STATE Magazine, Spring 2012 by Oklahoma State

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great time to be a Cowboy! The university is pioneering advances in the fields of engineering, entrepreneurship, design, agriculture and architecture. nation and world through our more than 400 student organizations. Encourage the future Cowboy you know to apply today to be part of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brightest Orange.

admissions.okstate.edu

Spring 2012, Vol. 7, No. 3 Statemagazine.org

Welcome to the spring 2012 issue of STATE magazine, your source of information from the OSU Alumni Association, the OSU Foundation and University Marketing. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, standing on the Grand Staircase at the state Capitol, are two of many OSU alumni elected to political office. On Page 50, read about how they say OSU contributed to their success. Cover photography by Phil Shockley

Technology Angels Investment fund benefits university and alumni.

Suspenseful Writing Library welcomes author James Patterson this fall.

Coming Home Alumni are working hard to make a Stillwater continuing-care retirement community a reality.

Financing the Future Business school’s ONEOK Chair opens finance doors for students.

Cowboys 10 Future and Cowgirls

12 16

The Know a Future Cowboy program encourages alumni to refer students to OSU.

By the Students, For the Students The OSU Student Foundation raises funds to endow a scholarship that has benefited 42 students in five years.

Outstanding Seniors

Alumni Association selects 15 distinguished seniors for this illustrious award.

A World Away 50 Years of Success With its semicentennial anniversary, OSU-Oklahoma City celebrates its past and looks toward its future.

Ensuring Food Safety Company’s gift helps OSU improve food safety for everybody.

OSU students spend a semester in England.

Alumni Association recognizes seniors for excellence in scholarship, leadership and community service.

A telephone call that interrupts class lifts a family’s financial burden.

SPRING 2012

34 36

practice in rural and underserved parts of Oklahoma.

OSU Mobile Cardiology unit provides services for people in rural communities.

An Electric Investment Return

Perfect Timing

Combating a Doctor Shortage 38 OSU medicine prepares physicians to Beat of the Road

Seniors of Significance

A student who attended OSU Institute of Technology brokers an equipment contribution from his company.

40 42

Fighting Deadly Outbreaks Jacqueline Fletcher and OSU’s National Institute for Microbial Forensics & Food and Agricultural Biosecurity help ensure public safety.

A Distinguished Honor The Jim and Jane Anderson Distinguished Chef Series Endowed Scholarship will provide $34,000 annually for students.

Administrator’s Continuing Legacy

Decades of Service, a Century of Memories

Alumni holding elected offices apply OSU ethic as they govern.

Three Oklahoma treasures are the latest Alumni Hall of Fame inductees.

Young Trio’s Mature Giving Attitude Three recent graduates of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology establish OSU scholarships.

Developing World-Class Leaders Provost Robert Sternberg describes how OSU is fulfilling its land-grant mission by nurturing active citizens and leaders.

Orange Sticker Pride Created 50 years ago, the Alumni Association’s circular orange sticker has become a well-known badge of respect and dignity.

Success from Hard Work and a Simple Lifestyle A man’s decade-long anonymous gift is named in his honor after his death.

Honoring a Mentor OSU couple honor a high school teacher and mentor’s dedication to students.

Upon his retirement as OSU Institute of Technology’s chief physician, a doctor recalls more than 100 years of history.

Women for OSU Celebrate Philanthropy

Code of the Cowboy 50 Hall of Fame

Students and alumni recognize Kent Sampson’s career by establishing an endowed scholarship in his name.

Annual symposium honors Martha Burger and five students.

Get Out

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Outdoor Adventure program gives students opportunities not found inside a classroom.

For the Love of Animals The donor of a $1 million estate gift to the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences answers questions.

Life Members

A lifetime connection to America’s brightest orange.

Radio Help Former KOSU student reporter credits his college experience with his success as a mentor to others.

Relief 70 Comic Comedian and humanitarian

82 84 87 91 99 108

Will Rogers’ 1931 performance at Oklahoma A&M was part of a three-state benefit tour.

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Departments President’s Letter

Chapters

STATEment

FM with IQ

Letters to the Editor

O-STATE Stories

101

Campus News

Classnotes

103

Legacy Link

History

108

OSU Medicine

President’s let ter

With commencement and the completion of another outstanding academic year, Oklahoma State University is sending forth graduates who are prepared for success. But beyond success, OSU graduates are equipped to be

leaders in their careers, their communities and wherever life takes them. OSU develops students who make an enduring difference in the world. Our “Code of the Cowboy” cover story showcases shining examples of leadership. We are extremely proud that Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb began developing their leadership skills while earning a degree at Oklahoma State. They, along with alums such as U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn and U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, share how OSU helped prepare them for service to our state and our nation. An article by OSU Provost Bob Sternberg discusses what OSU is doing to develop world-class leaders. Bob knows. He is one of America’s most prolific authors and teachers in the skills of leadership. This issue recognizes student leaders as we honor our outstanding seniors and various scholarship winners. When it comes to campus leadership, Campus Life Director Kent Sampson has been serving students since 1969, and former students have honored him with a scholarship in his name. Of course, no look at leadership is complete without a discussion of the OSU donors who make lasting impacts on our university. We spotlight the late Max Katz, as well as Ben and Alma Grant, donors who have touched students and faculty in a magnificent way. It shows that all donors can make a difference. Thanks for your leadership and commitment to OSU. Ann and I wish you all the best. Go Pokes!

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OSU President Burns Hargis

Take Pete on your summer vacation...

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to take Pop-Up Pete on your summer vacation! Download your Pop-Up Pete and register your Legacy at orangeconnection.org/legacy! 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 TEL 405.744.5368 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX 405.744.6722 orangeconnection.org

ST A TE

Dear OSU Alumni and Friends, As OSU spring commencement nears every year, the anticipation grows for a new class of graduating Cowboys that will leave to become leaders. And as excitement for those graduating OSU builds, so arises the opportunity for high school students to select a college. At OSU, we have several programs designed to make that decision easier. For high school juniors, it’s time to give college some serious thought. Take a look at admissions.okstate.edu, see how to get to know OSU and plan a campus visit. If parents, alumni or friends of OSU want to refer a student to Oklahoma State, they should check out the Know a Future Cowboy (Page 30) program at orangeconnection.org/knowafuturecowboy. These programs help spotlight OSU to future students as America’s Brightest Orange. Another bright spot is Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University. The campaign’s impact can be seen in numerous ways across our campuses, but one highlight is the creation of more than 800 new scholarships. These funds not only provide vital educational opportunities, but also make OSU more attractive for students comparing academic programs and financial aid at various schools. To date, nearly 75,000 alumni and friends of the university have combined to commit almost $875

Kirk A. Jewel President OSU Foundation

million to Branding Success. Together, we have made great progress, but there is still so much more to do. Alumni are a big part of OSU’s success. The value of a life membership in the Alumni Association has never been greater, thanks to the member benefits. The Orange Door Business Network was redeveloped this spring as an exclusive benefit for our more than 12,000 life members. If you’re looking for an OSU-friendly business or want to promote your own to the OSU family, visit orangeconnection.org/orangedoor for details. More than 1,000 alumni and friends have taken advantage of the Life Membership Fire Sale and locked in the current rates, which will increase July 1. Also, more than 500 students have signed up through the Life Membership Student Program. Information about these programs is available at orangeconnection.org/life. If you’re in Stillwater, we invite you to stop by the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center to see several new exhibits, including a display for the 50th anniversary of the Alumni Association’s orange ball car decal (Page 70) and a bronze sculpture collection donated by Ben and Alma Grant (Page 76). Whether through graduating or incoming students, alumni or friends, OSU is dedicated to making a brighter future.

Larry Shell President OSU Alumni Association

Kyle Wray VP for Enrollment Management & Marketing

A. Nike Tri-Blend Logo Tee (2275327) Slip on this ultra-soft tri-blend tee this summer, making it perfect for the brutal temperatures. The tee features an oversized, but understated, flocked OSU brand on the chest. Sizes S-XXXL/$28.00 B. Nike Dri-FIT Monster Mesh Shorts (2275292) Go to the gym in comfort with these mesh shorts featuring an OSU logo on the right leg, contrasting orange stripes and moisture-wicking Dri-FIT technology. Sizes S-XXL/$32.00

C. Nike Baseball Legend Tee (2273645) Look good and stay dry at Allie P. Reynolds Stadium in this “Cowboys Baseball” screen printed tee featuring Nike’s patented Dri-FIT technology for ultimate comfort. Sizes S-XXL/$30.00 D. Nike True Retro Adjustable Hat (2275587) Rock it old-school style with the True Retro hat from Nike. This snapback cap features an embroidered throwback “O” logo over orange and white stripes stretching across the crown. $24.00 E. Nike Ringspun Tee (2275443) Make your loyalty to the Cowboys known with this feminine fit, soft 100% cotton crew-neck screenprinted tee. Also available in orange and white. Sizes XS-XXL/$24.00

B D

E F

F. Nike Retro Rib Tank (2275532) Get ready for the summer in true Cowboy style. This 100% cotton slim-fit tank features a large throwback broncho rider logo with vibrant metallic detailing screen printed on the front. Also available in white. Sizes XS-XL/$25.00 G. Fiesta Bowl DVD (2269909) Remember a historic football season with a the 2012 Tostitos Fiesta Bowl DVD, which includes the commercial-free game broadcast as well as special bonus features. $24.99 H. Nike Deep V Blended Tee (2275461) Look great in this slim fit tee featuring a deep v-neck and tri-colored team graphics. The tee is a blend of 50% polyester/37% cotton/13% rayon. Also available in white. Sizes XS-XL/$28.00

I H

I. Nike Seasonal Tempo Short (2275416) Take a run in the newest shorts and look groovy doing it. These microfiber tie dyed shorts feature contrast curving lines, mesh sides and elastic waistband with drawstring and crepe liner. Also available in black. Sizes XS-XL/$38.00

Order online at shopokstate.com or call 1-800-831-4OSU. facebook.com/osuunion

twitter.com/osuunion

* Don’t forget, OSU Alumni Association members receive a 10% discount! You must have your OSU Alumni Association membership number (located on your membership card) at the time you place your order to receive the member discount.

Letters

Universit y Marketing Kyle Wray / Vice President of Enrollment Management & Marketing Michael Baker / Editor Mark Pennie & Ross Maute / Design Phil Shockely & Gary Lawson / Photography Dorothy Pugh & Janet Varnum / Assistant Editors Matt Elliott & Keonté Carter / Staff Writers University Marketing Office / 121 Cordell, Stillwater, OK 74078-8031 / 405.744.6262 / www.okstate.edu, statemagazine.org / editor@okstate. edu, osu.advertising@okstate.edu

O S U A l um n i A s s o c i at i o n Dan Gilliam / Chairman Ron Ward / Vice Chairman Paul Cornell / Immediate Past Chairman Ronald Bussert / Treasurer Burns Hargis / OSU President, Non-voting Member Larry Shell / President, OSU Alumni Association, Non-voting Member Kirk Jewell / President, OSU Foundation, Non-voting Member Cindy Batt, Larry Briggs, Bill Dragoo, Russell Florence, Jennifer Grigsby, Dave Kollman, Jami Longacre, Pam Martin, Joe Merrifield, David Rose, Nichole Trantham & Robert Walker / Board of Directors Pattie Haga / Vice President and COO Chase Carter / Director of Communications Melissa Mourer & Melisa Parkerson / Communications Committee OSU Alumni Association / 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 / 405.744.5368 / orangeconnection.org / info@orangeconnection.org

O S U F ou n d at i o n David Kyle / Chairman of the Board Kirk A. Jewell / President and Chief Executive Officer Donna Koeppe / Vice President of Administration & Treasurer Brandon Meyer / Vice President & General Counsel Kenneth Sigmon / Vice President of Development Jim Berscheidt / Assistant Vice President of Marketing & Communications Gene Batchelder, Jerry Clack, Bryan Close, Kent Dunbar, Ellen Fleming, Michael Greenwood, Jennifer Grigsby, John Groendyke, David Holsted, Rex Horning, Donald Humphreys, Cathy Jameson, Kirk Jewell, Griffin Jones, Steven Jorns, David Kyle, John C. Linehan, Ross McKnight, Bill Patterson, Barry Pollard, Scott Sewell, Larry Shell, Jack Stuteville, Lyndon Taylor, Kim Watson, Dennis White, Jerry Winchester / Trustees Brittanie Douglas, Elizabeth Hahn, Shelly Kelly, Jennifer Kinnard, Chris Lewis, Jacob Longan, Amanda O’Toole Mason & Greg Quinn / Communications OSU Foundation / 400 South Monroe, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749 / 800.622.4678 / OSUgiving.com / info@OSUgiving.com

Graphing a Memory I was in the process of reading the “Grid-O-Graph” article in the winter 2011 STATE when a name caught my attention. In 1987, my wife and I traveled to Albuquerque, N.M., to attend her grandmother’s 101st birthday party in an assisted living center. While there we met another resident, 99 years of age, who had previously told my wife’s cousin that she had lived in Stillwater a short time long ago. While talking with her she mentioned she had lived on Knoblock Street, which confirmed she had really lived in Stillwater, since I don’t think there is another Knoblock Street in the U.S. When I asked her name and why she had lived in Stillwater, she said her husband coached football at Oklahoma A&M from 1921 to 1926, and his name was John Maulbetsch. 1987 was the first time I had heard his name, and now his name appears in the article. As we travel it’s always a joy to run into O-State alums and fans of all ages. Richard W. Hawkins ’77, B.S., business administration

the photography work is truly beyond professional. Keep up the good work and GO POKES. Raymond Pappe ’58, B.S., mechanical engineering Oklahoma City

Dear Readers, See something you like? Maybe something you read in this issue triggered a memory. Or, and we really hope this isn’t true, you saw something you didn’t like. STATE magazine welcomes your letters. There are just a few guidelines. Please include your graduation year, major and daytime phone number. We won’t publish the phone number, but we may give it a call to verify the letter’s sender. The letter may be edited for length, clarity and style. Send letters to STATE magazine, 121 Cordell North, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078 or editor@okstate.edu.

Jone Hawkins ’88, B.S., organizational administration Stillwater, Okla.

Beyond Professional Just received my winter 2011 STATE magazine and wanted pass along my congratulations for an absolutely wonderful edition. The articles are great, but

Sincerely, Michael Baker, STATE editor

STATE magazine is published three times a year (Spring, Fall, Winter) by Oklahoma State University, 121 Cordell N, Stillwater, OK 74078. The magazine is produced by University Marketing, the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation, and is mailed to current members of the OSU Alumni Association. Magazine subscriptions available only by membership in the OSU Alumni Association. Membership cost is $45. Postage paid at Stillwater, OK, and additional mailing offices. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with the title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age religion, disability or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Title IX of the Education Amendments and Oklahoma State University policy prohibit discrimination in the provision or services or beliefs offered by the University based on gender. Any person (student, faculty of staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss their concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of the Title IX with the OSU Title IX Coordinator, the Director of Affirmative Action, 408 Whitehurst, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, (405) 744-5371 or (405) 744-5576 (fax). This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President of Enrollment Management & Marketing was printed by Royle Printing Company at a cost of $.912 per issue. 31,468/May ’12/#4191. Copyright © 2012, STATE magazine. All rights reserved.

Campu s N e w s

Photo / Gary Lawson

Education College Selects Dean Pamela “Sissi” Carroll was selected as the dean of the College of Education. Carroll is an associate dean of academic affairs at Florida State University and held two endowed professorships in education. She has been actively involved in associations affecting teacher education and has numerous publications on teaching and learning practices in the English language arts classroom and on young adult literature. Carroll will assume her new role in July. She will also hold a tenured appointment as a professor in the School of Teaching and Curriculum Leadership.

CEAT Selects Dean Paul J. Tikalsky was selected as the dean of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. Tikalsky is a professor and chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. He has been a senior research fellow with the Czech National Academy of Sciences and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He is a registered professional engineer in California, a trained ABET Program Evaluator and a fellow of the American Concrete Institute and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Tikalsky will begin as CEAT dean in July. He will also hold a tenured appointment as a professor in the civil and environmental engineering department and an adjunct appointment in the materials science and engineering school.

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Cowboy Technologies CEO Steve Wood, left, and manager Jai Hari Rajendran.

Investment Fund Benefits University and Alumni

lumni and friends of OSU may have another way to give back and support the university. Cowboy Technology Angels, which launches this spring, is a privately managed investment fund created to sustain the commercialization of research and technologies developed by OSU and its alumni. Open to accredited investors, the fund will provide its members an early look at OSU technologies. Members will also have an opportunity to interact with entrepreneurs and contribute knowledge and time to analyzing, building and managing the portfolio. Cowboy Technologies LLC started the initiative. The fund is one of about two dozen similar ones springing up throughout the country, says Jim Troxel, an OSU alum with Development Capital Networks, which oversees the fund’s operations. “Funding is often the primary barrier to transitioning technologies,” Troxel

says. “CTA will fill a gap by providing early-stage funding to take ideas to the next level.” The fund is looking for investors and people with business-building expertise. Investors can participate at $10,000 or $100,000 levels and will have control of the fund and their investments. Development Capitol Networks will facilitate the investment process, administration and access to deal flow and syndication partners. The hope is the fund will reach $3 million to $5 million, Troxel says. “Many of us cut our teeth in the professional world through OSU, and this is a great way to give back.” For more information on a “Seed Investing as a Team Sport” seminar this spring or the fund in general, visit cowboytechnologyangels.com.

Last year, Eskimo Joe’s was proud to donate $4,654 to the Folds of Honor Foundation through the sale of our Americana Tee & our partnership with Budweiser. Show your support with your purchase of this year’s Americana tee. For more information about this great organization, visit: www.foldsofhonor.org.

Proceeds from our Pink Ribbon Tees have benefitted the Susan G. Komen Foundation & currently Oklahoma Project Woman. This organization provides mammogram assistance to those who need it. More than $9,000 has been donated for the fight against breast cancer. For more information, visit: www.oklahomaprojectwoman.org. The ‘Eskimo Joe’s Future Teacher’ scholarship is funded through the proceeds of our Celebrate Teaching tees. Sales also benefit the Stillwater Public Education Foundation. We are very proud to have donated more than $60,000 to invest in education in Oklahoma.

2012 is the 100th Anniversary of Girls Scouting. Eskimo Joe’s is proud to unveil a fun new T-shirt in honor of this very exciting milestone. 100% of the proceeds will stay in Oklahoma.

In 1998, we opened the production facility on Airport Road in Stillwater. The first shirt we printed? Special Olympics Oklahoma. This is the 15th design for the Summer Games, which has enabled us to donate more than $70,000 to Special Olympics Oklahoma.

Campu s N e w s

The crowd cheers as the record-breaking truck passes through Atoka, Okla.

James Patterson

Best-Selling Author Headlines Library Fundraiser

e holds a Guinness World Record for his 63 hardcover fiction bestselling titles, has sold 220 million copies worldwide, and his 19 consecutive No. 1 New York Times Best Sellers have made him a household name. On Sept. 14, James Patterson will be the 22nd headliner of the H. Louise & H.E. “Ed” Cobb Speaker Series.

SPRING 2012

“The Friends of the OSU Library have hosted an amazing slate of authors for this series,” says Sheila Johnson, dean of libraries. “This year, we wanted someone who not only had an impressive body of work, but who would also deliver the engaging keynote our guests have come to expect.” While Patterson is best known for thrillers such as the Alex Cross series, his

works also include a number of awardwinning children’s books. A prolific writer, Patterson has five hardbacks slated for release in summer 2012. The Cobb Speaker Series includes a welcome reception and dinner. After dinner, Patterson will speak and take questions from the audience. A book-signing reception follows. Tickets are $100. Half the cost is a taxdeductible gift to the Friends of the OSU Library. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are available. Seating is limited. Call Debbie Clemons at 405-744-7273 to reserve tickets. Learn more about the event and Patterson at www.library.okstate.edu/friends.

Photo / OSU Fire Service Training

regional training event coordinated in Oklahoma,” Allen says. As an outreach unit of OSU, the Fire Service Training offers training, continued education and professional certifications to emergency responders in Oklahoma.

Miss America Runner-up

Photo / Phil Shockley

OSU’s Betty Thompson, an elementary education senior, won first runnerup at the 91st Miss America Pageant. Thompson was selected as the top contestant in a Facebook and Miss America online fan poll. She won a $25,000 scholarship at the pageant held in Las Vegas. Thompson won the talent competition during preliminaries with an Irish stepdance routine. Miss Wisconsin was the overall winner. Thompson will continue her reign as Miss Oklahoma until June.

Business School Laurels

World Record Fire Training

irefighters set an apparent world record for longest fire-truck parade during a training event hosted by OSU Fire Service Training in January. Starting two miles outside of Atoka, 220 fire trucks lined up for 3.5 miles as

Photo / Jack Roberts, Beanstalk Images

the parade headed toward the city, says Bob Allen, rural program coordinator for OSU Fire Service Training. More than 60 other emergency vehicles joined the parade. The previous Guinness World Record of 159 trucks was set in Switzerland. “The streets of Atoka were full of supporters, and when Truck 160 crossed the end of the parade line the roar was equal to that of the winning touchdown at a Super Bowl,” says Donnie Allen, Atoka fire chief. The parade kicked off the two-day training for Oklahoma rural firefighters. “With over 500 volunteer firefighters attending, this was our largest ever

The School of Entrepreneurship at OSU’s Spears School of Business has recently been the recipient of a couple of major awards. School Director Michael H. Morris was named the 2012 Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year at the U.S. Association of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Morris is the first OSU faculty member to receive the award. USASBE also honored the school with the National Model Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Program Award at the group’s annual meeting. The award is given annually to colleges and universities that have developed and offer high quality and innovative programs. “What a great way to start the new year. While the School of Entrepreneurship is few in numbers, it packs a powerful punch that is being noted across the land,” Spears School Dean Larry Crosby says. “Everyone at the Spears School takes great pride in this accomplishment.”

Campu s N e w s

Photo / Scott Miller

Ph.D. in Business Program Attracts U.S. Executives

orporate executives have begun attending the first-of-its-kind Ph.D. in Business for Executives program offered by the Spears School of Business. The three-year program met for the first time in January on the OSU-Tulsa campus with 19 participants from seven states and 10 industries. “The pioneering spirit of the Spears School of Business at OSU is evident with its aggressive approach to offering an accredited Ph.D. program to business professionals in a format that respects our time while not sacrificing the integrity of the advanced degree,” says class member David Gregor, chief operating officer for Innovative Steel Detailing Inc. in Baton Rouge, La. Participants meet monthly at OSU-Tulsa — on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday — while interacting weekly with professors and the other students. Those enrolled must have a master’s degree and have achieved substantial success in their careers. Photo above: The first meeting of the Ph.D. in Business for Executives program includes, front row from left, program research director Craig Wallace, Derrick Davis, George Mayleben, David Gregor, Dessie Nash, Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd

SPRING 2012

Lamb, Patti Jordan, Durand Crosby, Tom Bennett Jr., program director Ramesh Sharda and Philip McMahan; back row, Jonathan Butler, Richard Castagna, James Thomas, Warren Dyer, Donald Rowlett, Scott Anderson, Tom Totten, David Altounian, Toby Joplin, Rick Guthrie and Fred Cleveland.

Photo / OSU Special Collections

Putting Time in a Can A recent excavation on campus unearthed a punch line 34 years in the making, possibly by a mysterious — and maybe a bit tipsy — group of students. While beginning to clear an area north of Stout Hall, at the corner of West University Avenue and Stout Lane, workers removed a piece of sidewalk inscribed, “On this spot is buried the S.B.S Time Capsule 10-5-78.”

In preparation for building a parking garage, workers carefully cleared the pavement and retrieved the capsule — a vintage Coors beer can. “Unfortunately the members of the SBS emptied the contents before it was placed in the earth for future generations to uncover, so we are unable to determine how well the contents would have aged in such an environment,” says Monty Karns, assistant director of construction services. “Also there was no evidence of what became of the contents, and certainly we would not want to speculate.” David C. Peters, coordinator of OSU Special Collections & University Archives, says this was most likely a college prank, and he has not been able to locate any official organization on campus with the initials SBS. The “10-5-78” either refers to Oct. 5, 1978, or May 10, 1978, the latter of which could have been the middle of finals week. Peters says he has taken possession of the beer can and prepared it for additional conservation and preservation efforts if needed. We’re interested in what you, our readers, may know about this “time capsule,” or even if you may just have an educated guess. Drop us an email at editor@okstate. edu, or feel free to use the 1978 method and mail a letter to STATE magazine, 121 Cordell North, Stillwater, OK 74078.

Legacy Link

Can you find the five differences between the pictures of Bullet and the OSU Spirit Rider at Boone Pickens Stadium?

Don’t forget to take Pop-Up Pete on your summer vacation! Download your Pop-Up Pete and register your legacy at orangeconnection.org/legacy! 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 TEL 405.744.5368 • FAX 405.744.6722 orangeconnection.org

1. Endzone Lines 2. OSU Flames color 3. OSU outline on chaps 4. Color of Bullet’s hooves 5. Saddle Blanket color

Coming Home Thanks to the hard work of OSU alumni, a proposed retirement community is becoming a reality and drawing people back to Stillwater. “Have you built it yet?” An old friend and OSU graduate now living in Alaska has asked Milton Morris that question many times over the years. His friend is referring to a longplanned retirement community in Stillwater. Morris, a retired University of Florida professor and fellow OSU graduate, until recently has had the same answer every time his friend asks the question. “Not yet.” More than eight years ago, Morris joined the White Woods Retirement Campus project, a nonprofit organization originated by the OSU Emeriti Association of retired faculty members. The purpose of this project was to bring a retirement community to Stillwater. After several feasibility studies were conducted, the organization concluded

SPRING 2012

that not only could Stillwater accommodate such a community — it also desperately needed one. “We found out we don’t just need better nursing home facilities in Stillwater,” says Morris, who graduated OSU in 1956 with a bachelor’s in agricultural communications. “People our age in our community want to know when they move, they will be home no matter what level of care they may eventually need.” What Stillwater retirees want is a continuing-care retirement community, which provides a variety of services — independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care — on a single campus. This approach to the aging process fully accommodates residents’ changing needs without having to transfer from location to location as the level of care increases. White Woods members wanted a specific type of community, one that was also a nonprofit organization. “A nonprofit would run the place for the people there, not for a group of investors. Unlike a corporation, it would be resident-centered living, not profit-centered

living,” Morris says. “Having a nonprofit community not only holds the costs down for residents living there but also requires that any accumulating funds are used for improvements or other ways to benefit the community.”

hile this project was in the works, another nonprofit continuingcare retirement community in Oklahoma City was thriving under new leadership. Epworth Villa, founded in 1990, is a senior-living community accredited by the United Methodist Association, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities and the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission. In late 2010, Epworth Villa hired OSU graduate and Alumni Association life member John C. Harned as its president and CEO. Harned earned two OSU accounting degrees, a bachelor’s in 1990 and a master’s in 1991. In summer 2011, White Woods members read an article about Harned where he spoke about his OSU roots and his love for Stillwater. They invited him

Rendering / Epworth Villa and Kenyon Morgan Architects

to visit with them about their project. Harned says he knew right away this was the beginning of something very special. “I was excited at the prospect of a retirement community in Stillwater. I grew up in Payne County, and both my parents received degrees from OSU,” Harned says. “I hold two degrees from OSU myself, so this town holds a special place in my heart.” The initial meeting led to many others, a partnership was formed, and Epworth Living at The Ranch was born. “We had lots of ups and downs and close calls with other potential leadership over the years,” Morris says. “But when we met with John Harned, we knew Epworth’s high reputation and values were going to create a win-win situation for all of us.” Morris and his wife, Mary Lou, who graduated OSU in 1956 with a bachelor’s in fashion merchandising, felt so strongly about the project they donated 40 acres of land at Range Road and 19th Avenue. The land, affectionately named White

Proposed site plan for Epworth Living at The Ranch in Stillwater. Pony Farm, will soon be the home of The Ranch. “We received numerous offers from commercial developers, but we knew this was the right place for our community,” Morris says. “Mary Lou donated the land to White Woods to honor her parents, OSU agricultural education professor Chris White and his wife, Lydia. They gave so much to OSU, and this gift honors that dedication. “Now, many others who dedicated their lives to OSU will benefit from the White family contribution,” he adds. “And none of this would have been possible without John Harned and the Epworth Living board of directors.”

n November, Harned announced the plan to build the $60 million campus. Epworth

Living at The Ranch will include 16 cottages, 116 independent-living apartments, 40 assisted-living apartments, 20 memory-care apartments and 38 skilled nursing beds for long-term and shortterm rehabilitation. At full capacity, the community will house about 250 residents. Construction will begin when 75 percent of the apartments and cottages have been sold. “This will be a beautiful campus with amenities that include a library, coffee shop, pool and fitness center,” Harned says. “But beyond that, it will be a community based on the Epworth Living model of whole-person wellness — physical, social, intellectual and emotional.” Another important aspect of the Epworth Living model is the fact that residents and employees reinvest in the community and in each other. (continues)

OSU alumni Mary Lou and Milton Morris feel so strongly about the need for a nonprofit retirement community in Stillwater that the couple donated 40 acres of land for Epworth Living at The Ranch.

SPRING 2012

Rendering / Epworth Villa and Kenyon Morgan Architects

“We have a benevolent fund so if, by no fault of their own, one of our residents outlives their financial resources, we guarantee them a home for life,” Harned says. “We also have a scholarship fund that provides our employees with the means to improve their education and skills. We have the ability to take care of one another because we don’t have to worry about making a profit for shareholders.” Current residents of Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City are looking forward to the construction of a similar community in Stillwater. Richard Poole, a former OSU economics professor and business school dean, has resided at Epworth Villa in Oklahoma City for almost seven years. He believes bringing an Epworth community to this beloved college town makes sense. “One of Epworth’s core values is that learning should go on forever,” Poole says. “This culture of lifelong learning is well-suited for Stillwater. “For the first time, OSU alumni retirees can have a new sense of freedom with a continuing-care living community located in Stillwater. They can travel to campus for athletic events, to hear public speakers, to utilize the library and to attend homecoming. These are real incentives that will result in former residents coming back to Stillwater to retire.” OSU has agreed to provide transportation from the community to campus for special events such as football games and theater performances. The OSU connection to Epworth Living at The Ranch does not stop there. In December, The Ranch gained a formal endorsement from the OSU Alumni Association. “Epworth is a highly respected provider of retirement services in Oklahoma City,” says OSU Alumni Association President Larry Shell. “We are excited to partner with Epworth to bring their expertise and quality care to Stillwater to provide OSU alumni and friends a unique retirement opportunity where they can remain engaged with the university they love.”

Left: The OSU Alumni Association hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for Epworth Living at The Ranch. Above: A view from the north balcony of an independent living building at the proposed Epworth Living at The Ranch in Stillwater.

he OSU Emeriti Association has granted use of its offices at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center to The Ranch marketing staff. This space will be used to meet with potential residents and to serve as a temporary Stillwater office until the community is completed. Being the home of the Cowboys isn’t the only reason Stillwater is a great place for retirees. In 2010, Milton Morris drafted legislation naming Stillwater as Oklahoma’s pilot certified retirement community. Sen. Jim Halligan, R-Stillwater and a former OSU president, and Rep. Cory Williams, D-Stillwater and an OSU alumnus, brought the resolution before the Oklahoma Legislature, where it passed. Morris says becoming a certified retirement community will benefit both Stillwater and OSU. “This helps Stillwater because retirees put money in the bank, and they use local businesses and services that stimulate the economy,” he says. “This helps OSU because it is a major incentive when trying to attract potential faculty members.” Morris says this community will draw former residents back to Stillwater for retirement. He and his wife plan on purchasing a cottage at The Ranch, and he knows others will do the same.

