller* Tom Fuller, ’80 Hallee Fuqua* Summer Fuqua* Kirk Gage, ’84 Pat Gaines, ’71 Karen Gallagher, ’64, ’80 Leland Gallagher, ’67 David Gallman, ’63 Burt Gambill Jr., ’54 John Gandy, ’61 Jo Ann Gann, ’70 Julie Gardner, ’79 Donald Garner Sr., ’59 Kenny Garrison, ’86, ’87 Emery Gathers, ’75, ’82 Paulina Gatica* Chuck Gay Jr., ’62, ’64 Susan Gay, ’73, ’75, ’90 Emily Gedra, ’20 Haley Geissler, ’19 Ty Genard, ’17 Brian Gengler, ’82, ’86 Bill Gentry, ’70, ’72, ’82 David Gentry, ’07, ’10 Keith Gentry, ’79 Kristin Gentry, ’05, ’09

Bob Gerdes Jr., ’80 Jerry Gereghty, ’60 Philip Geren, ’73, ’74 Ray Gerwitz, ’00, ’02, ’05 Barrett Gess, ’20 Carol Gibbens, ’54 Bobbi Jo Gibson, ’87, ’94 Hunter Gibson* Reagan Gibson, ’20 MollyAnn Giesbrecht* Casey Gilbert, ’16 Mike Gilbert, ’82 K. Gilchrist, ’73 Melody Gill* Edward Gilliam II, ’82 Amber Gilliland, ’90 Charlie Gilmore, ’52 Warren Gilmour, ’58, ’59 Trenton Ging* Cody Gingrich, ’20 Mark Gish, ’77 James Gist Sr., ’62, ’65 Monty Gist, ’56 Rick Gladden, ’70, ’75 Bill Glasco, ’70 H. Earl Glimp, ’66 Gary Glisan, ’65, ’74, ’79 Adam Glover, ’20 Kevin Gloyne, ’18 Julie Godbersen, ’87 Jack Godfrey* Caroline Gonzalez, ’20 Polly Goodier, ’82, ’90 Maggie Goodin* Gary Goodman, ’63 Rod Goodner, ’94 Robert Goranson, ’85 Mandy Gorden-Green, ’09 David Gore, ’76, ’77 Madi Gore, ’20 Monte Goucher, ’87, ’07 Barry Gouger, ’77 Beverly Gradisar, ’04 Garrett Gradisar Pat Graff, ’76 John Gragg III, ’91 Ben Graham, ’15 Holly Graham, ’14 Jack Graham, ’59, ’74 Judy Graham, ’67 Roger Graham Jr.* Amber Grant, ’05 William Grantham, ’66 Joe Gray, ’71, ’73 Morris Gray, ’48, ’53 Taryn Gray, ’20 Terry Gray, ’78 Dale Grayson, ’80 James Greely* Bob Green, ’70, ’72 David Green, ’76 HJ Green, ’59 Johnny Green, ’82 Mackenzie Green* Myron Green, ’66 Douglas Greene, ’18 Matthew Greene*

Paul Greenlee, ’77, ’80, ’82 Stormy Greer, ’76 Autumn Gregg, ’20 Dennis Gregory, ’74 HF Gregory Jr., ’71 Michael Gresham, ’87 A. J. Griffin, ’90, ’95 Steve Griffin, ’86 Trey Griffin III, ’91 Austin Griffith* Jim Griffith, ’75 Kyle Griffith* Stephanie Griffo, ’84 Al Griggs, ’88 Cathryn Griggs, ’86 Rebecca Griggs, ’20 Kathy Grim, ’91 Cole Grimes, ’20 Ray Grimes Jr., ’64, ’67, ’70 Richard Grimes, ’74 Corbin Grimsley, ’96, ’01 Bob Grissom, ’71 Kelly Grissom, ’76, ’83 John Grizzle Jr., ’87 Frank Groenteman, ’75, ’80 John Groh, ’60, ’66 Anna Grose, ’20 Becca Groskopf* Paulette Groth, ’93 Kevin Grove, ’85 Joe Gruntmeir, ’72 Julie Gudgel, ’19 Katelyn Guidry* Tajae Guilbeaux* Dale Gunn, ’51 Steve Gurley, ’00 Pam Guthrie Fred Gutierrez, ’61 Zachary Guy* Debbie Gwartney, ’74 Darrin Haag, ’94 Bailey Hackler Braden Hackler, ’20 Austin Haddock* Steven Haddox, ’14, ’19 Austin Hager, ’08 Craig Hagin, ’91 Braden Hague, ’20 Cassidy Hahn, ’20 Dalton Hahn, ’19 B. J. Haines Trevor Halbach* Linda Hale, ’90, ’04 Luke Hale, ’20 Seth Hale* Amy Hall, ’87 Cole Hall, ’20 David Hall, ’74 Elizabeth Hall, ’20 Samantha Hall, ’20 Allyson Hallberg* Mary Halley, ’86 Allie Hamilton, ’17 Howard Hamilton, ’72 Robert Hamilton, ’50 Riley Hamm* Warren Hammer* Cayden Hammock*

Kaleigh Hammond* A.J. Hampton, ’70 Joe Neal Hampton, ’72, ’79 Marla Hampton Pam Hampton John Hancock, ’80 Halle Hannon* Aubriana Hanon* Jordan Harbison, ’20 Dylan Harden, ’20 David Hardin, ’83 Mike Hardin, ’83 Clyde Harding, ’64 Garrett Hargrove, ’20 Cale Harmon* Bucky Harp, ’77 Charlie Harper, ’68 Mike Harper, ’75, ’77 Diane Harr, ’88 Eli Harris* Jim Harris II, ’10, ’18 Jonathan Harris* Marie Harris, ’20 Marleen Harris, ’65, ’70 Phil Harris, ’63 Tom Harris, ’81 Victoria Harris, ’19 Cardin Hart, ’19 Hallie Hart, ’20 Hannah Hart* Susan Hartford, ’11 Rachel Hartman, ’19 C.A. Hartwig Jr., ’59 Morgan Harvanek* Andy Harvey, ’72 Cyndi Harvey, ’86 Jim Harwick, ’75, ’79 Ardoth Hassler-Short, ’72, ’80 Jules Haster, ’89, ’95 Dona Hasty, ’84, ’08 Delmar Hatesohl, ’51, ’59, ’66 Fred Haub, ’57, ’63 Allison Haubold* Blane Hauser* Mitch Hauser, ’15 Lucas Havelaar* David Haviland, ’60 Ann Hawkins, ’70 Kevin Hawkins, ’90 Dawson Haworth* James Haycraft, ’20 Charles Hayes, ’57, ’63 John Hayes, ’60, ’62 Carroll Haygood, ’61 Talhia Haynes, ’05 Jeff Hays, ’05, ’09 Marilyn Hays, ’85 Jack Hayward, ’51, ’58, ’06 Sheryl Hazelbaker, ’85 Mike Healy, ’71 John Heaton, ’73 Jerry Heffel, ’68, ’71 John Heffernan, ’93 Dillon Heid, ’20 Bobbie Heimbach, ’64 Don Heise, ’67, ’69 Sybil Heise, ’69, ’71

Rhonda Heiser, ’91 Layton Heitfeld, ’19 Vici Heitzke, ’74 Andrew Helms, ’53 Dana Helton, ’86, ’92 Jacob Hembree* Louis Hemphill Jr., ’91 Calli Henderson, ’20 Cole Henderson, ’20 Margaret Henderson, ’53, ’69 Hannah Hendryx, ’19 Kurt Henke, ’20 Dylan Hennig* Brandon Henriquez* Austin Henry* Julie Henry, ’84 Garold Henson, ’63 Carolyn Herald, ’67 Kevin Hernandez, ’18 Janette Herren, ’96, ’02 James Herriage, ’60 Wayne Herriman, ’76 Gary Herrington, ’60, ’62 Don Herron, ’80 Katie Herron, ’12 Pete Herron, ’12 Jack Hess, ’66, ’67 Aaron Hester* Erin Hester* Kassidy Hett, ’20 Lacey Hickey* Andra Hickman, ’82 Amy Hicks* Britt Hicks, ’80, ’85, ’88 Cooper Hicks, ’20 Katie Hiemer* Ashton Hierholzer, ’17 Hillary Hiett, ’20 Walter Higginbotham, ’74, ’76 Danelle Higgins, ’87 Kaitlyn High* John Hightower* Magdalena Hignojos* Cale Hilbert* Harold Hild Jr., ’53 Briauna Hill* Harrison Hill, ’19 Joseph Hill, ’20 Pat Hill, ’56, ’61, ’81 Payton Hill* Phil Hill, ’66, ’73 Lynda Hillier, ’66 Brooke Hinojosa* Cale Hinrichsen* Donna Hinton Belli, ’54 Jennifer Hoak Joe Hobson, ’71 Carson Hodgden, ’20 Donni Hodgkins, ’75, ’82 Sandra Hofer, ’76 Sue Ann Hoffman, ’78 Angela Holcomb, ’93 Jerry Holder, ’69 Patricia Holder, ’58 Ryan Hollands, ’19 Amber Holle* Max Holley, ’55

Trevor Holley, ’19 Bruce Hollis, ’77 Dick Hollis Jr., ’66, ’74 Lynn Holloman, ’66, ’69 Ralph Hollon, ’71 Gene Hollrah, ’59 Richard Holly, ’88, ’91 Taylor Holmquest, ’19 Lane Holt, ’20 Bill Homann, ’72, ’73, ’75 Jack Hood, ’67 Weston Hook, ’20 Christian Hoots* Jim Hoover, ’59, ’65 Ken Hopcus, ’67 Mary Hopkins, ’75 Kim Hornbuckle, ’94, ’98, ’04 Dewayne Horton, ’72 Ryan Hotwagner* Emalee Hough* Allison Howard Erin Howard, ’08 James Howard, ’59, ’70 Laura Howard, ’75 Mandaline Howard, ’20 Rob Howard, ’80 Joe Howell, ’74 Robert Howell, ’17 Scott Howell II, ’14 Susan Howell, ’70, ’72 Diana Howison, ’73 Beth Howk, ’09 John Howk, ’17 Alyssa Hoyle* Jan Hubbard, ’78, ’92 Lindsey Hubble Biggs, ’02 Kay Huddleston, ’89 Carl Hudgins, ’65 Jarrett Hudson* Kayla Huffman, ’18 Tanner Huggins* Ridge Hughbanks Ethan Hughes, ’20

