Highlights through the years
2015
Carnegie Foundation recognizes Oklahoma State’s legacy of community engagement
January 08, 2015
In recognition of its legacy of serving the state and the nation, Oklahoma State University received 2015 Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation. “As a premier land-grant university, community engagement is core to our mission,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “OSU has remained true to our land-grant roots by sharing our work and our knowledge for the greater good. We are honored by this recognition.”
OSU President and First Cowgirl honored by the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce
January 16, 2015
The Stillwater Chamber of Commerce announced that OSU President Burns Hargis and First Cowgirl Ann Hargis are the winners of its prestigious Hall of Fame award, which recognizes individuals who have or are making a significant impact in the development of the history of Stillwater. The president and first cowgirl received the award at the Chamber’s monthly business luncheon in March.
Oklahoma State announces it surpasses $1.2 billion during seven-year Branding Success campaign
March 24, 2015
OSU completed the largest fundraising effort in its history Dec. 31, 2014, as the Branding Success campaign ended after receiving gifts and pledges totaling more than $1.2 billion. More than 100,000 individuals and corporate partners participated in the campaign, including nearly 45,000 first-time donors to OSU. “Transformational is almost an understatement as I look back and see how much Oklahoma State University has achieved and changed over the past seven years,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “I'm particularly pleased that we attracted support from so many first-time donors.”
OSU recognizes million-dollar donors as inaugural members of Proud and Immortal Society
May 15, 2015
OSU recognized 282 donors at the inaugural Proud and Immortal Society ceremony. The honored individuals, companies and foundations have each given $1 million or more cumulatively to OSU. The donors “have truly set the bar for everyone connected to the university and challenged our leadership to work harder and dream bigger,” said Burns Hargis. Boone Pickens, who has given more than $500 million in gifts and commitments, was recognized as the first member of this distinguished group.
Chickasaw and Choctaw leaders help launch OSU Center for Sovereign Nations
August 21, 2015
OSU President Burns Hargis welcomed Chickasaw and Choctaw nation leaders to officially launch the OSU Center for Sovereign Nation Engagement and Partnerships. Hargis said, “As a land-grant institution, OSU has an important role to play in creating initiatives to increase engagement and educational opportunities. We hope this center will not only strengthen relationships between the university and Sovereign Tribal Nations, but will also increase the number of American Indian graduates from OSU.”
OSU breaks ground for new Central Plant
September 18, 2015
OSU broke ground for a new 73,000-square-foot Central Plant that will improve efficiency and help the university reduce its environmental footprint. “This new facility’s advanced efficiency equipment will mean more than $400,000 in estimated annual energy savings, and the facility will distribute green energy created by the Cowboy Windfarm for heating and cooling instead of producing the power on campus,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. The facility will open in 2018.
Oklahoma State officially opens new residential complex
October 23, 2015
OSU held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the university’s latest residential life facility, the University Commons. The facility, located along Hall of Fame Avenue, opened its doors to more than 900 students in August. The state-of-the-art housing facility is a mix of traditional and suite-style living areas. “This fantastic facility is a perfect example of the emphasis Oklahoma State places on student success and the student experience,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.
Major gift creates Ferguson Family Dairy Center at OSU
November 06, 2015
Oklahoma State University alums Larry and Kayleen Ferguson have committed $2 million through the Ferguson Family Foundation to construct a state-of-the-art dairy center to enhance teaching and research. OSU President Burns Hargis said the university’s dairy program attracts students from across the country and “this gift empowers the program to do even more to bring in the brightest students and most highly skilled personnel. We are so grateful to the Fergusons for their generous support.”
OSU hosts displays and events to bring attention to veterans and their needs
November 09, 2015
Through the efforts of its new Veteran Student Academic Services office, Oklahoma State University introduced a poignant display of 6,832 American flags on the library lawn, honoring those who gave their lives in U.S. military operations during the global war on terrorism since 2001. OSU also held various other events to increase awareness on campus and recognize the contributions of military veterans. The flag display becomes an annual Veterans Day tribute.
OSU launches institute for unmanned systems research
December 04, 2015
To build on its research expertise, OSU announced the creation of the Unmanned Systems
Research Institute. “With the rising prominence of OSU researchers in the building
and testing of unmanned systems, it makes sense to establish a research institute
to focus the university’s talent and resources,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.
Earlier in the year, NSF awarded OSU and three partner universities
$6 million to develop an integrated unmanned aircraft system to improve weather forecasting.