Legacy 2008

Orange Scene 12

The Difference a Donor Can Make 32

Honor Roll 90

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Dear OSU Friends,

For the past several years our organization has spoken of the tremendous momentum OSU has experienced as a result of significant increases in private support from donors like you. You have recognized the value of an OSU education and you have invested in it.

And today we begin to see the outline of OSU’s transformation.

Guided by an unprecedented growth in private giving this past year, our momentum is incredible and so is the potential of our university. Through a record-shattering $246 million in private gifts secured in fiscal year '08, Oklahoma State University is taking flight and the nation’s top educational institutions are taking notice.

This past May, alumnus T. Boone Pickens provided a $100 million academic donation that will more than double the number of current faculty chair and professorship positions at OSU. He generously agreed that his donation can be used to match other donor gifts to faculty chairs and professorships in the area of the donor’s choice and in the name of their choice. With the state match on both gifts, OSU donors saw their gift quadruple.

This vision resonated with many of our donors and resulted in securing an astonishing 900 additional gifts for chairs and professorships worth more than $68 million in just 40 days. Where vision and momentum intersect, transformation occurs.

We hope you fully understand that it is the combined effect of all gifts, large and small, that creates this transformation.

Our endowment has grown nearly 50 percent. Faculty positions have jumped from just over 100 to more than 275.

Total gifts increased by $161 million. These crucial milestones indicate the first steps in the transformation of research, scholarship awards, faculty retention and university excellence.

And we have you to thank.

In this report, we have attempted to illustrate the power, reach and impact of philanthropy at our university. Regardless of the gift size and designation featured in these pages, each person tells a story of how the OSU experience has influenced his or her life in profound ways. Whether it’s a donor through a gift; a student through a scholarship; a faculty member through endowed support – all speak to transformation and growth.

Students are our reason to exist, and we thank everyone who has encouraged these bright, dedicated young people by making a gift on behalf of their education to Oklahoma State University.

Sincerely,

Kirk A. Jewell President and CEO “Uniting donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence” 2 Fall 2008

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4 Fall 2008

Office of Annual Giving 1.800.622.4678 | AnnualGiving@OSUgiving.com 400 S. Monroe | PO Box 1749 | Stillwater, OK 74076-1749

OSU Foundation Leadership Monty Butts

Chairman of the Board

Debra Engle

Senior Vice President for Development

Kirk A. Jewell

President and CEO

Donna Koeppe

Vice President for Administration

Jason Caniglia

Marlo Duffy Turner

Editorial Staff

Assistant Vice President for Development Assistant Vice President for Development

Becky Endicott

Senior Director of Marketing and Communications

Abby Taylor

Communications Specialist

Lisa Frein

Communications Specialist

Christopher Lewis Jonathan McCoy Leesa Wyzard

Phil Shockley Gary Lawson

Kevin McMillan

About Us

Creative Services Coordinator Creative Services Coordinator Marketing Coordinator

University Photographer University Photographer

Contributing Photographer

Organized in 1961, the Oklahoma State University Foundation has been desig-

nated by the Oklahoma State University Board of Regents as the university’s official fundraising agency. The Foundation is a nonprofit corporation, and gifts made to the Foundation are deductible as charitable contributions. The

Foundation exists solely to support the university in its mission and strives to unite donor and university passions and priorities to achieve excellence.

Contact Us

We welcome your comments and thoughtful suggestions for Legacy. Please

contact Becky Endicott at bendicott@OSUgiving.com or (800) 622-4678 with feedback or letters to the editor.

Legacy is published annually by the OSU Foundation for donors and friends of the university.

Legacy is not published with public funds.

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»Access the site today at OSUgiving.com/Legacy.

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2 Welcome from President and CEO

contents

8 OSUgiving.com Features 10 Financial Highlights 12 Orange Scene 16 Engineers of Dreams

OSU-Tulsa’s design challenge gets children interested in engineering.

18 The Silent Language

AT&T Foundation grant provides interaction for deaf children.

20 President in Motion

A glimpse into the daily life of OSU’s commander in chief.

29 Peace

Michael Hyatt aspires to achieve world peace, one OSU student at a time.

30 Forty Years of Service, a Century of Impact

Endowed scholarship honors an OSU music legend.

32 The Difference a Donor can Make

Gerald Bennett’s influence reaches beyond his scholarship.

36 Growing a Legacy

The Shackelfords use their flourishing business to help OSU-OKC.

38 A Lifetime of Giving and Beyond

M.B. “Bud” Seretean is remembered for his generous spirit that lives on today.

39 Foundation Extends Hospitality

Students benefit from Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation Scholarships.

40 Son Inherits Giving Ways

Claud Kniffin’s generosity lives on in the heart and actions of his son.

42 Giving Young

Former scholars return favor by funding an endowed scholarship.

44 Entrepreneurial Spirit, Success

Texas couple donates $57.2 million to ensure the success of OSU.

48 Two Men, Two Motives, One Mission

A professor and his student share reasons for establishing endowed scholarships.

49 An Artful Gift

The Holts fund student internships at the Doel Reed Center in Taos, N.M.

50 In Lieu of Gifts

Williamses celebrate life’s occasions with donations to OSU.

52 One Gift: Immeasurable Impact

T. Boone Pickens’ $100 million gift forever alters OSU academics.

56 It Rained for Forty Days

6 Fall 2008

More than 900 donors follow Pickens’ lead.

60 Dedicated for her Dedication

Children honor their mother’s love of education.

61 Give Back

Alum helps provide scholarships for OSU medical students.

62 A Hope for Honduras

OSU scholarships provide an education and future for Honduran children.

65 Nephew Honors Aunt’s Love of Cats

“Cat room” in the Small Animal Critical Care Unit named for OSU alumna.

66 Through Their Daughter’s Eyes

The Frahms honor their daughter’s memory with a memorial scholarship.

69 Space Renovations Transform Library

Edmon Low Library undergoes an extreme makeover.

70 Endowments Leaving a Legacy in OSU Research

Professors use their endowments to make research dreams come true.

73 Drs. Choice

Marketing professors choose to give to doctoral students.

74 Giving By Design

Architect helps offset student housing costs.

76 Volunteering Spirit, Helping Hand

OSU student gives of her time to help others.

77 They’re Back

Dr. Pat Knaub revives women in philanthropy program.

78 Oklahoma Family Honors New OSU President

Rainbolt Family Endow Chair in honor of President Hargis.

80 Annual Giving

Loyal donors give $1.2 million in annual gifts.

82 From the Call Room to Cambridge

Cowboy Caller benefits from the money she helped raise.

83 On Top

Top Cowboy Callers raise more than $96,000 for OSU.

84 Join the Club

OSUF highlights President’s Club events from 2007-2008.

85 A Cool Scholarship for Okmulgee

Johnson Controls Inc. provides a scholarship for technology student.

86 Medical Cowboy Joins Mission

Dr. David Russell supports OSU students entering the healthcare field.

88 OSU Student Foundation Update

StuFu celebrates a successful first year.

90 Honor Roll 7

sharing my

Story . . .

features

I’m Luis Krug from Sulphur, Okla., and this is my story . . .

“Luisa [my daughter] enrolled at OSU, thus beginning a relationship with this university.

As I learned more about OSU, I became more and more convinced that she had made a good choice. OSU is providing the type of education that I had hoped it would: Luisa has been exposed to new viewpoints and ideas, she has had to take on new challenges and she is preparing for her future.

I have learned of the role that OSU plays in improving the quality of life of Oklahomans. In my profession as a U. S. Park Ranger, I have received training from OSU programs. I have contacted the OSU Extension Office for advice. My wife and I have attended cultural events on campus. OSU has become an important part of our lives . . .”

To read Luis’ entire story or submit your own, visit OSUgiving.com/TellUsYourStory.

I’m Pedro Velasco from Venezuela, South America, and this is my story . . .

“She [my daughter] is third generation OSU [alumni] and the 10th member of her family to attend OSU. The interesting thing is that she and the rest of her family members who attended OSU are from Venezuela, South America.

Quality education is what has made our family an OSU family. The faculty, physical facilities, access to research materials and the diverse campus environment is what makes quality education happen. This, of course, depends greatly on the participation of the alumni who so generously give through the OSU Foundation in support of students and for the advancement of Oklahoma State University. This is what makes OSU an attractive site for the international scholars . . .”

To read Pedro’s entire story or submit your own, visit OSUgiving.com/TellUsYourStory.

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2008-09 Calendar

OSU athletic training junior and National Merit Scholar Dennis Rudasill launched the Foundation’s 2008-2009 Scholar Blog in August. Dennis’ weekly online journal entries provide details about his experiences on campus, life at OSU, participation in student activities and demonstrates how scholarships have opened new windows of opportunity for him at OSU. Access Dennis’ blog at http://blog.OSUgiving.com to read about the life of an average OSU student and discover the impact of scholarship gifts.

Phyllis Lambert Watercolor October – December 2008

DEFINITION: A blog is an online journal that is frequently updated and intended for the general public.

ENTER TO WIN

Sarah Clark Memorial Show January – March 2009

Mixed Media

Diana Jaye Oil

April – June 2009

Phil Shockley Photography July – September 2009

For more information: 9 800.622.4678 | OSUgiving.com

financial highlights

Your Impact of Giving

In a tremendous show of support, loyalty and dedication, OSU donors contributed nearly three times as much this year in total gifts as they did in the previous record-breaking year. Incredibly, what’s more is the growth of the endowment: in one year generous donors proved their commitment to OSU’s future with $146 million in endowment gifts, more than doubling what was raised last year. The impact of this single year of giving is helping OSU reach new heights.

The following charts and graphs indicate our financial success this past fiscal year.

246 Million 2008 Total Gifts

$

32,292 2008 Donors

B

Contribution Revenue by Area A Academics B Athletic Village Acquisition C Intercollegiate Athletics

1,207,570

$

75% 2% 23%

Annual Giving

Eclipsed the $1M mark for second straight year.

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C

A

6,791 Tuition $ 8,991 Room & Board $ 950 Books

$

16,732* Total

$

*Costs reflect the average totals an Oklahoma resident would accrue as an undergraduate student taking 15 hours each semester. Out-ofstate resident pay more than $30,000. Graduate students assume higher tuition rates.

Academic Contribution Revenue

Planned Giving 04

16.1

$

05

$

06

$

A General University 58%

17.4

15.3

07

$54.9

08

$

0

10

20

30

(millions of dollars)

37.1 40

50

60

Endowments 04

$

05

169.1 193.2

$

06

$

235.6

07

$302.5

08

$448.1

0

75

150

225

300

(millions of dollars)

375

450

525

B DASNR

4%

C A&S

4%

D Vet Med

1%

E Business

20%

F Education

2%

G Engineering

7%

H HES

1%

I OSU-OKM

1%

J OSU-Medicine

2%

K OSU-Tulsa

1%

L OSU-OKC

1%

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07-08 orange scene

Everything’s “Brighter” in Texas

Feb. 29, 2008 • Dallas, Texas Michael Lorenz, dean of OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences and Walt Garrison show their orange spirit at the 2008 Dallas Brighter Orange Celebration.

Governor’s Circle

May 21, 2008 • OSU Campus Govenor Brad Henry catches up with OSU regents Lou Watkins and Jay Helm and Claud Evans at the announcement of T. Boone Pickens’ historic $100 million gift.

12Alumnus Fall 2008

Right Hand Man

Gary Clark enjoys his new position as OSU vice president for university relations.

Sea of Orange

Oct. 20, 2007 • Stillwater, Okla.

Parade marshalls former OSU President Jim Halligan and his wife, Ann, wave to the crowd at the OSU Homecoming Parade.

Fine Wine

Nov. 17, 2007 • OSU-Tulsa The Tulsa chapter of OSU’s Alumni Board pours wine to raise money at its seventh annual Vintage O-State Wine Tasting and Scholarship Fundraiser. From left to right: Wesley Holmes, Dustin Holder, Russ Angell, Nichole Bostian Trantham, Sonya Widowski and Ben Leslie.

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07-08 orange scene

Orange Ties View from the Top

Nov. 3, 2007 • OSU Campus After a patriotic pregame flight over Boone Pickens Stadium, Oklahoma Air National Guard F-16 pilots enjoy the OSUTexas game with alumnus Gentner Drummond.

In Good Company

Feb. 22, 2008 • Oklahoma City, Okla.

James Cobb, Bobbie Nofflet and Eddie Sutton are inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame, the OSU Association’s highest honor.

14 Alumni Fall 2008

Feb. 9, 2008 • Houston, Texas Chad and Tara Bullard (left) exchange OSU stories with fellow Texans Robert and DeAnn Sims at the 2008 Houston Brighter Orange Celebration.

The Cowboy Way

Oct. 18, 2007 • OSU Foundation Renowned artist and sculptor Harold T. Holden shares images from the West with OSU alumni and friends at his opening reception in the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery.

Celebrating Success

Sept. 6, 2007 • OSU Campus More than 1,000 OSU faculty and staff celebrate money raised through the Family Fund Campaign with a picnic on Willard Lawn.

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Many children don’t realize they’re learning valuable lessons in the principles of science and math. They just think they’re having fun and building cool stuff.

That’s exactly the goal of Oklahoma State University-Tulsa’s annual Engineering Design Challenge. Hundreds of Tulsa-area grade school, middle school and high school students gather at OSU-Tulsa each year during National Engineers Week to design, build and race a self-propelled, motorized watercraft during the competition.

Dr. Carl Latino, OSU associate professor of electrical engineering, says the design challenge helps get students interested and involved in engineering at a young age.

“Often it’s the small things that inspire,” Latino says. “Creating elegant or creative solutions to challenging problems builds confidence. This challenge is an excellent opportunity for students to learn the basic principles of engineering design, problem-solving and teamwork in an environment that is fun and rewarding.”

Student teams demonstrate their creativity and design skills by building a motorized watercraft. Awards are given in categories such as fastest boat, aesthetics and teamwork.

Now in its sixth year, the successful event has grown large enough that local industries are taking notice.

Spirit AeroSystems, Inc., the world's largest supplier of commercial 16 Fall 2008

airplane assemblies and components, partnered with OSU-Tulsa to sponsor this year’s event.

Mark P. Walker, Spirit AeroSystems public affairs, said the Engineering Design Challenge was a good example of how the private and educational sector can come together to encourage young people to pursue math and science.

“Attending the event and seeing first hand how the young students engage in the whole process of design, building and testing was incredible.

The students were out of their daily structured environment and working together to produce a product,” Walker says.

OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl said this year’s Challenge was the biggest event yet and he’s delighted to see the rise in popularity.

“It’s exciting to present a project that stimulates a child’s imagination and drive to create,” Trennepohl says.

“We’re also very pleased to see the increase in the number of children who are interested and attracted to engineering design.”

Indeed, Walker hopes this event will introduce children to a profession they might not otherwise have been exposed.

“The OSU-Tulsa Engineering Design Challenge provides an opportunity for us to help young students pursue a career choice they may not have considered,” Walker says. “We hope continued support for this program will produce new engineers for the aerospace industry.”

With this competition, OSU-Tulsa and Spirit AeroSystems are working together to help students learn to design, create, invent and solve problems while having fun.

Yet, they may also be inspiring dreams of innovation and research…and the world’s future engineers. » Trish McBeath

Thank You

Matt Atkins Âť Veldo H. & Daisy E. Brewer President's Distinguished Scholar 17

O

S

AT&T grant allows OSU to connect with deaf children

Working with students who are deaf or partially deaf is Sandie Busby’s job and passion, and now, a grant from the AT&T Foundation is making that passion even more rewarding.

