Highlights through the years
2009
OSU opens doors to new state of the art classroom building, other major facilities
January 12, 2009
As OSU began the spring semester, many students attended class in the new North Classroom Building. In the fall, OSU opened four additional renovated or expanded buildings as part of the OSU Master Plan 2025 -- restored and historic Old Central, expanded Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture Building, renovated Murray Hall and expanded Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. “These are exciting signs of progress on our campus,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.
Fire safety program receives Presidential recognition, called national treasure
February 05, 2009
For its role in the preservation of America’s most historically significant treasures, OSU’s School of Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology (SFPS) received national recognition in a letter to OSU President Burns Hargis. “As the only accredited program in Fire Protection and Safety in the U.S., and the largest and oldest fire-related academic program in North America, SFPS is a national treasure,” wrote the chairman of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
Energy savings top $5 million; OSU ramps up sustainability efforts
March 06, 2009
OSU has saved more than $5 million as a result of the energy conservation effort it started in June 2007. In addition to its behavioral-based energy conservation initiative, OSU is focusing on sustainability efforts in the areas of climate change, food and recycling, physical plant, green building and transportation. “Our faculty, staff and students are very interested in creating an environment at OSU that is focused on doing what we can to be as green as we can,” said Burns Hargis, OSU President.
OSU receives $2 million gift from ConocoPhillips
June 01, 2009
OSU announced a gift of $2 million from ConocoPhillips designed to benefit more than 30 campus units. “ConocoPhillips continues to be one of OSU’s best partners,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “Whether the economy is soaring or uncertain, whether the price of oil is rising or not, ConocoPhillips consistently makes gifts to benefit OSU students, faculty, staff and alumni. We thank everyone at the company for their ongoing support and contributions to our success.”
OSU recognizes Bellmon’s impact on scholar development
June 24, 2009
OSU recognized the impact former Governor and U.S. Senator Henry Bellmon had on OSU scholar development and celebrated the Henry Bellmon Endowment that supports scholar development and research. Bellmon died Sept. 29, 2009 at age 88. OSU President Burns Hargis said, “Henry Bellmon was a quiet giant in Oklahoma's young history. From a humble farm to the U.S. Senate, he served his state and his country with distinction and honor. He had principles of steel and a heart of gold.”
Student creates the first official OSU Tartan
August 05, 2009
OSU President Burns Hargis and First Cowgirl Ann helped launch the sale of blankets and scarves woven by Pendleton Woolen Mills in OSU’s official tartan, designed by OSU junior Stephanie Michalko. The unique plaid is a weave of OSU’s orange, black, gray and white and is a result of a student competition held during the Fall of 2008. The OSU Tartan is officially registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority. Senior Kelsie Mitchell later designed the first OSU Tartan kilt for Hargis; it was presented in April 2010.
No. 9 Cowboys rededicate renovated Boone Pickens Stadium with 24-10 win over No. 13 Georgia
September 05, 2009
No. 9 OSU celebrated the opening of expanded and updated Boone Pickens Stadium with a 24-10 victory over 13th-ranked Georgia. Zac Robinson threw two touchdown passes to Dez Bryant and also scored a touchdown before a record crowd of 53,012. OSU President Burns Hargis and head football coach Mike Gundy joined Boone Pickens, whose donations made the expansion possible, in a rededication ceremony prior to the game.
Garth Brooks, Barry Sanders, Robin Ventura inducted into OSU Alumni Hall of Fame
October 17, 2009
The OSU Alumni Association inducted into its Hall of Fame three of the most celebrated and famous names in OSU history when Garth Brooks, Barry Sanders and Robin Ventura participated in Homecoming events. The award “recognizes outstanding lifetime achievement in society and professional life and few have reached the heights Garth, Barry and Robin have reached,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “They have entertained and thrilled millions around the world. They have made their fellow Cowboys proud."
Oklahoma State University striving to be America's healthiest campus
October 21, 2009
The Seretean Wellness Center at OSU has developed new interactive wellness programs and services designed to help OSU achieve its goal to become the healthiest campus in America. “Cowboys on the Move,” “Wellness Wednesdays” and “Breathe Easy” are new programs offered to students, faculty, staff and alumni. President Burns Hargis and his wife, Ann, both participate in Cowboys on the Move and other Seretean Wellness Center programs. Mrs. Hargis teaches a weekly yoga class for OSU faculty and staff.
President Burns Hargis and two OSU alumni inducted into Oklahoma Hall of Fame
November 12, 2009
OSU President Burns Hargis and two OSU alums were among seven outstanding Oklahomans inducted into the 82nd class of the Oklahoma Hall of Fame. Hargis received his medal from presenter Boone Pickens. “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is the highest honor Oklahomans can receive for their contributions to our state,” said Shannon Nance, president of the Oklahoma Heritage Association and Gaylord-Pickens Museum. OSU alumni Ike Glass and Steven Taylor were also inducted.