Continues to Inspire
Jenifer Reynolds and Jennifer Buffett
2012 Women for OSU Symposium
82
SPRING 2012
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SOLD-OUT ANNUAL EVENT HONORS AND ENCOURAGES PHILANTHROPY.
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When successful and philanthropic individuals work together, great things happen. That was evident at the sold-out fourth annual Women for Oklahoma State University Symposium on April 12. This group of women passionate about inspiring leadership through support of OSU gathers each spring to encourage and recognize philanthropy. This year’s keynote speaker was Jennifer Buffett, co-chair and president of the New York-based NoVo Foundation, which focuses on creating a more just and balanced world based on cooperation and partnership through the empowerment of girls and women. Jenifer Reynolds, host of Discover Oklahoma, was emcee of the event attended by nearly 350 people. Martha Burger, a 1973 medical technology alumna, was named Philanthropist of the Year. She is Chesapeake Energy’s senior vice president — human and corporate resources. Five OSU juniors received $2,000 scholarships as Student Philanthropists of the Year. Rachel Benbrook, strategic communications; Kelsey Cottom, agricultural communications; Katie Haning, chemical engineering; Mallory Ross, agricultural communications; and Amelia Wilson, Spanish/mechanical and aerospace engineering. Women for OSU’s fundraising has increased the number of scholarship recipients each year since the first honoree in 2009. “Hearing the nominees’ stories is one of the best parts of what we do,” says Chairwoman Phyllis Hudecki, who is Oklahoma’s secretary of education. “We are determined to continue to increase our endowment so we can reward more of these impressive women who are doing so much in their communities before their careers have even begun.” Women for OSU also announced actress, author and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete as the keynote speaker for next spring’s event on April 3.