Stella Hughes, ’73, ’76, ’81 David Hullender, ’66, ’67, ’69 Barry Hulsey, ’81 Cindy Humphrey, ’79 Keela Humphrey, ’79, ’81 Todd Humphrey, ’80 Gary Huneryager, ’72, ’73 Karen Hunn, ’68, ’87 Ben Hunsucker, ’94 J.B. Hunt, ’79 Patty Hunt, ’77, ’78 Brenna Huntley, ’69, ’74 Mary Hurst, ’56 James Hurtle, ’75 Megan Huss, ’20 John Hutcheson Jr., ’51 Kyle Hutchinson, ’87 David Hutchison, ’77 Robin Iago, ’81 Neil Ichord, ’18 Jamie Idleman* Melissa Ihrig, ’77 Jacob Ikeda* Lyndon Imke, ’56 Susan Ingham, ’70, ’72 Ryann Inselman, ’13, ’15 John Irons, ’80 Vicki Irwin, ’87 Tom Isern, ’74, ’75, ’77 Chris Jackson, ’84 Christina Jackson* Ezekiel Jackson* Jodi Jackson, ’83 Mya Jackson* Paul Jackson, ’84 Reed Jackson, ’77, ’97 Robert Jackson, ’52 Sarah Jackson, ’20 Tannor Jackson, ’20 Avery James, ’19 Barbara James, ’73 Christine James* Ciara James*

Meredith James* Nathan Janda* Donald Jantz, ’56 Michael Jarvis, ’81, ’83 Demi Javier* Hasani Jayasinghe, ’18 TJ Jayswal, ’18 Jake Jeffries* Nick Jeffries, ’74 Sam Jeitani, ’00 Justin Jennings* Arnold Jensen, ’50, ’52, ’58 Cynthia Jensen, ’77 Elizabeth Jensen, ’20 Sharon Jett, ’93, ’95, ’98 Karen Jobe, ’77 Richard Jobe, ’79 Tom Jobe, ’76, ’77, ’03 Andy Johnson Jr., ’64 Barbara Johnson, ’78 Dan Johnson* Dawn Johnson, ’83, ’86 Drake Johnson, ’17 Gary Johnson, ’64, ’79 Hayden Johnson* Holly Johnson, ’88 Jacob Johnson, ’20 Kody Johnson* Landon Johnson, ’17 Mychael Johnson* Richard Johnson, ’63, ’66, ’71 Sam Johnson Jr., ’57, ’83 Samantha Johnson, ’20 Sue Johnson, ’83 Willis Johnson, ’67, ’68, ’74 Dylan Johnston* Larry Johnston, ’65, ’71 Bart Jones, ’96 Christopher Jones, ’20 Eloise Jones Fred Jones, ’57 Haleigh Jones* Justin Jones

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 107

Layne Jones, ’97, ’16 Lois Jones, ’77 Madeline Jones* Malley Jones* Marleen Jones, ’93 Ryan Jones* Savannah Jones* Stephen Jones, ’64, ’66 Vanessa Jones, ’97 Bill Jordan, ’64 Evan Jordan Helen Jordan, ’46, ’55, ’66 Hunter Jordan, ’20 Megan Jordan* Tyler Jordan* Emily Joyce, ’94, ’96 Jonathan Joyce, ’83 Nick Julkowski, ’14 Devin Jurko* Lisa Kaiser* Ferris Kalidy, ’19 Bill Kapella, ’75 Peter Kauer, ’69, ’74 Rachael Kauffman, ’01 Rhonda Kay, ’87 Hasan Kazi, ’73 Kaylan Kearney* William Keating, ’86 Kenneth Keef, ’78, ’07 Jared Keeler* Wendy Keener, ’93, ’96 Landen Keffer* Kristi Kelle, ’84 Brady Kelley, ’20 Kevin Kelley, ’83 Brian Kelly, ’91 Candy Kelly, ’76 John Kelly, ’65 Curt Kelsey, ’80 Jeffrey Kembel, ’82 Taylor Kemmann* Lane Kendall* Paula Kendrick, ’75, ’76, ’81 Jacqueline Kennard* Carol Kennedy Jennifer Kennedy* Jim Kennedy, ’68, ’71, ’75 Kaden Kennedy, ’20 Taylor Kennedy, ’18 Laurel Kenner* Barbara Keohane, ’65, ’71 John Kerby, ’59 Kerry Kernaghan Madison Kernke* Jared Kerr, ’20 Kyle Kerr* Sean Kerr* Robert Kersten, ’49, ’56, ’61 Todd Kersten, ’86 Olivia Kesler* Dallas Ketchum, ’82 Kara Ketchum, ’13 Laney Ketchum, ’84 Kenneth Ketner, ’61, ’67, ’68 Saleem Khan, ’65

108 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Lee Kidd, ’70 McKenzie Kidwell, ’20 Jay Kiefer* Patricia Kilian, ’88, ’19 Tom Kilkenny, ’80 Kendra Kim, ’92 Nicolas Kincaid* Claire Kincheloe, ’18 Grady Kinder, ’89 Emily King, ’20 Kellan King* Marilyn King, ’58, ’64 Miles King, ’20 Missy King, ’82 Reagan King, ’20 Tammy Kingdom, ’91 Ken Kinzer, ’71 Scott Kipper Cailyn Kirby* Gail Kirk, ’55 Joe Kirk, ’71 Phillip Kirk, ’11 Don Kirkland, ’62 Jerry Kirkland, ’58, ’61, ’64 Hal Kirkpatrick, ’61, ’67 John Kirkpatrick, ’63, ’65 Kaitlyn Kirksey* Laura Kironget* Morgan Kiser, ’20 Peter Kish, ’83, ’89, ’04 Layne Kisling, ’20 Donald Kitzmiller, ’75, ’77 Katelyn Klaus* William Klein Trisha Klement, ’00 Steve Klika, ’78 Gene Klutts, ’66 McKenna Knight, ’20 Arthur Knox, ’55 Payton Koehn* Kelly Koeninger, ’93 Melissa Koesler, ’02 Ross Koetting, ’18 Allison Kokojan* Vinil Komalan, ’03 Dawn Kominski, ’91 John Koons, ’72 Jacob Koscelny, ’17 Kevin Koss* Londyn Kozar* Samuel Kraemer, ’73, ’81 Susie Kramer, ’81 Josh Krawczyk, ’01, ’05, ’13 Tyler Krebs* Gary Kreie, ’74, ’75 Mark Kremeier, ’79, ’80 Michael Krieger, ’71, ’73, ’80 Brian Kroh, ’79 Erika Krotchko, ’20 Kristy Krueger, ’94 Mike Kubicek, ’70, ’72 Emilee Kula* Logan Kunkel* Abigail Kurszewski, ’20 Jared Kuykendall* Dannette Kyser, ’14, ’16

Kellie Lail, ’20 Carolyn Laivins, ’66 Otho LaMar, ’57 Edna Mae Lambert, ’58, ’62 Nickey Lambeth, ’61 Donna Land, ’87 Taylor Landes, ’20 Paige Langley* Mark Larios, ’90 Lee Larkin, ’50, ’52, ’59 Melanie Larson, ’94 Ryan Lasarsky, ’06, ’15, ’19 Chase Laspisa, ’20 Daniel Lathey, ’90 Dwight Latta, ’58, ’59 Gerald Laubach, ’63 Megan Launius* Laura Law, ’18 Steven Law, ’85 Sam Lawrence, ’63, ’83 George Lawson, ’77 Carol Lawton, ’04 Seth Lawton, ’05 JoAnn Leach, ’82 Samuel Leake Jr., ’64, ’67 Brian Lebeda Judy LeClaire, ’72 Christine LeClear* Dani LeDonne* Bruce Lee, ’73 Michael Lee, ’74 Sydney Lee, ’18 Sydney Lee, ’20 John Lehmann, ’59 Paula Lenaburg, ’19 Roberta Lentz, ’77, ’78 James Leonard, ’19 Marc Lester, ’92 Emily Leupp, ’20 Bob LeValley, ’79, ’94 Brad Leverett, ’82, ’85 Steven Lew, ’61 Lloyd Lewan, ’60, ’67, ’79 Julie Lewis, ’80 Mattie Lewis* Payton Lewis* Preston Lewis, ’19, ’20 Roger Lewis, ’82 Thomas Lewis* Paul Lienhard, ’81 Brooklan Light* Teri Liles* Bella Limber, ’20 Linda Lindelof, ’67 Mary Lindemann, ’86 Richard Lindley, ’63 Jackson Lindsay* Rob Lindsly, ’75 Madison Ling* Ross Linnemann, ’75 Blake Linscomb* Patricia Linton, ’69 Walter Lipke, ’64, ’68 Suzanne Lipscomb, ’87 Gen Lisle, ’03 Trevor Lisle, ’04 Jacob Litle, ’19

Kearstin Littau* Jeff Livingstone, ’81 Philip Loafman, ’78 Chase Lockwood, ’19 Ashton Lofquist* Jim Loftis, ’74, ’76, ’78 Dennis Logan, ’60 Michelle Logan Bradley Lohman, ’19 Karmyn Long* Larry Long, ’67 Nicklaus Long* William Long Jr., ’57 Julie Longan* Taylor Lopez, ’20 Nikki Lord, ’05 Chase Lorenz* Mike Lorenz, ’67, ’69 Arica Loudermilk* Dan Loving, ’72 John Lowe, ’20 Shyke Lowers* Lauren Lucas* Glenn Luce Jr., ’82, ’89 Thomas Luckinbill, ’63, ’65, ’77 Jack Lucy, ’69 Carol Luebker, ’68, ’73 Joe Luebker, ’71, ’73 Karen Lueker, ’85 Keith Lueker James Luetkemeyer, ’64 Roger Lumley, ’78, ’79 Colby Lundquist, ’17 Jerrod Lundry, ’07, ’13 Mary Lunn, ’44 Wesley Luster, ’16 Nan Lynn, ’76 Alayna Macias* Eddie Mack, ’85 Nicole Mackey, ’20 Sophia Mackey* Truby Mackey, ’19 Robert MacMillan, ’65 Patrick Madden, ’76 Ujith Madduma Bandarage, ’18 Raymond Mader, ’71 Sean Maguire, ’10 Ryan Mahand, ’14 Kathleen Maher, ’83, ’86 Bryce Main, ’20 Alicia Maldonado* Harry Manges, ’49, ’59, ’69 Katelyn Mann* Paige Manning, ’20 Scott Manning, ’20 Cathy Mapes* Brady Maravich* George Marcangeli, ’73, ’74 Alyssa Marckx* Lori Markes, ’83 Garry Marley Roy Marlow, ’98 Terry Marriott, ’76 Monica Marrs* Cole Marshall, ’05, ’09

