STATE magazine, Winter 2024 by Oklahoma State

The official magazine of Oklahoma State University

Cowboy family,

Happy Holidays!

As we approach the halfway point of another remarkable academic year at Oklahoma State University, I'm filled with immense pride and gratitude for all our university community has accomplished.

Perhaps most exciting is the success of OSU Polytech, which builds on seven decades of experience and is positioning OSU as a national leader in applied, project-based technical education. Through more than 60 degree programs and hands-on learning, polytech education is equipping students with the cutting-edge skills employers demand — from advanced manufacturing and robotics to drone technology and data analytics. Enrollment in these high-tech, in-demand sectors has surged, and I'm thrilled to see our polytech courses in Okmulgee, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and online growing. But we’re not doing it alone; we’ve built an incredible coalition of business and industry partners who share our commitment to ensuring Oklahoma is open for business in science and technology.

In October, we celebrated the grand opening of the new Agricultural Hall, a state-of-the-art facility that will catalyze breakthroughs in agricultural research, teaching and Extension. This impressive facility is a powerful symbol of OSU's longstanding commitment to advancing agricultural sciences and supporting the needs of Oklahoma farmers, ranchers and food producers.

The holidays are when friends and family come together, and this holiday season, the Cowboy family is celebrating with more than 5,000 first-year students — a milestone number reached two years earlier than planned. Many in this class are first-generation college students receiving financial assistance made possible by the gifts of generous alumni and donors who are committed to making their dreams of achieving a college education come true. The entire Cowboy family is blessed by those who are on campus for the first time and those who may live far away but still consider OSU home.

As we move into the new year, we're laser-focused on our Ideal Graduate initiative — an ambitious effort to ensure every Cowboy leaves OSU with not just a degree but the holistic skills, experiences and mindset to thrive in their careers and communities. This includes strengthening internships, undergraduate research, global engagement and other highimpact practices.

I wish you a joyous holiday season as we look forward to a bright orange new year!

Go Pokes!

Dr. Kayse Shrum OSU President osupres@okstate.edu

In This Issue

Empowering Workforce Development

OSU Polytech’s industry roundtables are transforming Oklahoma’s workforce and economy by aligning educational programs with realworld needs, creating a pipeline of skilled graduates ready to drive growth. Pages 60-68 (Cover photo: Ellie Piper)

60 Modernizing Innovation

Polytech courses throughout the OSU System give students hands-on opportunities to practice the skills they will use in their careers.

66 Shaping Future Technicians

OSUIT partners with Komatsu to revolutionize heavy equipment education through fast track programs, providing multiple pathways for those entering or advancing in the field.

Advancing Ag Education

OSU celebrates the grand opening of the stateof-the-art Agricultural Hall, marking a new era of innovation and collaboration in agricultural education.

18 Meeting a Milestone

OSU has again set new enrollment records, achieving a key strategic goal two years ahead of schedule and showcasing OSU’s commitment to transforming higher education.

Homecoming Honors

Relive America’s Greatest Homecoming and see all the big winners of this year’s competitions.

46 Building Ideal Graduates

OSU launches Ideal Graduate initiative to equip students with essential skills and competencies to excel in the workforce and become future leaders.

Health’s New Home

The Human Performance Innovation Complex — future home of the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute — announces new name and support from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation.

90 Supporting First-Gen Students

Cowboys United for First-Gen Students campaign raises over $209,000 to enhance support and resources for first-generation students across all campuses.

OSU BRAND MANAGEMENT

Megan Horton | Associate Vice President of Brand Management

Lance Latham | Chief Communications Officer

Erin Petrotta | Chief Marketing Officer

Shannon Rigsby | Associate Director of Public Information

Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations

Casey Cleary | Associate Director of Marketing Strategy

Jeremy Davis | Associate Director of Multimedia

Dave Malec | Creative Manager

Jordan Bishop | Managing Editor

Codee Classen, Cody Giles and Stephen Matthews | Design

Chris Ensor, Phil Gahagans, Kaitlyn Henry and Karolyn Moberly | Marketing

Gary Lawson, Ellie Piper and Elizabeth Rogers | Photography

Adam Hildebrandt and McKinzie McElroy | Inside OSU

Kurtis Mason | Trademarks and Licensing

Kinsey Garcia and Kara Peters | Administrative Support

Writers: Taylor Bacon, Mack Burke, Will Carr, Cody Cramer, Gail Ellis, Brent Gooden, Jeff Hopper, Lindsay Lynch, Estefania Martinez, Page Mindedahl, David Peters, Darby Rains, Grant Ramirez, Libby Ray, Sydney Trainor, Ainsley Treesh and Mak Vandruff

OSU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Kurt Carter | Chair

Scott Eisenhauer | Vice Chair

Tina Parkhill | Immediate Past Chair

Dr. Ann Caine | President

Jake Wilkins | Vice President of Business Development

David Parrack | Vice President of Finance and Operations

Treca Baetz, Thomas Blalock, Susan Crenshaw, Benjamin Davis, Deedra Determan, Todd Hudgins, Sonja Hughes, Ginger Kollmann, Brian Krafft, Chris Moody, Aaron Owen, Joe Ray, Cecilia Robinson-Woods, Darin Schmidt, Taylor Shinn, Baloo

Subramaniam and Matt Waits | Board of Directors

Will Carr, Chase Carter, Katie Dragoo, Bailee Kirby, Libby Ray and Addie Wagner | Marketing and Communications

OSU Alumni Association | 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Stillwater, OK 74078 | 405-744-5368 | orangeconnection.org | info@orangeconnection.org

OSU FOUNDATION

Bill Patterson | Chair

Blaire Atkinson | President

Robyn Baker | Vice President and General Counsel

Dawn Barnard | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Scott Roberts | Vice President of Development

Pam Guthrie | Senior Associate Vice President of Human Resources

Blaire Atkinson, Bryan Begley, Craig Boelte, Ann Caine, Brian Callahan, Bryan Close, Ann Dyer, Jennifer Grigsby, David Houston, Brett Jameson, Griff Jones, Robert Keating, Shelly Lambertz, Greg Massey, Ross McKnight, Gail Muncrief, Bill Patterson, Jenelle Schatz, Tiffany Sewell-Howard, Terry Stewart, Melinda Stinnett, Beverly Walker-Griffea, Carl Wiese, Jay Wiese and Darton Zink | Trustees

Bryanna Freer, Samantha Hardy, Jennifer Kinnard, Chris Lewis, Estefania Martinez, Amanda Mason, Heather Millermon, Michael Molholt, Grant Ramirez and Benton Rudd | Marketing and Donor Experiences

OSU Foundation | 400 South Monroe, P.O. Box 1749, Stillwater, OK 74076-1749 800-6224678 | OSUgiving.com | info@OSUgiving.com

STATE magazine is published three times a year (fall, winter, spring) by Oklahoma State University, 305 Whitehurst, Stillwater, OK 74078. The magazine is produced by the Department of Brand Management, the OSU Alumni Association and the OSU Foundation, and is mailed to current members of the OSU Alumni Association. Magazine subscriptions are available only by membership in the OSU Alumni Association. Membership cost is $50. Call 405-744-5368 or mail a check to 201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-7043. To change a mailing address, visit orangeconnection.org/update or call 405-744-5368.

Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. OSU is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/ expression, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, the director of equal opportunity/Title IX coordinator is located at 401 General Academic Building and can be reached at 405-744-1156 or by visiting https://eeo.okstate.edu.

This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University was printed by Slate Group at a cost of $2.23 per issue: 36,816. | December 2024 | #statewinter24| Copyright © 2024, STATE magazine. All rights reserved.

Letters

From the Editor's Desk

I hope this edition of STATE Magazine finds you well this holiday season! Truly, this year has been a gift for Oklahoma State University, and we’re so grateful we had the opportunity to celebrate so many Cowboy milestones together. In this issue, we revisit the grand opening of the state-of-the-art Agricultural Hall (Page 8), which is ushering in a new era of innovation and collaboration in agricultural education here at OSU. In these pages, we also celebrate a new freshman enrollment record that achieved a key strategic goal of the We Are Land-Grant plan — two years ahead of schedule (Page 18).

Relive the excitement of the 103rd edition of America’s Greatest Homecoming (Page 32) and learn how OSU is taking significant steps to enhance health and wellness through the newly named Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex. This new facility will house the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute, providing cutting-edge resources for transdisciplinary research and innovation (Page 72).

The Ideal Graduate initiative, which launched this fall, is another strategic plan highlight. Aimed at equipping students with essential skills and competencies to excel in the workforce and become future leaders, this initiative reflects our commitment to preparing students for success beyond the classroom (Page 46).

OSU Polytech continues to advance high-tech education opportunities across the state, and university leaders have concluded roundtable discussions with industry leaders to ensure OSU is aligning programs with industry needs and empowering students to master new skills and excel in a competitive global job market. The roundtables have provided key insights that are shaping the future of OSU Polytech, and we’re excited to continue to expand the scope and impact of the state’s largest university system (Page 60).

We hope you enjoy this issue and find inspiration in these stories of innovation, achievement and community spirit. Thank you for all that you do to support the Cowboy family as we move into a new year of possibilities!

Go Pokes!

Mack Burke Editor

We Are Land-Grant: Scan the QR code to hear short stories about how OSU is living its land-grant mission and making an impact.

Cowgirl soccer is back in the championship tourney for the first time since 2020.#GoPokes

2024 2025

The OSU Alumni Association recognized 51 students as OSU Seniors of Significance for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Seniors of Significance Award recognizes students who have excelled in scholarship, leadership and service to campus and community and have brought distinction to OSU. The 51 students represent the top one percent of this academic year’s graduates, including all five OSU undergraduate academic colleges.

Dash Ahlstrom, aerospace administrations and operations, Katy, Texas

Landry Baker, political science, Edmond, Oklahoma

Katherine Barclay, accounting and hospitality and tourism management, Edmond, Oklahoma*

McKenzie Beesley, hospitality and tourism management, Sand Springs, Oklahoma

Lauren Bingham, nutritional sciences: allied health, Tulsa

Audrey Bishop, plant and soil sciences, Van Alstyne, Texas

Hailey Brunner, accounting, Edmond, Oklahoma*

Amy Campbell, political science, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

Karstyn Cantrell, agricultural communications, Collinsville, Oklahoma*

Carson Capps , agribusiness (pre-law), Ada, Oklahoma

Luisa Clausen, multimedia journalism, Curitiba, Parana, Brazil

Margaret Cook, chemical engineering, Stilwell, Oklahoma

Elyse Cronic, chemistry (pre-health); microbiology, cell and molecular biology, Edmond, Oklahoma*

Katie Dillon, agribusiness, Louisburg, Kansas*

Ethan Do, music performance, Edmond, Oklahoma

Treyton Dorrell, mechanical and aerospace engineering, Jones, Oklahoma*

Landon Dowers, aerospace engineering and mechanical engineering, Edmond, Oklahoma

Emma England, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, Owasso, Oklahoma*

Gracie Faver, biology (pre-med), Fort Worth, Texas

Colt Frazier, applied exercise science, Waxahachie, Texas

Ashlyn Goad, political science, Okay, Oklahoma

Jacie Gray, music industry, Scurry, Texas*

Kylie Hammack, economics and political science, Tulsa

Loryn Grace Hendrix, industrial engineering and management, Morrilton, Arkansas

Payton Irick, agricultural communications, Seminole, Oklahoma*

Taylor Johnson, political science, Austin, Texas

James Lee, biosystems engineering, Oklahoma City*

Jennifer Martinez, management information systems, Stillwater

Taylor McGill, agricultural communications and agribusiness, Tuttle, Oklahoma*

Maddie Meiner, biology; microbiology, cell and molecular biology, Highland Village, Texas

Tony Morina, nutritional sciences, Bartlesville, Oklahoma

Christa Naber, music performance, McKinney, Texas

Danielle Nester, data analytics, management information systems, and marketing, Jenks, Oklahoma

Tatum Newberry, hospitality and tourism management, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma*

Chloe Oden, hospitality and tourism management, Davis, Oklahoma

Bella Panganiban, psychology, Fort Worth, Texas*

Brayden Perkins, finance, Flower Mound, Texas

Maggie Piccin, nutritional sciences: allied health, Oklahoma City

Caroline Price, nutritional sciences: allied health, Woodward, Oklahoma

David Reenders, aerospace engineering, Spring, Texas

Blake Robbins, food science, Pauls Valley, Oklahoma

Paige Roberts, agribusiness, Garner, Iowa

Jennie Russell, chemistry, Bridgeport, West Virginia

Ava Smith, human nutrition/pre-medical sciences, Tulsa*

Victoria Smith, nutritional sciences, Houston*

Colleen Stegmann, industrial engineering and management, Frisco, Texas

Josh Stephens, aerospace administrations and operations: professional pilot, Keller, Texas*

Brianna Stockwell, agricultural business, Dowagiac, Michigan

Elizabeth Struble, environmental science; plant and soil sciences, Owasso, Oklahoma

Sarah Teeman, microbiology, cell and molecular biology (pre-med), Stillwater

Cooper Waddell, construction engineering technology, Mansfield, Texas

*Student is a member of the OSU Alumni Association

OSU AGRICULTURE CELEBRATES AGRICULTURAL HALL’S GRAND OPENING AND DEDICATION

Sunlight cascades through the atrium of Agricultural Hall, illuminating it with bright light.

Orange, black and white balloons provide a festive backdrop around the room as faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends gather. The quiet chatter fades as Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, steps to the podium.

“We have a lot to celebrate,” Lusk said. “Not only are we celebrating the opening of our new facility, but we also are proud of the work we are doing to embrace the land-grant mission to promote learning, advance knowledge, enrich lives and stimulate economic development.”

The new Agricultural Hall opened its doors in August 2024 after three years of construction and additional years of planning and fundraising. The stateof-the-art facility is home to all three pillars of OSU’s land-grant mission — the Ferguson College of Agriculture, OSU Ag Research and OSU Extension.

Lusk, OSU President Kayse Shrum, OSU/A&M Board of Regents Chair

Jimmy Harrel and Ferguson College of Agriculture Associate Dean Cynda Clary broke a 5-foot loaf of bread to commemorate the grand opening of Agricultural Hall.

When the original Agricultural Hall, now dubbed Legacy Hall, was formally dedicated in 1969, university dignitaries broke a loaf of bread rather than cut a ribbon. Breaking the bread symbolizes OSU Agriculture’s commitment to nourish the world.

“This ceremony marks the completion of our cutting-edge facility and a time to celebrate the significance of how OSU Agriculture is advancing the landgrant mission of teaching, research and Extension,” Lusk said. “I want to thank the Cowboy family and friends for supporting the New Frontiers campaign and making this building a reality.”

The grand opening occurred during OSU Land-Grant Week, Sept. 9-13, where faculty, staff and students participated in various activities across campus, showcasing how OSU is helping advance the land-grant mission.

more than who gave $1 million or more

“The opening of this facility is a transformational milestone for OSU Agriculture,” Shrum said. “It further cements OSU’s position as a leader in innovation and will help us continue to recruit promising students and worldclass faculty. The work students and faculty will undertake at Agricultural Hall truly embodies our land-grant mission to address society’s most pressing challenges and will elevate teaching, research and Extension efforts critical to the state’s economy, citizens’ safety and quality of life.”

Following the grand opening, faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends gathered to dedicate the building and participate in a Ferguson College of Agriculture Family Tailgate on Oct. 5.

The Cowboy Marching Band kicked off the event, their songs

ringing through the Monroe Street Courtyard in front of Agricultural Hall. More than 300 Ferguson College of Agriculture supporters attended the event. Guests played cornhole, enjoyed food and designed custom hats with commemorative patches to mark the dedication and tailgate.

During the dedication, Lusk, Shrum, and Harrel spoke about the importance of the building to OSU Agriculture and the university. Hailey Spray, a food science senior from Riverton, Wyoming, also shared her experiences as a Ferguson College of Agriculture student during the construction and opening of Agricultural Hall.

“The building stands not only as a home to new classrooms, labs and offices, but also as a testament from our alumni toward the collaboration and innovation they want to continue to spark from our college,” Spray said. “For myself and other students, this provides various support resources as we navigate our college careers.”

Baylee Bowen, an agribusiness senior from Chandler, Oklahoma, and Easton Fraser, an animal science senior from Grapevine, Texas, joined Spray in front of Agricultural Hall to cut a large, orange ribbon to dedicate the building.

The day before the dedication, New Frontiers cornerstone and major gift donors attended an open house to visit their named spaces.

“This was a dream becoming a reality,” said Larry Ferguson, New Frontiers campaign cornerstone donor. “Our mission hasn’t changed. It’s to feed the world, and this couldn’t have happened without all of us together.”

OSU alumni Larry and Kayleen Ferguson unveiled a historic gift through their Ferguson Family Foundation in January 2020, which launched the $50 million New Frontiers capital campaign, helping to build a new home for OSU Agriculture and renaming the college the Ferguson College of Agriculture.

Over 600 donors contributed to the

Dr. Chris Eck, agricultural education assistant professor, teaches students in the Bob Terry CASE Teaching Lab in Agricultural Hall.

Scan to watch an Inside OSU Agricultural Hall walkthrough with Dean Jayson Lusk.

“We were able to open the building right before the start of the fall semester, and as soon as those students hit the doors, this building came alive and made all that hard work worth it.”

Dr. Jayson Lusk

Vice President and Dean of OSU Agriculture

104 major gift donors and 31 major gift industry donors and corporate donors.

Reaching its fundraising goal in record time, it is recognized as one of the fastest capital campaigns at OSU and the first academic capital campaign of this magnitude to reach its campaign goal before the building opened.

“OSU Agriculture has some of the most loyal and dedicated friends and alumni,” Shrum said. “Their support for this project speaks to the significance of this facility.”

The cutting-edge facility prioritizes collaboration in strategically designed spaces throughout the building. It features 25,855 square feet of flexible research laboratory space in addition to seven interactive classrooms and a lecture hall to increase innovation.

The building has approximately 4,000 square feet of collaborative spaces — where students, faculty and staff are encouraged to meet, study and socialize.

“We were able to open the building right before the start of the fall semester, and as soon as those students hit the doors, this building came alive and made all that hard work worth it,” Lusk said. “The building has been full of students meeting, studying and socializing in collaboration spaces. This building truly is a student-facing friendly space they are using to have an entirely transformative experience at OSU.”

The Hilst Center for Student Success is a welcoming destination for students to study alongside their peers and provides access to helpful academic resources.

New features include dedicated club and study rooms and huddle rooms throughout the building’s three floors.

With more than 60 student clubs and organizations within the Ferguson College of Agriculture, the club and study rooms allow space for groups to meet or study. The 19 huddle rooms provide areas for faculty to interact with each other and engage with students.

Agricultural Hall is also home to Larry and Kay’s Dairy Bar. The original Dairy Bar, housed in the old Dairy Building, was a memorable part of the OSU experience for many alumni. The reimagined venue provides an environment to build relations and bring back a tradition that has been missing for nearly 20 years.

“Watching everyone interact in the Ag Hall lobby or in line at Larry and Kay’s Dairy Bar has been so refreshing,” Fraser said. “Our new home provides many more opportunities for collaboration, connection and conversation, and that doesn’t even start to describe the impact it will have. I have seen the engagement the space encourages in class, and I am excited about the advancements in research and Extension that will be possible with all the new resources.”

Scan to experience the journey to New Frontiers.

Easton Fraser, Dr. Kayse Shrum, Dr. Cynda Clary, Hailey Spray and Baylee Bowen participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the Agricultural Hall dedication.

Harvesting Innovation

OSU unveils plans for Agronomy Discovery Center

Anew Oklahoma State University Agriculture fundraising initiative is looking to advance the university’s mission to feed the world.

As part of a multiphase process, the Agronomy Discovery Center will be created through upgrades to the existing Agronomy Research Station, home to one of the world’s top wheat breeding programs.

The initiative, which is seeking additional support, kicked off on Aug. 9 and celebrated a $5 million gift from Oklahoma Genetics Inc. and a $1 million gift from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission.

“The work conducted at the Agronomy Research Station really matters, greatly affecting both producers and consumers throughout Oklahoma and beyond,” said Dr. Jayson

Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture. “We are doing state-ofthe-art research, but we are doing it in antiquated facilities. The Agronomy Discovery Center will provide the infrastructure we need to compete in the modern era and achieve our mission of nourishing the world.

“We are incredibly thankful to Oklahoma Genetics Inc. and the Oklahoma Wheat Commission for enabling us to begin the initial phase of this project.”

Much of the current Agronomy Research Station remains the same as when it was constructed in the 1940s, creating obstacles and limitations to research.

A modernized research station will elevate OSU Agriculture’s research capabilities and create ample opportunities for program growth

and impact. Early priorities include constructing a new headhouse and 12 research greenhouses, which will become the birthplace of OSU’s new wheat lines.

Plans also include a dynamic, multipurpose Research and Education Center, featuring classrooms and laboratory spaces that can accommodate industry audiences. The building will house the lab spaces for the Wheat Quality Laboratory; Soil, Water and Forage Analytical Laboratory (SWFAL); and the Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory (PDIDL), where more than 65,000 samples are analyzed each year from farms, ranches and gardens across the state.

Throughout Oklahoma, where wheat is the top crop, 71% of all wheat acres planted is developed at OSU, including 36 wheat varieties commercialized by

Oklahoma Genetics Inc. and the Oklahoma Wheat Commission present OSU with checks to help fund the new Agronomy Discovery Center.

the university since 2000. Twentyfive percent of named wheat varieties grown in Texas also originated at OSU.

Discoveries made at the research station significantly impact the state’s $42 billion agricultural industry and influence food security worldwide.

The Agronomy Discovery Center will be part of Innovation Park, the home of The Innovation Foundation at OSU.

“The Agronomy Research Station directly serves OSU’s land-grant mission, channeling research and education to empower farmers, enhance food security and foster sustainable practices,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “Through the Agronomy Discovery Center, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing agricultural innovation to serve our community and the world.”

In addition to the two lead gifts, the university has approved early funding for the Agronomy Discovery Center and architectural planning is underway. Further private support is needed to complete the transformation.

