Branding Success Newsletter - Winter 2012

B R A N D I N G S U CC E S S : T H E C A M PA I G N F O R O S U

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BRANDING SUCCESS EXECUTIVE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE Co-Chairs: Ross & Billie McKnight

Honorary Chair: T. Boone Pickens

Vice Chairs: Calvin & Linda Anthony, John & Cheryl Clerico, Rick & Lerri Cooper, Steven & Jennifer Grigsby, Joe & Vickie Hall, Don & Cathey Humphreys, David & Tracy Kyle, Malone & Amy Mitchell 3rd, Joe & Connie Mitchell, Don & Linda Nickles, Barry & Roxanne Pollard, Bill & Candye Spears, Carl & Marilynn Thoma, Chuck & Kim Watson OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION 400 South Monroe / Stillwater, OK 74074 / Ph. 800.622.4678 / Fax 405.385.5102 info@OSUgiving.com / OSUgiving.com Uniting Donor and University Passions and Priorities to Achieve Excellence

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DEAR OSU ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, President Hargis’ words on the cover are how he recently described where OSU is heading and the impact Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University and its $1 billion goal is having on the institution.

Under the president’s leadership, OSU is aiming higher than ever before. His vision has clearly resonated with those who love the University, as a record number of donors have stepped forward to participate in the boldest campaign in state history. In only four years, more than 71,500 donors have contributed a record $829.8 million in gifts and commitments.

The success of the campaign includes $407.6 million for scholarships and graduate fellowships, $179.2 million for faculty support, $155.8 million for facilities and $87.2 million for programs. Thanks to this overwhelming generosity, OSU has 791 additional scholarships and fellowships and 125 new endowed chairs and professorships.

Our sustained momentum is exciting, but the work becomes even more important as we push closer to the finish line. Meeting and exceeding our goals will make a tremendous difference for OSU today, and also establish an even stronger foundation for the future of one of the premier land-grant universities in the nation.

Thank you for helping enhance the national and international reputation of OSU through your support.

Every gift today leads to a brighter tomorrow for future loyal and true alumni.

Gratefully,

KIRK JEWELL President and CEO Oklahoma State University Foundation

SUCCESS ACCOMPLISHMENT ACHIEVEMEN

COMMITMENT HOPE TALENT

AUDACITY TENACITY POWER SPIRIT FORTIT

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NEW BUSINESS SCHOOL BUILDING TO LEAVE LONG-TERM IMPACT

Branding Success is providing the resources to advance OSU to the next level as one of the top modern land-grant institutions. A vital component is adding premier facilities, such as the new building for the Spears School of Business.

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OSU recently announced more than $15 million in lead gifts and commitments toward the goal of $60 million in private support for this 200,000-square-foot facility. It will replace Hanner Hall and the existing business building on the east side of Hester Drive.

Chesapeake Energy Corporation is giving $5 million to support the building’s 4,200-square-foot Chesapeake Energy Student Success Center, including Student Services, Career Services, Professional Success Passport and the Business Writing Lab.

“The Spears School of Business is a leader in many areas, and these new facilities will take it to another level by creating a learning space that gives our students more advantages in the business world,” says OSU President Burns Hargis.

“Chesapeake is one of the largest employers of OSU graduates, and its investment in the University benefits both the company and our institution. We are deeply appreciative of this commitment to the state and giving back to the citizens of Oklahoma in a very significant way,” says Larry Crosby, dean of the Spears School of Business.

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Our purpose is to engage and inspire the student in everyone to dream big, stretch their leadership potential, transform organizations and make a difference in the world.

Having the right infrastructure, such as this building, will enhance - DEAN LARRY CROSBY that mission.

“We have always been supporters of Oklahoma State University and its many excellent programs, and knew this was another opportunity to make a difference,” says Jennifer Grigsby, Chesapeake senior vice president, treasurer and corporate secretary. “We look forward to the Chesapeake Energy Student Success Center playing a vital role in the enhancement of the academic experience of students for many years to come. We believe the future of Oklahoma is in good hands and we are honored to have a part in the development of the leaders of tomorrow.”

The building will also feature a naturally lit all-purpose atrium, an outdoor terrace and two auditoriums with seating for 300 and 150 people.

Meeting rooms for collaborative group work, incubators to facilitate entrepreneurship and gathering rooms will encourage cross-disciplinary interaction among faculty and students.

“In my mind, it’s going to really affect the student experience,” Crosby says. “We’ll increase the opportunities for their interaction with each other.

The students are going to come and stay the better part of the day, interacting with professors and their colleagues, running into graduate assistants, etc. This will really become their home.”