Melanie Marshall, ’06, ’10 Mendy Marshall, ’78 Monte Marshall, ’84 Terry Marshall, ’76 Mark Marston, ’74, ’75 Krissy Martens, ’07 Maggie Martens* Amber Martin, ’18 Anne Martin, ’86, ’89 Beth Martin, ’96 Bruce Martin, ’75, ’82 Fred Martin, ’65 Gary Martin, ’71 Jack Martin Jr., ’75 Kama Martin, ’76 Kenny Martin, ’76 Robert Martin, ’55, ’62 Tony Martin, ’20 Amy Martindale Jennifer Marvin* J. W. Mashburn, ’57 Boaz Massey, ’10 Debbie Masters, ’74 Jan Matheson, ’88, ’90 Rachel Mathieson* Susan Matlock, ’69 Anne Matoy, ’65, ’66, ’75 Autumn Mattox, ’20 Tal Maxey, ’84 Page Maxson, ’82, ’84 Ron Maxwell, ’76 Brandt May, ’59 Jordan May, ’20 Leanne May, ’04 Macey Mayberry* Kameron Mayfield* Mariah Mayfield, ’20 Mark Mazza, ’80 Barbara Mazza Silhan, ’81, ’83 Connor McAlister* Georgette McAlister, ’74, ’78 Charles McBride, ’66, ’69 Dana McBride Tyler McBroom* Kenneth McCabe, ’70 Diane McCain, ’77 Curtis McCallum, ’84, ’94 Christopher McCann, ’78 Dillon McCarthick, ’12 Jonathan McCaslin* Lindsey McCaslin, ’20 Kristin McCay* Leigh Ann McClain, ’90 Tod McClain, ’87 Austin McClarnon* Jim McClary, ’70, ’78 Jim McClead, ’73, ’74 Harrison McClure, ’20 Theresa McClure, ’78 Denny McClurg, ’72 Matthew McClurg* Rick McCoin, ’67 Lee McConnell, ’74

David McCoy, ’71, ’73, ’76 Jacee McCoy, ’20 Allan McCrary, ’69 Bill McCrea, ’61 Aidan McCullough* Bill McDaniel, ’64, ’68 Emily McDaniel, ’18 James McDonald, ’69, ’71 Patricia McElroy, ’73, ’85, ’00 Craig McFarlin, ’80, ’86 Daymond McGaughey, ’87 Michael McGill, ’20 John McGinnis, ’73, ’79 Janet McGinty, ’87 Patty McGraw, ’85 Bob McGrew, ’85 Terry McHendry, ’83 Denise McIntosh, ’71, ’73, ’83 Emily McInturf Rob McInturf Connor McKeaigg* Susan McKee, ’74, ’01 Donald McKenna, ’76 Jenn McKenzie, ’17, ’18 Macye McKinney* Mackenzie McKnight, ’20 Patrick McLaughlin, ’67, ’71, ’74 Rob McLaughlin, ’89 Jennie McLeod, ’95 Megan McLeod, ’20 Philip McMahan, ’77, ’81 Brett McMurphy, ’85 Brian McNeil, ’76, ’78 Logan McNeill, ’20 Mike McNeill, ’71 Ivy McPherson, ’20 Trace McWhirt* Katelyn McWilliams, ’20 Barry Meacham, ’74 Chris Medley, ’80, ’83 Carrie Meeks, ’20 Grace Meinders* McKenzie Melane* Janice Melton, ’77 Bill Merideth Jr., ’68 Erin Merry Carol Messer, ’67, ’84 Audra Metz, ’20 Katherine Metzinger, ’19 Lindsey Meyer* Logan Michael* Sheryl Michalski, ’19 Wanda Middleswarth, ’48, ’56, ’58 John Middleton, ’77, ’78 Mike Mikles, ’67, ’95 Amy Milam* Hans Miller, ’80, ’90 Maddee Miller* Matthew Miller, ’20 Merl Miller, ’58, ’71, ’82 Mike Miller, ’89 Rachel Miller, ’18, ’19 Scott Miller*

Kristina Milligan, ’90 Shannon Milligan, ’04, ’06, ’08 Steve Mills, ’75 Joshua Miner, ’18 Rusty Minnix, ’90 Cody Minyard* Mason Mireles* Gary Mitchell, ’75 Greyson Mitchell, ’20 Jane Mitchell, ’69, ’80 Jim Mitchell, ’64 Rylee Mitchell* Thomas Mitchell, ’66, ’69, ’75 Ronald Mitchum Suzanne Mobley, ’89 Barry Mock, ’81 Robert Moeller Jr., ’77 Tiffany Mollohan* Kevin Monroe, ’77 Timothy Montpas* Jo Moody Penland, ’75 Ashley Moore, ’19 Austin Moore* Bob Moore, ’67 Elaina Moore, ’20 Lauren Moore* Mike Moore, ’72 Pam Moore, ’82 Raymond Moore, ’66, ’68, ’71 Donnie Mooreland, ’87 Kyle Moose, ’20 Michelle Morgan, ’80 Scott Morgan, ’98

Brad Morris, ’82 Maddie Morris, ’20 Pat Morris, ’54 Ronald Morris, ’63 Stacey Morris, ’91 Mac Morrison, ’92 LeeAnn Morrison-Ware, ’89, ’91 James Mortimer, ’65, ’67 Bobby Morton, ’60 Nathanial Morton, ’19 Pearse Morton* Logan Moser, ’20 Mindy Moser, ’98 Christi Moss, ’86 Alan Mount, ’86, ’88 Jill Mount, ’86 Phillip Moyer, ’64 Reagan Mullenax* Luke Muller* Jeffrey Mullin, ’76 Ronald Mullins, ’61 Tiffany Munday, ’19 Ethan Murlin* Noah Murphey* Bailey Murphy* Brandon Murphy, ’19 John Murphy, ’67, ’73 Patrick Murphy* Jason Murray, ’07 Lee Muscovalley, ’77 Cameron Mutis* Hayden Myers, ’20 Pam Myers, ’73 Suzanne Myers, ’72

Sophia Myrin, ’15 George Nall Jr., ’55 Rachel Narrin, ’20 Cousy Nash, ’85, ’04, ’06 Cindy Navin William Nay, ’20 Craig Neal, ’70 Jeff Neal, ’89 Michael Nechamkin* Morris Neighbors, ’49, ’64 Zachary Neighbors* Andrew Neisen, ’20 Emily Nelson* James Nelson Jr., ’68, ’72 Leon Nelson, ’68 Michael Nelson, ’85, ’89 Richard Nelson, ’63, ’66 Terry Nelson, ’77 Madeline Nemec* Charlotte Nesser, ’67 Truman Netherton, ’57, ’62 Jacob Neufeld, ’20 Craig Newlin, ’92, ’96 Tina Newlin Mark Newman, ’81 Caitlin Newton* Rose Ngirasob* Truc Ngo, ’20 Alexander Nguyen* Charles Nichols, ’58, ’61, ’65 Cody Nichols*

Dana Nichols, ’82 Sherry Nichols, ’66, ’67 Nick Nickelson, ’53, ’57, ’60 Bridgette Nickles, ’20 Andrew Nicolaysen, ’20 Darle Nieneker, ’58 Donna Nightengale, ’81 Melissa Nightingale, ’13, ’14 Bethany Niles* Rachel Nogalski* Jeretta Nord, ’82 Kurt Nordquist, ’93 Barbara Norman, ’50, ’66, ’85 Kevin Norris, ’20 Leah Norsworthy, ’13 Henry North III, ’64, ’68 Jane Northey, ’74 Kevin Norton, ’81 Van Nowlin, ’70 Dena Nowotny, ’49 Emily Nunan, ’19 Sofia Nuzum, ’19 Ronnie Nye, ’77, ’82, ’94 Ginifer O’Bryan, ’20 Caleb O’Neal* Amanda Oakleaf, ’20 Jacob Oaks, ’18 Fred Oberlender, ’59 Susan Occhipinti, ’15 Tom Occhipinti, ’18 Jake Ochsner, ’18 Tinsley Oden, ’60 Bill Odle, ’97

Avery Ogle, ’20 Carol Olson, ’80 Ian Olson* Micah Olson* Isabella Onofrio* Liam Oram* Jacob Osborne, ’20 Kara Osborne* Bruce Otzmann, ’74 Jeffrey Overland, ’70 Beecher Owens* Jim Owens, ’64 M. L. Owens, ’63 Sean Owens* Martie Oyler, ’81, ’84 Samuel Page I, ’20 Reddy Pakanati, ’85 Mike Palovik, ’78 Mely Panes, ’65 Philip Parduhn, ’55, ’91 Alison Paris, ’20 Jim Park Jr., ’77 Gary Parks, ’78 Andrew Parr, ’00, ’19 Kenneth Parr, ’73 Tom Parr, ’66 Olivia Parrott, ’20 Evan Parscale, ’20 James Parsons* Kavita Patel, ’18 Prekshikaben Patel* John Patrick, ’60 Kevin Patrick, ’74, ’76 Mollie Patrick* Charis Patswald, ’66 Stanley Patton, ’56

Bea Paul, ’62, ’78 Cathryn Payne, ’20 Donald Peacock, ’60 Vicki Pearce* Ethan Peck* Laura Peddicord, ’85 Ted Peitz, ’80 Gus Pekara, ’68, ’69, ’72 Clayton Peles* Connor Pendergraft Walt Penn, ’20 Heather Pennington, ’71 June Pentecost, ’81 Hunter Perdue, ’20 Paul Perrin, ’79, ’85 Roy Perryman, ’68 Catherine Peters, ’16, ’20 Don Peters, ’51 Mike Peters, ’80, ’82 Scott Peters, ’80 Broc Peterson* Frankie Peterson, ’77 Terry Peterson, ’70 Garner Pewewardy, ’75, ’78 Kylie Pewitt* Marvin Peyton, ’67 Sandra Peyton, ’67 Bill Phillips, ’58 Carolyn Phillips, ’57, ’60 Chad Phillips, ’97 Shelley Phillips, ’97 Lee Piatt Jr., ’56, ’61 Jon Pickel, ’20 Austin Pickering, ’20