The fundraising initiative includes four levels of donor recognition: Triumph ($1 million+), Chisholm ($500,000-$999,999), Duster ($250,000-499,999) and Gallagher ($50,000-$249,999).

“When products of the wheat breeding program stand a better chance against nature than the facilities used to create them, then we know it’s time to upgrade,” said Dr. Brett Carver, OSU Regents professor and wheat genetics chair. “Investments like this do not merely produce wheat for today; they ensure a better breed of Oklahoma wheat for tomorrow.”

For more information on how to give to the Agronomy Discovery Center, scan this QR code or contact Megan Smith at 405-747-1977 or mesmith@osugiving.com.

“The Agronomy Research Station directly serves OSU’s land-grant mission, channeling research and education to empower farmers, enhance food security and foster sustainable practices.”

DR. KAYSE SHRUM, OSU PRESIDENT

Above: Brett Carver, leader of OSU’s Wheat Improvement Team and Wheat Genetics Chair in Agriculture, speaks during the Aug. 9 kickoff event. Below left: Friends of OSU Agriculture gathered at the Agronomy Research Station for a special presentation.

Below right: OSU President Kayse Shrum talks with Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry Secretary Blayne Arthur.

A Digital Revolution

OSU Extension reaches new audiences with AI chatbot

Along Main streets and in the center of communities across the state, Oklahoma State University Extension county offices invite the public to stop by with any question, big or small. But for those seeking Extension information online, asking for help just got easier.

In 2024, OSU Agriculture and the Extension Foundation officially launched an artificial intelligence chatbot to reach new clients and connect with rapidly growing digital audiences.

ExtensionBot answers questions based on more than 400,000 Extension publications, articles, fact sheets and program content sourced exclusively from 30 state Extension networks and the United States Department of Agriculture.

The AI tool went live in September on the OSU Extension website and six other Extension system sites after operating in beta testing mode since April.

“OSU Extension wants to use AI to provide information to people in ways they want to receive it as well as to be efficient and effective in the way we work,” said Dr. Damona Doye, associate vice president of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. “Having an AI chatbot on our website that generates responses based on Extension and research publications that are unbiased, research-based and peerreviewed ensures the integrity of the response. Users will be better informed to ask specific questions of local

educators and specialists about their unique situations.”

The chatbot provides Extension educators, volunteers and the public with unlimited access to accurate, practical information in all Extension areas, including agriculture and natural resources, health, nutrition and family resilience.

Whether an Extension educator assisting a client or the public seeking information on a subject, users can type a basic question into the chatbot and receive answers from verified sources. Questions such as, “Which tomatoes grow best in Oklahoma soil?” or, “What maintenance checklist should homeowners follow to prepare for winter weather?” are answered with localized content from OSU Extension specialists.

Initiated and managed by the Extension Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the project is funded by the New Technologies in Ag Extension grant through the USDA-National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

David Warren, senior director of integrated digital strategies for OSU Agriculture and AI program leader for the Extension Foundation, partnered with the foundation’s IT manager to lead development. The team also worked closely with Extension peers at Oregon State University and the University of Florida.

“The chatbot provides information only from trustworthy, research-based sources,” Warren said. “Our content is all grounded in facts. We built it in a

series of steps to be trustworthy by design and the most accurate AI available.”

The tool modernizes OSU Extension outreach efforts by offering a more robust list of resources for Oklahomans and users worldwide. Warren said the AI technology meets stakeholders where they live and work — online.

“We value our digital customers as much as we value the people willing to walk into a local Extension office,” he said. “Our offices are open during business hours Monday through Friday, not at 6 p.m. on a Friday when someone wants to learn how to plant a garden over the weekend. There’s a large, underserved group of Extension clients who do not physically walk into our offices.”

ExtensionBot shares scientific and applied research from Extension specialists to enrich lives, address trends, and recommend methods and strategies that support a vibrant Oklahoma economy.

Ultimately, the Extension Foundation hopes to offer chatbot data from all 50 states and 112 Extension systems in the country.

Give it a try! Scan the QR code and scroll to the lower right corner of the OSU Extension homepage to ask ExtensionBot a question.

C o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h e n e w s t a t e - o f-

Construction of the state-of-the-art facility is now complete, and students, faculty and staff are enjoying the new home for OSU Agriculture.

t h e - ar t f a c i l i t y i s n o w c o m pl e t e ,

a n d s t u d e n t s , f a c u l t y a n d s t a a r e en j o y i n g t h e n e w h o m e f o r O S U

A g r i c u l t u r e .

T h e n e w A g r i c u l t u r a l H a l l f u r t h e r

The new Agricultural Hall further advances our teaching, research and Extension efforts to innovate solutions to nourish the world.

a d v a n c e s o u r t ea c h i n g , r es e a r c h a n d E x t e n s i o n e o r t s t o i n n o v at e s o lu t i o n s t o n o u r i s h t h e w o rl d !

To learn more about the success of the New Frontiers campaign, visit: agriculture.okstate.edu/about/new-frontiers

OSU sets new enrollment records, hitting key strategic goal two years ahead of schedule

AHEAD OF THE CURVE

When Oklahoma State University launched the We Are Land-Grant strategy in fall 2022, the first imperative was to enroll over 5,000 first-time freshmen by 2026. This fall, t he university hit that goal two years ahead of schedule.

Representing an 8% increase over last year, this year’s freshman class topped the 5,000 mark for the first time. OSU also set a new enrollment record this fall at its Stillwater and Tulsa locations (27,241) and reported recordsetting freshman enrollment for the third consecutive year.

OSU President Kayse Shrum said she’s excited to continue OSU’s

momentum, particularly after meeting such a significant strategic milestone two years ahead of schedule.

“The enrollment trends at Oklahoma State University showcase the significant progress we’re making,” Dr. Shrum said. “In 2022, we launched a strategy to transform higher education and better align students’ goals and passions with career opportunities. By keeping tuition and mandatory fees steady for the third consecutive year, we’re not just talking about our commitment to students; we’re living it.

“Through efforts like the Ideal Graduate initiative, which launched this fall, we are equipping students

“THE ENROLLMENT TRENDS AT OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY SHOWCASE THE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS WE’RE MAKING.”

Dr. Kayse Shrum, OSU President

with the skills and competencies that will open doors to fulfilling careers after graduation. By aligning industry needs with students’ career goals, we are also serving our state as an economic innovation and workforce development engine. As a premier, modern land-grant university, our goal is to empower students to solve society’s most pressing challenges, and that starts by ensuring they have every reason to dream big and every opportunity to pursue those dreams.”

Vice President for Enrollment

Management Karen Chen said OSU’s sustained trend of positive enrollment figures highlights not only OSU’s academic quality but also its commitment to transforming higher education with a student-focused approach.

“Our enrollment continues to break records, and students and parents are choosing OSU because they know they’re not just a number here,” Chen said. “At OSU, our priority is to deliver a world-class education in an environment dedicated to helping students grow and succeed.”

OSU also has set new school records for Honors College enrollment (3,295), Native American student enrollment (3,564) and nursing student enrollment (735), which is up nearly 120% compared to last year. Online enrollment (2,703) has risen nearly 19% compared to last year, and Graduate College enrollment (4,890) has risen 5% compared to last year.

Total enrollment for the OSU System — the state’s largest university system, which includes OSU-Stillwater, OSUTulsa, OSU Center for Health Sciences, OSU Institute of Technology and OSUOklahoma City — is nearly 36,000.

“As we celebrate these recordbreaking enrollment figures, we reflect with pride on the dedication and hard work that have driven our progress and propelled us forward in implementing our strategic plan,” OSU Provost Jeanette Mendez said. “Meeting the 5,000 freshmen milestone two years ahead of our goal is a testament to the collective effort of the Cowboy family, and we are excited to continue to expand access to higher education.”

RECORDBREAKING ENROLLMENT

5,030 freshmen

4,890 Graduate College students

3,564 Honors College students

This fall, OSU welcomed students from all 77 Oklahoma counties, all 50 states and 127 countries. One of those was Sawyer Henbest, who just completed his first semester as an aspiring wildlife ecology management major. He is no stranger to the Cowboy family. His father, Heath Henbest, graduated from the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.

“I originally considered OSU just because [my dad] had gone to school there, but I did some research on the academic programs, and they seem to be very advanced,” Sawyer Henbest said.

for students was evident in the recruitment process and in the university’s emphasis on increasing scholarship funding.

“OSU always had this genuine, demonstrated interest in him as a person and as a student. And that, to me, was probably the No. 1 thing,” he said.

Heath Henbest said his son toured many different schools, but when he came to Stillwater, the decision was quick and sure.

2,703 OSU Online students

120% growth among nursing students

Tradition and academic excellence weren’t the only things that drew Sawyer Henbest to OSU.

“I feel like Oklahoma State did a good job at reaching out to me a lot and making me feel like I really was wanted here, which was very encouraging. That was actually one of the main reasons,” he said. “We visited in March for admitted students weekend, and the faculty members were just so knowledgeable and so kind, and they really helped answer all my questions. They were really accessible, which is what you want.”

Heath Henbest said the genuine care and support OSU prioritizes

“It took maybe 30 minutes of being on the Stillwater campus before he just kind of looked at me and said, ‘This is where I see myself.’ So it’s been a very good process, and we couldn’t be happier for Sawyer,” Heath Henbest said.

While Sawyer Henbest did find some surprises when he first came to campus, learning that he would be part of the largest incoming freshman class in school history didn’t surprise him at all.

“I don’t see why anybody wouldn’t want to go to Oklahoma State,” he said. “It’s a great place, a great community for both academics and atmosphere, and the campus is amazing.”

Rural Roots, Big Dreams

Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation creates life-changing scholarship program at OSU

Rural communities are built on the strong foundations of their hard-working citizens Carl and Marilynn Thoma are a testament to that. Their passion for helping others can be traced back to their small-town Oklahoma roots. Carl Thoma grew up in the Panhandle in Cimarron County, while Marilynn Thoma is from nearby Woodward County.

The Thomas deeply value rural communities and the high-character people they produce.

And thanks to the Thomas’ generosity, rural students will now have even more opportunities for success.

A transformational gift from the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Foundation has established the Thoma Scholars Program at Oklahoma State University.

“The Thoma Scholars Program represents our commitment to providing students from rural areas the opportunity to fulfill their

Carl and Marilynn Thoma aim to broaden access to higher education for promising rural students and help them reach their fullest potential.

potential,” Carl and Marilynn Thoma said. “As Oklahoma State alumni, we are excited to launch this initiative in partnership with OSU — a place we know has the right environment to help develop the next generation of leaders.”

The Thoma Scholars Program was created in honor of the strong work ethic instilled by the Thomas’ parents and grandparents, aiming to help students from similar backgrounds achieve success through hard work and perseverance.

Approximately 20 students will be selected to join the program’s inaugural cohort. Once fully matriculated with 20 students per class, the Thomas’ commitment of up to $2 million per year will be one of the most impactful scholarship programs at OSU.

“It’s fitting that one of OSU’s most significant awards is coming from self-made, hardworking entrepreneurs who got their start at OSU, the best land-grant university in the country,” OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson said. “It’s a testament to their high character and love for the university that they’re paying it forward.”

The scholarships will ensure every scholar is provided a bestin-class opportunity for education and cover the cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing and meals, books and other educational expenses. It will also allow each recipient to study abroad. Along with

financial aid, each Thoma Scholar will be admitted into the Honors College, benefiting from personalized mentorship and support within a program that is nationally recognized for its outstanding curriculum and coursework, innovative K-12 outreach program, and robust experiential learning program.

“On behalf of the OSU family, we thank Carl and Marilynn Thoma for their generous gift,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “The Thoma Scholars Program will afford more rural students access to an OSU education, allowing them to achieve their academic goals and chase their dreams. In alignment with our landgrant mission, these students will be poised to serve as the next generation of servant-leaders equipped to address society’s most important challenges.”

After successful careers in brand management and private equity, the Thomas established the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Foundation in 1986 to fulfill their passion for philanthropy. The Thoma Foundation recognizes that the arts and education enhance lives and communities. It makes art collection-related grants, as well as lending and exhibiting its collection. The foundation focuses its education funding on the rural Southwest, striving to foster leadership, innovation and equal opportunity.

The Thomas have a long partnership with OSU. They have supported a variety of needs across

OSU’s campus, including the Learning and Student Success Opportunity Center, the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Distinguished Chair in Hospitality and Tourism Management, the Carl Thoma Distinguished Clinical Professorships in Entrepreneurship, and a new named position focused on the arts.

The Thomas are also Patron donors to The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, visionaries and founders of the Wine Forum of Oklahoma, and in 2010, they were inducted into the OSU Alumni Association Hall of Fame, the university’s highest honor.

“Empowering students from rural areas to excel in higher education is not just a mission — it’s our passion,” the Thomas said. “The Thoma Scholars Program honors the resilience and determination of those from rural communities by investing in their future and preparing them for success.”

Left: Approximately 20 students will be selected to the Thoma Scholars Program each year. Right: The OSU Honors College is a nationally recognized program for its outstanding curriculum, coursework and more.

for the Thoma Scholars Program.

Servant-leaders in Action

Students mobilize relief effort following Hurricane Helene

Oklahoma State University senior Coralee Castle woke up in the middle of the night and knew she had to do something.

Over the next few days, she gathered supplies, collected donations and drove a fully loaded 28-foot trailer from Purcell, Oklahoma, to North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene struck the Atlantic Coast in late September, leaving widespread destruction, especially in the mountains, where severe hurricane effects rarely reach that far inland.

Castle, an English pre-law major with a biology minor, is no stranger to service. An emergency room technician and a former mission trip volunteer to Haiti, Castle’s background equipped her for the challenges ahead. But the decision to take swift action at 3 a.m. didn’t come from years of training or academic preparation — but what she describes as a deep, undeniable call from God.

“I felt God’s calling that I needed to do something,” Castle said. “I felt like he had really put it on my heart that whole

night. I couldn’t sleep all night. Finally, at three o’clock in the morning, I knew I had to do something, and I’ve got to do it now. I think God said, ‘Listen here, cowgirl, I said to do something now.’ I’m going to take that step, trust my faith and try to do the best I can with what I can.”

What began as a Facebook post seeking donations turned into an outpouring of community support, raising around $16,000. In just four days, Castle mobilized her small-town

Pallets of supplies were donated to help with Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

network. With the donations, she purchased supplies, including chainsaws, flashlights, diesel cans, gas cans and four pallets of animal feed — necessities she knew would be needed by both people and animals affected by the disaster.

The relief journey was logistically challenging, but Castle leaned on her rodeo background for strength. As an OSU team member and the daughter of horse trainers, she was accustomed to driving long distances with trailers. She felt comfortable connecting with people from the Western horse industry who offered supplies and encouragement.

“I wouldn’t have known how to drive a truck and a 28-foot stock trailer had I not been rodeoing since I was 13. The truck and trailer that were both actually donated to me to use were from people that I met through horses and rodeo,” Castle said. “So, without that, none of this would have come together like it did.”

The trek wasn’t easy. Finding someone to accompany her proved challenging until her brother volunteered. Together, they drove nearly 1,000 miles through the night. Once they arrived, she witnessed the devastation firsthand in towns like Swannanoa, where buildings were marked with Xs

by search and rescue teams to signify they’d been cleared. She said the sight was humbling and haunting.

“To drive through there and see those Xs on all of those houses was a really hard-hitting moment,” Castle said. “I’ve been to Haiti on a mission trip, so to see a town in the U.S., in North Carolina, that looked like Haiti did after the hurricane, and to see all those Xs on the houses was hard. That was a really hard look at what had happened and how devastated they were.”

While Castle didn’t have time to meet many residents, her encounters with rescue workers and community organizers left a lasting impression. One story of a 6-year-old girl who had been tied to her bed by her parents as a last effort to save her life resonated deeply.

“Her parents had gotten killed, and she was walking down the street, dragging that piece of that bedpost behind her,” Castle said. “That was one of those callto-action moments.”

Castle attributes every journey’s success to her faith, crediting God’s guidance at each step, from her initial decision to leave to the logistics that kept falling into place. She views her role in the relief effort as answering a higher call.

“I’ve been to Haiti on a mission trip, so to see a town in the U.S., in North Carolina, that looked like Haiti did after the hurricane, and to see all those Xs on the houses was hard. That was a really hard look at what had happened and how devastated they were.”

CORALEE CASTLE, OSU SENIOR

“None of this would have happened without my faith,” Castle said. “All the credit goes to the God that makes these things happen. I have never felt that kind of presence or control of a situation like that before. I’ve gone to church my whole life, and I’ve been on mission trips, and you feel the presence of God. But to be on your own doing it and to be a 21-year-old college kid, that was a big eye-opener for me of how much of that he could orchestrate and take over, and how much of that he had prepared for me before I even knew that I was going to go.”

Castle hopes her story reminds people of the impact they can make by answering when they’re called.

Back in Oklahoma, Castle has returned to her busy life as a student and an ER tech. But her experience has shifted her perspective, and she doesn’t rule out the possibility of future trips or service initiatives.

“My efforts to help those people, I don’t think will ever stop,” Castle said. “I wake up every morning and check the news and contact my friend that lives in North Carolina and ask him what I can do from Oklahoma.

“I don’t think I’ll ever really stop trying to help and doing what I can.”

FRATERNITY RALLIES FOR RELIEF

Oklahoma State University sophomore Corbin Lacy turned a casual conversation during a haircut into a coordinated disaster relief mission.

Lacy mobilized his fraternity and the Stillwater community to help victims of Hurricane Helene in Butler, Tennessee.

The relief trip was inspired by a conversation between Lacy and his longtime hairstylist, Mika Webb of Blush Beauty.

“We were just talking about how it’s hard to do stuff when you’re 16 hours away,” Lacy said. “And I have the resources. I own a lawn business, so I know how to take down trees, using chainsaws and stuff like that. After talking with her further, I said, ‘You know what, I can probably get a group of FarmHouse guys to go up there and we can help them out.’”

Drawing from his experience running Lacy Lawncare, he said he felt confident he could gather the necessary tools and manpower to make an impact. Lacy sent a message to his fraternity’s GroupMe chat, proposing the trip. By the night’s end, he had a group of 20 volunteers eager to participate. They settled on 15, and with the financial support of Lacy Lawncare and Blush Beauty, they could cover travel and lodging costs.

Within days, Webb launched a GoFundMe campaign that brought in over $21,000, which Lacy used to purchase supplies from local stores. The crew left Stillwater with four vehicles, including three trucks and a Yukon towing three 6-by-12-foot U-Haul trailers, each packed to capacity with donations.

Upon arrival in Butler, Lacy’s group met with residents whose resilience left a deep impression.

“It was cool because there were a lot of volunteers with kids and older people, and they were all in super high spirits when we unloaded the trailers,” Lacy said. “They wanted us to sing with them. We sang ‘Friends in Low Places’ and then they sang ‘Rocky Top’ for us. Everybody was still in really good spirits, even after seeing what

Members of FarmHouse Fraternity work in a home affected by hurricane damage.

A view of some of the devastation following Hurricane Helene.

Coralee Castle was able to load up a livestock trailer to take supplies to North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

“In Oklahoma, pretty much all we have is tornadoes. It’s bad, but it’s nothing like that. Knowing that people are affected worse than you’d think, it makes you want to help even more after going there once. We were all talking about how we already want to go again.”

CORBIN LACY, OSU SOPHOMORE

happened to them, and it was super uplifting.”

The team’s tasks included clearing fallen trees, removing wood floors damaged by flooding and tearing down walls in a cabin-style home. The physical labor was demanding, especially when dismantling thick, nailed-in wood floors, but Lacy said the camaraderie and shared mission kept spirits high.

“Having guys that care about this and just being with them the whole time and knowing that we’re all there for the same reason, I think everybody really enjoyed it,” Lacy said. “Hard labor work can be very boring from my experience owning a lawn business but having guys that you know and that are enjoying it and you’re doing it for the right reasons,

it made it way more enjoyable. We were all talking about how we wish we could have been there for a whole week.”

Witnessing the destruction firsthand impacted Lacy’s view on natural disasters.

“It makes you realize that it actually is a lot worse than you think,” Lacy said. “In Oklahoma, pretty much all we have is tornadoes. It’s bad, but it’s nothing like that. Knowing that people are affected worse than you’d think, it makes you want to help even more after going there once. We were all talking about how we already want to go again.”

Lacy hopes the OSU community will establish an organized disaster relief team that is ready to respond to similar needs. He believes OSU students could make a powerful impact if they had a

year-round supply fund and disasterpreparedness organization.

“Offering vehicles and different things like that, and just willing to go and help, I think would look great for OSU, as well as helping the community,” Lacy said.

As he prepares for future semesters, Lacy hopes that more OSU students will be inspired to help others, knowing that their skills and resources can bring relief to communities in crisis. Lacy expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the effort.

“I just want to thank all the donors that were able to donate, as well as the people that brought supplies and dropped them off,” Lacy said.

“Everybody was just up and willing to help on such short notice.”

Corbin Lacy and a group of his FarmHouse fraternity members went to Tennessee to help rebuild after devastation from Hurricane Helene.

IMPACT Spotlight

Hometown: Edmond, Oklahoma

Major: Emergency Management

What are you passionate about and how do you plan on pursuing that passion?

My greatest passion is enhancing the health of individuals in my local Oklahoma community and various international communities, with a special focus on communities in Ghana. I plan to pursue this passion by completing my Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree at OSU-COM and becoming an emergency medicine physician, enabling me to treat individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, I will focus on global health initiatives by participating in and collaborating with international health groups worldwide.

Oklahoma State University Scholarships

When you donate to scholarships, you equip students with the financial and academic support that allows them to pursue their orange passions. Your support offers life-changing experiences to help students have success at OSU and beyond.

For more information on donating, visit OSUgiving.com .

How will your scholarships help you reach your career goals/dream job?

I am deeply grateful to be a scholarship recipient, which helps me reduce my student loan burden as I pursue my dream of becoming a physician. The Women for OSU scholarship has also allowed me to meet inspiring women in leadership, and I've built connections that will support me in achieving my dream job.

What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible, if given the chance?