“To see the light in a child’s eyes when they realize there is a signing world out there and they are not alone; that glimmer, that hope is worth so much,” Busby says.

As an OSU deaf/hard of hearing specialist, Busby sees the difference personal communication can make in the lives of students every day.

That is why she is so thankful for an AT&T Excelerator grant OSU received in January creating two programs to help deaf students connect with each other.

The $11,000 Excelerator grant allowed OSU to create the AT&T Corporation Resource Library and the AT&T Corporation Signing Pals Program, which have significantly increased technology and sign language capabilities for OSU’s English department.

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“We are pleased to provide this grant to Oklahoma State for a program that uses technology to improve communications with the deaf and hearing impaired,” says Don Cain, former president of AT&T Oklahoma and president of AT&T Texas.

U

The resource library provides better electronic and written materials so students pursuing a degree in American Sign Language can improve their reception and signing skills through self-critiques and interactive practice sessions.

The signing pals program allows children in grades K-12 who are deaf or partially deaf to connect with others through Web cameras and software programs that use instant messaging-type systems. This helps students enhance language skills and provides signing models and mentors with whom they can interact and network. The program also provides an opportunity for American Sign Language students and interpreters to interact by becoming mentors.

students in their system and often have little or no access to language models other than a lone interpreter.

As a land-grant university, OSU shares its new resources and technology with the public and agencies such as the Department of Human Services and Sooner Care. Many public schools in Oklahoma benefit from this program including Broken Arrow, educating about 100 deaf students; Tulsa Public Schools, educating 50 deaf students; the Oklahoma School for the Deaf, educating 245 students; and schools in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

However, smaller school districts and vocational-technical schools in Oklahoma benefit most from the program. Schools such as Owasso, Bartlesville, Berryville, Westmoore, Cushing, Perry and Ponca City typically serve one to 10 deaf

“You have to realize 90 percent of these children’s parents do not sign at home, and therefore, these very children are often the only one that are deaf and cannot access speech very well through lip-reading despite 12 years of speech therapy,” Busby says.

“The teachers and interpreters working with the students say the signing pals program is making a difference in their students and the students look forward to interacting with others like them.”

In 2007, the OSU Foundation was one of nine nonprofit organizations in Oklahoma benefiting from nearly $9 million in competitive AT&T Excelerator technology grants provided nationally by the AT&T Foundation, the corporate philanthropy organization of AT&T Inc.

Excelerator grants provide technology access to organizations working to strengthen underserved communities.

Since its inception in 2002, the AT&T Excelerator competitive technology grant program has provided more than 3,200 technology grants to nonprofit organizations nationally. These grants total more than $48.7 million.

Former OSU scholar athlete Martel Van Zant was born deaf and is one of the mentors in the signing pals program.

“I am grateful that I have always had other deaf students around me and good interpreters,” Van Zant says. “Not all of these kids are that fortunate, but with the signing pals program, they will have more opportunity to be involved with the signing community and get to meet and chat with others like them.

“These kids deserve access, and I am appreciative of AT&T for making this possible.”

“These kids are really excited to meet me, to ask me questions, and I am excited to be able to encourage them. Using the web cams I can see the kids, and we can work on signs; some of them are new signers, but they are so excited to learn,” Van Zant says.

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Hargis officially assumed the helm as Oklahoma State University’s president on Dec. 4, and although he did not formally take office until March 10, his pace has been nothing short of a dead sprint.

It’s only been a few short months, but this pace boasts a record fundraising track that has brought in the university’s two largest academic gifts to date: a $100 million gift from alumnus T. Boone Pickens and a $57.2 million gift from alumni Malone and Amy Mitchell. With a record number of chairs and professorships secured in 40 days, an endowment that’s growing exponentially with his tenure and a strategy to place OSU on the national stage, President Hargis has proven he’s a force with which to be reckoned.

As the number of notable accomplishments continues to climb with no sign of slowing, we chose to take a look at the man himself to simply answer, “How in the world does he do it?”

After following him for a day, we found out why we enjoy President Hargis - he’s just like us. His genuine spirit, infectious enthusiasm, unstoppable energy and deep love for OSU demonstrate that he’s certainly the people’s president.

This is: a day in the life of OSU President Burns Hargis.

5:15 a.m. › Enjoys a brisk jog in Oklahoma City as a 30-year member of his local running club. (Hargis stayed overnight in Oklahoma City after attending an OSU function the previous evening.)

6:30 a.m. › Finishes run, eats a nourishing but light breakfast, dresses while strategically selecting an orange tie ( "big announcement today!"), signs OSU documents, sifts through mail and gets on the road.

8:00 a.m. › Arrives at office. First order of business – coffee. Hargis reviews the day’s appointments with his assistants before reviewing contents sitting on his desk, checking his e-mail account, phone messages and organizing thoughts for the day.

9:00 a.m. › Dialing for dollars. “With the state’s intention to dramatically reduce our matching dollars for endowed faculty positions, we have 40 days to secure as many gifts to this program and take advantage of the one-to-one state match. With Boone Pickens’ challenge match, we’re providing donors an opportunity to give $1 which will have the effect of $4. It’s very exciting.” Editor’s Note – the eventual impact of this and other fundraising efforts brought more than $336 million to the university.

9:15 a.m. › Magazine photo shoot on library lawn. While posing with incoming animal science freshman, Ashlee Wyzard, Hargis learns she’s taking her political science final directly afterward. “Political Science? That’s such an interesting class!

Do you enjoy it?... Where are you from?” A new friendship develops.

9:32 a.m. › Dialing for dollars recommences. Hargis makes 11 phone calls on behalf of agriculture and engineering.

10:22 a.m. › OSU Communications Director Gary Shutt enters office and briefs the president on the upcoming gift announcement agenda, media needs, photo opportunity and luncheon agenda.

22 Fall 2008

10:36 a.m. › Leaves for gift announcement. When not engaged in conversation, Hargis smiles and greets each passerby. Most looked shocked, but all say hello back. “It’s exhilarating to be around campus.”

10:38 a.m. › Arrives at Student Union balcony overlooking the formal gardens. Hargis greets donors, students, faculty, deans, regents, friends, staff and media for 20 minutes prior to announcement.

Shutt signals it’s time to start and Hargis makes his way to the podium. “Whew, it’s a little warm out here,” he states with a smile. The thermometer reads 93 degrees. He straightens his tie and OSU pin and begins.

11:00 a.m. › Announces historic $57.2 million gift received from alumni Malone and Amy Mitchell to support athletics and build the nation’s premier entrepreneurship program within the Spears School of Business.

11:10 a.m. › Thanks donors, poses for photos and sits for media interviews. Hargis is then ushered into the luncheon to serve as emcee.

He breathes a sigh of relief as he steps into the air conditioning. “Sure glad I brought this along,” he says as he pulls a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes the sweat from his face and neck.

11:35 a.m. › Begins luncheon program for 70 guests.

Hargis introduces speakers one-by-one: Mitchells, Boone Pickens, business dean Dr. Sara Freedman, athletic director Mike Holder. Holder shocks the crowd during remarks when he and his wife, Robbie, announce a $1 million gift to endow an additional entrepreneurship chair. The crowd goes crazy; Hargis jumps up, shakes his hand and hugs the couple.

1:05 p.m. › Heads back to office. When asked how he thought the event went he said, “Very well. They’re wonderful humble people. Things got a little hectic a couple times, but it all worked out. It’s a great day.”

1:07 p.m. › Shutt sets up media phone calls requesting quotes about the announcement. Hargis delays two minutes to get a recharge on coffee. Hargis fills a cup with cold coffee, from his turned-off coffee pot, and warms it up himself in the microwave. “I know how hot I like it.”

23

1:10 p.m. › Conducts interviews with Associated Press and Tulsa World. Telling one reporter when referring to incoming donations, “I’ve been amazed at donors saying to me 'this is 10 times more than I’ve ever given to anyone.' That sort of confidence in OSU provides the university tremendous momentum and raises the bar for everyone.”

1:30 p.m. › Checks voice messages (five), returns two phone calls, receives a commitment of $125,000, makes thank you calls to donors and searches for reminder notes. “These are an incredibly important part of my world [holding up reminder notes and steno pads].”

1:50 p.m. › Pours through piles of folders on his desk containing vouchers, memorials, letters, and documents requiring his signature. Hargis reviews scheduling requests with his scheduling assistant, Charlotte, for the following day; approves most, reschedules others. Discussion leads to ceremonial graduation attire. “I don’t look so good in the hat. At least you can set your coffee in it!”

2:00 p.m. › Risk assessment meeting is canceled.

“Gives me more time to spend on the phone. The real risk is that we don’t have enough money!”

2:01 p.m. › Adjusts phone headset and returns phone calls from faculty, administrators and others. He speaks in length to one particular donor about resurrecting a petroleum option in engineering.

2:12 p.m. › Vice President of University Relations Gary Clark (aka: right hand man) enters office and briefs Hargis on a number of items. Hargis requests contract to send to a potential donor. He then composes the e-mail, sends it to the donor and realizes he forgot to send the contract. “Whoops, I forgot to attach the document. Some times I go too fast for my own good!”

2:22 p.m. › Writes hand-written thank you notes.

"It doesn’t take very long and you just need to do them everyday or they’ll build up."

2:30 p.m. › Reviews talking points and agenda items for next meeting, reviews contracts and marvels at the slow pace of the day. “On a scale of one to 10 on hectic days, this would be about a six.

It’s had moments of busyness, but mostly it’s been pretty calm.”

24 Fall 2008

2:42 p.m. › Dialing for dollars recommences. Hargis tries to track down a donor who is outof-town. He asks assistant No.2, Debbie, for the number. While she’s relaying it the phone rings; it’s a donor returning his call. Ten seconds later, another call comes in. Hargis switches over and asks Caller No. 2 to hold for 10 seconds.

Returns to Caller No. 1 and thanks donor for gift and provides wire transfer info. He then gets back to Caller No. 2. One minute later another call comes in, so Hargis quickly thanks Caller No. 2, “Thanks a million,” and picks up Caller No. 3. Caller No. 3 agrees to a donation, and two minutes later another call comes in. Hargis juggles both and hangs up. Four phone calls in four and a half minutes resulting in $1.125 million.

“Whoa, that was intense, but that’s the way it goes. I’ll never tire of hearing people make a substantial commitment to OSU. I’ll never tire of hearing why they love OSU either.”

2:56 p.m. › Charlotte asks Hargis if he needs a drink before his meeting, Hargis opts for anything “uncaffeinated.” She brings back a Diet Dr. Pepper and a cup of ice. Hargis thanks her, sees the glass and says, “I get a cup of ice too? Happy day.”

3:00 p.m. › Attends sustainability task force meeting. Discussion centers on current research, sustainability courses offered throughout campus, securing more grants and goals moving forward. “These meetings are a great opportunity to interact with faculty.

That was a great meeting. I’m encouraged by the strides we’re making in this area.”

4:20 p.m. › Responds to e-mails, three voicemails left during meeting, Gov. Brad Henry calls, closes two more gifts for endowed faculty positions.

5:12 p.m. › Reviews calendar for next day with Charlotte.

5:17 p.m. › Scans the day’s headlines online.

5:40 p.m. › Takes a break to have a quick snack of Triscuits and sugar-free peanut butter.

“Ann and I are usually pretty health conscious, but it’s easier for me, because I enjoy a lot of things that are good for you. Also, our daughter and her husband own a whole foods store in Norman [Okla.]. That’s not to say I don’t like a good smothered hamburger with mashed potatoes or some sausage and sauerkraut every once in awhile!”

25

5:42 p.m. › Calls First Cowgirl, Ann Hargis, to discuss evening’s event. She’s speaking at a Grandparent University event, and he’s attending an event focused on encouraging minority youth to participate in rural programs at OSU. They decide to figure out dinner when they both get home around 8 p.m. His voice drops to a low hush as he asks about her day and says he loves her. Hargis gets off the phone with a big grin. “My wife is the best. She absolutely loves it here!”

6:05 p.m. › OSU-Okmulgee president calls for brief chat about a new professorship he’s received.

6:10 p.m. › Sits down with Clark for debriefing of day’s activities and fundraising progress.

“We have four more days left on this last push for state matching funds, so it’s time to get fired up.” Gary responds, “What? You haven’t been?”

6:25 p.m. › Leaves for speaking engagement at evening’s event. He loads coat, briefcase and multiple folders into his hybrid Toyota Prius. When asked about being a good steward of the environment he responds by saying, “It’s the right thing to do. I rode my bike one day last month and chained it to the sign in front of my spot. Ann drove up later that day and noticed the parking enforcement folks writing a ticket for the bike. She walked up and said, ‘Do you know who’s bike that is?’ And they responded they had no idea. She said, ‘I’d go ahead and give whomever that is a ticket!’”

6:30 p.m. › Arrives at Wes Watkins Center for International Trade Development.

Event organizers rush to greet Hargis as he enters and he exchanges many handshakes and hugs. He’s ushered to his seat by event speaker, alumnus and long-time friend Sam Combs.

6:36 p.m. › Program begins and Combs introduces Hargis. Hargis’ comments focus on encouraging students to attend college upon graduation. “We’re in the dream business, and making sure you achieve your dreams is the reason we’re here.”

8:02 p.m. ›

Arrives home and starts dinner. “To be honest, I boiled water and prepared a frozen meal from Bistro.” He reads through the day’s mail, signs documents and works on calendar requests from Charlotte. Ann arrives home shortly thereafter and the two discuss their days.

10:30 p.m. › Bedtime… “Until 5 a.m. then we start again!”

26 Fall 2008

# of e-mails received daily – 130+ # of voicemails received daily – 20-30

How in the world did you get that name? Vaden is my father’s mother’s name, and Burns is my mother’s maiden name. It’s a tough handle for a kid that moved a lot.

How many orange ties do you own? Not enough – at least 40.

What was your favorite OSU class? Humanities Could you beat OU President David Boren in an arm wrestling match? Two arms or one?

What’s OSU’s greatest asset? Its attitude – people are excited about our future.

What’s on your iPod? Smooth jazz like Stacey Kent, Linda Evans, The Crusaders. Rockabilly like Garth Brooks, Delbert McClendon and Toby Keith.

I also have a number of podcasts; NPR, Business Week, Meet the Press. Then random tastes like opera, some James Taylor, Santana and Katie Webster.

Time to listen to your iPod? When I’m shaving, driving at night or running.

Favorite place to eat in Stillwater? The ones I’ve found so far are Bad Brad’s BBQ, the Thai Café, and The Rancher’s Club.

Who was your favorite OSU professor? Wilton T. Anderson – he was the accounting department head while I was in school. He had a national reputation but took time to teach introductory courses. Some called him “Andy.” I didn’t!

Were you ever “ponded” as a student? (thrown into Theta pond) Ummm yes…at least once.

Favorite home-cooked meal from Ann? She makes an excellent shrimp annaud.

What’s your most gratifying moment since becoming president? How faculty and students have received me. I was prepared to be not as well liked, but everyone has been gracious, helpful and patient. I was told there is a sort of traditional animosity between faculty and administration and I haven’t sensed it at all. Students are great. They are eager, excited, and its fun to be around people who have their lives ahead of them. The unbelievable outpouring support – financially and morally – from the OSU family is stunning. Of course, Boone’s gift announcement was an amazing day too, as well as the matching gifts that followed.