S TAT E M AG A Z I N E .O K S TAT E . E D U 109

Deanna Pickering, ’90 Morgan Pickering* Trenton Pierce* Dan Pike, ’73, ’75 Sharon Piper, ’71 Michael Pisarik, ’79 Julia Pitman, ’20 Joe Pitts, ’85 Sarah Pixley* Mike Plunkett, ’77 Jared Polfuss, ’20 Lynne Policastro, ’86 Bob Pollock, ’64 Cran Pollock, ’75 Rex Polone, ’48 Larry Pond, ’67 Mike Pool, ’86, ’87 Adam Pope, ’14 Bill Pope Jr., ’66 Clay Pope, ’92 Darby Pope, ’95, ’99 Richard Pope, ’78 Larry Porter, ’67, ’69 Michael Porter, ’74 Sierra Posey* Russell Postier, ’71 Ruthann Postier, ’73 Della Potucek, ’57 Todd Poulson, ’87 Alexa Powell* Nancy Powell, ’67 Larry Powers, ’76, ’80 Melvina Prather, ’91 Leo Presley, ’76, ’88, ’94 Alan Pribil, ’76, ’79 Brian Price, ’72, ’73 Samantha Price Tanner Price* Taylor Price, ’19 Linda Priest, ’61 Joyce Primo, ’58 Jo Ann Prince, ’87 Jordan Prince, ’20 Mike Prince, ’89, ’91 Jake Prindle* Stan Prochaska, ’56, ’60 Micheala Provence* Don Pruitt, ’62 Jack Pryor, ’85 Thomas Pullen* Nicholas Pushee* Delmar Quade, ’56 Christine Quaid, ’71 Grant Quick, ’10 Mary Quigley, ’92 Gina Quinn, ’90 Sadie Raasch, ’20 Susan Rachofsky, ’72, ’76 Evan Rackley, ’20 Cindy Radford, ’82 Mike Ragsdale, ’81 David Rains, ’73 Lauren Raley* Valli Rallis, ’77, ’80 Rodrigo Ramirez-Cuellar Bill Ramsey, ’56 Kelly Randolph, ’89, ’93 Larry Rankin, ’65 Sandra Rankin, ’69

110 S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Sara Raschke* Keely Ratcliff, ’20 Olivia Ratcliff* Clarissa Ratzlaff* Morgan Rawls, ’19 Becca Ray* Libby Ray* Phyllis Rearden, ’52, ’70 Robert Reardon* Bill Reaves, ’88 Reid Rector* Dale Redeker, ’59, ’70 Ryan Redgate, ’94, ’96 Lauren Reece* Daniel Reed* Edward Reed, ’70 Jordan Reed* Randy Reed, ’76, ’92 Gordon Reese, ’78 Janis Reeser, ’84 Matthew Reichert Meghan Reichert* Marvin Reimers, ’76 Carson Rein* Justin Rein* Michael Reischman, ’68, ’69, ’73 Jerry Remington, ’69 Brian Renegar, ’72, ’76 John Rennie, ’70 Logan Reser* Randy Retherford, ’91 Braydon Revard* Lexy Rexin, ’19 Brittany Reyes* Noemi Reyes, ’19 Gary Reynolds, ’79 Morgan Reynolds* David Rhoades, ’05 Jonathan Rhoades* Melissa Rhodes, ’86 Butch Rice Risa Rice, ’89 Robbie Rice, ’91 Kevin Richards, ’79 Kim Richards, ’94, ’00 Mike Richards, ’71 Torie Richardson* Wynn Richardson, ’89 Traci RichardsonMcVicker, ’08, ’10 Michaela Richbourg* Arthur Rickets, ’61 Amanda Riggs, ’99 Bob Rigney, ’50 Karen Ririe Distefano, ’87 Kyle Risenhoover, ’85 Dick Risk Jr., ’63, ’01 Brianna Roat* Jerry Roberson, ’92, ’01 William Roberson, ’65 Paul Roberto, ’80, ’81 Diane Roberts, ’89 Jeff Roberts, ’89 Leah Roberts, ’79 Mike Roberts III, ’67 Richard Roberts, ’84 Rick Roberts, ’92 Ryan Roberts, ’04 Shawn Roberts, ’90

Shelby Roberts* Jerry Robertson, ’48 Robin Robertson, ’51, ’58 Ted Robertson, ’50 Kylee Robinett Carroll* Clyde Robinson, ’72, ’76 Flora Robinson, ’64 Joe Robinson, ’70, ’79 Laura Robinson, ’90 Marla Robinson, ’93 Ryan Robinson* Shawn Robinson, ’90 Savannah Robisch, ’20 Kaitlyn Robison, ’20 Leslie Robison, ’81 John Roche, ’58 Jim Rochel Jr., ’54 Kurt Rockeman, ’74, ’78 Norman Rockwell, ’74, ’94 Chip Rodgers Jr., ’88 Fred Rodriguez III Jessica Rodriguez, ’20 Jordyn Rodriguez, ’20 Katelyn Rodriguez* Tonya Rodriguez Dennis Roe, ’73, ’00 Bo Rogers* Cary Rogers, ’76 Darrin Rogers, ’89 Landon Rogers* Marcus Rogers, ’59 Camden Roggow, ’20 Cynthia Rolfe, ’76, ’79, ’83 Bill Rolin, ’74 Ronald Rollins, ’84 Krissy Ronan, ’02 Greg Root, ’06, ’11 Gilbert Rose, ’65 Raina Rose Tagle, ’92 Katie Rosebrook, ’17 Jack Rosenberger, ’77 Tori Roser, ’20 Hank Ross, ’85, ’88 Kenton Ross, ’52, ’55 Meade Ross, ’20 Peggy Ross Victoria Rossiter* Barbara Rothe, ’75 Laura Rothfeldt, ’96, ’00 Cynthia Round, ’75 Adrianna Rowden, ’20 Greg Rowe, ’79 Mark Rubes, ’91 Conlan Ruble* Lacy Ruby, ’03, ’05 Steve Ruby, ’01 Ashtyn Rude* Aqeelah Rufai* Bob Rumbaugh, ’64 Mark Rupert, ’74, ’80 Brian Russell, ’85 Garrett Russell, ’19 Jacob Russell, ’14 John Russell, ’16 Jon Russell, ’60 Melissa Russell* Bill Ruth, ’72, ’74, ’84

Bill Ryan, ’60, ’67 Nelson Ryan, ’71 Judith Sage, ’67, ’69, ’87 Addie Sale, ’81 Weston Salmon Jerry Samples, ’69, ’79, ’83 Gregory Samuel* Mandel Samuels, ’82, ’04 Jackie Sanders, ’88, ’12 Jerry Sanders, ’76 Madison Sanders* Molly Sanders* Teresa Sanders, ’73, ’81 Anna Sanderson, ’20 Annie Sands, ’19 Taya Sappington* Peter Sarant, ’54 Sophia Sather* Breonna Sattre, ’20 Roger Saunders, ’92 Russell Saunders, ’65 Sandra Saunders, ’64, ’66 Allison Savage, ’20 Hunter Savage* Dennis Savell, ’65, ’67 Justin Sawatzky* Pete Sawatzky, ’77 Torie Sayre, ’18 Maddie Scaffidi* Rick Scanlan, ’85, ’89 Gary Schaefer, ’70, ’72 Ron Schaefer, ’72, ’74, ’85 Marion Schauffler, ’70, ’73 John Scheffler, ’70 Riley Schenk* Cindy Schieber, ’00 Dennis Schieber, ’74 Bonnie Schlarb, ’95 Bob Schmanski, ’82, ’83 Brian Schmidt, ’78, ’79 Michael Schmidt* Terri Schmidt, ’78 Avery Schnoor, ’19 Robert Schrader* Abigail Schraub* Diana Schremmer, ’76 Alexis Schroeder* Caleb Schroeder* Emily Schumacher David Schumpert, ’80 Bill Schutte Christopher Schutza* Keith Schwandt, ’73 Gerry Schwille, ’81 Cole Sciba Jr.* Cynthia Scott, ’76, ’80 Gaye Scott, ’80, ’83 Jennifer Scott, ’78, ’79 Jerry Scott Jr., ’79, ’82 Lodge Scott* Logan Scott, ’14 Nathan Scott, ’04 Sam Scott, ’80 Steve Scott, ’81 Tanner Scott* Alyce Scrivner, ’99

Trey Seabrook, ’80 Charles Seagren, ’62, ’64 Pam Seal, ’75 Joseph Seale* Sawyer Searcey* Philip Sears, ’82, ’02 Stacy Sears, ’92 William Sears, ’83 Jon Seely, ’70, ’74, ’85 Kaitlyn Seiler* Kathy Seitsinger, ’80 Brandon Sellers, ’20 Kevin Sellers, ’80, ’84 Melinda Sellers, ’87 Jill Selman, ’96 Phoumala Sengsavang* Jacob Sestak, ’20 Sue Sestak, ’64 Joseph Sevy, ’82 Tracy Shackelford, ’85 Tad Shadid, ’79, ’83 Ryan Shaffer, ’20 Linda Shanahan, ’66, ’80 Emilie Shannon, ’14 Jerry Shark, ’90 Eugene Sharp, ’65 Harlie Shaver* John Shaw, ’83 Madelyn Shaw, ’20 Rebecca Sheetz, ’20 Ben Shelby Jr., ’71, ’77 Crosbi Shelby* Tara Shelby, ’19 David Shelden, ’86 Tom Shepherd, ’72 John Shero, ’57, ’68 Ryan Sherry* Charles Shields, ’71 Angela Shipley, ’85 Jessica Shipman* Cheyenne Shirrel* Daniel Shivers, ’90 Myles Shives, ’19 Sophia Shoate, ’89 Steve Shoemake, ’85 Paula Shoffner, ’82 Godwin Shokoya, ’20 Kyndall Shrum* Robert Shveima, ’95 Matthew Siddall* Ron Siegenthaler, ’65 Kenny Sifford, ’71 Anne Signore* Bret Simmons, ’00 Jason Simmons, ’83, ’86 Kathy Simmons, ’74 Wyatt Simmons, ’20 Rebecca Simon* Sami Simon* Brooke Sims, ’12 Erin Sims* Guy Sims, ’84 Mitchell Sims, ’08 Steve Sims, ’70 Steve Sims, ’72, ’84 David Singleton, ’69, ’75 Lance Singleton, ’77 Tom Sipe, ’65, ’67, ’73 Dianne Sitz, ’86, ’98