To the donors who made this scholarship possible, thank you so much! Your generosity and investment in my education not only alleviates the financial burden of my medical studies but also empowers me to focus on becoming the best physician I can be. Your generosity has profoundly impacted my journey, and I am committed to using this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you for believing in me and supporting my dreams.

Emily Sowah Graduate

Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Major: Psychology

Describe a person or experience that shaped who you are today.

My sister is my biggest inspiration, my biggest supporter and the person I look up to in every area of my life. She has taught me the importance of being kind, generous and a servant-leader. With her being an OSU alumna and myself a student, it has been such an honor to witness the Cowboy family and its impact. Being a part of the Cowboy family does not end after four years, it’s a commitment that extends past graduation.

How have scholarships impacted your time in college?

Scholarships always make me realize how grateful I am to be a part of a community that is so willing to give back. Receiving a scholarship tangibly exemplifies the investment donors have in supporting students at OSU. Because of my scholarships, I can dream as big as the sky.

What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible, if given the chance?

Thank you for all your contributions. Your dedication to serving others does not go unnoticed. Your impact on the OSU community is immense and greatly appreciated. I am deeply grateful for the investment you have made in me and my future.

Hometown: Gruver, Texas

Major: Human Nutrition: Pre-Medical Sciences

Callie Conyers

What are you passionate about and how do you plan on pursuing that passion?

My passion is serving others, which is why I am attending medical school to become a doctor. I have been fortunate enough to gain leadership opportunities and serve people across the entire OSU system while also having amazing mentors by my side every step of the way. These experiences are shaping me into the most enriched version of myself so that I can provide the best care possible to other people later in life.

What does receiving scholarships mean to you?

To me, receiving a scholarship is the honor of being recognized for hard work and achievement as well as allowing this recognition to be a constant inspiration. Being a scholar means not only representing yourself but also those who believe in you enough to financially support you. I see every day as an opportunity to grow and do my best to make my donors proud.

What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible, if given the chance?

Thank you for having confidence in my ability to make significant contributions to society. Because of you, I have grown as a person, leader and friend. I hope to one day make half the difference in someone else’s life that you have made in mine. Attending OSU has been my biggest blessing, and it is all thanks to your generosity.

Lily Stuckey

Junior

The 2024 edition of America’s Greatest Homecoming was filled with celebrations honoring the rich heritage of our alumni while paving the way for the future legacy of Oklahoma State University. The theme “Innovative Visions… Timeless Traditions” was showcased throughout the week with multiple events throughout the OSU and Stillwater communities.

Cowboy football legends Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon served as grand marshals of this year’s festivities, which took place from Oct. 27-Nov. 2. The Cowboy football team sported throwback jerseys and helmets celebrating Oklahoma A&M’s first mascot — the tiger. On Walkaround night, campus was once again filled with tens of thousands of Cowboy family members reconnecting with each other and our alma mater.

The OSU Alumni Association and our partner Love’s Travel Stops invite you to relive this unforgettable week and celebrate our contest winners in the following pages. You can also watch the highlight video online at okla.st/hc and learn about supporting OSU’s most beloved tradition, America’s Greatest Homecoming.

PHOTOS GARY LAWSON, COLIN PETERS, GENESEE PHOTO, ELLIE PIPER, BRUCE WATERFIELD AND PROVIDED

HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN

Gunnar Aune and Lexie Evers

FOOTBALL FRENZY

SORORITIES/FRATERNITIES

1st – Alpha Delta Pi/Sigma Chi

2nd – Alpha Omicron Pi/Sigma Alpha Epsilon

3rd – Gamma Phi Beta/Sigma Phi Epsilon

SIGN COMPETITION

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

1st/Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite –College of Education and Human Sciences Student Council

2nd – Butter Churning Club

3rd – Bullet Racing FSAE

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

1st/Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite –Bennett Hall

2nd – North Commons

3rd – Booker/Stinchcomb Halls

SORORITIES/FRATERNITIES

1st – Kappa Alpha Theta/Alpha Gamma Rho

2nd – Zeta Tau Alpha/Phi Delta Theta

3rd – Delta Delta Delta/Delta Tau Delta

Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite – Zeta Tau Alpha/Phi Delta Theta

SEA OF ORANGE PARADE

Love’s Fan Favorite – College of Education and Human Sciences Student Council

HARVEST CARNIVAL

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

1st/Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite –Butter Churning Club

2nd – Spears School of Business Student Council

3rd – College of Education and Human Sciences Student Council

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

1st/Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite –Bennett Hall

2nd – Booker/Stinchcomb Halls

3rd – Parker/Wentz Halls

SORORITIES/FRATERNITIES

1st – Kappa Alpha Theta/Alpha Gamma Rho

2nd – Kappa Kappa Gamma/Phi Gamma Delta

3rd – Chi Omega/FarmHouse

Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite –Kappa Alpha Theta/Alpha Gamma Rho

HARVEST 2 PHILANTHROPIC AWARD

Greek Life – Gamma Phi Beta/Sigma Phi Epsilon

CHILI

COOK-OFF

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

1st/Love’s Fan Travel Stops Favorite –Freshmen in Transition

2nd – St. John Catholic Church

3rd – Horseman’s Association and Ranch Horse Team

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

1st/Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite –Parker/Wentz Halls

2nd – North Monroe

3rd – Booker/Stinchcomb Halls

ORANGE REFLECTION

1st – Bennett Hall

2nd – Patchin/Jones Halls

3rd – North Monroe

Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite –Bennett Hall and Patchin/Jones Halls (tie)

HOUSE DECORATIONS

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHAIR’S CUP

1st – Kappa Alpha Theta/ Alpha Gamma Rho

2nd – Kappa Delta/Beta Theta Pi

3rd – Chi Omega/FarmHouse

4th – Zeta Tau Alpha/Phi Delta Theta

5th – Alpha Chi Omega/Pi Kappa Alpha

Love’s Travel Stops Fan Favorite –Chi Omega/FarmHouse

ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AWARD

Kappa Alpha Theta/Alpha Gamma Rho

SAFETY AWARD

Kappa Alpha Theta/Alpha Gamma Rho

VIP HOUSE DECORATION AWARD

Kappa Delta/Beta Theta Pi

SWEEPSTAKES

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

1st – Butter Churning Club

2nd – College of Education and Human Sciences Student Council

3rd – Spears School of Business Student Council

RESIDENTIAL LIFE

1st – Bennett Hall

2nd – Parker/Wentz Halls

3rd – Booker/Stinchcomb Halls

SORORITIES/FRATERNITIES

1st – Kappa Alpha Theta/ Alpha Gamma Rho

2nd – Chi Omega/FarmHouse

3rd – Zeta Tau Alpha/Phi Delta Theta

JERRY GILL SPIRIT AWARD

Kappa Delta/Beta Theta Pi

MOST SPIRITED COLLEGE

College of Education and Human Sciences

A Remarkable Journey

Boone Pickens Legacy Experience tells business titan’s story

ASmithsonian-worthy exhibit celebrating the remarkable life of Oklahoma State University legend T. Boone Pickens now resides inside Boone Pickens Stadium’s west end zone.

Renowned exhibit designer and master storyteller Andy Anway, who has worked on several high-profile exhibits, describes the Boone Pickens Legacy Experience as “not just a tribute to a man but a testament to the power of dreams, hard work and a little bit of audacity.”

Pickens is closely associated with OSU and American business. He was both revered and feared as a pioneering figure in shareholder advocacy. His remarkable generosity is exemplified

by the stadium named in his honor, resulting from his groundbreaking $165 million donation. This contribution transformed the outdated Lewis Field into one of college football’s premier venues, demonstrating his deep affection for the university.

Overall, Pickens’ total donations of $650 million to his alma mater — supporting athletic and academic initiatives — testify to his significant impact on the institution.

“Boone Pickens was a true visionary, a pioneer who embraced the future long before it arrived,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “He lived by the Cowboy Code, a relentless spirit that fueled his passion for change. His unwavering belief in the power of

transformation has left an indelible mark on our university, state and nation. We are forever grateful for his visionary leadership, heartful generosity, and the legacy he has bestowed upon us.”

The Oklahoma-born billionaire oilman and philanthropist’s remarkable journey started in the small town of Holdenville, which he cherished. His rise from humble beginnings to global prominence is a testament to the power of ambition, resilience and hard work.

In collaboration with Pickens’ trusted longtime confidants, Jay Rosser and Sally Geymuller, Anway has vividly captured and engagingly presented this impressive story.

“It’s a testament to the extraordinary life of a small-town kid from rural

Exhibits like this are featured in the Boone Pickens Legacy Experience, which is in the west end zone of Boone Pickens Stadium.

Oklahoma who rose from meager beginnings to become a titan of industry and a philanthropist of immense impact,” Rosser said.

The exhibit begins with a recreated section of Pickens’ childhood home in Holdenville, connecting guests to Pickens’ early life and inviting them to step back in time. Inside, photographs and an audio story shed light on Pickens’ youth, highlighting the ambitious, young, enterprising boy.

The Legacy Experience traces Pickens’ professional career, starting with a vintage Ford station wagon — a replica of the one he drove pursuing opportunities across Oklahoma and Texas as a young wildcatter for Phillips Petroleum. This vehicle, which served as his home on the road, is filled with artifacts that tell stories of his adventurous spirit and determination, including his early business plans, personal items and tools of the trade.

Visitors will be immersed in interactive exhibits showcasing

“Boone Pickens was a true visionary, a pioneer who embraced the future long before it arrived. He lived by the Cowboy Code, a relentless spirit that fueled his passion for change. His unwavering belief in the power of transformation has left an indelible mark on our university, state and nation.”

DR. KAYSE SHRUM, OSU PRESIDENT

Pickens’ transformative legacy. His groundbreaking shareholder activism revolutionized corporate accountability, empowering shareholders to demand greater responsibility. His visionary “Pickens Plan” also offered a comprehensive blueprint for American energy independence through renewable energy sources. The interactive exhibits allow guests to delve deeper into these critical moments in Pickens’ career, providing a thorough understanding of his impact.

Artifacts and personal items — including his office where he conducted business and hosted presidents, business and global leaders, and his famous “deal shoes” — offer an intimate glimpse into his life, allowing visitors to forge a deeper connection with the man behind the legacy.

Former OSU Athletic Director and close friend Mike Holder said Pickens’ voice is the most potent element of the legacy experience. Audio recordings — drawn from interviews and oral

histories — transport guests back in time, allowing them to hear Pickens’ stories in his own words.

“The Boone Pickens Legacy Experience will not only preserve his memory and show that his generosity changed OSU’s future forever but will also inspire generations of Cowgirls and Cowboys as they see the enduring impact of a truly remarkable individual,” Holder said.

Scan the code to learn more about the Boone Pickens Legacy Experience at OSU.

Monument Men

OSU honors two cowboys with Frank Eaton monument sculpted by Harold Holden

The sun shone through the trees onto the old cowpoke’s hat, reminiscent of a break after a long day on the trail, or in Frank “Pistol Pete” Eaton’s case, chasing down outlaws.

That pose is how Eaton will now be immortalized on the corner of Duck Street and McElroy Road in Stillwater, welcoming all to the Oklahoma State University campus.

The monument also represents the lasting legacy of OSU alumnus Harold Holden, as it is his 25th and final piece because of his passing in 2023.

OSU dedicated the monument on Sept. 6 with a large crowd of benefactors, friends and both the Eaton and Holden families.

Eaton, born in Connecticut in 1860, moved to Kansas when he was 8. His legend began after witnessing the murder of his father when Eaton vowed to get revenge. He honed his shooting skills, earning the nickname “Pistol Pete” at 15. Eaton tracked down his father’s murderers and avenged his death, later becoming a lawman fighting alongside the military. Eaton settled in Perkins, Oklahoma, where he became a local hero for his quick draw abilities, colorful personality and storytelling.

After appearing in the 1923 Stillwater Armistice Day parade, Oklahoma A&M College students sought out Eaton, asking him to pose as the university’s mascot. Eaton agreed, becoming known as the “original cowboy” and symbol of

Oklahoma State University until he died in 1958.

Holden was a longtime Western artist and sculptor, creating many monuments and statues across the OSU campus, including Barry Sanders, Remember the 10 and Boone Pickens. Holden had an affinity for Eaton, having crossed paths with him at a young age. When he was 5, Holden met Eaton at the Cherokee Strip Days parade in Enid and was immediately drawn to his cowboy attitude and lifestyle. Holden has since created many depictions of Eaton in different mediums. After he passed, fellow sculptors John Rule and Paul Moore completed the monument for their friend.

From left: OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson, OSU President Kayse Shrum, Edna Mae Holden and Holden family friend Gwen Shaw signal “Pistols Firing” in front of the Eaton monument.

The ceremony for the monument included OSU President Kayse Shrum, OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson and Edna Mae Holden, Harold’s wife of 34 years.

Dr. Shrum began the dedication by welcoming the audience and thanking the various people who contributed to making it a reality.

“As we reach the culmination of the Year of the Cowboy, I can’t think of a better way to honor the real-life inspiration for our mascot, Frank ‘Pistol Pete’ Eaton,” Shrum said. “Today, we also honor a phenomenal artist, and a true cowboy, Harold ‘H’ Holden. We are so grateful that this monument, and several others by Mr. Holden, will live on our campus forever.”

Larry Reece, senior associate athletic director and voice of OSU Athletics,

then welcomed Atkinson to the podium. There, she recognized Edna Mae Holden and several donors dedicated to the project.

“Edna Mae Holden, I know how close this project is to your heart, and I hope today has been special for you. We are all honored to celebrate the amazing work of H and the beautiful legacy he leaves behind in his work,” Atkinson said. “I wish he could be here with us today. I think he’d be overjoyed to see his final work unveiled today.”

Edna Mae Holden welcomed Atkinson, Shrum, and family friend Gwen Shaw to the stage to unveil the monument, a one-third-size replica of Eaton that stands near Cowgirl Stadium, the home of OSU softball.

R.W. Hampton, a close family friend of the Holdens, also performed one of Harold’s favorite songs at the event.

Edna Mae Holden then delivered remarks about her husband and his passion for art.

“The only thing H ever wanted to be was an artist, and the only subject matter he ever wanted to create was the West,” she said. “He had a long and distinguished career of over 55 years and was able to enjoy the career he had because of people like you, family, collectors and friends.”

The program from the dedication ceremony featuring Harold Holden and Frank Eaton.

Scan to watch the dedication ceremony.

TOMORROW STEWARDS OF

OSU LAUNCHES IDEAL GRADUATE INITIATIVE TO AID STUDENT WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS

“THIS WILL SET OUR GRADUATES UP FOR SUCCESS FAR BEYOND THEIR TIME ON CAMPUS.”

DR. KAYSE SHRUM, OSU PRESIDENT

An Oklahoma State University degree is so much more than a piece of paper.

It’s more than the sum of its credit hours and more than a requisite line item on a resumé. It’s a gateway to personal growth and a broader perspective. It represents an investment in the future — academically, professionally and personally.

This fall, OSU launched the Ideal Graduate initiative as part of the We Are Land-Grant strategic plan. Bringing a renewed focus on developing graduates with the skills and competencies to make a positive impact in the workforce and their communities, the Ideal Graduate initiative aims to improve graduates’ workforce readiness while cultivating the next generation of servant-leaders to carry on the land-grant mission.

“OSU is committed to developing the core competencies of the Ideal OSU Graduate — professional preparedness, engaged citizenship, ethical leadership and personal responsibility,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “This will set our graduates up for success far beyond their time on campus. An educational approach that focuses on character building, as well as skill building and the pursuit of knowledge, will set them apart in a competitive global economy, opening doors to exciting career opportunities while also setting them apart in life as true servant-leaders, community builders and innovators.”

EMPLOYER-DRIVEN EXCELLENCE

From the infancy of ideal graduate discussions, employer input was paramount to the development and success of the program.

These discussions provided direct insight into workforce needs and how the Ideal Graduate initiative could address them.

“Employers were involved from the very beginning,” said Kellie Ebert, director of OSU Career Services. “Getting these industry leaders’ thoughts on what core values they looked for in an employee and how we could develop our students in

THE FOUR CORE COMPETENCIES OF AN OSU IDEAL GRADUATE

PROFESSIONAL PREPAREDNESS

ENGAGED CITIZENSHIP

ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

those areas was extremely important. Also, we wanted to develop a way to present that development to a potential employer in a way that made sense.”

Each industry has specific requirements and skills respective employees need to be successful in those careers, but some skills and character traits transcend career fields. During these industry meetings and discussions, themes emerged that would drive the development of the core competencies of an ideal OSU graduate.

THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS

While the core competencies of professional preparedness, engaged citizenship, ethical leadership and personal responsibility are rooted in the Cowboy culture, the direct, intentional conversations with industry leaders and respected employers across the state helped OSU leaders combine and synthesize those values into a singular goal: the Ideal Graduate.

THE FOUR CORE COMPETENCIES OF AN OSU IDEAL GRADUATE:

1. PROFESSIONAL PREPAREDNESS

While professional preparedness certainly includes the mastery of core skills for a chosen career field, it also includes soft skills and intangibles that play a key role in landing a job and building a fulfilling career.

OSU graduates should demonstrate career readiness through their knowledge and experience in the pillars of professional preparedness: ability to work effectively as a team member, aptitude to solve problems through critical thinking, proficiency in written and verbal communication and demonstration of a diligent work ethic.

“We’re putting an effort into figuring out what classes we can inject into the curriculum so that our students have practical skills and they’re ready to be successful in the workplace,” said Andrew Urich, director of student development in the Eastin Center for Career Readiness.

2. ENGAGED CITIZENSHIP

As engaged citizens, graduates should take an active role in civic life by welcoming and including global citizenship, respecting the value of dignity and healthy discourse, exercising service to the community and maintaining respectful citizenship within the digital sphere.

“Engaged citizenship means being thoughtful and intentional about how we use our resources,” said Jennifer Jones, director of the Center for Developmental Disabilities. “What we encourage and support outside of the classroom is as important or maybe more important than what we do inside the classroom.

“It’s when we engage our students in opportunities outside of the classroom that we really see the power of education come alive.”

3. ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

Ethical leaders strive for the highest common good.

The foundation of ethical leadership is set in making decisions with integrity, exercising empathy, embracing accountability and demonstrating moral courage.

“When we frame leadership not as a title or position but as how we use our influence, it really sets us up for success,” said Joshua Taylor, director of the Hargis Leadership Institute. “We are committed to developing student leaders who have a passion for giving back and make sure that what they’re learning with their degree has an impact on their community and makes the world a bit of a better place.”

4. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

The ideal graduate should exhibit tenacity, adaptability and persistence, demonstrate financial literacy, commit to continuous learning and handle ambiguity with dexterity and creativity.

“We exhibit our personal responsibility through our life experiences,” said Aleigha Mariott, assistant vice president of campus life and student support. “At OSU, students that are involved outside of the classroom can gain lifelong skills, such as problem-solving and

critical thinking. It’s about having selfadvocacy, setting your goals and being responsible for progressing in those goals and your future.”

TOOLS FOR GROWTH

While the Ideal Graduate initiative focuses on empowering students with the skills and character to succeed in their chosen path, it also includes a new tool to help further distinguish OSU graduates from the pack: the OSU Portfolio.

This tool will allow students to better understand the impact of their experiences while on campus and better connect them with future employers.

The OSU Portfolio allows students to track and manage the development of their Ideal Graduate competencies and use meaningful reflection to make intentional, directed decisions on areas of focus. It will also enable students to frame their experiences in ways that can positively impact interviews, applications and future professional possibilities.

“The portfolio should provide an avenue for students to track their progress through the Ideal Graduate initiative throughout their time at OSU,” said Dr. Sam Emerson, associate professor of nutritional sciences

and Ideal Graduate faculty fellow. “Our hope is that as students input their curricular, co-curricular or extracurricular activities manually, it will provide the opportunity to reflect on the impact those events or assignments have far beyond the duration of the event or the student’s grades.”

PUTTING BOOTS ON THE GROUND

As with most things in their infancy, there is much to be observed and learned during the first semester of the Ideal Graduate initiative.

University leaders hope that as rollout continues and more students are made aware of Ideal Graduate and the OSU Portfolio, adoption and engagement rates will continue to climb.

One area of focus is identifying ways to implement the Ideal Graduate initiative in coursework and help students become familiar with the nomenclature that surrounds the program.

Dr. Howard Sanborn, political science department head, is focused on ways Ideal Graduate can help build upon a robust foundation centered around engaged citizenship.

“Students are already tasked with taking courses in American

government and other related topics,” Sanborn said. “Our department’s faculty and staff are, instead, focused on ways that we can enhance and further develop the idea of engaged citizenship through courses, activities and partnerships across campus.”

The sentiment of reframing already established assets and using those as a foundation upon which to build newer, more robust offerings that challenge students to embrace the core competencies of Ideal Graduate is echoed by seemingly everyone surrounding the initiative.

The possibilities are endless for inter-departmental and even inter-campus collaborations geared toward helping students to engage and develop these skills, reinforcing classroom learning and fostering new connections in the process.

“The OSU portfolio is more than just a means to track progress through a prescriptive set of courses and activities,” Sanborn said. “It could be used to prompt meaningful discussions amongst students from different classes with similar themes and help them understand that the coursework does far more than just get them a grade in a classroom, it prepares them to be better citizens of their communities, both on campus and beyond.”

A Cowboy Voice at the Capitol

Hilbert to serve as youngest speaker in state history

When the Oklahoma House of Representatives gavels in for the next legislative session, Oklahoma State University alumnus Kyle Hilbert will make history as the youngest individual to serve as speaker in state history.

But, his passion for serving others started long before his current role.

Hilbert grew up in the small town of Depew, Oklahoma, and quickly learned a strong work ethic from his father, Kerry, who owned a grocery store in nearby Davenport. Kerry would develop

a family business selling pizza dough throughout Oklahoma.

“I grew up driving all over the state of Oklahoma and surrounding states with my dad delivering pizza dough,” Hilbert said. “It was my first experience with small towns throughout the state.”

In addition to spending time on the delivery route with his dad, Hilbert also became involved with FFA. This helped lead him to Stillwater and drove his decision to enroll at OSU.