What’s your ultimate dream for OSU? That we provide a vast amount of intellectual capital to the state, and that we have people beating down our doors to teach and study here.

How can OSU donors help you achieve that dream? Resources, endowed faculty positions and scholarships help us attract and retain the best faculty, and it helps to develop a university that is at the leading edge of society. I think we can be the place that has the next best idea. We have all this cerebral horsepower and the imagination. We just need to use it. With additional funding, our future is without limit!

27

Members of the Heritage Society are among the most visionary supporters of Oklahoma State University. Choosing to give in order to build a better life for the next generation, their influence on OSU will never be forgotten.

Alumni and friends of the university giving any amount through will, revocable living trust, life insurance, life-income gifts, beneficiary designation or other deferred gift arrangements are recognized through this prestigious society.

These donors are essential to the future of our university, and we are proud to have their support.

Everyone can leave a legacy.

Become a member of the Heritage Society today, and leave an indelible mark on future generations of Cowboys. For more information, visit OSUgiving.com/heritagesociety/.

28 Fall 2008

1.800.622.4678 | info@OSUgiving.com 400 S. Monroe | PO Box 1749 | Stillwater, OK 74076-1749

He was a college student during the 60s – a time of heightened concern for the Vietnam War and Cold War. He spent his first four years out of college serving in Central America as an enlistee in the United States Army.

Back then Michael Hyatt was concerned about world peace.

Today the financial advisor from Fort Worth, Texas, travels extensively as part of Sister Cities, an international exchange program over which he presides. He has met people from all over the world, sharing culture, customs and ideas.

And today Hyatt is still concerned about world peace.

The mission of achieving world peace is often so grand a single person feels helpless, but Hyatt is doing everything one man can to accomplish that mission.

As president of Sister Cities International, the 1966 business graduate helps the nonprofit program pair U.S. and international communities to exchange and understand other’s culture, customs and policies, all in an effort of improving international relations.

“The ultimate goal is world peace,” Hyatt says. “We need to keep people meeting and understanding other cultures, and see what we can accomplish without trying to change each other.

How America is viewed overseas is part of improving our relations.”

Currently there are 700 member cities in the program and more than 2,500 partnerships worldwide. Yet Hyatt feels compelled to do more not only through Sister Cities, but at his own alma mater too.

Pride for his university and a constant quest for world peace has led Hyatt to OSU’s School of International Studies where he is helping international students, specifically from Mexico and Africa, study in Stillwater.

“OSU’s School of International Studies is exchanging young people, ideas and cultures,” says Hyatt. “The program is about supporting overseas students, and I want to do whatever I can to help.”

For Hyatt, it’s a commitment of $25,000 over the next five years to help international graduate students completing internships while study-

ing at OSU. Students receiving the Michael S. Hyatt Graduate Intern Fellowship in the School of International Studies Scholarship are eligible to receive up to $2,500 of support during their internship experience.

“Typically students completing internships are doing it for credit or experience and don’t receive monetary compensation,” Hyatt says. “I want this scholarship to help supplement their income so they don’t have to worry about finances and can earn an even better educational experience outside of school. I want to get the international students into the communities and more involved outside of school to further their education.”

Hyatt’s gift to OSU also helps further his mission of improving international relations.

“This is an opportunity for international students to see what OSU is all about, and go back to their home country with a different vision of America,” says Hyatt.

This former soldier and true Texan is advancing his mission and honoring his past.

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30 Fall 2008

31

the

Difference a Donor Can Make

32 Fall 2008

t’s easy to see the impact a scholarship gift makes in the life of an OSU student when he or she walks across the stage at commencement to grasp a hard-earned diploma. However, f or most donors supporting a president’s distinguished scholarship, the relationship is much more than seeing their recipient become an OSU grad. It’s about forging strong, personal relationships with the student whose future they’re investing. Yet for most donors, the true extent of their influence is often unknown.

Before beginning her college career, Dee Dee Ho submitted a general application to OSU. She was then notified that she had been chosen to receive a president’s distinguished scholarship (PDS), a scholarship that would cover the cost of her OSU tuition. While the scholarship had an immediate financial impact, it was not until Ho met the couple who were funding her education that she experienced what would be the greatest influence on her college career.

Ho’s PDS came from Gerald and Sandra Bennett of Houston, Texas.

She met Gerald for the first time in fall 2007 while he was in Stillwater for a College of Engineering and Architectural Technology advisory board meeting. At the time Ho was a junior majoring in aerospace engineering – a major she was not convinced suited her career goals.

“My original major was aerospace engineering,” Ho says. “However, after meeting Mr. Bennett, who is very satisfied with his role as an industrial engineer, and listening to him describe his experiences, I decided I was more suited to be an industrial engineering major.”

Gerald received his industrial engineering and management degree from OSU in 1965. After speaking with Gerald, Ho was intrigued with the degree program Gerald pursued during his time at OSU and felt it would cater more to her interests in both business and travel.

Though Gerald’s introduction and initial conversation with Ho was brief, it changed the course of her college career, and his influence was unbeknownst to the oil and gas industry entrepreneur until his next visit to Stillwater.

“I did not realize that Dee Dee had switched to industrial engineering,” Bennett says. “We discussed her major in aerospace engineering, and she told me she was not interested in pursuing a career in engineering, but was going to get an MBA. I subtly suggested she might look into industrial engineering where she could begin taking some management and business courses. It’s funny how things work out.”

While Gerald was surprised and honored to learn of Ho’s new major, he was not new to the idea of following in another person’s footsteps. In fact following in other people’s footsteps led him to OSU from Erick, a town in western Oklahoma.

“I had a couple of mentors who were six or seven years older than me who had gone through the industrial engineering program at OSU, so when I came to Oklahoma State it was with industrial engineering in mind,” Gerald says. “I never looked back and it was probably one of the better decisions in both the choice of school and major.”

In spring 1965, Gerald graduated with his bachelor’s degree, but was

not ready to leave OSU or Stillwater because his future wife, Sandy, had one more semester.

Thus, Gerald continued his own education with the intention of pursuing a master’s of business administration. But the head of the industrial engineering department convinced him that he could fulfill his desire for business knowledge through the industrial engineering and management master’s program.

Sandy graduated in winter 1965 with an interior design degree and Gerald graduated with his master’s in 1966.

In 1976, while working for Conoco, Gerald was offered a chance to further his education at either MIT or Harvard – he chose the latter as he felt the MIT program would be a duplication of his OSU education.

Today the couple calls Houston home; it’s where they still reside and have raised two daughters, but their legacy will always live in Stillwater through the R. Gerald Bennett and Sandra Turley Bennett PDS and the Lowell A. and Veneda R. Bennett PDS. “We knew we wanted to fund at least one scholarship,” Gerald says. “After we set up the one in our name we realized what a great way it was to leave a legacy so we funded the second and named it after my parents.

It’s a great way to honor our parents and leave a legacy for them.”

Reserved for a student in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, the Lowell A. and Veneda R. Bennett PDS has found a worthy recipient in Ho. Because of the scholarship Ho has been able to focus on her studies and extracurricular activities.

33

Ho won Miss International OSU 2005-2006 during her freshman year of college. She is involved with the VietYouth Today Association in Oklahoma City and OSU’s Asian American Student Association where she has served as president of both. She is also a member of OSU’s Vietnamese American Student Association.

Being a leader on campus and an engineering major keeps Ho busy, but she says if you really want to do something then you will make time for it.

“Without the generous support of donors, students like me who come from average circumstances may not be encouraged to strive for their goals and grasp all open opportunities,” Ho says.

Additionally, Ashley Bedford, a senior human development and family science major, also honors the Bennett name as the other PDS recipient reserved for students graduating from Sandy’s col-

Gerald Bennett and his wife, Sandy, support two President’s Distinguished Scholars each year. Bennett is pictured with current recipients Ashley Bedford (left) and Dee Dee Ho.

lege: the College of Human Environmental Sciences.

“The most rewarding thing about establishing these scholarships is the success of these students,” Gerald says.” We have been blessed with

having recipients of both genders, and these young men and women become a part of our legacy; we’ll always remember them.” » Abi Fain

&

Then Now A comparison of the Industrial Engineering program at OSU

Number of faculty

Predominant student gender

Number of faculty publications per year Credit hours for bachelor’s degree

Number of undergraduate students Number of graduate students Total in research dollars

34 Fall 2008

7 100% male 4 131 130 95

12 50/50 40 126 116 248

(or $112,000 after adjusting for inflation)

$873,572

About $17,000

Thank You

Jagjit Saini Âť W.T. Anderson Distinguished Graduate Fellowship 35

From Humble Beginnings

Looking across a seemingly endless greenhouse bursting with spring color and buzzing with workers, it is difficult to pinpoint who among those elbow-deep in potting soil are philanthropists. For Charles and Linda Shackelford, there are so many other titles befitting the couple: soul mates, business partners, fast-pitch softball coaches and their favorites – Grandpa and Grandma.

36 Fall 2008

The good-natured Charles chuckled at the idea of being labeled a philanthropist. “I’m not sure that name fits. It’s not about the money.”

To fully understand that philosophy, one only has to listen to how Charles, 63, and Linda, 60, the owners of Oklahoma City-based TLC Florist & Greenhouses, came to be one of the most successful

growers and sellers of all things potted and planted. The listening is easy. Individual story lines blur between memories of humble beginnings, young love and hard times through a life intertwined since childhood.

Married since 1966, they have worked side-by-side every day since.

“We have desks in the office that face together so we sit and look at each other every day,” Charles says with a grin.

The Shackelford’s horticulture roots run deep at OSU where Charles earned a degree in plant pathology and Linda studied science. Several career moves took them from greenhouse to nursery to flower shop.

“We always wanted to start our own place, but it’s hard when you have zero dollars,” Charles says.

Linda shakes her head as she recalls the earlier days when their daughter, Terri, was born and they were trying to start a business, “Jimmy Carter was president and we borrowed money at 21 percent.”

A silent partner helped make their dream a reality by investing $200,000 in the start-up greenhouse and nursery. Someone suggested the name TLC and Linda thought “tender, loving care” was a perfect concept. The acronym took on an even more profound connotation when they realized TLC also meant “Terri – Linda – Charles.”

Twenty-eight years later that 2 ½-acre, four-employee dream has blossomed into a 20-acre, 125 employee facility that keeps 75 greenhouses at capacity all year long.

Marketing Strategy

In 1980 the mom-and-pop TLC Florist & Greenhouses opened.

“Our idea was that I’d do the growing and she’d do the selling,” Charles says. “We’d offer quality plants at a reasonable price. What we became was a plant supermarket.”

The couple attributes that growth to a loyal and diverse customer base. As industry experts, Charles and Linda understand national

and local market trends and know their competition. “It’s not big box retailers like you’d think it is.

They actually help our industry,” Charles says. “They do a lot to get novice gardeners interested. Once a gardener becomes more experienced and less intimidated about choosing and buying plants, they come to us.”

The OSU-OKC Connection

The Shackelfords’ appreciation for education is evident, but their initial connection to OSU-Oklahoma City was a turn of events that started with the former head of the horticulture program asking Charles to serve on the horticulture advisory board.

“Asked? I was dragged kicking and screaming onto that board,” Charles says. But the experience was a good one, and the Shackelfords have been industry partners with OSU-OKC ever since.

Giving time and expertise was Charles and Linda’s first experience at philanthropy. Linda explains, “We never thought of ourselves as donors. But we did volunteer time, labor, advice and plant materials.” OSU-OKC horticulture students today use TLC as a living laboratory for field trip destination. Dave Edwards, OSU-OKC horticulture division head, frequents the TLC greenhouses with students to give them a first-hand look at plant matter and growing methodology.

The New OSU-OKC Agriculture Resource Center Charles credits Linda with the idea to donate $200,000 to the

newly constructed OSU-OKC Agriculture Resources Center. As fate would have it, the donation amount was equal to the amount of the loan given to the Shackelfords by their silent partner decades earlier. “It was time to say thank you,” Linda says.

The center was opened on the OSU-OKC campus in March 2008.

The impressive 33,000 square foot building will include The Charles & Linda Shackelford Conservatory, which will serve as a living laboratory displaying a variety of plant materials cultivated by horticulture students and faculty. The center will allow the entire Agriculture Technologies Division, composed of horticulture and veterinary technology, to be under one roof.

The Shackelfords once again are hesitant to call themselves philanthropists or to draw attention to themselves. “Our biggest reason to do this story is to encourage other people of modest means to give,” Charles says.

What the Future Holds

Charles says, “TLC has been phenomenally successful. God did it and He just let us hang on. I don’t know how we’d possibly take credit for it.”

“You should take some credit for it, Charles,” Linda says. “It was you who insisted on the customer service. It was you who always insisted that good service is what customers deserve.”

37

carpet empire’s chairman and CEO for 30 years.

Seretean’s other successful business ventures included co-founding Opti World in Atlanta, Ga., which was ultimately sold to Lens Crafters; cofounding ABC-TV affiliate WGXA in Macon, Ga.; and becoming coowner of the Atlanta Hawks.

In addition to his philanthropic activities at OSU, Seretean also served as president of the Jewish Welfare Federation and built a Holocaust memorial near Jerusalem to the Jews of Dorohoi, Romania, in recognition of his Romanian heritage.

Fifty years after his graduation from Oklahoma A&M, OSU recognized Seretean’s professional achievements and philanthropic activities with an honorary doctorate in 1999. He was also honored for his dedication to wellness in 2007 when he earned one of the first Lifetime Achievement Awards from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.

Seretean wanted OSU to be the very best, and his vision was to make OSU the healthiest campus in America.

M.B. “Bud” Seretean never stopped giving.

A veteran, successful businessman, health advocate and proud alumnus, Seretean provided primary funding for the Seretean Wellness Center and the M.B. Seretean Center for the Performing Arts during his lifetime making him the only individual to have two separate OSU buildings named on his behalf.

Upon his passing on Aug. 13, 2007, Seretean left nearly $5 million in securities to OSU through a trust he established to benefit the two named facilities, the Spears School of Business, the College of Human 38 Fall 2008

Environmental Sciences and the athletic department.

A native New Yorker, Seretean served as a field artillery officer in World War II before attending Oklahoma A&M on the GI bill and earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1949.

After returning to New York, Seretean received a master’s degree in 1950 from New York University and began his career as an assistant floor coverings buyer for Allied Stores. In 1956, he co-founded Coronet Industries Inc. in Dalton, Ga., and served as the

“I was intent from day one to create a healthier campus for OSU, but as we moved down that road we asked ourselves, ‘why not be the healthiest campus?’” Seretean once said.

Seretean’s giving has made a difference in the lives of many students, faculty and alumni. His contributions have educated, entertained and encouraged, but perhaps his greatest gift was inspiring the next generation of proud supporters and generous donors. Since his death, his passion – the OSU Wellness Program – has received nearly $10,000 as others continue to support his vision and legacy. » Marie Kadavy

When the Oklahoma Hospitality Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, began reviewing applicants for its annual hotel and restaurant administration scholarships it ran into a minor problem – all the applicants were highly qualified and deserving.

So, in good taste, instead of limiting the number of scholarships awarded, the OHF awarded scholarships to all the qualified applicants.

“We had a great turnout in the number of applicants for our scholarship,” says Jim Hopper, president and CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. “We decided all the applicants deserved the scholarship.”

By awarding all 12 applicants scholarships, the OHF doubled the support it provided in the past to the College of Human Environmental Sciences from the typical six scholarships to 12 for a total contribution of nearly $30,000.