“My wife is a Stillwater High School graduate,” he says. “Every two weeks, she and five of her classmates get together to visit. Every one of them left Stillwater after graduation, but eventually made their way back. Epworth Living at The Ranch will draw even more retirees back.” Harned agrees it will be an investment in the future of Stillwater. “The hard work of so many has led to something that will change the face of aging in Stillwater,” Harned says. “We feel blessed just to be a part of it.” Epworth Villa acquired the White Woods Retirement Campus, whose members now serve as a resident advisory group to aid in the design and development of The Ranch. A new board of directors for Epworth Living at The Ranch will be named this spring. As to that question from Morris’ friend in Alaska, well, he says their last phone call allowed him to finally give the answer for which he has been waiting far too long. “I told him to send his deposit and come on down. We are building it!” For more information on Epworth Living at The Ranch, visit TheRanchLiving.org or contact Lara Kelcy at 405-743-2990 or 866-463-6726.

Being properly prepared to respond to life-threatening

Our mission is to ensure that every firefighter and emer-

situations is crucial for ensuring public and firefighter safety.

gency responder in your community goes home at the

Since 1934, Oklahoma State University’s Fire Protection Publications and the International Fire Service Training Association (IFSTA) have made sure that firefighters

end of their day. Together they keep first responders safe.

That’s just one way OSU is America’s brightest orange.

worldwide get the best available peer-validated fire and emergency training resources. That is why IFSTA/OSU Fire Protection Publications is the world’s largest publisher of firefighter training materials.

Fire Protection Publications is an outreach program of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

FINANCING the FUTURE ONEOK Chair offers new opportunities for finance students.

Recently named the ONEOK Chair in finance, professor Gary Trennepohl teaches a class at OSU-Tulsa. PHOTO / OSU-TULSA

ong known for his expertise in finance and expanded-learning opportunities for higher-education students, former OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl was recently named the first Spears School of Business ONEOK Chair in finance. Howard Barnett, president of OSU-Tulsa and OSU Center for Health Sciences, says the position will open doors in the finance industry for students.

SPRING 2012

“The ONEOK Chair offers OSU-Tulsa the opportunity to expand learning opportunities for our students in the financial sector,” Barnett says. “Dr. Trennepohl’s years of financial experience will allow him to engage students on both the Tulsa and Stillwater campuses and provide valuable learning and networking opportunities.” The Tulsa-based company established the ONEOK Endowed Chair in finance with a $1 million gift through the OSU Foundation in 2008 to encourage excellence

in teaching and scholarship and enable the university to attract and retain faculty of the highest quality and reputation. The company’s commitment to higher education resulted in the gift, says ONEOK Chairman and CEO John Gibson, who adds that the selection of Trennepohl as the inaugural chair will provide vital educational opportunities for Tulsa. “It gives us tremendous pride to know that our investment will help OSU attract and retain faculty of the highest quality and reputation, producing graduates

PHOTO / OSU-TULSA

Former OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl speaks with students Elizabeth Breiterstein and Parker Welsh, finance majors from Tulsa. The students are taking a portfolio management course taught by Trennepohl, who was recently named the ONEOK Chair in finance.

of exceptional ability who will help Oklahoma companies like ONEOK meet the energy challenges that lie ahead for our country,” Gibson says. “It’s an honor for this chair to be held by Dr. Trennepohl, who has worked closely with us over the years, so he may continue to influence young people in the areas of ethics and finance.” Trennepohl joined OSU in 1995 as dean of the College of Business Administration, now the Spears School of Business. He quickly distinguished

himself, leading to his appointment as the first president of OSU-Tulsa, a position he held for 10 years. Under his leadership, OSU-Tulsa increased its enrollment from 870 to almost 2,700 and completed the Helmerich Research Center. “It’s very humbling to be named to the ONEOK Chair,” Trennepohl says. “I greatly appreciate ONEOK and its leadership team for all they do to make Tulsa a great place to live and work. This position will allow us to do some things for our students that we normally couldn’t do,” he says. “For example, it will help us create meaningful experiences for our students through trips and programs to further their education.” Larry Crosby, dean of the Spears School, says Trennepohl has already made a tremendous impact on the field of finance, and his work as the ONEOK Chair will provide new opportunities to showcase his expertise. “During his 17-year tenure as a faculty member and administrator at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Trennepohl has forged

a reputation as a highly regarded educator and respected leader,” Crosby says. “Whether conducting seminars targeting professional investment managers and serving as a visiting faculty member for the Options Institute at the Chicago Board Options Exchange or authoring textbooks and professional journal articles on investments and corporate finance, Dr. Trennepohl influences the economic health and future of our nation.” Professorships and chairs are academic designations whose privately funded endowments support faculty salaries, graduate assistantships, equipment and research needs. “Endowed chairs through the OSU Foundation help the university remain competitive in recruiting and maintaining faculty,” says Gary Clark, OSU vice president and general counsel. “Faculty members in this type of position are able to do additional research and scholarship that advance our mission as a land-grant institution.” S e a n K e n n e dy

50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 Years of Success OSU-OKC reflects on the past and looks to the future while celebrating a half-century of educating students.

SU-Oklahoma City celebrated its 50th anniversary with several events, including the unveiling of the university’s master plan and the inauguration of the institutions fourth president. The weeklong celebration began with events on March 12. Former faculty and staff, and community leaders reunited at a VIP coffee reception. Among the attendees was Philip Chandler, OSU-OKC’s first president, a post then known as director. After the reception, Jerry D. Carroll Drive was dedicated in honor of OSU-OKC’s third president. The university renamed the

campus street to honor the legacy of Carroll, who died in October 2010. Visitors took a tour of the campus and witnessed demonstrations of the university’s programs, including the new stateof-the-art Engineering Technology Center, innovative Veterinary Technology laboratories, Nurse Science simulation models, the Precision Driving Training’s SkidSUV and the greenhouse areas of the John E. Kirkpatrick Horticulture Center. Following the campus tour, university officials unveiled the master plan, a longrange blueprint of campus improvements that include a parking garage.

That evening, OSU-OKC President Natalie Shirley was inaugurated at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City. Students joined the celebration on March 13 at an event that included live music, free food and beverages, games and prizes. Festivities resumed March 14 with the annual Branding Success Campaign luncheon at the OSU-OKC Horticulture Pavilion. The annual fundraising campaign is held for faculty and staff, and sponsored by the OSU Foundation. E v e ly n B o l l e n b ac h

PHOTO / PHIL SHOCKLEY

Jan Carroll, widow of former OSU-OKC president Jerry D. Carroll, cuts the ribbon during the dedication of a street in her late husband’s name.

SPRING 2012

50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50

PHOTO / GARY LAWSON

PHOTO / PHIL SHOCKLEY

Clockwise from top left: OSU-OKC inaugurated its fourth president, Natalie Shirley, during an investiture attended by OSU President Burns Hargis; Former instructor Phil Condreay enjoys refreshments during the Community Coffee held for former faculty, staff and community members; Visitors to OSU-OKCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 50-year anniversary celebration look over scrapbooks and memorabilia on display; A 3-D model of the campus master plan was unveiled showing growth and expansion plans from 2012 through 2030.

50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 PHOTO / PHIL SHOCKLEY

PHOTO / PHIL SHOCKLEY

Ensuring Food Safety Gift helps OSU researchers protect food supply.

Food microbiologist and OSU animal science professor Peter Muriana examines cultures from his collection of antimicrobial producing lactic acid bacteria acquired during 20 years of working with these organisms. Nutritional Physiology Company has donated $30,000 to further Murianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food safety research. 24

SPRING 2012

utritional Physiology Company provided $30,000 for the research of food safety at OSU’s Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center. The gift, directed to food microbiologist and OSU animal science professor Peter Muriana, provides resources to develop antimicrobial cultures for enhancing food safety. “This generous gift to antimicrobial culture research at the FAPC provides an opportunity to apply our research results toward the commercialization of products that can benefit consumers by enhancing food safety,” Muriana says. Roy Escoubas, the OSU center’s director, asked Nutritional Physiology Company to evaluate the antimicrobial culture collection of Regents Professor Stanley Gilliland after the distinguished food microbiologist died in 2010. “NPC is the leading royalty generator at Oklahoma State University,” Escoubas says. “When it was time to evaluate what to do with Dr. Gilliland’s remaining cultures, contacting NPC was the logical decision.” The culture collection discussion led to a conference telephone call with Nutritional Physiology Company co-founder and chief scientific officer Douglas Ware. “Dr. Gilliland was a world-renowned scientist who contributed greatly to the field of food microbiology,” Ware says. “When we started NPC, we wanted our company to tap into that level of quality research.” After learning about Muriana’s work with his own cultures at the Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center, Ware invited Muriana and Mindy Brashears, professor and director of the International Center for Food Industry Excellence at Texas Tech University, to visit about Gilliland’s remaining cultures as well as Muriana’s collection. “The group brainstorming was followed by presentations of past and recent work, work in progress and future applications of antimicrobial culture technology,” Muriana says.

“Specifically, I will focus on the development of antimicrobial lactic acid bacteria for the inhibition of pathogens in foods,” he says. “The bacteriocinproducing cultures, or the bacteriocins themselves, will be used in food applications to control Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., E. coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus.” Nutritional Physiology Company focuses on food applications in raw ground-meat products and processed, ready-to-eat meats. “For example, we should be able to show that application of our ‘good bugs’ onto raw or processed meat products can reduce pathogens and/or increase shelf life,” Muriana says. “For us to demonstrate the efficacy of these antimicrobials would be of great benefit to the food industry and great interest to NPC.” Muriana also intends to create a powerhouse for antimicrobial research by “Oklahoma State University is one of the very top universi- assembling a team to advance practical applities in the country dedicated cations of their findings. to improving the food supply.” “I hope to create — Douglas Ware, NPC co-founder and chief scientific officer an expansive group to exploit antimicrobial culture research through seeking a postis one of the very top universities in the doctoral scientist and Master of Science country dedicated to improving the and doctoral students to assist in this food supply.” research,” Muriana says. To secure the maximum of a $45,000 Since the donation, Muriana’s work match from the Oklahoma Center for the has been submitted for licensing with Advancement of Science and Technology, OSU’s Office of Intellectual Property. Muriana paired Ware’s $30,000 with Chuck Willoughby, FAPC business $15,000 in annual royalties from OSU’s and marketing relations manager, says animal science department. the center appreciates the Nutritional “With annual royalties from the Physiology Company’s generosity. animal science department and the NPC “Industry-sponsored research is very gift, total funding of $90,000 per year for important to the success of the center’s up to two years was granted to work with mission and adding value to Oklahoma,” these antimicrobial cultures,” Muriana Willoughby says. “We are truly thanksays. “The 3-1 ratio really maximizes the ful for NPC’s support and funding to NPC donation and increases the value of enhance the research-based knowledge their gift.” FAPC provides to Oklahoma’s This funding supports Muriana’s food industry.” research of antimicrobial cultures in food products, which complements Gilliland’s K y lee W i llard work with antimicrobial cultures for cattle. “My research from the NPC gift includes evaluating probiotic bacteria for use in food products,” Muriana says. Muriana showed how the Nutritional Physiology Company would benefit from his research. “I presented research I have conducted at the FAPC in the characterization of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria and the manner in which I can identify those having different modes of action, as well as using molecular techniques to quickly identify their specific gene sequences,” Muriana says. “By combining those with different modes of action, we can see a synergy of antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens.” Considering the close alignment of Muriana’s research and the company’s visions for innovative microbial technology, Ware offered a gift to further Muriana’s research. “We think that food safety is extremely important for people around the world,” Ware says. “Oklahoma State University

PHOTO / Genesee photo systems

Seniors of Significance The Seniors of Significance Award recognizes students for excellence in scholarship, leadership and community service and for bringing distinction to OSU. The 2011-2012 Seniors of Significance represent about 1 percent of the graduating class. The OSU Alumni Association honored the seniors at a public banquet on Nov. 14, 2011, at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center.

A my A nderson, Little Rock, Ark., psychology

Gina H ancock, Oklahoma City, accounting

Jamie A ndrews, Edmond, Okla., agribusiness

K elsey H anebaum, Oklahoma City,

H aley Baumgardner, Carrier, Okla., agribusiness

Kyle Buthod, Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, Mo.,

interior design

A ndrew Robert H arding, State College, Pa., animal science/pre vet

Lauren M. Oseland, Edmond, Okla., human development and family science

Carly Schnaithman, Garber, Okla., agribusiness

Deborah Scroggins, Broken Arrow, Okla., American studies

international business with an emphasis in Chinese Mandarin

R achel H errmann, Stillwater, Okla., accounting

P eilin Shi, Ningxia, China, accounting

Jonathan Chandler, Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summit, Mo.,

Brandon Gregory H ighfill, Enid, Okla.,

Courtney Skaer, Wichita, Kan.,

hotel & restaurant administration

biological sciences & Spanish

Nick Copeland, Shawnee, Okla., civil & environmental engineering

Blake Jackson, Hartshorne, Okla.,

R ebekah Spaulding, Stillwater, Okla., history

Clairissa Craige, Bokchito, Okla.,

Cameron Kylene Jones, Edmond, Okla.,

animal science/pre vet

agricultural education

M ary K atherine Fielding, Cleveland, Okla.,

Morgan K insey, Stillwater, Okla.,

accounting & finance

human nutrition-allied health

Laura Fritze, Andover, Kan.,

Ashley Leonard, Artesia, N.M.,

nutritional sciences/pre-med sciences

accounting & finance

H annah S. Geis, Shawnee, Kan.,

K rista Lopez, Garland, Texas,

finance & management

management & accounting

Shane Gibson, Edmond, Okla.,

Lawrence McClure, Desoto, Texas,

accounting & finance

electrical engineering technology

A lejandra Gonzalez H errera,

Taylor Austin M itchell, Stillwater, Okla.,

Shawnee, Okla., political science & sociology

mechanical & aerospace engineering

R andy Gayle Gordon, Seiling, Okla.,

M ark Nelson, Oklahoma City, Russian language & literature/mechanical & aerospace engineering

agribusiness/pre law

SPRING 2012

agribusiness/pre law

K elsy Lee Stein, Cherokee, Okla., animal science-production

John Jordan Stivers, Edmond, Okla., accounting

Elisabeth Stukenborg, Tulsa, Okla., English & history

M ichelle T edder, Stillwater, Okla., physiology A my Lynn (P eel) Truitt, Wetumka, Okla., agricultural education

A lice M arie White, Belvue, Kan., agribusiness & agricultural communications

Stephanie Willis, Mount Solon, Va., animal science Laurel Wilson, Tulsa, Okla., mathematics & secondary education with an emphasis in mathematics

secure the of

future Homecoming

OSU is nationally recognized as having “America’s Greatest Homecoming Celebration”. Its future is in the hands of OSU faithful like you. Last year’s Homecoming events impacted more than 100,000 alumni and fans in Stillwater and online. Without support for the Homecoming and Student Programs endowment, these connections will be lost. For information about securing the future of Homecoming, call 800.622.4678 or visit orangeconnection.org/give. 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 TEL 405.744.5368 • FAX 405.744.6722 orangeconnection.org

emi Jackson sat in microbiology class with a lot on her mind, which was not helped by the embarrassment of her cellphone ringing. This biochemistry and molecular biology major doesn’t make a habit of disrupting class. She is serious about academics and is a junior with a 3.68 GPA. She is on an accelerated pace toward her yet-to-bedetermined medical school program. The Skiatook, Okla., native devotes much of her time to studying and her sorority, Pi Beta Phi. Jackson was filling rare free moments worrying about her family’s financial situation. She is the second of Kelly and Stephanie Jackson’s four children. Her father is a bricklayer and her mother, a homemaker, cleans houses part-time to supplement the family income. Between scholarships and her parents’ hard work, expenses for Jackson’s first two years at OSU were covered. But just before Christmas, her father lost his Ford Motor Co. job as the company closed its Tulsa glass plant. And though Jackson wished her phone had not disrupted class, it turned out the call couldn’t have come at a better time, as Jackson found out after class when she called back. Leslie Buford, a Pi Beta Phi scholarship committee member, was excited to tell Jackson she was receiving $3,000 as the inaugural recipient of the Pi Beta Phi Endowed Scholarship.

SPRING 2012

PHOTO / GREG QUINN

Though the ring tone interrupted class, the call brought news that lifted a family’s financial burden.

Pi Beta Phi Endowed Scholarship winner Demi Jackson inside her sorority house. Jackson is a junior hoping to attend medical school.

Scholarships are the sole reason I’ve been able to go to OSU. To give back to students like me who are trying to better themselves would be great.” — Demi Jackson After an emotional expression of appreciation, Jackson immediately called her mother to share the good news: She secured a scholarship she had never mentioned to prevent the application process from inspiring false hope. Jackson says, “My mom was like, ‘You’re lying! You’re kidding! Are you serious? Are you sure? This means we are covered for the rest of the semester!’” Stephanie Jackson took a few minutes to let the good news sink in. Her oldest son, Ryan, had just graduated from OSU and her two youngest sons, Garrett and Gavin, both plan to pursue higher education as well. The goal of covering her daughter’s expenses while she was the lone college student was alive for another semester. She called her daughter back to ensure it was neither a misunderstanding nor a cruel joke that Buford and 98 others had provided this tremendous gift. “My parents work really hard,” Demi Jackson says. “They see it as part of their duty to make sure their kids get educated and have the means to pay for it, so this scholarship lifted such a burden off their shoulders.” While the Jacksons felt such relief, Buford was experiencing the unique satisfaction of knowing she made a difference. Those who have felt that powerful emotion often credit it with inspiring them to transition from their first good deed to regularly giving back however they can. “When I got to call Demi and tell her and hear the relief and excitement in her voice, that was payment enough for me to continue to donate,” says Buford, who is Pi Beta Phi’s alumni advisory chairwoman. “I thought, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to do this forever.’ Before we put this endowment together, I never would have thought my contribution of $200 per year could mean so much.” Each donor played a part in quickly transforming the fund from an idea into an inspiration. After T. Boone Pickens announced his Pickens Legacy

Scholarship Match program, Pi Beta Phi alumni contacted the sorority’s national foundation to seek permission for an endowment at the OSU Foundation. They all shared the same sentiment — “This is a no-brainer,” as Buford puts it. “Within two weeks, we had written a solicitation letter, gained approval from our national headquarters and sent it out,” says Buford, a 1999 marketing/journalism and broadcasting graduate. “We were very impressed and felt blessed by how many women thought it was important enough to donate to this even though it was Christmastime. Financially, they already had their own families and plenty of other good causes to consider.” The endowment has more than $90,000 in gifts and commitments and will receive a $100,000 boost from Pickens’ estate. As the fund grows, so will its annual output: A $190,000 endowment produces $9,500 in yearly scholarships. The donors are excited to watch the impact grow, but they were also determined to award the first scholarship quickly. They realize their sorority, OSU’s largest with 196 members in the house, has no shortage of deserving candidates. “This first time around, we had 12 applicants with excellent grades and excellent activities on their résumés,” Buford says. “They are all really well-rounded individuals and they could all use this scholarship. We think of them like our baby sisters or even our kids. It means a lot to be able to positively affect their futures.” After the difficult task of choosing one recipient from such a strong group, they told Jackson they expect her to “pay

it forward” by staying in the house and increasing her involvement, reaching her academic goals and doing her part to help future Pi Phis. “It would be so awesome to give back by creating my own scholarship,” Jackson says. “Scholarships are the sole reason I’ve been able to go to OSU. To give back to students like me who are trying to better themselves would be great, and then they can grow up and create their own scholarships too.” Mark Rockley, a chemistry professor who has served as an informal adviser for Jackson, says she is already making a difference, long before she acquires the resources to endow a scholarship. “She has a rare gift of leadership combined with scholarly diligence that typifies the very best OSU students,” Rockley says. “Wherever she is, her leadership skills and inclusive charisma attract those around her to enjoy their studies and all the best that college life has to offer. She fairly sparkles with energy, enthusiasm and joy.” It seems this scholarship may even strengthen those attributes. “Whenever things are hard, whenever I face a challenge, I think, ‘Someone gave me their money to do well here and make them proud,’” Jackson says. “It’s encouraging because you realize that you’re not only working for yourself. I don’t want to waste everyone else’s energy, money and time. I have an obligation to make them proud and to use their resources wisely. I want donors to know their gifts encourage students like me.” Jac o b L ong a n

The Pi Beta Phi Endowed Scholarship is one of 19 Pickens Legacy Scholarship Match funds tied to an OSU fraternity or sorority. They have combined gifts and commitments of $2,690,000, qualifying for $4,394,824 from T. Boone Pickens’ estate. That total of $7,084,824 in endowed funds will produce $354,241.20 annually for scholarships. For more information or to contribute to one of these funds, please visit www.OSUgiving.com or contact the Oklahoma State University Foundation at 800-622-4678.

PHOTO / PHIL SHOCKLEY

FUTURE

COWBOYS COWGIRLS AND

While learning about OSU from alumni is helpful, nothing aids a student’s decision more than an official campus visit.

SPRING 2012

SU alumni are passionate and enthusiastic about sharing their love of all things orange with future Cowboys and Cowgirls. That’s why the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, in partnership with the OSU Alumni Association, created the Know a Future Cowboy program, which allows alumni to refer students to the university. High school students registered through the program receive recruitment information and invitations to on-campus events throughout the year. “OSU alums are so passionate about their experience, and we love when they can be the spark that gets a prospective student to campus,” says Kyle Wray, vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing. “The most powerful thing an alum can do is connect that student with the undergraduate admissions office through Know a Future Cowboy or by simply contacting admissions directly.” Simone Burnett, a freshman from Rowlett, Texas, and a third-generation OSU student, decided to visit the campus because she received an invitation. Her grandfather Bill Burnett Sr., a 1979 education alumnus, provided her information to the program. Simone already knew a lot about the university because of the history of her grandfather and her father, Willie Burnett Jr., who

graduated from OSU in 1986 with a business administration degree. Simone first visited campus for an OSU Experience, a football game-day event for prospective students. Her mother, Carla, thought the campus visit was invaluable for her daughter. “The whole experience of meeting other kids who were considering attending Oklahoma State and talking to actual students who could answer her questions was really good,” Carla Burnett says. “As a parent, I was looking for someone to give me straight answers, and every person that I talked to from every department at OSU assured me that she would feel at home. That really put my mind at ease.” Simone’s college choices included schools in New York, Florida, Arkansas and Louisiana. She wasn’t convinced OSU was the right place for her until she came back for an official campus tour during her senior year in high school. “Everyone was so nice, and it was like a family,” she says. “OSU was different than visiting other colleges because they didn’t make me feel like a number. I felt like I was coming to join a family.” Many legacies have already been to campus with parents or family members and may feel like they already know OSU. But official campus tours help students see what is new on campus since their parents or grandparents graduated and

Photo / phil shockley

“OSU was different than visiting other colleges because they didn’t make me feel like a number. I felt like I was coming to join a family.” — Simone Burnett

Freshman Simone Burnett, photographed outside the Student Union, was referred to OSU through the Know a Future Cowboy program and chose to enroll after an official campus tour. PHOTO / PHIL SHOCKLEY

allows them to begin establishing their own relationships at OSU. “Taking a campus tour is critical to the college selection process,” Wray says. “It’s important for students to see the campus, understand the atmosphere and meet people who will help them as they set out to accomplish their academic goals. It’s the best way for them to see how they will fit in at OSU.” Simone learned firsthand about the Cowboy family. She saw the importance of relationships her father, grandfather and uncle built while attending OSU and what those friendships have meant to them throughout their lives. While her family’s relationships made a strong impression, Simone chose to attend OSU this fall in large part because of the relationships she began during her visits to Stillwater.

“I was so scared about not knowing anybody, but it was such a warm welcome,” she says. “Dr. (Jovette) Dew got me into the RISE program, which helped me meet other people. I also met Keely James, who was my pre-law adviser. I knew I was going to get everything I needed.” Wray echoes the sentiment. “What makes Oklahoma State University special is the people,” Wray says. “We make a promise to all prospective students and their families when they come to visit that we will take care of them while they are here, and we mean it.” The experience was so important to Simone that she recommends all students come to campus for an official tour, even those students who have already been to campus with family members. “Everyone should take a tour and ask questions,” she says. “Don’t be afraid to

meet new people, and don’t be afraid to ask too many questions.” Simone describes her grandfather as orange to the bone, and he couldn’t be more pleased with his granddaughter’s choice for a university. “This has been a labor of love for me,” Bill Burnett says. “I wanted her to see the campus and meet the kids up there. They are all very friendly. I have the opinion that Oklahoma State is a great university. I’m very proud that she has set out on this journey.” Simone and her family believe Oklahoma State was absolutely the right choice for her education. “It is above and beyond what I expected,” Simone says. “I think it is even better than we imagined,” her mother adds. “It has been one great experience after another.” E rin S m ith

To refer a future Cowboy you know, visit orangeconnection.org/knowafuturecowboy. To arrange an official campus tour for a prospective student, visit admissions.okstate.edu/visit.

BY FOR

THE STUDENTS, THE STUDENTS Student Foundation awards 42 scholarships in five years.

obody is more aware of the costs associated with tuition, fees and college living expenses than students. That is why the Oklahoma State University Student Foundation, a group with a passion for philanthropy, has raised funds to endow a need-based scholarship that has benefited 42 students. The organization’s mission is to bridge the gap between donors and students by building, cultivating and sustaining relationships within the OSU community and to educate other students about the importance of charitable giving. Representing the university’s scholars and leaders, Student Foundation members are passionate about fundraising because for many philanthropy is personal. “Taking a leadership role through student organizations gives me numerous

opportunities to participate in events that make a difference in others’ lives,” Student Foundation President Haylee Roy says. “I have been so inspired to give back to OSU and leave a legacy that will impact others and help them find success.” In 2007, a group of student leaders formed philanthropic committees focused on donor relations, stewardship, campus promotions and fundraising. Members benefit from some form of financial assistance, whether it’s as direct as a scholarship or as indirect as the renovation of the Student Union. They have a first-hand appreciation for the impact of giving back. One of the organization’s first acts was creating the Cowboy Spirit Scholarship Fund, with the goal of endowing it through student support. To build awareness and begin fundraising, members sold

The 2011-12 class of the OSU Student Foundation.

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Student Foundation shirts and arranged a white-out day on campus, which they called Cowboy Spirit. “I had never been a part of a brand-new organization like StuFu,” 2008 Student Foundation President Caroline Diedrich says. “Getting other students involved and learning our goal was definitely challenging, but we had awesome support from everyone.” After this first version of Cowboy Spirit, the group switched to an annual benefit concert that has attracted artists such as Keith Anderson, Stoney LaRue and Bo Phillips. At Cowboy Spirit 2012 on Feb. 25, more than 850 attendees led to a record-breaking $36,700 boost to the scholarship fund. Members support the annual event by collaborating with the community and soliciting donations from family, friends and local businesses. They also utilize campus signs and announcements. It’s an easy sell. “Cowboy Spirit is the easiest and most fun way to give back to Oklahoma State,” says Roy, a foreign language senior. “Not only do you get to see some great bands

Student Foundation President Caroline Diedrich and OSU Foundation President Kirk Jewell sign the endowment agreement in 2008 for the Cowboy Spirit Scholarship Fund.

Members of the Student Foundation 2011-12 freshman class during a service trip to McAlester, Okla., where they decorated a room for a therapeutic foster care facility. Front row, from left, are Kendra Rash, Mallory Ross and Katie Marney. Back row, from left, are Jacob Weatherford, Allie Roy, Harry Schroeder and Stephen Ogle.

play at The Tumbleweed, but you also have the satisfaction of knowing your $10 goes straight to supporting OSU students.” Matt Morgan, an OSU Foundation employee who serves as co-adviser for the Student Foundation, says members often list the Thank-A-Thon as another of their favorite events. This team-building event connects members with alumni across the country each semester. The evening is spent calling donors with a simple message: “Thank you.” “I think a lot of them were surprised in a lot of cases because they typically get calls from people asking for money, when we were doing the complete opposite,” says Diedrich, a 2009 industrial engineering and management graduate. “Getting a chance to talk to people who are so passionate about the university was a lot of fun and very rewarding.” Many members say the Thank-AThon is their favorite part of Student Foundation because it allows them to express appreciation for the gifts that help fund their educations.

Keith Anderson performs during the 2010 Cowboy Spirit concert, which supports a student scholarship fund.

“I have been so inspired to give back to OSU and leave a legacy that will impact others and help them find success.” — Student Foundation President Haylee Roy

“I remember making a thank-you call to a woman who not only greatly appreciated the thoughtful gesture, but also wanted to learn more about me and hear what’s new at Oklahoma State,” Roy says. “I remember feeling the bridge that connects the donors and the university. She still had such pride in her alma mater, and it inspired me to continue to give after I leave OSU.” Although members gain familiarity with fundraising, stewardship and

networking, they also benefit from the leadership experience and relationships made through being involved in a philanthropic organization. “A lot of the reason I give back today is because of the leadership skills the Student Foundation gave me and their ability to break the stereotype that you need to be older to give back,” Diedrich says. “You can give what you can as a graduate or even when you’re a student.” B r i t ta n i e D o u g l a s

The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes students who distinguish themselves through academic achievement; campus and community activities; academic, athletic or extracurricular honors or awards; scholarships; and work ethic. After reviewing the students’ applications, the OSU Alumni Association Student Awards and Selection Committee met with the 40 Seniors of Significance who were honored in fall 2011 and selected 15 to receive this prestigious honor. The 2012 Outstanding Seniors were honored at a banquet April 23 at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. Jamie Rose Andrews agribusiness and pre-law Edmond, Okla. Andrews has served as chair of the Student Government Association Sustainability Committee and as a College of Agricultural Sciences

Haley Baumgardner agribusiness Carrier, Okla. Baumgardner’s activities include College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources president, College of Agricultural Sciences and

Kyle Buthod international business and Chinese Lee’s Summit, Mo. Buthod has served as vice president of the Student Government Association, president of the Spears School of Business Student Council, vice president of the Residence Halls Association, vice president and founding member of the Spears School of Business

Clairissa Craige animal science and pre-veterinary Bokchito, Okla. Craige has served as president of the OSU Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club, a College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources representative for the Honors College Council and a College of

Randy Gayle Gordon agribusiness with pre-law option Seiling, Okla. Gordon has served as the Interfraternity Council president, Student Government Association attorney general, President’s Partners host, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Student

Garrett Blake Jackson agribusiness with pre-law option Hartshorne, Okla. Jackson’s activities include College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources board of directors, OSU Homecoming Steering, Agricultural Economics Club, Mortar Board and serving on the

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and Natural Resources student academic mentor. She has been involved in Alpha Delta Pi, Mortar Board and Alpha Zeta. Andrews has volunteered with Real Cowboys Recycle tailgate recycling program, The Big Event and Into the Streets. Andrews was named a Wentz Research Scholar, Student Employee of the Year nominee and semifinalist, Dr. John W. Goodwin Endowed Agricultural Economics

Natural Resources student success leader, Student Alumni Board, Mortar Board and Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Encounter. She has volunteered with Hunt for Hunger, The Big Event, Oklahoma City Food Bank, Oklahoma Youth Expo and Heifer International. Baumgardner was named the Women for OSU’s Student Philanthropist of the Year, Top Ten Freshman Woman, Senior of Significance and an OSU Student

Scan the QR code or visit gopok.es/ osuos12 to view interviews with each Outstanding Senior.

Scholar, Women for OSU Student Philanthropist of the Year finalist and a Freshmen Research Scholar. Andrews plans to attend law school in the fall.

Employee of the Year semi-finalist. She was also named to the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. Baumgardner has accepted a position with Dow AgroSciences as a sales representative.

Ambassadors and executive director of the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT Scholars. He has volunteered with Spears School of Business 2012 Make-a-Wish campaign, Remember the Four memorial shirt and pin, Dodge for a Cause tournament for Special Olympics, OSU Dance Marathon and Blackout Texas football game for United Way. Buthod was named a Frank Newman Civic Fellow, an Oklahoma ambassador for the Embassy of Australia, Top Ten Freshman Man, Top Freshman in Residential Life and a Student Employee of the Year finalist.

After graduation, Buthod plans to travel to Shanghai, China, to be an ambassador for Oklahoma State and establish a reciprocal exchange program. After the program is complete in July, Buthod will backpack around Asia and Europe. He will then begin as a global marketing analyst at ConocoPhillips.

Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources student academic mentor. She has been involved in the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen’s Association and Mortar Board. Craige has volunteered with Turning Point Ranch, Humane Society of Stillwater, OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences Foal Team, Odyssey of the Mind contest and the Tulsa State Fair Birthing Center. She received the Wentz Research Project Award, Women’s Faculty Council Research Award and the

Charles and Magda Browning Outstanding Freshman Award. Craige was named a Top Ten Freshman Woman and a Top Five Homecoming Queen candidate.

Government Association senator and a Camp Cowboy counselor. He has volunteered with the Sterling House of Stillwater nursing home, Interfraternity Council Back-2-School move-in philanthropy project and as an Oklahoma State Senate Agriculture Committee legislative intern. Gordon was named the 2011 OSU Homecoming King, Top Ten Freshman Man and Henry Bellmon Distinguished Scholar. He was named to the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society and

was the recipient of OSU’s Define Success essay contest scholarship.

Student Government Association Sustainability Committee. He has volunteered with Student Government Association Tailgate Recycling, Camp Cowboy, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources freshman orientation class, American Farmers and Ranchers state speech contest and St. John’s Catholic Church. Jackson was named a Harry S. Truman Scholar, Morris and Stewart Udall Scholar, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Agricultural legislative

intern and a Top Ten Freshman Man. He was also named to the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Craige plans to return to her hometown, join a mixed-animal practice and work as a large-animal veterinarian.

After graduation, Gordon plans to attend the University of Oklahoma College of Law and specialize in agricultural law. After practicing agricultural law in northwest Oklahoma, he plans to pursue a career in public policy and run for Oklahoma governor.

After graduation, Jackson will pursue a master’s in agricultural economics at OSU. He also plans to pursue a law degree in Oklahoma.

Ashley Leonard accounting and finance Artesia, N.M. Leonard has served as president of the Student Government Association, a Spears School of Business Ambassador and with Peers Empowering

Krista Lopez accounting and management Garland, Texas Lopez was a member of the women’s soccer team and was involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Asian American Student

Lawrence McClure electrical engineering technology DeSoto, Texas McClure’s activities include National Society of Black Engineers,

Mark Nelson Russian language and literature and aerospace and mechanical engineering Oklahoma City Nelson’s activities include track and cross-country, The Daily O’Collegian, the Honors College and the Terra Rubea Engineer

Lauren Michelle Oseland human development and family science Edmond, Okla. Oseland’s activities include Pi Beta Phi, Blue Key Honor Society and the Human Sciences Academic Affairs Committee. She has served as

Carly Schnaithman agribusiness with a marketing minor Garber, Okla. Schnaithman has served as College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources vice president of student affairs, Chi Omega vice

Kelsy Lee Stein animal science and production Stillwater, Okla. Stein was involved in Mortar Board, Animal Science Leadership Alliance, Kappa Delta and Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen’s Association.

Elisabeth K. Stukenborg English and history Tulsa, Okla. Stukenborg has served as president of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council and senate chair of the Student Government Association. She has been involved in Kappa Delta, International Justice Mission

Laurel Wilson secondary education Tulsa, Okla. Wilson’s activities include Blue Key Honor Society, College of Education

through Education. She has been involved in the Student Judicial Committee and the Student Foundation Committee. Leonard has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Mission Stillwater, Habitat for Humanity, Angel Fire Equestrian Center and as a YMCA youth basketball coach. She was a member of the OSU Homecoming royalty court, a Kremlin Fellows Scholar, an Honors College student, a Top

Ten Freshman and a member of the President’s Leadership Council.

Association and the Vietnamese American Student Association. She volunteered with the Humane Society of Stillwater, Stillwater Life Church, Family Resource Center and the Special Olympics. Lopez was named the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-American 2011 Player of the Year, a two-time NSCAA Scholar All American, a two-time ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American, a two-time Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports

Scholar and a Lowe’s Senior Class Award finalist.

African American Student Association and serving as a Student Affairs Cultural Ambassador. He has volunteered with the Overflow Prayer Team and the Humane Society of Stillwater. McClure was an INROADS Intern of the Year. He was named to the President’s Honor Roll, the Dean’s Honor Roll and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

After graduation, McClure plans to work and go to seminary. He hopes to start a motivational speaking program to encourage middle school and high school students to achieve their goals despite challenges.

Exchange program. He spent his time tutoring for the OSU athletic department and was a teaching assistant for the engineering and foreign languages departments. Nelson was the top OSU scorer for the William Lowell Putnam Examination in Mathematics and was named a W.W. Allen Engineering Scholar, Rhodes Candidate for OSU, two-time Wentz Research Scholar and an Academic All-Big 12 in track and cross-country.

After graduating, Nelson will study nuclear energy at Cambridge University in the U.K. and plans to make a career in the development and implementation of novel forms of nuclear power.

president of the College of Human Sciences Student Council and the Human Development and Family Science Club. Oseland volunteered for K-Life Ministries, Payne County Youth Shelter, Henderson Hills Baptist Church and Center for Family Services. She was named a College of Human Sciences Outstanding Student, a member of the OSU Homecoming royalty court and an Oklahoma Scholar Leader

Enrichment Program participant. She also received the Women’s Faculty Council Research Award and the Jan Moran Leadership Award.

After graduating, Leonard plans to attend law school, continue her education in tax litigation and pursue a career as a corporate attorney. She hopes to return to campus to work in higher education.

Lopez plans to pursue an MBA and go on a mission trip to Uganda. She has applied for the Fulbright Grant and would like to teach English overseas for one year. After receiving her MBA, she plans to become a certified public accountant.

Oseland plans to pursue a master’s in marriage and family therapy at OSU.

president and alumnae relations director, state FFA reporter and Order of Omega treasurer. She has been involved in Oklahoma Agriculture Leadership Encounter. Schnaithman has volunteered with Toys to the Game, YMCA youth basketball, Student Alumni Board, Mortar Board Book Drive and Oklahoma FFA. She was a member of the OSU Homecoming royalty court and was named the OSU Student

Philanthropist of the Year, a Top Ten Freshman Woman, a Top Three Junior Greek Woman and a Senior of Significance.

She has also served as president of the OSU Pre-Veterinary Medicine Club. Stein has volunteered with Turning Point Ranch, Horseman’s Special Olympics, Into the Streets, Foal Team and AQHA World Show Check In. She was selected as a College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Outstanding Senior, a teaching assistant for applied animal nutrition and a speaker at the animal science banquet.

Stein was a National Junior Angus Show Career Development Overall Runner-up and was selected to prepare questions for the 2012 Oklahoma FFA Quiz Bowl.

After graduation, Schnaithman plans to pursue a career in public service.

After graduation, Stein plans to return to northwest Oklahoma, work on her family’s farm and expand her purebred Angus cattle operation.

and OSU Homecoming. Stukenborg has volunteered with the Sheerar Museum of Stillwater History and the Victim Witness Center of the Tulsa District Attorney’s Office. She served as a Stillwater Young Life Leader and an intern to a U.S. senator from Oklahoma. Stukenborg is an OSU Lew Wentz Scholar and an Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education Academic Scholar. She received an honors degree from the English department, a nomination for the Truman Scholar

Competition and is a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Dean Search and Screening Committee, Pi Beta Phi, Student Alumni Board and the University Student Honors Council. She has volunteered with Kanakuk Kamps, Toys to the Game, Relay for Life, The Big Event and Undergraduate Admissions High Talent Recruitment events. Wilson was named the mathematics department Outstanding Senior, Top Ten

Freshman Woman and a Lew Wentz Leadership Scholar. She received an honors degree and the Oklahoma Teacher of the Year scholarship.

Stukenborg plans on pursuing a joint juris doctorate and English master’s program with the intention to serve as an advocate for others in public service.

Wilson plans on pursuing a master’s degree at OSU in the fall and teaching at the high school level.

Planes, trains and automobiles. . .

or some, those three words bring back memories of a 1980s hit comedy, but for a group of OSU students, the three modes of transportation will forever remind them of what it took to go from the familiar surroundings of Stillwater to a small town in England where they connected to the world. The students are participating in OSU’s Study Abroad/National Student Exchange Program, which provides educational opportunities in many countries worldwide for a semester or an entire academic year. It allows students to continue working on their degree while immersing themselves in a different culture. The University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield, England, aggressively recruits students from other continents and is currently home to seven Oklahoma State students. Some of Hertfordshire’s students are there for four or more years, while others are enrolled in study abroad programs like the OSU group.

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Located 19 miles north of London, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Hatfield by train. With a slightly larger student population than OSU-Stillwater, Hertfordshire is proud of its international reputation.

Kristin Grewe at the Learning Resource Center on the University of Hertfordshire campus.

A hallway in the university’s Learning Resource Center — their version of the library — features flags from the dozens of countries that its students represent. Before arriving in Hatfield, OSU sophomore Monica Mitchell, a business marketing major, had only been to Mexico. “All the people we live with are from different countries,” she proudly declares while describing life in Hatfield. “Up to now, I have only known people from Texas and OSU,” says Jacy Mercer, a junior studying strategic communications. Both students say they see the world much differently now that they live and study with people from other countries. One of the most significant adjustments for many U.S. students, especially those from the West and South, is the reliance on public transportation in Europe. Bus and rail lines do booming business as commuters try not to crowd

EG QU INN PHO TOS / GR

Lauren Heaton, left, and Jacy Mercer leave their residence hall on the University of Hertfordshire campus. “All my classes are related in some the already congested roads in the major way to the Olympics,” Uptergrove says. cities where the residents only wish they had rush hours. In London, for example, “My management class is how to deal with people in mega events, the sports traffic is heavy all the time. management class deals with athletes and “We’re used to driving everywhere. their charitable foundations, and another You have to be patient with public looks at Olympic impacts and legacies.” transportation,” says Lauren Heaton, She adds that studying abroad has also a junior studying strategic commuopened her eyes to a worldly perspective nications, as she describes waiting for and has allowed her to focus on her buses and trains to arrive. But access to public transportation has made it easier for the OSU students to see other parts of Europe. They take advantage of weekends and other breaks to visit nearby countries. In the United States, a long weekend might consist of visiting another state or two. In Europe, the same period allows students to see one, two or even three countries. Despite all they have learned while visiting historic cities and sites in Europe, there is also work to be done on campus. All of the OSU students have classes, papers to write and tests to take, but there is also more independent study time at Hertfordshire, which means it is up to each student to keep up with their work as the semester goes on. OSU sophomore Kaley Uptergrove is majoring in marketing and management. She chose the University of Hertfordshire partly because of its passion, which is Olympic work. Field proximity to London and the upcoming trips to London also provided an opporOlympic games. When London was tunity to see some of the sites where the awarded the 2012 games seven years ago, 2012 games will be held. the University of Hertfordshire began Longer study abroad experiences developing courses focusing on how the would not be possible for most Olympics are organized. students if they didn’t have access to

Monica Mitchell, left, and Kaley Uptergrove show their OSU pride.

scholarships. Mitchell, Uptergrove and sociology senior Kate Caudill are in Hatfield because of a generous gift made two years ago by Don, a 1971 industrial engineering graduate, and Cathey Humphreys as part of Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University. The $6 million gift will have a total impact of $15 million after matches are included, and fund, in part, OSU study abroad scholarships. “Before receiving the Humphreys’ scholarship, my entire trip was still up in the air because of its cost. The Humphreys’ award guaranteed that I would be able to have this opportunity,” Caudill says. The students say the experience in England has changed their lives in many ways, including allowing them to develop friendships with people from other countries that will continue long after the students leave Hatfield and later OSU to begin their careers. “I always knew since I was little that I wanted to study abroad,” says Kristin Grewe, an accounting junior. “It’s always been one of my dreams to study in England.” Dreams do come true. JIM BERSCHEIDT

To learn more about the impact your gift can have on OSU students, visit OSUgiving.com. Part two coming in the fall issue of STATE.

OSU Medicine

Photo / OSU Center for Health Sciences

Combating a Doctor Shortage 38

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OSU medicine prepares physicians to practice in rural and underserved Oklahoma.

veryone knows everyone in Buffalo, a small town on the eastern edge of the Oklahoma Panhandle where the nearest Walmart is a 45-minute drive. So, Buffalo is just what physician Jac Snyder, D.O., wanted. A 2006 graduate of OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tulsa, she practices family medicine at Harper County Community Hospital. “I always knew a small town was for me,” says Snyder, who grew up in Wynnewood, Okla. “I feel like I make a difference here. It’s like family. I’m not just collecting a paycheck.” Meeting a Need

klahoma ranks 49 among U.S. states in the number of primary care physicians with 82 such physicians per 100,000 Oklahomans, according to America’s Health Rankings prepared by United Health Foundation. Physicians who choose a rural practice find they quickly become a vital part of the community. At the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine, promoting rural health is a top priority. Rural physicians share their stories with students through the OSU Center for Rural Health’s Rural Health Option Program. Through elective courses, the option prepares medical students for the challenges and rewards of a rural practice. th

Vicky Pace, director of rural medical education, says the first Perspectives in Rural Health elective in 2008 had 12 students. “This year we had our fourth class, with 35 students enrolled,” she says. “It includes students from both rural and urban areas.” The elective for first- and secondyear medical students provides an in-depth look at life in a rural practice. Oklahoma physicians Jennifer Scoufos, D.O., Sallisaw; Darryl Jackson, D.O., Prague; and Monty Grugan, D.O., Broken Bow, share their experiences working in rural areas. Oklahoma physicians who volunteer to assist in training for another course, Rural Medical Care, are J. Michael Fitzgerald, D.O., Lawton; Tammie Koehler, D.O., Miami; Tulsa-based physicians Shawna Duncan, D.O., Joseph Johnson, D.O., and William Wylie, D.O.; and Stacey Knapp, D.O., Clinton. “I see a new group of students each year and it is always amazing to hear their stories and feel their enthusiasm,” Pace says. “When the students tour one of our rural residency programs, it is a real highlight. They are terrific students who have great stories to tell and are excited about being in the program.” Creating Leaders

he program does more than promote rural medicine. “We are creating leaders for rural health, not just expanding an interest,” Pace says. “These physicians become community leaders, too.” Jennifer Duroy, a second-year student from Ponca City, Okla., is vice president of the Student Osteopathic Rural Medicine Club. The club gives students insight into rural medicine through activities such as a spring health fair and discussions with physicians. “I will do four rotations in Tulsa and the rest in rural areas of the state,” says Duroy, who begins rotations in November. OSU also is increasing efforts to recruit and train students for medical practice in rural and underserved Oklahoma through an early admissions (continues)

Where Are the Doctors? There are several factors — such as having one physician for every 3,500 people — that can lead to an area being federally designated as a Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Area. In Oklahoma, all or parts of 64 of the state’s 77 counties have been designated Primary Care Health Professional Shortage Areas as of Nov. 1, 2011: Adair

Lincoln

Alfalfa

Love

Atoka

Major

Beckham

Marshall

Bryan

Mayes

Caddo

McClain

Carter

McCurtain

Cherokee

McIntosh

Choctaw

Murray

Cimarron

Muskogee

Coal

Noble

Comanche

Nowata

Cotton

Okfuskee

Craig

Okmulgee

Custer

Osage

Delaware

Ottawa

Garfield

Pawnee

Garvin

Pittsburg

Grady

Pontotoc

Grant

Pottawatomie

Greer

Pushmataha

Harmon

Roger Mills

Harper

Seminole

Haskell

Sequoyah

Hughes

Stephens

Jackson

Texas

Jefferson

Tillman

Johnston

Tulsa

Kay

Washington

Kingfisher

Washita

Kiowa

Woods

Latimer Le Flore

OSU Medicine

Beat of the Road

program. The agreement with College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and the College of Arts and Sciences allows select students to gain early admission to the osteopathic medicine college. These students commit to practice in rural areas after graduation. Students in the program complete their first three undergraduate years on the Stillwater campus, then transfer to the osteopathic medicine college in Tulsa. The first year of medical school counts as the fourth year of undergraduate work, so students graduate with their bachelor’s degree.

OSU Mobile Cardiology unit rolls into rural and underserved Oklahoma.

Photo / OSU Center for Health Sciences

The mission of the OSU Center for Health Sciences is to serve rural and underserved Oklahoma. Second-year medical student Eryn Bass performs basic health checks at the Mission of Mercy free dental clinic in McAlester in February. In July 2012, students may choose a rural medical track, an integrated curriculum designed to provide rural-focused primary care training. The rural medical track will help alleviate the shortage of physicians in Oklahoma counties that have been federally designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas. Duroy plans to practice family medicine in northwest Oklahoma. “That’s where I am from, and my husband is from Billings,” Duroy says, adding she wants to take a fellowship in obstetrics. “That way, I can actually deliver babies and take care of them and their parents too,” she says. “All my doctors were like part of the family. That’s the kind of doctor I want to be.” Marl a Schaefer

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eborah Bright knew something was wrong. Her heart was pounding. She awoke on a February morning with a rapid heartbeat. Symptoms worsened, and she nearly passed out before rushing to see her family physician, Dr. Doug Brant. Fortunately for her, the OSU Mobile Cardiology unit was visiting Brant’s office in Drumright, Okla. Bright received an echo test and carotid sonogram. The Drumright city commissioner started treatment and scheduled a follow-up visit with a cardiologist at OSU Medical Center. “I normally would have had to drive to Tulsa to receive access to these types of cardiac tests,” Bright says. “OSU Mobile Cardiology had the tests completed conveniently in less than three hours, and I was able to stay in my hometown.” The Mobile Cardiology partnership between OSU Medical Center and OSU Center for Health Sciences brings critical cardiac services to Oklahoma’s rural and underserved areas. The new unit is able to provide state-of-the-art cardiology diagnostic services. The unit saves patients like Bright valuable time, says OSU Medical Center CEO Jan Slater. “OSU Mobile Cardiology offers critical diagnostic testing on site — at a physician’s office, hospital or health care location,” Slater says. “The testing is the same as what you find in a highlevel cardiology center like ours at OSU Medical Center.”

vailable testing services include abdominal ultrasounds, carotid duplex ultrasounds, echocardiogram exercise stress tests, exercise stress tests, lower extremity duplex ultrasounds, nuclear stress testing, nuclear medicine diagnostic studies, stress echocardiography and venous Doppler ultrasounds. Howard Barnett, president of OSU-Tulsa and OSU Center for Health Sciences, says the cardiology unit will save lives.

Photo / OSU Medical Center

The nuclear medicine gamma camera is a component of the equipment available on the Mobile Cardiology unit.

The 45-foot-long Mobile Cardiology unit provides services for people in rural communities.

pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, lack of physical activity and obesity.

he OSU Mobile Cardiology unit is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a challenge grant from the A.R. and Marylouise Tandy “OSU’s primary care physicians throughout Oklahoma tell Foundation and a contribution from The Anne and Henry us their patients often will neglect their hearts rather than make Zarrow Foundation. the trip to a metropolitan area for cardiac diagnostic services,” “OSU Center for Health Sciences and the OSU Medical Barnett says. “OSU Mobile Cardiology is perfectly aligned with Center have a national reputation for our expertise, commitment the land-grant mission of Oklahoma State University and, in and compassion,” says Dr. Kayse Shrum, provost of OSU Center particular, OSU’s medical school in Tulsa. OSU is dedicated for Health Sciences and dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic to bringing outstanding medical care to the people who need Medicine. “The OSU Mobile Cardiology unit augments the care it most.” our physicians provide at the front line of medicine — underOklahoma ranks among the five worst U.S. states for heart served and rural primary care.” disease, according to the Oklahoma health department’s 2011 As the mobile unit continues traveling to rural and underState of the State’s Health Report. Oklahoma tops the list for the served communities across Oklahoma, patients like Bright are leading risk factors of heart disease such as smoking, high blood able to follow up on testing with their physicians. Left: Discussing the OSU Mobile Cardiology unit are, from left, OSU Medical “My experience with OSU Mobile Center CEO Jan Slater; David L. Brewer, M.D., chair of the medical center’s cardiolCardiology was convenient and gave me ogy services and the Center for Health Sciences Clinical Professor of internal mediaccess to the exceptional technology and cine; Howard Barnett, president of OSU-Tulsa and OSU Center for Health Sciences; services of OSU Medical Center,” Bright and Bryan Harris, D.O., OSU Medical Center cardiology fellow and an OSU College says. “The best part was that I never had to of Osteopathic Medicine graduate. Photo/OSU Center for Health Sciences leave my hometown.” 41

AN ELECTRIC INVESTMENT RETURN A Baldor employee who took classes at OSUIT facilitates equipment donation from his company.

ometimes a return on investment can benefit more than one group.

Jerry Oxford invested in his continuing education by attending classes at OSU Institute of Technology’s campus at the Mid-America Industrial Park in Pryor, Okla. His return: a promotion at the Nupar plant near Claremore, Okla., where he works in plant maintenance. Oxford’s investment in his education also paid off for OSUIT, after it received about $80,000 worth of equipment from the student’s employer, Baldor Electric Company. Nupar is a subsidiary of Baldor, an international producer of variable-speed

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programmable electric drives, which are used throughout the international manufacturing industry. “I took the course a few months ago, because I wanted hands-on experience with the drives,” says Oxford, who has been with Nupar six years, including three in maintenance. “I knew how to troubleshoot and repair the drives, but I didn’t know how to program them. To move up in the company, I needed hands-on experience with that area — computer control of motor speed is essential to the manufacturing process.”

Oxford learned how to program a variety of drives that changed the frequency and speeds of the Baldor mechanisms. He also learned how to troubleshoot motor problems quickly and efficiently. Finally, he earned the certification he needed for his promotion. For Baldor plant manager Dennis Dardin, the return on investment for his company was the upgrade in performance that Oxford now brings to the maintenance section of the plant. “It’s difficult to find someone in this part of the country with the technical skills and training to maintain our drives,” Dardin says. “The closest training center Baldor has is in Fort Worth, Texas.”

“We help the students, the students benefit their employers, the economy improves and we benefit from industry involvement through advisory boards and gifts-in-kind like the one Jerry Oxford arranged.” — OSUIT President Bill R. Path

OSUIT instructor Kent Tunnell, left, and Jerry Oxford open boxes containing some of the new drives donated by Baldor.

Photo / Rex Daugherty

Dardin says Oxford covers the plant’s second shift as the on-site maintenance person. “Instead of having to call a person from first shift to come out and fix something, now Jerry can resolve the issue on the spot,” Dardin says. “So, we are saving the expense of calling a manager out or another hourly person out to help troubleshoot a drive system.” Scott Fry, director of OSUIT Mid-America Industrial Training Center, says those participating in the program are landing good-paying jobs. “The demand from industry is almost overwhelming,” Fry says. “There are so many jobs available for skilled maintenance technicians and there are few qualified people available. Human resources

departments are struggling to find folks with those particular skill sets.” OSUIT’s industrial maintenance program of study includes 36 credit hours that involve plenty of hands-on work in the electronics lab. In his final lab class Oxford noticed a need for higher grade and newer electrical drives with programmable controls. Oxford discussed this need with OSUIT instructor Kent Tunnell. Oxford saw an opportunity for his company to help. Tunnell arranged for a donation through Baldor’s main office in Fort Smith, Ark. A few weeks after completing the program, Oxford called Tunnel and said he was bringing new drives. “I was so surprised when he arrived with a pick-up truck full of 19 new Baldor drives,” says Tunnell. “The drives are of all sizes. This is just what we needed – a very generous donation with a value close to $80,000 from Baldor.” OSUIT President Bill R. Path says the generous donation from Baldor shows the return on investment in education is a benefit to all. “We help the students, the students benefit their employers, the economy improves and we benefit from industry involvement through advisory boards and gifts-in-kind like the one Jerry Oxford arranged,” Path says.

Oxford says, “I’m not a school person, but the people at OSUIT were easy to get along with. The instructors were accessible. When I completed the work, I got a promotion and a pay raise. Now I plan on going back and earning an associate in applied science degree.” Rex Daugherty Photo / Rex Daugherty

A variable-speed drive donated to OSUIT Mid-America Industrial Park in Pryor, Okla. The drives are used in the manufacturing industry. 43

FIGHT ING

DEADLY OUTBREAKS

OSU institute works to prevent foodborne disease outbreaks and ensure consumer safety. By M at t E l l i o t t

It’s a tale of two outbreaks. Two cases of foodborne diseases occurred in 2011 — one in Europe and one in America — illustrating a gap in the level of government coordination when responding to such emergencies. In May, a rare and powerful form of E. coli bacteria sickened more than 3,500 Germans. More than 850 developed a condition that can cause kidney failure and 53 died, more than ever recorded during an E. coli outbreak. “The whole European Union was very concerned about it because it took a long time to figure out where it was coming from,” says Jacqueline Fletcher. Fletcher, the director of OSU’s National Institute for Microbial Forensics & Food and Agricultural Biosecurity, was in Germany for an October conference. The OSU institute works with the U.S. government and law enforcement officials as part of a coordinated effort to keep the public and its food supply safe. Similar coordination was not apparent last year with the E. coli outbreak in Europe. Despite the close confines of the European Union, it took weeks for authorities to trace the outbreak to bean sprouts contaminated at an organic farm. While meats in Europe were heavily tested for bad bugs, produce was not regularly monitored, according to Food Safety News. When authorities tested other produce during the outbreak, they found similar strains of E. coli. The incident exposed shortcomings in how governments handle and alert the public to such emergencies. “They didn’t have an internationally coordinated response system,” Fletcher says. “Compared to the United States,

SPRING 2012

which is one nation with one set of policies, each EU country has its own regulatory policies, and they may not share everything with their neighbors because of trade issues.” In September, a different situation developed in America. An outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes killed 30 and sickened 146, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but authorities quickly warned consumers and pinpointed the source as contaminated cantaloupe from a Colorado farm.

“The European participants looked at the United States and remarked how well the system worked.” — Jacqueline Fletcher Last January the FDA traced the outbreak to new machinery and the use of unchlorinated wash water at Jensen Farms in Holly, Colo. “When I attended a meeting in Europe shortly after the Listeria cantaloupe outbreak, the European participants looked at the United States and remarked how well the system worked,” Fletcher says. “In the Listeria outbreak, we knew very rapidly where it had come from.”

OSU institute uniquely leads

With industrialized agriculture and increasing amounts of imported produce, a contamination of a nation’s food supply

can pose a litany of threats to public safety. And it’s not just bugs like E. coli, Listeria or salmonella. It also is threatened by plant diseases, which can harm rangeland and forests. Understanding the bugs behind natural and manmade threats is part of the goals of OSU’s National Institute for Microbial Forensics & Food and Agricultural Biosecurity. The institute’s focus on criminal and random naturally occurring events like salmonella, Listeria and E. coli outbreaks, is unique, Fletcher says. “Those are two very different things,” she says. “Naturally occurring outbreaks are much more common. Understanding how they work is simpler than, say, investigating a criminal act. “That’s where the forensics part of our name comes in. Everything you do and say in a court of law is going to be challenged by the other side. It’s not like the audience is your peers, as it normally is in science.”

Anthrax attacks show need

Shortly after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, anthrax spores in mailed letters killed five people and sickened 17 others in the U.S. Fletcher, a bacteriologist well versed in plant diseases, was asked to work with a federal initiative to examine the nation’s microbial forensics capabilities. “I learned there was a need for this institute,” Fletcher says. In 2007, the National Institute for Microbial Forensics & Food and Agricultural Biosecurity launched at OSU. Today, five faculty members and 10 collaborators dedicate themselves to studying and improving microbial forensics and food safety, and setting up a coalition of federal and state investigators to study those issues.

Jacqueline Fletcher, the director of OSU’s National Institute for Microbial Forensics & Food and Agricultural Biosecurity, works in her lab where OSU faculty research ways to protect the food supply. Background: E. Coli on a spinach leaf. Photomicrography by Astri Wayadande

PHOTO / GARY LAWSON

The institute has hosted exercises encouraging collaboration between first responders, law enforcement and scientists. Each group has its own lingo and priorities, Fletcher notes, but they all need to work together during crises. “Say, for example, a hazmat team is sent to an agricultural incident,” Fletcher says. “That team knows what to do about emergency management. They know incident command structure, but through no fault of their own, they may not know what questions to ask a farmer or what samples to collect.”

Ongoing research

Astri Wayadande, the institute’s assistant director and an expert on E. coli, is studying how houseflies move the bacteria between livestock operations and fields of leafy greens. The work is hugely important in states such as California where farming often takes place next to large ranching operations.

“Wayadande has collected flies in the greens in the fields, and some are positive for pathogenic E. coli,” Fletcher says. “She has looked experimentally at how the insects pick up and move the bacteria, and whether those deposited on a plant can colonize.” Flies are known to transfer E. coli between cattle, but Wayadande was among the first to show flies transferred the bacteria to plants. She also is looking at how long the bacteria can survive, which insects are best at transporting them and how far the bugs can fly. Any developments there can help growers keep their products secure. Other institute projects deal with other foodborne human pathogens.

Li Maria Ma, a food microbiologist, and Fletcher have a study looking at how salmonella can survive in cantaloupe. The organism’s infection, salmonellosis, was the second leading foodborne illness in 2011, sickening just more than 1 million people, the CDC reports. While it typically disappears within several days, it still can be dangerous for the very young, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A ripe cantaloupe is rough and ridged, but the melon begins life with a smooth surface broken by cracks. Salmonella can invade through those cracks, Fletcher and Ma’s research shows. Once the microbes have moved in, they can thrive in the melons’ dark moist interior. A second part of the project looks at whether the human pathogens might be aided by the presence of plant pathogenic bacteria also found on the fruit rind. The project is funded by an Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology grant. “This kind of synergism between human pathogens and plant pathogens has been shown by other researchers working with different hosts and human pathogens,” Fletcher says. “We’ve shown it for the first time in cantaloupe.” The CDC estimates one in six people contract foodborne illnesses, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die annually. Nevertheless, the U.S. food supply is among the safest in the world, Fletcher says, and incidents of human pathogen contamination of cantaloupes and other fresh produce are rare. A better understanding of these issues, such as those studied by Fletcher and the institute, can lead to better protection methods when they are sorely needed.

Jacqueline Fletcher has a doctoral degree in plant pathology from Texas A&M University. She is a past president of the American Phytopathological Society and an expert in insect-transmitted diseases of plants, molecular biology, microbial forensics, food safety and plant diseases found in Oklahoma. She frequently collaborates with government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service.

Tomorrow begins today.

We’re defined by what we pass on to the next generation. That’s why ConocoPhillips is working with National Energy Education Development to provide America’s teachers with the training and resources they need to bring energy to life for students. Through this program, we’re getting our kids interested in math and science and teaching them about the importance of conservation. So we can pass on what matters … to the ones who matter most.

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A Distinguished Honor The contributions of Jim and Jane Anderson are recognized during the 20th anniversary of the Distinguished Chef Series.

“This is a perfect example of where a vision can lead. The scholarship celebrates the Andersons’ vision and its impact on students. And that vision now will be celebrated into perpetuity.” — Dean Stephan Wilson

SPRING 2012

Opposite page: Jim Anderson, left, Jane Anderson and Bill Ryan, School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration director, pose for a picture after the announcement of the Jim and Jane Anderson Distinguished Chef Series Endowed Scholarship. left: College of Human Sciences Dean Stephan Wilson, wearing a bow tie, congratulates the Andersons, who react with surprise after the announcement of an endowed scholarship in their honor at the 20th Anniversary Distinguished Chef Scholarship Benefit Series.

