Highlights through the years
2019
OSU's veterinary hospital treats puppy born with upside-down paws
January 17, 2019
The incredible skills and compassion of OSU’s Center for Veterinary Health Sciences were on full display as OSU treated Milo, a five-week old hound puppy that was unable to walk because he was born with front paws that turned upward instead of down. The complicated surgery for Milo’s rare condition was a success and by the end of January the puppy went home to rehabilitate. His story gained international media attention and captured the hearts of people around the world.
Nancy Randolph Davis honored with life-sized statue
January 31, 2019
A statue of Nancy Randolph Davis, the first African-American student to attend Oklahoma A&M, was dedicated in an unveiling on the OSU campus. The bronze depicts a young graduate looking ahead to a bright future. Davis became a civil rights pioneer in 1949 when she crossed racial barriers to enroll at OSU, earning a master’s degree in 1952. The event drew a large crowd, including many members of Davis’ family. The statue is only the second on campus honoring an individual with a lifelike sculpture.
OSU Museum of Art receives major gift from George R. Kravis II Collection
February 20, 2019
The Oklahoma State University Museum of Art has received more than 600 works of fine art and design from the George R. Kravis II collection. The collection ranges from video art to pop art, and 1930s to 21st-century design with an international representation of artists. “This gift is a game-changer for OSU,” said OSU President Burns Hargis. “Thanks to the generosity of George Kravis, we are now home to fine art and design objects more commonly found in prominent, metropolitan museums.”
OSU receives first FAA authorization to fly unmanned aircraft in swarms
March 20, 2019
Oklahoma State University’s Unmanned Systems Research Institute is the first in the country to receive approval from the FAA to fly an unmanned fixed-wing aircraft swarm within national airspace. Current FAA regulations require one pilot and one set of controls for every unmanned aircraft. This flight authorization will permit a single pilot — along with visual observers for safety — to operate a swarm of up to 20 fixed-wing unmanned aircraft.
$200 million to establish endowment for OSU Center for Wellness & Recovery
March 26, 2019
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter and OSU leaders announced an historic settlement with Purdue Pharma that will establish a nearly $200 million endowment at the OSU Center for Wellness and Recovery to address the nation’s addiction epidemic. Launched in November 2017, the OSU Center for Wellness and Recovery is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for those suffering from addiction while advancing treatment through education, research and policy.
Hargis delivers commencement speech to Ethiopian university
July 6, 2019
Oklahoma State President Burns Hargis, First Cowgirl Ann Hargis and other OSU leaders joined Ethiopia’s Haramaya University in celebrating its commencement for more than 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Hargis delivered the commencement address to graduates, becoming the second Oklahoma State president to do so. OSU President Oliver Willham spoke to the first class of Haramaya graduates in 1957. Oklahoma State helped establish the Ethiopian university nearly 70 years ago.
Brighter Orange, Brighter Future campaign to raise scholarship funds
August 29, 2019
The OSU Foundation launched the $375 million Brighter Orange, Brighter Future campaign to ensure students have the financial resources to attend Oklahoma State and increased access to support and life-changing educational experiences. The campaign also focuses on internships, study abroad opportunities and programming that enhances academic achievement, student inclusion and general student well-being.
OSU remembers T. Boone Pickens
September 25, 2019
Thousands of Cowboy faithful flooded Gallagher-Iba Arena to celebrate the life of OSU legend T. Boone Pickens. Speakers included OSU President Burns Hargis and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt. Pickens, who passed away Sept. 11 at the age of 91, was a captain of industry and a record-setting philanthropist whose success in the energy field led to a transformative impact on his alma mater. He gave a combined $652 million to the university during his lifetime, split virtually evenly between athletics and academics.
New York Philharmonic opens McKnight Center
October 11, 2019
The New York Philharmonic kicked off the inaugural season of The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts during a three-day series of performances, which also featured Broadway star and Oklahoman Kelli O’Hara. The McKnight Center is the result of the leadership and vision of Burns and Ann Hargis, and a $25 million gift from Billie and Ross McKnight to establish a programming endowment. The gift also inspired many others to join the dream to create a cultural epicenter in Stillwater.
OSU earns top award for grounds maintenance excellence
November 11, 2019
Oklahoma State University landscaping won the Grand Award from the Professional Grounds Management Society, finishing ahead of Penn State University and Purdue University in the 2019 Green Star Awards for the University and College Grounds large category for exceptional grounds maintenance. OSU Landscape Services is comprised of 61 full-time employees and 20 or so students who provide seasonal help.