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The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association honored four new members of the OSU Hall of Fame at a ceremony on Feb. 10 in the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.

Burns and Ann Hargis, Cecil O’Brate and Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson all received the university’s highest honor. The award celebrates outstanding lifetime achievement in society and professional life.

V. BURNS AND ANN Hargis

V. Burns Hargis graduated from OSU in 1967 with a degree in accounting. Following graduation, Burns earned a law degree from the University of Oklahoma. Ann Hargis received an honorary doctorate from OSU in 2019 for her dedication to health and wellness. She holds degrees in math and Latin from the University of Texas.

Burns and Ann served as the 18th president and First Cowgirl of OSU from 2008 to 2021. They enthusiastically united the broad OSU community of students, employees, alumni and donors behind Burns’ bold vision of a modern land-grant university that cuts across disciplines to better prepare students for success. The results of their efforts have been historic.

Under Burns’ leadership, OSU saw record enrollment and record fundraising, with pledges and cash surpassing the $1 billion Branding Success campaign goal nearly two years ahead of schedule. In total, OSU raised more than $2.2 billion in private support and added more than 82,000 new donors during his time as president.

OSU’s giving has focused on student scholarships, faculty and other vital resources and programs. Burns also oversaw a construction boom and beautification initiatives that transformed the Stillwater campus.

The Hargises were active across campus, interacting regularly with OSU’s diverse student body. Strong proponents of wellness, they led OSU’s initiative as America’s Healthiest Campus. They also took OSU’s story of success to alumni around the world.

Ann Hargis was instrumental in developing and launching OSU’s nationally recognized pet therapy program, Pete’s Pet Posse, and is an active participant with her therapy dog, Scruff.

As president, Burns held several leadership positions related to intercollegiate athletics, serving on the NCAA, Football Bowl Championship and Big 12 Conference boards.

Burns was only the second OSU graduate to lead the university as president. Before coming to the university, Burns had a long and distinguished legal and business career, while Ann worked for several years in the information technology industry as well as advertising and marketing.

Burns and Ann have two children and three grandchildren. They are both life members of the OSU Alumni Association.