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program

PROGRAM MAKING IMMEDIATE IMPACT Along with long-term initiatives that will transform OSU’s future, Branding Success donors are also providing resources that improve the University immediately, such as gifts for the new Learning and Student Success Opportunity (LASSO) Center.

The Center offers advising and programming to help students transition to independence by promoting academic and personal success through the formation of close mentorships and personal connections with the University. Two lead gifts totaling $2.25 million are increasing the program’s initial impact.

“The LASSO Center is already making a difference as we seek to improve our retention rate by offering help to all students,” says OSU President Burns Hargis.

Provost Robert Sternberg is a pre-eminent scholar whose various research interests include intelligence and its testing, creativity, wisdom and thinking styles. His passion and expertise led him to oversee the creation of this program increasing fulfillment of OSU’s land-grant mission.

“We want to help in the development of the leaders who are going to make a positive, meaningful and enduring difference in the world,” Sternberg says. “But we can only do that if we can ensure that all students who enroll have the optimal chance to succeed. The LASSO Center will help us teach every student in the ways that student learns.”

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Carl and Marilynn (Benbrook) Thoma are giving $1.25 million, with the first portion already supporting additional tutors and advisers for freshmen. The Thomas will meet with Sternberg after each academic year to determine the most effective use of their gift.

Paul and Ann Milburn are also supporting tutors with a $1 million gift that has both immediate and long-term impact. Read page 10 for more information.

“We are so grateful to the Thomas and the Milburns for their support, which allows us to greatly expand our services in an effort to reach all students who need help,” Sternberg says. “It is gratifying to know that there are visionary and generous donors who are committed to the success of the University and its students.”

Cheryl DeVuyst, assistant dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, has been named the new permanent director of the LASSO Center.

“It’s a great honor and I’m very excited to be joining the LASSO team,” DeVuyst says. “They are a team that has a great passion for student success. This is a student-centered University. We strive to make sure that every student here is able to succeed.”

OSU CAN HELP DEVELOP THE POSITIVE LEADERS OF TOMORROW ONLY IF IT CAN ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS WHO ENROLL HAVE THE OPTIMAL CHANCE TO SUCCEED. - PROVOST ROBERT STERNBERG

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CHESAPEAKE ENERGY

FUELS THE FUTURE OF NATURAL GAS EXPERTISE As the nation’s second-largest producer of natural gas, Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy Corporation is perhaps the biggest fan of OSU Institute of Technology’s natural gas compression program. Chesapeake provides ongoing support for OSUIT scholarships and recently stepped up its commitment by giving $2 million to name the Okmulgee campus’ new Chesapeake Energy Natural Gas Compression Training Center.

“It’s a proud moment for Chesapeake. We’re busy trying to change the world, Americanizing the energy future of America,” says Mike Stice, Chesapeake senior vice president of natural gas projects. “The investment we are making today to build the nation’s finest compression training facility is further evidence of our company’s desire to ensure our industry has an available workforce to support the growing demand for natural gas.

We have jobs, and we need Americans trained to fill them sooner rather than later.”

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In the 33,600-square-foot building, students will have access to outstanding instruction and applied-research spaces where they will learn to diagnose, service and maintain gas-compression equipment. The SMART Board-equipped building will include several areas for hands-on training, testing centers for engines, engine control systems, emission-control devices and digital-monitoring devices commonly used in the industry. It also will feature a flow-loop system, complete with a miniature pipeline to demonstrate the steps involved in transporting natural gas through a pipeline.

OSUIT offers an associate degree through its natural gas compression program. After completing four semesters of coursework and two semesters of paid internships, students graduate with an Associate in Applied Science in Natural Gas Compression. When this new facility opens, the program’s enrollment numbers are expected

“The future is bright for these young students. I have no doubt they will all get placed with jobs and receive great offers. They are much needed and appreciated.”

- Al Lavenue,

President of MidCon Compression, a subsidiary of Chesapeake Energy

to double to 115 students, with between 50 and 55 skilled individuals graduating each year.

“The future is bright for these young students,” says Al Lavenue, president of MidCon Compression, a subsidiary of Chesapeake. “I have no doubt they will all get placed with jobs and receive great offers. They are much needed and appreciated.”

Beyond the classroom, the Chesapeake Energy Natural Gas Compression Training Center will also facilitate training to upgrade the skills and abilities of technicians already in the workforce.

The Center’s conference area will host seminars related to the natural gas industry.