During his time in Stillwater, Hilbert took a step toward his current role in

politics when he served as the president of the Student Government Association. He was in this role in 2015 when the Homecoming tragedy took place during the Sea of Orange Parade.

“I remember how the student body really came together during that time,” Hilbert said. “I will forever think about the individuals we lost that day and pray for their families, but also the resolve of the community that we felt as a Cowboy family in the wake of the tragedy.”

After graduating from OSU in 2016 with a degree in agribusiness, Hilbert’s

Rep. Kyle Hilbert stands behind the speaker of the house podium during session at the capitol.

original plan was to enter the workforce until he received a call from his dad and his high school ag teacher letting him know that the current state representative from the area was going to run for the Oklahoma State Senate.

Hilbert was first elected to serve House District 29, an area that includes parts of Creek and Tulsa counties, in November 2016. Since then, Hilbert has made a positive impression on those he works closely with in his local district and at the state capitol.

Jason Ramsey, chief executive officer for the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, has had the opportunity to work closely with Hilbert multiple times in the past eight years.

“Working with Representative Hilbert has been outstanding. He’s a really thoughtful leader who jumped right in at the beginning of his legislative career,” Ramsey said. “He studies issues deeply with a clear desire to develop solutions that are reasonable and best for improving Oklahoma.”

In 2025, Hilbert will take the role as speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives, the highest leadership position for the House of Representatives. At 30, he will be the youngest person in state history to serve in that role.

“It’s a really humbling experience to step into the role as the 45th speaker of the house,” Hilbert said. “There is a lot of weight that comes with passing laws that make sense for the state of Oklahoma and making sure we are appropriating taxpayer dollars correctly.”

Hilbert now lives in Bristow with his wife, Alexis, and their two daughters, Addison and Dorothy. He continues to focus on helping build the future of the state he loves and calls home. Plus, his alma mater is never far from his heart, especially during the yearly Capitol Cowboys event.

“It’s my favorite day at the capitol every year,” Hilbert said. “I think it’s great for the students because they are getting to interact with alumni and legislators. We all get to sit down and tell each other how much we love OSU.”

Kyle and Alexis Hilbert celebrate their wedding with Pistol Pete.

The Hilbert family poses for a photo inside the Capitol building in Oklahoma City.

Hilbert addresses the Cowboy family during the annual Capitol Cowboys event in 2024.

The Oklahoma State University Alumni Association honored seven deserving alumni with 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards at a ceremony on Aug. 30 in the ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center. The award recognizes members of the Cowboy family who have distinguished themselves through their particular field or profession and the betterment of their community. Watch more about this year’s honorees at okla.st/daa24 or read about them on the following pages.

BRIAN CALLAHAN

“There might be a university out there with higher quality people who are more loyal, have higher character, but I’ve certainly never met them.”

— Brian Callahan

Callahan graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He then received his Master of Business Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

Following graduation, Callahan worked as an analyst for Koch Industries in Wichita, Kansas. He also served as an officer in the United States Army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. Afterward, Callahan worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City for six years, holding several supervisory and management positions in the financial services and administrative services divisions.

Callahan joined ISN in 2004 and held various management roles within the company. He currently is CEO and president.

Callahan serves on the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees; is a board member of the Eastin Center for Career Readiness at the Spears School of Business; and serves on the Dean’s Council Executive Committee for Spears Business. In addition to serving his alma mater, Callahan was recognized as a 2019 Spears Business inductee. He is a former member of the Dallas Lone Star Chapter of the Young Presidents’ Organization and serves on the executive committee for the Friends of the Katy Trail Board. In addition, Callahan is chair of the Campbell Institute at the National Safety Council.

Alongside his wife, Angie, and their three children — Michael, Katherine and Jake — Callahan resides in Dallas.

DR. LEE DENNEY

“The campus looks very different today than it did in the ’70s, but the spirit of OSU remains the same. We are a family, and the culture is one of success.”

— Dr. Lee Denney

Denney graduated from OSU in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics. She then completed her doctorate in veterinary medicine at OSU in 1978.

Following graduation, Denney returned to her hometown of Cushing, Oklahoma, to establish a mixed animal practice. She served rural eastern Payne County for over 30 years as a veterinarian and community leader. During that time, she also taught anatomy and physiology at Central Technology Center. Denney served as city commissioner from 1994 to 2003 and again in 2020 to 2023. During her tenure, she was elected mayor and vice-mayor.

Once her children entered college, Denney ran and was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 2004. She was an influential leader as the speaker pro tempore, becoming only the second woman in state history to hold that position. She was incredibly instrumental and well respected in the legislature on education issues from grade schools to higher education. She was recognized for her work by the Oklahoma

State Regents for Higher Education with the Distinguished Service Award.

Following her time in the Oklahoma legislature, Denney served as department head of the OSUOKC Veterinary Technology Program.

In 2017, Denney received a presidential appointment to serve as the United States Department of Agriculture rural development state director for Oklahoma. In this role, she was a leader in improving rural community economies and agriculture. Denney was later named as interim state director for the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. She currently serves as Payne County treasurer while still practicing veterinary medicine.

Denney regularly fills needed companion animal shifts in her spare time, often serving traditionally underrepresented communities. She has two children — Will and Kate — and five grandchildren.

Denney is a life plus member of the OSU Alumni Association.

MIKE DILLARD

“No one loves this university more than I do. It has meant everything to me.”

— Mike Dillard

Dillard graduated from OSU in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. While attending OSU, Dillard also studied and taught martial arts, which was the beginning of his 50-plus-year martial arts legacy.

Dillard is a ninth-degree black belt trained by martial arts champion and movie star Chuck Norris. He left accounting and started Century Martial Art Supply LLC in 1976, now recognized as the world’s largest martial art supply and information company.

In 1989, Dillard founded Dillard Group Real Estate, the leading residential real estate firm in Cleveland County, Oklahoma, for over 35 years. He founded Waterford/Raptor Properties in Oklahoma City in 1995.

Dillard served on numerous boards of directors including World Presidents Organization, Chief Executives Organization, Chuck Norris’ United Fighting Arts Federation and the Martial Arts Industry Association. He taught entrepreneurial business at colleges and universities including

10 years as an adjunct professor at the University of Oklahoma’s Price School of Business MBA program.

Having competed in over 300 martial art events, Dillard was a U.S. National Open sparring champion in 1989 and 1991. He is best known for beating the Russian national heavyweight kickboxing champion in Leningrad, Soviet Union, in 1990. Dillard was honored as Black Belt Magazine Man of the Year in 2011.

In 2001, Dillard founded the Martial Arts Industry Association, “MAIA,” facilitating idea sharing and education among martial arts professionals to enhance facility management and student experience. MAIA’s consulting has coached over 20,000 martial arts schools, creating thousands of success stories.

Dillard and his wife, Darci, reside in Oklahoma City. The two were awarded the “International Explorers” designation by the Chief Executive Organization in 2015 and continue to travel worldwide.

ROBERT AND SHARON KEATING

“OSU has given us so much through our learning to work with other people, our work ethic and being proud to be an alum. Our passion is Oklahoma State University.” — Sharon Keating

“As our company became more successful, we were able to participate more locally in organizations and at OSU. It’s been a joy to be able to do that.” — Robert Keating

Robert Keating graduated from OSU in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics, while Sharon Keating earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration the same year.

The couple met in March 1961 during fifth grade in Mangum, Oklahoma. They developed a friendship that blossomed into a relationship, and both enrolled as freshmen at OSU in 1968. Robert Keating joined Phi Gamma Delta and held leadership roles as rush chairman and president. He was also a Top 10 Freshman. Sharon Keating pledged Pi Beta Phi and served as assistant treasurer and treasurer.

After graduation, Sharon Keating joined her father-in-law at Topographic Inc. in accounting. Robert Keating pursued a music career until 1974 when they married. Robert Keating returned to school, earning a master’s degree in economics from the University of Oklahoma in 1978. He then implemented a new computer system for accounting at Topographic.

Robert Keating became president and CEO of his Topographic in 1989, with Sharon Keating becoming financial controller.

In 1995, the Keatings purchased Topographic from Robert Keating’s father. Under their leadership, the company remained successful. Robert Keating’s method of paying all employees bonuses for

profitability proved to be a significant reward for hard work, and the company grew. They retired in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Their son-in-law, Brian Krafft, an OSU alumnus, assumed leadership as president and CEO. Robert Keating remains as chairman of the board.

The Keatings have generously supported scholarships at OSU, including the Arts and Sciences Keating Family Scholarship, General University Scholarship for students from southwestern Oklahoma and contributed to several campus building projects. Sharon Keating served on the OSU Foundation’s Board of Governors, the OSU Alumni Association Board of Directors and Women for OSU.

Robert Keating is on the OSU Foundation Board of Trustees and the McKnight Center Board. He received the College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022.

The couple, members of the Proud & Immortal Society and life members of the OSU Alumni Association, split their time between homes in Fort Worth, Texas, and Edmond, Oklahoma. They have two children: Bryan, an OSU graduate and sports director at KOCO-TV, and Jennifer Krafft. They have two granddaughters — Lily and Penelope — and a grandson, Jett.

N. MALONE MITCHELL, JR.

“I enrolled in 1957 — the first freshman class when they changed the name from Oklahoma A&M to Oklahoma State University. So basically, I am an original cowboy.”

— N. Malone Mitchell Jr.

Mitchell graduated from OSU in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in animal science.

While on campus, he was a member of Block and Bridle Club and credits his education from OSU for providing him access to expert opinions and research to modify his livestock operations. As a lifelong pilot and aircraft owner, Mitchell was a member and vice president of the Flying Aggies.

Mitchell is the owner and operator of Mitchell Ranches which consists of cattle, sheep and goat operations in Durant, Oklahoma, and Sanderson, Texas.

In addition to being a rancher, Mitchell served as president of the Western National Polled Hereford Association, president of the Senepol Association, director of the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, director of the Mohair Counsel of America, and director and chairman of the Rio Grande/Pecos River Soil Conservation.

Mitchell has been honored many times throughout his life. He was recognized as

Cattleman of the Year by the Oklahoma Cattle Association and received the Ferguson College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumni Award.

In addition to his professional success, Mitchell served as an Elder and the Synod Delegate for the Sanderson First Presbyterian Church and vice president of the Terrell County Hunters Fiesta. Mitchell and his college sweetheart, Roberta “Bobbe” Mitchell, are avid travelers, having visited all 50 states and all seven continents. When not ranching or traveling, Mitchell enjoys soil conservation, hunting and fishing.

Alongside his wife, Mitchell lives in Sanderson. The Mitchells have three children: N. Malone Mitchell III, ‘83 general agriculture; Scott Mitchell; and Stacey Webb.

Mitchell is a life member of the OSU Alumni Association.

JAMES “JIM” MORRIS II

“Getting an award like this from a place that means this much to my family means a great deal. We bleed orange.”

— Jim Morris II

Morris graduated from OSU in 1973 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Morris is the owner of River Ranch Capital and JMM Farms LLC, where he operates a diverse portfolio consisting of Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado; non-operating working interest in various oil and gas properties in Oklahoma under River Ranch Resources LLC; River Ranch Racing Stables and Twisted Chaps Racing Stables; and Lazy K Cattle Company.

Following his graduation from OSU, Morris joined John Hancock Financial Services in 1973. After several years, Morris was appointed CEO of John Hancock’s Boston-based distribution system in May 1999. He also served as chairman and CEO of John Hancock’s broker dealer, Signator Investors Inc., as well as chairman of Essex Co. and Essex National Securities, Inc. Morris has several professional designations including Certified

Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Life Underwriter.

Morris retired from John Hancock in 2004. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, InVesTrust, Hearts for Hearing, and the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Morris received the Maureen Reagan Award for his work with the Alzheimer’s Association and the Hope Award for his work with the Multiple Sclerosis Society. He also recently received the Distinguished Service Award from OMRF.

Morris resides in Oklahoma City with his wife of 51 years, Lou. They have two daughters — Kim and Kelly — and three grandchildren — Hannah, Ford and Isabella. Morris enjoys traveling with his entire family and spending time at his cattle ranch in Kansas.

Morris is a life member of the OSU Alumni Association.

LUMNI ALUMNI

learning

ACTION in

Roundtable meetings provide crucial insights to help OSU Polytech drive workforce development and elevate the state’s economy

students

“A problem well stated is a problem half solved.”

— John Dewey, prominent American

Oklahoma State University has been an economic engine for the state since its inception, and, through the OSU Institute of Technology, OSU-Tulsa and OSUOklahoma City, it has by far the strongest track record of delivering hands-on and technical education opportunities across the state.

“OSU Polytech builds on decades of experience across the OSU System in delivering technical and applied education, which is the hands-on, skills-based, technology-focused instruction required for so many careers,” OSU President Kayse Shrum

said. “Today, the OSU Polytech mission is both critical and clear: make sure Oklahoma is open for business when it comes to science and technology.”

Building off of the momentum from its 2023 launch, OSU Polytech in 2024 alone added new degree programs to its 60-plus program catalog, revamped current programs and laid the groundwork for continued growth through partnerships and programs.

By meeting in person with industry leaders across the state to understand their challenges and needs, university leaders gained a clearer picture of how to empower and elevate Oklahoma’s workforce and economy.

The summer campaign included 17 industry roundtables — six events in rural areas and 11 in urban settings — attracting 350 external guests from over 200 organizations. These

key

sectors of the Oklahoma economy:

• advanced manufacturing

• aerospace and aviation

• agriculture and agribusiness

• construction

• energy and power

• health care and life sciences

• information technology and telecommunications

• supply chain and logistics

OSUIT

work in the Industrial Maintenance Technologies Natural Gas Compression program.

conversations laid the foundation for OSU Polytech and its growing coalition of industry partners to address the skills gaps in the Oklahoma economy by aligning educational programs with real-world needs.

“As the state’s undisputed leader in advanced technology education for over 60 years, OSU Polytech embodies our land-grant mission to serve the state,” said Kyle Wray, senior vice president of system affairs. “The industry roundtables have proven critical to our development of experiential workforce education opportunities.”

The roundtables spanned key sectors of the Oklahoma economy, including:

• advanced manufacturing

• aerospace and aviation

• agriculture and agribusiness

• construction

• energy and power

• health care and life sciences

• information technology and telecommunications

• supply chain and logistics.

The roundtables revealed common industry strategies to address skilled labor shortages, such as developing in-house training programs, contracting with third-party vendors for training, adopting automation and robotics, hiring temporary workers, moving jobs overseas or simply being forced to decline business deals.

For OSU Polytech, those challenges represent an opportunity to make a positive impact.

“To grow our state economy, Oklahoma businesses throughout our state need access to talent,” Oklahoma Rep. John Pfeiffer said. “Our state currently faces a shortage of highly skilled labor. OSU Polytech is leading the effort to address this labor shortage by developing a pipeline of industryready and life-ready graduates to help businesses grow and expand in Oklahoma.”

These conversations highlighted how OSU Polytech’s micro-credentials, certificates and many degrees could combat labor shortages by aiding in reskilling and upskilling employees. OSU Polytech programs allow skilled workers to keep pace with technological advancements while encouraging

OSU Polytech programs at OSU-Oklahoma City and OSUIT cover a variety of subject areas.

“Every day, we have businesses — large and small — that step up and say they want to be a partner with us. We are actively working with each of them to determine how we can best meet their needs.”

Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, OSU Polytech Provost

entry-level employees to learn new skills to advance their careers and high school students to pursue postsecondary learning opportunities.

“Every day, we have businesses — large and small — that step up and say they want to be a partner with us. We are actively working with each of them to determine how we can best meet their needs,” said Dr. Ronna Vanderslice, OSU System vice provost for academic affairs and OSU Polytech provost.

“Many of the partners we heard from this summer are very interested in non-credit training. We know students who enter non-credit programs want to get additional education to better their career opportunities. Research shows that 43% of students who enter a non-credit program are likely to enter a degree program. Whether it’s increasing the training for skilled workers or increasing the pipeline to traditional higher education, it’s all extremely beneficial to meeting the workforce needs of our state.”

During these roundtable meetings, industry leaders identified vital skills these programs can and should provide

to ensure career success, such as critical thinking, conflict resolution, communication, and technical and leadership skills. Leaders also expressed a desire for OSU Polytech to deliver on-site continuing education and training as labor shortages make it infeasible for companies to send employees to attend off-site training.

“OSU Polytech is set to be a gamechanger for our state, especially in cities like my hometown of Durant, which is experiencing rapid economic growth,” said Greg Massey, First United Bank CEO. “To sustain this momentum, we need a skilled workforce to drive continued progress. We are thankful that President Shrum has made workforce development a top priority for OSU. By actively collaborating with industry leaders and aligning its programs with real-world needs, OSU Polytech will create industry-aligned programs to best prepare students for career success.

The roundtables sparked conversations about how OSU could partner with industry and K-12 education to offer training, concurrent courses and opportunities to introduce

“As a landgrant university, OSU is committed to providing students with affordable access to careeroriented, practical education.”

Rick Walker, OSU/A&M Regent and Liberty National Bank CEO

Paramedicine at Oklahoma State University is part of the OSU Polytech curriculum.

students to various trades through career fairs and other events.

Building on these collaborative efforts, partnerships like the OKC FAME program launched its first cohort this summer. This program allows students to pursue associate degree programs while getting direct hands-on experience in the manufacturing industry.

Other partnerships, like one between Union Public Schools in Tulsa and OSUIT, offer classes in electrical construction and air conditioning and refrigeration. These partnerships allow high school juniors and seniors to earn college credit, sit for certification exams and explore different career paths, putting them on track to a promising career before they even graduate from high school.

Based on feedback from industry collaborators, OSU-OKC’s Power Transmission and Distribution Technology program implemented a revamp this fall that included the addition of more daytime sections.

The program, which enrolled a record number of students after the updates, prepares individuals to work in both public and private sectors of the electrical power transmission and distribution industry, where electrical

power line installers and repairers are among Oklahoma’s Top 100 Critical Occupations, with an average of 280 annual openings and median annual earnings of $62,358.

“OSU Polytech is not about increasing our freshman class here in Stillwater,” Wray said. “This is about partnering to get more people workforce ready through training opportunities.”

In the last year, OSU Polytech has added programs based on industry feedback at OSU-OKC including:

• Applied Data Analytics

• Engineering TechnologiesAutomation

• Engineering TechnologiesIndustrial Engineering

• Information TechnologiesCybersecurity

• Information TechnologiesSoftware Development

OSU has also launched statewide TV spot to raise awareness about OSU Polytech and the transformative opportunities it offers. This forward momentum reflects OSU Polytech’s dedication to meeting Oklahoma’s workforce needs and elevating the Oklahoma economy.

“OSU Polytech is a great example of how higher education is innovating and evolving to meet the changing

OSUIT Instrumentation & Automation students gain realworld hands-on experience.

educational needs of our state,” said Rick Walker, OSU/A&M Regent and Liberty National Bank CEO. “As a landgrant university, OSU is committed to providing students with affordable access to career-oriented, practical education. Through OSU Polytech, students across the state will have expanded post-secondary learning opportunities to gain the skills and training needed to be successful in today’s increasingly technological world.”

Vanderslice said the roundtables were a vital step in the process and will shape OSU Polytech’s approach as it continues to develop curriculum to meet Oklahoma’s workforce demands.

“Together, we’re forging a path that ensures our programs are not only relevant but also forward-thinking, preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving job market,” she said.

Scan to view an OSU Polytech commercial.

DRIVING INNOVATION

OSU Polytech at OSUIT shapes the future of heavy equipment

In a rapidly evolving world of heavy equipment, precision and expertise are paramount.

Recognizing this responsibility, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is at the forefront of innovation through OSU Polytech. This forward-thinking strategy aligns academic learning at the Okmulgee campus with hands-on technical training, preparing a new generation of industry-ready professionals.

Key examples of this vision are OSUIT’s partnership with Komatsu, one of the world’s largest construction equipment manufacturers. The development of the Komatsu Advanced Career Training associate in applied science degree and the Komatsu Fast Track Program provides multiple pathways for those entering or advancing in the field.

OSU Polytech is grounded in partnerships with industry leaders like Komatsu, combining academic rigor with applied learning to meet the demands of a dynamic workforce. Through programs such as the Komatsu ACT AAS degree and the Komatsu Fast Track Program, OSUIT has established itself as a leader in technical education, producing highly skilled, job-ready graduates who can seamlessly transition into the workforce.

“Polytech at OSUIT is about more than just learning; it’s about preparing for real-world careers from day one,” said Sherri Johnson, dean of OSUIT’s School of Transportation and Heavy Equipment. “The Komatsu programs demonstrate how we are collaborating with industry to deliver a curriculum that adapts to the evolving needs of the workforce while providing our students with meaningful, hands-on experience.”

The Komatsu ACT AAS Degree

For students new to the field, the Komatsu ACT AAS degree program provides a comprehensive two-year pathway that combines academic coursework with hands-on training in Komatsu technology.

Students in this program study essential topics like electrical systems, hydraulics and diagnostics while gaining practical skills through direct

experience with Komatsu equipment. They further develop their expertise through internships with Komatsu dealers, acquiring the technical knowledge and work experience needed to succeed.

“As the chair of the OSUIT Komatsu ACT and Fast Track Advisory Board, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of the Komatsu ACT 2-Year Program on our hiring strategy for Kirby Smith Machinery’s service department,” said Bruce Taylor, director of training for Kirby-Smith Machinery Inc. “This program has addressed a critical need by providing us with highly qualified technicians who enter their careers with a solid foundation and,

“The Komatsu programs demonstrate how we are collaborating with industry to deliver a curriculum that adapts to the evolving needs of the workforce while providing our students with meaningful, hands-on experience.”

Sherri Johnson, dean of OSUIT’s School of Transportation and Heavy Equipment

importantly, without pre-existing habits that may require correction.

“It’s a tremendous stepping stone for young technicians embarking on their careers in the heavy equipment industry.”

The Komatsu Fast Track Program

The Komatsu Fast Track Program is an alternative pathway tailored for individuals who may already hold a degree or relevant experience but seek specialized Komatsu training to advance in their careers.

This condensed program is designed for recent technical school graduates, industry professionals, or those with military experience who need certification in Komatsu machinery.

