Stillwater NewsPress

Breaking News

Local News

July 14, 2012

Oklahoma State's Branding Success campaign raises $887.6 million.

By Chris Day Stillwater NewsPress

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State University’s Branding Success campaign is closing in on its $1-billion goal.

As of May 31, the campaign had raised $887.6 million since its launch on Feb. 26, 2010. The campaign hoped to reach its $1 billion goal in five years. It appears as if it will surpass the mark early. A report for the fiscal year ending on June 30 is due later this month.

The campaign has raised:

• $435.6 million of the $500 million the university will use to create more student scholarships.

• $184.8 million of its $200 million goal to fund additional endowed faculty positions

• $176.9 million of $200 million to improve buildings and other campus facilities.

• $90.3 million of $100 million to improve scientific and scholastic research.

“For example, 855 new scholarships have been added since the campaign began,” Senior Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communication Jim Berscheidt said. “As state support continues to decline, alumni and friends of the university are stepping forward to ensure that OSU becomes one of the premier land-grant institutions in the country.”

Oklahoma State University alumnus, businessman and mega-donor T. Boone Pickens has been instrumental in the success of the Branding Success campaign.

Pickens donated up to $100 million to the campaign. It was used to match other gifts during the campaign’s first year. For example, if the Branding Success campaign received a $25,000 donation, the Pickens Challenge turned the $25,000 donation into $50,000.

A July 6 article in the Wall Street Journal examines Pickens’ impact and influence on OSU’s athletic programs. It fails to note the he has given nearly $500 million to OSU and his donations have been nearly equally split between academics and athletics.

“The story also failed to report the immeasurable impact Boone’s generosity has had on Oklahoma State. We’ll truly never know how many dollars were given in emulation of Boone’s generosity,” OSU spokesman Gary Shutt said. “His generosity has elevated Oklahoma State, and it has also transformed our fundraising.”

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
Stilly Studio
  • Savory_Stilly_Studio_05_01_13.jpg Savory crosses off goals with fifth album

    “I love the high energy stuff,” he said. “Even though it’s country, being able to rock it up, distorted guitars and just seeing the crowd, feeding off of that.”

    May 2, 2013 1 Photo

NewsPress Specials
AP Video
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse American Held in Grisly Czech Murders Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day' Jersey Shore Open for Business Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Stocks