“Flabbergasted. Completely flabbergasted,” Jim Anderson says he and his wife, Jane, felt when honored during the 20th anniversary of the Distinguished Chef Scholarship Benefit Series. The announcement of an endowed scholarship recognizing Jim Anderson’s role as series founder surprised the couple. “I really thought the number they mentioned was the total for the entire scholarship endowment,” Jim Anderson says. “I could not believe that was the amount that would be available to students every year. It’s just amazing.” The fund was created by the generosity of longtime chef series patrons, who took advantage of a 2-to-1 match from the Pickens Legacy Scholarship Match. The total impact will be $680,000 in the Jim and Jane Anderson Distinguished Chef Series Endowed Scholarship, which will produce $34,000 annually for School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration students. School Director Bill Ryan, the Charles W. Lanphere Professor, says this scholarship was created to recognize the couple’s commitment to hospitality education, support for students and vision for

creating the Distinguished Chef Series in the early 1990s. “Jim’s philosophy of combining formal education with work experience to create a well-rounded professional forms the cornerstone of the curriculum and the experiential learning process in the School of Hotel and Restaurant Administration at Oklahoma State University,” Ryan says. One of the most popular events on campus, the Distinguished Chef Series was created to fill a shortfall in faculty. Anderson, a former faculty member, restaurant owner and past president of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, started the event 20 years ago to provide professional instruction and hands-on experience for hospitality students. “I felt in order to be a restaurant manager or owner, you needed to know about preparing and serving food,” Anderson says. “There was no one here who could teach students how to work in a restaurant kitchen. So I asked colleagues from Oklahoma and around the country to come every two weeks and spend a week with students in the kitchen designing, preparing and serving meals.” So far, more than 100 chefs have provided valuable lessons to students while exposing guests to unique cuisine from around the world. Today, chefs spend a week four times per year planning, cooking and serving a four-course meal for 225 guests.

Even though the price of a ticket is significantly higher than any other meal in Stillwater, there is a waiting list every year for patrons eager to enjoy the events. “Jim leads by example and has mentored many individuals who have continued on to experience successful careers and productive lives,” Ryan says. “Jim and Jane inspire leadership in hospitality and have enhanced the lives of others though their contributions to hospitality education.” College of Human Sciences Dean Stephan Wilson agrees. “This is a perfect example of where a vision can lead,” he says. “The scholarship celebrates the Andersons’ vision and its impact on students. And that vision now will be celebrated into perpetuity.” J ul i e B arnard

To make a gift to the Jim and Jane Anderson Distinguished Chef Series Endowed Scholarship, please contact Bill Ryan, Ed.D., b.ryan@okstate.edu, or Stephanie Vogel, Ed.D., svogel@OSUgiving.com.

Illustration / Talyn Edelson, graphic design senior

SPRING 2012

A lu m n i h o l di ng e l e c t e d p o s i t ion s s uc h a s g ov e r no r , l i e u t e na n t g ov e r no r , s e nat o r a n d r e p r e s e n tat i v e apply OSU ethic to govern.

OSU

alumni serve their state, their country and, if lucky enough to be one of the dozens serving in an elected

office, their constituents. Elected officials’ dedication to those they represent is first and fore-

most, but OSU alumni in these roles are united by something more. “There’s always a special bond or a special feeling when you’re an alumnus of a university,” says Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, a 1977 graduate with a degree in family relations and child development. “OSU’s alumni base has tremendous pride in its school and its accomplishments.” Tom Coburn. Lee Denney. Dale DeWitt. Mary Fallin. Todd Lamb. Frank Lucas. Cory Williams. Those are just a few of OSU’s alumni elected to serve people. (continues)

Story by Matt Elliott

Photo / Phil Shockley

SPRING 2012

mong those Cowboys, say the politicians, is an ethic not that different from one bred in Oklahoma State since its birth in 1890. “I’ve always thought that OSU grads are a more pragmatic, laid-back and genuine crowd than maybe those from some of the other institutions around,” says Oklahoma Rep. Cory Williams, D-Stillwater. “They’ve got more of a workhorse mentality. In state government, we show that. My fellow alumni are more approachable and open to different ideas.” Oklahoma Rep. Dale DeWitt, R-Braman, agrees. Most of the alumni represent rural areas, he notes, and they tend to stick to their roots on issues. “A good example is a good friend of mine down here, Phil Richardson (R-Minco),” he says. “Phil and I exchange ideas quite often. But I never have to ask him where he’s at on an issue. If one of these folks tells you something, it’s that way. Their word is good.” Oklahoma Sen. Jim Halligan found out firsthand the loyalty OSU alumni show. Halligan served as OSU’s 16th president from 1994 to 2002. Halligan, R-Stillwater, isn’t an alumnus, but he might as well be. He helped reverse 12 years of falling enrollment and oversaw improvements to scholars programs and $380 million in facilities in an effort to prime OSU for the 21st century. He remembers one of the first times he flew into Stillwater as president and observed the campus from his plane.

Left: Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, a 1977 graduate, says there’s a “special bond” among OSU alumni.

“I looked down, and it almost looked like a movie set,” he says. “When you get here, the first thing you see is a beautiful campus — the consistency of the architecture. And you say to yourself, ‘This is a special place.’ ” It’s the commitment of OSU’s alumni in government to the state that strikes Halligan, who was elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 2007. “I think there’s an intense loyalty, both to Oklahoma and OSU,” says the former chemical engineer. “I think as we gather together, being a Cowboy is a very, very positive thing. I have seen statistics that show there are more Oklahoma State graduates in the state of Oklahoma than from any other university. They make an enormous contribution.”

“Oklahoma State has a family feeling,” she says. “It’s very friendly. It’s very open. The campus is easy to get around. There are a lot of great activities. A lot of school pride. And it was very welcoming as a new student to come to that university. I just felt like it was easy to fit in to.” That feeling is alive and well today. OSU President Burns Hargis and his wife, Ann, have an open and welcoming approach with students. They frequently attend student events, meetings and other campus activities. “I think that means a lot to students whenever the president of a huge university system comes in and just gets one-onone with you,” Williams says. Many alumni who are elected officials say activities such as student government and political clubs were “I received a great, pivotal experiences. qua lity e ducation On OSU Williams, who was at Ok lahoma State or more than a a Lambda Chi Alpha t h at pre pa re d m e century, OSU fraternity member, has a to be in the position has been a place for all 2001 bachelor’s in politith at I a m in today. students. cal science and a 2005 It inspired me to DeWitt was the first master’s in international dr e a m big w h e n I in his family to get a trade and development. wa s a you ng gi r l college degree. Now, He says most of the from a small rural he’s the Oklahoma things he argued about tow n mov i ng to House majority floor as a member of the Stillwater.” leader. Student Government — Oklahoma Gov. Mary There were 15 Association weren’t Fallin, Class of 1977 students in his graduatthat important in ing class in Braman, a hindsight, but working town of about 200 people 70 miles north together, passing laws and learning about of Stillwater. He grew up on a farm and governing were. was very familiar with OSU because of “I don’t think OSU feels like the big its huge impact on state agriculture. So state school,” he says. “I know we’ve got coming to OSU was a no-brainer. thousands of students on campus. It sure “I enjoyed every minute of it,” DeWitt doesn’t feel like it. You can do anything says. “I had great advisers. They helped you want at OSU, but it still feels like your me out a lot — a small-town person in own little neighborhood.” Stillwater for the first time without ever Fallin was a member of Kappa Alpha having been around a large school.” Theta sorority and served as its alumni After graduating in 1973 with a bach- chairperson. She also volunteered with the elor’s in agricultural education, DeWitt Blades, a service organization connected was a rancher and a teacher for nearly to the Army ROTC on campus. 30 years before his election to the state “I remember going up into the suites House in 2001. with the Blades and handing out programs Fallin had a similar experience at at the games,” Fallin says. “I received a OSU. She grew up in Tecumseh and, great, quality education at Oklahoma before her junior year, transferred to State that prepared me to be in the OSU from Oklahoma Baptist University (continues) in Shawnee.

2012 Capitol Cowboys A look at the 42 members, most of them graduates of OSU, of the Capitol Cowboys group at the Oklahoma Capitol: Statewi de official s Gov. Mary Fallin, R, B.S. 1977 Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, R, B.A. 1996

Okl ahoma Se nate

Steve Kouplen, D-Beggs, B.S. 1973;

M.S. 1986 James Lockhart, D-Heavener, friend Mark McCullough, R-Sapulpa, B.S.

1989; M.S. 1992 Skye McNiel, R-Bristow, B.S. 2000 Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City,

attended Jadine Nollan, R-Sand Springs, B.S.

1982

Patrick Anderson, R-Enid, B.S. 1990

Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang, B.S. 1986

Roger Ballenger, D-Okmulgee,

Marty Quinn, R-Claremore, friend

diploma 1974 (OSUIT) Don Barrington, R-Lawton, AAS 1992

(OSU-OKC) Josh Brecheen, R-Coalgate, B.S. 2002 Rick Brinkley, R-Owasso, working on

doctorate Kim David, R-Porter, B.S. 1983 Jerry Ellis, D-Valliant, B.S. 1969 Eddie Fields, R-Wynona, B.S. 1990 Jim Halligan, R-Stillwater, former

president Rob Johnson, R-Yukon, B.S. 1996 Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, B.S. 1967;

M.S. 1968 Charlie Laster, D-Shawnee, B.S. 1976 Mike Schulz, R-Altus, B.S. 1986 Jim Wilson, D-Tahlequah, B.S. 1971

Okl ahoma House

Phil Richardson, R-Minco, B.S. 1965;

DVM 1967 Brian Renegar, D-McAlester, DVM

1976 Mike Ritze, R-Broken Arrow, M.S.

2005 (OSU-CHS) Wade Rousselot, D-Wagoner, B.S.

1981 Ben Sherrer, D-Chouteau, B.S. 1990;

B.S. 1991 Jerry Shoemake, D-Morris, attended

OSUIT John Trebilcock, R-Broken Arrow, B.A.

1996 Cory Williams, D-Stillwater, B.S. 2001;

M.S. 2003 Harold Wright, R-Weatherford,

attended

Gus Blackwell, R-Laverne, friend

There are also a couple of Cowboys who hold federal elected offices:

Don Armes, R-Faxon, friend

U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee,

Doug Cox, R-Grove, B.S. 1974 Lee Denney, R-Cushing, B.S. 1976;

DVM 1978 Dale DeWitt, R-Braman, B.S. 1973 Joe Dorman, D-Rush Springs, B.A.

1994 Wes Hilliard, D-Sulphur, B.A. 1997 Mike Jackson, R-Enid, B.S. 2000 Fred Jordan, R-Jenks, B.S. 1996

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B.S. 1970 U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne,

B.S. 1982

position that I am in today. It inspired me to dream big when I was a young girl from a small rural town moving to Stillwater.” Oklahoma Sen. Ron Justice, R-Chickasha, who grew up on a farm, graduated from OSU in 1967 and finished his master’s in 1968 before becoming an OSU county extension agent. Justice studied agricultural education. “There were a lot of people who helped me throughout my college career, helped support me and encourage me,” Justice says. “My advisers. My professors. That meant a lot to me to have that encouragement throughout my days at Oklahoma State.” Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb owes the start of his political career to OSU. In the early 1990s, he was a political science major and a football player. He remembers former Gov. Henry Bellmon, an alumnus, teaching one of his classes. But his big break came in 1992 when he attended a speech by Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate Frank Keating at a College Republicans meeting. “I had met him at a reception in my hometown of Enid the summer before,” Lamb says. “I could tell he had a real vision and a strong agenda for Oklahoma.” Keating hired Lamb, who put his education on hold to work on the campaign. After Keating was elected in 1994, Lamb served on his staff. Lamb finished his degree in 1996 and became an agent with the Secret Service before his election to the Oklahoma Senate in 2004. In Washington, U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas chairs the House Committee on Agriculture, which is instrumental in reauthorizing the Farm Bill that guides the nation’s agricultural policy. Lucas, R-Cheyenne, is in a key position to put Oklahoma State and Oklahoma’s perspective on pivotal agricultural issues into practice at the federal level. “I would not be in the position I am in today, I can say with absolute certainty, had I not gone to Oklahoma State University, had I not earned an agricultural economics degree, had I not been a part of (continues) Right: Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, a 1996 graduate, received his break into politics while attending OSU.

Photo / Phil Shockley

12,000 people within sight, it seemed like. I’d never seen that many human beings before in one time, at one place.” Others, such as U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, deployed a work ethic at OSU that would guide them throughout their lives. Coburn, R-Muskogee, studied accounting and married his wife, the former Miss Oklahoma Carolyn Denton, his junior year. The work ethic came from his father, and it made him treat college like a job. It paid off. He was one of the top students in the business school. In addition to serving as president of the Business Student Council, he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity.

Illustration / Allie Crall, graphic design junior

student senate, the College Republicans or not developed relationships with the people I did,” he says. “I’m very proud of and very appreciative of my experiences at Oklahoma State University.” A farmer and rancher, Lucas studied agricultural economics at Oklahoma State. He came to OSU after his wheat crop failed in 1978 and quickly became involved in College Republicans and student government. Lucas says he was the adult version of many small-town students at OSU. “One of the most memorable experiences on campus to me was the first time I was in front of Edmon Low Library at 12:30 in the afternoon,” says Lucas, who graduated in 1982. “There were probably

OKES

GO P

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“I just had a great time,” says Coburn, who graduated in 1970. “My dad said, ‘College is like a job. Spend 40 hours a week at college actually learning.’ That’s five days a week. Then you’ve got another 128 hours per week to do whatever you want. I worked hard at studying, and I played hard.”

Beyond Party Lines

he elected alumni connections to Oklahoma State breed a camaraderie that transcends party lines. Williams says many at the Oklahoma Capitol don orange during weeks when there’s a big football or basketball game. “A bunch of us have jackets ordered that are hunter orange,” Williams says. “We’ll look like we could direct traffic or go deer hunting.” That camaraderie stretches all the way to Washington. There’s an active alumni chapter in the capital and an Oklahoma State society there, Lucas says. There are OSU grads in all branches of government. “There’s a sense of family among not just the Oklahoma State folks but also Oklahomans up here,” Lucas says. While OSU alumni in government may have different political leanings, they can often find common ground on major issues, such as education. One of Fallin’s top priorities is increasing the number of college graduates in Oklahoma, in part by helping ensure students are prepared to go to college. “We know we haven’t always done the best job that we should in our state,” Fallin says. “And that’s why we are focusing on keeping our students in college, but that starts in K-12.” Businesses looking to expand into Oklahoma often ask her about the workforce’s education level, she says. Williams says OSU alumni at the state Capitol believe strongly in higher education, and they all recognize a need to properly fund the university system and produce more college graduates. “I think there’s going to be a concerted push this year to help expand or at least hold harmless education for a while. And it’s going to come from a lot of people who’ve actually gone to OSU and graduated.”

Fallin notes more education routinely leads to better-paying jobs. The better educated are also more likely to keep their jobs over time, she says. More Oklahomans want education, Halligan says. “It’s rare to talk to someone who doesn’t want their children to go to college,” he says. “That’s a universal aspiration almost throughout the community. So we have to do everything we can.” OSU’s alumni in government know the university is a part of the economic solution. Lamb was at a meeting of the nation’s lieutenant governors last year when he met the Irish first secretary for agriculture and food, John Dardis. “I told him I wanted to bring him to our state and show him what we were doing in agriculture research and how well we do that in Oklahoma,” Lamb says.

by continuing in its role as a land-grant Within four months, Dardis was university. touring the College of Agricultural “Doing the basic research it can do and Sciences and Natural Resources and its applying it,” Coburn says. “Equipping Food and Agricultural Products Center. students for today’s jobs Soon, the university instead of yesterday’s. I had signed a memoran“I wou l d not be think it will make a great dum of understanding i n t h e po sit ion I contribution, but I think with Ireland to expand am in today, I can those are tough things to their collaboration in say with absolute stay on top of.” agricultural research. ce rta i n t y, h a d I Justice calls to mind “Hopefully that will no t g on e t o OSU. the university’s land-grant lead to more agree… I’m v e ry p rou d mission when asked what ments and commerce of and v e r y makes him most proud and exports in beef a p p r e ci at i v e of about OSU. and wheat research in m y e x p e r i e nc e s “I think it has served Ireland,” Lamb says. at OSU.” our state well,” Justice “I just found a niche says. “In the very beginwhere I knew about —U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, ning, the land-grant Oklahoma State and Class of 1982 universities were about knew Dr. Dardis would helping people better themselves. I think be interested in what the university that’s the goal we strive for. You help can offer.” people to help themselves.” Coburn says OSU can help the state and the nation overcome their problems

Capitol Cowboys’ Grass-roots Efforts The Alumni Association keeps elected alumni connected to OSU.

here aren’t many alumni who’ve been better to OSU than Rep. Dale DeWitt, floor majority leader in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Before he was elected in 2001, the Republican legislator from Braman was a fixture in the campus community. He became a champion for higher education with his election to office. The Alumni Association hosted an event to thank him at the Braman community center in 2005. “We had 300-plus people show up,” says Larry Shell, president of the Alumni Association. There are just over 200 people living in the small northern Oklahoma farming community. “It was a surprise deal,” DeWitt says. “We had a lot of people wearing orange shirts that night.” The Alumni Association also contacted the local newspaper to get coverage of the event. It’s similar to things the association has done many times for other alumni. A goal of the OSU Alumni Association is keeping alumni connected to their alma mater, an objective that becomes even more important when the alumni are elected officials. One way of keeping that connection is Cowboys for Higher Education, a grass-roots network of alumni who contact their legislators regarding issues important to Oklahoma universities.

“Just because these legislators are alumni doesn’t always mean that the information we provide them allows them to vote on our side of things,” Shell says. “If they hear it from their constituents where they stand and what they believe in, then I think they have a more comfortable feel that they’re voting to represent their constituents.” If important and noncontroversial legislation needs support, the association sends out action emails to members who’ve agreed to contact their legislators about issues important to Oklahoma higher education, Shell says. Additionally, many of the OSU alumni serving are members of the Capitol Cowboys, a group whose 42 members share the kind of camaraderie found only among OSU alumni. The Alumni Association also hosts luncheons and dinners for legislators at the state Capitol. OSU alumni in government have helped the university in a host of ways, Shell says, not the least of which was the establishment of OSU-Tulsa in 1999. As Shell says, “We just try to get as much orange in the Capitol as possible.” M att E ll i ott

For more information about Cowboys for Higher Education, visit

orangeconnection.org/cfhe.

PHOTO / Genesee Photo Systems

Alumni Hall Of Fame

From left are Alumni Association Chairman Dan Gilliam, Benjamin Harjo Jr., Malinda Berry Fischer, Ray Booker, OSU President Burns Hargis and Alumni Association President Larry Shell.

Oklahoma State University has graduated many notable alumni, but the three joining the OSU Alumni Hall of Fame this year truly are Oklahoma treasures. The OSU Alumni Association inducted Ray Booker, Malinda Berry Fischer and Benjamin Harjo Jr. during a Feb. 17 ceremony at the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. Induction into the OSU Alumni Hall of Fame is the highest honor bestowed by the OSU Alumni Association. It recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement in society and professional life. “These three treasures set a wonderful example for us all,” OSU President Burns Hargis said. “Because when it’s all said and done, the legacies we leave are the effect we have on the lives that go on.”

The OSU Alumni Association would like to thank the following sponsors of the OSU Alumni Hall of Fame. Presenting Sponsors

ConocoPhillips • OSU Foundation L oya l a n d T ru e S p on s or s

Ray and Linda Booker • Dick and Malinda Berry Fischer 58

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Scan this QR code on your mobile device or go to http://gopok. es/osuhof12 to view the induction videos of this year’s honorees.

Ray Booker

of Tulsa, Okla., graduated from Oklahoma A&M in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is the founder of Aeromet Inc. and Aviation Technologies in Tulsa. Booker is a certified airline transport pilot and is retired. While at OSU, Booker was involved in the Air Force ROTC and the Baptist Student Union. After graduating, Booker was an engineer at Chance Vought Aircraft in Grand Prairie, Texas, before becoming a second lieutenant with the Air Force. He was sent to Pennsylvania State University for training, where he received a master’s degree in 1962 and a Ph.D. in 1965, both in meteorology. During his time at Penn State, Booker was a television meteorologist and developed and taught the first course in television weather casting. A severe-storm paper he wrote based on his master’s thesis was selected as the most significant scientific contribution at the American Meteorological Society Severe Storms Conference held in Norman, Okla. Booker invented a series of airborne instrument systems for studying precipitation in clouds, which led to making detailed measurements of high-altitude cloud particles for the U.S. Missile Defense Agency. He also led a team that developed the Autonomous Unmanned Reconnaissance Aircraft, which was designed to make meteorological and optical measurements in hazardous environments. It was an early predecessor of contemporary unmanned aircraft used in reconnaissance and combat roles. In 1964, he founded Weather Science Inc., which modified more than 50 aircraft. He also became the founder and CEO of Metrodata Systems Inc., which manufactured digital data and instrument systems for airborne data collection. Booker sold both companies in 1974 before founding Aeromet. Booker is a certified consulting meteorologist and fellow of the American Meteorological Society. He served on numerous professional committees and boards of the AMS, including as

chairman of the board of Certified Consulting Meteorologists and as chairman of the board on Professional Ethics. He has published more than 60 professional papers and major reports on meteorology, engineering and aviation. He has also written and successfully lobbied for the National Weather Modification Act to the U.S. Congress. Booker is an active supporter of the OSU Foundation, serving as its chairman of the board of directors during the Bringing Dreams to Life campaign. He has been an active board member and officer of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum and the Tulsa Ballet. For several years, Booker served on the executive

committee of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Associates. In 1995, Booker was awarded the CEAT Melvin R. Lohmann Medal, which is annually presented to a person for engineering achievement. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus of Penn State in 2000. In 2001, the OSU Alumni Association named Booker a Distinguished Alumnus. Booker is a life member of the OSU Alumni Association and had a residence hall at OSU named in his honor in 2005. Booker and his wife, Linda, have endowed two scholarship funds and a professorship at OSU. They enjoy music, theater, ballet and college sports.

Malinda Berry Fischer

of Stillwater, Okla., graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in education. She is currently president of Marietta Royalty Company and chairman of Thomas N. Berry & Company. Fischer completed her freshman year of college at Pine Manor Junior College in Wellesley, Mass., when she met her husband, Dick, a Harvard hockey player. Following family tradition since her maternal grandmother’s graduation from Oklahoma A&M in 1898, Fischer transferred to OSU. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, 1957 American Royal Queen and 1959 Maid of Cotton, which took her around the world for the American Cotton Industry, Cotton Council International and U.S. Department of Agriculture. She was honored as a Redskin Congratulate in 1958 and 1959. In 1960, she and her husband moved to Cambridge, Mass., where he attended Harvard Law School and she attended the Harvard-Radcliffe Program in Business Administration. In 1963, they moved to Rochester, N.Y., their home for the next 32 years, where Fischer worked as an organizational management and development consultant. She became the first woman to serve on the Chase Bank, N.A. Rochester Division board and as president of the Harvard Business School Club of Rochester. She held leadership roles on many boards, including Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester Area Community Foundation, Al Sigl Community of Agencies, Rochester Downtown Development Corp., Strong Museum, Women for Corporate Board, and the Junior League. As Rape Crisis Service Coordinator for Planned Parenthood of Rochester, she oversaw the acceptance of one of the first rape victim evidence kits in the country. Fischer’s receiving the District Attorney of Monroe County, N.Y., Civic Achievement Award; the Forman Flair Award; the Girl Scout Women of Distinction; and her listing in the inaugural edition of Outstanding Young Women of America have acknowledged her exceptional community service.

SPRING 2011

In 1995, Fischer returned to Stillwater as president and CEO of Thomas N. Berry & Company, which was founded and incorporated in 1937 by her grandfather, father and uncles. Fischer’s community service efforts in Oklahoma include board involvement with Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, Heritage Trust Company, Leadership Oklahoma, Oklahoma Arts Institute, The Oklahoma Academy, OSU’s University Club and Friends of Music, Stillwater Museum Association and the Oklahoma WONDERtorium advisory council. Fischer served on the OSU Foundation board of trustees from 1997-2007 as both interim president and CEO in 2004 and chairman in 2005. In honor of her father, Fischer established the Thomas E. Berry Professorship in water research and management. In 1998, to honor her maternal grandmother and mother and to support the arts, she

established the Wise-Diggs-Berry Endowed Arts Faculty Award recognizing teaching excellence in the arts at OSU. Additionally, she helped establish OSU’s Doel Reed Center for the Arts in Taos, N.M., and participates in other university related art initiatives. Fischer was designated in 2002 an OSU Leadership Legacy, a 2005 Homecoming judge and in 2006 an OSU Distinguished Alumna. In 2005, the OSU Foundation named the Malinda Berry Fischer Gallery recognizing her service to the Foundation and OSU. She is a POSSE Club member and a life member of the OSU Alumni Association. Fischer and her husband reside in Stillwater. They have two sons, Richard (Angie) and Van (Darlene), and three grandchildren: Bretton, Jackson and Campbell.

Benjamin Harjo Jr.

of Oklahoma City graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1974 with a bachelor’s in fine arts. Harjo is a Seminole and Absentee Shawnee and one of the nation’s leading American Indian artists. Harjo studied printmaking at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, N.M. After graduating from the arts institute, Harjo received a Bureau of Indian Affairs grant to attend OSU. After two years at OSU, he was drafted and served in Vietnam in 1969. Harjo returned to OSU in 1971 and graduated in 1974. After receiving his degree, Harjo moved to Tulsa, Okla., and began his art career. He gained the attention of Jim Halsey, a country music promoter and manager of guitarist Roy Clark, who bought several of his paintings and set up a mobile art gallery displaying his work. Harjo met his wife, Barbara, at an Indian art conference at Oklahoma City University. Harjo’s work has been featured in many publications, including The National Museum of American Indian, Washington DC Magazine, Southwest Art Today, Oklahoma Today and Art of the West. Several of his paintings have been purchased by private collectors and his work can be viewed in public collections, including the Fred E. Brown Collection at the Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, Red Earth Center, Gilcrease Museum, Wheelright Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of the American Indian at the Smithsonian. During his 35-year career, Harjo has received numerous honors and awards for his artwork. In 1987, he received the Red Earth Grand Award at the Red Earth Festival. Former Oklahoma Gov. David Walters also honored Harjo

for his selection by Absolut Vodka to represent Oklahoma in its USA Today campaign. Harjo was the featured artist for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian’s Annual Aspen Benefit in 1993 and 1994. In 2002, the OSU Alumni Association named Harjo a Distinguished Alumnus. The 2005 Santa Fe Indian Market named him the Signature Artist. In 2009, the University of Oklahoma Health Center named Harjo an Oklahoma Living Treasure; and the

Native American Art Studies Association presented him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Harjo is a member of the OSU Alumni Association and lives in Oklahoma City, where he is a selfemployed artist. He enjoys collecting books about Native American tribes and helping the OSU art department, where he has given lectures and taught workshops on printmaking.

3 PHOTOS / COURTESY

Above, left: Megan Burns stands in front of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. Burns does a lot of traveling for her job with Exxon Mobil. She recently transferred back to Houston after being based overseas. Above, right: Alyssa Schilling and Ashley Price attend a 2008 OSU football game. Schilling and Price, along with Burns, each independently decided to endow scholarships.

SPRING 2012

Young Trio Exhibits Mature Giving Attitude College friends take advantage of company and Pickens matches to establish OSU scholarships.

hemical engineers recognize a strong catalyst when they see it. That recognition led a trio of alumnae to become significant donors at a young age. “It was almost selfish not to do it,” says Megan Burns, Class of 2004. “It is such a good return on my investment in the school. It was too good an opportunity to pass up.” Burns, classmates Ashley Price and Alyssa Schilling, Class of 2002, all excelled in the School of Chemical Engineering and subsequently landed good jobs with giants in the energy industry. Burns and Schilling are co-workers in the same Houston-based department of

Exxon Mobil Corp. — process engineering for Arctic and Canada development. Price works for ConocoPhillips, where she started as a chemical engineer and is now in planning and strategy. She recently transferred back to the Houston office after more than three years in Australia. This trio’s friendship began at OSU. Burns and Price were in the same College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT) classes, whereas Price and Schilling were both members of Kappa Alpha Theta. Price introduced the other two, whose friendship extends beyond the office.

“To be able to have that impact on someone else — to make a difference in them getting to come to college and remove some of that stress — seemed like a good opportunity to me.” — Ashley Price Though they are all now in Houston, it is the first time they have all lived in the same area since leaving Stillwater. Schilling’s career has included stops in New Orleans and California. Burns returned to Houston after being located in Russia and Qatar. She came back around the time Price moved to Australia, where Schilling visited her twice. Even with their determination to stay in touch regardless of their proximity, they independently decided to endow scholarships through the Pickens Legacy Scholarship Match and their companies’ gift-matching programs. The combined impact of their generosity will eventually be $387,500, perpetually producing $19,375 in annual scholarships. Price, 31, established the Price CEAT Legacy Scholarship through ConocoPhillips’ 100 percent charitable donation match for employees. A match of 1.5-to-1 from T. Boone Pickens’ program also boosts the fund, so the final impact will be $125,000, or five times her investment. The Dallas native’s scholarship is for out-of-state CEAT students. This gift symbolizes her appreciation for the support she received at OSU, where her grandfather Kenneth Price completed an accounting degree in 1942 and her father, Brian Price, earned a chemical engineering degree in 1972 and a master’s in 1973. Her education was fully funded through a combination of scholarships and a legacy waiver. “It made the whole college process so much easier knowing I had that financial support, not having to amass loans or rely on my parents to make a large financial commitment,” she says. “That way I could focus on my studies and activities and

enjoy the college experience. To be able to have that impact on someone else — to make a difference in them getting to come to college and remove some of that stress — seemed like a good opportunity to me.” Burns and Schilling are taking advantage of Exxon Mobil’s 3-1 gift-matching program for employees. The Megan Burns Scholarship for Chemical Engineering, which will be awarded to juniors and seniors, will grow to $125,000, enjoying an impact of 10-to-1 from Burns’ commitment after incorporating the Exxon Mobil and Pickens matches. Burns, 30, is also an OSU legacy. Her father, Dennis Burns, earned a 1973 industrial engineering degree and followed it with a 1974 master’s in industrial engineering and a 1981 master’s in business administration. Her mother, Jane (Harris) Burns, completed an accounting degree in 1975. “It feels great to support the chemical engineering program, which was really like a family,” says Megan Burns, who grew up in Tulsa. “My education allowed me to go into this industry and do well for myself, which is why I have the money to donate now.”

Schilling, 33, attended OSU because it was where she felt most wanted, beginning with her tour of campus. The offer of a prestigious President’s Distinguished Scholarship added to the feeling, which continued throughout her education at OSU. “I decided to establish my own President’s Distinguished Scholarship because mine was so influential in my decision to come to OSU,” Schilling says. “It allowed me to focus on academics and leadership and being a student. That money was very helpful.” Schilling, who graduated from high school in the small town of Shattuck, Okla., stipulated that the Alyssa Schilling President’s Distinguished Scholarship support engineering majors from rural communities. This fund will total $137,500, or 10 times Schilling’s contribution, when the Exxon Mobil and Pickens matches are factored in. “I don’t really like the word pride, but there is certainly a sense of pride and I feel like it’s a payback for the generous scholarship that I was on while I was there,” Schilling says. “I’m happy to do it. It’s not out of obligation, but I’m able to give back now, so why not?” All three of these women exhibit a selflessness seldom seen at such a young age, but they describe their decision as simple mathematics. “Making this gift may sound like a big commitment, but it really doesn’t feel like it,” Burns says. “It just felt selfish not to take advantage of the matches. When you spread the pledge out over a couple of years, it’s really not a big impact to my life, though it will make a big difference to others.” Jaco b L o n g a n

How We Develop World-Class Leaders at Oklahoma State By Robert J. Sternberg, OSU Provost

As a land-grant university, OSU’s mission can be summarized very simply: We develop active citizens and leaders who make a positive, meaningful and enduring difference. The difference can be made at any level — family, community, state, nation and world. We want OSU graduates to make the world a better place to live. Although this may be obvious to those who embrace the land-grant spirit, it is not the goal of every university. Some universities are content to develop the “life of the mind” without connection to the betterment of the world. OSU is not one of those universities. Many universities claim to develop leaders. What is it that OSU does differently? Why can OSU claim to be unique, even among land-grant universities, in developing world-class leaders? OSU has a specific plan for leadership development. It is an integrated and unified system that encompasses admissions, instruction, assessment and campus life.

It Starts with Admissions Like many other universities, Oklahoma State requires a standardized test for college admission (the ACT or SAT) and requires students to submit their high school grade-point averages. This information helps ensure that matriculating students will succeed academically.