Sponsored by Komatsu dealers, the program includes nine specialized classes covering essential components of Komatsu equipment, such as loaders, electrical systems and advanced diagnostics.

Structured in alternating twoweek sessions, students split their time between OSUIT and practical work at their sponsoring dealers, allowing them to earn credentials and gain hands-on experience in real-world settings. Komatsu dealers cover tuition, wages and travel expenses, ensuring students receive targeted training at minimal personal cost.

“While the OSUIT Komatsu ACT 2-Year Program has significantly improved our pipeline of new talent, we faced a unique challenge when onboarding seasoned technicians. Integrating experienced hires into the Komatsu product line required a lengthy acclimation period, which impacted efficiency,” Taylor said. “In response, a few members of the OSUIT Advisory Board developed the Fast Track program. This initiative, impressive on paper, proved even more effective in practice.

“The Fast Track program accelerates the familiarization process for experienced technicians, reducing the time needed to represent and work confidently with Komatsu products to less than half of what it would have been with traditional onboarding. Together, these programs create a

robust hiring solution, preparing both new entrants to the industry and seasoned technicians with the knowledge they need to excel.”

Empowering a New Generation of Leaders

OSUIT’s School of Transportation and Heavy Equipment is recognized for its strong industry connections. Still, it is poised for even greater success with the recent appointment of its first female dean.

Johnson’s leadership reflects a commitment to forward-thinking strategies and a fresh perspective on the future of heavy equipment education, driving innovation and adapting to shifts within the industry.

Her bold vision includes fostering partnerships with high schools and outreach programs to introduce young women to transportation and heavy equipment careers early on, creating a pipeline of future professionals

equipped for success and empowered with growth opportunities.

She is also expanding scholarship opportunities targeted toward those entering technical programs at OSUIT, ensuring access to education and a clear path to advancement for all students interested in the field.

The Future of Polytech at OSUIT

Looking ahead, the future of the School of Transportation and Heavy Equipment promises even greater integration of technology, industry collaboration and innovation.

The curriculum is set to evolve alongside advancements in electric vehicles, alternative energy solutions and advanced diagnostics while maintaining a strong focus on core industry skills.

As part of her vision, Johnson is determined to position OSUIT as a national leader in technical education for transportation and heavy equipment. This includes using the

latest research and development in collaboration with industry partners and expanding the use of simulation and augmented reality technologies in training programs.

“We are on the cusp of a major transformation,” Johnson said. “Our goal is to ensure that OSUIT continues to be where industry and education converge, where students receive the best training available and where they graduate not just with a degree, but with a clear pathway to a successful and sustainable career.”

Scan to watch an Inside OSU feature on the Instrumentation & Automation Engineering Technology program.

The OSUIT partnership with Komatsu gives students transformational opportunities to learn technical on-the-job skills.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF

championing OSU’s land-grant mission in Tulsa through community building, workforce development, world-class research, innovative education, driving economic growth and transforming lives.

When Dr. Raj Singh grew up in India, his family encouraged him to study science. In school, he learned he could use chemistry to create materials, which guided him to his current engineering field.

After Singh received his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering, he earned his Ph.D. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and worked at many high-profile institutions across the country. In 2012, he came to Oklahoma State University-Tulsa to help launch Oklahoma’s first materials science and engineering department.

This year, Singh received two prestigious honors selected by his peers in the field. The first was being named a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the second was being inducted into the National Academy of Engineering.

“I’m quite delighted and happy to receive those recognitions,” Singh said. “The National Academy of Engineering is one of the highest awards one can get as an engineer. It’s exciting and humbling at the same time.”

Singh works at Helmerich Research Center in Tulsa, a facility focused on advancing the discipline of materials science and engineering and assisting local industries. Singh said OSU has been quite supportive of his operation, providing resources to purchase equipment and facilitating anything required to advance research.

“We started this in 2012, and we have graduated numerous students with advanced degrees, master’s and Ph.D., and we are working in all kinds of high-tech research areas, including materials for batteries, fuel cells, composites, quantum material and their manufacturing, ” Singh said. “We are quite excited to be here.”

Singh has worked on many projects, including research on improving lithium-ion batteries in phones or cars and inventing ceramic composites for commercial jet engines to make them lighter and reduce pollution. Another project Singh is involved in uses diamond nanoparticles coated with cancer drugs and antibodies to administer them locally.

In the past, Singh has encouraged his students to be curious. Curiosity invites a new perspective, letting people become more observant and leading to more questions being asked. Singh believes that bringing curiosity into schoolwork allows students to stay excited and reject feelings of boredom. Asking questions and desiring answers guides them to become more interested in their learning.

“People develop a passion for doing and finding new ways of doing things, not just in science and technology, but everyday life,” Singh said. “That kind of mindset is always helpful. Being curious as an engineer or a student will always give you an edge to do better in not just studies, but when you go outside and work for a company or another university, you will always be excited, and you will also excite your students to do better.

“It is a mentoring process driven by curiosity about anything and everything.”

HONORING INNOVATION

OSU NAMES NEW HUMAN PERFORMANCE INNOVATION COMPLEX AFTER FITNESS PIONEER PICKENS

Oklahoma State University’s new Human Performance Innovation Complex will bear the name of the late T. Boone Pickens, a legendary businessman and mega-philanthropist.

The complex’s name recognizes and honors Pickens, a beloved alumnus who has significantly transformed OSU through nearly $650 million in donations.

In June 2023, a $120 million legacy gift from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation to OSU provided funding for student scholarships and $25 million for the OSU Human Performance Innovation Complex. The complex, which will be located north of the Sherman E. Smith Training Center, will house and support the work of OSU’s unique Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute.

“The T. Boone Pickens Foundation’s allocation of $25 million for the innovation complex marks a significant step toward cementing a world-class research institute on our Stillwater campus next year aimed at improving the health and well-being of all Oklahomans,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “And we are pleased that

“WHILE WISE TO FOLLOW BOONE’S EXAMPLE, I AM OPTIMISTIC THE BOONE PICKENS HUMAN PERFORMANCE INNOVATION COMPLEX CAN PLAY A LARGE ROLE IN BRINGING ABOUT TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE IN HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR ALL OKLAHOMANS. HE WOULD BE PROUD OF THIS DEVELOPMENT ON THE OSU CAMPUS.”

KEVIN STITT, OKLAHOMA GOVERNOR

A rendering of the

Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex will be located to the north of the Sherman E. Smith Training Center.

From left: Larry Reece, Dr. Kayse Shrum and Jay Rosser at the HPIC announcement.

this one-of-a-kind complex will bear the name of an American pioneer in corporate fitness — Boone Pickens.”

The institute will leverage research and experience from departments and colleges around the OSU System, including the College of Education and Human Sciences; Ferguson College of Agriculture; the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology; the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center; the College of Osteopathic Medicine; and the National Center for Wellness & Recovery in Tulsa.

The cross-disciplinary applied research approach is a key component of HPNRI and its parent organization, The Innovation Foundation at OSU.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt praised the Pickens Foundation’s generosity and Pickens’ enduring legacy.

“Boone Pickens was a great Oklahoman who loved his state and his university — Oklahoma State. For decades, he preached the importance of physical fitness and its importance for a strong workforce and healthy workplace. He faithfully and vigorously worked out every morning at dawn, setting an example for all around him,” Stitt said. “While wise to follow Boone’s example, I am optimistic the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex can play a large role in bringing about transformational change in health outcomes for all

Oklahomans. He would be proud of this development on the OSU campus.”

Lance Walker, named the inaugural HPNRI Rick and Gail Muncrief executive director in 2022, expressed gratitude for the Pickens Foundation’s support.

“Boone Pickens understood the link between productivity, fitness and happiness,” Walker said. “He started a trend in 1979 when he built a $2.5 million, 30,000-square-foot fitness center at his company’s Mesa Petroleum headquarters in Amarillo, Texas, introducing one of the first corporate wellness programs in the United States. Boone would tell his Mesa employees that good health does not just happen but requires individual effort and would warn that a person’s health would deteriorate without regular physical exercise. Boone’s words are as real today as they were in 1979, and they will inspire the groundbreaking initiatives in this complex named after him.”

Responding to the naming announcement, Jay Rosser, Pickens’ longtime head of public affairs, noted how honored Pickens would be to have his name associated with a complex and institute dedicated to promoting healthier lives.

“Boone was a lifelong health and fitness advocate,” Rosser said. “He championed the phrase, ‘I don’t want to grow old and feel bad, and I don’t want others to, either.’ He was competitive

in every aspect of his life and believed health and fitness improved productivity. The naming of the Human Performance Innovation Complex reflects his leadership in that field and will prove invaluable for future generations of Oklahomans.”

The advanced Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex and HPNRI are committed to conducting cutting-edge research, educating the next generation of health and wellness professionals, and providing evidence-based solutions to improve human performance and nutrition.

The state of Oklahoma supported OSU’s land-grant mission by providing initial funding of $50 million through the American Rescue Plan Act for HPNRI. The complex is supported by the $25 million allocation from the Boone Pickens legacy gift and additional fundraising continues. Architects are finalizing the facility design, and site preparation and construction are slated to begin in 2025.

The complex will serve as a home for the transformational research conducted by the Human Performance and Nutrition Research Institute.

Scan to watch a video highlighting the Boone Pickens Human Performance Innovation Complex.

Unparalleled Opportunities

One Health Innovation Lab provides hub for scientists, researchers and businesses

In the heart of north-central Oklahoma, a groundbreaking initiative at Oklahoma State University is poised to transform the region into a thriving life science hub.

Anchored by the One Health Innovation Lab, which is housed in the state-of-the-art Venture One Health Building at Innovation Park, this facility is a beacon of collaboration and contract services for scientists, researchers and businesses.

Providing resources and propelling transdisciplinary applied research, The Innovation Foundation at OSU leads this visionary effort of collaboration and innovation.

“The One Health initiative at OSU marks a groundbreaking approach to health care, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health,” said Dr. Samuel Jeyasingh, One Health Innovation Lab director. “Research efforts focus on understanding how these domains intersect to safeguard global health and biosecurity.”

The lab will tackle complex health challenges by fostering interdisciplinary research spanning multiple domains while leveraging university assets such as studying the impact of pollutants on ecosystems to improving biosafety regarding

food safety, infectious diseases and bioterrorism.

The lab is a nexus for research conducted across the university’s extensive network, including the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Center for Health Sciences, OSU Agriculture, OSU Extension and the National Center for Wellness & Recovery.

These cutting-edge facilities, including an advanced biorepository, can store millions of biospecimens and will serve as a critical resource for researchers and industry partners alike. By housing physical and digital signatures of specimens from plants,

From left: Lab intern Jorja Ford and Dr. Samuel Jeyasingh, One Health Innovation Lab director, work on research.

animals and humans, the lab creates a unique One Health library that will support groundbreaking research and commercialization efforts.

It is a dynamic platform for innovation, enabling the conservation of biodiversity and the development of new therapies, diagnostics and scientific products.

“By embracing the One Health approach, we are not just advancing research as a Carnegie R1 institution; we are fostering a holistic understanding of health that unites animals, people and the environment,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said. “As a land-grant university, we are helping the world in finding solutions to health challenges we all face.”

The One Health Innovation Lab’s mission extends beyond research, forging meaningful collaborations to drive economic growth and advance public health. By partnering with private industry, federal agencies and nonprofit organizations, the lab creates a collaborative ecosystem that fuels innovation and accelerates the translation of research into real-world solutions. This commitment to publicprivate partnerships aligns with OSU’s strategic goals and enhances

the university’s ability to contribute to global health and biosecurity.

This emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic partnerships is instrumental in positioning OSU at the forefront of One Health research, innovation and sequencing services. As the lab attracts top talent and fosters groundbreaking discoveries, it also enhances OSU’s institutional impact, regionally and globally. The One Health Innovation Lab’s commitment to holistic public health underscores its vital role in shaping a healthier future for all.

“The One Health Innovation Lab presents unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and advancement in the biological sciences,” said Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of The Innovation Foundation at OSU.

“With more than 25 years working in life science collaboratively with public and private partners, I can attest that our One Health strategy is positioned for significant impact in interdisciplinary research and innovation, attracting talent and fostering partnerships that drive economic growth for our community and beyond.”

INTERESTED IN HELPING TO BRING ONE HEALTH TO THE FOREFRONT OF HEALTH INNOVATION IN OKLAHOMA AND BEYOND?

For more information regarding corporate partnerships and funding opportunities, email: MATTHEW DANIEL , director of industry partnerships, at danielm@okstate.edu or JUSTIN HAZZARD, VP, corporate engagement, at jhazzard@osugiving.com.

A pipette is filled with water for sample testing.

Unsung Heroes

Veterinarians are vital to food production supply chain

Less than 2% of the global population is responsible for feeding the world, which becomes increasingly daunting as Earth anticipates an increase of 1.8 billion people by 2050.

This surge demands not only more grain and crops but also a significant rise in livestock production. Farmers work tirelessly to nurture their animals and cultivate the land, but their success can’t be achieved without a vital partner — veterinarians.

Veterinarians are often the unsung heroes of food and fiber production, playing a critical role in ensuring livestock health and productivity.

While farmers tend to their animals daily, veterinary professionals bring specialized knowledge and skills crucial for the animals’ well-being and, by extension, the food supply chain sustainability. They diagnose diseases, implement preventative care and develop protocols that help maintain healthy herds, ultimately safeguarding the food supply for billions.

At Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine, training large animal veterinarians has always been a priority.

“OSU has historically been dedicated to producing practice-ready veterinarians and we have a long history

of a good portion of those being large animal veterinarians — equine and food animal both,” said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, a second-generation OSU CVM graduate and CVM director of continuing education.

Throughout the pre-clinical curriculum, students are exposed to production animal medicine through courses, labs and electives. Dr. Jared Taylor’s Introduction to Food Animal Production Systems is a primary example. The course launched in 2011 and is offered annually to students who have completed their second year of veterinary school. Students visit seedstock, cow-calf, feedlot and cull

Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, CVM director of continuing education and assistant professor, draws blood from a calf.

“Not only has OSU prepared me with exceptional knowledge, but also provided a multitude of hands-on opportunities and experiences outside of the classroom.”

AUDREY HEIDT, FOURTH-YEAR STUDENT AND IBCP

cow harvest operations for beef cattle as well as dairy and swine sites.

“The course takes students to a variety of animal agriculture production sites across Oklahoma and Texas to acquaint them with modern food animal industries,” Taylor said. “They have an opportunity to interact with progressive producers who describe their typical management approaches, challenges and opportunities to work with veterinarians in improving our food supply.”

Before going on this tour, many students have limited exposure to production animal sites. For many, it may be their first time setting foot in a commercial swine unit.

“The course focuses on the industries themselves, rather than on veterinary

PARTICIPANT

medicine so that students can better understand the context in which management decisions are made so they can be more effective practitioners once they graduate,” Taylor said.

In 2019, the CVM received a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Veterinary Services grant, which led to establishing the Integrated Beef Cattle Program. Practicing veterinarians and current students work side-byside to foster networking connections and build lasting relationships while expanding their knowledge of beef cattle medicine, practice management and vital leadership skills.

“Students, now more than ever, are looking at the things we offer compared to other colleges across the U.S.,” Biggs

said. “They want to see how we can help prepare them for large animal practice, and IBCP uniquely positions our students to gain the hands-on experience and specialized knowledge they need to excel in the field.”

Students like fourth-year Mandy Lawson, an IBCP participant, did not receive exposure to the agriculture industry until later in their education. Lawson comes from a nontraditional agriculture background and wasn’t exposed to agriculture until her freshman year of high school when she joined her school’s FFA chapter. There, she was introduced to showing livestock and saw the difference her local veterinarian made in her projects.

Since her experiences in FFA and at the CVM, Lawson now plans to practice food animal medicine with a focus on bovine reproduction and technology. Her experiences at the CVM have prepared her to do just that.

“Throughout my time at OSU, I have been able to surround myself with mentors, professors and peers who weren’t only passionate and knowledgeable about livestock and production medicine, but people who

Fourth-year student Mandy Lawson listens to a presentation during the Integrated Beef Cattle Program.

were willing to share that with me so I was able to continue growing the passions I had begun to develop,” Lawson said.

Other students have been steeped in traditional agriculture and have always been passionate about large animal medicine.

“Growing up as a fourth-generation cattle producer, the people who have made the greatest impact on my life have been veterinarians,” said Audrey Heidt, fourth-year student and IBCP participant. “Veterinarians have taken the time to answer many questions from my inquisitive mind and involved me in procedures. Veterinarians were present cheering on our greatest days and sharing empathy on days of sorrow.”

For students like Heidt, the CVM has capitalized on her passion and background and helped her expand on that.

“OSU CVM has provided support and guidance from many professors and clinicians with a wealth of knowledge, who not only are teachers in the classroom and clinics but also mentors for life,” Heidt said. “Not only has OSU prepared me with exceptional knowledge, but also provided a multitude of hands-on opportunities and experiences outside of the classroom.”

Similarly, fourth-year student Olivia Ary grew up showing horses and has wanted to be a large animal veterinarian for as long as she can recall.

Her veterinarians were role models and inspired her to pursue a career path in this area.

“They always put the animal first, were stewards of the Western way of life and were striving every day to bring their best so that we could be our best. Those values translated into my goals as a veterinarian and as a human being,” Ary said.

Ary credits OSU with giving her opportunities to grow and learn more in large animal medicine.

“OSU has given me so many great opportunities to advance my career,” Ary said. “We have wonderful clinicians that give us hands-on labs as part of classes and assist with wet labs for our student clubs.”

Current veterinarian and recent graduate Dr. Josh Dowdy credits OSU for ensuring he was practiceready when he obtained his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.

“I feel that OSU prepared me well for a career in large animal medicine,” Dowdy said. “I attended Oklahoma State for my undergraduate and veterinary education, and I gained a vast amount of knowledge throughout the entire process.”

Dowdy said he is most appreciative of the relationships he gained along the way.

“The Cowboy family is very supportive, and I have had numerous conversations with past professors and colleagues about veterinary medicine and life in

general,” Dowdy said. “I feel that the people at Oklahoma State University are what make it such a great place to learn and grow.”

Dowdy utilized connections with CVM faculty members, leadership roles in student organizations such as the Production Animal Medicine Society, large animal electives and experiences at the CVM Ranch to prepare him for practice.

“I think large animal veterinarians are in such a unique position to be a vital part of our clients’ lives,” Ary said. “Whether you work with livestock or horses, there is a large group of our clientele that make their living in some way, shape or form with these animals. Ensuring their health and ability to perform whatever job they are intended for is important and rewarding for owners and for us.”

OSU CVM students and alumni are not just learning how to treat animals; they are accepting the challenge of contributing to an industry that feeds the world.

“I believe veterinary medicine is ultimately a partnership where I can share knowledge and resources with clients in a way that benefits their operations and livelihood,” Lawson said. “My hope is that the personal and professional relationships I develop will serve as a direct avenue to assist and facilitate the production of healthy livestock as we strive to continue feeding a growing population.”

Practicing veterinarians and current students work side-by-side in the Integrated Beef Cattle Program.

WHITE COAT SOCIETY

part OF SOMETHING BIG.

TWO LEVELS OF giving

White Coat Society members may join at the $5K or $10K level, which can be pledged over a five-year period. Academic Initiatives

There's never been a better time to support the work of President Johnny Stephens and the team at OSU Center for Health Sciences.

From the $650 million Academic Medical District expansion in downtown Tulsa to increasing student enrollment and growing virtual care services across rural Oklahoma, exciting initiatives are proving that with vision and leadership, great things can happen.

As a White Coat Society member, you’ll receive invitations to exclusive events, updates from OSU-CHS leadership and social opportunities to learn more about how your generosity makes a difference.

To give, contact: osuintulsa@osugiving.com

HANING AND ROSCO’S FIGHT TO PROTECT CHILDREN

In the criminal justice system, there are two separate yet equally important officers tracking down those who wish to do children harm: Rosco, who finds evidence against the criminal, and John Haning, who brings them to justice. This is their story.

Haning — the human half of the team — is a nine-year investigator lieutenant for the Rogers County Sheriff’s Office, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security task force officer, a doctoral candidate at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, a husband, a father and now, a K9 handler.

The son of a U.S. military officer, Haning spent his first 18 years in the Republic of Panama before coming to the United States to attend Rogers State University in Claremore, Oklahoma, and soon entered the banking world.

But after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, Haning felt he could make more of a difference elsewhere.

“I joined law enforcement because it was more interesting to help people than it was to sit in a bank,” Haning said. “I needed a change.”

Since then, Haning has supervised many different teams and divisions. He has overseen investigators, school resource officers, the crisis intervention team and a drug interdiction team.

His main passion in law enforcement is working toward ending child exploitation and trafficking.

According to a recent International Labour Organization study, “A total of 160 million children — 63 million girls and 97 million boys — are in child labor globally, accounting for almost one in 10 of all children worldwide.”

Saved in America, a nonprofit organization in the U.S. that works to find victims of human trafficking, reported there are currently 8 million children reported missing globally.

Haning works daily to combat these staggering numbers, always remembering at the core of these cases are children with their entire lives ahead of them.

“It’s helping the kids, saving the kids, stopping the cycle of abuse. The earlier intervention that we can get for them, the better it is for them to recover and to become whole in the end,” Haning said.

POWER OF THE DOG

Rosco — Haning’s canine partner — is a labrador retriever specializing in sniffing out electronic storage devices.

Recently, an organization named OUR Rescue assigned Rosco to Haning. OUR Rescue partners with law enforcement to combat child sexual exploitation and human trafficking

“The knowledge and the people I interact with, like my professors, are just incredible. They’re leaders in their fields and it’s so useful to be able to interact with them as well as the other students. To be able to communicate and bounce ideas off of them is a tremendous learning experience.”

John Haning, Rogers County Sheriff’s Office investigator lieutenant

worldwide. It funded Rosco’s training with Jordan Detection K9.

“Rosco is trained to detect a chemical sprayed on storage devices or devices that store data,” Haning said. “That chemical is only used on storage devices. He can find these devices as small as a micro SD, about the size of your small fingernail.”