Stanley Skaer, ’62 Roger Skaggs, ’69 Richard Skinner, ’64, ’67 Sandra Skinner, ’60, ’64 Zoe Skorodin, ’20 Curtis Slaton, ’62 John Slaughter, ’74 Marsha Slaughter, ’72, ’73 Makala Sloan, ’19 Sarah Sloat* Trey Smart, ’80 Amber Smith, ’20 Bruce Smith, ’76 Casyn Smith* Cheyenne Smith, ’20 Dylan Smith* Emily Smith* James Smith, ’87 Jerry Smith, ’53, ’55 Jim Smith, ’75 John Smith, ’92 Koby Smith* Laina Smith* Lieu Smith, ’54, ’57 Mary Ann Smith, ’86 Mike Smith, ’91 Morgan Smith, ’15 Nicole Smith* Rick Smith, ’73, ’75, ’79 Ronald Smith, ’87 Sheron Smith, ’66 Sierra Smith* Steve Smith, ’80, ’83 Wendy Smith, ’91 Mimi Smock, ’84 Bobby Snider, ’85, ’86 Bobby Snook Jr., ’84, ’88 Brooke Snyder* Savannah Snyder* Dick Soergel, ’60 Gene Solomon, ’74 Stanley Solomon Jr., ’88, ’91 Dylan Sommerfelt, ’20 Jonathan Sorrels, ’20 Mary Souder, ’61, ’63 Cheryl Soult, ’86 Jake Southerland* Audrey Spalding* Harold Spalding, ’68 Jim Spangler, ’50 Macy Spear* Rob Spears* Taylor Spears* Tracy Spears Andrew Spencer, ’20 Caulen Spencer* Jenna Spencer, ’07 Joe Spencer, ’69 Michael Spexarth, ’07, ’08 Amanda Spikes, ’08 Sydney Spillane* Ashley Springfield, ’19, ’20 Bob Springman, ’73 Bobby Squires, ’61 Emma Stafford* Sara Stafford, ’18

Heidi Stair, ’14 Mikaela Stamper* John Stanberry, ’58, ’65, ’75 Rex Standridge* Madelyn Stanfield, ’19 Cole Stanley, ’92, ’94, ’98 Caleb Stanton, ’20 Robert Staples II, ’83, ’93 Alison Stark* Garrett Stark* Troy Starks, ’94 Cale Steadman* Austin Steele, ’20 Keith Steincamp, ’88 Sharil Steiner, ’89 Aaron Stenslie, ’86 Molly Stephens* Shelby Stephens* Kurt Stephenson, ’94 Stephanie Stephenson* Kevin Stephney, ’79 Carl Stepp, ’59, ’61, ’71 Grace Sterling, ’20 Nicole Stevens, ’20 Carter Stewart, ’18, ’20 George Stewart Jr., ’72 Madelyn Stewart, ’20 Nia Stewart, ’14 Kaye Stills, ’20 Judith Stillwell, ’78, ’84 Ed Stinchcomb Jr., ’83 Edna Stinnett, ’79 Timothy Stites, ’84 Dylan Stobaugh* John Stobbe*

Chandler Stock* Rick Stock, ’77, ’79, ’82 Stephannie Stockman, ’95 Dennis Stocksen, ’70 Caleb Stockstill* Triston Stogsdill, ’20 David Stokes, ’73, ’76 Erin Stoll John Stone, ’89 Miranda Stonebraker, ’20 Rebecca Storey, ’20 Logan Storm, ’20 Enos Stover, ’71, ’72, ’74 Joseph Strubhart, ’79 Al Stuart, ’52 Jean Stuart, ’52 Dick Stubbs, ’67 Allison Stuckey* Debbie Stump, ’81, ’11 Norman Sturdevant, ’60 Tim Sullivan, ’75 Savannah Sundberg* Abigail Sutherland, ’19 Tonya Suttie, ’90 Hannah Sutton, ’20 Michelle Sutton, ’94, ’97 Jack Svelan, ’59, ’77 Corbin Swain, ’98, ’99 Stephanie Swain, ’88 Jacob Swanson, ’20 Brian Swearingen, ’74, ’76 Dee Sweeney Jr., ’70 Kenny Sweeney* Nicole Sweetin, ’93, ’95, ’97

Ronnie Swigart, ’69 Dara Swinney-Floyd, ’97 Amanda Sykora* Mara Sylvester Steve Taber, ’85 Logan Tacker, ’19 Yash Tamhankar, ’10, ’15 Joshua Tankersley Cindy Tanner, ’76 Jonathon Tappe, ’03, ’06 Jakob Tarin* Eric Tate, ’87 James Taylor, ’65 Jason Taylor, ’98, ’03 Jatelyn Taylor* Jean Taylor, ’13, ’18 John Taylor, ’61 John Taylor* Payten Taylor, ’20 Ronna Taylor, ’88 Steve Taylor, ’71, ’74 Truitt Taylor* Beth Teague, ’90 Bailey Teakell, ’20 Austin Teders, ’17 Yaw Yeong Teng, ’92 Thomas Terrall Jr., ’70 Jerry Terrell, ’82 Julia Terrell, ’20 Rachel Terry, ’20 Jack Testerman, ’55, ’57 Cameron Thetford* John Thilsted Jr., ’71 Bailey Thomas, ’19 Brynne Thomas*

Debbie Thomas, ’80, ’88 Destiny Thomas* Emma Thomas, ’17 Hunter Thomas* Keith Thomas, ’70 Morgan Thomas, ’20 Sheila Thomas-Boone, ’87 Ashley Thompson, ’15 Billy Thompson, ’85 Blake Thompson, ’20 Cindy Thompson, ’86 David Thompson, ’85 Dee Thompson, ’72 Desmond Thompson* John Ann Thompson, ’73 Kaitlyn Thompson, ’20 Kay Thompson, ’06, ’20 Lindon Thompson Jr., ’73 Madelyn Thompson, ’20 Rudi Thompson* Jacob Thorley Dan Thornberry, ’73 Marvin Thornton, ’67 Victoria Throneberry, ’20 Megan Thurman, ’18 Greg Thurston, ’82 Brandon Tidwell, ’20 Brad Tollefson, ’87 Mitchell Tollefson, ’05, ’06 Deli Torres, ’20 Jared Town Carol Townsend, ’57

Cortney Townsend, ’20 Meganne Townsend, ’88 Denise Trapani, ’86, ’89 Bill Travis, ’55, ’59 Laura Travis, ’03 Dane Treat, ’91, ’98, ’03 Jessica Treece, ’20 Luther Trent Jr., ’66, ’77 James Trentham, ’74 Matthew Trentham, ’06 Nathan Trigg* Tori Trimble, ’19 Joshua Trimm, ’20 Becca Tripodi* Joseph Tripodi* Andrew Troyer, ’17 Richard Trueheart, ’78 Jim Truscott, ’62, ’72 Derek Tucker, ’18 Bill Tulp, ’90 Carol Tupy, ’83 Layne Turner Michael Turner* Duane Turpin, ’86, ’91 John Tye III, ’68 Gino Tylenda* Karena Tyler John Tyree, ’64, ’82 Pamela Ullrich, ’18 Sydney Ulrich* Sheryl Underwood, ’71 Terry Unkefer, ’80 Douglas Unruh, ’78 Kaylie Upton* Caitlin Uva* Judy Valentine, ’68 David Van Stine, ’80 Alexis Vance*

Turner Vandenborn, ’18 Luke Vanderwork* Cliff Vann Jr., ’77 Curtis Vap, ’85 Kylie Varner* Vanessa Velasco, ’20 Sandra Velde, ’86 Jessica Venard* Mark Verace, ’18 Michael Veteto, ’85, ’96 Holly Vetsch, ’15 Kelly Vick Jr., ’73 Saundra Vincent, ’68 Caroline Vitanza* Jim Voelkers, ’71 Gary Voise, ’70 Daryle Voss, ’90, ’92 Butch Vowell, ’64, ’67 Connelly Wade, ’93 Kelly Wade* Misty Wade, ’95, ’01 Tina Wade, ’13 J. D. Waggoner, ’57, ’83 Shirley Waggoner, ’60 Christine Wagner, ’92 Dena Wagner, ’89 Ed Wagner, ’78, ’80 Elaina Wakefield* Ruth Ann Wakefield, ’79 Jim Wakeman Jr., ’90, ’91 Tori Walach, ’20 Josh Wald, ’19 Allen Walker, ’72, ’73 Becky Walker, ’91, ’96 Cale Walker, ’08, ’12 Janet Walker, ’76

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Mark Walker* Michelle Walker* Mindy Walker, ’10 Monique Walker* Richard Walker, ’84 Stephana Walker, ’17 Wayne Walker, ’70 Bill Wall, ’82 Sherri Wall, ’85 Jerry Wallace, ’75 John Wallace Jr., ’65 Lindsey Wallace, ’05 Maximum Waller* Dwayne Walls, ’69 Janet Walls, ’67 Tori Walls* Luke Walsh, ’20 Carley Walstad* Ashley Walters, ’18 Ray Walters, ’92 Rylie Walters* Allie Walterscheid, ’20 Larry Walton, ’65, ’72, ’91 Robert Walton Sr., ’52, ’56, ’61 Wayne Walton, ’58, ’61 Serena Wang, ’88 Houston Ward Jr., ’63 Jimmie Ward, ’52 Tami Ward, ’90 Todd Ward, ’17 Benjamin Warden, ’16 Gerald Warmann, ’84 Craig Warne, ’71, ’72, ’95 Charlie Warner Jr., ’61, ’63 Julie Warren, ’20 Hunter Wash* Daniel Watkins* John Watson* Kerrin Watson, ’76 Robert Watson Jr., ’88

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Cora Watts, ’20 Wendell Watts* Paula Waugh, ’56, ’83 Paul Weatherford, ’54 Brian Weathers, ’87 Brooke Weaver, ’20 Lora Weaver, ’20 Betty Webb, ’61 Dan Webb, ’96, ’99 Jim Webb III, ’63, ’66, ’71 Jody Webb, ’81 Malinda Webb, ’83, ’87, ’90 Steven Webb, ’83 Anna Webb-Storey, ’84, ’92, ’98 Landon Weber* Hayley Webster* Abigail Weddle, ’20 Michael Wedge* Greg Wedman Sebastian Weimer* Jerry Weinand, ’67, ’69 Harriet Weirich, ’70 John Welch, ’65, ’68 Jay Welke* Emily Wells* Kaylyn Wells* Ronald Wells* Tom Welsh, ’63, ’65 Ariel West, ’15 Kenneth Westfahl, ’78 John Westlake, ’18 Rosalyn Weston, ’58 Tom Wheat, ’77 Aaron Wheeler, ’20 Donnie Wheeler, ’72 Jake Whitbeck* Arron White, ’91, ’93 Baylee White* Bruce White, ’82, ’83 Donald White, ’75, ’78