SPRING 2012

But OSU is moving in a new and exciting direction to help identify potential leadership skills. This new direction is through a project called Panorama being implemented under the leadership of Kyle Wray, vice president of enrollment management and marketing. Panorama is loosely based on a conception of leadership I developed that evaluates four personal characteristics. The basic idea is that good and effective leaders are creative in formulating a vision of the direction in which they want to take their organization (or their followers, in general); analytical in evaluating whether their vision is in fact a good one; practical in implementing their vision and in persuading others of its value; and wise in ensuring the vision helps achieve a common good over the long and short term through the infusion of positive ethical values. Through Panorama, applicants have the option of writing essays that measure these skills. An essay might ask them to reflect on how a song’s lyrics have personal meaning in their lives or to predict what kind of contribution they would like to make to mankind that would be considered prize worthy. How are such essays scored? We use “rubrics,” or frameworks, to evaluate responses. For example, an essay is judged creative to the extent it is novel, compelling and relevant to the task at hand. An essay is judged practical to the extent it represents ideas that are feasible regarding time and place, human and material resources, and to the extent it is persuasive. (continues)

Illustration / Ben Cheney, Graphic design senior

Currently, applicants can be admitted through (a) ACT or The main reason is that tests like the ACT or SAT are not SAT scores, (b) high-school grades, (c) a combination of ACT or intended to, and do not, meaningfully predict who will become SAT scores and high-school grades, and (d) a holistic evaluation. the active citizens and leaders of the future. These essays will be used initially for candidates admitted If our only interest in admitting students were based on through the holistic option and for scholarship consideration. academic credentials, we would not need such projects. But the leaders who change the world are not necessarily those with the My hope is that over time essays will be used to evaluate a much top academic credentials. broader range of applicants. While we want to admit students with the academic skills Note that the essays are optional. No one has to do them. to do the work at OSU successfully, we And note also that essays are used to provide reasons to admit students, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to perpetuate the illusion that not reject them. We do not look to reject academic skills are the best predictors of applicants because they write weak essays, future active citizenship and leadership. but rather to admit applicants because Tests like the ACT measure the analytical they write strong ones. aspect of the leadership model, but are Based on previous results described silent with regard to the creative, practibelow, we expect Panorama to increase cal and wisdom-based aspects. the successful prediction of leadership The concept of admission for leaderpotential among admitted students. We ship extends even to our Honors College, also expect it to increase diversity, a directed by professor Robert Spurrier. At university-wide goal that Associate Vice OSU, the Honors College is not on some President for Institutional Diversity Jason lofty intellectual plane separate from our Kirksey and his team are already successmission of developing leaders. fully addressing. On the contrary, it represents one of How do we know that such an admisour central efforts in leadership development. The Honors College now is using sions procedure can accomplish our goals? When I was IBM Professor of psycholoptional Panorama-like questions to assess ogy and education at Yale University, I applicantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; creative, analytical, practical collaborated with others on a national and wisdom-based skills. Those who do Illustration / Sean Higgins, graphic design junior project called Rainbow, and when I was not meet the usual ACT and GPA requiredean of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University, I collaborated on ments can now be admitted on demonstrated leadership skills as a project called Kaleidoscope. well as more traditional academic skills. Both of these unique admissions projects demonstrated that Robert Graalman, director of scholar development and recogscores on essays similar to those in Panorama increased predicnition, also helps students develop the leadership skills needed tion of freshman grade-point average over predictions based on to win highly competitive, international and national Rhodes, ACT and high-school grade-point averages; successfully predicted Gates, Goldwater, Truman and Udall scholarships. meaningful participation in extracurricuAlthough our efforts to date have lar and leadership activities; increased focused on undergraduates, Graduate This is a university with a mission. equity by reducing differences among Dean and Associate Provost Sheryl Its land-grant mission is to develop ethnic and socioeconomic groups; and Tucker is working to implement procethe active citizens and positive dures at the graduate and professional increased the acceptability of the admisleaders who will make the world a levels that will further refine efforts to sions process to applicants. better place to live. admit and develop the positive leaders In particular, applicants believed questions asked by the Rainbow and of tomorrow in the broad range of fields Kaleidoscope projects enabled them we cover at the advanced level. Such to present a better sense of who they are as a whole person, as efforts will take into account the diverse kinds of disciplines that opposed to identifying themselves merely through a series of comprise our graduate-level and professional programs. numbers derived from fairly narrow measures. Why did we implement Rainbow and Kaleidoscope and now Panorama at OSU?

SPRING 2012

Financial Aid and Scholarship Considerations

their potential for a successful career. Second, students who drop out lose the money they and their families have already put into their college career. They have no employment-enhancing credential to show for dropping out. To encourage the best future leaders to choose Oklahoma State, we must have a generous program of financial aid, includThird, OSU loses future tuition revenue it would have gained ing but not limited to endowed scholarships. had the students stayed at the university. Fourth, everyone loses Why is the OSU Foundation, under the leadership of President the potential benefits of a college graduate who could have helped Kirk Jewell and in partnership with OSU President Burns Hargis increase the productivity and human capital of our great state and nation. and others, so actively raising money for scholarships? Because many future OSU has put into place four measures leaders come from families that simply we believe will help retain at-risk students. cannot afford to come to OSU without First, we have emergency funds to financial assistance. help students who encounter tempoIn my own case, I never could have rary financial bumps in the road. The attended college without scholarship aid. emergency funds are not yet at the level we hope to reach, but they can provide Neither of my parents finished high school and we did not have the resources to a cushion for students who encounter enable me to attend college without help. unexpected financial turbulence. So I, like all of us, remain committed Second, OSU’s new Learning and to realizing a future in which no student Student Success Opportunity Center is a resource for students who need assiswill be turned away — and no students will drop out — for lack of financial tance to succeed academically. Directed resources. To develop the leaders of by professor and Assistant Provost Cheryl tomorrow, we must ensure they have DeVuyst of the College of Agricultural the financial resources today to attend Sciences and Natural Resources, LASSO OSU and to concentrate on their school focuses on retention of first-year students work without worrying about running because they are at the highest risk for dropping out. out of money. Illustration / Brittany Crow, graphic design senior OSU alumni and other donors have Associate Provost and Associate been exceptionally generous in contributing to scholarships that Vice President Pamela Fry has worked with others to put into will enable students without adequate means to come to OSU. place an early-warning system to identify students most in need of LASSO learning resources. LASSO helps address four problems. Keeping Students at OSU: Some students may not have had a high school or previous Retention college experience that provided them with all the academic Students are unlikely to become future positive leaders if skills needed for success at OSU. LASSO tutors can help them fill in the gaps. they drop out of college. Some students just don’t understand the “ropes” of being a One can always point to a Bill Gates or a Steve Jobs who college student. They may not know how to study for different goes on to a brilliant career without finishing college. But such geniuses are rare exceptions. kinds of tests, how to write term papers or how to take time-limited The reality is that dropping out of college usually consigns tests in a time-effective manner. LASSO can help these students an individual to low-paying jobs with little potential for advancelearn the often tacit knowledge needed to succeed in college. ment. When we admit students to OSU, we have a responsibility Some students may lack self-regulation skills needed to to do all we can to retain them. Obviously, students must do their succeed academically. They may not know how to budget their time across different courses or how to divide their time among part. We can provide the opportunity to succeed, but we cannot academic and extracurricular activities. LASSO can help them guarantee all students will take advantage of it. become better time-managers. President Hargis has set increased retention as his top academic priority for OSU. Some students may lack self-efficacy, or a belief in their own Retention is important for at least four reasons. First, ability to succeed. They may have one or more demoralizing students who drop out lose future earning power and much of (continues)

experiences at OSU and conclude they don’t have what it takes to succeed.

Experiential Learning, Service Learning and Internships

I went through this myself in college when my first-semester grades, especially in my intended major of psychology, were a far At Oklahoma State, students need to learn not just by reading, but by involvement in the real world. We want our students cry from what I had hoped for and expected. My professor in to learn by doing. introductory psychology even suggested I had no future in the field. LASSO can help restore students’ belief in their ability to More and more students are engaging in learning experiences succeed. LASSO does all these things through intensive counselbeyond the classroom, including experiences in other countries. ing and mentorship — showing students OSU is placing greater emphasis on that OSU cares and will guide them service learning — in which students toward success. participate in community-building activiThird, OSU has reorganized the ties as part of their regular course work — and on internships that help students Institute for Teaching and Learning Excellence, under the leadership of profeslearn how to apply their skills in the sor Christine Ormsbee of the College of world of work. Education, to help professors teach in This spring, I’m introducing service ways that meet the needs of all students. learning in the Nature of Leadership Students learn in different ways. undergraduate course I teach. Internships, Some are memory learners. (I’m not an important part of the OSU experience one of those, as I discovered through for many students, can provide entrees my weak performance in introductory into first jobs when employers observe psychology, which was taught as a straight and are delighted by our students’ work ethic and high motivation to succeed. memorize-the-book, memorize-theStudents also learn by exposure to lectures course.) Other students are more analytical OSU alumni. Many alumni have generand excel in courses that encourage them ously shared their time with students by to analyze, evaluate, compare and contrast, coming back to campus and working or critique ideas. with them in various capacities. Others Illustration / Brian Randeau, graphic design senior Still others, such as myself, are have provided internships and off-campus creative learners, preferring courses that give them opportunities learning opportunities for our students. to create, invent, discover, explore, imagine and suppose. They We are fortunate to have so many alumni who appreciate generally prefer an independent project to a structured assignment. their OSU education and want to give back to current and future And yet others are practical learners who like to apply, impleOSU students through their time and resources. ment, use and put into practice what they learn. Such students In my Nature of Leadership class, all sessions except the first may find it difficult to focus on a course if they cannot see how and last bring alumni to campus to share with students how they the material they are learning will apply to the real world. got to where they are from where they were as OSU students. Similarly, some students are visual learners, while others Without exception (so far!), they have acknowledged the major role OSU played in their success. are auditory. Still others, kinesthetically oriented students, like to learn in a hands-on way by doing things rather than just readAt OSU, we are targeting programs specifically designed ing about them. to enhance leadership skills. Two of particular note are the Professors typically are not trained to teach in all of the differPresident’s Leadership Council directed by Stephen Haseley and ent ways students learn. Indeed, many faculty members receive the McKnight Leader Scholars Program directed by professor little training in graduate school about how to teach. Steve Harrist of the College of Education. Seminars at the institute can turn good teachers into great Both of these selective programs oriented to new students ones by helping them develop teaching and assessment techniques involve coursework and related activities designed to enhance that meet the learning needs of all students. lifelong leadership skills. All of OSU’s colleges also offer courses Finally, we are working to enhance our academic advising that develop leadership skills. system so that all students get the full and comprehensive mentorship they need to help them succeed in their work.

SPRING 2012

Extracurricular Activities

Funded grants have covered a wide range of topics, including nutrition, toxicology, entrepreneurship and grasslands. In At OSU, extracurricular activities are an important, indeed the most recent fiscal year, a half-million dollars was awarded to investigators encompassing all of OSU’s colleges. necessary, part of the leadership-development process. Second, a new program called the President’s Cup awards As Vice President for Student Affairs Lee Bird says, students develop leadership skills beyond the classroom through these teams of faculty and staff for creative interdisciplinary teachactivities. OSU also has a Center for Leadership Ethics in the ing, research and/or service relevant to our land-grant mission. Student Union that guides students in the principles of ethical There are three monetary awards totaling $10,000, and firstleadership. place winners receive a President’s Cup that travels to the top Consider, for example, athletics. Many people view athletteam each year. ics as distinct or even divorced from the academic mission of Third, the annual Leave Down the Ladder Award is presented the university. But this is not the case. to a faculty member and a staff member As Vice President for Athletic in recognition of successfully mentoring Students need to learn not just by Programs Mike Holder told students and encouraging those they supervise reading, but by doing. More and in my Nature of Leadership class last (or instruct) to reach their fullest potenmore are engaging in year, athletic programs provide one of tial and achieve higher leadership roles. learning experiences beyond the the best ways to develop leaders in the This award was suggested to me by classroom, including experiences in context of university life. I strongly one of our alumnae, Alison Anthony, other countries. concur. president of the Williams Foundation Think about skills of great leaders — and member of the OSU Provost’s knowing how to work on a team, sharing External Advisory Council, a group of credit, behaving ethically, knowing how to win and lose gracedistinguished alumni and other friends who advise me on matters fully, strategic planning, positive competitive spirit and so forth. of importance to the university. As part of my research on leadership, I listed the skills of great leaders and found, rather to my surprise, they almost In Sum entirely overlap with skills developed through athletics, whether intermural or intramural. Oklahoma State is a university with a mission. Its land-grant Some research shows that athletes often have an edge in mission is to develop the active citizens and positive leaders who later-life leadership activities, and this may be why. will make the world a better place to live. But there are many extracurricular activities that also develop This mission does not necessarily coincide with rankings citizenship and leadership skills, such as participation in student produced by national magazines. But no institution ever realgovernment; participation in band, orchestra, or dramatic producized its full potential and greatness by adhering to the standards tions; student journalism; and the community-building activities others set for it, or by competing with other institutions with of fraternities and sororities, clubs and the like. respect to those standards. At OSU, extracurricular activities are an integral part of the The road to greatness is to define one’s own institutional collegiate experience. They are not merely “extras.” mission and then strive as hard as possible to attain it. One competes not with others, but with oneself. We plan to be second to none in achieving the greatness of a premier landFaculty and Staff Development grant university. Leadership development at OSU is not limited to students. Our mission encompasses faculty and staff as well. We have Robert J. Sternberg is provost, senior many ongoing seminars and programs designed to enhance vice president, George Kaiser Family faculty and staff’s leadership skills and improve service to our Foundation Chair in Ethical Leadership students and our state. and Regents Professor of psychology Three new programs are especially noteworthy. and education at OSU. First, faculty and staff teams can receive up to $50,000 per team for developing creative, interdisciplinary research, teaching or service/extension that advances the university’s land-grant mission and has a prospect for future funding from external sources.

Orange Sticker PridEiix Fif t y y e a rs a f t er t he A l umni A ss o ci at ion cre at ed

i t s circul a r or a nge s t ick er, t he deca l h a s bec ome aÂ sy mb ol o f p ride.

Photo / Phil Shockley

Alumni Association executive secretary Murl Rogers created the membership decal so that luggage of alumni could be easily identified. Since its creation in 1962, the sticker has become a well-known badge of honor for OSU alumni.

SPRING 2012

The February 1962 Oklahoma State Alumnus magazine announced a first for the OSU Alumni Association — a sponsored alumni trip to Europe. There would be many such expeditions under the leadership of association executive secretary Murl Rogers, who proposed placing a circular orange sticker on everyone’s luggage to identify the bags during the trip. Fifty years later, the memories from that first alumni trip have faded, but those simple stickers have become a symbol of the pride OSU graduates have for their alma mater. Although the design of today’s stickers is remarkably unchanged from the 1962 original, they’re now most known for their appearance on the back of every Alumni Association member’s vehicle. This year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of what has become affectionately known as the orange ball car decal. “He designed those stickers, and he really had a lot of artistic talent,” says Elizabeth Rogers, the 94-year-old widow of the former executive secretary. “Murl loved his job. He could hardly wait to get to the office in the morning and start another day.” From 1955 to 1980, Murl and Elizabeth Rogers globetrotted with hundreds of OSU alumni and friends on nearly 10 Alumni Association-sponsored trips to more than 50 countries. “It was really good to have those stickers on the luggage when we were traveling because we could identify our bags,” Rogers says. “We issued two for each suitcase and they would put one on each side.” Following the 1962 European tour, the decals were used again when OSU alumni took their first trip around the world in 1964. During the trip on a chartered plane from Cairo to Beirut, one seat was left on the aircraft. Rogers says the baggage handler asked if a young woman could take the empty seat, and everyone agreed.

“Somebody looked out the window and came to Murl and said they’re taking some of our luggage off because we could see the stickers on them,” Rogers says. “It turns out this girl was a smuggler, and she was in with the baggage handler. Those stickers really saved us. Otherwise, it might not have been noticed.” D e c a l S tay s the Same Murl Rogers directed the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce before coming to the OSU Alumni Association. He implemented other alumni programs still in action as well as the car decal. “Murl was an energetic and hardworking person,” says Ray Sharp, who followed Murl as executive director. “He looked at the Alumni Association as the chamber of commerce of the university. He loved OSU.” Sharp says people easily identify the decal, which is why it has stayed the same. “It’s neat when you come up behind a car and see the decal and go, ‘Oh, that’s

an OSU alum,’ ” Sharp says. “It’s a brand and it’s easily recognized. We see them when we travel all over the country.” It wasn’t too long after the decals were launched when life members were issued a separate one to distinguish themselves. Sharp says he remembers the first set of decals going on the inside of the window, instead of the outside. “It couldn’t be used as a bumper sticker,” Sharp says. “We changed materials a couple of times, finally to the vinyl decal it is today.” In 1984, Jerry Gill followed Sharp as the Alumni Association’s executive director. Gill says by then, the decals were very well known. “We basically built on their legacy and enhanced it,” Gill says. “I give Murl and his staff credit for developing it.” During Gill’s presidency, membership nearly doubled, which meant more decals were seen. “We started to have a lot of people ask if they could have one,” Gill says. “We would have to say, ‘Actually, no. You have to be a member.’ ” During the late 1990s, Gill says several strategic planning meetings with the Alumni Association board of directors resulted in the implementation of new branding and more member benefits. But everyone knew one of the best representations of the Alumni Association was the orange car decal, a trademark that endures. “It was already branded in the minds of the alumni, and we wanted to stay with that brand and be consistent,” Gill says. “You see the ball and you think of Alumni Association. The next thing you think about is what values you associate with the Alumni Association.” The strategic planning meetings also brought a new logo to the Alumni Association to replace the illustration of the Student Union tower. The new logo prominently featured an orange ball on the left along with the Alumni Association’s new positioning statement “Connections for Life” on the bottom. “There was a very strong affinity among our alumni for the orange ball,” says Kathy Laster, who served as the (continues)

Alumni Association’s National Board President during its centennial year in 1997. “The ball is really symbolic of ‘Connections for Life’ because it’s a circle, and the Alumni Association serves future students, current students and former students throughout all ages of their lives,” Laster says. “It relates on so many levels to what OSU and the Alumni Association is all about.” Although orange continues to be the primary color of the decal, it hasn’t always been. Current Alumni Association President Larry Shell says during the early 1990s, someone had the idea of changing the decal’s primary color from orange to white. “We sent them out and found out very quickly it was not acceptable to our alumni,” Shell says.

“People called us and told us they didn’t like them. We even had some of the decals returned to us in the mail,” he says. “Ever since then, we have tried to keep the integrity of the orange ball.” E x pa n d e d D e si g n s Despite the appearance of the white decals, the stickers have remained predominantly orange with only minor variations from the 1962 design. They have all featured the letters “OSU” prominently in the middle of the decal — although with various fonts, including the interlocking letters from the 1960s and the block lettering from the 1980s. The design issued last year returned

Original

“Oklahoma State” to the top of the decal. “We’ve also begun issuing specific decals to our student members so they can participate in the tradition even before they’ve left campus,” Shell says. “When students graduate, the decal is one of the first things they ask us for.” In 2008, the Alumni Association’s brand identity was revisited during a redesign of its website, orangeconnection. org. A secondary logo with only the words “OSU Alumni Association” was created to more closely match the car decal design alumni have recognized for 50 years. The new logo and its recognizable design were very well received by alumni. Since its creation, the “ball logo,” as

2nd generation

The 50th anniversary of the orange car decal is as much about our members as it is the sticker. The Alumni Association invites you to celebrate 50 years with 50 decals in 50 states. Take a spirited picture of you and your decal at the beach, on a mountain or in a wheat field, then submit it online at orangeconnection.org/cardecal. The decal doesn’t have to be on your car, either. Be creative and have fun — we know you live orange everywhere. We’ll select one winner from each state to represent orange spirit through our famous emblem, and we’ll publish them online and some of the best in the fall issue of STATE.

You could be as famous as our decal.

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Lawrence O. Roth holds two OSU agriculture-engineering degrees, a 1957 master’s and 1965 doctorate, and taught at OSU for 35 years before retiring in 1986. He also consulted for the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization, conducting workshops in 25 developing countries. His Samsonite suitcase and orange ball decals traveled the globe with him, but a recent close call where he rescued his trusty piece of luggage from a garage sale prompted him to write a short story about the decal’s significance in his life.

fter the first trip out of the country, I bought a small hard-side carryon suitcase to carry my passport, money and several other necessary items that I might need during the workday. The bag soon became a virtual hard-side briefcase to me. To aid in quickly identifying it,

alumni and friends who are members of its known by the staff, has become the the Alumni Association. primary logo of the organization, appearIt’s more than just a sticker. It’s the ing on almost every electronic and print embodiment of everything for which the product in the last four years. Alumni Association stands, promoting “The best representative of the Alumni connections for life between alumni and Association has been traveling with Oklahoma State through programming members for the past 50 years,” says Chase Carter, Alumni Association director and membership. “The decal is widely used,” Sharp says. of communications. “It only made sense “Every time the university does something for us to use the design of the orange car good, people want a way to identify themdecal as the primary logo for our organiselves as being involved in OSU.” zation because it’s what most alumni and Shell agrees: friends associate with us.” “Our car decal is a thing of pride After 50 years, the orange car decal continues to grace the windows of vehicles for the Alumni Association not only in Oklahoma but also outside the state. It across the country and distinguish OSU always amazes me to go to places like

1980s

1990s

I glued bright-orange OSU decals on both sides of the case, making it easily visible when I might set it down. Relatively new at international travel to developing countries, I frequently got attracted to what was going on around me, and I often neglected to keep my briefcase in hand and in sight. In El Salvador when my friends and I entered a McDonald’s to get some lunch, we parked our hand luggage in a booth and headed for the counter to order our food. Unfamiliar with Spanish, I was intently studying the menu board in front and above us, trying to figure out what to order, when out of the corner of my eye, I saw an orange ball moving toward the door — a man was carrying it. MY BAG. “Hey! Someone stop the guy!” I shouted. Fortunately, one of my colleagues had also spied the orange ball heading for the door and raced to catch him. Before the man left out the door, my colleague grabbed the bag. The would-be thief continued running. What a relief. My heart was pounding. A close call. My passport, money and everything else had almost disappeared.

Dallas and see all the orange car decals you go by. People honk and wave when they see you have a decal — they know you support OSU.” K r i sten M c C onnaughe y

W here does i t go ? It’s a debate bigger than when we turned the car decal white. Where do you place the decal on your car? In a corner? In the middle? Vote now in our car decal placement poll at orangeconnection.org/cardecal.

Current

Thereafter, believe me, my bag did not ever get far from me, and I decided that it would be wiser and safer to store my valuables in a hotel safe. I subsequently traveled and worked in many countries around the world with my orange-ball bag, never letting it get very far from my hand and sight. It had been about 20 years since I last used the bag. I had retired it to my closet, I thought. Then, I spied it sitting forlornly peeking out from under a table in the garage sale my daughter had organized. The orange balls were faded and marred some, but still quite visible. My old friend. What a sight — followed by a flood of memories.

T el l Us Your S t ory Do you have a story related to our famous car decal? Tell us online at orangeconnection.org/cardecal. It could appear in the next STATE magazine.

PHOTO / COURTE SY

Max Katz at one of his ranches in the early 1990s. For about 10 years, Katz anonymously supported a scholarship fund. The fund was named in his honor after his death in 2010.

Success from Hard Work and a Simple Lifestyle OSU alumnus is recognized after years of anonymous support. 74

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eople throughout the country have read about Max Katz’s discreet philanthropy. Before he died in 2010 at age 89, Katz had donated more than $160,000 to the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources with an additional estate gift of $126,000. The Max Katz Memorial Scholarship Fund now exceeds $300,000. “He lived an extremely unpretentious and simple lifestyle,” says Fred Katz, Max’s brother and a 1951 chemistry master’s alumnus. “He decided to help others in need without recognition, which became his hallmark and reputation. He could have lived a much better lifestyle, but he preferred the simple life and to help others.” Max Katz was born July 25, 1921, in Jesberg, Germany. He was the second of three boys responsible for gathering and bringing home the family’s cattle. Because they were Jewish, the Nazis ordered the family to halt their cattle trade. As they continued to trade in the dark of night, Max became part of a dangerous profession. When family members decided it was no longer safe, they turned to Katz’s uncle, Jake, who lived in Stillwater. Jake Katz helped secure the paperwork that allowed his nephew to arrive in New York City in 1938 with $40 in his pocket. Later that year, Fred Katz and his parents left Germany and joined Max and his older brother, Walter, in Stillwater. After service with the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, Max Katz earned a business certificate from OSU. He then pursued his passion in the cattle industry. He started out as a gofer doing odd jobs before working up to a buying position. Katz traveled nationwide to buy cattle for several markets before his 1953 return

The Katz brothers at Max Katz’s 85th birthday celebration in 2006 at the OSU Student Union. From left are Fred, Max and Walter Katz.

PHOTO / COURTESY

to Stillwater, where he started his own buying. With little sleep and a lot of determination, Katz built a commission-cattle buying business. “I never made a lot of money, just a dollar at a time,” Katz said one time.

“He decided to help others in need without recognition, which became his hallmark and reputation.” — Fred Katz “Max Katz was a quiet, humble and reserved individual who certainly understood the meaning of hard work and the importance of family,” says Don Ethridge, a longtime friend and accountant. “His drive to work hard, learn and succeed was only overshadowed by his desire to share his good fortune with others. He was dedicated to the agriculture community, which he credited with providing him a wonderful life experience.” As Katz’s business began to flourish, he continued to live frugally. When friends suggested visiting a restaurant, Katz

would reply, “I don’t need to go out to eat. I have soup at home.” He never forgot how others helped him exchange the oppression of his homeland for the opportunity to build a successful career in America. He was determined to return the favor by supporting future generations through higher education. “Mr. Katz had a great love for agriculture, the lifestyles associated with it, and the people who live those lives,” says Steve Damron, interim assistant dean of academic programs for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “He also held the view that 4-H and FFA were noble and useful organizations doing foundational work in the lives of young people. With his endowment, he helped assure that agriculture will continue to benefit from educated individuals helping it grow and prosper.” Katz wanted his donations to remain anonymous until he passed, so the fund that has supported more than 40 students since 2001 was only recently named the Max Katz Memorial Scholarship. “This scholarship has certainly helped continue my dream,” says Kassie Winn, animal science and pre-vet senior. “Trying to excel in my coursework and remain active in clubs such as Meat Science

Association and the Meats Judging Team, while working to pay for college really takes a balance of time and effort. This scholarship has helped alleviate some of the pressure involved in trying to do it all. I greatly appreciate the assistance from the late Mr. Katz, and I will not disappoint as I continue my education.” His impact will continue to grow as his scholarship perpetually helps students increase their contributions to society. “He had a very charitable attitude, not only for family, but for youth who wish to make agriculture a way of life, and he did that through endowing a scholarship program,” says Ethridge, a 1969 accounting alumnus. “It was sometimes difficult to get him to talk about himself, but if you could get him to reflect on his life you would see the real character of a man who had a great drive to succeed, who was honest in his dealings, dedicated to family and to serving his country — one who had overcome many obstacles to share in the American dream.” B r i tta n i e D ou g l a s

OSU alumni Ben and Alma Grant donate gift for future agricultural teachers. iving within tight budgets, college students learn how to make the most of their dollars. OSU alumni Ben and Alma Grant remembered their days of making something from very little, and they have donated funds to aid agricultural education majors in their final semester. The Grants understood the challenges student teachers face and the necessity of good agricultural educators.

To help alleviate students’ expenses, the Grants created the William E. Brown Student Teaching Assistance Program. The couple donated $630,000 to the OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership in April 2011. Alma Grant died that same month. “Mr. Grant recognized the need for student teaching and the expenses associated with it,” says Larry Shell, president of the OSU Alumni Association.

While on their last semester, seniors pursuing a bachelor’s in agricultural education spend four weeks in a campus classroom and 12 weeks student teaching in Oklahoma school districts and occasionally in other states. Student teachers can’t hold another job, but they still must pay for housing, food and living expenses. “With no job, it’s a big financial strain on us,” says Brent Schoeloen, an agricultural education student from Mustang, Okla. “Some people have to pay rent in

Ben and Alma Grant outside their home in Washington.

Photo / Cowboy Journal

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two places during the three months of student teaching.” Without grade requirements, application processes or selection committees, the assistance program money is divided among the students enrolled in their final semester. “Initially, Mr. Grant said he would give $300,000,” says Rob Terry, department head in agricultural education, communications and leadership. “So, we did the math and showed him what each student would get. He said that wasn’t enough, and he doubled it.”

They started a custom harvesting business in Pasco, Wash., after Grant returned from World War II. By the 1960s, the Grants had saved more than enough money for retirement. So, Grant says, the couple wanted to honor significant people in their lives and help students. “Mr. Grant credits that first link of his success to his ag teacher,” Terry says. Twelve students in fall 2011 were the first to receive the aid, which totaled $800 per student. “Mr. Grant happened to be in town the first day of class,” Terry says. “I asked

The money was credited to the students’ OSU bursar accounts, allowing them to use it for anything from school materials and tuition to food and rent. “We all felt that it was very generous of Mr. Grant,” says Colton Blehm of Loyal, Okla. “We were happy, yet humbled at the same time.” Jones says the successful businessman reaffirmed that teachers have the opportunity to inspire students. “I hope one day someone will be as inspired by me as he was by his ag teacher,” Jones says.

Paying Tribute

Success Leads to Giving After graduating in 1940 — Ben with a bachelor’s in animal science livestock operations and Alma with a bachelor’s in business education — and marrying, the Grants continued to work hard.

Photo / Mitch Alcala

The Grants have supported the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for many years. Their successful custom harvesting business and diligent saving habits allowed them to honor significant people in their lives through creating scholarships. “All my life, I wanted to do something for William E. Brown and the other people who helped me through life,” Grant says. Grant says Brown, his high school agricultural education teacher, dedicated his life to students. Grant recalled a trip to the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair and the impression it left on him and 26 students. “Mr. Brown took us to Chicago in the back of an old farm truck,” Grant says. “Man, that was something. We went to a macaroni factory, a John Deere factory, a brewery and a natural history museum. He showed us what made the world go around.” Brown encouraged all of his students to go to college to become better farmers. “So, at 17, I liquidated my assets and went to Oklahoma A&M,” Grant says. “I had $82 and a new bicycle.” Grant worked in the animal science department, joined the Air Force ROTC, became a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and fell in love with Alma Lynch.

Ben Grant, front row center, with the recipients of the fall 2012 William E. Brown assistantships. On the front row are, from left, Julie Meder, Brent Schoelen, Garrett Roland, Grant, Cameron Jones, Colton Blehm and Mika Osborn. On the back row are, from left, Jeff Conner, Kassey Steele, JJ Bull, Kelly Jo Pinnick, Robyn Carter and Michael Salmon. if he would like to meet the first group of students receiving his money.” The students had a chance to introduce themselves to Grant. “We were excited and proud,” Schoeleon says. “Knowing that Mr. Grant’s ag teacher pushed him so much that he donated this money inspired all of us.”

Relieved Students Smiles of shock, relief and excitement zipped through the room after the students learned of Grant’s gift. “During our first session, Mr. Grant told us his story,” says Cameron Jones of Edmond, Okla. “When he said we all got $800 to help with our student teaching, I was shocked. I couldn’t wait to call my mom.”

After donating the initial $630,000, Grant challenged the department to raise $200,000. If the department raises this amount, Grant will match it with an additional $200,000. “We hope to get it matched in a hurry,” Terry says. “Then we would have a million dollars in the student teaching assistance program.” A potential $1 million gift originated from William E. Brown’s seemingly simple advice: Go to college. A l i ce W h i te , C o w b oy J ou r nal

To contribute to the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, call the OSU Foundation at 405-385-5100.