The chemical is Triphenylphosphine oxide, which is embedded on all devices that store data to prevent overheating.

Haning and Rosco have traveled all over to aid in sexual exploitation cases. Recently, the two traveled to Ecuador, where Rosco found evidence that led to the arrest of a high-profile doctor.

Similar to his handler, Rosco is trained to assume various roles. As a certified therapy dog, Rosco can also sense when people are stressed and need help calming down in tense situations.

“When we were in Ecuador, we had a special needs child who was crying and distraught and no one could seem to calm her down,” Haning said. “We brought

Rosco in, and he immediately put his head on her lap and leaned on her to help her settle down, and she did.”

Rosco does not just help the victims of these crimes; he also helps the officers working on these cases on a day-to-day basis who deal with secondary trauma.

“He just walks around the office, and he’ll climb up on their lap. When they’re having a tough conversation with someone on the phone, he’ll hear that tension in there, and he’ll just go over and hang out with them. He’s just a wonderful canine,” Haning said.

Rosco and Haning are not just work partners, they are family, too. Rosco receives a lot of love from the Haning family, goes on vacations, celebrates holidays and even gets requests to play from the neighborhood kids.

“When we first arrived back from training in Indiana, my daughter quickly adopted him as hers. He sleeps in her bed,” Haning said. “All the neighborhood kids all come over and they’ll ask, ‘Hey, can your daughter come out and play and

bring Rosco?’ They would take him out to the field across the street and throw the ball. He just loves kids.”

CHANGING BEATS

When Haning is not traveling around the globe investigating exploitation cases, he is preparing for life after police work.

Haning is working toward his doctorate in forensic sciences with OSUCHS. Following his retirement, Haning plans on using his doctorate to help teach and educate others in law enforcement.

OSU-CHS’s forensic science program is ideal for working professionals who want to enhance their skills and knowledge to benefit their job performance directly. Haning has been able to dive into the program and learn new things from OSU professors and industry professionals.

“The knowledge and the people I interact with, like my professors, are just incredible. They’re leaders in their fields and it’s so useful to be able to interact with them as well as the other students,” Haning said. “To be able to communicate

and bounce ideas off of them is a tremendous learning experience.”

Haning had the opportunity to learn from Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations Special Agent Brad Green. Green served as an OSU-CHS adjunct professor, teaching classes for the forensic sciences department.

Green, who is also still working in law enforcement, noted how useful it was to have Haning’s insight as someone who is still active in their department.

“Being in law enforcement, that kind of helped provide a little bit of assistance to some of the other students in the class that had maybe not been in law enforcement or had never worked with law enforcement,” Green said.

Haning will continue to wear his investigator hat for now, but continuing to learn new concepts and hear from other professionals in his industry has proven invaluable for the next step in his career.

“Learning new things in forensic science is incredibly helpful. What’s even better is I share the stuff I have learned firsthand with others, because that’s my ultimate goal, is to help others be successful in their careers and their lives. It’s good work,” Haning said.

Haning has already started his goal in helping others become educated about his area of expertise. Haning and Rosco often visit local Oklahoma schools to perform iGuardian presentations to teach students about internet safety and what to look for to stay safe online.

Many school districts have started to incorporate the program into their orientations.

“The more we talk about Rosco and the more we bring them out, I think the safer our kids are,” Haning said. “I think that we are making a difference.”

Scan to watch an Inside OSU feature on Rosco and John Haning.

Oklahoma Music Man

KOSU’s LaCroix makes an impact on the state’s music scene

Music serves a different purpose for everyone.

Some use it to convey a message, others to elicit emotion and some just to feel good, but no matter how they use it, they can all agree it brings people together.

In Oklahoma, KOSU plays a pivotal role in community camaraderie.

As director of audience and content development for KOSU, Ryan LaCroix, aka the Oklahoma Music Man, manages music events and supports festivals throughout Oklahoma, like the Norman Music Festival or the Oklahoma Rock

Show. He’s a constant driving force for KOSU, with Gov. Kevin Stitt awarding him the Governor’s Media in the Arts Award in December 2023.

Musicians statewide share their appreciation and gratitude for LaCroix’s work on the Oklahoma Music Minute, as he supports all kinds of local music and bands and gives them a platform to share their sound. The show airs at 6:19, 8:19 and 11:38 a.m., and in the afternoon at 3:18 and 5:18 p.m.

“We heard our songs on the radio, which just felt really good. At first, it just felt like, ‘Oh, that’s really sweet.’ But

then they just kept playing them and having thoughtful things to say about it. It sort of guides your process and creating,” said Danny Davis, lead artist of the band Husbands.

For many up-and-coming musicians, garnering attention sparks their desire to continue making music. LaCroix does this by creating a space for artists to showcase their talent, acting as a middleman between the audience and the musician.

“He’s just such a constant pillar of Oklahoma music, and he should be recognized as such,” said Beau Jennings,

STORY DARBY RAINS | PHOTOS ELLIE PIPER

Ryan LaCroix works the soundboard at the KOSU studio. He hosts the Oklahoma Music Minute five times a day.

“He’s just such a constant pillar of Oklahoma music, and he should be recognized as such.”

BEAU JENNINGS, FRONTMAN OF BEAU JENNINGS AND THE TIGERS

eponymous frontman of Beau Jennings and the Tigers.

LaCroix’s love of music goes back to being a teenager, having friends who were in high school bands and going to concerts. The more concerts he attended, the more he wanted to experience. He realized there wasn’t a single platform to find where all the concerts were, so he created his own.

LaCroix created a one-page website listing all upcoming concerts and

events in Oklahoma. As the site grew, he added message boards, giving people a place to discuss music, review albums and report on the news.

It all started as a hobby for LaCroix, but since 2012, he has been making a living and career out of it.

Graduating with a bachelor’s in journalism from the University of Oklahoma, LaCroix works to instill honest reporting values within KOSU and creates a culture that emphasizes creativity.

“It’s largely about making sure that we’re meeting people where they are,” LaCroix said. “Bringing that information to them, whether it is on the radio or online or social media, all those different things, making sure they’re available to those folks, that’s largely my mission.”

LaCroix works with multiple reporters on his team who specialize in different areas of Oklahoma, such as water quality, Indigenous affairs and mental health. They all work to

distribute information to as many people as possible so they can be aware of what’s happening around them.

“I believe that this mixture of news and music is wanted by a lot of folks, that being able to provide independent news and independent music is something that a lot of people are looking for,” LaCroix said.

He has written articles for Oklahoma Today magazine highlighting the unique music that originates in Oklahoma and authored two essays about Oklahoma music for the Oklahoma Music Society.

LaCroix also manages a few local Oklahoma music festivals and events during the year to help give a platform for bands founded in the ’90s through the ages to those that are brand new to the scene. These events are a way to bring the Oklahoma community together to support people doing what they love.

“I get to hear from bands that are doing huge things, artists like Wyatt Flores or Kaitlin Butts, doing huge things out in Nashville that are from here. Or it can be just somebody who is simply in their bedroom, cooking away and recording something great in their closet. All those things can coexist together on our show,” LaCroix said.

Many Oklahomans are incredibly grateful for his service to the Oklahoma music scene, ensuring that his listeners can hear homegrown music daily while finding new artists they may want to support.

“We can’t be afraid to fail. I think everybody in every walk of life fails, right? So, once you accept that, it’s now … how do we create that thing? We can’t be paralyzed by our own fear. That’s a huge reason why I think all of us still do it, because we get to try new things,” LaCroix said.

Ryan LaCroix (center) celebrates at the new KOSU studio ribbon-cutting in Oklahoma City. Visit okla.st/newkosustudio to learn more.

Scan to listen to the Oklahoma Music Minute.

Campaign strengthens support for first-generation students at OSU

At Oklaho ma State University, 20-25% of students identify as first-generation, meaning their parents or guardians did not earn a four-year college degree.

These students often encounter unique obstacles, ranging from difficulty navigating financial aid and academic requirements to feeling isolated in an unfamiliar environment. However, OSU is dedicated to supporting these students and enhancing their college experience.

To broaden available resources, the OSU Foundation launched Cowboys United for First-Gen Students on Sept. 17. The two-day campaign saw overwhelming enthusiasm from the OSU community, raising an impressive $209,316 from 402 donors. This total was made possible through generous matching contributions from the Paul M. Milburn Fund at the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and the Mendenhall Foundation, effectively doubling every gift’s impact.

The funds raised will benefit firstgeneration students across all OSU campuses, facilitating the expansion of existing initiatives such as peer mentoring programs, family engagement events, and scholarships for housing and meal plans.

“These funds will have a transformative impact on our first-generation students, offering them essential support through scholarships and resources that will pave the way for their academic success,” said Adrian Matthys, OSU Foundation assistant vice president of pipeline growth and readiness. “With these resources, we empower first-generation students to pursue their dreams and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.”

One of OSU’s most successful firstgeneration initiatives is F1RST2GO, a yearlong mentorship program for first-year students. Participants connect with fellow first-generation students and benefit from a

robust support system. Each student is paired with a mentor who has achieved academic success at OSU, guiding them through their transition to full-time student life. Currently, F1RST2GO supports 180 students.

OSU also participates in the FirstGen Forward initiative, a national model dedicated to the success of first-generation students. The OSU First-Gen Forward Council actively works to improve retention and success rates, ensuring these students feel a sense of belonging on campus.

During the campaign, students played a vital role in raising awareness and encouraging participation. Their efforts fostered a culture of student philanthropy, leading to contributions from fellow students.

“Throughout this campaign, our firstgeneration students became advocates for their own futures,” said Rebecca Nievar, OSU Foundation director of pipeline growth. “Their voices and stories inspired the OSU community, highlighting the importance of supporting first-generation students.”

“Throughout this campaign, our first-generation students became advocates for their own futures. Their voices and stories inspired the OSU community, highlighting the importance of supporting first-generation students.”

Rebecca Nievar OSU Foundation Director of Pipeline Growth

Students like Rustin Hoover, a junior from Broken Bow, Oklahoma, enjoyed talking with his peers during the two-day event. He and other members of the OSU Student Foundation set up tables on campus to inform their peers about the initiative.

“Being in the middle of campus allowed us to engage with students who were not aware of the campaign,” Hoover said. “We shared what it means to be first-generation, as well as how these funds will impact firstgeneration students, ultimately raising awareness about their experiences.”

Social media also served as a powerful platform for outreach. Several firstgeneration student-athletes, including Micaela Wark from Cowgirl softball and Jaxen Wright from Cowboy wrestling, shared their stories, emphasizing the campaign’s significance and how it resonates with their own experiences.

OSU’s commitment to first-generation students is further exemplified by leaders like OSU Provost Jeanette Mendez. Dr. Mendez, a first-generation college graduate herself, understands the challenges these students face.

“For me, being a first-generation college student is my entire identity,” Mendez said. “I wouldn’t be here, in my profession, if it

wasn’t for myself having lived it, having learned all about the collegiate experience, which I had no experience with being first-generation.”

Mendez emphasized that many OSU faculty and staff are first-generation college graduates. This shared experience fosters a community that is uniquely equipped to support the needs of firstgeneration students.

Cowboys United For First-Gen Students not only raised critical funds but also continued to establish a sense of community, ensuring that these students have the resources they need to thrive academically and personally. The impact of this campaign will resonate for years to come, creating lasting change for generations of Cowboys.

For more information on how you can support first-generation students at OSU, contact Annie Wells at awells@OSUgiving.com or 918-282-0422.

Alberto Arrieta Junior, Computer Science

Arrieta wouldn’t be at OSU without the help he received along the way. His family, friends, counselors and scholarships all made his dream of a college education possible.

Hannah Matross

Sophomore, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Matross knows being a firstgeneration student is about more than just her.

A native of Wylie, Texas, Matross believes she is paving the way for the next generation.

“Attending college can feel very isolating when your family has limited knowledge to help you through the process. I hope I can help future generations of my family also go to college and open up so many opportunities for them, like it has for me.”

Still, arriving at OSU was a nerve-wracking experience for her. But Matross quickly found success with the assistance of the F1RST2GO program.

She was provided with a mentor who helped her navigate her freshman year, including finding academic resources, getting involved with campus activities, and dealing with burnout.

“When I was first preparing for college, it was intimidating because I didn’t know what to expect. But with the help of OSU’s resources, my freshman year at OSU was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Many first-generation students enter college at a disadvantage, without knowing the basic context or skills most students arrive on campus with. Despite this, Arrieta has experienced firsthand how OSU’s environment allows students like him to thrive.

Arrieta immediately was supported by F1RST2GO, where he learned how to get involved on campus and where to find help when he gets stuck. It has motivated him to succeed, and he continues to use these resources every week of his college career.

“First-gen services and scholarships take a tremendous amount of stress away from students who aren’t prepared, who are scared and who don’t know where to start for no fault of their own. My education would not have been possible without those services.”

Dalonda Cavitt

Sophomore, Nutrition Sciences

A Tulsa native, Cavitt is an example of how OSU’s support for first-generation students goes beyond the specific first-gen programs. Her involvement in clubs and work helped her acclimate to the college experience, receiving guidance from those around her.

Now that she has become comfortable on campus, she wants to share that knowledge with others so they can adjust more easily. Cavitt is motivated to follow her dreams and create a better future for herself, an opportunity that wouldn’t be possible without those who support OSU’s first-generation students.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the support that goes to first-gen students like us. It gives us the confidence that we might not get from family or have created for ourselves. Knowing someone believes in you just gives me that extra push.”

New Life Members

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

*An asterisk designates life members who joined as OSU students.

Amari Balandran*

Adam Rielly, '16

Hally Parks, '23

Cody Reid, '06

Marinah Dodd*

Camdyn Bennett*

Makayla Hamilton*

Alan Hoad, '76

Barbara Floyd, '59

Steve Buck, '93

Peri Ground, '81

Jeff Duncan, '92

Jackie Cochran, '86

Alex Delano, '24

Kristi Showalter, '95

Greg Norwood, '97

Christopher Cairl, '99

Susan Tolbart Driver, '83, '98

Kenzlee Camp*

Jim Horning, '85

Ruth Baruth, '73, '75

Kassidy Rubes*

Randal Howser, '83

Stephanie Caldwell, '94

Casey Padgett, '20

Breana Dominy*

Nancy Hildinger

Tysen Miller*

Tony Banfield, '61

Pam Carpenter, '85

Kylie Hinkel*

Chaylum Hogue*

Steve Dollens, '82

Greg Borelli

Elizabeth McCormick, '64

Caitlin Hammond, '09

Howard Mass, '80, '84

Frank White

Tom Van Eman, '82

Billie Boklage, '93

Allen Shiever, '78

Tim Smith, '69

John Haley, '00

Mark Jerd, '88

Mari May, '84

Billy Hamilton*

Diana Capps, '93

Andrew Jones*

Jeffrey Davis, '95

Hayden Gafford*

Deborah Whittaker, '00

Megan Gosnell, '02

Richard Evans, '67

Carolyn Bevers, '75

Buddy Butler III, '71

Eric Shannon

Tanya Johnson, '75

Tom Beard, '85

Richard Mohler, '58

Drew Meyer, '22

Bryan Quigley, '07

Karen Gragert, '71, '77

Veronica Gomez*

Carol Evans, '67

Walker McBryde, '24

Ren Coakley*

Madison Chaney, '16

Elissa Hines, '24

Ann Larson, '70

Mike Collier, '07

William Maschmeier*

Mariah Alexander, '18

Joseph Goller*

Connie Ewy, '83

Jalyn Collier*

Earlene Anderson, '68

John Michel, '75

Hayden Simmons, '23

Molly Helm*

Arnold Bourne, '79, '85

Kelli Tucker*

Jenna Quillin*

Andrea Haken-Hughes, '05, '20

Dustin Bledsoe, '99

Brenda James, '64

Matthew Zahm*

Trey Stewart III, '93

Amanda Hurst*

Mallory Myracle*

Trish McBeath, '98, '08

Jason Wallace, '08

Ty McBryde, '24

Wesley Hood, '10, '21, '24

Karen Castonguay, '82

Silas Cecil, '00

Julie Shiever, '95, '00

Cindy Haley, '98, '99

Cole Massey*

Alan Hawxby, '89

Carson Atwood*

Kylie Gant, '23

Kaden Claunch*

Connor McCormick*

Makayla Chesser*

Alyssa Bedard*

Shaler Tate, '08

Hailey Johnson*

Lori Hahn, '87

Trace Speth*

Brendan Selke*

Raegan Kennedy, '21

Kathryn Kleiner, '21

Peyton O'Brien*

Wyatt Swinford, '11

Jerry Smith, '75

Alli Hedges*

George Wells Jr., '86

Kailee Macy*

Tim Lisk, '03

Nick Rose, '11

Megan Horton, '11

Sherri Butler, '74

John Reynolds, '60, '61

Marcus Trevino, '21

Devon Lyles, '59

Elicia Gingrich, '89

Elizabeth Baker, '22

Callan Ackerman, '99

Kim Maxwell, '79

Scott Pearson, '95

Harmon Smith, '68, '70

Dave Crawshaw

Dennis Heinzig

Loyd Wax, '59, '59

Heather Pidcock, '24

Austin Chase*

Hayden Brammer, '23

Hayden Robinson*

Davis Brewer*

Travis Moore*

Matthew Gillespie

Nancy Krueger, '79

Michael Lopez, '22

Stacy Gingrich, '94

Scott Minton, '98

Cassi Poor, '07

Keri Mallon, '92

Alexis Robinson*

Carl Fisher, '90

Steve Barr, '88, '96

Kensi Good, '20

Rayne Edwards*

Shanay Herring, '09, '14

Madison Cohlmia*

Kate Barclay

Caitlyn Frazier*

Brian Meyer, '86

Kimberly Carter, '86, '89

Everrett Cobb, '78

Jimmy Whitt Jr., '84

Vanessa Goodeagle, '82

Brent Bayliff

Taylor McGill*

Nita Kusik, '75

Kelsey Peper*

Linda Veazey, '81

Diana Orr

David Freeman, '94

Justin Powell, '21

Ty Tucker*

Anna-Grace Brammer, '22

Janie Phelps, '69

Weldon Jones

Tyler McClure, '15

Ann Radford, '77

Ann Halligan

Stephen Carr

Mary Dunbar*

Suzanne Jamison, '93

Dyke Moffatt, '77

Sharlene Welch, '86

James Stout, '01

Nic Solmon*

William James, '76

Carrie Farris, '99

Gary Oberlender, '65, '66

Linda Jean Bramlett, '72

Mike Newman, '79

Paul Duncan, '90

Samantha Griff*

Philip Tripp, '82, '86

Chris Thompson, '04

Flinn Burrell*

Lucas Malicoate, '05

Natalie Haggard, '05, '07

Stephanie Sallee, '90

Steve May, '84, '87

Steven Oltmanns, '71

Kaitlyn Robertson*

Paxton Sparks, '24

Amy Pledger, '01

Grace Stephenson*

Brandon Kuehn, '02

Jodi Beasley, '98

Rick Bramlett, '73, '74

Jana Oberlender, '64

Glenn Stetson, '07

Aubrianna Diaz*

Natalie McCord, '92

Hayden Harmon*

Cody Moss*

Brent Schuermann, '12

Jen Ann Westfall, '82

Caroline Campbell*

Nikki Napier, '24

Shelly Wittkopf, '97

Tom Phelps, '69

Logan Rock, '24, '24

Kyle Haley II, '94

Shawna Nord, '97

Cindy Licklider, '95

Dorothy Joeris, '68

Amber Martin*

Summer Prince*

Dustin Alphin, '07

Linda Adams, '81

Shirley Campbell, '72

Ruth Ann Givens, '95, '97

Don Munday, '02

Kimberly Wynn, '92

LuCinda Daniel, '79

Emilee Bokesch*

Emmalou Hall, '24

Colleen Drury, '84

Joshua Virnoche*

Riley Denler*

Val Terry, '87, '94

Anna Snodgrass*

Karlie Skaggs*

Ben Dobbins, '24

David Mayfield, '90

We All Scream for Ice Cream

The Dairy Bar: An Evolution Story

Small dairy production started to expand in the Oklahoma and Indian territories at the turn of the 19th century.

Frank C. Burtis, a recently hired Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College faculty member, began teaching the first dairy classes during fall 1900 to address proper dairy product handling through the Animal Husbandry Department. Burtis purchased dairy processing apparatuses, including several cream separators, and set up a small creamery in the innovative threestory brick College Barn completed the year before. He would soon add churns and dairy testing equipment.

The little creamery at the barn became a popular location for college students and employees to gather and enjoy fresh dairy products, especially ice cream. Pasteurized whole milk and butter were available daily, but cheeses and ice cream would also be offered on special occasions.

The creamery soon outgrew the space allocated to it in the College Barn. In fall 1904, a Dairy Building with creamery facilities, offices and classrooms was completed west of the (Old) Central Building and north of the Chemistry Building. Milking continued at the milking stalls in the College Barn twice a day. Raw milk was then hauled 800 feet in large metal cans on a wagon pulled by Percheron draft horses along a dirt road on the north side of the Dairy Building for processing.

Burtis also purchased the first draft horses in 1900, starting with a Percheron mare named ‘Adelaide.’ The expanded creamery became a popular new community gathering spot for college students and Stillwater residents alike as they would purchase ice cream and other fresh dairy products.

Dairy production and processing quickly became increasingly popular

in the two territories. The key to this rapidly expanding agricultural production was the availability of cream separators sweeping the nation and region by 1904. This little invention provided another source of income for territorial farmers. The separators were much more efficient at collecting the cream portion of milk and enabled farmers to sell their cream or butterfat several times a week to local creameries.

With just a few milk cows, a rural family could easily collect several hundred dollars per year in cream sales. Expertise in the proper handling of these dairy products was critical. The college hired additional instructors over the next few years. In 1907, a Dairy Husbandry Department was created with Roy C. Potts as its head. Potts was also in charge of milk processing at the creamery, an increasingly popular location for students, faculty, staff and local citizens searching for inexpensive dairy products.

The expanding dairy herd soon included Ayrshire, Jersey, Guernsey and Holstein-Friesian cattle. In 1910, a new Dairy Barn was completed on what would become known as Farm Road, a short distance north of the College Barn. The only diagonal road on the main campus connected the new barn to the Dairy Building less than one-half mile away.