Doug White, ’74, ’84 Haley White* Jill White, ’98 Kase White* Keaton White* Linda White, ’76 Mandy White* Patty White, ’93, ’95 Stacey White, ’92, ’93 Trevor White* Kaye White Walker, ’96 Jacob Whited, ’20 Cary Whitlock, ’87 Kirk Whitman, ’78 Richard Whitman, ’57 Bill Whitt, ’56, ’57 Tracy Wicker, ’86, ’99 Frank Wicks Jr., ’75, ’78 Erica Wiebe Merton Wiechman, ’67 Julie Wiese, ’91 Arthur Wikoff, ’63, ’68 Terry Wilcox, ’62 Bailey Wilhite* Carol Wilkerson, ’80 Jeff Wilkerson, ’91 Scott Wilkie, ’94 John Wilkins Jr., ’88 Shari Wilkins, ’89 Don Wilkinson, ’70 Paul Will, ’70, ’74, ’78 Sammy Willhoite* Amberlie Williams* Bill Williams, ’54 Brandi Williams, ’17, ’18 Charles Williams Jr., ’57 Cherilyn Williams, ’78 Cheyanne Williams, ’06, ’09 Cody Williams, ’11 David Williams, ’85 Debbie Williams, ’79

Jennifer Williams, ’01, ’06 Jimmy Williams, ’74 Johna Williams, ’59, ’66 Len Williams, ’61 Natalie Williams* Samantha Williams, ’20 Tyler Williams, ’16, ’17 Edward Williamson, ’61 Gary Williamson, ’63 Jim Williamson, ’81 Ken Williamson, ’65, ’70 Neil Williamson, ’71 Neal Willison, ’70, ’71, ’78 Ruth Willsey, ’50, ’52 Connor Wilson* Jacy Wilson, ’18 Johnny Wilson, ’19 Marcia Wilson, ’81 Meredith Wilson, ’20 Norman Wilson, ’70, ’75 Patrick Wilson* Ricky Wilson* Cathy Wilton, ’84 Jonathan Winegarten* Ed Winn, ’65, ’80 David Winslow, ’60, ’64 Kathy Winslow, ’60 Arden Winter* Ruth Winter, ’59, ’80 Brittany Winters, ’19 Gregory Winters, ’74, ’81, ’92 Janice Wiseman, ’82, ’85 Roxanne Witt, ’10, ’14 Tom Witt, ’66, ’68, ’74 Colton Woelffer* Thomas Wolf, ’75, ’80 R. J. Wolfe, ’75, ’77 Lynn Wolfmeyer, ’62, ’65, ’74

Stuart Womack, ’04 Jerry Wood Sr., ’20 Johnathan Wood* Kaleb Wood, ’20 Michael Wood II, ’19 Sarah Wood, ’89 Rodney Wood-Schultz, ’68 Taylor Woodall-Greene, ’15, ’16 Leslie Woodruff, ’75 Robert Woods Jr., ’74, ’80 Roy Woods, ’60, ’61 Katie Woodward, ’20 Tim Woody, ’71 Shelly Woolley, ’86 Beverly Wornom, ’78 Harold Worrell, ’60 Abreanna Wrice* Caleb Wright* Leslie Wright, ’90 Luellyn Wright, ’50 Marcia Wright, ’75 Sharon Wright, ’69, ’72 Nicole Wurzel, ’20 Jake Wycoff, ’20 Samuel Wynn* Ashley Yakopec, ’20 Mackenzie Yandell, ’20 Seth Yarborough, ’18 Christine Yasik, ’74 Jerry Yates, ’64 Ryan Yates, ’00 Sara Yates, ’20 Lonnie Yearwood, ’71 Elizabeth Yingling, ’88 Dean Yoder, ’68 Stephen Yost, ’93 Eli Young, ’11, ’19 Hannah Young, ’19 Martie Young, ’97

Mary Alice Young, ’58, ’95 McKenna Young, ’15 Olivia Young* Paul Young III, ’84 Zachary Youngblood, ’20 Pamela Yount, ’82, ’83 Dick Yuhnke, ’70, ’74, ’77 Micah Zachary* Terri Zander, ’86, ’03 Gene Zdziarski II, ’83, ’01 Day Zimbelman, ’94 Jenifer Zimbelman Matt Ziminsky* Clay Zwilling, ’13

VISIT ORANGE CONNECTION .org/life to see how easy it is to become a life member today or call 405-744-5368.

ALUMNI UPDATE

’40s Alfred M. Green, ’47 animal science livestock operations, is living a happy, mobile life at the age of 97. His family is enriched in the Cowboy heritage.

His grandson, Perry Hewitt II, graduated from OSU with a master’s degree in personnel management, medical, and his granddaughter, Sarah Steele Allen, got a master’s in accounting. Green is the oldest ZPE (Sig-Ep).

’50s

Earline Cardenter Strom, ’50 HEECS, ’68 master’s in secondary education, is the proud owner of Red Earth Pottery.

Jedeane Macdonald, ’57 management, is grateful for her years at OSU, where she got an excellent education and made great friends. She was editor of the O’Colly her senior year and wanted to continue in the publishing world. In 1964, she became a computer programmer and was involved in the beginning of setting type using computers.

’60s

John E. “Eddie” Manley, ’60 agronomy, is happily retired from OSUIT. Margaret Ann Schatz Collins, ’62 child care program management, is happily retired.

Patricia Ann Boyd Neely, ’63 elementary education, and her family are all proud Pokes. Grandson Jet Boyd Turner graduated from OSU in December 2020.

Janice Deanne Davis Buckles, ’64 elementary education, ’92 doctorate in education, is enjoying her retirement with her fur babies. She has two granddaughters at the University of Texas at Austin and

Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania. Her grandson is still in high school.

Carolyn K. Murray Herald, ’67 HEECS, is very proud of her children and grandchildren. Her daughter and family live near her in Carmel, Indiana. She has four grandchildren who are all competitive swimmers.

Harry Thayne Cozart, ’67 master’s in mass communications, has been retired for 15 years, but he still continues to write syndicated weekly columns, “Viewing the Field by Milo Yield,” and “Laugh Tracks in the Dust.” He has been writing these columns for 46 years.

Leon Minton, ’68 electrical engineering, credits his successful career as an electronic design engineer, computer program manager and IT analyst to the knowledge he garnered at OSU. He is now 75 and spends much of his time running for recreation.

’70s

Doveline F.K.N. (Steer) Borges, ’70 physical education, worked as a lifeguard at the Colvin Center during her time at OSU. She has returned to Oklahoma for many OSU/OU football games, thanks to Debbie and Jack Crissup. With her family in Hawaii, geology professor Dr. John Naff and his wife, Millie, hosted her when she could not fly home. Her degree from OSU and master’s from the University of Hawaii at Manoa helped her obtain a professional career. To that end she says, “A hui hou kakou!” (until we meet again).

Royce G. Caldron, ’70 secondary education, ’75 master’s in STD Pers&Guid, and his wife Kathy recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

They met as undergraduates at OSU and became engaged before graduating. Due to the pandemic, they couldn’t have a big indoor celebration for their anniversary, so they had a drive-by event for their friends

and family, handing out bags of treats as they welcomed numerous visitors on a windy November afternoon.

Michael Sewell Smith, ’70 marketing, ’71 accounting, is living in Banning, California, where he serves as a golf tournament chair and is on the safety committee for his HOA. Though he misses his fellow Pokes in Stillwater, he loves the southern California winters.

Daryl Talbot, ’73 art, is a cartoonist who has drawn cartoons for Western Horseman magazine for 45 years. He currently draws cartoons for Leanin’ Tree greeting cards, Leatherneck magazine and more.

He has published six books of his western and military cartoons.

Randy Weaver,’73 broadcast journalism, and his wife, Amy Reger Weaver, are excited their grandson, Jackson Field, began attending OSU in fall 2020.

Weaver is celebrating 40 years working for the Texas Battery Co. Inc. and is president there.

Dr. Chin (Kent) Liaong Ko, ’74 master’s in civil engineering, ’76 master’s in mechanical engineering, has taught mechanical engineering at Oakland University in Michigan for 35 years. He has written five classical music concertos and a vocal symphony, “The Goddess of Mercy — Princess Meeou Sarn — Bodhisattva Guan Se Yin.” All five concertos were recorded by the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra in the Czech Republic.

Formosa Television in Taiwan also interviewed him for his second piano concerto, “The Nation of Taiwan,” in 2018.

Brad Kisner, ’74 music education, retired in 2019 after a career in sacred music. In the last 25 years, Kisner served as director of music, worship and arts at First United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In 2015, Brad and his wife, Jane, received the Soli Deo Gloria Award for outstanding alumni from Perkins School of Theology at Southwestern Methodist University. In 2017, the Kisners were honored with the V. Earle Copes Award for outstanding service to the Fellowship of

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United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts; Brad was national president and Jane was national secretary of the group. He is an adjunct professor of piano at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi. The Kisners have two children and four grandchildren.

Reatta A. Miller, ’75 HEECS, ’79 master’s in HEECS, was selected for the inclusion in the 2020 Super Lawyers list and is recognized as a member of the 2021 Best Lawyers in America.

C. Mac Blankenship, ’75 journalism and broadcasting, is happily retired in Oklahoma City.

Charles E. Langer, ’76 business, is retired from claims adjusting at Farmers Insurance. He says his adventures aren’t through yet, as he is looking into new opportunities.

Patty Sinclair, ’76 special education, retired from American Airlines in October 2020 after flying for over 43 years. During that time, she traveled to five continents, missing only Asia and Antarctica. Sinclair enjoyed her time with American, mostly working international flights as a purser/flight attendant.

John Joseph Garvey, ’77 history, sends his condolences for Dr. Tom Kielhorn, who was a professor of political science at OSU from 1970-78. Dr. Kielhorn was his teacher and mentor, as Garvey’s minor was political science. There were numerous lively political debates in his classes with Dr. Kielhorn from 1973 to 1977.

Dr. Charles Henley, ’77 doctorate in osteopathic medicine, is most grateful for the lifelong friends he made while at OSU and is very proud of the growth and accomplishments of the leadership of the college.

Dr. Henley went into a residency in the military at Fort Belvoir and Walter Reed and pursued a career in the Army medical corps. Dr. Henley retired as a full colonel in 1997, then returned to his alma mater in Tulsa as chair of family medicine. While there, he and Dr. Ray Stowers initiated the rural health track for students funded by grants from Health Resources and

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Service Administration and the National Library of Medicine. Dr. Henley has been instrumental in helping to build medical schools from a blank state. He served as the associate dean for clinical education at Marian University in Indianapolis and was the founding dean of Sam Houston State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Texas, where he is in his fifth year. He is still licensed in Oklahoma and annually gives to the OSU-COM Foundation. His son, Patrick, is also a graduate of OSU-COM and practices cardiology in Washington state.