Scholarship Honors Administrator’s Continuing Legacy Kent Sampson has devoted his life to helping OSU students.

lot has changed at OSU over the past 43 years, but one constant is the presence of Kent Sampson. In August 1969, Sampson fatefully arrived in Stillwater as a residential life graduate assistant. That was the first step in a career devoted to students at OSU, where he is director of Campus Life and associate director of the Student Union. Along the way, he has compiled an impressive list of honors, including the Outstanding Administrator Award and the Loyal and True award. One of his favorite accomplishments is leading the successful push to name one of the new suite-style residence halls for Jay Jones, a former student leader who died from leukemia. Sampson was pleased he was able to help recognize Jones with an honor that most often goes to political figures and significant donors. Similarly, students and alumni recently united to honor Sampson by creating the Kent Sampson Endowed Campus Life Scholarship. “It is kind of a neat surprise,” says Sampson, who oversees OSU’s 458 student organizations. “I guess if you stay in the saddle long enough and do reasonably good work, hopefully somebody along the line is going to remember you and have some good feelings. I guess some did.” Among those who fondly remember Sampson are alumni Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook, who gave $10,000 toward the

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goal of at least a $25,000 endowment to ensure perpetual support. The couple’s relationship with Sampson started with Bruce Benbrook’s 1975 term as OSU Student Government Association president. The relationship continues today with Sampson mentoring the Benbrooks’ daughter, Rachel, in her role as a student government senator. “It’s special to honor someone that you respect and admire for his work at the university, and at the same time to provide money to assist some young person that will benefit from that and pursue some leadership roles on campus,” Bruce Benbrook says. “We’re fortunate to have someone with Kent’s character and influence making such a difference in students’ lives,” he says. “He goes way beyond his job description, doing whatever he can to help students and student organizations succeed.” Current student leaders such as Joshua Hillard, a student government senator who represents the Off-Campus Student Association, share that sentiment. Sampson hired Hillard two years ago as a front-desk assistant in Campus Life. “The main thing I’ve learned from him is people don’t have to be nice, and when they are, they don’t have to be nice to you,” Hillard says. “Kent is the embodiment of kindness, perseverance and vigor.”

The Kent Sampson file • Sampson worked 27 years in Residential Life through campus housing and dining. • He transitioned to Campus Life when the department was created in 1997. • He was key to establishing traditions such as the student-run concert called Orange Peel and the football team making “The Walk” to the stadium before games and singing the alma mater after them. • Wife, Shelia, is an administrative assistant for the OSU A&M Board of Regents’ Department of Internal Audits. • Their daughters are both two-time alumnae. McKenzie Lewis has a political science bachelor’s and an MBA. Jenna Roy has a bachelor’s and master’s in family relations and child development. Roy’s son, Mason, 3, is Kent and Shelia’s first grandchild. Mason loves Pistol Pete and visiting the OSU agricultural farm animals.

Kent is an icon. He has devoted an entire career to helping OSU students.” — Lee Bird, vice president for student affairs Hillard calls Sampson his role model. So does Garrett Hondronastas, senior communications technician for OSU Libraries. He spent three years as a student assistant in Campus Life before completing his public relations and advertising degree in 2010. Hondronastas was a student leader in groups such as Camp Cowboy, Student Government Association and Orange Peel. “Those are all things that Kent is all over,” Hondronastas says. “I had opportunities to work for him and with him and even just hang out with him. He’s an all-around good guy who is going to do whatever he needs to do to help.” Kyle Buthod just completed a term as student government vice president and has also been a leader in Residential Life, Orange Peel and Camp Cowboy along with starting three student organizations with Sampson’s guidance. “When I think of OSU’s tradition, I think of Kent Sampson and all that he’s done for student life,” Buthod says. “Anything that touches a student’s experience here at OSU, Kent has had some role in it. His legacy being carried on through this scholarship even after we’re all gone from OSU is huge.” Lee Bird, vice president for student affairs, echoes that sentiment. “Kent is an icon,” Bird says. “He has devoted an entire career to helping OSU students, and we are fortunate that he continues today with the same passion that has inspired so many. It is a fitting tribute that this scholarship will continue his legacy by supporting student leaders in perpetuity.”

Sampson appreciates that students sacrifice work and study time to fulfill leadership duties. He writes about 300 reference letters a year and regularly interacts with company representatives at the annual Career Fair. Both experiences reinforce his belief that leadership and service pay off because “the movers and shakers” secure the best jobs and internships. “The degree is important, but a 3.8 or a 3.5 grade-point average is not necessarily required,” Sampson says. “Companies want to know whether their applicants vote, get involved in their church or community, and do other things like that. So to me, a scholarship rewarding that type of behavior is really important.” Steve Beatie, a two-time alumnus and Williams Company’s manager of professional development programs, regularly asks Sampson which students he should meet. Beatie says the value of

well-rounded employees is one of many lessons he has learned from Sampson since they met in 1990. “He is able to develop a relationship with just about anyone,” Beatie says. “I really respect that about him, and I try to do that as well. I try to be able to create a relationship because my business is very relationship based. If you don’t have those relationships, you really aren’t as effective as you could be.” Mitch Kilcrease, director of the Student Union, says the opportunity to work with Sampson was one of the main reasons he came to OSU in 2005. “He is an incredible asset to this university, and more specifically to our students,” Kilcrease says. “He understands the significance and importance of the outof-classroom student-leadership experience and has enhanced the lives of thousands of students throughout his career.” Jac o b L o n g a n

PHOTOS / GREG QUINN

Kyle Buthod, left, and Steve Beatie, center, speak with Kent Sampson at the OSU Career Fair.

Decades of Service, a Century of Memories Dr. Tom Alexanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retirement as chief physician ends 65 years of care by Drs. Alexander at OSUIT.

here are more than a century of memories that Dr. Tom Alexander takes with him when he retires in June, giving up the reins of the OSU Institute of Technology infirmary. For 40 years, Alexander has provided medical care to students and employees on the Okmulgee campus. He treats OSU patients during his lunch hour, between the morning and afternoon appointments at his thriving Okmulgee medical practice. Since 1904, there have been several Drs. Alexander serving the people of this area. Dr. Tom, as he is affectionately known on campus, loves to reminisce about his relativesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; adventures and endearing qualities. Dr. Tom is a third-generation physician in Okmulgee, as is his brother, Dr. Robert Alexander Jr., a retired surgeon. Their grandfather, Dr. Lin Alexander, took his horse and buggy to call on patients in the Muscogee (Creek) allotments that served as guide points in Indian Territory.

Dr. Tom Alexander, who has treated patients at the OSUIT infirmary for 40 years, examines Jennifer Tubbs, a culinary arts student from Wilburton, Okla. Photo / REX DAUGHERTY

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D o c t o r s

A l e x a n d e r

Photos / Courtesy of Dr. Tom Alexander

T h e

D r . L i n A lex a nder

D r . Robert A lex a nder sr .

Lin Alexander came to Oklahoma in 1903. Carrying his Texas medical license, he got off the train in Okmulgee, found a young doctor needing a partner and started his practice, Dr. Tom says. One of Lin Alexander’s first calls was to the home of prominent Creek citizens Celia and Harrison Berryhill. He got his license to practice in Indian Territory in 1904. The new state of Oklahoma issued medical licenses in 1909; Lin Alexander’s license was No. 50. It’s framed on the wall at Dr. Tom’s clinic. Lin Alexander’s son, Robert, followed in his father’s footsteps, earning a medical degree and practicing in Okmulgee. Dr. Tom says his father was very patientfocused and loyal to his family. “He was always available to his patients,” Dr. Tom says. “People would call in the evening and he would have them come to the house, or he would meet them at the emergency room.” In 1947, Dr. Robert Alexander Sr. was invited to head the infirmary at the newly organized Oklahoma A&M TechOkmulgee. One of OSUIT’s student housing buildings, Alexander Hall, is named in his honor, citing his service as founding chief physician from 1947 to 1972. The citation says, “During his 25 years of service, Dr. Robert L. Alexander

D r . Robert A lex a nder jr .

provided exemplary, experienced, attentive, and empathetic care for the health and wellness of the students and employees of the university.” Dr. Tom says his father’s duties were diverse, including delivering babies for the students’ wives and caring for hospitalized students at the infirmary. Observing his father also gave Dr. Tom the opportunity to see how the college was meeting the needs of returning veterans who were using the GI Bill of Rights to obtain job training. “Initially they had farming courses; auto body and auto mechanics; jewelry; refrigeration; shoe, boot and saddle; and diesel,” Dr. Tom says. “In the diesel class, the students learned off a Navy destroyer engine. It was huge — 15 feet long and 8 or 10 feet high. The students had to take the engine completely apart, reassemble it and make it run.” Dr. Tom says the hands-on approach to learning is a service to OSUIT students. “The administration at OSUIT has tried to go with what industry needs,” he says. “They have contact with different industries to help point the school to where the needs are. As leadership changes at the college, I see they have been able to continue upgrading the programs and quickly responding to industry demands.”

D r . Tom A lex a nder

Dr. Tom says when he told his wife about his plans to retire from his duties as OSUIT’s chief physician, she said, “I’ll believe it when I see it.” Dr. Tom says his experiences examining students and sometimes their children underscore the need for improved rural health care. “The students I see here frequently do not have any insurance, so we are limited on what treatment and medication they can afford and what kind of tests they can get,” he says. “If a student needs tests that day, I will see them in my office at no charge to give them the test results.” Dr. Tom says he often negotiates additional treatment with local health care providers, who try to help when possible. “If I have medication samples, I give them to the students when needed,” he says. The main service he tries to provide to patients is the opportunity to look a doctor in the eye and talk about their symptoms. “Part of medicine is looking at people and touching people,” he says. “You know they want you to look at them and examine them — that begins the healing process.” R ex Daug h er t y

Continues to Inspire

Jenifer Reynolds and Jennifer Buffett

2012 Women for OSU Symposium

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SOLD-OUT ANNUAL EVENT HONORS AND ENCOURAGES PHILANTHROPY.

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

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Martha Burger

PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR Having attended previous Women for OSU Symposiums, Martha Burger understands the magnitude of her award. “It is truly humbling because I know OSU has a long tradition of outstanding philanthropists,” Burger says. “Women for OSU is a great organization that is doing very important work. It was such an honor that they chose me for this award.” In 2010, Burger made two recordsetting gifts to Branding Success: The Campaign for Oklahoma State University. She pledged twin $250,000 scholarship donations for OSU-Oklahoma City and FFA leadership officers attending the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. After boosts from T. Boone Pickens’ generous scholarship donation matching program, each fund will grow to $650,000. They were the largest scholarship gifts ever to OSU-OKC and for FFA within the state. Burger supports and serves on the board of trustees for the University of Central Oklahoma, where she studied accounting, and Oklahoma City University, where she earned an MBA. Burger also fulfills leadership roles with the Central Oklahoma Humane Society, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, MAPS 3, OKC Chamber, Oklahoma City Boathouse Foundation, Oklahoma FFA Foundation, the Oklahoma State Board of Health and SSM Health Care of Oklahoma.

From left to right: Amelia Wilson, Katie Haning, Kelsey Cottom, Rachel Benbrook and Mallory Ross

STUDENT PHILANTHROPISTS OF THE YEAR Rachel Benbrook is a senator in the Student Government Association, where she is vice chair of the Sustainability Committee. The Woodward, Okla., native is active in Big Event, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Eco-OSU, Into the Streets, International Justice Museum, Mortar Board, OSU Student Foundation, Pencils of Promise, Relay for Life, Thanda, The Wells Project and TOMS Shoe Club. Kelsey Cottom is from Morrison, Okla. The College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Student Council president volunteers with Breast Cancer Awareness Week, Clean the Campus, Eskimo Joe’s Juke Joint Jog, Morrison Funny Farm, Red Cross Community Blood Drive, Salvation Army Angel Tree and the Special Olympics. Katie Haning volunteers with the Community Health Fair, Junior Girl Scout Day, OSU Student Foundation and World Changers. The Allen, Texas, native is spending the summer working

with a girls’ school in South Asia through a cultural exchange program. Mallory Ross has been recognized for her giving nature since she was at Woodward High School and organized Rock N Run Philanthropy, a fun run and carnival event supporting the regional food bank. She interned at a New York-based nonprofit and is involved with Into the Streets, OSU Student Foundation, and United Methodist Conference Church Camp. Amelia Wilson is a Stillwater native on the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology Student Council. She is also president of Engineers Without Borders, where participants design, build and test water purification technologies to provide access to clean water in developing countries while getting real-world engineering experience. For more information about Women for OSU or to watch highlights from the Symposium, visit OSUgiving.com/Women. jacob longan

Outdoor Adventure program allows students to broaden their OSU experience.

Student Reese Hundley kayaks down the rapids of Arkansas’ Big Piney River during a fall 2009 trip. All Photos / Courtesy

OSU Outdoor Adventure offers

opportunities you can’t experience inside a classroom. The program’s goal is to provide opportunities for fun, adventure, education and excitement through workshops and wilderness adventures.

Students enjoy the snow at the Red River Ski Area in New Mexico. 84

SPRING 2012

Scott Jordan, coordinator of Outdoor Adventure, joined the organization while he was a student at OSU in the early ’80s. “Outdoor Adventures was fairly young back then, about 5 years old, when I went on a trip with this program,” Jordan says. Outdoor Adventure is fully funded by its participants, Jordan says. “Students pay and go on trips or students pay and go on the climbing wall for a year.” The climbing wall is located in the Colvin Recreation Center and is available to students and organizations, but it’s the wilderness adventures where students get the full experience. Students gain experience through Basic Outdoor Leader Training and Continued Outdoor Leader Training. “For our trips, leaders start out and go on a weeklong backpacking trip called Basic Outdoor Leader Training, or BOLT.

From left, Reese Hundley, Emily McKenzie, Jess Lawrence and Eryn Pope during a trip to Spy Rock, Ark., in spring 2011.

A student will start with BOLT and then in January we have COLT,” Jordan says. “In a two-year period students go through six curriculum points, and through the Wilderness Education Association we certify them as certified outdoor leaders.” David Walker was a trip leader for two years before becoming the coordinator. “I have now done COLT on two separate occasions and I’ve loved the experience both times,” says Walker, a graduate student majoring in entrepreneurship. “As

A winter 2010 Continued Outdoor Leader Training outing at Big Bend State Park in Texas. From the left are front row: Scott Jordan, Steven Wooley, Ashton Williams, Jeri’ Irby and Patrick Lewis. Middle row: Eryn Pope, Bonnie Fentem, Aaron Dishman, David Walker, Justin Culpepper, Taylor O’Brien and Matt Irby. Back row: Jake Manning and Chase Lindell.

TOP: A group shot of students during a 2009 trip to the Grand Canyon. BOTTOM: From left, Patrick Lewis, Jeri’ Irby, and Bonnie Fentem stand on the edge of the Grand Canyon during a 2010 trip.

a trip leader, the first time, I learned a lot of great skills but the most memorable part was building long lasting relationships with the entire group.” Cookie Wright, a junior majoring in secondary education, has worked for Outdoor Adventure since 2010 and has led around 10 trips. “Outdoor Adventure has allowed me to travel affordably to remote places, explore beautiful and incredible areas and participate in exciting sports such as climbing and kayaking,” Wright says. “Every OSU student should take a backpacking, skydiving, rock-climbing, kayaking, hiking or rafting trip with Outdoor Adventure before they graduate.” Outdoor Adventure is a great opportunity for students to get the college experience, junior Kevin Curry wrote in a journal entry during a recent trip.

Student Abby Doubrava ascends a rock face in Fern, Ark., during a trip in fall 2011.

“I never thought I would get the chance to hike with a group of people whose company I enjoy,” he wrote. “I am so glad I have the opportunities to go on these amazing trips: hiking in the Latir Range of New Mexico, climbing in Enchanted Rock in Texas, backpacking in the desert in Big Bend State Park in Texas and climbing in Arkansas.” K eont é Carter

Students interested in the Outdoor Adventure program should visit Room 101 in the Colvin Recreation Center.

“We are off the trail today. Last night we slept at the Enchanted Rock Campground. I woke up this morning and opened up my tent to find one of the most beautiful sunrises I have ever seen. It is nice to sit at a picnic bench and stare off and think. After spending four days in the desert, this place looks like a paradise, absolutely beautiful and green.” Journal Entry: Kevin Curry, a junior majoring in recreation management, during a trip to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Texas, on Jan. 7, 2012. “Hiking into camp was so pretty. It was awesome seeing the cottonwoods coming into view. I’m tired from the day and seeing the trees was such a relief. … I’m disappointed we won’t be out another night. I especially love where we are camped tonight. I can see the clear starry sky and backdrop of the mountains form the little window in our tent. Haven’t been told much about the trail, but looking forward to La Guitara!” Journal Entry: Cate Miller, a sophomore majoring in recreation management, during a trip to Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas, on Jan. 14, 2011.

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L ve Animals For the

SCOUT

The OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences is Oklahoma’s only veterinary college and one of 28 in the country. One of the veterinary center’s greatest sources of pride is its graduates who provide wonderful veterinary care for their patients. The expertise of Dr. Thomas Bowles, who received his doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1971 and is the owner of Nichols Hills Veterinary Clinic in Oklahoma City, recently inspired a generous gift to the veterinary center. Vicki Palmer of Oklahoma City committed to a $1 million estate gift with $50,000 establishing the Dr. Thomas M. Bowles Endowed Scholarship Fund, and the remainder funding the Vicki L. Palmer Cohn Shelter Endowment. The following is a discussion with Palmer about her love for animals and why she made the gift.

Vicki Palmer, who has established an endowed scholarship fund in her veterinarian’s name, poses at her home with her three dogs, from left, Theo, Sheriff Palmer and Taylor. Photo / Paul Houston Photography

Q: How long has Dr. Bowles been your veterinarian? A: Dr. Thomas Bowles has been caring for my pets nearly 10 years. After residing in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 30 years, I decided to return to my home state of Oklahoma in 2002. When I returned, one of my top priorities was to search for a veterinarian for my bichonpoodle mix, Scout. It was Scout’s and my good fortune that Dr. Bowles’ clinic was in our neighborhood. It wasn’t until he was under the care of Dr. Bowles that I realized just how serious his health issues were.

After three surgeries for removal of bladder stones, special diets, arthritis medications, blood transfusions and the incredible medical care Dr. Bowles provided to Scout during these illnesses, he made it possible for me to spend an additional 8 years with my best friend. I lost my beloved Scout to pancreatitis on Jan. 23, 2011. He was 15. Needless to say, I was and still am grief stricken. In Scout’s memory, I donated a lithograph that is displayed at the center’s Boren Veterinary Teaching Hospital Small Animal Clinic.

I recently lost another member of my canine family. Scamp passed away on Sept. 12, 2011, at 16. I memorialized Scout and Scamp with individual paver bricks in the Onyx Courtyard, which is located at the hospital’s clinic entrance. Dr. Bowles also cared for Scamp with the same professional and compassionate care demonstrated with Scout. I will never forget the kindness the doctors and staff extended to me at the time of Scout and Scamp’s deaths. Dr. Bowles continues to care for my remaining three canine companions and I can only hope retirement is not on his agenda anytime soon. (continues) 87

Q: Can you tell us about the dogs you have now? A: Sheriff Palmer, Taylor, and Theo are currently the loves of my life. I adopted Sheriff Palmer from Animal Rescue Friends of Nichols Hills in 2003. He is about 13. He appears to be of the cairn terrier family. He was given the name Sheriff prior to me adopting him. My grandfather, Lloyd E. Palmer, was a sheriff of Canadian County in the 1950s, so referring to him as Sheriff Palmer seemed only appropriate. I don’t think my grandfather would mind. I lovingly refer to Taylor as my street dog. A neighborhood street is where he was rescued. Poor little guy was wearing no collar and appeared to be lost and confused. I immediately stopped my car, he came to me without coaxing and the rest is history. I believe he is about 5, a mixed breed and quite handsome. His ever-present underbite is always a topic of conversation. The newest member of the Palmer family is Theo. Theo’s photograph was in the adopt-a-pet section in the local newspaper. He was housed at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter and ready for adoption. My 8-year-old great-niece, Skyy Palmer, accompanied me to the shelter only to discover he was at another location where adoptions were taking place. It was quite humorous tracking him down, but in the end I realized it was a relationship that was meant to be. Theo is about 1½ and it appears his parents might have been of the schnauzer and West Highland terrier lineage. Q: When did you first visit OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences? A: I was introduced to the CVHS by longtime friends Bill and Ann Rosewitz. The clinic cared for their two cats, Tuxedo and Misty. They had nothing but wonderful things to say about the staff and medical care provided, especially Dr. John Hoover. They were so impressed. On one of their appointments, Sharon Worrell, development assistant with the CVHS, gave Ann and Bill a tour of the clinic. Due to time restrictions they were unable to tour The Cohn Family Shelter for Small Animals that day. This shelter

SPRING 2012

The scholarship in Dr. Bowles’ name is my way of saying thank you for providing my pets with such outstanding care. I can’t think of a more befitting way to honor Dr. Bowles, who is so dedicated and passionate about his profession. I am particularly excited about The Cohn Family Shelter for Small Animals since it will one day be a permanent home for my remaining canine companions. My endowment decision certainly isn’t a surprise to family and friends. My love for all animals began while growing up on a small farm north of El Reno, Okla. This passion intensified as I grew older. I can’t imagine my life without a pet. My little guys ask for so little and give back so much. Photo / courtesy

Vicki Palmer walks Scout during the 2000 Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Alexandria, Va. Palmer’s mother made Scout’s tartan coat.

provides a permanent home for pets through an endowment. I conveyed to Ann on numerous occasions I didn’t have a plan for the care of my pets should anything happen to me. It had caused me a great deal of consternation, and I also was ready to make a commitment in the way of an endowment. Ann suggested I contact Ms. Worrell and schedule a visit to the CVHS. I’m so happy I made that call. What they offered was exactly what I had in mind in the way of medical care and permanent homes for my pets when I can no longer care for them. What a wonderful experience. Q: What inspired you to establish such a generous estate gift benefitting the veterinary center? A: My endowment to the CVHS was an easy decision. Knowing I can financially help a veterinary student through a scholarship program, purchasing of state-of-the-art medical equipment, quality medical care for animals and at the same time providing training for veterinary students gives me tremendous gratification.

Q: Do you have other philanthropic interests besides veterinary medicine? A: At this time my philanthropic interests basically remain within the realm of the CVHS. I periodically donate monetary gifts to various organizations, i.e., Animal Rescue Friends of Nichols Hills and the Central Oklahoma Humane Society. Q: Anything else you would like to share? A: I have talked with so many individuals who are unaware of the CVHS medical care available to pet owners and The Cohn Family Small Animal Shelter. I urge readers to contact OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences and learn more about these services. This has been a memorable experience, and I am so happy to be associated with OSU. My life has changed in so many positive ways as a result of this association. I particularly want to thank Sharon Worrell, CVHS, and Amanda Davis, OSU Foundation. I will never forget the unmitigated hard work they put forth in assisting me in bringing my endowment decision to fruition. I am eternally grateful to all involved in this process. D e r i n da B l a k e n e y

For more information about making a gift to CVHS, contact Senior Director of Development Amanda Davis at 405-385-5607 or adavis@OSUgiving.com. To learn more about veterinary services available at OSU’s veterinary hospital, call 405-744-7000.

C O M I N G 11 . 0 1 . 1 2

T E D X O S TAT E U . C O M

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New Life Members A lifetime connection to America’s brightest orange

Steven Adams, ’03 Tim Akins, ’87 Tina Alcain, ’00 Edd Alexander, ’70 Mark Allen, ’81 Jennifer Allen, ’82

The OSU Alumni Association would like to recognize the following people who are connected for life to Oklahoma State University through their life memberships purchased in 2011. Life membership prices increase on July 1, 2012. Purchase one today or begin a payment plan at the current rate online at orangeconnection.org/firesale or by calling at 405-744-5368.

Linda Allevato, ’86 Andy Anderson Kathy Anderson Charles Anderson Jr., ’85, ’92 Alison Anthony, ’87, ’90 Stacy Argue, ’05 Nancy Austin, ’90 Oteka Ann Ball, ’76, ’89 Susan Barker, ’93 Steven Barker, ’94, ’99 Terrell Barkett, ’87 Kendra Barnes, ’05 Howard Barnett Jr. Billie Barnett Paula Bates, ’98, ’01 J. Scott Baylor, ’01 Kathleen Bays, ’01, ’03 Wade Beard, ’06 Kimberly Beaver Michael Beaver, ’92 David Beers, ’77 Vikki Beier, ’92 Gary Belair, ’69 Rachel Benbrook Thomas Bender, ’99 Jerry Berry, ’71, ’72 Travis Beshears, ’96 Stephanie Bice, ’95 Geoffrey Bice, ’94 Jan Biehler, ’10 Debbie Biehler, ’83, ’10 Sabrina Billey, ’07 Lee Bixler, ’69 Lyndia Bixler Bobby Blackburn, ’76, ’79 Debbie Blackburn Holly Blakey, ’94 Bo Blakey, ’93 Byron Blazek, ’07 Kathryn Bolay-Staude, ’07 Marcia Bollinger, ’79 Brady Bond, ’10 Carey Bonds, ’96, ’03 Steven Bonds, ’93, ’95 Jayson Boswell, ’11

Angie Bowen, ’87

David Cason, ’77, ’81

Page Davidson, ’84

Dulan Emmert

Paul Goeringer, ’04

Jeffrey Bowen, ’87

Glynda Cason, ’75, ’80

Guyla Davis, ’02

Jon Engelking, ’97

Gerry Grant, ’64, ’66

Gary Boyd

Cecelia Castle, ’59

Joe Davis, ’70

Jill Engelking, ’97

Bobbe Gray, ’09

Jerry Boyd

Richard Castle, ’61

Rick Deffenbaugh, ’78

Jeff Engle, ’01

Michelle Green, ’02

Jay Boyer, ’94

Samantha Caudle, ’11

Amalia Deines, ’11

Ashley Engle, ’02

Lanet Greenhaw, ’76

Janel Boyer

Lea Caufield, ’99

Leann DeLong, ’06

Candice Engler, ’04

Bill Greenhaw, ’74

Bryan Brady II

Brooke Caviness, ’00, ’01

Phillip DeLong

Bob Estes Jr., ’68

Allen Greer, ’94

Becky Brady

Jerome Cerny, ’03

Jeff Denum, ’77

Diane Evanko, ’83

Lindasu Griffin, ’61

Vernon Brake Jr., ’02

Dong Chai, ’10

Gretchen Denum

Cheryl Evans, ’00

Ginny Griffin Howell, ’73

Melissa Brake, ’02

Joanne Chairess

Jeffrey Despain, ’00

Robert Fairless, ’59

Emily Grundy, ’11

Merrilee Braley, ’75

Phillip Chairess Jr.

Camille DeYong, ’78, ’84, ’94

Todd Fenimore

Cleone Gund

Steve Braley, ’75

Jonathan Chandler, ’11

Abigail Diacon, ’10

Susan Fenimore, ’92

Walter Gund, ’69

Lorena Brand, ’96

B. J. Charbonneau, ’70, ’75

Katherine Dickey, ’61

Gary Ferguson, ’71

Steve Gungoll, ’86, ’94

Tom Brandt, ’80

Amy Charlton, ’97

Jack Dickey Sr., ’60

Vicki Ferguson

Erin Gunter, ’99

Linda Brandt, ’80

Amos Chase, ’91

Kevin Diller, ’99

Shannon Ferrell, ’98, ’01

Jianhong Guo, ’98

Barbara Braziel, ’09

Christina Chennault, ’87

Ann Dillingham, ’86

Cara Ferrell, ’97, ’00, ’05

Christine Haddican, ’86

Gina Bridwell, ’79

Lauren Clark, ’02

Ed Dobson, ’65

Jennifer Ferrell, ’95, ’00

Tim Haddican, ’85

Robert Brinkley, ’93, ’97

Jason Clark, ’01

Cristy Doerner, ’81

Andrew Fickett, ’10

Pattie Haga, ’83, ’05

Jim Bob Britton, ’85

Donald Clift, ’80

John Doerner, ’83

Terry Fisher, ’10

Tead Haga, ’99

Kelly Britton, ’83

Jana Clift

Mary Louise Dolezal, ’70

Holly Fitzgerald, ’91

Heather Hale, ’05, ’09

Hajny Bromlow

Ronnie Coble, ’79

John Dolezal, ’72, ’73

Joey Fitzgerald, ’91

William Hale, ’06, ’08

Belva Brooks Barber, ’78

Sherri Coble, ’79

Robyn Doughtie, ’99

Jennifer Fletcher, ’89

Shelby Hall, ’08

Mack Brown, ’55

Sammy Coffman, ’80

Nathan Douglass, ’04

Denny Flick, ’78

David Hall, ’79

Lloyd Bruce, ’79

Linda Coffman, ’81

Joseph Dowdy, ’79

Rick Ford Jr., ’91

Lindsey Hall-Wiist, ’07

Mary Bruce, ’09

Shaun Cohen, ’08

Allison Drewry, ’99

Monica Ford, ’91, ’00

Matthew Hamilton, ’07

Kelley Bryan, ’86

John Conyers, ’76

Jill Drummond

Steven Franke, ’90

Bonnie Hand

Vincent Bryan, ’96

Raymond Cook Jr., ’78, ’79, ’82

Mary Bea Drummond, ’82, ’86, ’97

Angelia Franke, ’91

Keith Hand, ’68

Tammie Cook

Alaine Dye, ’83, ’90

Amanda Budd, ’02 John Budd, ’01 Leslie Buford, ’99 Jane Burchardt Darrell Burnett, ’87 Jody Burns, ’92, ’11 Denise Burns, ’95 Donald Burns II, ’01 Tracy Burris, ’91 Kimberly Buser, ’05 Stacey Butterfield, ’89, ’99 Tara Buxton, ’09 Gary Byrd, ’76 Daleene Caldwell Shannon Calhoun, ’98 Kurt Campbell, ’98, ’01 Sarah Campbell, ’97 Rita Carley, ’94 Tammy Carney, ’98 Vickie Carr, ’85 Jeff Carr, ’86 Stephen Case, ’85 David Case Gary Casey, ’78