“On an institution of higher education’s campus, it’s not about building beautiful buildings but about what goes on inside those buildings,” says Dr. Bill Path, newly appointed president of OSUIT. “This donation and the pledges that

have been brought to this particular project are earth-shattering. We are proud to partner with Chesapeake Energy to advance the causes of the whole natural-gas industry.”

The Center’s total budgetary need is $4 million, but with Chesapeake’s $2 million investment, the school can begin construction.

“I don’t want you to think of yourselves as building builders, I want you to think of yourselves as lifechangers because that’s what you’re doing,” says Steve Doede, OSUIT’s Automotive Technologies and Heavy Equipment and Vehicle Institute division chair. “The institution can change lives by providing education, scholarships, internships and now, this new building.”

To learn more about OSUIT and the Chesapeake Energy Natural Gas Compression Training Center, visit www.osuit.edu.

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s us t ai ne d

71,541 Ross (’71 animal science) and Billie McKnight (’73 general business) met and fell in love at OSU. They are now two of the University’s biggest donors and serve as co-chairs of Branding Success. They lead not only through their passionate words and tireless work but also by example, as they gave $10 million to establish the McKnight Leader Scholars Scholarship Endowment. Including a boost from the Pickens Legacy Scholarship Match, this fund will grow to $30 million for attracting and retaining student leaders from small towns.

“As students from rural communities, we discovered the same welcoming and friendly environment at OSU that we had experienced back home,” Ross says. “To this day, we are both grateful to Oklahoma State, and we remember fondly members of the faculty and administration who took an interest in us and challenged us to be more than we thought we could be. This gift reflects our appreciation to OSU and our desire to help students from rural communities attend Oklahoma State where we are confident they will discover a path to success as we did.”

Carl (’71 agricultural economics) and Marilynn (Benbrook) Thoma (’71 home economics education) also met at OSU, where their latest gift includes $1.25 million to fund tutors at the Learning and Student Success Opportunity (LASSO) Center.

Both earned MBAs from Stanford and built incredibly successful careers, and they are passionate about helping students realize how few obstacles stand in the way of their dreams.

“It’s an unusual challenge and obligation to find the leadership inherent in students, whatever their entering abilities, and to figure out how to cultivate that so they can find the best in themselves and be productive citizens of this country,” Marilynn says. “What you contribute in the long run is so much more important than your GPA or how you score on the GMAT.”

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. . . donors have contributed to Branding Success, with every gift from the largest to the smallest helping to brighten OSU’s future.

These supporters cite countless reasons for joining the historic effort that is truly one of the University’s most important developments since its establishment on Dec. 25, 1890.

Paul Milburn (’54 business and public administration, ’63 MBA) and his wife, Ann, join the Thomas in their passion for students who need a little extra academic help. That is why they gave $1 million for LASSO Center tutors.

“When I was in school, sometimes I’d have more problems with one subject than with all the rest of them put together,” says Paul, adding personal attention helps students succeed instead of withdrawing in frustration. “If a student drops out, that’s a stigma that affects their future, whereas if they finish they make a bigger contribution to society, their families, and the future of the state.”

Both individuals and businesses often cite the land-grant mission as the reason for their generosity because they know their gifts do much more than assist a particular recipient.

For example, Chesapeake Energy Corporation recently committed $2 million for the new Natural Gas Compression Training Center at the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and $5 million to establish a Student Success Center in the new building for the Spears School of Business.

“Chesapeake obviously is a large employer of new students that come out of all of the universities in Oklahoma,” said Jennifer Grigsby (’91 accounting), Chesapeake’s senior vice president, treasurer and corporate secretary. “We hope the students who access these centers will be able to use their skills to stay in the state and provide meaningful services not just for Oklahoma but for the energy industry and to Chesapeake specifically.”

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REMAINING C AM PAIG N PRIO RITIES As the Branding Success campaign enters the final stretch to reach $1 billion, several significant funding priorities remain. Fulfilling the ambitious fundraising goals set for facilities and programs is more important than ever to ensure OSU students receive the best educational experience. In addition to the Learning and Student Success Opportunity Center and a new building for the Spears School of Business, remaining Branding Success funding priorities include the following:

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PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION

The new, state-of-the-art PERFORMING ARTS CENTER will extend the Stillwater campus’ southern reach by crossing University Avenue, creating a highly functional academic center and performance hall that will serve the local, regional and campus communities and revolutionize the Department of Music. A finely tuned instrument in its own right, the 140,000-square-foot Performing Arts Center will create opportunities for OSU and its Department of Music that will propel both to new levels of success.

CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION is vital to maintaining student numbers and attracting outstanding faculty. The Campus Beautification project introduces a variety of plazas, outdoor gathering areas, markers welcoming guests to campus, public art and landscape features into the blueprints of Oklahoma State University.

Elements such as the topiary boot and improvements to Theta Pond at the corner of University Avenue and Monroe Street are examples of what the Campus Beautification project will achieve. The project will emphasize the campus’ visual appeal and complement its richly celebrated modified-Georgian styling.

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COLLEGE OF

HUMAN SCIENCES THE COLLEGE OF HUMAN SCIENCES will expand and transform its 60-year-old building with renovations that will showcase programs and provide students the academic experience that relates best to industry and community needs. The building’s technologically equipped classrooms, collaborative learning rooms, auditorium, social spaces, research and teaching laboratories and partners suites will reflect the dynamic, team-oriented approach seen in modern industry. Renovations will increase accessibility and invite community members and professionals to come together with researchers and students to engage in topics related to chronic disease prevention and management, to obtain professional guidance, and to design innovative solutions to solving human problems and enhancing human lives.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING PRIORITIES • Doel Reed Center for the Arts in Taos, N.M. • Panorama Admission Project • OSU Museum of Art • Veterinary Medicine Building • Student Union Naming Opportunities • Barn A Conversion • Botanic Garden • Water Research and Extension Center • Center for Native American Studies • Interdisciplinary Research Grants • Renovation of the Seretean Center

For additional information, please contact us at info@OSUgiving.com or 800.622.4678.

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BENNETT EXHIBITS OSU is proud that its alumni make a difference in the state, nation and world. Among these land-grant-mission personifications is Jeremy Bennett, who 10 years ago promised his dying mother he would graduate from college. He fulfilled that commitment last May by completing his environmental science/ agricultural economics degree.

Bennett grew up in a farming family in Yukon, Okla., and exceled at Connors State College before transferring to OSU, where one of his many scholarships was the Harold and Juanita Swigeart Scholarship that supported his research of Native American childhood obesity.

His academic accomplishments were further recognized locally as an OSU and College of

cowboy spirit

in 1954. That initial guidance set Alemaya on the path to its modern success as Haramaya University, offering 59 undergraduate, 56 master’s and 13 Ph.D. programs.

As Jeremy’s commitment to helping OSU renew its Ethiopian ties shows, he consistently utilizes his knowledge, skills and experience to benefit others. He exhibits the Cowboy spirit prevalent among OSU graduates, who receive increased opportunities to become difference-makers thanks to Branding Success donors.

“OSU has prepared me for my future through staff constantly pushing for me to explore and further my areas of interest in environmental policy, Native American childhood obesity, and other public policy areas.”

Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Outstanding Senior and nationally as a Truman Scholar finalist and a Udall Congressional Intern and Scholar.

While building impressive classroom credentials, Bennett also served as Vice Chairman of the Student Government Association’s Sustainability Committee, a Student Academic Mentor, and a member of the Environmental Science Club and the Native American Student Association. He has also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, the Oklahoma Water Watch Program and Real Cowboys Recycle.

Bennett now receives the Cletis Williams and William E. and Martha Jane Williams Distinguished Graduate Fellowship as he pursues a master’s in agricultural economics with an international focus. This summer, CASNR is sending him as a goodwill ambassador to Ethiopian agricultural colleges. OSU helped establish that country’s first higher-education institution, Alemaya College of Agriculture,

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moments of

ORANGESCENE Âť

President Hargis presented John and Heidi Niblack a ceremonial platter in appreciation for funding the Niblack Research Scholars Program.

The OSU Class of 1961 held its 50-year reunion during Homecoming weekend.

Mike Greenwood surprised his wife, Anne, by announcing he was the anonymous donor funding renovation of the Edmon Low Library reading room that now bears her name.

International business major Drew Casey thanks donors for their support at the annual Presidents Club Event.

Craig Watters, left, and Patricia Henriques, middle, were selected to fill the clinical professorship positions in entrepreneurship established by Carl Thoma, right, and his wife, Marilynn.

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As a member of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, Calvin Anthony is well aware of the importance of scholarships at his alma mater. But he and his wife, Linda, were not content to just encourage others to address the problem.

They established a $1 million planned gift and added a $250,000 pledge to jumpstart the endowment’s

production. Their commitment is boosted by a $750,000 addition from the Pickens Legacy Scholarship Match, which will push the total impact to $2 million in new scholarship support.

THANK YOU, Calvin and Linda Anthony, for giving back to OSU through your time, talent and treasure.