Cheryl A. Alred Colaw, ’78 fashion merchandising, ’88 master’s in DHM, and husband, Lee Colaw, recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary. Lee is retired from a 20-year career in the Army.

They have two sons and seven grandchildren. They are enjoying life and love OSU! Frank Williams, ’78 civil engineering, and his wife, Debbie Walters Williams, ’78 CTM, have been enjoying retirement for five years. The Albuquerque, New Mexico, couple looks forward to resuming traveling and visiting their three children and three grandchildren after COVID-19.

Darita Deloach Huckabee, ’78 political science, was named the deputy director for the Indian Nations Council of Governments.

Her new position serves local governments in Creek, Osage, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner counties in Oklahoma.

Tommie Austin Freeman, ’79 agricultural education, wrote another chapter to his book of life. He calls it, “Retirement with consulting and volunteering, RVing and being a papa to his two grandkids.”

Chuck Hibberd, ’79 master’s in animal science, ’82 doctorate in animal nutrition, was appointed to the Nebraska Community Foundation board. Hibberd’s

38-year-tenure included teaching, research and extension in Oklahoma, Nebraska and Indiana. He was the dean and director of Nebraska Extension for eight years and served as the associate dean, director of extension and assistant vice president of engagement at Purdue University. He has served cooperative extension regionally and nationally.

Kevin G. Nelson, ’79 business administration, is president of Porvair Filtration Group Inc., a leading manufacturer of filters and filtration systems for aerospace, nuclear, chemical process, bioscience and semiconductor applications.

He and his wife, Dr. Maureen Quealy Nelson, ’79 speech pathology-audiology, live in Richmond, Virginia. They have three children, including two OSU graduates: Mary Kathryn (Kate) Nelson, ’09 design, housing and merchandising, and Eric Nelson, ’14 mechanical engineering.

A. Kay Harris Kellogg, ’79 elementary education, is teaching middle school science in Oklahoma City.

Bruce Brasington, ’79 history, was recognized as the Twanna Caddell Powell Professor of History at Texas A&M University, the first endowed professorship for the department. He has been honored as Regents Professor for the Texas A&M University System and a Piper Foundation Professor.

’80s

Pamela Ann DeCamp Ernst, ’80 elementary education, retired from her teaching position in 2020. She is a grandparentto-be in 2021.

Bill Carleton, ’80 higher education, retired in 2019 after 53 years of working on behalf of the U.S. Marine Corps and higher education.

Steve W. Herod, ’81 finance and management, lives in Houston and is CEO of Grizzly Energy LLC. Since graduating from OSU, he has worked for several independent energy companies in roles of increasing responsibility. He and his wife, Lorie, recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They have two daughters in high school and enjoy tennis, traveling, family time and cheering for OSU. Michael Kenna, ‘81 master’s in agronomy, ’84 doctorate in crop science, received the Gold Course Superintendents Association of America’s 2021 Col. John Morley Distinguished Service Award. Kenna is the director of USGA Green Section Research and began his involvement in the turfgrass industry at the age of 15. Throughout his 25-year tenure with GCSAA, Kenna managed more than 600 research projects with an amassed funding of more than $40 million.

Ronald E. Graham, ’81 doctorate in osteopathic medicine, has been medically retired from medicine since 2019.

Linda A. Livingstone, ‘82 economics and management, ‘83 master’s in business administration, ‘92 doctorate in philosophy in management and organizational behavior, was elected secretary of the American Council on Education’s Board of Directors. Livingstone is the 15th president of Baylor University. She was inducted into OSU’s Hall of Fame in 2019 and was recognized with the OSU Distinguished Alumni Award in 2015. She is a member of the Spears School of Business Hall of Fame and was the first recipient of the Outstanding Ph.D. Alumnus Award.

Mel Krewall, ’82 electronics technology, recently began working for Raytheon Missiles and Defense in Tucson, Arizona, as the senior principal engineer. Krewall began this new occupation after a 36-year career at Lockheed in Fort Worth, Texas.

Debbie Bradley Marsh, ’82 special education, is retiring from her middle school counseling position with Hobart (Oklahoma) Schools at the end of May. Mary J. Steichen, ’83 finance, owns the Cherokee Strip Co., an antique and tourism-related store, in Ponca City, Oklahoma.

She also oversees the family farm and vineyard operation, Silvertop Farm & Vineyards, southwest of Ponca City.

Garth Brooks, ’84 journalism advertising, ’11 master’s in business administration, performed “Amazing Grace” at the inauguration of President Joe Biden.

Paul E. Vrana, ’85 finance, was recognized on the 2021 Best Lawyers in America list.

Sheila J. Laskey ThomasBoone, ’87 recreational therapy, will be retiring from K-12 education and a public-school administrator at Ennis (Texas) ISD to pursue a doctorate in education policy, teaching and learning at Southern Methodist University.

Brig. Gen. Brent Wright, ’89 organization administration, retired after 32 years of service in December 2020.

He served in the military as chief of staff for the Oklahoma Air National Guard.

’90s

Jon Boren, ’89 wildlife ecology, ’92 master’s in wildlife and fish ecology, ’95 doctorate in philosophy, was elected to the National 4-H Council’s board of trustees. He is the associate dean of New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

Kevin G. Henderson, ‘91 organization administration, is proud that his son just completed his first semester at Oklahoma State.

Steve Bashore, ’94 political science, was the first Republican elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for District 7 since 1923.

James N. Yates, ’95 doctorate in English, is the dean of arts and sciences at South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Dr. Gretchen Matthews, ’95 mathematics, has been inducted as a 2021 fellow of the Association for Women in Mathematics. She is a professor at Virginia Tech University.

Rep. Stephanie Asady Bice, ’97 marketing, was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 3, 2020, from Oklahoma’s District 5.

Marcus Propps, ’98 finance, has been promoted to vice president with continuing responsibility for the Dallas Fed and its El Paso Cash departments.

Previously, he was an assistant vice president. Propps joined the Dallas Fed in 2000.

Dr. Tim Faltyn, ’99 doctorate in higher education, was inducted into the 2020 Higher Education Hall of Fame after 26 years of working in the OSU A&M system. Faltyn has served as faculty, department chair, dean, AVPAA, VPA and president of both a community college and a university. Faltyn credits his career and life success to his time at OSU.

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’00s Eunice Tarver, ‘00 psychology, was named the vice president of student success and equity at Tulsa Community College. Prior to her promotion, Tarver served as the TCC northeast campus provost and assistant vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion. Tarver will focus on student experience in the way that it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to provide an inclusive and equitable learning experience to all students.

Clint Rodgers, ’01 architecture, was promoted to senior associate of Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, in its Tulsa office.

Rodgers has spent 19 years working for Dewberry. His specialization is in managing architecture in healthcare, K-12 education, higher education and municipalities. He is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is a registered architect in Oklahoma and Texas.

Jeremy Stubbs, ‘03 mathematics, will become director for the Annie Wright Upper School of Boys in Tacoma, Washington, on July 1, 2021.

Kristin Killgore, ’04 architectural engineering, ’05 master’s in architectural engineering, was recognized as the new chief operations officer of FSB, Oklahoma’s largest full-service architecture and engineering firm. Killgore was previously an FSB associate and operations manager. She is the OKC Chapter of Commercial Real Estate Women presidentelect, chair of the Structural Engineer’s Licensure Coalition and co-chair of the National Council of Structural Engineer’s Licensing Committee. She was recognized in the Journal Record’s 40 Under 40 award and was a Journal Record Woman of the Year honoree.

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Amy Blackburn, ’04 journalism and broadcasting, was named the director of branding and citizen experience for the state of Oklahoma, working to drive tourism and commerce to the state. Working alongside Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, she has been working to create an outstanding experience for residents and visitors.

Taryn Clark, ’07 journalism and broadcasting, was promoted to communications director of Argent Financial Group in October. She will lead the communications efforts of the Oklahoma City firm.

Cody Klein, ’08 landscape architecture, and his partnership with OJB Landscape Architecture investors recently received the prestigious 2020 National Design Award for Landscape Architecture from the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian National Design Museum, honoring its transformation of spaces nationwide and landscape design focused on health care environments.

Kimberly A. Hays, ’05 masters in zoology, ’10 doctorate in zoology, received the Regents’ Excellence in Teaching and Learning Felton Jenkins Jr. Hall of Fame Faculty Award from the University System of Georgia.

She is an associate professor of biology at Dalton State College.

Myriah Johnson, ’09 agricultural economics, began working for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in April 2020 as the senior director of beef sustainability research. In her position, Johnson leads the beef checkoff’s sustainability research program. She is responsible for setting the direction of the research program and developing and implementing checkoff-funded programs that validate and benchmark how beef is responsibly and sustainably raised.

’10s John Peter Hansen, ’12 master’s in English literature, was selected as Educator of the Year for the 42nd Annual Andy Devine Awards presented by the Kingman (Arizona) Area Chamber of Commerce. His work has appeared or is forthcoming in The Summerset Review, The Pluralist, Philological Review, The Griot: The Journal of African American Studies, PopMatters, Aethlon: The Journal of Sport Literature, and Philosophy Pathways. He teaches English at Mohave Community College in Arizona.

Tori Hill, ’14 agribusiness, was recognized as an honor graduate of the 2020 Bankers Association Consumer Lending School. Hill works with the Bank of Commerce in Duncan, Oklahoma. The Consumer Lending School honored her for her exceptional performance in the OBA Consumer Lending School’s course.

Meredith Leigh Rush, ’14 elementary education, was selected as the 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year at Schell Elementary in Plano, Texas. She has taught second grade for the past seven years and loves teaching her students all about OSU during college week.

Robert Sloan, ’16 associate in information technologies, ’18 information technologies, just passed the two-year-mark as a full-time employee with OSUIT. He has also started scuba diving again.

Births

Capt. Chris “Squirreley” Worley, ’16 aerospace administration and operations, graduated from the USAF Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training in 2018 and is an A-10 “Warthog” pilot. He is currently assigned to the 25th Fighter Squadron “Assam Draggins” at Osan Air Base in South Korea.

Chapman

’20s

Johnson

Merrily Jamison Shelby, ’20 master’s in science in teaching, learning and leadership, is the reading specialist at Madill (Oklahoma) Elementary. Her oldest son, Levi, graduated from OSU with a degree in animal science.