“We like to think that the financial assistance we’re able to give to

HRAD (hotel and restaurant administration) students is an incentive and opportunity to get welltrained and be future leaders in the industry,” Hopper says. “Every year we see the quality of students in this program exceed higher and higher.”

Michel Buthion, education committee chairman and OHF trustee.

“Many people don’t realize how grand the facilities are here.”

The association is quick to give credit to OSU’s nationally-recognized School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration for producing future leaders in the hospitality industry.

“We have some really great restaurants in Oklahoma that people are not familiar with unless they have spent time in Tulsa or Oklahoma City,” he says. “We have some very good chefs in Oklahoma. It’s our hope that the students will experience other places and things, but return to Oklahoma and work with us.”

“It’s a very vibrant program,” Hopper says. “Enrollment is up again and it’s literally bursting at the seams. It’s one of the top eight programs in national rankings and they have a wonderful record of training people in the hospitality industry.”

The OHF was formed in 1976 to improve student access to a hospitality education through scholarships and increase their involvement in the industry.

“We want to target the regional area and show them how great our program and our students are here,” says

Additionally, Hopper says that same perception is true across Oklahoma.

By partnering with OSU’s premier hotel and restaurant administration program, the association is sharing its love and commitment to the hospitality industry with a dedicated student body and strengthening the industry in Oklahoma – resulting in a recipe for success.

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Son Inherits Giving Ways

40 Fall 2008

Rare and wonderful are the occasions when a donor is so passionate, so moved by a particular mission that they not only give of their time and f inances, but also begin inspiring others to join the cause.

Claud Kniffin was one such exception to the rule.

A member of the Greatest Generation, Kniffin’s passion for OSU began at 16 when he enrolled at then Oklahoma A&M in 1936; a time when a college education was a luxury especially for the youngest of 11 children from rural Oklahoma. But growing up on a farm in Rosedale, Okla., did not deter Kniffin from pursuing a college degree. He, along with his father, knew the importance of education, and at 20 Kniffin graduated with a degree in education and a minor in business.

Kniffin excelled academically and worked as a library clerk on campus while soaking in every aspect of college life.

“He couldn’t get enough of campus,” says Claud’s son David Kniffin. “He so adored the library, Student Union, Theta Pond and the overall campus scene and enjoyed being a library clerk amongst all the stacks, meeting other students and living the college life in general.”

Virginia Jo Woerz was one of the students Claud met at OSU. The young home economics major

shared Claud’s love for OSU and the two wed in 1944 upon the end of Claud’s service as a classifications and intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. The couple spent nearly 40 years together until Woerz lost her battle with cancer in 1983.

“My mother was an only child and her parents’ dream was for her to pursue college,” David says. “She deeply loved OSU.” Once married and settled in Oklahoma City, Claud worked for a short time as a school teacher until he joined the federal government as a social security field representative for 30 years before retiring.

During this time Claud remained loyal to his alma mater returning often with his son to attend OSU football games and tour the campus he remembered so fondly.

“For old time’s sake Dad and I would wander campus and look at the development taking place,” David says. “Just attending OSU football games and visiting campus meant more than whether we won or lost.”

Financially savvy, Claud took great care to make wise decisions as they related to investing and saving, and passed on those valuable les-

sons to his son. Thus, when Claud decided to give back to the university he chose a method mutually beneficial for both parties by establishing a charitable remainder unitrust. Upon the termination of the unitrust, all remaining money will come to the OSU Foundation to benefit the two areas at OSU that meant the most to Claud – the College of Education and the Edmon Low Library.

“My father had predetermined that he wanted to step up and be a major contributor to OSU,” David says.

“His philosophy on philanthropy was to ‘step up and do it now while you’re alive; this is the time.’”

In fact Claud’s desire to see OSU rise in the ranks among other universities was so strong that he communicated it often with his fellow alumni in the hopes of encouraging them to share his passion.

“My father was a real inspiration to OSU alums of his era,” David says.

“He was not only a fine speaker, but he practiced what he preached as far as giving was concerned. He was an inspiration in getting others to give.”

Sadly Claud passed away in 2007 before achieving his dream – to give away the majority of his assets.

“My father’s desire was to liquidate as much as possible to OSU,” David says. “So it’s fallen on me to carry out his wishes.”

A true financial student of his father’s, David chose to also give back to OSU by establishing a professorship in his father’s memory for Library Service and Education.

41

We are seeing it more and more every day – young people who start giving a little early to make a difference. Whether it is to further a cause, practice their beliefs or simply to say “thanks,” younger generations are leading the charge to make this world a better place for those who follow.

And they’re proving that giving a little can mean a lot.

Mark Snyder, ’02 management information systems graduate, and his wife, Kimberly, ’03 accounting grad, are showing their gratitude to their alma mater by repaying what they felt was given to them as OSU students. They tout financial assistance through scholarships, a superior education and business connections as the keys to the couple’ s success after college.

42 Fall 2008

“The OSU System did a great job with us,” says Mark. “Now it’s our turn to give back.”

The couple married in 2003 and established the Mark and Kimberly Endowed Scholarship the same year, which is awarded annually to a business student majoring in accounting or management information systems.

By utilizing their companies’ matching gift programs they were able to fully endow the scholarship at $10,000 after two years.

“With ExxonMobil’s matching gift program $1 became $4 really quick and with Kim’s match at Ernst and Young we reached the minimum with relative ease,” says Mark.

Mark also credits past donors for inspiring his generosity to OSU. “Kim and I worked in the business college’s office during school. It was our first introduction to donors and it gave us firsthand knowledge of who they were and the good they do for this university,” says Mark. “As I learned of the scholarship opportunities available to me and students like me, it helped me understand the commitment donors make to students and what it really means.”

The couple, who are both still in their 20s, have already helped four students through OSU and as they continue to build the endowment the number of lives they could affect is limitless.

“Kim and I set goals every year and every year one of our goals is to give back,” says Mark.

One of the motivating factors that keep the Snyders intent on growing their endowment are the words of thanks they receive each year from their scholarship recipients.

“We keep every thank you letter we get,” says Mark. “They are so heartwarming and it makes us want to continue to grow the endowment so we can help more and more folks.”

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Mitchells Share

Entrepreneurial Spirit, Success

44 Fall 2008

“Somebody has to take the lead; somebody has to get out

there and commit. We’re not the first nor the biggest, and we’re not likely to be the last.” - Amy Mitchell

O

wning a business is a dream many Oklahoma State University students and alumni share. It’s a chance to make your mark on the world with hopes to succeed in ways you never thought possible.

However, getting started is often the most difficult part.

Amy and Malone Mitchell 3rd, oil and ranching alumni from Texas, know firsthand the challenges that come with owning a business. In 1984, the couple founded Riata Energy, now SandRidge Energy, with a $500 loan.

Over time, the company grew to become one of the largest privately held energy companies and the largest privately held land driller in the U.S. The Mitchells have experienced great success as entrepreneurs, and they are sharing that success with OSU through a far-reaching gift of $57.2 million to be split evenly between the Spears School of Business and OSU Athletics to create a state-of-the-art entrepreneurship program and provide significant support for university athletics.

“Our vision for Oklahoma State University is to be the premier institution in the area of classroom or extension instruction for students wishing to learn how to create, finance and manage their own business,” say the Mitchells. “The athletics programs are an important part of alumni connection with our university and we want to further that bond.”

Malone graduated from OSU in 1983 with a degree in agriculture. That same year, Amy earned a degree in family relations and child development from OSU’s College of Human Environmental Sciences.

The couple described themselves as $100-a-year donors before this transformational gift.

“Somebody has to take the lead; somebody has to get out there and commit,” says Amy. “We’re not the first nor the biggest, and we’re not likely to be the last.”

The Mitchells’ donation came on the heels of T. Boone Pickens’ $100 million gift to academics – the largest academic gift ever to OSU. Malone credits Pickens with inspiring him and Amy to make the gift at this time.

“Boone Pickens was a critical role model for me as a student; inspiring me to pursue an aggressive business career,” says Malone. “The career has blessed us financially. As we got to know Boone personally and his vision for winning at life and heartfelt desire to improve the university, his examples clarified for us that it was not enough to just wish for a better Oklahoma State – we had to act!”

The couple acted by donating one million shares of SandRidge Energy [NYSE: SD] stock to the university, a gift that OSU President Burns Hargis says will help launch a new era of academics at OSU. 45

“This incredible expression of generosity by Amy and Malone Mitchell will have an enormous impact on OSU academics and athletics,” Hargis says. “The entrepreneurship program we will create with this gift supports our vision of a new land-grant university that cultivates greater creativity and collaboration among students and faculty.”

With $22 million designated for chairs within the business school, the academic gift will have an impact of $94.6 million once fully matched dollar-for-dollar by the Oklahoma Sate Regents for Higher Education as well as Pickens’ $100 million chair match commitment.

This places the gift’s total cumulative academic and athletic impact at $123.2 million.

The commitment to the Spears School of Business is the largest donation ever to a university entrepreneurship program. Over

46 Fall 2008

the next five years, it will build a world-class entrepreneurship program at OSU and create the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship.

be more competitive on a national level by providing endowed support to future athletic facility projects and scholarship initiatives.

Specifically, the gift will allow academic collaboration to build a campus-wide entrepreneurship program and foster greater partnerships with academic units and state entities in supporting entrepreneurship activities within the state.

“We appreciate the Mitchell’s incredible generosity,” says Mike Holder, vice president for OSU athletics. “Our plan is to hold the stock and combine it with our investment at BP Capital. This will accelerate the construction schedule for the Sherman Smith Training Center plus the development of the other facilities in the athletic village.”

“The Mitchells’ gift will be a catalyst for infusing an entrepreneurial culture at OSU that will convert intellectual capital into entrepreneurial activity that creates value for the state and region,” says Sara Freedman, dean of the Spears School of Business. “We can’t thank Amy and Malone enough for what this means to OSU, our students and the state of Oklahoma.”

Support to the OSU athletic department will allow the university to

In December 2006, Malone retired from the successful business he built to start new companies.

Now the couple, along with their four children, is involved in venture capital, energy and agricultural businesses both domestically and internationally.

Thank You

Carol Cook » Tom M. Carey President’s Distinguished Scholar 47

Each gift to OSU has personal meaning for each donor. While similar contributions can be given to create the same type of endowment or fund a scholarship with a similar outcome, it is the personal motive behind the gift that fulfills a donor’s passion and defines his or her legacy.

Drs. Paul DuBois and Tom Thedford share paths that led them to OSU; paths that crossed when DuBois was a student in the first class Thedford taught; paths that prompted their generosity to establish scholarships in the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

DuBois Family Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Thomas R. Thedford Endowed Scholarship

As a student at OSU

As a faculty member at OSU

“OSU taught me how to study and the value of basic principles. Once you learn how to get information and process it then you can adapt to anything.”

“OSU gave me consistency. It gave me roots; a place to stay.”

Influences

“Probably one of my greatest influences as far as becoming interested in veterinary medicine was a practitioner in West Texas named Bill Romaine. I used to ride with him on calls and he took care of our animals. I had tremendous respect for him. When I was in my second year of vet school, he was hired as a clinician at Texas A&M and became my mentor. He was fair, honest and straight forward.”

“I wanted to be an ag teacher because I had such esteem and respect for my ag teacher, Jim Shirley, in high school, but when I was a senior making plans to get an ag degree, he encouraged me to think about veterinary medicine. He thought I had the ability. He was very influential in my choosing veterinary medicine.”

Goal in establishing scholarship “I have a real passion for the farm and livestock producer, so I’m trying to encourage and help students who want to open practices in rural America and/or serve the food animal producer.”

“I can’t fix everything, but I can help one person at a time.”

Dr. Paul DuBois

48 Fall 2008

Influences

Goal in establishing scholarship “I don’t know how these kids do it today. That’s one of the reasons for the scholarship. There’s no way they (students) can work (while attending school), there’s just not enough hours in the day.”

“I want to help students. It just makes you feel good.”

Dr. Tom Thedford

» Marie Kadavy

An Artful Gift

Smith Holt remembers the first time he laid eyes on a Picasso.

He had seen Picasso’s abstract work before in books and magazines, but he had never seen one of the famous paintings in person. In high school, Smith caught his first glimpse as he traveled from Ponca City, Okla., to Chicago where he visited a Picasso exhibit at the Chicago Art Institute.

What struck him most, he recalls, was seeing the popular abstract artist’s more traditional work.

“He was a very fine traditional artist, not just someone who was a master of the abstract,” Smith explains. “His traditional renderings are really quite excellent.”

The impression left by this first sighting was a lasting one, and for nearly three decades, Smith has shared his lifelong passion for art with Oklahoma State University. As a faculty member, administrator and friend, he has been instrumental in the development of fine arts at OSU. Smith’s dedication to OSU’s art department began in 1980 when, as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, he noticed the department struggling. Recognizing a lack of resources, one of Smith’s first priorities was improving art facilities, and through his efforts, renovation of the Bartlett Center was funded.

“I am of the opinion that you don’t have a university without having strong fine and performing arts, so I made a concerted effort as dean

to strengthen the arts on campus,” Smith says. “Students from rural Oklahoma have very little exposure to the fine arts, and yet without it, their education is just not complete.”

Since his time as dean and chemistry professor, Smith served a six-year stint as the director of OSU’s Center for Science Literacy before retiring with his wife, Nancy, in Angel Fire, N.M., in 2004. Their commitment to the university’s fine arts program continues today, and this year, the Holts established an endowment for student internships at the Doel Reed Center in Taos, N.M. The newly opened center, named for the first professor and head of OSU’s art department, Doel Reed, is the world-renowned artist’s former studio and property. Reed’s daughter, Martha, donated the three buildings that will serve as working facilities for an artist-in-residence program benefiting OSU students and faculty.

The Holts see their gift as a oneof-a-kind opportunity to support students in their future careers and hope the center’s program can take the art department to a new level of prominence.

The unique center will house an internationally renowned artist to host seminars and work with OSU art student interns, but the program may be opened to other fields of

study in the future, such as geology and architecture. Smith says he is pleased that all students, no matter what their focus, will be exposed to the art and culture of the Taos and Santa Fe, N.M., areas.

An amateur artist himself, Smith says he and Nancy see many opportunities for students in Taos, an important art colony and a unique area in the history of U.S. art. With major art collectors regularly visiting Taos, the Holts know students will gain an exposure they cannot experience in Stillwater, Okla.

Giving back to OSU is important to Smith. Even though he did not receive an education from the university, Smith spent 24 years of his career at OSU and, having benefited from his time at the university, feels a responsibility to return the favor.

With their love of OSU and their passion for art, a gift to the Doel Reed Center was a natural choice for the Holts.

“If it even gives one student an opportunity to pursue an art career or just enjoy a lifelong love of art, we feel like it is money well spent,” Smith says. » Marie Kadavy

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50 Fall 2008

51

one gift:

52 Fall 2008

immeasurable impact His name is Thomas. He’s an avid sports enthusiast. He comes from a small town in Oklahoma where he used to have his own paper route. He doesn’t mind getting down on the floor to play with his dog Murdock. And the soap in his bathroom is orange.

Ok, the last one may have given him away.

While many claim to know the real T. Boone Pickens, the man himself claims he’s just another passionate alumnus. One who has an equal passion for OSU academics and athletics. One who has visions of taking his alma mater into uncharted territories resulting in nationwide success.

Yet, when it comes to his vision of a greater OSU, Pickens is ready to put his money where his mouth is, and he has done it again in 2008.