SPRING 2012

Adam Cooper

Sharon Earley, ’80

Michael Cooper, ’00

Ray Earley II, ’80, ’81

Bruce Cope, ’90

Jim Early, ’68

Kevin Corley, ’89

Judy Early

Cheryl Cottom, ’84, ’11

Cari Earnhart, ’99, ’01

Jerry Cottom, ’83

William Easterly

Robert Cox, ’63, ’69

Richard Ebrey II, ’85

Gregory Cox, ’85, ’86

Tammie Edrington, ’82

Stacy Cox

Sarah Ehrlich, ’97

Michael Cox, ’76

Jacob Ehrlich, ’97

Lorraine Crabb

Bill Eichor, ’54

C. L. Craig Jr., ’66

Janelle Eichor

Helen Craig, ’67

Larry Eisenhauer, ’78

Vicki Craig, ’94

Dustin Eisenhauer, ’05

Colin Cumming, ’76, ’82

Monty Elder, ’71, ’73

Charlcie Cumming, ’72

Virgil Ellis, ’62

Trish Cunningham, ’04

Grace Ellsworth, ’67

Tyler Cunningham, ’09

Charles Ellsworth Jr., ’72

Kasey Curry, ’10

Rick Ely, ’88

Sharon Damore, ’74

Sharrie Ely, ’89

Michael Damore, ’73

Melinda Ely, ’79, ’84

Lisa Dauphin Ross, ’83

Debbie Emerson, ’93

Joe Davidson, ’87

Fred Emmert, ’72, ’74

Blake Freeland, ’04

Linda Harkelroad

Robert Freeman, ’91

Anthony Harkelroad

Pam Freeman

Patricia Harkin, ’83

Jack Fyffe, ’71

Tracy Harlow, ’93

Heidi Gallman Zerby, ’90

Scot Harlow, ’93

David Gammill

Weston Harper, ’53

Debbie Gammill

Ann Harper, ’53

Katherine Gard, ’86

Bobby Harris, ’84

Aimee Garrett, ’99

Kasey Harris

Lance Garrett, ’98

Sarah Harris, ’02

Wayne Gartner, ’92

Michael Harris, ’08

Crystal Garton, ’90

John Hart, ’72

George Garton, ’90

Heide Hartfield, ’01

Andrew Gebhart, ’91

Christopher Hassinger, ’97

David Geurkink, ’00

Tricia Hatley, ’93

Nita Giles, ’71

David Hawkins, ’00

Shirley Gilliland, ’79, ’87

Lisa Hefner

Kristal Gilmore, ’07, ’10

Julianna Helt, ’84

Belinda Gilpin, ’79

Steve Helt, ’82

Neil Gilpin, ’80

Terry Henderson, ’84

David Gleason, ’86

Amanda Hendrickson, ’01

Ram Gnanadesikan, ’93

Melissa Herter, ’05

Rex Godsey, ’04

Matt Hicks, ’06

Karen Godsey, ’08

Tony Hill, ’93, ’97

Lee Hinds, ’86

Valerie Kadavy, ’11

David Mahaffay, ’74

Kimberly Miller, ’01

Matt Hodson, ’92

Veronica Kadavy, ’11

Jeanne Mann, ’98

Larry Miller

Frank Parks, ’81

Brianne Holcombe, ’03

Monty Karns, ’77, ’06

Gabriela Martin

Shawn Miller, ’92

Kathryn Parks, ’81

John Holcombe, ’01

Vickie Karns, ’97

Scott Martin, ’93

Andy Miller, ’93

John Parrish, ’61, ’64

Stephen Holderby, ’74

Emily Kern, ’01

Amy Martinez, ’02

Kevin Milliner

Joanne Parrott, ’69

Mary Holderby

John Kerpon, ’88

Connie Martinson, ’87

Lisa Millsap, ’90

Kenneth Parrott, ’69

Brenda Hood, ’86

Cindy Ketchum, ’83

Brenna Masek, ’00

Trudy Milner, ’88

Vinay Patel, ’06

Michael Hood, ’86

Grant Kincannon, ’09, ’11

Rick Maxwell, ’84

Mark Mitchell, ’83

Angie Patterson, ’81

David Hoover, ’86

Michael Kinnison, ’86

Suzanne Maxwell, ’83

Karen Mitchell

Marie Peterson, ’08

Mitchell Horn, ’98

Sarah Kirby, ’84, ’85, ’89

Michael Mayer, ’00

Scott Mitchell, ’80

Amy Pierce, ’92

Amanda Horn, ’09

Megan Kirkpatrick, ’10

Alexander Mayer

Larry Mobly, ’79

Edward Pierce, ’93 James Pine, ’06

Grant Packard, ’10

Bill Horne Jr., ’74, ’82

Brent Kisling, ’94

Mike Mayer, ’86

Dana Mobly, ’91

Amanda Horne

Jennifer Kisling

Rosana Mayer

Richard Modenbach, ’64

Larry Plank, ’81

Jonathan Hornung, ’02, ’04

Rose Mary Knorr, ’78

Corey Mayo, ’05

Linda Modenbach, ’66

Pauledde Plank, ’74

Chrystle Howard, ’00

Jack Knorr, ’09, ’11

Sean McCabe, ’06, ’08

Joshua Moles, ’08

Justin Plaxico, ’96, ’00

Bill Howell Jr., ’68

Brad Kosanke, ’99

Adam McClung, ’04

Scott Moorad, ’98

Leanne Plaxico

Ladd Hudgins, ’66, ’67

Kristin Kosanke, ’93

Janice McComas-Estes, ’87

Amanda Moore, ’09

Bruce Plummer, ’89, ’93

Maxine Hudgins, ’67, ’70

Patricia Koscheski, ’65

Julia McCormick, ’83

Marisha Moore, ’92

Melinda Plummer, ’87

Judy Hull

Ted Koscheski, ’65

Robert McCormick, ’81, ’83

Tammy Moreno, ’09

Barry Pollard, ’73

Dianne Humes, ’88

Jarrett Kruska, ’96

Matthew McCoy, ’09

Jeff Moreno, ’03

Roxanne Pollard

Chris Humes, ’90

Mary Kruska, ’68

Patty McCrary, ’73

Gregor Morgan, ’86

Jerry Pongratz, ’85

James Hurt, ’57, ’59, ’63

Paul Kruska, ’69

Don McCune, ’69

Sandra Morgan, ’80, ’87

Donna Pongratz, ’84

Andy Huss, ’96

Jeremy Kube, ’02

Matthew McGee, ’87

Belinda Morris, ’88

David Pope, ’66

Ravi Iyer, ’76

Julie Lambert, ’84

Holly McGee, ’09

Eric Morrisett, ’08

Deborah Pope

Jed Jarvis, ’90

Jennifer Lamirand, ’04

LeAnne McGill, ’03

Eugene Moseley, ’04

Allen Poppino, ’50

Tammy Jarvis, ’98

Dan Lanagan Jr., ’93

Chris McGill, ’04

Roger Mosier, ’83

Barbara Poppino Susan Potts, ’85

Neil Jay, ’96

Randy Lanie, ’70

Angela McKean, ’98

D. Scott Murrie, ’97

Jaime Jay, ’98

Ryan Lanman, ’02

Susan McKenzie, ’91

Roger Musick, ’74

Larry Potts, ’85

Rick Jeans, ’81

April Lanman

Henry McKenzie

Frank Narcomey, ’79

Ethan Pounds, ’10

Dianne Jeans, ’88

Duston Lansford, ’06, ’09, ’10

Kyle McKinzie, ’09

Betty Nardecchia, ’64

Reva Pratt, ’84

Jennifer Jennings, ’99

Randy Lansford, ’76

Madison McKnight, ’11

Kurt Nelson, ’75

Whitney Putt, ’10

Janice Jensen, ’63

Marie Lansford, ’77

Jean McMullen, ’98

Matt Nelson, ’11

Tarek Radjef, ’62

Traci Jensen, ’92

Nathan Lasiter, ’97

Ronal McMurtrey, ’58

Yasha Neparko, ’94

Shannon Raglin, ’96

Derrick Jensen, ’92

Sarah Lasiter, ’98

Marguerite McMurtrey, ’59

Karen Neurohr

Joshua Raglin, ’96

Kevin Jett, ’79, ’83, ’05

Tammy Lee, ’95

Steven Mendenhall, ’82, ’84

Kent Newby, ’88, ’93

Mary Rains

Cammie Johnson, ’98

John Lee, ’85

Paul Mengers, ’04

Sandy Newby

Venkataraman Rajaram, ’91

Denna Johnson, ’85

Cora LeGrand, ’76, ’78, ’92

Crystal Mengers, ’03, ’04

Jed Newkirk, ’03

Donald Ramsey, ’50

Myriah Johnson, ’09

William Lehman, ’97

Clint Metcalf, ’99

Doann Nguyen, ’08

Robert Raskevitz, ’89

Jennifer Johnson, ’07

Robert Leikam, ’06

Sara Metcalf, ’99

Caroline Nichols, ’10, ’11

James Reber, ’04

Robert Johnson, ’10

Kirk Lewis, ’93

Thomas Metzner, ’95

John Nielson, ’94

Joan Redding, ’52, ’88

Erika Johnson, ’10

Rick Lippert Jr., ’78

Ruth Metzner

Andrea Nightingale, ’04

H. J. Reed II, ’77

Mark Johnson, ’89

Emily Littlejohn, ’09

Julie Meyer, ’91

Chad Nightingale, ’01

Monica Reid, ’98

Colin Johnston

Corey Lively, ’98, ’00, ’03

Brandon Meyer, ’91

Billy Oglesby, ’89

Linda Reid, ’84

Chris Jones, ’00

Lori Lively, ’02

Jamie Meyer, ’07

Ann Oglesby, ’87

Phillip Rerat, ’04, ’05

David Jones, ’77, ’79

Jack Lollis, ’71

Aaron Meyer

Kayla Ohls, ’07

Cari Rerat, ’02

Ellen Jones, ’78

Susan Lollis

Jocelyn Meyers, ’05

Thelma O’Loughlin, ’01

Herbert Rhea, ’78

Rachel Jones, ’85

Codi Long, ’99

Daniel Meyers

Shelli Osborn, ’85

Nellie Rhea

Kirt Jones, ’85

Coby Long, ’03

Laurie Mickle, ’85

Gayle Otto, ’03

Brandon Rhinehart, ’99

Aaron Jones, ’07

Kelly Loy, ’85

Deanna Miles, ’71

Kelle Otto, ’09

Melanie Rhinehart

Katie Jones, ’07, ’11

Michelle Lyons, ’93

Joshua Miller

Stacia Otto, ’07

Ben Rhodes, ’99, ’01

Andrea Jones-Wright

John MacMorris, ’69

Letisha Miller

Clint Owens, ’04

Bradley Rice, ’70

Andrea Richardson, ’11

Angela Shuck, ’99

Sanzee Suthers

Robert Wettemann Sr.

Phil Richardson, ’65, ’67

Greg Simmons, ’87

Susan Sutton, ’86

Grace Wettemann

Kelly Young II, ’00, ’06

Jimmy Ritchie, ’82

Mike Simpson, ’75

Andy Sutton, ’86

Jodi Weyers, ’98

Jill Young, ’00

Christi Roach, ’80, ’94

Rhonda Simpson, ’74

Chandra Sweeney, ’09

Jeff Weyers, ’99, ’04

Jim Zachariae, ’75

Hal Robbins, ’02, ’07

Vani Singhal, ’92

Holly Taber, ’06, ’08

Lachrista Whatley, ’94

Terryl Zerby, ’83

Ashley Robbins

Aaron Sizelove, ’09

Claude Tapp Jr., ’67

Joslyn White, ’10

Samuel Robertson, ’68

Dalaina Sizelove, ’08

Charles Tautfest Jr., ’93

Dennis White, ’64, ’69

Kari Robertson, ’01

John Sizer IV, ’00

Dennis Teal, ’77

Marta White

Ryan Robertson, ’03

Dennis Slagell, ’79

Bobbie Teal

Bill White, ’96

Jennifer Rogers-Cooper, ’99

Candace Slagell

Cole Tefertiller, ’00

Mary White, ’69

Robyn Rolenec, ’08

Roger Sloan, ’85

Carl Tennille, ’66, ’67

Cindy Whitewater, ’94

Casey Russell, ’98

Anna Sloan

Phil Terry, ’70

Brian Whitewater, ’90

Paula Sanders, ’86

Michael Sloniker, ’67

Eugene Thilsted, ’79, ’81

Robert Whitney Jr., ’58, ’59

J.D. Sarver, ’88

Gina Sloniker, ’70

Kimberly Thomas, ’90

Jared Whittington, ’09

Faith Sarver, ’89

Carlene Smith, ’65

John Thomas, ’91

Jerry Wiebe, ’80

Darrell Schaffer, ’66

Chuck Smith, ’65

Doug Thomas, ’84

Beth Wiebe

Jay Schallner, ’83

Michele Smith, ’90

Christy Thomas, ’66

David Wiegand, ’91

Sherry Schallner, ’85

Megan Smith, ’09

James Thomas, ’66

David Wiist Jr., ’07

Carson Schilling, ’99

Patrick Smith, ’10

Daryl Thomason, ’76

Natalie Wilcox, ’01

James Schlittler, ’79, ’80

Larissa Smith, ’09

Shelly Thomason, ’77

Christopher Wilcox, ’02

Patricia Schlittler

Joshua Smith, ’03

Troy Thompson, ’91

Jennifer Williams, ’01

Kimberly Schmid, ’91

Ken Sneed, ’77

Catherine Thompson, ’99

Craig Williams, ’02

Lisa Schmidt, ’83

Philip Sonnenfeld, ’02

Bradley Thompson, ’98

Teri Williams

Christa Spanich, ’02

Kermit Tilford, ’60, ’97

Andre Williams, ’06, ’11

Monty Stallings, ’03, ’08

Patricia Tilford, ’60, ’69, ’78

Sheralyn Williams, ’05

Rachel Stallings, ’01, ’07

Carolyn Timian

Robert Williams Jr., ’91

Jay Staude, ’08

Scott Timian, ’86

Barbara Williams, ’77, ’79

Theresa Stehr, ’99

Timothy Titus, ’93

Suzanne Willis

Syd Stehr, ’96

Lynn Tramel, ’80

Aaron Wilson, ’08

Dennis Steichen, ’80

Andy Tripp, ’02, ’11

Macy Wilson, ’01 Trapper Wilson, ’02

Carol Steichen, ’77

Jenny Tripp, ’02

James Steichen, ’70, ’74

Diane Tuttle, ’85

Dean Winter, ’82

E. Marie Steichen, ’70

Steve Tuttle, ’73

Jim Winterringer, ’54

Tracy Stephens, ’07

Gary Tyree, ’95

Sue Winterringer Brian Winterringer, ’83

Hunter Stephens, ’06

Bill Updike, ’84

Christopher Stewart, ’06

Nancy Wakefield, ’63

Bradley Wittrock, ’03

Amy Schueler, ’92

Katherine Stewart, ’08

Tom Wakefield, ’63, ’64

Starla Wittrock, ’04

Michael Schuetz, ’80

Mike Stock, ’06, ’08

John Walker, ’53

Nancy Wizner, ’02

Brad Schultz, ’69

Curtis Stock, ’02, ’04

Nancy Walton, ’84

Scott Woltemath, ’78, ’80

Margie Schultz

Scott Stoodley, ’98

Kyle Warren, ’89

Patricia Woodard

Mark Schumpert, ’91

Lara Stoodley

Jennifer Warren

Clyde Woodard

Lee Scoggins

Lauren Storms, ’05

Dustin Weatherly, ’07

Cheryl Wood-Myers, ’82

Thomas Seagraves, ’86, ’96

Bobbye Stout, ’69

Paul Webb Jr., ’03

Eric Woodroof, ’95, ’98

Michael Sellers, ’79

Kenneth Stout, ’69

Angela Webster, ’01

Andrea Woodroof

Kelly Sellers

Don Strain, ’64

JoAnn Webster

Denise Woods, ’84

Scott Sewell, ’79

Vickie Sturgeon, ’73, ’83, ’86

Jon Wells, ’00

Robert Wright

Diane Shafer, ’66

Joel Sugg

Kara Wells

Bob Wright Jr., ’72

Richard Shafer, ’66, ’68

Suzanne Sugg, ’69

John Wendling, ’79

Richard Wuerflein, ’77

Gary Sherrer

Robert Sullivan, ’07

Vicki Wendling

Darla Wyatt

Lois Shreve, ’50

Christian Sundene, ’94

Katie Werner, ’08

David Wyatt, ’83

Dustin Shuck, ’99

Grady Suthers, ’68

Barry West, ’72

Donna Yanda, ’78

SPRING 2012

Yi Yin, ’98, ’99

This list does not contain individuals making payments on a life membership.

Luella and Butch Curtis were not Oklahoma State University alumni, but they became huge fans of the University after their cat received life-saving care at OSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Luellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister, Leora Calkins, also a friend to the University, joined the other two in their decision to support future OSU students. When they passed away, their estates combined to create an education endowment of more than $3.2 million for Oklahoma natives studying veterinary medicine.

To discover how easily you can establish a planned gift, contact the OSU Foundation at 405-385-5148 or visit OSUgiving.giftlegacy.com.

C H A P TERS

Record Cowboy Attendance Boone Pickens Stadium wasn’t the only place breaking attendance records last season. OSU alumni chapters and watch clubs saw a dramatic increase in participation during the 2011 football season. Chapters Director Pam Stubbs says there were 250 watch parties with an average attendance of about 30 Cowboys each — more than 7,500 alumni and friends last season. Stubbs says 23 watch clubs were added and several became chapters. “The football team obviously helped get everything going,” Stubbs says. “A lot of the attendees have enjoyed being together so much that they continued to watch basketball games and build a chapter. A group like Chicago started out as a watch club and recently became a chapter.” Between August and December, more than 17,000 people attended an Alumni Association event, and Stubbs says she wants to increase that figure. “I think it’s great we’ve been able to expand as much as we have,” she says. “It would be nice to have a watch club in every state, and we’re getting closer to that point.” The largest watch party during the season was at the New York City OSU Alumni Chapter, which had more than 250 alumni and friends at its Bedlam watch party and filled the Stillwater Bar and Grill in Manhattan. Chapter President Eric Martin says the restaurant’s owner has even considered expansion. “This year we had the largest crowds ever,” Martin says. “I never expected our turnout to be so large. Just four years ago, our chapter was lucky to have 10 people show up.” Martin says the crowd is usually a blend of residents and tourists. “We get students and families that don’t live in New York to come to Stillwater Bar and Grill and experience the best OSU atmosphere outside Oklahoma,” Martin says. “It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Stillwater or in New York City, we are all Cowboys.”

SPRING 2012

A minimum number of 150 alumni and friends within a 50-mile radius is required to start a chapter or a watch club. Stubbs says there’s no requirement on how many people attend or how often they meet. “We’re all about continuing OSU’s family feeling in the communities where our alumni live,” Stubbs says. “If you’re interested in starting a chapter or watch club in your area, we’re here to assist you in surveying the alumni in your area, providing supplies and sending out communications.” For more information about OSU Alumni chapters and watch parties, visit orangeconnection.org/chapters or call Pam Stubbs at 405-744-8717.

Tulsa Chapter

The Tulsa Cowboy Stampede will again be the stomping ground for OSU alumni and friends in Green Country, but at a new location this year. The Tulsa OSU Alumni Chapter sponsors the annual Cowboy Stampede, which will be held at Ritchie Ranch near Glenpool. Pattie Haga, vice president of the OSU Alumni Association, says the event is perfect for families looking to celebrate their OSU spirit with other future Cowboy and Cowgirls. “The Tulsa Stampede is geared toward children and families because we want to get children excited about OSU,” Haga says. “This year’s event will be similar to those in years past, but at a different location.” The event is set for 4 p.m. June 9. Admission for Alumni Association members is $12 for adults, $8 for under 18 and free for children younger than 4.

Nonmember admission is $16 for adults, $10 for under 18 and free for children younger than 4. Glenn Zannotti, the event’s committee chair and assistant director for development at the OSU Foundation, says there will be activities for all and a chance to meet a few OSU icons. “The event will include a barbecue dinner, Jupiter jumps, and appearances by Pistol Pete and possibly Bullet,” Zannotti says. “We will also have additional outdoor games for the kids, and we have invited President Hargis to the event as well as other OSU dignitaries.” Tulsa Chapter President Tina Parkhill says the event is for OSU alumni and their friends and family. Parkhill encourages everyone to come out to the event, which is typically attended by about 200 orange-clad fans. “This is a wonderful opportunity to get a large number of our OSU alumni, family and friends together to celebrate Oklahoma State, play games and have fun,” Parkhill says. “It’s an exciting event for the chapter every year because one of our chapter’s major initiatives is to engage alumni, and we try to do several events throughout the year.” Ritchie Ranch, 16850 S. 33rd West Ave., is a mile east of U.S. Highway 75 between 161st and 171st streets in Glenpool. Visit orangeconnection.org/tulsastampede for more information and to register online.

Alumni Scholarships OSU alumni chapters are reaching out to future Cowboys and Cowgirls with their annual scholarships. Chapters Director Pam Stubbs says 16 alumni chapters held different fundraising events to award scholarships this year. This was also the first year the application process was online. “We had 677 applicants this spring, compared to last year’s 450, and were able to give $190,000 in scholarships to more than 135 students for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year,” Stubbs says. Through the OSU car tag funds, the Alumni Association matches two scholarships from Oklahoma and Texas chapters up to $1,000. The scholarships range in

Upcoming Events Join an OSU alumni chapter near you to celebrate OSU and connect with Cowboys in your area. For the most current event listing, visit orangeconnection.org/chapters or scan the QR code below. May 4: Bedlam Baseball — Tulsa Chapter May 4–5: Spring Commencement May 5: Pokes, Brats and Bedlam — OKC Metro Chapter May 5: Golf Scramble — Cherokee Strip Chapter

Eight high school seniors received scholarships from the Caddo County OSU Alumni Chapter at a banquet Feb. 20, 2012, in Fort Cobb, Okla. amount from $500 to $4,000 divided over four years. “Retention is an important part of our scholarship program and an ongoing challenge to the university,” Stubbs says. “Our scholarships are helping to bring students to Oklahoma State, keep them in school for four years and allow them to earn their degrees.” Applying for a chapter scholarship is similar to applying to OSU. “The chapter volunteers who select the recipients really like to see what encouraged them to attend OSU and what they want to embrace here,” Stubbs says. “Their goal is to pick future students leaders who can excel at OSU and beyond.” Students must live or attend school in a region with a qualifying chapter. Each chapter has its own selection criteria. Macey Panach, an OSU Undergraduate Admissions counselor and an adviser to the OKC Metro Chapter board, says she spreads the word about the chapter scholarships to incoming freshmen. “I am so thankful to work closely with a group of alumni who understand the importance of scholarships and who are dedicated to helping students realize their dreams of joining the Cowboy family,” Panach says. “Whether we’re raising money for scholarships or getting together for a watch party, you can definitely tell OSU alumni are proud of their alma mater and want to do as much as possible to support it.”

Dustin Tackett, president of the Caddo County Chapter, says he knows how much a chapter scholarship can help students because he received one. “Not only did it help financially, but also it showed me there were supportive alumni in my area,” Tackett says. “It gave me a sense of pride.” The newly established Cleveland County Chapter awarded its first scholarships this year. Chapter President Lynne McElroy says her chapter raised most of its scholarship money from its mini golf tournament. McElroy says the chapter had 11 applicants and hopes to give scholarships every year. “Most of us received some type of scholarship award, and we feel like we need to give back,” McElroy says. “We all love OSU, and we want to carry on the orange tradition.” Chapters awarding freshman scholarships are Beckham/Roger Mills/Dewey Counties, Caddo County, Cherokee Strip, Comanche County, Cleveland County, Grady County, Houston Metro Area, Jackson County, Kiowa/Greer Counties, New York City, North Texas Metro Area, OKC Metro Area, Pittsburg County, Pushmataha County, Tulsa Metro Area and Washington County.

May 10: Thirsty Thursday — New York City Chapter May 17: Student/Alumni Mixer — Chicago Chapter June 2: Summer Picnic — Cleveland County Chapter June 6–8: Grandparent University — Session One June 9: Cowboy Stampede — Tulsa Chapter June 10: Golf Tournament — OSU-COM June 20–22: Grandparent University — Session Two July 22: Cowboy Kickoffs — North Texas Chapter July 28: Bedlam Run — Tulsa Chapter Aug. 4: Vintage O-State — OKC Metro Chapter Aug. 20: Fall Semester Begins Aug. 25: Pre-Season Kickoff BBQ — Southeast Virginia Chapter Sept. 1: Football Season Opener vs. Savannah State Oct. 6: Golf Tournament — North Texas Chapter Oct. 6: Mini Golf Tournament — Cleveland County Chapter Oct. 7: Pistol Pete’s Birthday Party — OKC Metro Chapter Oct. 19–20: Black Alumni Reunion and Scholarship Weekend Oct. 19–20: Band Alumni Weekend

Applications for the 2013-2014 school year will be available from Aug. 1, 2012, to Feb. 1, 2013, at orangeconnection.org/scholarship.

Oct. 20: Homecoming vs. Iowa State

S tor i es by K r i sten M c C onnaughe y

It Pays to be a Member... Even as a Student! The Life Membership Student Program offers students a savings of $400 on their Alumni Association life membership. With one click, students can now become life members through a bursar charge payment plan.

By being a member, students can

save more than $300 annually with the Orange Savings Connection!

More than 500 students are already taking advantage of this opportunity. Make sure your student is a part of the Life Membership Student Program by visiting orangeconnection.org/studentlife! 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 TEL 405.744.5368 â&#x20AC;˘ FAX 405.744.6722 orangeconnection.org

A Career of Helping Others Former KOSU student reporter credits his OSU experience with helping him help others succeed.

Listen to KOSU anytime, anywhere, through the live audio streams at www.kosu.org. In central Oklahoma tune your radio to 91.7 FM or in northeastern Oklahoma to 107.5 FM.

public media learning experience for college Doug Mitchell has lots of photos on his graduates. Mitchell mentored participants in Facebook page. creating content, while preparing them for But you won’t find many single-subject careers in public media that many continue. glossies. Instead, Mitchell’s snapshots At NPR, Mitchell received a Knight capture large groups gathered with a International Press Fellowship to hone common purpose — to learn and evolve. the storytelling skills of students in Chile. Those pictures sum up Mitchell as a Mitchell returned to the South American person and a professional. He has dedicated country in 2007 after receiving a Fulbright his career to helping others grow theirs — scholarship to help launch Chile’s first mainly in journalism — by teaching the art Internet radio station, of media and the imporwhich is still on the air. tance of networking, from Several years ago, asking the right questions to Mitchell leveraged his role honing nonverbal communiof mentor to become a cations skills. media consultant, helping “People need that go-to people and corporations person to help them learn,” navigate the media climate, Mitchell says. “I’ve been which has shifted dramatifortunate to find support for cally thanks to technology. a career that helps others Mitchell currently is create connections that can consulting with the public expand their professional radio station in Phoenix potential.” to create a youth media Mitchell’s career of center in partnership with helping others began at Former KOSU student reporter a local high school. He Oklahoma State University Doug Mitchell has a successful is also launching a Ford and KOSU Radio. As a career of helping others thrive. Foundation program that student news reporter from counsels minority journalists on starting 1980 to 1984, Mitchell cut his teeth in a newsroom that was challenging and reward- their own media businesses. Each project brings with it new opportuing. Mitchell credits the station’s news direcnities for Mitchell to make connections and tor at the time, Don Hoover, for demanding differences in people’s lives. excellence from his student reporters while “Everything I’m doing today is rooted giving them the opportunity to explore in my experience at OSU,” Mitchell says. whether they could really do this thing “KOSU is still a place where students learn called public radio. by doing and where somebody cares enough Mitchell also credits his father, to pay attention.” former OSU Associate Vice President for Multicultural Affairs Earl Mitchell, for instilling in him at an early age the importance of a one-to-one student-teacher experience. Mitchell turned his dad’s philosophy and his KOSU experience into a 25-year career KELLY BURLEY at NPR, launching the Next Generation KOSU EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Radio project, a competitive hands-on

THANK You

COWBOY SPIRIT2012 This event would not have been possible without those who attended the concert and the following community sponsors > The OSU Student Foundation raised more than $36,700 through Cowboy Spirit 2012, a benefit concert on February 25 to fund need-based OSU scholarships. To learn more, visit www.OSUstufu.com.

> Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook Caroline Diedrich Michael and Anne Greenwood The Hideaway John and Caroline Linehan OSU Foundation OSU Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office OSU Student Affairs OSU Student Government Association Women for OSU

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One Family Generations of Graduates

Robert Adams, Class of 1947

“My father was the first student to enroll in the Oklahoma A&M College. … It was done alphabetically, and the only reason that Arthur wasn’t there, he was sick that day and couldn’t be there. … My dad and uncle Arthur graduated together in the class of 1896, and my uncle got the first diploma, because they graduated in alphabetical order. “Now their graduation was different, quite different than today’s graduation. Each of those six graduates had to give a 10-to-12-to-15-minute dissertation on a certain subject that was assigned to them. Each of them. At the graduation ceremony, each of the six, in turn, gave a 10-minute lecture on a subject that was assigned to them.” Robert Adams, born in 1923, learned about that first commencement ceremony through family stories, but he would get the chance to attend many other memorable graduations in his own time. His brother James was 10 years older and followed the tradition of attending Oklahoma A&M. Robert Adams was 10 when he

A number of generations of Adamses have attended OSU, and

attended Jimmy’s commencement, but more than 75 years later he remembered the excitement: “He (Jimmy) went off to college, then he graduated, and I went up to Stillwater in 1934 to his graduation. It was a very big ceremony and a wonderful time. Jimmy was just full of vim and vigor and was thrilled to death that he’d made it through school as an electrical engineer.” As with most graduates, Robert Adams’ own commencement was his most memorable. Graduation had moved to Gallagher Hall, and an acquaintance of Bob’s father was leading the ceremonies: “The one time that I remember President Bennett more than any other one time was upon graduation. … I walked across the stage and received my diploma. Well, unbeknownst to me, when I walked up to the stage, my father was sitting in a chair next to Henry Bennett. Henry Bennett passed him my diploma, and then my father gave

Photo/OSU Special Collections

Spring means OSU commencement and traditions reaching back to the early years of Oklahoma A&M. When it comes to graduation ceremonies, however, few families have the history and perspective of Robert Adams, Class of 1947, and his relatives. His father, James Homer Adams, was the first student to enroll at the university. James Adams and his brother, Arthur, were in the first class to earn degrees from the institution in 1896. When Robert Adams was interviewed in 2010, he talked about his father and uncle’s places in university history. He also mentioned how the ceremonies held in Old Central near the turn of the last century varied considerably from what graduates experience now:

The Class of 1896 were the first graduates of Oklahoma A&M and included Robert Adams’ father, James, and uncle, Arthur. Standing left to right are James Homer Adams, Arthur Wesley Adams, Ervin G. Lewis and Oscar M. Morris. Seated left to right are Alfred Edward Jarrell and Frank E. Duck. me my diploma upon graduation in June of ’47. That was a very memorable experience. “I’ll never forget that as long as I live. I’m sure that it might have been repeated by others somewhere, but I don’t know anybody who received their diploma from their father.”

O-STATE Stories, a project of the Oklahoma Oral History Research

the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program has gathered

Program at the Edmon Low Library chronicles the rich history, heri-

some of their recollections. John Adams’ relatives interviewed

tage and traditions of Oklahoma State University. Interviews are

for the O-STATE Stories collection include Arthur Adams III, Julie

available online at www.library.okstate.edu/oralhistory/ostate.

Adams, Pat Adams (Class of 1948), Stephen Adams (Class of

For more information about O-STATE Stories or assistance with

1976), Travis Adams (Class of 2010), Walter Adams (Class of 1967),

searching, contact the Oklahoma Oral History Research Program

Arthur Roberts, and Dwain Sehon (Class of 1977). To access their

at 405-744-6588.

oral histories, go to http://goo.gl/iGXPb or use the QR code.

101

Don’t let time expire! It pays to be a life member of the OSU Alumni Association. Life membership rates will increase on July 1, 2012. Have you considered the advantages of upgrading your annual membership to a life membership? • The cost of life membership is lower over the long term. • Your membership dues are tax-deductible as a charitable contribution. More than 1,000 alumni have beaten the clock and joined the Alumni Association as a life member since July, including Melanie and Brandon Weeden! We value your membership in the Alumni Association and hope you’ll consider upgrading your membership before time runs out. Life members can share the gift of life membership with a friend or family member!

Become a life member before dues increase on July 1, 2012! 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center Stillwater, OK 74078-7043 TEL 405.744.5368 • FAX 405.744.6722 orangeconnection.org

Last Chance Notice!

C l a s s n o t e s

Update Classnotes Online The OSU Alumni Association’s new renewal statements for annual members no longer include a form asking for Classnotes information. But we still want to hear about your promotions, new family members, retirement activities, honors and other news, and help you share your information with the OSU family. Classnotes may be submit ted online at orangeconnection.org, on the Alumni Association Facebook page at facebook.com/okstatealumni or on you web-enabled cellphone at orangeconnection.mobi. Classnotes are printed in STATE magazine, OrangeBytes and online as a benefit for Alumni Association members.

’30s Lester G. Flesner, ’36, B.S.; ’37, M.S., enjoyed celebrating Christmas at his home in South Carolina with his caretakers and nursesin-training from TriCounty Technical School. He was married for 74 years to Helen Louise Bebout Flesner, ’36, B.S., who died on Sept. 2, 2011. She was a dietician at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

’50s Nina Bloch Fishman, ’50, home econ, and her husband, Herman, were named the publisher’s pick for Best Self Atlanta’s 2011 Over 40 and Fabulous winners. Nina and Herman have been married for more than 60 years. Eldon Janzen, ’50, music, was offered a full-ride football scholarship at Oklahoma A&M, but decided to play trombone instead. He loved playing for dances in sorority and fraternity houses and after beating OU in football. For 25 years, Eldon served as director of bands at the University of Arkansas. A big part of his heart remains with the Aggies. J. Marshall Saye, ’51, mech eng and his wife, Jeannine, ’51, hum sci, are still in Chesterfield, Mo., and enjoying life. They like to go to the St. Louis watch parties. They have two sons who are OSU graduates, Joe and Steven, and a daughter who went to Missouri.