Beginning in fall 1911, milk products processed at the creamery were

provided to college students and staff dining at the cafeteria in the Women’s Building. For the first time, many students residing on campus in the new residence halls had access to fresh dairy products delivered to the kitchen daily. Surplus dairy goods such as butter, cream, pasteurized milk and ice cream were sold at the Dairy Building and in Stillwater.

The OAMC Creamery provided working opportunities for college students, who received hands-on instruction in milk processing and conversion into cheese, butter and ice cream. The training of student employees faced some difficulties during World War I, with fewer staff and faculty instructors on campus. Several inspections identified deficiencies that were quickly corrected. Other challenges included the loss of the College Barn in 1922 due to a fire and a similar fate met the Dairy Barn in 1924. Luckily, a new Dairy Barn had been completed in 1923 for the dairy herd when it was separated from the Agricultural Experiment Station’s managed cattle herds.

Payne County Milk Producers’ Cooperative signed a formal contract with the college on July 1, 1925, to operate the creamery under the A&M Creamery label. This official collaboration provided increased and

dependable raw milk resources from the college herd and Payne County farmers. A few local farmers sold their raw milk to the college from the beginning of the century, with the first dairy course in 1900-01. The cooperative would operate the creamery with the help of college students and market and sell products on campus and in local communities.

The A&M brand produced ice cream, sherbets, cottage cheese, pasteurized milk, buttermilk, butter and cream. Rather than a lease, the college accepted a portion of the net proceeds. The college sold the milk its herd produced to the PCMPC and then shared the profits. The OAMC president appointed one member of the cooperative’s board, generally a faculty member from the Dairy Department.

Students majoring in dairy husbandry or interested in earning some side hustle funds were encouraged to sell milk to the creamery. This program also began in 1925 when 10 students, each with two cows, sold their raw milk to the creamery. They kept their cows with the college herd, paid for the feed and worked eight hours monthly to cover “barn rent.” Their earnings from this program averaged $1-2 per day.

OAMC President Bradford Knapp proposed the construction of a new $150,000 Dairy Building in his 1927-28 budget request. The Dairy Husbandry

Creameries associated with the dairy department were both production facilities and laboratories providing on-the-job experience for students and training opportunities for dairy farmers statewide.

Department had continued to grow with a 38% increase in enrollment since 1910 and faculty expanded to five members with Arthur C. “Teddy” Baer as head. The previous Dairy Building was deficient in many ways, including outdated equipment and inadequate space for instruction and dairy product processing. There were also increasing demands for training dairy industry contributors statewide. A construction contract of $91,000 was awarded to Bailey-Burns Construction Company in November 1927 and construction started that winter. An additional $40,000 was allocated to purchase the most current dairy processing equipment.

The new Dairy Building was at the southeast corner of Farm Road and Monroe Street, considered the far northwest part of the OAMC campus. A new Animal Husbandry building and arena had been completed just northeast of the Dairy Building a few years earlier and the new dairy facility was only one block east of the Dairy Barn on Farm Road. This newest facility had three stories, with a one-story creamery added on the west side. The front of the building and main entrance doors of the structure faced east. With increasing barn construction heading west along Farm Road, this part of campus became the School of Agriculture’s domain.

A dedication ceremony was held on Sept. 1, 1928. Oklahoma Gov. Henry S. Johnston attended and Dr. Henry

G. Bennett, OAMC’s new president, participated in a building dedication for the first time. Knapp had resigned several months earlier, and Bennett had been appointed during the summer. The PCMPC immediately moved into the creamery and the sale of dairy products on campus continued. Their sales office was on the north side of the first floor and included a constant flow of customers.

Beginning in the 1930s, the Dairy Club invited freshmen and sophomores to a tour of the building, view the creamery equipment in action and sample any dairy items they desired. Dairy short courses, which were offered on campus for dairy personnel statewide, also exposed new customers to the sales office. Small groups of faculty and students gathered yearround in the wide hallway behind the front doors, and eventually, a few chairs appeared.

A wide variety of dairy products continued to be sold during the war years from 1941-45 to a diverse set of customers, which at that time included many of the young military trainees on campus. But, after the war ended, demand for dairy items increased dramatically. Veterans Village, the site for GI students and their families built northwest of campus beginning in 1946, opened a Dairy Hut three years later that served ice cream and malts in four flavors: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and cherry from noon until 10 p.m.

These cold refreshments could be purchased as cones, pints or quarts.

At the same time, tables were added to the hallway at the Dairy Building for those wanting a dairy break. It was a place where dairy faculty, staff and students took breaks, but the dairy faculty also encouraged these interactions with others to promote milk and ice cream as snacks.

Dairy Building hallway congestion increased, and by 1952, a window was opened to a room on the south side of the main hallway where dairy storage and sales could occur. For most participants, this was the year the Dairy Bar arrived. The Dairy Department ran the business and benefited from the sales. Rolls and donuts, produced initially by spouses of the dairy faculty and later at resident hall bakeries, were brought in every morning and served with either milk or coffee.

As demand continued to increase, a display case was added, and additional refrigeration and freezer space was acquired for milk, cheese and ice cream storage. They also purchased a bigger coffee pot. A small campus community developed comprised of dairy providers and customers.

The Dairy Bar was initially open from 8:45 a.m. to noon and then again from 1:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. “Employees” included faculty, staff and students in the Dairy Department. In the early 1960s, sales included over 24 dozen rolls and donuts daily and by fall 1967, it was

estimated that 150 to 200 pounds of cottage cheese were sold daily.

Dairy faculty member Robert Von Gunten estimated that almost 1,000 people visited the Dairy Bar daily, with some in the 1970s comparing it to Grand Central Station. Chairs and tables lined the adjacent hallway to handle overflow customers. Over time, additional products were sold and larger quantities could be purchased, such as 3-gallon tubs of ice cream. Hours of operation also expanded to 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9:15 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

In 1967, the Dairy Science Department was merged with the other animal sciences and their direct involvement in the Dairy Bar sales was reduced. By 1981, the Student Union had taken over the operation of the Dairy Bar after the Animal Science

Department had decided to close it. Dairy products continued to be available along with a wider variety of snacks and soft drinks, but they no longer existed exclusively as an effort to promote dairy products.

A contract was signed with Meadow Gold Dairy to provide dairy items, which were no longer produced at the university. The location remained popular for students, staff and faculty visiting that part of campus, which by then had a variety of academic, research and residence hall facilities filling the surrounding area. Agriculture students were only part of a large and eclectic group of patrons.

In the late 1970s, a third seating area was established outside the front door along the walkway between the Dairy Building and Life Sciences East. While the operation and atmosphere of the Dairy Bar changed with the transition to Student Union management, the Dairy Building’s condition continued in decline, especially after the completion of the new Animal Science Building. Steam pipes leading to the building to provide heat began leaking and repairs requiring asbestos removal led some in university administration to propose demolition in November 1989. The Dairy Bar remained profitable, and repairs were made when no alternative sites were identified.

In 1993, it was proposed that the Dairy Building be renovated and then made available to the Landscape Architecture Department. It was recommended that the Dairy Bar

continue to operate on the first floor. Funds were never raised to meet the required costs for this proposal and the OSU Physical Plant in 1995 only renovated the Dairy Bar indoor seating area. The rest of the Dairy Building would remain empty. Hours were reduced and service ended at 3 p.m. Landscape architecture students expanded and renovated the outdoor seating in 1998.

Two OSU employees, Ermal Chapman and Nelda Henry, worked at the Dairy Bar for decades and knew many of their patrons by name. When Chapman retired, Royette Ramirez was hired to replace her and when Henry, known as the Dairy Bar Queen, retired in 2005, she had spent almost 25 years serving customers at the Dairy Bar. Within a year, the Dairy Building would be demolished to make room for the Henry Bellmon Research Center.

The Dairy Bar started as an informal place in a barn for a few to celebrate and enjoy ice cream along with other dairy delights. Over time, Dairy Department faculty, students and staff gathered at other locations to relax and endorse milk products, eventually becoming a popular gathering spot for many generations in the university community.

Customers and employees became friends and acquaintances while visiting, studying and having a snack sheltered from the busy academic environment around them.

College faculty and administration gather for dinner in the new Dairy Building classroom. Each place setting included a small milk bottle filled with a cold refreshing drink produced in the creamery attached to the facility.

OSU’s annual day of giving unites the Cowboy Family in support of ORANGE passions benefiting OSU students, faculty and programs.

OSU Foundation Board of Governors elect three new trustees

The Oklahoma State University Foundation Board of Governors has elected three new trustees: Craig Boelte of Edmond, Oklahoma; Melinda Stinnett of Tulsa; and Carl Wiese of Edmond, Oklahoma.

“Craig, Melinda and Carl’s valuable professional expertise will significantly contribute to advancing the missions of both OSU and the OSU Foundation,” OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson said. “We are deeply grateful for their dedication and commitment to supporting OSU.”

Boelte has been the chief financial officer of Paycom Software Inc. since February 2006 and treasurer since May 2017, also serving as secretary until February 2024. Before joining Paycom, he ran his own accounting practice and spent nine years as a senior tax manager at Deloitte & Touche. Boelte has over 36 years of experience in workforce management and HR.

He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from OSU in 1985 and 1986, respectively.

Stinnett founded Stinnett & Associates in 2001, growing the firm to over 120 team members

and expanding services to include cybersecurity, supply chain management, data analytics and ESG. In July 2022, the firm was acquired by CBIZ, where she served as senior managing director until her retirement in March 2024.

She received the OSU Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 2022 and earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting from OSU in 1989.

Wiese’s last role before retirement was executive vice president and global head of sales for HP/ Poly, where he was the chief sales strategist. With 35 years of experience in sales, marketing, services and product management for enterprise technology, Wiese previously held executive positions at Blackberry and Cisco and held key roles at Apple, Avaya, Lucent Technologies and Texas Instruments.

He serves on the Board of Governors for the OSU Foundation, among other boards. Wiese was inducted into the Spears School of Business Hall of Fame in October 2024 and earned his Bachelor of Science in business from OSU in 1983.

OSU named ‘Innovation and Economic Prosperity University’ by APLU

Oklahoma State University has earned the designation of Innovation and Economic Prosperity University from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities in recognition of its commitment to economic engagement.

OSU joins a select group of fewer than 100 education institutions designated as IEP universities. The designation acknowledges public research universities that are dedicated to supporting economic development in their states and regions. These institutions engage in various activities that support innovation and entrepreneurship, technology transfer, talent and workforce development, and community development.

Leadership from across the OSU System conducted a rigorous selfstudy, identifying areas of institutional growth and strength and provided evidence to support those assertions. The application was then reviewed by the APLU’s Commission on Economic and Community Engagement and a panel of reviewers representing other universities and regional and national partners.

Scoring of applications considered criteria that included development of economic engagement enterprise, planning efforts around economic engagement, strategic communications around those efforts, and participation in encouraging economic engagement among peer institutions.

From left: Craig Boelte, Melinda Stinnett, Carl Wiese

Topping off celebration held for Veterans Hospital in Tulsa

Dignitaries, leaders and government officials came together in August to celebrate the ceremonial topping off of the Veterans Hospital in Tulsa (VHiT).

The new 319,000-square-foot veterans hospital is located in the former Kerr-Edmondson buildings at Houston Avenue and Seventh Street in downtown Tulsa, just north of the OSU Medical Center in the OSU Academic Medical District.

The project is a collaboration between the federal government, state of Oklahoma, Tulsa County, city of Tulsa, private philanthropy and Oklahoma State University.

Courtney Knoblock, VHiT director and vice president of programs for the Anne & Henry Zarrow Foundation, said that the project started with a sense of duty to provide our veterans with the best possible health care.

In addition to Knoblock, other speakers at the event included OSU President Kayse Shrum; Dr. Johnny Stephens, president of OSU Center for Health Sciences; Del Beaver, second chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Grover Wind, acting secretary of Veterans Affairs for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation; Michael Brennan,

executive director of construction and facilities management with the VA; and John Priest, president of Crossland Construction.

The topping off ceremony commemorated the project surpassing its midway point and served as a thank you celebration for the designers, architects, builders and construction crews who have been working on the project since 2021.

The $176.4 million renovation and construction project should be completed in 2025. Ownership will then transfer to the Department of Veterans Affairs, who will staff, furnish and outfit the hospital, which is expected to open in early 2026.

Once open, the VA hospital will have 58 beds, four operating suites and an emergency department. It will serve an estimated 66,000 patients a year, a 14% increase to the number of veterans currently served. It will also create about 50 new OSU Medicine residency spots.

Right next door to the VA hospital, work has also begun on the Oklahoma Psychiatric Care Center and a parking garage that will serve both new hospitals in the OSU Academic Medical District.

OSU music industry program recognized by Billboard magazine for thirdstraight year

Oklahoma State University’s music industry program at the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music has been named one of the nation’s top music business schools by Billboard magazine for the third year in a row.

The music industry program has received more attention because of Billboard’s recognition and attracts talented students from across the country. Billboard recognizes schools that excel in areas like music production and live entertainment, giving students real-life experiences that prepare them for a constantly evolving industry.

With the assistance of the GSM and CAS staff and leadership, Dr. Mark Perry established the music industry program at the Greenwood School of Music in 2017, and it has become the fastest-growing program within the school. Much of its success is due to the program’s exceptional leadership and continuous recognition.

The Greenwood School of Music offers students training in state-ofthe-art facilities, including recording studios and performance spaces. The generosity of Michael and Anne Greenwood, Betsy Kootnz and Dick and Melinda Berry Fischer allows students to practice what they are learning and find their passions.

Perry and the department are already planning future initiatives to further strengthen its program and solidify its place as a leader in music business education.

“I have big plans, and I want my students to have as many opportunities as they can,” Perry said. “With the growth, there needs to be support, and the donations we have received have been extraordinary and have been life-changing for my students.”

U.S. Air Force veteran Cesar Latimer sings the national anthem at the topping off ceremony for the Veterans Hospital in Tulsa.

OSU aviation program adds new airplanes

The Ray and Linda Booker Oklahoma State University Flight Center has expanded its impressive fleet of aircraft with three new Cirrus SR2 G7 planes, boosting the fleet’s overall horsepower and enriching the training experience for aviation students and future professional pilots.

Lance Fortney, program manager at the center, said the new planes represent the latest advancements in aviation technology, offering students a training experience that closely mirrors the systems they will

Spears students distinguished as inaugural Tom Love Scholars

Twenty Spears School of Business students received recognition as Oklahoma State University’s inaugural Tom Love Scholars in August during the annual Dean’s Scholarship Banquet.

Love’s Travel Stops contributed $1.08 million to create the new scholarship program named for the late Tom Love, the company’s founder.

“We are thrilled with the significant vision and investment that Love’s Travel Stops is making in Spears Business students through the newly established Tom Love Scholars Program,” said Dr. Marlys Mason,

encounter in their professional aviation careers and providing them with a competitive edge in the industry.

The Cirrus SR20 G7, with its seventh-generation design, is a substantial upgrade from the G6 models currently in the fleet. One of the most notable improvements is the avionics system. The G7 introduces a more advanced touch-screen control system.

This touch-screen interface simplifies the process of adjusting radio frequencies and other settings, offering a modern experience that

aligns with the advancements seen in today’s aviation industry.

Introducing the new Cirrus planes has expanded OSU’s fleet to an impressive 45 aircraft. The move is part of OSU’s broader strategy to maintain its position as a premier aviation program.

“These state-of-the-art planes provide our students with unparalleled hands-on experience,” College of Education and Human Sciences Dean Jon Pedersen said. “These new aircraft will bridge the gap between cuttingedge technology and real-world application, ensuring they are not only prepared for the future but are actively shaping it.”

OSU offers a bachelor’s degree in aerospace administration and operations with options in aerospace security, aviation management, professional pilot and technical service management. In addition, the university is one of less than 20 nationwide to offer master’s and doctoral programs in aviation and space. Located south of Stillwater Regional Airport, the new Ray and Linda Booker OSU Flight Center opened in 2022 and is a premier training facility for students.

The Tom Love Scholars accepted their awards at the annual Dean’s Scholarship

associate dean of Spears Business undergraduate programs. “This scholarship initiative not only provides students with generous financial support but also offers invaluable opportunities for professional growth through networking and mentoring with Love’s esteemed leadership. The Love’s Scholar Program reflects a deep

commitment to Spears students and a partnership for their success.”

Tom Love Scholars are selected based on academic performance, campus involvement and leadership. Spears Business sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible for the program, which will distribute 20 scholarships over the next four years.

Banquet.

OSU Dining Services opens new Central Market Place

Oklahoma State University Dining Services hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in September for the new Central Market Place dining facility that opened this semester.

The 31,000-square-foot facility has four dining options: Caribou Coffee, 405 Deli, BYTE and 1890 Market.

OSU President Kayse Shrum spoke at the ribbon cutting, thanking University Dining Services for its hard work on the project and for bringing students’ input to fruition.

“I want to say thank you to the University Dining Services team for helping complete this project,” Shrum said. “The center expands the dining experience on campus for our students.”

Tracie Brown, assistant vice president for Student Union business affairs, also spoke about the new facility and thanked all who were involved in finishing the building.

“We are so thrilled to be standing in this facility today. What started as a planning and dreaming exercise prior to the pandemic has finally become a reality,” Brown said. “We are so proud to offer a state-of-the-art, and honestly pretty dining operation to the students of Oklahoma State University, the campus and Stillwater communities,”

Along with the four new concepts, the Central Market Place offers a modern, open seating atmosphere with a covered patio area featuring views of campus activities.

The 405 Deli offers gourmet sandwiches and salads named after Stillwater roads and locations. BYTE is a unique ghost kitchen concept with a rotating menu, which gives students access to fresh options every week, something that students desired with the building of the new facility.

The 1890 Market serves as the campus’s largest on-campus convenience store. Students can get grab-and-go items as well as groceries in the new location. The 1890 Market also allows shoppers to purchase select Cowboy Meats items seven days a week. Before the opening of the Central Market Place, Cowboy Meats could only be purchased on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

OSU Landscaping Services wins National Green Star Award

Oklahoma State University landscaping services has received its second Green Star Award for the team’s outstanding job maintaining over 700 acres making up the campus.

Professional Grounds Management Society announced OSU’s prestigious award in Louisville, Kentucky. PGMS focuses on recognizing grounds that highlight sustainability, have exceptional talent and an overall dedication to landscaping.

“Speaking to the team and their resiliency and that Cowboy Code, we’re not going to give up on those things. When we have a target, we enjoy the competition. It just makes us better,” said John Lee, director of landscaping services.

For the last couple of years, Lee has worked around the clock with more than 70 full-time landscaping employees to prepare the campus for this award, having impromptu photoshoots and drone shoots, all while completing their daily tasks.

“This is a nationally recognized award. You quite literally have to plan two years in advance to have everything strategically ready so that you can present what’s needed for this award,” Lee said.

The landscaping teams’ work can be physically draining and exhausting, especially when dealing with harsh weather. The PGMS creates a space for people’s work to get recognized and gives them confidence to continue working.

Scan to watch an Inside OSU feature on OSU’s award-winning landscape services team.

Scan to watch an Inside OSU feature on University Dining.

OSU receives $5.5M to conduct lowatmosphere weather research

The National Institute of Standards and Technology has awarded the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education $5.5. million to research how weather impacts urban air mobility aircraft.

Operating under the umbrella of The Innovation Foundation at OSU, OAIRE received the funding in connection with the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024. These funds will contribute to research focused on the observation and investigation of low-atmosphere weather systems’ impact on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility aircraft.

“This funding will provide enormous benefit to Oklahoma and the nation by facilitating the safe and sustainable integration of small unmanned aircraft systems and advanced air mobility into the National Airspace System,” OSU President Kayse Shrum said.

The project aims to integrate weather sensors into commercial UAS and AAM aircraft to collect, refine and disseminate weather data for use by other UAS and AAM aircraft, as well as other aircraft that operate at these low-atmosphere altitudes, such as emergency response aircraft.

Researchers hope the sensor integration will provide critical weather measurements that can then be analyzed and disseminated using a

to-be-constructed network which falls in the project parameters, as well.

Rep. Frank Lucas and Sen. Markwayne Mullin were sponsors of the congressionally directed spending that funded the project. The project has also drawn support from Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce and Payne County Commissioner Chris Reding. This work was performed under the following financial assistance award 60NANB24D226 from U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology.

“I’ve been proud to see my alma mater — Oklahoma State University — take initiatives in the aerospace industry and weather data sciences. I’ve spoken with President Shrum about the immense progress being made on campus in recent years, and it’s clear this community-funded project will only further its impact,” Lucas said.

“Those of us in Oklahoma know firsthand how important accurate weather predictions are to our livelihoods, and the funding made possible by this congressionally directed spending will enable OSU to take great strides in enhancing weather prediction through unmanned aircraft systems. I’d like to thank President Shrum for her efforts and am excited to see what positive results this project will bring to our state.”

CEAT celebrates grand opening of the Phillips 66 Sustainability Lab

The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology at Oklahoma State University and Phillips 66 opened the state-of-the-art Phillips 66 Sustainability Lab with a ribboncutting ceremony in September.

The lab, located in CEAT’s ENDEAVOR Laboratory, is a learning environment designed to foster new innovation within CEAT students.

The ceremony featured remarks from distinguished guests, including CEAT Dean Hanchen Huang and Mary Wolf, Phillips 66 representative. The event highlighted the university’s commitment to advancing education and research through modernized infrastructure and ad resources.

The Sustainability Lab provides a space for student groups which are working on sustainability projects. Each student group has a workspace similar to a “design pod,” which contains necessary furnishings such as worktables, chairs, whiteboards, video monitors, 3D printers, storage space and ample tools for working on design projects. The student groups are assigned a design pod for the semester and gain 24-hour access to the space for collaboration.

Representatives from OSU and Phillips 66 cut the ribbon on the new Phillips 66 Sustainability Lab.

FLEXIBLE, AFFORDABLE, WORKABLE.