On May 21, Pickens bestowed a colossal $100 million gift toward endowed faculty positions across campus. While the mere figure was enough to alter OSU academics forever, it was the challenge Pickens issued afterward that may be his greatest legacy yet: inspiring 900 other donors to follow his lead and collectively endow more than 175 new faculty positions.

As we pondered the title of this publication and its meaning to donors, we asked ourselves “what does it mean to leave a legacy?”

Some philanthropists may define it in dollars. Others might define it in impact. Some may even base it on donations inspired.

For all of these – we say yes. And Mr. Pickens can certainly claim all three.

Pickens’ latest gift embodies a legacy of giving, inspiring, envisioning, and when it’s all over he’s looking to give again.

We sat down with the OSU philanthropist and gleaned some insight into this legacy, why he gave his recent gift and what’s on the horizon for OSU.

53

Pictured from left to right: Govenor Brad Henery, Boone Pickens and OSU President Burns Hargis.

We’d like to talk about legacies, particularly your legacy with your latest gift focusing on OSU’s endowed chairs and professorships program. The momentum of that gift has already been felt throughout campus, and people inside and outside the OSU community are starting to sit up and talk.

People are pretty excited aren’t they?

Indeed they are. So tell us why you chose to make this simply mammoth donation to the chair and professorship program?

Because it needed a mammoth donation to make it work! [laugher] We all wanted [the gift] to be an opportunity to show leadership. We had the money to do it and there isn’t any place I’d rather give it to than to OSU. You know it was time for the faculty to be recognized and so we decided to take it up, up and away.

So what did you think when you heard that following your challenge more than $68 million had been donated 54 Fall 2008

to chairs and professorships in just 40 days from more than 900 donors?

I think it’s magnificent. See, when I first gave back in December ’05, I wondered if alums would say “ok, let him do it” or would it excite them so that they would want to give too.

Were they convinced there was going to be a change? I think they saw the $165 [million] and they knew.

They saw that we are really going to be competitive now, and that I wasn’t kidding. That’s what one of my OU friends said, “you’re getting serious now,” and I am. When I said that I’d give more, what I meant at that time was whatever it takes to accomplish what I think has to be done is something we’re going to be in on. And then you start to pick up people like Malone and Amy [Mitchell], Sherman Smith and others, and they say, “I can see it’s moving; everything’s going the right direction and I want to be in on it.” So was I surprised what Burns did in 45 days? Yeah, I’m a little bit surprised, but I’m also

thinking OSU has great momentum and great donors.

We are hearing more frequent references from various donors to the “I want to give now” mantra you’ve been touting for years. What made you think in the present rather than the future?

I don’t want to die someday and not even know what I paid for. I’d rather do it now and see the progress. It’s fun! You really get a kick out of it.

Another thing is that, boy, has it ever united the alums! I know people I would have never known, and I like all that.

Do you think your greatest legacy to OSU will be the donations you have made or the donations you’ve inspired?

Well, I don’t know. I just think that it takes everybody working together.

If you remember those statements I made back at the first, I said we [alumni, friends and students] are going to get in lockstep. I said that

even though we don’t have the biggest school, we could have a school that was more united than anybody else and we’ll march together. And I think that’s happening.

How does that start?

What you’ve got to do is you’ve got to get the students to come to the football games. Boy, I tell you what, as exciting as this is, if I was entering Oklahoma State today I would want to say I never missed a home football game. If you go back five years, I can see why students wouldn’t be too excited about going over to the football game. I mean, that stadium, when I went to a game there, I almost wanted to go blindfolded! [Laughing] It was just pitiful. I would drive two blocks out of the way so I didn’t have to see it. And I said, “you know, you’ve got to do something about this.” And I could afford to so we did. Look at our stadium now! Man, if I was a student there, I’d look forward to that home game to get to go over to the stadium.

It’s certainly an exciting time.

That’s right. OSU ought to keep up with anybody graduating from the university. You assume all the alums are going to be successful, and you assume you want to have contact with them forever after graduation. And they worked hard, they got out of school, and they just forget for awhile.

I was married and had a child, and I couldn’t be thinking about what was going on in Stillwater. But it didn’t take me long to realize that’s my school, and I have to stay in contact.

But the school needs to stay in contact with you, too. And so we should lock on. I’ve had a lot of experiences, but I would want to say I joined the Alumni Aassociation, and I gave from the day I left. I remember the first time I gave a donation – it was for $5 dollars. I do remember that.

And where was that gift made, do you remember?

It was to the Alumni Association the first time, but I had been out of school for awhile. But that’s how giving starts with just one gift and you

Pickens’ Path*

1961 – Pickens’ first gift to OSU was a $5 donation to the Alumni Association 1973 – first $100 gift to OSU’s geology department 1980 – endows 13 scholarships for OSU students 1982 – gives $1 million to name the T. Boone Pickens School of Geology 2003 – provides $20 million lead gift to kick start the Stadium Renovation Campaign 2005 – endows his first faculty chair in honor of his mentor Dr. Victor Brown Monnett 2007 – makes history with a $165 million gift to OSU Athletics 2008 – makes second historical gift with a $100 million challenge gift to academics resulting in more than 175 additional faculty chairs and professorships at OSU

work your way up.

It’s obvious you have a lot of passions in your life.

Yeah, I do.

And how did OSU get to be the lucky one that seems to be the one you’re most passionate about?

Well, that’s my school. Simple, there’s no competition with OSU. My wife says I spend more time thinking and talking about OSU than any one of my business ventures. And I said, “No, that’s not right.” And she said, “Yeah, I know, I have to listen to you.” [laughing] And she does. She loves OSU. What’s your ultimate dream for OSU? What is your grandest vision for the university’s future?

What do you think Murdoch? [asking the dog sitting in his lap] That’s a pretty loaded question, isn’t it?

It’s almost too big of a question. I want to be competitive as a school both athletically and academically.

You know, I think that’s kind of it – that I want OSU to be at the top of the Big 12 Conference at every level.

So how can OSU donors help us get there?

How do we get there?

Yes, people like us who are modest donors. How can we help you get there?

I think all OSU alums, donors, faculty and students – everybody – would think to themselves, “I would hate to say I wasn’t a part of this transformational time.” It’s an exciting time to get onboard and invest in the university we all love.

* the above gift listing is not comprehensive and does not reflect many gifts for scholarships, faculty or program support.

55

It didn’t just rain; it poured.

A flood of generosity washed over Oklahoma State University when a visionary gift from one Cowboy initiated a 40-day matching gift challenge from the Cowboy family.

In an incredible demonstration of loyalty and support, a historic $100 million gift from T. Boone Pickens prompted more than 900 individuals, companies and foundations to step forward with $68 million in 40 days to create a multitude of endowed faculty positions that will touch nearly every college and campus across the OSU System.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we have received in recent weeks,” says Kirk A. Jewell, OSU Foundation president and CEO. “Boone provided a tremendous incentive for donors to play a critical role in our future. It is clear that these individuals, businesses and foundations believe in President Hargis’ leadership and the essential part our faculty must play to transform OSU while we prepare our students to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive world.”

56 Fall 2008

Once fully matched dollar-for-dollar

by Pickens’ $100 million chair match commitment, as well as the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the total impact of the historic initiative will be $336 million for endowed chairs and professorships at OSU. All the gifts were made before the July 1 change in the state’s endowed chair matching program.

The unprecedented number of gifts will increase OSU’s current number of professorships and faculty chairs of 101 by more than 240 positions. With the new donations and matches, the OSU endowed chair program will have 3 ½ times the amount that was available for endowed chairs before the Pickens gift on May 21.

“The response from our alumni and friends exceeded our wildest expectations,” says OSU President Burns Hargis. “Inspired by Boone Pickens’ astounding generosity, donors answered the call to make a lasting difference and open a new and exciting chapter at Oklahoma State University. We can’t thank them enough.”

“To raise the money we did in 40 days is a testimony to the passion people have for OSU and higher education,” Hargis said.

“There is great enthusiasm building at OSU, in academics and athletics,” says Pickens. “Burns has done a phenomenal job leveraging my $100 million gift. Give Burns an axe and he’ll do some chopping, and he really whacked away on the opportunity to improve our endowed chair program.”

Sharing in and contributing to the enthusiasm building at OSU were two sisters, Ann L. Phillips, ’43 arts and sciences alumna, and Lena P Schenk, ’41 education alumna, who gifted $250,000 to endow a professorship in elementary education to honor their late mother, Alice, a Kansas school teacher.

“Our mother, a modest lady, would be amazed to learn that a million dollar professorship in the College of Education would be established in her name,” says Ann. “Her first thought would be to express her gratitude to Mr. Pickens for his self-

less generosity and to the Board of Regents and our legislature for their leadership and vision.”

But the desire to capitalize on this unique opportunity and honor someone stretched far beyond relatives; it reached the OSU family.

Michael Larrañaga, department head of the School of Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology, was determined to take advantage of the once-in-a-lifetime funding opportunity.

“When I discussed the professorship opportunity with our alumni and faculty, professor Janes (former FPST department head Dr. Dale F. Janes) was recommended time and time again as being a person worthy of an endowed professorship,” said Larrañaga.

More than 528 donations were made to the fund ranging from $15 to $25,000. In just 3 ½ weeks, combined efforts raised more than $370,000 to fund the Janes Fire Protection and Safety Professorship in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology.

Contributions to the professorship honored Janes, an “excellent role model for his students and one credited with helping pave the way for the success of many students in the field.”

There are $68 million worth of these exceptional, inspiring and heart-warming stories standing as a true testament to the indescribable spirit innate to every member of the OSU family. In the coming years, the effect of their gifts will touch an infinite number of lives and the story of their generosity will continue to be told.

Area

The Impact (by area): Chairs

Professorships

General University

5

1

Library

1

1

Division of Agriculture

2

13

College of Arts & Sciences

5

5

Spears School of Business

11

5

College of Education

1

11

College of Eng., Arch. and Tech.

10*

8

College of Human Environmental Sciences

3

College of Veterinary Health Sciences

3

Center for Health Sciences

6

5**

OSU-Tulsa

4

OSU Institute of Technology

1

Graduate College VP for Research and Tech. Transfer

1 1**

1*

$32 million is still available for matching. * A chair established in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering will be shared with the Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer Division. ** A professorship established in healthcare administration will be funded by the Graduate College.

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Thank you, Mr. Pickens, for creating the momentum.

Your $100 million gift to OSU inspired 900 donors to follow your lead. In six weeks, they gave more than $68 million.

Thank you, individuals, companies & foundations for stepping up the pace.

When combined with matching state funds, the total will nearly quadruple to more than $336 million and could result in approximately 276 permanently endowed faculty chairs and professorships.

Thank you, for transforming higher education in Oklahoma.

Endowed faculty positions enable OSU to attract the best professors and students with greater research and scholarship opportunities.

4-H Foundation Advance Food Company Allen Family Foundation Bill & Karen Anderson Calvin & Linda Anthony R. Gerald Bennett Ray & Linda Booker BP North America John & Donnie Brock Doug & Nickie Burns J.D.-Denny & Connie Carreker Jr. Chesapeake Energy Corporation Chiga Trust John Clerico Bryan Close ConocoPhillips Continental Resources Inc. Harold & Joyce Courson Ted & Sheila Davis Deloitte Foundation Devon Energy Corporation Georgia Ina Dresser Trust Ernst & Young Foundation Steve Farris The Fertilizer Institute Dick & Malinda Berry Fischer First Okmulgee Corporation Flintco Frankfurt Short Bruza & Associates Greg Geiser Stan & Jeri Gilliland

Joe & Vickie Hall Halliburton Jay & Fayenelle Helm Helmerich & Payne Inc. John Hendrix Patricia Henthorne Trust Helen Hodges Mike & Robbie Holder John R. Hoss Don & Cathey Humphreys International Plant Nutrition Institute Fran Jabara Family Foundation A.J. Jacques Susan Jacques Griff and Mindi Jones George Kaiser Family Foundation Kirkpatrick Family Fund David Kniffin KPMG Foundation Myron Ledbetter Bob Lemon Mabrey Ban Corporation on behalf of Citizens Security Bank Masonic Charity Foundation of Okla.

Greg Massey McCasland Foundation Frank & Nadine McPherson Lew & Suzanne Meibergen Malone & Amy Mitchell Nix Foundation Northwest Okla. Osteopathic Foundation

Nutrients for Life Foundation Audrey Oaks OGE Energy Corp.

Oklahoma Farm Credit Associations Oklahoma Wheat Commission Oklahoma Wheat Research Foundation ONEOK Inc. OSU Center for Innovation & Economic Development Phillips & Bacon Inc. Ann L. Phillips Madeleine Pickens T. Boone Pickens Barry Pollard PSA-Dewberry Inc. Puterbaugh Foundation H. E. Rainbolt Reed Family Trust Samson Charles & Linda Shackelford, TLC Nursery & Greenhouses Lena P. Schenk Bob & Jean Schuetz M.B. Seretean Foundation Gwen E. Shaw Stillwater National Bank Jack & Joyce Stuteville Tahlequah Hospital Foundation Dave Timberlake Tulsa Community Foundation

Tom & Susie Wallace Lew & Myra Ward Kim & Chuck Watson Bill & Peggy Welch Randall & Carol White Williams Foundation Jim & Lynne Williams Vaughn Vennerberg XTO Energy Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation College of Education Student Development Professorship Donors Dale Janes Fire Protection and Safety Professorship Donors Patrick Dorr Accounting Professorship Donors School of Architecture Centennial Professorship Donors Wes & Lou Watkins Endowed Chair in International Trade & Development Donors Wilson Bentley Industrial Engineering Professorship Donors Anonymous Accounting Donor Anonymous Art Donor Anonymous Business Donor Anonymous Equine Donor Anonymous Family Medicine Donor Anonymous Parenting Donors Anonymous Petroleum Engineering Donor

Thank You

Miguel Najera Âť Jack and Patti Bowker Endowment Scholar 59

dedicated for her dedication

It was the early 80s, and John and

his sister, Joy Welker, were returning to Denver after Thanksgiving with family in Stillwater, Okla., when a flat tire in an ice storm stranded the two on the side of a northern Kansas road. Samaritans stopped to offer John and Joy a ride, and the travelers soon learned of an interesting connection – their rescuers had attended John and Joy’s mother’s daycare, Kollins Kiddie Kollege. Some might think “small world,” but John thought “big impact.”

For more than 43 years, Opal Eastep Collins shared her love of teaching and her caring nature with thousands of students and future educators. After working for Oklahoma’s Quay and Wilburton public schools, the 1933 OSU elementary education graduate opened a daycare emphasizing education in her Stillwater home in 1952.

The early childhood school grew from 15 students to as many as 80 under her direction. Over the 60 Fall 2008

years, Opal taught and cared for more than 4,000 children before her retirement in 1995. Her own children remember her dedication and her love for seeing her young students develop.

education majors at OSU was the best way to honor their mother’s devotion. The first girl in her family to graduate from college, Opal always emphasized the importance of education.

“She’s raised all the kids in Payne County,” John says.

Joy remembers when her mother first learned about the scholarship endowed in her honor. Opal was grateful to know a scholarship in her name would make a difference in the life of future educators.

In addition to caring for the young children of Stillwater, Opal looked to OSU students and graduates to find qualified early childhood educators to employ. Today, a scholarship established in her name is continuing her legacy of developing and training exceptional teachers.

Joy and her brothers have similar hopes.

“We hope this helps young people who want to pursue an education but might not have the funds,” Joy says.