Frank Warnsdorfer, ’53, sec ed, is a proud Cowboy fan living in Point Pleasant, N.J. Paul Weatherford, ’54, bus admin, is happy he got to visit the OSU campus with a friend in October to see Morrill Hall, where most of his classes were, and to hear about the plans for the new business building. Darle Nieneker, ’58, chem, now lives in Roanoke, Texas, and said his degree from OSU prepared him for an interesting career in the petroleum chemical industry. Mary Evelyn Adams, ’59, nat sci, is enjoying retirement after 41 years of teaching math in the public schools of Oklahoma. During her 38 years of teaching in Enid, she became supervisor of mathematics for Enid Public Schools. Since retiring in 1995, she has been active in her church, Garfield County Retired Educators and Garfield County Master Gardeners. She was recently recognized as a Very Important Member of the Garfield County Retired Educators, and the Enid Alumni Association is renovating a room at Enid High School in her honor. Warren Gilmour, ’59, mech eng, spent 31 years at Lockheed, moving from research engineer to program manager of classified programs at the Skunk Works. He retired in 1992 and took a second career in Salt Lake City as multifamily property owner.

Warren and his wife, Lyn, have six children and ten grandchildren.

is a proud Cowboy fan living in Fort Worth, Texas, with his wife, Betty.

Charles Heller, ’59, civ eng; ’60, M.S., civ eng, had his memoir, Prague: My Long Journey Home, published in December 2011 by Abbott Press. It has been honored with the Mark of Quality for literary merit by Writer’s Digest and received honorable mention at the Los Angeles Book Festival. Charles is working on two additional memoirs, the first of which is Cowboy from Prague.

Robert “Bob” Armstrong, ’65, bus, and his wife, Kay, have three children, of which one attended OSU. They also have seven grandchildren and Bob is involved in the alumni leadership in Oklahoma City, Fort Worth and Dallas.

’60s Bill Bernhardt, ’60, geology, announced his granddaughter, Abby Speed, ’10, bus mgmt, has been accepted into U.S Air Force Officer Training School in Montgomery, Ala., with additional training in San Angelo, Texas. After high school, Abby spent six years active duty with the Air Force, with deployments that included Qatar, Diego Garcia and Kyrgyzstan. While at OSU, she enrolled in the Air Force Reserves and worked with the Riata Center in developing the Disabled Veterans Entrepreneurship Program. Paul Brown, ’61, mgmt, and his wife, Connie, celebrated their 50 th class reunion during OSU Homecoming. Not only did Paul graduate in 1961, but he also got married to Connie the same year.

Fredda-Lois Loafmann, ’63, educ, and her husband Thomas, ’63, DVM, were in Hawaii for the holidays with family and celebrated the Cowboys’ Fiesta Bowl victory on the Disney Resort, while wearing their Big 12 Champions shirts. Leon Clark, ’64, ag, said if he could choose OSU again, he would. Leon

Lee Bixler, ’69, nat sci, taught 30 years in Oklahoma as a teacher and an administrator and 10 years in Texas. He and his wife, Lyndia, have three children who graduated from OSU. The lifetime members are happy to be back in Oklahoma with a Pistol Pete car tag.

’70s Samuel Laboy Alvarado, ’70, civ eng, published two report books, A Civil Engineer Looks at the Great Pyramid, and its Supplement. He also published a DVD, as an introduction to the books. Samuel says he loves everything about OSU and Pistol Pete will always have a special place in his heart. Leslie Easley, ’74, soc, is retired from the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and lives in Tarpon Springs, Fla. He spent 10 years in the U.S. Navy and has now written two books, To Serve, To Protect & To Correct and A Tribute to the Navy Hospital Corpsman. Anne Payne, ’75, sec ed, and her husband, David, have two sons, Thomas Hardy Payne, a Lamar University mechanical and industrial engineering 2006 graduate, and Steven Timothy Payne, a Texas A&M history 2009 graduate, a Cambridge-England pastoral religion 2010 graduate, and a soon-to-be Harvard University theology 2012 graduate. Anne retired on Dec. 31, 2011, after 25 years in education, 20 years as a teacher and five years as a counselor. As empty nesters, they have two border collies. James Creider, ’76, photo journ, retired from his writing career in the field of technical publications in May 2011. James is enjoying being retired and to keep occupied he composes music for wind ensembles and

103

Classnotes

Chapter Leader Profile

concert bands, always including a contrabass clarinet part. James plays that instrument in his church orchestra and in a local community band.

Allison Escott For Allison Escott, choosing OSU was a natural decision. While growing up in Cushing, Okla., Escott attended OSU sports events with her family. “We had season tickets to football and basketball since I can remember,” Escott says. “OSU just felt like part of my family. When it came time to pick a school, I knew where I belonged.” Escott, a 2002 journalism and broadcasting alumna, became president of the San Diego OSU Alumni Chapter after relocating to California for her job in 2006. While at OSU, Escott was involved in the Chi Omega sorority. She served as homecoming chair during her junior year and recruitment chair during her senior year. She participated not only in Chi Omega but also with Homecoming Steering, Varsity Revue Steering and Orange Peel, where she served as marketing director in 2001. “When I was in college, I was really involved on campus, and it’s been tough to be so far away,” Escott says. “I made some of my best friends at OSU in Chi Omega and through other campus activities and classes.” After graduating in 2002, Escott worked at an advertising agency in Oklahoma City before being offered a position with the OSU athletics department during summer 2004. She managed the suites and club level in the newly built Boone Pickens Stadium. Escott then headed to the West Coast to work for the San Diego Chargers. “It was really similar to what I was doing for the OSU athletics department,” Escott says. “I actually had no connections to the job; they just saw the experience I had.” Escott missed seeing people in bright orange cheering on the Cowboys, so she talked to her friend and former Alumni Association chapters director Josh Pulver about forming a San Diego alumni club.

104

SPRING 2012

“I moved out here not knowing anyone,” Escott says. “It’s been about three years and our chapter has really grown a lot. It’s exciting. We’re kind of our own Cowboy community.” The club has hosted a watch party for every football game since the 2009 season opener against Georgia. Escott says she receives emails from OSU fans visiting San Diego almost every week via the Alumni Association’s watch party website. “I’ve met people who might have mutual friends and hung out at the same places,” Escott says. “It’s really a small world, and it’s fun to make those connections out here in a big city.” Although she’s no longer at OSU, Escott continues to be involved in Chi Omega. “Right now, I am an adviser to the Chi Omega chapter at University of California, San Diego, and I am involved in the Chi Omega alumnae chapter out here,” Escott says. “I was president of the San Diego alumnae chapter of Chi Omega from 2008 to 2010.” Escott recently became an associate business manager at Red Door Interactive, an ad agency in San Diego, where she works as the liaison between the agency and its clients. She says she enjoys living in San Diego where there’s always something going on. “There are so many great restaurants and things to do,” Escott says. “I love sports and going to the Chargers games.” Escott says she automatically feels a connection with OSU alumni and fans attending the watch parties. “It’s really cool to meet people who I have something in common with,” Escott says. “It’s a way for me to be connected back home and to meet people who know all about Orange Power.” K r i sten M c C onnaughe y

Steve Saye, ’78, econ, and the rest of the Saye family, who are all OSU grads, cheered on the Cowboys from St. Louis, watching OSU defeat Texas A&M.

’80s Sandy Jay, ’80, elem ed, completed her Ph.D. at Florida State University and is an assistant professor of elementary education at Utah Valley University. Darlene Brasington, ’81, sec ed, is a professor of history at West Texas A&M University and was named a Regents Professor by the Texas A&M University System. The designation is one of the highest honors given by the A&M System Board of Regents and makes Darlene the fifth current honoree at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. Alexander Croci, ’81, fire prot & saf tech, is retiring in June 2013 and will be moving to Stillwater to pursue a position with OSU. Roger Buchanan, ’82, acctg, announced Oct. 31, 2011, he began a new phase in his professional career and began working for Evergreen Systems as an architect. Evergreen Systems is based in Sterling, Va., but Roger will continue to live in Houston, Texas, and be active in the Houston OSU Alumni Chapter, where he volunteers as the chapter treasurer. Roger completed almost 17 years with Accenture prior to joining Evergreen Systems. Merrily Shelby, ’87, elem ed, is married to M. Troy Shelby, ’89, DVM, and they have two children, Levi, who is a high school senior, and Will, who is in seventh grade. Both are future Cowboys. They live in Madill, Okla., and Merrily teaches second grade.

D. Scott Petty, ’88, journ, joins Epworth Living at The Ranch in Stillwater as vice president of community development. In this role, Scott will act as community liaison between The Ranch and the greater Stillwater community. Scott’s wife, Gerri Anderson Petty, ’87, sec ed math; ’94, M.S., counseling, is a professor in the OSU math department. They have been married 23 years and have two children, Catherine, a sophomore at Stillwater High School, and Will, an eighth grader at Stillwater Junior High. Mark McNitt, ’89, mktg, was awarded the Bernstein Realty’s Top Producer award for 2011. This is Mark’s fourth time to receive this award. He was also awarded the 2011 Top Sales and 2011 Top Listing honors. Bradley Allen Swanson, ’89, indust engr & mgmt, is now the commander of the 113th Operations Group – DC Air National Guard at Andrews Air Force Base, Md. Col. Swanson was commissioned in May 1989 through the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at OSU. He lives in Fairfax, Va., with his wife, Dana Lynnette (Drummond) Swanson, ’89, mktg, and their three children.

’90s John C. Harned, ‘90, acctg; ’91, M.S., acctg, announced plans for Epworth Living at The Ranch — the first full-service, nonprofit continuing care retirement community in Stillwater. He is currently serving as president and CEO of Epworth Villa retirement community in Oklahoma City. John received a master’s degree in theological studies from Ave Maria University in Florida and is a licensed nursing home administrator and certified public accountant in Oklahoma. Scott Martin, ’90, bus, cheers for the OSU Cowboys from Plano, Texas, with his wife, Benet, and son, Marek. Susie Henning, ’95, psych, was promoted to assistant director of development at the private school where her children attend. Her husband,

Jeff, ’95, mech eng; ’97, M.S., mech eng, is a stress analyst for Boeing. Jennifer Gray, ’96 mktg, is proud of her son, Colin, for winning the OSU Homecoming Legacy Coloring Contest in the age 6 to 8 bracket. The Gray family lives in California, but still bleeds orange. Chris Hill, ’96, M.A., was recently selected to assume command of the 190th Communications Flight at the 190th Air Refueling Wing, Forbes Field in Topeka, Kan. Hill is a major in the Kansas Air National Guard. Scott Morgan, ’98, pol sci, is a professional development trainer and marketing coordinator with LANtec Computer Training Center in southwest Louisiana. He is also an area governor and club president with Toastmasters. Scott is developing a professional speaking business and hoping to be hired for keynotes and corporate training events.

’00s Troy Ashby, ‘00, ac ctg; ’01, M.S., acctg, and his wife, Cayce, announced the birth of their first child, Owen David Ashby, who was born Oct. 15, 2011. He weighed 7 pounds and 15 ounces. Matt Henderson, ’00, mgmt, announced he and his wife, Alis, moved f rom N a s hv i l le, Tenn., to start a new Christian collegiate ministry on the Universit y of Rhode Island campus. Lisa McLaughlin, ’00, M.S., educ admin, has been elected to serve as chair of the board of trustees for AdvancED, the world’s largest education community. Lisa is currently assistant superintendent of Western Heights Public Schools in Oklahoma City. The AdvancED board is responsible for setting the direction and vision, overseeing the financial health and establishing policies and procedures for the organization.

Jeff Chalupa, ’02, eng & tech mgmt, is excited that NORDAM has named him the new general manager for the aerospace firm’s transparency division in Tulsa. Jeff joined NORDAM in 2007 in a management capacity and has held positions of increasing leadership. Most recently, he served as senior director of global engineering and quality for the company’s repair division. Melanie Goosman, ’02, journ & broad, and her husband, Don, welcomed their son, Matthew Donald, on July 21, 2011. Cathy Carr, ’03, agri bus; ’05, M.S., ag comm, and her husband, Chad, ’01, an sci; ’03, M.S., an sci, celebrated the birth of their daughter, Ella Gene, on Nov. 15, 2011, in Gainesville, Fla. Damara Giusti, ’04, soc, married her husband, John, on April 7, 2007. They are happy to announce their son, Daniel, was born on May 15, 2010. James Helm, ’04, journ & broad, and his wife welcomed their second addition to the family, David James, on Oct. 31, 2011.

Chisolm Kinder, ’04, an sci, and his wife, KC, welcomed twins Charli Jo and Calin Roy into the world on Nov. 7, 2011. Charli Jo weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces, while little brother Calin weighed 6 pounds 7 ounces. The two future O-State Cowboys are home and doing well. Tracey Irons, ’05, mktg, married her husband, Ben, on Oct. 15, 2011, at Redeemer Covenant Church in Tulsa. Jamee Oney, ’05, nutri sci, and her husband, Aaron, ‘01, mgmt info syst, announced they are opening a

3D/4D ultrasound franchise in Tulsa called Stork Vision. Jamee is a sonographer and obstetric ultrasound is her passion. K a t i e H a r t m a n , ’0 6, e n g , announced she has published her first book, Square 1. It was released on March 13, 2012. Part of the book takes place in Stillwater and OSU. Andrea Warner, ’06, fire pro, was deployed to Afghanistan with the Oklahoma Army National Guard’s 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. She and other OSU alumni, friends and family were part of the watch clubs. She wants to thank to athletic department for sending boxes of OSU “spirit” for the soldiers who were stationed there. Andrea said games are more exciting to watch when there are door prizes and trivia challenges with the winner taking home a Mike Gundy autographed poster. Brandi Wessel, ’06, pub rel, married Brandon, ’06, journ, and they had a son, Alexander James, on Sept. 16, 2011. Richard Klingenberg, ’07, mech eng, and his wife, Sarah, announced their son, Davis, was born Nov. 1, 2010. Erin Portman, ’07, ag comm, and her husband, Dustan, welcomed future OSU Cowboy Robert Luke into the world on Feb. 2, 2012, at 5:35 p.m. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Helen Barela, ’08, ag econ, graduated in August 2011 from Texas Tech University with her doctorate in agricultural education with emphasis in leadership, statistics and research, and a concentration in food safety. Her supportive and proud parents are Sue and William P. Barela III. Helen is the first woman in her family to earn a doctorate and it is her lifelong ambition to inspire and mentor other individuals to pursue higher education.

’10s Jennifer Paige Mason, ’10, soc, and Zeta Tau Alpha alumna, will marry Drew Mahaffey on June 9, 2012. The lovebirds are rivals, Drew is an alumnus of Texas A&M.

105

Classnotes

In Memory Jack Charles Colville, ’41, soil sci, died on Oct. 25, 2011, in Altus, Okla. While at Oklahoma A&M, he was selected to the Phi Kappa Phi honorary scholastic society for his academic achievements. He served his country as a Squadron Aircraft Armament Officer during World War II. After returning to Oklahoma, he resumed his position as soil scientist and irrigation farm planner in the development of innovative agricultural irrigation. He served on the OSU Athletic Council and was named an OSU Distinguished Alumnus. He was a member of the Altus Masonic Lodge 62 and the First United Methodist Church of Altus. Dorotha “Dot” Mae (Grubbs) Reed, ‘47, M.A., hist, died March 13, 2012. She was 90. Reed was born in Ashland, Okla. She received a bachelor’s in education from East Central State College, a master’s in religious education from Oklahoma Baptist Theological Seminary and a master’s in history from Oklahoma A&M. It was at A&M that she met Forrest Reed, whom she would marry May 26, 1951. The couple had four children. They returned to Stillwater in 1989. Dorotha Reed taught Sunday school and vacation Bible school, and she volunteered at the Stillwater hospital and senior center. Reed was proud of her Choctaw heritage. The Reeds moved back to Washington in 2002 to be closer to their children. Erma Ruth (Krohn) Witchie, ’50, art, died Jan. 18, 2012, in St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. She was 83. Erma was born in Osage County, Okla. She lived in Webb City, Okla., most of her childhood. She graduated from Shidler High School before attending Oklahoma A&M. She excelled in art and received a letter from department head Doel Reed, which said she was an outstanding and gifted artist. Clayton Millington, ’51, bus ed, died Jan. 29, 2012, in Yukon, Okla. On June 28, 1951, Clayton and Patsy “Pat” Unterkircher were married in Okemah. Clayton spent two years on active duty and many years in the reserves, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 1977. In 1960, Clayton and his family returned to OSU where

106

SPRING 2012

After the last STATE magazine was sent to the printer, a tragedy struck the OSU community.

On Nov. 17, 2011, four members of our OSU family died in a plane crash. It is here that we

honor the lives of OSU women’s basketball coach Kurt Budke, assistant coach Miranda

Serna, and OSU alumni Olin and Paula Branstetter by saying, “We Will Remember.”

he was employed as an economics instructor and director of the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education. He also served as director of Business Extension at OSU. Billy Joe “B.J.” Smith, ’55, art, died at his home in Stillwater on Jan. 26, 2012. He was an associate professor in the OSU ar t department and he retired after 29 years

as the director of the Gardiner Art Gallery. After he graduated from Oklahoma A& M College, he served in Korea as a first lieutenant. He received his master’s in art from the University of Oklahoma, before starting OSU’s first full-time gallery. His paintings are in the permanent collections of the Museum of Art at the University of Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Collection of Artists and Craftsmen and in several private collections. B.J. was a proud Cowboy, having season

tickets to football, wrestling and basketball during the past 30 years. Myron W. Roderick, ’56, B.S., sec ed, died Dec. 28, 2011. He was 77. The Winfield, Kan., native wrestled for OSU from 1953-56. Roderick won 42 of his 44 matches and three NCA A individual titles. He also earned three letters as a tennis player. He wrestled

at the 1956 Olympic Games, losing a split decision to the eventual champion. At 23, Roderick took over the reins of the OSU wrestling program and became the youngest coach in any sport to win an NCAA championship. His teams posted 140-10-7 dual record on the way to 13 Big Eight titles and seven NCAA team championships. He was named the NCAA wrestling coach of the year three times and produced 20 individual NCAA champions and three Olympic gold medalists. He was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1976. He also served as the head coach of the Cowboy tennis program from 1958-1967, claiming six conference titles. Roderick served as OSU’s eighth athletic director from 1983 to 1990. Under his direction, OSU athletic teams won more than 30 Big 8 championships, as well as four NCAA championships. Poh-Shien David Young, ’57, M.S., died on Nov. 1, 2011, in Huntsville, Ala. He was a long-time physics professor at Mississippi State University and worked at several engineering companies in Huntsville. He

is survived by his wife, five children and eight grandchildren. Dr. Clem Cottom Jr., ’58, DVM, died Nov. 4, 2011. He graduated from Liberty Mounds High School in 1951, Oklahoma A&M College in 1954 and Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1958. He married Cleo Shackelford in August 1954. In 1962, Cottom Veterinary Clinic in Bixby was established and was still an active practice until his death. He was proud to be part of the Bixby business community. In recent years, growing Christmas trees had become an interest and he enjoyed offering hayrides, fresh-baked cookies and hot cider to many school children on field trips and to customers on weekends. He is known to his family as someone who was willing to play hard, after you work hard. Arthur Edmund Austin, ’72, arch, died Dec. 6, 2011. Austin was raised in the Oklahoma City area

and graduated from Midwest City High School in 1968. While at OSU he met and married his wife, Marsha Austin. He worked at FrankfurtShort-Bruza Architects/Engineers/ Planners for 30 years. At the time of his death, he was a principal and executive vice president of the firm. The family requests memorial gifts in his name for the OSU School of Architecture be sent to Oklahoma State University Foundation, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749, Attention: Sandy Bliss. Monica Dudley, ’06, B.S., pol sci; ’08, M.S., pol sci, died Feb. 1, 2012, in an automobile accident near Coyle, Okla. She was 27. Dudley was a doctoral student in educational leadership at OSU. She was coordinator of both the Retention Initiative for Student Excellence and Inclusion Leadership programs in OSU’s Institutional Diversity organization. She also taught two classes in the College of Arts and

Sciences. Dudley was born in Oklahoma City. Jim Stanley, a former OSU football coach, died Jan. 12, 2012, in Arizona after a two-year battle with lung cancer. He was 77. Stanley coached the Cowboys from 197378, and compiled an overall record of 35-31-2. Stanley led OSU to a share of the Big 8 title in 1976 after posting a 5-2 conference mark, including a 31-24 road victory over No. 5 Oklahoma. The Cowboys capped off their 9-3 campaign with a Tangerine Bowl victory against BYU. Stanley had a long career in professional football as an assistant with the Giants and Falcons. He coached the USFL’s Michigan Panthers to a championship in 1983. He returned to the NFL with Tampa Bay and the Houston Oilers. He served as the director of player personnel with the Arizona Cardinals for 12 years before retiring in 2007. Stanley was born in Kentucky and graduated from Texas A&M, where he played football under Paul “Bear” Bryant.

Shine with OSU Spirit Brighten your computer and smart phone with original OSU spirit images.

Free downloads available at http://universitymarketing.okstate.edu/wallpapers.

107

History

Comic Relief By David C. Peters, OSU Library

Photo / Will Rogers Memorial Museum

108

SPRING 2012

Will Rogers’ benefit tour of 1931 stops at Oklahoma A&M “1930 was a year of under and over estimation. Nothing was guessed right all year. Optimism was overrated and pessimism was underrated.” — Will Rogers Crops were lost, ponds dried up, People inspect the two-passenger biplane prices fell, debts rose, banks closed and Frank Hawks piloted to bring Will Rogers food was in short supply. to Stillwater on Feb. 5, 1931. The U.S. stock market crash of 1929 and the drought on the southern Plains These stories made headlines across brought devastating consequences to the United States and reached Will Rogers people in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. at his California home. The stories On Saturday morning, Jan. 3, 1931, brought Rogers to the campus of the local farmers gathered in England, Ark. Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical This was not uncommon, but by that College a month later for his only public afternoon there were more than 500 appearance in Stillwater. desperate men threatening to take local merchants’ food. Relief Effort Forms The men shouted: “We are not going “You can’t just let the people starve, so to let our children starve.” if you don’t give ’em work, and you They wanted to work, but there were don’t give ’em food, or money to buy no jobs. Women in the crowd cried and it, why what are they to do? What is begged for food. Most of the merchants the matter with our country anyhow?” were also broke, and the Citizens Bank in — Will Rogers town had closed the previous year. Local authorities were able to reach On Jan. 9, 1931, Rogers sent a telethe Red Cross in Little Rock, Ark., and by gram to Fort Worth, Texas, newspaper9 p.m. half of the families had received man and civic leader Amon Carter about food allowances. By the end of the week a possible benefit tour for the Red Cross over 6,000 people had received assistance. in Texas. During the same week, the federal “Now as to what towns we can play Indian Bureau requested food aid for up and where we can get the most is kinder to 10,000 Native Americans in Oklahoma. up to you and them. I will play breakfasts, Red Cross officials feared there were simimatinees, and midnights in any place they lar conditions in other parts of the nation. will give us some dough.”

Rogers also talked with Walter Harrison, managing editor of The Daily Oklahoman about extending the tour into his home state. Rogers headed east on Jan. 12 in an airmail plane, stopping in Fort Worth, then in Oklahoma, where he spent the night in Claremore, and finally on to Washington, D.C. He arrived in Washington on Jan. 15 to meet with President Herbert Hoover and congressional leaders. The president felt the federal government should not support such relief efforts. Rogers also was frustrated by congressional inaction, and he failed to secure any aid for hungry and weary inhabitants on the southern Plains. “They seem to think that’s a bad precedent to appropriate money for food – it’s too much like the ‘dole.’ They think it would encourage hunger,” Rogers said. The secretary of the Navy did authorize Rogers’ use of a plane during the tour. After a trip to New York City, Rogers returned west in a two-passenger Curtiss Navy Hell Diver biplane, piloted by Frank M. Hawks. While Rogers was out east, the organizational wheels planning the charity tour were spinning in Texas and Oklahoma. At his request, Rogers’ sister, Sallie McSpadden, phoned Oklahoma A&M officials. The Oklahoma planning committee wanted to book the largest venue available in each city. In Stillwater, that setting was the A&M Auditorium. Organizers announced the weekend of Jan. 17 that the Will Rogers’ benefit for the (continues)

Opposite page: Entertainer Will Rogers, left, and pilot Frank Hawks stand in front of the Curtiss Navy Hell Diver used to fly Rogers to performances throughout Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas during his 1931 benefit tour. This page: People gather near the planes that carried Will Rogers and his party to Stillwater for the entertainer’s performance.

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History

relief of drought stricken farmers would be coming to Stillwater. Oklahoma A&M President Henry G. Bennett received a telegram notifying the college that Rogers would perform on Feb. 5. The local committee needed to raise $2,000, but hoped to reach $3,000. The committee hoped to draw their audience from Stillwater and the surrounding communities of Cushing, Yale, Pawnee and Perry.

provided daily coverage with reports of relief funds collected. In the first six days of the relief tour, Rogers performed 17 times in 13 Texas cities. Arriving in Oklahoma on Feb. 2, Rogers appeared before a joint session of the Oklahoma Legislature and dined with Gov. William “Alfalfa Bill” Murray, then appeared at an 8:30 p.m. Oklahoma City performance that raised more than $10,000.

The Tour Begins

“Starving ain’t so bad, it’s getting used to it that is rough.” — Will Rogers Rogers went to Little Rock on Jan. 22, 1931, and spent three days visiting central Arkansas communities, including England and Pine Bluff. Rogers wrote about the drought’s impact on people and the fundraising efforts of his benefit tour through a daily syndicated newspaper column reaching about 40 million readers. “In just two counties I visited today, they are feeding five thousand families, with an average of six to the family. You don’t know what hard times are until you go into some of these homes. This is not a plea, it’s just a report, but it’s the worst need I ever saw.” Rogers finalized preparations for the benefit tour. He would cover many of the expenses and make donations at many locations to encourage the crowds. Local costs for venues and advertizing would come from community donors. Rogers would pay for additional entertainers, such as country singer Jimmie Rodgers and the Revelers quartet. All donations went to charity, half to the state organization and half to remain locally. For 18 days, beginning on Jan. 26, 1931, in Austin, Texas, Rogers and Hawks would visit 50 locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Newspapers

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SPRING 2012

Stillwater Readies for Rogers

“Our rich is getting richer, and our poor is getting poorer.” — Will Rogers Stillwater ticket sales were brisk for the 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, 1931, performance. Reserve seats on the main floor’s first rows and at the front of the balcony sold for $2.50 and $2. General admission seats were $1. Twenty-five stage seats sold for $5 each. The college administration shortened the first two class periods and canceled the third on Thursday to avoid academic conflicts between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. A proclamation from Mayor G.M. Thompson encouraged citizens to support the relief effort, and Stillwater merchants agreed to close their stores during the performance. Rogers spent Wednesday night in Durant, Okla., and the next morning Hawks piloted the Curtiss aircraft 148 miles in 63 minutes before landing at the half-mile grass airstrip north of Stillwater. A second plane with Rogers’ family members and other dignitaries arrived at the same time. The pilot, Robert W. Cantwell, had attended Oklahoma A&M and was a son of former college President James W. Cantwell. Hundreds of people greeted Rogers at the airstrip. The Aggie Chapter of the State League of Young Democrats presented Rogers with an honorary membership.

Rogers responded: “So they still raise Democrats around here, do they?” Rogers Plays Oklahoma A&M

“Played this morning at the best agricultural school in America, Oklahoma A&M. Their cattle win all the shows, and their boys win all the judging contests. It’s not a raccoon coat college.” — Will Rogers The college auditorium opened at 9 a.m., and music professor Carl Amt played the pipe organ from 9:30 a.m. until Rogers’ arrival. Rogers started the show saying, “You folks don’t look so good. I can’t see anyone I would take back to Hollywood with me. I’ve always wanted to visit this college, I’ve always known you had fine students here for I’ve known one of them personally, my nephew Bogue (Maurice Rogers) McSpadden.” Rogers shared stories and opinions about Gov. Murray, the state legislature and the college. He mentioned the compulsory military training at the school, their excellent cattle herds and President Bennett’s absence because he was in Oklahoma City trying to secure funding for the next year. “About the only thing I can make of the situation is that the boys here in uniform looks a lot better than the others. Now that I’ve looked you over I’m going out with Mr. Blizzard to look over the prize bulls out at the barns. “Your president said he’d like to be here today, but, well, things don’t look so good just now and he had to visit the legislature. The next time I’m through here it may be a benefit performance for Bennett. It looks like our instructors won’t be with us long. If the college is abolished the auditorium would make a suitable dormitory for the legislature. “You know when a class graduates here, the smart ones go out and coach somewhere and the dumb ones, they go to the legislature.” Rogers’ one-man show lasted more than an hour. Pilots Hawks and Cantwell briefly joined Rogers on stage, and Oklahoma relief effort coordinator Walter Harrison expressed his pleasure with the size of the matinee crowd.

1931 Will Rogers Benefi

t Tour

Place Date Perf orm ance Fl T ight F ligh ime Miles Minut t M oney es Rais ed

Above: Inside the Oklahoma A&M Auditorium, 500 additional seats increase the capacity to 2,000 for Will Rogers’ performance. Right: Crowds gather at the Oklahoma A&M Auditorium. About 1,700 students attended the event, which raised $2,507.52 for the relief efforts. After a quick tour of the new Beef Cattle Barn on Farm Road the group headed to the Kappa Sigma house on Ramsey Street. Bogue McSpadden had been a fraternity member, and Sallie McSpadden, Bogue’s mother and Rogers’ sister, had arranged the informal luncheon. Rogers requested cornbread served with old-fashioned pork and beans for the entire party. Immediately after lunch Rogers and Hawks left for the Stillwater airstrip. Large crowds gathered to wish Rogers well. Hawks and Rogers then took off for Enid, covering the 45 miles between the two cities in 19 minutes and arriving

Oklahoma City Feb. 2

8:30 p.m. 180

Norman

Feb. 3

10 a.m.

Chickasha

$10,100

$3,235

Feb. 3

2:30 p.m. 30

Ardmore

$2,600

Feb. 3

8 p.m.

Duncan

$5,000

Feb. 4

10 a.m.

Law ton

$2,183

Feb. 4

1 p.m.

Durant

$2,700

Feb. 4

8:30 p.m. 120

Stillwater

$4,050

Feb. 5

10 a.m.

148

Enid

$2,507

Feb. 5

2 p.m.

Ponca City

$4,100

Feb. 5

8:30 p.m. 40

Shawnee

$5,000

Feb. 6

9:30 a.m. 90

Ada

$2,918

Feb. 6

12:30 p.m. 45

McAlester

$3,050

Feb. 6

3 p.m.

Muskogee

$2,550

Feb. 6

8:30 p.m. 59

Miami

$6,000

Feb. 7

10 a.m.

37 $2,674 before his next performance Bar tles ville Feb . 7 2:30 p.m. 65 at 2 p.m. 28 $4,600 The Oklahoma portion of Okmulgee Feb. 7 8:30 p.m. 75 33 $4,250 the relief tour ended Feb. 8 in Clar emo re Feb. 8 Morning Tulsa, where it raised $30,000. $3,000 The total during the week in Chelsea Feb. 8 Afternoon $1,000 Oklahoma was more than Tulsa Feb. 8 8:30 p.m. 35 $100,000. 15 $30,000 The benefit tour finished Tot als 7 days 1,22 9 530 $101,517 on Feb. 12, 1931, with one of the last stops in England, Ark. During the entire tour, Rogers and Hawks traveled 15,000 miles and raised almost $250,000 for the Photos not individually credited are Red Cross and related agencies. from OSU Special Collections Rogers never returned to Stillwater, but he left fond memories for many of a compassionate cowboy, humorist, humanitarian and native son.

A large crowd leaves the Stillwater airstrip after Will Rogers departs for his next performance in Enid. 111

Field Of Dreams.

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