Will, her youngest, is a senior at OSU majoring in animal science.

She is married to M. Troy Shelby, who graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at OSU in 1987.

Emily E. Cotton, ’20 sports management, was hired in August as the first female director of football operations at Defiance College in northwestern Ohio.

She also serves as the offensive assistant for Defiance College football.

Friends

Ranji Vaidyanathan was named a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors. The NAI Fellows program highlights innovative academic inventors whose patents have a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and societal welfare. Vaidyanathan’s class of fellows will be inducted in Tampa, Florida, in June. He is the Varnadow Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at OSU-Tulsa.

Matyi

Nelson

Murta

Westphalen

Micky Coats, ’76 math, and his wife, Susan, are proud to announce the birth of their grandson, Martin Max Coats, on Sept. 4, 2020. He is a fourth-generation Cowboy. Martin’s father, Marty Coats, is a 2010 OSU graduate.

Mark Johnson, ’89 animal science, and his wife, Amy, recently became grandparents. Their daughter Emily, a ’17 OSU graduate, and her husband, Brandon Howard, welcomed their daughter, Faye Madelyn Howard, July 28, 2020.

Kerry Nelson, ’09 economics, and Tyler Nelson, ’09 management and information systems, welcomed Caroline Olivia Nelson on June 9, 2020. Caroline and her 3-year-old sister are fourthgeneration OSU Cowgirls.

Audrey Lynn Morris Westphalen, ’09 physiology, and her husband, Justin Westphalen, ’09 physiology, welcomed Grace Elizabeth Westphalen on June 12, 2020. The Westphalens also have a 3-year-old, Emma Claire Westphalen.

Abbey Bollinger Murta, ’12 human development and family science, ’14 master’s in educational leadership, and her husband, Evan Murta, ’13 architecture, welcomed Ella Mae Murta on Oct. 3, 2020. Graduating from the NICU after 10 grueling days, Ella was born a Cowboy fighter and bleeds OSU orange! Her parents cannot wait to teach her the fight song and bring her to football games next fall, adding another generation of Cowboys to the Murta family.

Stephanie Matyi, ’14 doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology, and her husband, John Matyi, welcomed Leighton Anthony Matyi on June 25, 2020. Rylie Matyi, 11, is excited for a new sister!

Morgan A. Hannabass Chapman, ’14 agricultural communications, and her husband, Fred A. Chapman IV, ’14 animal science, welcomed Fred “Chap” Alexander Chapman V on Aug. 31, 2020.

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In Memory Jeraldine “Jerry” Brown, ’43 education, died Nov. 25, 2020, due to COVID-19 complications. She was 99. Brown was inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame in 2018, honored as a veteran of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, and was a member of the Chickasaw Warrior Society. She was born in Oklahoma City on Oct. 28, 1921, to Annie Rennie Colbert-Meek and Alymer Hightown Meek. While at OSU, she was an Aggiette (a member of the Aggie Pep Squad), and she was named Outstanding OSU Chickasaw Alumna in 2014. While enlisted in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, she developed and printed photos from bombers. She was on duty at the Pentagon the day the U.S. B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the first atomic bomb on Japan during World War II. She returned to Oklahoma and married Syl Brown after her discharge. The couple had two children. Mrs. Brown worked as a teacher until her retirement in 1973 and continued substitute teaching until she was 90. She is remembered for a lifelong legacy of service.

James “Jimmie” D. Willison, ’49 general business management, died Nov. 12, 2020, just one month shy of his 102nd birthday. After graduating from OSU, he worked for Wentz Oil Co. and then Continental Oil Co. in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Mr. Willison was active in his church, a Boy Scout leader and a Little League baseball coach for sons J. Kencil and Neal. He was a lifelong supporter of OSU, and both of his sons and grandsons are also OSU graduates. Jimmie and his wife, Elsie, enjoyed their times together and took many bus tours of the United States.

Richard Dale “Dick” Bogert, ’56 mechanical engineering, beloved father and grandfather, died Jan. 25, 2021. He was 87. He was born Oct. 9, 1933, to Frank “Bud” and Helen Lynch Bogert.

He and his four siblings grew up on a small farm north of Enid, Oklahoma.

After attending Oklahoma A&M, Mr. Bogert always remained “Loyal and True to OSU.” He married Barbara Ann Blake on Dec. 19, 1954, and they were loving companions for 65 years until her death in 2020. Mr. Bogert served in the Air Force as a petroleum supply officer in Charleston, South Carolina. After returning to Oklahoma, he worked for Champlin Petroleum before founding

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Bogert Oil in 1979. Mr. Bogert, a lifetime member of the OSU Alumni Association, served on the OSU Foundation’s Board of Governors and Board of Trustees, was a Top 150 donor, a Cowboy Gift of a Lifetime participant and a Distinguished Alumnus, among numerous other local, state and national awards and recognitions.

William Warren “Bill” Mays, ’57 fire protection technology, died at home in Decatur, Georgia, on Dec. 8, 2020. He was 90. Born in Rutherford, Tennessee, and raised in Dyer, Tennessee, he was the only child of the late Horace and Vernell Mays. After a stint in the Air Force, he graduated from OSU and remained a proud alumnus all his life. From 1957 to 1992, he worked for Federated Mutual Insurance Co., first as a loss-control expert, later as an underwriter and underwriting manager. A former deacon, Mr. Mays was a member of Scott Boulevard Baptist Church for 59 years. He is survived by a son, Warren (Noreen) Mays of Lexington, Kentucky; three daughters, Nelda Mays (Rick Jernigan) of Decatur, Kelly J. Mays (Hugh Jackson) of Las Vegas, and Lola Susanne (Joe) Farrington of Smyrna, Georgia; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Lola Ann Wood Mays, in 2014.

Dan E. Miller, M.D., ’58 human resource management, died Nov. 23, 2020, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ellie, three children and three grandchildren. Dr. Miller served in the Army after graduating from OSU and spent much of his time in the service deployed to Germany.

Dr. Miller practiced family medicine in Edmond, Oklahoma, until he moved to Tulsa in 1975. He served as president of Emergency Care Inc., a firm that covered Saint Francis Emergency Department.

Dr. Miller founded one of the first urgentcare facilities in Oklahoma, the Tulsa Emergency Medical Center. He helped found the ambulance service to Tulsa and the EMSA and Tulsa Life Flight service. Dr. Miller enjoyed traveling, music and writing in his retirement.

Thomas Raymond Irey, ’62 master’s in chemistry, ’72 master’s in history, died Aug. 2, 2020. He was 80. After graduating from OSU, he served in the U.S. Navy and taught chemistry at the U.S. Naval Academy as well as serving a tour in Vietnam. Upon discharge from the Navy, he returned to OSU to earn his

master’s degree. He had a long career as an educator and farmer in Oklahoma.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Karen, and nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces.

Thomas Harry McCormick, ’63 chemistry, died June 4, 2020, in Edmond, Oklahoma. He was 79. Mr. McCormick was a retired senior vice president and secretary of the board at Kimray Inc. He was on the board of directors for the Kiwanis, a deacon and elder at First Presbyterian Church of Edmond and a member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Memorial donations may be made to the Oklahoma State University Memorial Fund at osugiving. com or 800-622-4678.

Floyd Belk, ’66 doctorate in elementary education, died Sept. 22, 2020. He was 95. He attended Joplin (Missouri) Junior College and played football there.

He attended Pittsburg (Kansas) State University to obtain his undergraduate and master’s degrees. After obtaining his doctorate from OSU, Dr. Belk returned to Joplin Junior College in 1966 and assisted in its transition to the four-year Missouri Southern State University. Dr. Belk began as director of admissions and institutional research and was named assistant dean in 1972. He was named vice president of academic affairs and dean of the faculty in 1974. He served as an interim president in 1978 and 1979 and retired in 1990. He received the Outstanding Alumnus Award. Dr. Belk also served two terms on the Joplin City Council. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy, in 1993, and his second wife, Mary Sue, in 2016. He is survived by two sons, Tim C. Belk and J. Todd Belk, and extended family.

Ron Wanger, ‘78 animal science, died May 21, 2020, in Battle Ground, Washington. He was 69. Mr. Wanger was raised in Fargo, Oklahoma. He attended OSU and was a proud member of the award-winning Animal Science Meats Judging Team. His meat judging experience led him to a 20-year career with Iowa Beef Processors. In 1995, Mr. Wanger became the director of Royal Ridges Retreat in Yacolt, Washington, a Christian camp, retiring in 2019. He was an active member of the Battle Ground Baptist Church. His guitar and banjo were always nearby, and he was always willing to strike up a tune. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Sue, son Emory, daughters Stephanie and Veronica, and grandchildren.

In Memory Hugh Griffith McClure died Dec. 10, 2020. He was 83.

He attended Oklahoma A&M before earning a doctor of chiropractic degree from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic. He practiced as a doctor of chiropractic for 54 years and served as a member of the Oklahoma State Board of Chiropractic Examiners. Dr. McClure was

married to Delilah Atkinson for 23 years and they had a daughter, Holly Ann, and a son, Matthew Eli. He was married to Kathy Ann Lee for 17 years and had a daughter, Jacqueline Ann. Edye Zan, his wife of 15 years, was the last love of his life. Dr. McClure was loyal and true to America’s Brightest Orange, Pistol Pete and the OSU Cowboys.

Weddings Hillary Nolan Ketchum, ’13 accounting, ’14 master’s in accounting, married Ty Ketchum, ’13 finance, ’20 master’s in accounting analytics, on Oct. 2, 2020. The couple met in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, while working for ConocoPhillips after graduating from OSU, and eventually moved to Fort Worth. Ty is a senior data analyst for Bell Flight, and Hillary is a financial analyst for ExxonMobil.

The Ketchums attend as many OSU games as possible and the annual Mid-South cycling race in Stillwater.

Devin R. Whittington Skaggs, ’14 agricultural leadership, married Christopher Allen Skaggs on Oct. 10, 2020, in Loveland, Oklahoma.

Hannah Hendryx Hough, ’19 animal science, married Kody Hough, ’17 associate in auto service tech Ford asset, on New Year’s Day in the Valley of Fire Desert State Park in Overton, Nevada.

Ashleigh Nicole Warren Matos, ’20 management and marketing, married Connor Matos, ’20 human development and family science, in Wister, Oklahoma, on Oct. 17, 2020. The couple met at the OSU Baptist Collegiate Ministry.

Molly E. Jackson Payne, ’20 design housing and merchandising, married Nicholas Allan Payne on Oct. 10, 2020.

Ketchum

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PHOTO GARY LAWSON

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