“Our mother was so dedicated to education and Oklahoma State,” Joy says. “We wanted to do this to honor her.”

In 1993, John, Joy and their brother, C.A. Collins, endowed the W. Opal Eastep Collins Endowed Scholarship to recognize their mother’s lifetime of work. Opal’s children knew a scholarship assisting elementary

Opal, a mother of three and a teacher of thousands, passed away in 2003 at 94, but her mark on education in Payne County lives on at OSU. » Marie Kadavy

Doc Hastings’ prescription:

“I have a bright, burning-orange passion for giving and I want to direct it to our medical school,” says Richard A. Hastings

II, an osteopathic physician, a Ph.D., an Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine alumnus and steadfast donor.

“Doc” Hastings, as he is known to friends and colleagues, has given a $100,000 planned gift to the Marjorie Carpenter Hastings and Richard A. Hastings, M.D., Endowed Scholarship Fund established in memory of his parents. His father was an M.D. and radiologist in Ottumwa, Iowa, for many years. Both of his parents died in 2000.

Family contributions and his own previous gift of $10,000 add to the fund for scholarships for OSU’s osteopathic medical students, with preference given to students from rural Oklahoma.

Hastings, a lifelong learner, credits his parents with his passion for education. “I always thought I would be a teacher,” he says. He received a Ph.D. and taught at several schools, including the University of Alaska Medical School.

After hearing physicians talk to his students about clinical issues, Hastings decided to go to medical school. “I found I was only scraping the surface in regard to knowledge, so I looked for a medical school, checked out OSU and loved its philosophy of treating the whole person,” he says.

He arrived in Tulsa in 1976. He had a doctoral degree in anatomy from Washington University and solid achievements as a teacher

and scholar. But then, he was just a medical student who needed a job.

He found one as a janitor in the OSU anatomy lab, earned his D.O. degree and has lectured at the College. “I have seen this school from janitor to lecturer,” he jokes, with a grin and a note of pride.

Hastings is a board certified internal medicine physician, practicing at Harvard Medical Clinic in Tulsa.

He and his wife, Carolyn Steele, D.O., are both members of the OSU Medicine class of 1980.

He has just completed a busy term as president of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine Alumni Association. During his service he made numerous personal visits to alums and helped form OSU Medical Cowboys, a philanthropy-focused group of alumni physicians and others in health-related professions.

Hastings says his parents and especially his dad were fierce advocates for learning and education and helped shape his philanthropic commitment. “You develop this emotional connection,” he says about the school and his four years as a member of its alumni association board.

“I want to infect the world with this particular ‘orange virus’ for giv-

» Photo: Terry Drenner

ing. I am most interested in increasing donations from our alumni for scholarships. This is how I honor my parents, and honor my own heart-felt drive to give back.” Hastings says.

When he spoke at the osteopathic college scholarship awards banquet, he told recipients that someday they will want to give back, too, and that it is a responsibility. “I told them they owe something because somebody helped them accomplish their goal.”

Brad Walker, OSU CHS director of development, says Hastings wants to inspire osteopathic alumni, particularly younger ones, to give and especially wants to see an increase in donations to scholarships.

Hastings says Walker helps make it happen. “When I tell Brad I want to go see someone about giving, he doesn’t say ‘I’ll check my calendar.”

Hastings explains. “He says ‘Get in the car, Doc, let’s go!’” » Marla Schaefer 61

J oseph’s Story

At 12, Joseph (pictured above) lost his mother and only parent to cancer.

The young Honduran boy and his 4-year-old brother, Oscar, went to live with their grandmother in the small village Mogote. Receiving little food or shelter, a poor school system – resulting in only a sixth grade education – and an aging grandmother were all factors that painted a bleak future for Joseph and his brother. But from their extremely grim circumstances comes an enriching future for not only Joseph and Oscar, but for many Honduran children facing little hope for better lives.

Joseph’s mother was employed by a missionary couple living and working in Honduras at the time she grew ill. Ron and Shelly Jones promised that her boys would be taken care of after she died, and when they learned of the grandmother’s despair in raising the two boys, the couple made good on their promise by adopting Joseph and Oscar.

H ope for Honduras

The Joneses’ mission of helping Honduras after it was ravished by Hurricane Mitch soon turned into one of providing hope for the small country by educating the children who could rebuild their communities and their country.

Thus began a mission called Hope for Honduras to create a better life for children like Joseph and Oscar and build a future for a community that was once displaced to a dirt hill after Hurricane Mitch.

Establishing a school to provide a K-12 education for all Mogote children is one of the organization’s goals, and is a first step in making a real impact and reclaiming a promising future for Honduras. Though plans have to be finalized and funds raised before a school is built, one couple is already creating an opportunity to fund a college education for the future school’s graduates.

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S haring the Mission

Moved by the work of the Joneses and inspired by Joseph’s spirit, Kevin and Lesa Talley (pictured above) are helping to bridge the gap between Joseph’s desire to make his world a better place and his ability to do so. By establishing a four-year scholarship at OSU for children associated with Hope for Honduras, the Talleys are funding Joseph’s OSU education for the next four years.

“Joseph wants to go back and help change his country,” says Kevin. “And we want to give him that opportunity. He will be a future leader.”

A 1980 geology graduate and Ardmore, Okla. native, Kevin attended OSU on a Noble Foundation scholarship and believes Stillwater provides a safe environment where Joseph can excel.

“This is a means of life,” he says. “We need people to come back to their community and teach their own to prosper and be self-sufficient. If one person can break that cycle there’s hope for everyone else.”

F uture of Honduras

“The children in Mogote are precious,” says Lesa. “They deserve the same opportunity that Joseph is receiving. What a difference an education will make to them, their families and future generations.”

While Joseph will undoubtedly make a much needed impact on his country, many more like Joseph are needed to ensure that impact is widespread.

Thus the Talleys are leading the charge to grow the Hope for Honduras Endowed Scholarship Fund through which more Honduran children, like Joseph’s little brother, Oscar, can earn a college degree to use for the benefit of their country.

64 Fall 2008

Make an Impact Help rebuild a countr y through education.

For more information about the Hope for Honduras Endowed Scholarship Fund or to make a contribution, please contact Michal Shaw at mshaw@OSUgiving.com or at 405.385.5147.

Nephew honors Aunt's Love of Cats They were her life—she loved

them one and all. And even though Verna Stuteville has passed away, her love of cats will touch the lives of cat owners and their precious felines through a $100,000 gift to the Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.

“Aunt Verna taught school all her life and she loved cats,” explains Jack Stuteville, nephew and executor of Verna’s estate. “She had no children.

Everyone knew her by her cats.”

Verna Stuteville was born and raised in Okeene, Okla. She later graduated from Central State Teachers College in 1939 and received her master’s degree at Oklahoma State University in 1969. She taught business for 30 years, retiring in 1982.

For the last 50 years, she lived in Arkansas City, Kan. “I love giving to OSU and thought this would be a great way to give to my favorite charity. Additionally, this would be something for which Aunt Verna would be remembered and for which she would be very proud,” said Stuteville.

The gift in Verna’s name is going to name the “cat room” in the Veterinary Center’s Small Animal Critical Care Unit (SACCU), which is undergoing renovation in the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

“I just hope that this gift will help ensure that veterinary students are

well trained to assist cat owners and their animals,” said Stuteville.

The SACCU upgrade will allow the Veterinary Center to provide improved care for critically injured or sick animals by maximizing space.

Renovations will create better housing for patients, improve monitoring systems, and strengthen postoperative care and management for trauma patients. Using technologically advanced equipment will enable veterinary students to be trained in the latest technology available today.

The SACCU will include a distinctive area designated for surgery and post-operative recovery for cats.

The cat room will be a glassed room to assure proper monitoring during recovery. The plaque on the door will read: Verna Stuteville Cat Room donated by Jack & Joyce Stuteville.

is very active in fundraising activities and serves as a trustee on the OSU Foundation Board of Governors.

“I’m a big OSU supporter,” smiles Jack. “I know the Verna Stuteville Cat Room will help someone’s cat. I wanted to do something in her memory because cats were her family.”

“We appreciate this gift and the support that Jack has given to our Veterinary Teaching Hospital,” says Michael D. Lorenz, dean and professor at the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences. “Renovation of the Small Animal Critical Care Unit has been badly needed for several years and this gift takes us very near our final goal.”

The Center for Veterinary Health Sciences anticipates starting renovations by spring 2009 and hopes to have the Small Animal Critical Care Unit fully operational by the fall of 2009.

Jack and Joyce are no strangers to the importance of donations. Both are Oklahoma State graduates and have made substantial contributions to the university. Jack 65

Richard and Joyce Frahm knew little of their daughter Kathy Rae Frahm’s influence and success as policy division director for the Department of Environmental Quality – until her memorial service.

When 400 coworkers, legislators and business leaders gathered to honor her in Richmond, Va., Kathy’s negotiation skills as well as her modest attitude were evident. Although the room was filled with people possessing conflicting views on many controversial environmental issues, both sides considered Kathy their friend.

Kathy served the state of Virginia for nearly 15 years in environmental protection. In that time, her dedication and compassion led her to serve as a key adviser to the governor’s staff and agency directors on a broad, and often conflicting, range of environmental policy issues.

Virginia Institute for Environmental Negotiation. The 2008 Virginia General Assembly also passed a resolution commemorating Kathy’s distinguished service to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The former honor student, who was known for her constant smile, will be forever remembered for her knowledge, kindness and service through an endowed scholarship her family established in her name at their beloved Oklahoma State University.

Kathy’s distinguished life and career started in Stillwater, where the 1989

graduate grew up and attended OSU. The daughter of former OSU animal science professor Richard Frahm, Kathy always had a book in hand and a purpose in mind. The modest, quiet and younger daughter of two knew at an early age she wanted to pursue a career in law.

When it came to her undergraduate degree, she chose accounting as a precursor to law school, and for her university, she chose OSU. Even though the family lived in Stillwater, Richard and Joyce encouraged their children to move

“We didn’t quite appreciate how delicately she had negotiated some contentious issues, and her colleagues were the ones who kept driving that home to us as they honored and memorialized her,” says Richard.

“We didn’t realize she was playing that significant of a role in the grand scheme of things.”

Although Kathy’s life was cut short upon her unexpected death in 2007 at the age of 40, she had already achieved a lifetime of accomplishments, and her legacy continues.

In 2008, she was recognized for her influence and leadership, receiving, posthumously, the Gerald P. McCarthy Award for Leadership in Environmental Conflict Resolution presented by the University of

66 Fall 2008

Former OSU professor Richard Frahm and his wife, Joyce, established the Kathy Rae Frahm Memorial Scholarship in honor of their daughter, Kathy.

Kathy Rae Frahm was an environmentalist serving the Department of Environment Quality for the Commonwealth of Virginia.

on campus to embrace the full college experience. A National Merit Scholar, Kathy focused on going to the Marshall Wythe Law School at the College of William and Mary while her sister, Lorinda, pursued bachelor’s and master’s degrees in industrial engineering. Although Kathy was dedicated to her studies, she still managed to be active in her sorority, Tri Delta, where she held several leadership roles. When one of her sorority sisters was tragically killed, Kathy, chaplain of her chapter, was the one others looked to, to move the house through that difficult time, Richard says.

But now, as her family is searching for a similar kind of support in her passing, they recall her passion, her character and her influence as they remember her through the Kathy Rae Frahm Memorial Scholarship.

“I think she just had a rare combination of raw intelligence and empathy and compassion for people, so she listened carefully,” Richard says. “I think she always tried to understand the other person’s viewpoint.”

Kathy’s work behind the scenes is apparent in many policies affecting Virginia’s environment, and her parents attribute this passion to her Oklahoma agricultural background.

“Here in Virginia, even her coworkers made reference to her upbringing in Oklahoma,” says Joyce.

Richard adds, “She was proud of it.

People knew where she was from.”

So when it came time to honor Kathy’s life, Richard and Joyce chose an endowed scholarship at OSU, as a fitting memorial to their daughter who was proud of her Oklahoma upbringing and treasured her education.

Kathy valued education, says Richard, and in fact, one of her responsibilities as director of the policy division was promoting environmental education. As a former professor at OSU, Richard realized the importance of education and scholarships, too, and could not think of a better way to honor Kathy.

“My whole career has been tied up in education, so number one, I believe in education; number two, I personally benefited and know how important scholarships are; and three, it was the best thing I could think of to honor her memory,” Richard says.

Richard and Joyce hope the scholarship inspires young people to pursue advanced degrees in order to reach an even higher level of academic achievement.

They tried to include what they thought would be Kathy’s wishes when they decided the criteria for the scholarship: the recipient shall have plans to enroll in a professional or graduate school and a strong commitment to serve society in a beneficial way.

“I think Kathy was proud to be a graduate from Oklahoma State,” Richard says. “I think she was very proud of her experience there and loyal to OSU.” » Marie Kadavy

67

Thank You

Billy Collins » Tom M. Carey President’s Distinguished Scholar 68 Fall 2008

A dramatic makeover slated for the Edmon Low Library will ensure the building design reflects the open, friendly service environment offered by the staff. The development is made possible through a gift from alum and Friends of the OSU Library board member Susan Raybourn and her husband, Steve.

According to Susan, the couple chose to help the library with the improvement project because it has such an impact both aesthetically and functionally. “As a board member, I have enjoyed watching the library continue to improve.

Students from every discipline on campus use the library,

and I’ve seen that use increase over the years.”

There are two primary service points on the first floor of the Edmon Low Library. At the Circulation Desk, students check out books, laptops and course files. Around the corner at the Reference Desk, librarians help students with everything from locating a call number to structuring in-depth searches in one of many online databases.

After the remodel, the entire area will include a wrap-around desk with reference service at one end and

circulation check-out at the other. The new service desk will open the first floor and increase visibility of staff there to help.

“We are removing walls that currently block the view of staff in some areas. With the new layout, you can see both desks as soon as you walk in, and you can see someone is always here to help,” says Sheila Grant Johnson, dean of libraries.

This project is part of an ongoing effort to transform the library’s first floor. The primary goal is to consolidate services and offer students quick access to the resources they use most often: computers, study rooms and librarian assistance.

“The new open layout is the perfect centerpiece for the first floor, and we are committed to continuing improvements like this,” Johnson says. “There are many opportunities for our friends to help. New furniture, electrical upgrades and extending service hours are just a few of the additions I see in our future.”

“The new open layout is the perfect centerpiece for the first floor, and we are committed to continuing improvements like this,” Johnson says. “There are many

opportunities for our f riends to help. New furniture, electrical upgrades and extending service hours are just a few of the additions I see in our future.”

To learn more about what the OSU Library is doing for every student and what you can do to help, contact Chad Haney, director of development, at (405)744-6323 or chaney@OSUgiving.com.

» Bonnie Cain

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70 Fall 2008

William Barrow and Don Lucca will be the first to tell you that endowment funding directly impacts their research.

Both Barrow, a Sitlington Chair at OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences, and Lucca, Tom J. Cunningham Chair in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology; say funds from their chaired professorships provide invaluable opportunities to enhance and expand their research programs.

“Bill Sitlington changed my life,” Barrow said. “I was able to step into a very honorable position, something I am certainly proud of, and do things in research that I would have never been able to do before.”

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The focus of Barrow’s work is biodefense and emerging infectious diseases. Under his current seven-year, $40 million contract with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Barrow tests the effectiveness of drug-like compounds against bio threats like anthrax and the plague.