Continue your Cowboy legacy at Oklahoma State University with a flexible and affordable online graduate degree or certificate. With career-ready options in high-demand fields and access to student support services, it’s easy to see why OSU Online is ranked as the #1 “Best Online College in Oklahoma.” Apply today and receive waived application fees for our OSU alumni and, for the first time, one rate tuition for most degree programs!* *Great Plains IDEA and Center for Health Sciences Programs are not included in one

Andrew Ewbank, Cherokee Strip OSU Alumni Chapter

Andrew Ewbank, Cherokee Strip Oklahoma State University Alumni Chapter president, knows what it means to be a loyal and true member of the Cowboy family.

Ewbank, originally from Fairview, Oklahoma, always knew he would attend OSU. Both his parents and grandparents attended OSU and did their part in raising an involved and dedicated member of the Cowboy family, including taking him to Cowboy football games.

“My grandma arranged for me to meet Cary Blanchard because he and I shared the same birthday, but he left without knowing we were there,” Ewbank said. “The football secretary at the time offered to let me take a picture with some guy named Barry Sanders. I was 7, so at the time I was disappointed. I still have his autograph and a picture with him.”

Ewbank received a degree in economics from OSU in 2002 and went on to attend Oklahoma City University where he earned his law degree.

While at OSU, he was a member and president of the Beta Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Order, in the President’s Leadership Council and on the Interfraternity Council. He has his fraternity involvement and his time in Stillwater to thank for meeting his wife, Ashley, ’03 journalism and broadcasting.

The couple moved to Enid to raise their family and immediately became involved in the Cherokee Strip Chapter. His appreciation and dedication to chapter involvement started as a student when he received a scholarship from his local chapter.

As chapter president, Ewbank has strived to host family friendly events, remembering how much the Cowboy family meant to him and his family.

“When my kids were young, we had great watch parties at a local restaurant where all the local Cowboys would show up and take over the restaurant and watch the football game,” Ewbank said.

A major event that the Cherokee Strip Chapter hosts is their annual Cherokee Strip Golf Tournament. This golf tournament has been a staple of their chapter for over 10 years and raises money for scholarships like the one he received.

“This year’s tournament was great. We had great weather, great golf, lots of teams showed up and we raised a lot of money for scholarships. We had a great time,” Ewbank said.

CHEROKEE STRIP OSU ALUMNI CHAPTER BY THE NUMBERS

6,636 ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

835 MEMBERS

415 CURRENT OSU STUDENTS

50 MILES FROM STILLWATER

Andrew Ewbank (left) poses with his family in front of the Spirit Rider statue on the OSU campus.

AIR FORCE ROTC

More than 100 former Air Force ROTC Detachment 670 alumni gather in Stillwater to renew friendships from their time at OSU, remember those who are no longer with them and see the beautiful OSU campus. Visit okla.st/afrotc to learn more about this incredible event and about connecting with the chapter.

AMERICAN INDIAN ALUMNI SOCIETY

Anthony Dillard (middle), the 2024 American Indian Alumni Society Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, poses with society leadership at the award ceremony on Oct. 26.

OKC METRO

Cowboys

and Cowgirls of all ages gather at the Oklahoma City Zoo to celebrate Pistol Pete’s birthday in October.

TULSA

The Tulsa OSU Alumni Chapter hosts a birthday party for Pistol Pete at the zoo, which includes a special demo in the new elephant exhibit.

CHEROKEE STRIP

Drew Ewbank (left), Mandy Mayberry (center) and Don Roberts (right) spend some time with Pistol Pete to celebrate another successful Cherokee Strip Golf Tournament. The tournament helps raise scholarship funds for OSU students from the area.

JACKSON/HARMON COUNTIES

Members of the Cowboy family from Jackson and Harmon counties prepare for fall with their annual pumpkin patch event.

PORTLAND Cowboy football fans in Portland, Oregon, meet for breakfast to cheer on the Cowboys against Tulsa.

Golfers pack Lakeside Golf Course in Stillwater on Friday, Nov. 1, for the OSU Black Alumni Society’s annual scholarship golf tournament. This fun event raises funds for OSU student scholarships each year.

ATLANTA

OSU alumni and fans are ready for game day as they pose with a sports car painted America’s Brightest Orange in Atlanta.

BLACK ALUMNI SOCIETY

1951

Jeannie D. (Devero) Alaback, ’51 physical education/health, looks back fondly on when she attended Oklahoma A&M.

1959

Charles O. Heller, ’59 civil engineering, is a former high-tech entrepreneur, academic and venture capitalist. He is also the author of five books. His latest, “Cowboy from Prague: An Immigrant’s Pursuit of the American Dream,” is now available as audiobook, as well as a soft cover and e-book. He is a former OSU basketball player and resides in Annapolis, Maryland. He has one son, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

1969

Richard T. Russ, ’62 aerospace technology, worked as a rocket systems engineer on the NASA space program and a senior engineer on the Space Shuttle Enterprise approach and landing tests at Edwards Air Force Base. Now retired, he recently published a book titled “The Life, Loves, and Experiences of a Rocket Systems Engineer and Test Pilot,” that is available on Amazon.

1969

Glenn R. Olson, ’69 psychology, having been retired for over a decade, is enjoying foreign travel with his wife, coming back to Stillwater for sporting events, spending time with his 10 grandchildren, playing golf and fishing. He hopes to encourage his fellow alumni to contribute to Pokes with a Purpose.

1971

Linda S. (Hellman) Manaugh, ’71 special education, ’76 master’s in education, received the Outstanding Alumni Award for the College of Education and Human Sciences at the 2024 Hall of Fame Banquet.

1972

James C. Cooper, ’72 electrical engineering, has worked over 65 years in the TV industry, including five at the OSU ETS Department as a maintenance and programming engineer, followed by 47 years as an inventor of electronic audio and video signal processing circuitry for improving television programming. He has been awarded his 100th U.S. patent and his inventions have been licensed by every major TV product manufacturer in the world. His inventions operate to improve the audio and video quality of the viewer’s program, improve the quality of medical imaging devices and enhance the reliability of aviation communication.

1973

Roger E. Walker, ’73 mechanical engineering, ’74 master’s in mechanical engineering lives in Bakersfield, California, with his wife of 44 years, Susan. Their two children and grandson also live in California. Walker retired in 2016 and is now enjoying riding his motorcycle, playing bass guitar in his church praise band and some traveling.

1973

Tony R. Warner, ’73 management, after earning his EDD doctorate degree, he went on to have an over 35-year career in student affairs at several universities, ending at East Tennessee State University as an assistant vice president. He is now retired and will be moving to Greenville, South Carolina.

1973

Thomas D. Isern, ’75 master’s in history, ’77 doctorate in history, received the Frederick Jackson Turner Award by the Midwestern History Association.

1980

Micki B. (Wright) Canfield, ’80 French, after finishing her graduate program in international management, had the opportunity to live in Dallas for 10 years where she became the vice president at one of the largest banks in the United States. She then left corporate banking to serve her country in uniform as a Navy hospital administrator/ comptroller in Northern California where she met and married her husband. They were sent to the Republic of Panama, Florida, Maryland, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Germany and finally back to Texas. Her oldest son graduated from OSU in 2021.

1980

Mark S. Courtright, ’80 accounting, and wife Kathy, ’82 elementary education, moved to Tulsa after 38 years in Edmond and retired from his 43-year career in accounting and finance in October 2023. In April of this year, they traveled to Europe, partly to see their grandchildren in Germany. They attend many OSU sporting events and art programs.

1980

Pamela (DeCamp) Ernst, ’80 elementary education, is retired, has two beautiful grandchildren, and has gone on two trips with the Traveling Cowboys program.

1980

Patrick J. Nault, ’80 petroleum engineer, worked 21 years in management for Chevron, 10 years for Danmark Energy and 13 years for East Texas Salt Water Disposal Co. before retiring in May 2024. He and wife Carla now enjoy spending time on their ranch in Kilgore, Texas, with their four grandchildren.

1986

Valerie R. (James) Thompson, ’86 marketing, attended an Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority conference in Dallas and got to celebrate a birthday with friends.

1987

Mark R. Kimsey, ’87 doctorate in veterinary medicine, traveled to Oregon where he went to Klamath Falls, where he held his first job after graduation with his forestry degree and was able to see Crater Lake. He lives in Shawnee, Kansas.

1995

Deedra Determan, ‘95 journalism and broadcasting, recently published her new book “Do It My Way,” which seeks to empower women to do life their way by creating a personal brand business.

2004

Stacy Jobe, ’04 finance, with almost 20 years of experience as a strategic operations executive, joined Candor in August of this year. As vice president, she will drive Candor’s strategic operations — leading team growth, managing accounts and optimizing processes.

2005

Srinivasa R. Venigalla, ’05 electrical engineering, serves as deputy general manager of the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and received the Harold KramerJohn Preston Personal Service Award during the American Public Power Association’s National Conference in Seattle. This award recognizes individuals for their service to the American Public Power Association.

2009

Nathan Putnam, ’09 political science, was recently promoted to senior policy advisor for the Small Business Administration.

2013

Stephen S. Cliff, ’13 management, ’18 doctorate of osteopathic medicine, moved to St. Louis after finishing his undergraduate and medical school where he began his postgraduate medical training at Washington University in St. Louis. He completed his internship and residency in pediatrics and then completed a fellowship in pediatric pulmonology. He has now moved to Kansas City to establish his practice at Children’s Mercy Hospital and has accepted a position with UMKC as a clinical assistant professor.

2013

James P. Ferguson, ’13 marketing, and his fiancé, Gabby, launched Padiano’s Kitchen in 2022. Today, Padiano’s Kitchen offers a variety of seasonings, roasted cashews and hot sauces. They are proud members of the Made in Oklahoma Coalition.

2016

Paige (Blevins) Mackey, ’16 accounting, ’18 master’s in accounting, and her husband Kaleb Mackey, ’17 mechanical engineering, celebrated their son, Mark’s, first birthday in September 2024. The family attended Mark’s seventh home football game the day before and celebrated the doubleovertime win against Arkansas.

2016

Stephen A. Jones, ’16 secondary education, taught middle school history, English and religion at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Oklahoma City for two years after graduation. He then entered seminary formation to become a Catholic priest for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. After seminary, Jones studied in St. Louis and Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 2024.

2019

Kyle S. Van Meter, ’19 aerospace administration and operations, ’21 master’s in aviation and space, is an electronics engineer lab manager for Northrop Grumman where he manages, operates and maintains test labs for programs across their Oklahoma City site.

2022

Mason H. McGuire, ’22 microcell and molecular biology, is proud to announce that he is working toward a dual degree in osteopathic medicine and a master’s in medical sciences at the Oklahoma State College of Osteopathic Medicine.

’50s

Martha N. (Norman) Sowell, ’53 home economics education and community services, feels lucky to have celebrated her 92nd birthday with her three sons, their wives, 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in Louisville, Kentucky. She now lives in a retirement facility there and is still a proud Cowgirl.

Kerry S. Havner, ’55 civil engineering, ’56 master’s in civil engineering, ’59 Ph.D. in civil engineering, has published his second advanced book in engineering sciences, “The Mechanics of Finite Deformation with Applications in Metal Plasticity,” at 90 years old. Havner was a member of the OSU Civil Engineering faculty from 1957-62 and is currently an active professor emeritus of civil engineering (solid mechanics) and material science & engineering at North Carolina State University.

Jimmie W. Frie, ’57 agronomy, celebrated his 90th birthday in October 2024.

’60s

John R. Bogard, ’62 agronomy, has lived in Durant, Oklahoma, since 2004 with his wife of 60 years, Avon. Both John and Avon are cancer survivors. He retired from NRCS, U.S. Air Force Res. and Child Welfare. Their son, Vince, and his wife, Danielle, live in McKinney, Texas, and their son, Alan, and his family live in Portland, Oregon.

Charles Whiteley, ’69 management, and wife Judy Whiteley, ’66 attended, retired 23 years ago and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their daughter and son-inlaw live in Oregon with their two children who are busy with high school basketball and soccer. The Whiteleys have fond memories of their time at OSU, where they met and married.

’70s

Fred L. Jacoby, ’75 animal science, worked at the veterinary college in two departments: pathology and large animals.

Philip A. Rogers, ’77 radio/television/film news, recently retired after 31 years with NBC in Chicago. He has two daughters with his wife, Candace.

’80s

Mark Robertson, ’81 marketing, along with his wife, Jennifer, were recognized as the top real estate agents and producers by D Magazine for 2024.

Mark D. Mitchell, ’83 hotel and restaurant administration, is glad to be a part of the Proud and Immortal Society and looks forward to his gift of helping students in the behavioral health field.

Gilbert Gerler, ’86 agricultural education, celebrated his 10-year anniversary as a lab technician at CVR Partners in Coffeyville, Kansas, in September 2024. He is looking forward to retiring in a few years so he can attend more events at OSU, such as Grandparents University.

Lee Ann (Hawkins) Harper, ’86 journalism, has been living in Colorado Springs since 2020. She and her husband, Michael, have a blended family of seven, soon to be eight. She has worked with Colorado Media Group for the last three years and is currently the managing editor of two publications — a monthly business digest for the region and a semi-monthly full-color lifestyle magazine for city readers.

’90s

Jennifer J. (Horrell) McCulley, ’93 early child education, moved back to Stillwater to retire.

Tracey L. GreggBoothby, ’99 music performance, will be conducting choirs and orchestras on the Carnegie Hall stage on April 1, 2025. She feels honored to be representing her tribe, her school and her state on such a prestigious stage.

Jerry M. McMahan, ’99 applied educational studies, was awarded the Major William Bowden Lifetime Achievement Award for support to aerospace from the Oklahoma Air Force Association. Dr. McMahan served as both chapter and state president of the AFA and is still active in supporting airpower.

’00s

Jenny E. (Clem) Williams, ’09 history, is the co-author of “Eat Like a Heroine: Nourish and Flourish with Bookish Stars from Anne of Green Gables to Zora Neale Hurston.” A book for all literary foodies, you will discover how food, community, and personal transformation are deliciously intertwined with the books you love.

’10s

Kristin C. (Higbee) Walker, ’11 psychology, went on to receive her master’s in professional counseling from SNU. She now works as a registered play therapist in northeast Oklahoma and serves the fourstate area around Miami, Oklahoma. Since January 2024, she has become the vice president for the Oklahoma branch of Association for Play Therapy. They are a gold branch, meaning they meet all the high standards that the international board for Play Therapy put in place. Courtney C. Scroggins, ’19 applied exercise science, has graduated with her masters in community counseling, passed her exams for the LPC and is about to start her new career as a full-time therapist under supervision. In 2024, she completed her bucket list of traveling to all 50 U.S. states.

’20s

Margaret Loy, ’24 accounting, recently co-translated “Math = Infinity,” a work she began during her final semester at OSU and was published after graduation.

Friends

Mary E. Cromwell has two grandchildren, Hayden Cromwell and Chloe Cromwell, who are sixth generation Cromwells to attend Oklahoma A&M/OSU. They are a family of Pokes fans, but lost the biggest cowboy fan, Curtis Cromwell, in August 2023.

In Memory

Donald D. Doty, ’50 mathematics, passed away on June 2, 2024. He was born on June 30, 1928, in Independence, Kansas, and graduated from Bartlesville College High School in 1946. He then went on to Oklahoma A&M where he was in ROTC and a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon social fraternity. He married Cheri Montgomery in June 1952, and the couple had three children, John, Susan and Mark. After graduating, Doty went to work on the family ranch in Bartlesville before receiving orders to report for active duty in July 1953. After being relieved from active duty in 1955, Doty entered a training program at First National Bank in Bartlesville. At his retirement in 1993, he was president and chief operating officer of the bank and president of First Bancshares Holding Company. He served as president of the Oklahoma Bankers Association from 1984-85. Doty was chairman of the College of Business Associates from 1991-92 and was named to the OSU College of Business Hall of Fame in 1994. In 2000, he was given the OSU Distinguished Alumni Award. He still gives a business scholarship every year and was a big OSU Cowboys fan.

Suzann Keely Ham, ’59 family relations and childhood development, ’61 masters in family relations and childhood development, passed away on July 17, 2024. She was born in Arcadia, Oklahoma, on May 11, 1938. She graduated valedictorian from Luther High School in 1955 and went on to get bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University. After graduating she went on to teach in Oklahoma City; Wichita, Kansas; and Grand Prairie, Texas, and worked with Head Start in Oklahoma City and rural Mississippi. She married Alf Landon “Lanny” Ham in Oklahoma City in 1967. In 1973, they moved to Tulsa, where Suzann would work with Carolyn Rogers to build the early childhood program at Holland Hall School in 1975. In 1980, along with fellow Holland Hall teacher Jane McKinney, she would go on to open a store for teachers, schools, churches and families called The Apple Tree.

Marilyn

Myles

Zach Bridgewater, ‘16 history, and Jennifer Norton welcomed Myles Grant Bridgewater into the world on April 23, 2024. Myles is currently studying life skills at home.

Jonathan

Kennedy (Conrad) Grief, ’21 music performance, ’22 master’s in music, and Benjamin Grief, ’23 master’s in music, welcomed Jonathan Dawson Grief into the world on Aug. 8, 2024.

Jackson

Danette Kirby, ’22 hospitality administration, and Nicholas Cook, ’22 marketing, welcomed Jackson Ray Cook into the world on May 6, 2024.

Faith

Midajah C. (Roberts) Lovejoy, ’22 entomology pre-veterinary medicine, welcomed Remington Faith Lynn Lovejoy into the world on June 3, 2024, alongside 4-yearold brother River Lovejoy and 2-year-old brother Creek Lovejoy.

Scottie

Emily (Ramseyer) Collins, ’15 multimedia journalism, and Taylor Collins , ’17 construction management, welcomed their daughter, Scottie Anne Collins, into the world on May 2, 2024. Scottie is named after her late grandfather, Scott Collins, who was a loyal and true OSU alumnus. Scottie has already been to her first OSU football game and is looking forward to more over the years.

Harlow

Jake Jones, ’19 geology, welcomed Harlow May Jones into the world on June 6, 2024. The Jones family knew she was born to be a Cowboy fan when she was caught flashing a quick “pistols firing” in one of her early ultrasound pictures. She already loves watching OSU games with mom and dad.

Quentin

Lee W. Leeper, ’75 agricultural economics, is a proud grandfather to Quentin Alden Holley. Quentin was welcomed into the world on Jan. 23, 2024. He is the son of Candice Holley, ’11 health education, and her husband, Cameron. The newest Cowboy was also welcomed by aunt Carly Williams, ’07 human nutrition, and uncle Cale Leeper, ’08 human environmental sciences.

Frances

Shelby Fritts Roberts, ’18 human development and family science, ’20 master’s in educational leadership studies, and her partner, Tanner, welcomed Frances “Frankie” Bea Fritts Roberts into the world on Aug. 12, 2024, in Tulsa. Frankie can’t wait to wear America’s Brightest Orange!

Wyatt

Dalton Sisson, ‘22 animal sciences, and Andrea (VandeverMoore) Sisson, ‘21 animal science and agricultural communications, welcomed their son, Wyatt Austin Sisson, into the world on Aug. 23, 2024. (Big brother Doc Holliday is very proud and excited to have someone hide with him during football season).

Brenna S. (Gollihare) Timmermans, ’20 international business, welcomed Asa Henri Timmermans into the world on June 28, 2024, in Lone Tree, Colorado.

Michelle A. Sokolowski, ’12 psychology, married Patrick J. Patterson, ’07 business management, ’09 MBA, on Sept. 16, 2023, in Aurora, Illinois.

Megan B. (McLeod) Smith, ’20 communication sciences and disorders, married Joshua Smith, ’18 chemistry, at The Range in Stillwater on Sept. 14, 2024.

Harlee N. (Newby) Altermatt, ’23 biochemistry and molecular biology, and Luke E. Altermatt, ’23 agribusiness, were married on June 22, 2024, in Glencoe, Oklahoma.

Ericca Carter, ’21 communication sciences and disorders, ’23 master’s in speech language pathology, and Braden Landis, ’23 mechanical engineering, were married Oct. 4, 2024, in Thomas, Oklahoma.

Piper (Reese) Garrison, ‘21 multimedia journalism, married Ryne Garrison, ‘22 industrial engineering, after a four-year relationship that formed during their college days. Ryne and Piper wed in a ceremony in front of their family, friends and fellow OSU alumni at Glass Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Katie (Freeman) Foster, ‘20 agricultural leadership, married fellow alumni Deven Foster, ‘20 agricultural leadership, in April 2024. In October 2024, the couple moved into their forever home.

Troy Chezem, ‘18 health education and promotion, son of Mark Chezem, ‘84 business administration, married Sidney Horne. The couple honeymooned in Grenada and will make their home in Tulsa.

B U S IN E S S

A DMINI S T R ATIO N FOR

WORKING PROFESSIONALS

This fall, Spears Business added to its executive education by introducing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) The three-year program focuses on applied research to better equip leaders to solve complex business problems and direct strategic initiatives within their organizations. Spears’ inaugural cohort is an impressive and diverse group of individuals who are committed to leading change in today’s fast-paced environment APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR FALL 2025 IS JUNE 1, 2025.

LINETTE FACTOR College of the Muscogee Nation OKMULGEE, OK JAMES MORFORD

FARSHAD RABIB

JACQUELIN WALSH

PARTING SHOT | 12.15.24

This fall, a student generated idea to amass a giant pile of leaves on Library Lawn made its way to OSU Facilities Management, and OSU Landscaping Director John Lee said he knew they had to pursue it.

“We love connecting with our students,” he said. “OSU is a special place and we want to find unique ways for our students to enjoy our campus.”

News of the growing leaf pile spread far and wide, and on Dec. 5, the idea came to fruition with students jumping at the chance to play in the truly massive pile of leaves in front of Edmon Low Library.

PHOTO ELLIE PIPER

WHO IS THE NATION’S PREMIER LAND-GRANT UNIVERSITY?

ORANGE IS THE

ANSWER.

At Oklahoma State University, we aren’t waiting for a better world — we’re building it. Pushing past the impossible, OSU is embracing a bold vision and breaking new ground in teaching, research and Extension.

201 ConocoPhillips OSU Alumni Center, Stillwater, OK