OSU is one of only five institutions selected to participate in the NIAID program. Funds from his chaired professorship allowed Barrow to apply.

“Endowments allow you to do certain things you can’t do with other funding,” Barrow said. For example, he was able to use his endowment funds to pay for printing, duplicating and binding costs for the more than 10,000 pages required for the NIAID proposal. “I couldn’t have done that with any other type of funding,” Barrow said.

Lucca also acquired a distinctive opportunity thanks to his endowment. Since 2001, he has participated in a unique collaborative project, which the German Science Foundation and the U.S. National Science Foundation funded. He and his research team at OSU work with teams from the University of Bremen and the Technical University at Aachen to develop methods for the manufacture of more precise, complex optics for use in devices like cameras, video projectors and microscopes. The proposal development took more than a year of preparation and meant several trips to meet with the German colleagues.

“I was able to use chair funds as an initiator and support the efforts I needed to invest in this proposal development,” Lucca said. “Having the flexibility to invest in this long-term, incredibly fruitful international collaboration probably would not have happened without the chair funds.”

72 Fall 2008

Drs. Don Lucca and William Barrow pictured on the OSU campus in Stillwater. Both say funds from their endowed chair positions help them pursue exclusive research opportunities.

Not only have funds from their chaired professorships enabled Barrow and Lucca to acquire their current contracts, but they also make a lasting impact by continually allowing them to pursue other worthwhile opportunities.

Because of his endowment, Barrow has been able to work with OSU chemists Darrell Berlin and Richard Bunce on a potential drug to treat anthrax. Barrow discovered the compound while working on a previous project that the National Institutes of Health funded.

Although NIH resources were not available to examine the compound’s viability as a drug, Barrow was able to continue work with his chair funds.

Based on promising preliminary results, OSU filed a patent on the compound, and Barrow submitted a proposal for new funding to NIH in June.

Lucca was able to advise and collaborate with several graduate students on a noteworthy project that was featured on the cover of “Materials Science and Technology,” an international materials science journal. One of the students, Oscar Mejia, was funded by the agency, Latin American Scholarship Program of American Universities, and could have selected any university in the United States to conduct research. He chose OSU and wrote his master’s thesis based on experiments conducted in Lucca’s lab. The other student, Luca Rossettini, also came to

OSU fully funded to work on the project. The work was very well received and Rossettini was later nationally honored in Italy for producing one of the top ten master’s theses in science and engineering.

“By taking these funds and leveraging them [it] allows us to pursue good students to work on exciting projects that ultimately result in us being able to report good science,” Lucca said.

Both men are grateful for the positions awarded to them, and they understand their responsibility to make the most of what they have been given. “Holding a chair is a prestigious opportunity, but along with it goes the expectation that you’ll use the chair funds to do things that simply could not be achieved without them,” Lucca said. “I think these are examples.”

In the end, Barrow and Lucca say their chaired professorships impact the university as a whole.

“The strength of the university is clearly increased in incalculable ways by having support that can be used to seed opportunities and to encourage outstanding individuals to come and join us here at OSU,” Lucca said.

“It’s an extremely important part of the university.” » Kelly Green

OSU professors choose to give through doctoral scholarship Growing up on the East Coast, Drs. Jim Pappas and Karen Flaherty-Pappas never imagined they would end up in Oklahoma. But after meeting while earning doctorates from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, their paths shifted and they landed in the Midwest.

“When we entered the job market, we came to tryout OSU and see what it was like, but we didn’t have much intention in coming here,” Jim says. “Our image of Oklahoma was cowboys and Indians, but we were pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the people were, and we decided that this is the type of community we’d like to raise our children in.”

The Pappases made that decision six years ago, and they haven’t looked back. They joined the OSU family as professors in the Spears School of Business; Jim as a management professor and Karen as a marketing professor. The Pappases are extremely involved in the school’s doctoral program and have taken turns serving as program coordinator.

“If I had to sit down and create a wish list of things we need to make the program better, it all comes down to financial support to remain competitive with other doctoral programs,” Karen says.

Financial support would help the program in many ways, including enabling it to attract the best students.

Students who receive financial support are able to perform quality research, which will not only help them on their career paths but also improve the reputation of OSU’s program.

“We found out that a really low number of faculty contribute anything to the university,” Jim says.

“But when you think about it, we are in our offices more than half of our waking hours, so if I’m going to spend all these hours here I am going to do anything I can to make OSU better.”

For Jim and Karen, advancing OSU started with the establishment of the Pappas Family Doctoral Endowed Scholarship Fund, which will help alleviate costs doctoral students accrue. Each year, the fund will provide a scholarship to a doctoral student pursuing a degree in business administration.

money, or someone else has more money,’ but it’s just a matter of doing your part,” Karen says.

The Pappases add to their scholarship fund through payroll deduction, which makes giving easier.

“We value doctoral education and we know from experience that it’s painful to have to live off of nothing and try to make it through four years, but you make the sacrifice because it’s something you really want to do,” Karen says.

“I benefited from a scholarship established by a former faculty member while I was earning my doctorate at UMass, and this is something we both wanted to do for others.”

The Pappases say that giving is something embedded in them at an early age, but they weren’t sure when they would be in the position to give back. Now they realize that giving is not about how much money you have.

“It has to be a concerted choice to give money to others and there are always excuses. You can say, ‘I need the money for something else, or I don’t have tons of

“Payroll deduction is easier for us because it’s automatic and you don’t even notice it,” Jim says. “We do it on a monthly basis because it seems like a smaller amount that way.”

The first Pappas scholar will be selected in 2009, allowing Jim and Karen to witness the impact of their simple choice to give. Because the Pappases chose to endow their scholarship fund, their gifts will make a difference in the lives of students for years to come.

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est has seen numerous residence halls at numerous campuses across numerous states.

But what impressed Demarest most about OSU and influenced his contributions was not only his personal relationship with Huss but also the professional relationships he developed with everyone he encountered at OSU. David Demarest believes if you give you get it back, and at age 53 he’s putting that belief into practice.

“At 53 I’m more established and feel it’s time to start giving back,” Demarest says. “Even though it may be hard to give up, you do get it back ten fold.

It’s a financial leap of faith.”

The founder and owner of Architecture Demarest, a firm he started on his 29th birthday that has doubled in size this past year, is in his third year of contributing a $100,000 OSU residential life scholarship endowment.

Demarest is not an OSU graduate; he’s not an OSU sports fan; he’s not even an Oklahoman; but he is a friend.

His relationship with OSU began 10 years ago when then housing director Bob Huss put out a request for proposals to build replacement housing for the post World War II dormitories on campus. Demarest was the architect for the group who won bids for the first three phases of the development. As the new housing was built so was a friendship between Demarest and Huss.

“Bob was a very creative housing director,” says Demarest. “He got everyone involved through focus groups to

74 Fall 2008

find out what everyone’s perceptions, wants and needs were. He broke new ground and set a high example for other universities.”

Huss’s obvious high regard for Demarest was apparent when requests for phase four proposals were distributed and Demarest’s group did not win the bid, yet Huss asked that Demarest be added as an architect to the project team.

Both moved and honored by Huss’s gesture, Demarest joined the new team and helped see OSU’s residential housing break ground and redefine what was once thought to be the standard residence hall room mold.

And their efforts have not gone unnoticed. The National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) has named OSU School of the Year more times than any other school in the nation and regional School of the Year for the past two years.

“This project touched a lot of departments,” says Demarest. “Everybody was first-class and professional, and each person contributed at the level which they needed to contribute in order to complete the project.”

Thus when Huss approached Demarest with the idea of giving something back through an endowed residential life scholarship Demarest was intrigued.

“I researched the idea and thought ‘I can help out,’” he says. “OSU’s been good to me and I am thankful for the opportunity I was given as well as the respect I was shown.”

Demarest’s gratitude is translating into an annual Demarest Leader Scholar Award to help support housing costs for a full-time graduate or undergraduate junior or senior studying architecture, interior design, graphic arts or landscape architecture with a GPA of 3.0 or above and demonstrating leadership in the residential hall system.

“ I did what I could and “OSU is a beautiful campus and one of I’m still trying to do the most diverse housing [plans] I’ve seen across the country,” says Demarest. what I can, ” As an architect who specializes in says Demarest. student housing since 1982, Demar-

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How do OSU students spend their spare time if they do not have to work to pay for college?

For scholar Janina Graves it is spent helping others.

Graves, whose President’s Distinguished Scholarship is funded by James and Mary Barnes of Tulsa, spent last summer in Oklahoma City as a volunteer working with Project Transformation. In those two months, Graves was introduced to 55 young minds who were positively impacted by Graves’s caring spirit and genuine concern for their future.

“At the start of the program they told us ‘don’t be so prideful to think you’re the saviors of these children,’” Graves says. “And they were right. The transformation occurs in everyone involved because you become so humbled by the experience.”

As a summer literacy camp for underserved children in urban Oklahoma, Project Transformation uses volunteers like Graves to help carry out its mission of providing mentoring, leadership and individual attention to a neglected audience. Oklahoma United Methodist Conference, AmeriCorps and community individuals and organizations, sponsor the program, which offers children educational and enrichment activities.

But the children were not the only ones being educated and enriched. For Graves the experience also served as a real-world classroom where she could put her elementary education and Spanish courses to test.

"You really have to adopt the attitude of ‘how am I going to be changed?’”

Graves says. “It’s amazing what you can learn from children because kids don’t hide their vulnerabilities.”

Though her time with Project Transformation came to an end with the return of fall, Graves’ desire to help others did not. At the start of the school year she found another passion through the International Student Organization on campus.

“Our biggest goal through ISO is to find more ways to get international students and American students to interact more,” Graves says. “As the American liaison my main individual responsibility is to bridge the gap between American and international students.”

With more than 1,600 international students on OSU’s campus Graves has a lofty goal, but like the rest of Graves’s pursuits, she approaches it with a smile and desire to learn. While Graves enjoys her extracurricular activities, she also views it as her way of saying thanks to the donors who have made these opportunities possible.

“I feel the best way to thank the Barneses is by being a good steward of their money through giving back to the community and being a good representative of OSU,” she says. “It’s wonderful to be supported by such high quality people; a very generous and giving people.”

76 Fall 2008

They’re Back After a three-year hiatus, the women are back.

Women in Philanthropy, a program created and housed in the College of Human Environmental Sciences in 1995 by then dean Dr. Pat Knaub, has been renamed, regrouped and reinvented into a university-wide effort known as Women for Oklahoma State University Leadership and Philanthropy Council.

With a revised mission and new programming, the group is restructured “to create a culture that inspires the philanthropic potential and celebrates the leadership and philanthropic impact of Oklahoma State University women.”

“What was evident when I came to OSU was that HES women were conspicuously missing from leadership positions on campus,” Knaub, the program’s director, says. “We needed a way, through education and motivational experiences, to move women into leadership and philanthropic roles.”

With this realization, Knaub instituted one of the first Women in Philanthropy programs at OSU, adopted from the University of Wisconsin. The program developed from the HES Associates and had a successful 10-year consecutive run with increasing attendance at their annual symposium from 75 alumni and friends the first year to a high of about 400 attendees.

The revival of the Women for Oklahoma State University Leadership and Philanthropy Board will build upon that momentum while addressing the demographic changes and national focus of women’s philanthropy.

“Our ultimate goal is to develop a culture in which the impact of women donors and leaders is celebrated,” Knaub says.

And according to research there is no better time to reach out to women both in leadership and philanthropic capacities. The Women’s Philanthropy Institute at Indiana University conducted a study indicating that single women are significantly more likely than single men to make a philanthropic gift. Married men and women are also more likely to give and to make larger gifts than single men, indicating that women’s propensity for giving influences the philanthropic habits of their husbands.

Knaub contributes this to a woman’s tendency to invest time and treasure in the future.

“Women want to make the world a better place,” says Knaub. “They’re looking out for the next generation and the future of their and others’ children and grandchildren. They like to give to causes where they can make a difference.”

Women for OSU seeks to educate women on financial planning, philanthropic decision making and leadership skill development through workshops, symposiums and educational materials designed to help women learn, inspire, motivate and celebrate one another.

To help guide Women for OSU, a council of up to 30 women is being assembled to support the program in an advisory and planning role.

“We are recruiting members who are passionate about Oklahoma State University and its future and who wish to expand women’s impact as leaders and philanthropists,” Knaub says.

An inaugural event to reintroduce the program will occur this spring with plans to host a an annual event on the OSU Stillwater campus and rotating regional programs at selected sites.

Check OSUgiving.com in late October for event details.

For more information or to get involved, please contact: Pat Knaub at pknaub@OSUgiving.com or (405) 385-5194.

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Rainbolt Family Endowed Chair to benef it agricultural f inance The Rainbolt family of Oklahoma City is honoring Oklahoma State President Burns Hargis with a $500,000 gift to establish an endowed chair within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The chair will be valued at $1 million thanks to a dollar for dollar match by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

“We made this gift for many reasons. My career has been involved with banks across the state in primarily agricultural areas of Oklahoma, and we wanted to see those rural towns flourish,” says H.E. “Gene” Rainbolt, chairman of BancFirst. “But the triggering event was certainly when Burns accepted the role of OSU president. We believe he will be incredibly effective for OSU and the state of Oklahoma.”

Gene, along with son David, announced the gift at a special reception honoring the new president earlier this spring, and they hope the chair will encourage excellence in teaching and schol78 Fall 2008

arship within the department of agricultural economics at OSU. “I am overwhelmed and honored by this generous gift from the Rainbolt family,” Hargis says. “I greatly appreciate Gene’s confidence in me and his belief in the vital work being done by our agriculture college. This gift will strengthen the excellent work already being done by our faculty.”

Inspired by Hargis’ commitment to education, the family chose to establish the chair in agricultural finance because of their belief in Oklahoma’s agriculture industry and rural communities.

“Agricultural finance is very directly involved with banking on a variety of levels. We believe everything in our business begins with our customer: the producer and farmer. The more prosperous they are the more successful we all are. We know that OSU is the home for Oklahoma agriculture and those farmers, which is what motivated us to make this gift in agricultural finance,” says Rainbolt.

The Rainbolt Chair will make a significant contribution to the economic well-being of farmers and ranchers in Oklahoma for years to come, says Robert. E Whitson, vice president, dean and director of OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

“Today, more than ever, there is a need to educate students and agricultural clientele regarding financial and management issues in agriculture enterprises,” Whitson says. “Rising costs of seed, fuel and fertilizer are forcing farmers and ranchers to become better financial managers if they want to stay in business.”

Rainbolt also hopes the family’s gift will foster additional donations; particularly from federal agricultural lending organizations.

“Our family’s ties with OSU are many. I’ve long respected the department of agricultural economics; particularly Jim Plaxico who is a friend and associate. These ties reflect our respect for OSU as a high-quality educational institution,” says Rainbolt.

Thank You

Amanda Miller Âť

Herrington President’s Distinguished Scholar 79

Annual Giving: . dollar by dollar it happened

$1.2 million was raised this past year.

Thank you.

Center for Veterinary Health Sciences Needs:

Veterinary Medicine Advancement Fund, Veterinary Student Support Fund, Small Animal Critical Care Unit, Equine Critical Care Unit and McElroy Hall Beautification Project

Pledged: $38,545

Impact: Funding distance education technology and equipment, upgrading Oklahoma’s only small animal critical care unit, providing scholarships for veterinary students, and recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty

Center for Health Sciences Needs:

OSU Medical Center Annual Fund, OSU-COM General Scholarship Fund, OSU-CHS Excellence Fund and OK Rural Health Policy Research Center

Pledged: $14,445

Impact: Establishing rural health scholarships for students who are committed to training in primary care and returning to rural Oklahoma, and supporting the Rural Health Elective Curriculum through speaker expenses and student travel to rural residencies

College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources Needs:

Dean’s Excellence Fund and CASNR Scholarship Fund

Pledged: $61,220

Impact: Supporting special projects designated by the dean and providing scholarship assistance to agricultural students to offset the cost of tuition and fees

edmond low library Needs:

Dean’s Excellence Fund and Friends of the OSU Library

Pledged: $155,275

Impact: Funding the purchase of textbooks for student use, hosting guest author speakers and purchasing new laptops

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college of arts & sciences Needs:

Dean’s Excellence Fund, Alumni Scholarship Fund and 24 department-specific funds

Pledged: $28,800

Impact: Offsetting educational expenses for arts and sciences students, recruiting and retaining professors, and acquiring new technology and resources

College of Education Needs:

Scholarships, Graduate Fellowships and Dean’s Program Fund

Pledged: $35,256

Impact: Helping future teachers offset the cost of tuition and fees through scholarships and fellowships

College of Engineering, Architecture & Technology Needs:

11 CEAT department funds

Pledged: $124,664

Impact: Fully funding the Dale F. Janes Professorship, upgrading laboratory technology, purchasing resources and equipment, increasing scholarship endowments, and sponsoring faculty travel and student leadership activities and competitions

Spears School of Business Needs:

Dean’s Excellence Fund

Pledged: $83,995

Impact: Sponsoring student organization activities and speaker programs, supporting career services activities, providing scholarships to business students, communicating with alumni, and funding student and faculty participation in competitions and national conferences

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In spring 2007 veteran Cowboy Caller Candace McCreary had no idea her job was about to change her life.

Scholarships allowed McCreary to come to OSU from Idabel, Okla., in 2006. Before she started school, she secured a part-time job as a Cowboy Caller at the OSU Foundation.

After a few weeks, she was calling alumni and friends of the university to ask for donations on behalf of her fellow students.

“As a scholarship recipient, I understand the importance of what we do and the big impact we have on campus,” McCreary says. “Being able to bless others truly blesses me as an individual.”

The Cowboy Callers help the entire university by calling donors to raise money for specific needs of each college. In spring 2007, the Honors 82 Fall 2008

College turned to the Cowboy Callers for help securing funding for an annual trip to Cambridge, the United Kingdom’s top university.

Each summer the Honors College selects a handful of its top students to travel to Cambridge and study ethical theory and leadership.

On the trip students learn about historical leaders, experience life in the U.K. and meet influential OSU alumni living in the country.

McCreary called to raise money for the trip, unaware that in a year she would benefit from her own efforts.

“I got accepted to this program and was able to go because of the money we raised. Each student received a $1,000 grant toward this trip because of the generosity of our alumni and the hard work of the Cowboy Callers,” McCreary says. “It was a

once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in which I felt extremely fortunate to get a chance to experience.”

McCreary continues to work as a Cowboy Caller while earning a degree in international business. In her position as student supervisor, she meets the needs of other callers by helping them stay motivated.

“Working here, you begin to feel like a big family or a home away from home,” McCreary says.

If McCreary could say one thing to the OSU donors who made her trip possible, it would be this: “You truly do touch lives whenever you give no matter if the amount is great or small. I will always have great appreciation to you for not only making this trip possible, but making my whole OSU experience possible.”

light streams from the first floor windows of the osu foundation at 8 p.m. most full-time staff have left for the day, but the cowboy callers are hard at work.

These students have an extremely important job. From 6 - 9 p.m.

Sunday through Thursday, they call OSU alumni and friends of the university to raise money for OSU and their fellow students. It’s not always easy, but their passion for OSU serves as great motivation.

“I joined this program because I loved the idea of talking to alumni and helping them stay involved in current students’ lives,” says Audra Stubbs, one of the top Cowboy Callers for the 2007 – 2008 school year.

“It’s enjoyable hearing (them) reminisce about their times at OSU; their stories are always so entertaining.”

Stubbs, a native of Muskogee, Okla., raised $44,250 last year.

She is a senior dietetics major who has been a Cowboy Caller for two semesters.

Two other women were recognized as top Cowboy Callers along with Stubbs. Christiane Rudd has been a caller since 2007. She is an elementary education senior from Tulsa, Okla., and this year, she was able to raise $28,508.

Jenna Brown was also recognized as a top caller for raising $23,451. She is a hotel and restaurant administration junior who became a Cowboy Caller in January 2007.

“These women have made a tremendous impact on their university and fellow students,” says

Debbie Nance, director of annual giving programs. “Their love for OSU is evident in every call and I believe this, along with their positive attitudes, has helped them be so successful.”

Together, the women raised $96,209 of the nearly $700,000 raised by the combined efforts of 29 Cowboy Callers.

With the help of generous alumni and friends of the university, the Cowboy Callers have already made a great impact on the OSU campus, and they hope to continue that tradition for years to come.

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JOIN the CLUB!

The President’s Club is the highest level of recognition an annual giving donor can achieve. Members demonstrate their love and commitment to OSU by contributing at least $1,000 each fiscal year to academic programs.

Nearly 4,000 President’s Club members make annual gifts to support their passions and priorities at OSU.

On Sept. 29, the President’s Club celebrated a record fundraising year at the club’s fall 2007 event. More than 750 members were served sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs as they visited with OSU students, administration and each other before cheering the Cowboys to victory against Sam Houston State at Boone Pickens Stadium.

For the first time, President’s Club members were also invited to a spring event held before the women’s basketball game on Feb. 17. Met by an overwhelming response, nearly 1,200 members attended the pre-game lunch to hear women’s head basketball coach Kurt Budke speak in Gallagher Iba Arena before the Cowgirls played Iowa State. Though the game ended in a loss for the Cowgirls, their season proved to be a win playing through to the NCAA semi-regional championship game.

The President’s Club fall 2008 event is scheduled for Nov. 1 at the Wes Watkins Center before the Cowboys take on Iowa State at Boone Pickens Stadium. All President’s Club members are invited and encouraged to attend. To RSVP online or for more information go to OSUgiving.com/presidentsclub, or call the OSU Foundation at 1-800-622-4678.

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" C O O L" Scholarship for Okmulgee Johnson Controls Inc. named

Jeff Hamon the 2008 CareerConnect scholarship recipient at Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee. Hamon received $900 to apply to education costs for his last two trimesters of OSU’s Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology program, also known as ACR. In 2006, Johnson Controls selected OSU Institute of Technology - Okmulgee to participate in CareerConnect, a collaborative program dedicated to training the next generation of heating, ventilating and air conditioning technicians.

In addition to scholarships, the company’s contributions also include instruction from industry experts and faculty training. According to Johnson Controls, the market value of the CareerConnect program to OSU Institute of Technology - Okmulgee is more than $15,000.

nect as a method to meet the needs of its growing service business.

“We are taking action that recruits and also develops the kind of talent we look for in professional service technicians,” says Werts. “Students who graduate from the ACR program at OSU Institute of Technology - Okmulgee will be among the best candidates the industry has to offer in this region.”

The goal of the CareerConnect program is to increase the number of skilled ACR graduates entering the workforce. An aging workforce and an increasing demand for costeffective and efficient facilities all contribute to the growing need for ACR program graduates. According to the U.S. Department of Labor,

Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers in Oklahoma anticipate a 21 percent increase in demand for ACR workers by the year 2014.

Steve Olmstead, chair of OSU Institute of Technology - Okmulgee Construction Division, which encompasses the ACR program, looks at the partnership as a way to increase the number of people enrolling in the program and improving graduates’ career potential.

“The company’s contributions to the program include scholarships, instruction from industry experts, learning materials and faculty training,” says Olmstead. “This is an outstanding investment in the future of our university and our students.” » Sharon Smith

Paul Margwarth, instructor in the ACR Technology program, says each year the Johnson Controls scholarship recipient is an outstanding student.

“We’re pleased that Johnson Controls has selected Jeff, a student who possesses everything an employer would want: knowledge, dependability and accountability,” Margwarth says.

Hamon exceeded the ACR program’s recommended grade point average and was a student member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the ACR club. He graduated in August 2008.

David Werts, vice president - Northwest Region of Johnson Controls, says the company developed CareerCon-

OSU Institute of Technology – Okmulgee air conditioning instructor Paul Margwarth (left) with ACR student Paul Hamon, from Broken Arrow, Okla., who received the 2008 CareerConnect scholarship from Johnson Controls.

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he was a medical doctor before he was a college graduate. ever since dr. david russell of enid, okla., can remember; he wanted to be a doctor.

board members • Calvin Anthony, D.Ph. • Bobby Anthony, M.D. • David Cockrell, O.D. • Doug Cox, M.D. • Richard Hastings, D.O., Ph.D. • Roger Henneke, D.V.M. • Joe M. Howell, D.V.M. • Val Gene Iven, M.D. • John H. Jameson, D.D.S. • Bretton H. Jameson, M.D. • Lynn Phillips, D.O. • Barry Pollard, M.D. • David S. Russell, M.D. • Phil Steinert, D.V.M. • Rick Thomas, M.D. • Gregory F. Walton, M.D. • Brian Whitson, M.D.

When he graduated from Enid High School in 1956 and enrolled in OSU, he began building the fundamental premedical education he needed for acceptance to medical school. After three years at OSU he was accepted into the University of Oklahoma’s School of Medicine where he graduated in 1963. Two years later he received his bachelor’s degree.

Although Russell completed all the academic requirements to earn an OSU bachelor’s degree after his first year in medical school, studying to become a doctor left little time to complete the paperwork associated with transferring his credits back to OSU in order to secure a bachelor’s degree.

Thus two years after earning the letters “M.D.” behind his name, he also added the letters “B.S.” “Back then you could apply to medical school after three years in an undergraduate program with the idea that after the first year of medical school you would transfer your credits back to receive your degree,” Russell says.

“Since retroactive degrees were not given, my Bachelor of Science degree was obtained after receiving the Doctor of Medicine degree.”

In 1964, while interning at St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, Russell was notified of his impending military obligation and that he would be drafted on completion of his internship. He applied for and received a commission into the Air Force and spent the next 13 years as a flight surgeon caring for military pilots and their families.

As his military tour was coming to a close, Russell began considering his next career move and decided to pursue specialty training in radiology through a residency at Wilford Hall Air Force hospital in San Antonio, Texas. As payback for the radiology training he received, Russell was assigned to Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas, for three years. He left the Air Force in 1977, returned to his hometown and began practicing radiology with Dr. Dan Mitchell.

In talking about his time serving in the Air Force, Russell says, “I’ve never had an assignment I didn’t enjoy.”

For the past 30 years Russell has worked diligently to build a rewarding and successful practice in Enid. As retirement nears, he’s looking forward

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to his next assignment: to help pave the way for the next generation entering the healthcare field.

After fellow Enid doctor and friend Dr. Barry Pollard asked Russell to sit on the board of the newly formed OSU Medical Cowboys, Russell learned of the organization’s goals and mission and immediately saw a cause he wanted to support.

“Barry told me there was something going on at OSU that I might be interested in and told me I should come down and see what it was all about,” Russell says. “It was definitely something I was interested in and could wholeheartedly support.”

With a goal to raise $3 million, Pollard formed the OSU Medical Cowboys to create a scholarship endowment for the support of OSU students entering any healthcare profession. As a 1973 premed graduate from OSU, Pollard felt his OSU education left him amply prepared for medical school and wanted to promote and help other high school students receive the same opportunity he did.

Russell’s own contribution toward the $3 million goal is a $60,000 endowed scholarship, which will support an annual scholarship of $2,500. The David Russell, M.D., OSU Medical Cowboys Endowed Scholarship is his way of contributing to his profes-

sion, showing pride in his alma mater and supporting incoming generations of healthcare providers.

“I think we all have an obligation and responsibility to do things to help young people,” Russell says.

“People helped me and I want to repay that and help others have the same great experience as I did.

“I think OSU is a great university and I like the thought of being a part of helping OSU grow. Regardless of the field, OSU is a great place to start.”

And according to Russell, OSU, the students and the healthcare professions are not the only benefactors of his gift.

“this is one of those things that if you get involved and participate, you will get so much more out of it,” he says. “it comes back to you tenfold through a sense of satisfaction and being a part of osu.”

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Last year marked the inaugural year of the OSU Student Foundation, a student organization created to teach students about the importance of charitable giving and service.

The 33-member organization worked hard to fulfill its mission to serve OSU by building, cultivating and sustaining relationships within the OSU community, and to educate the student body about the impact and importance of charitable giving. Highlighted are a few of last year’s StuFu events.

This year the organization has grown to include 50 outstanding student leaders who will use their passions and talents to work toward the betterment of OSU.

The 2008-2009 class of the OSU Student Foundation

For more information on the organization visit:

OSUStudentFoundation.com

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Cowboy Spirit One of StuFu’s key goals for the academic year was to establish a student endowed scholarship. The “Cowboy Spirit” campaign was aimed at securing donations from OSU students to support the student endowment.

StuFu members sold more than 400 white T-shirts in an attempt to “whiteout” campus and promote philanthropy on April 11. The students raised more than $4,200 through “Cowboy Spirit” and plan to award the first scholarship by the end of the 2008-2009 academic year. StuFu will continue to grow the fund through annual scholarship campaigns.

Donor Events Throughout the year StuFu worked closely with the OSU Foundation to connect with donors and friends of the university. As a result, StuFu hosted or participated in more than 30 donor events. Whether passing out nametags, greeting guests or speaking to the crowd, the students used their talents and abilities to give back to OSU.

Thank-A-Thon For two hours on Feb. 29, StuFu members took over the OSU Foundation’s call room. Their mission was to call as many donors as possible and thank them for their generous support of university scholarships. This was a valuable stewardship opportunity for the organization that allowed its members to personally connect with scholarship donors. After thanking them for their gifts, students and donors were able to share memorable OSU experiences.

Louis Blair Visit In an effort to educate the OSU campus about philanthropy, StuFu invited a philanthropist to speak to OSU students about the value of giving. Louis Blair, former executive secretary for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation and loyal OSU supporter, spent three days at OSU attending dinners, meeting one-on-one with students and speaking to campus.

He encouraged students to discover their passions and invest in them through whatever means available.

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Thank You

Jenny Redden  Herrington President’s Distinguished Scholar

Although every effort has been made to ensure the completeness and accuracy of the Honor Roll, we acknowledge that errors may have occurred. If you wish to report an error please contact Becky Endicott at OSU Foundation, PO Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749; 1-800-622-4678 or bendicott@OSUgiving.com.

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Office of Annual Giving 1.800.622.4678 | AnnualGiving@OSUgiving.com 400 S. Monroe | PO Box 1749 | Stillwater, OK 74076-1749

The OSU campus changes and grows each year in an effort to keep up with the

needs of our student body, and if you do not make it home regularly you are certain to be surprised by the transforming landscape.

One such example of rapid growth at OSU is the newly constructed Boone Pickens Stadium set for completion next spring. President’s Club members are invited to view the magnificent new structure at this year’s President’s Club event on Nov. 1 when the Cowboys face Iowa State.

If you have given $1,000 in the past year, check the mail for your personal invitation to the President’s Club event and be sure to send in your RSVP online at OSUgiving.com/presidentsclub, or call the OSU Foundation at 1-800-622-4678.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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