Oklahoma State University - Center for Health Sciences

09/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/13/2024 14:22

OSU hosts first Heritage Society Campus Spotlight event

OSU hosts first Heritage Society Campus Spotlight event

Friday, September 13, 2024

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | [email protected]

Oklahoma State University is more than its Stillwater campus. Now, it's showcasing all the system has to offer to a prestigious group of donors.

On April 29, the OSU Foundation hosted members of Heritage Society for its annual celebration - this time with a change of scenery. Attendees received an in-depth look at the impact being made at the OSU Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa.

These Campus Spotlight events for Heritage Society will be held every other year at a different campus, with gatherings in Stillwater in between. "While we are all familiar with how special the Stillwater campus is, these events will be a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on the incredible things happening at all our campuses," said Derrick Davies, assistant vice president of gift planning at the OSU Foundation. "Our hope is that we can introduce donors to new things across the OSU system by hosting Heritage Society at a branch campus every other year." Heritage Society consists of alumni and friends who have made a commitment to OSU by will, revocable living trust, life insurance, life-income gift, retirement account designation or other deferred gift arrangement. The group has nearly 2,000 members, who cumulatively documented more than $45 million in gifts to OSU across a vast range of areas during the past fiscal year.
Left: Heritage Society members get an inside look at OSU-CHS facilities. Middle: Dr. Pistol Pete performs a life-saving operation. Right: OSU-CHS student ambassadors lead donors through tours of the Tandy Medical Building in Tulsa.
"Our Heritage Society members continue to leave an indelible mark at Oklahoma State University, including here at OSU-CHS," said Dr. Johnny Stephens, OSU-CHS president. "Their support has changed what is possible for countless students who will go on to serve our state, nation and world as medical professionals."

At the event, members received tours of the Tandy Medical Academic Building and the adjacent North Hall. Student ambassadors led the tour groups, lending their expertise, answering questions and sharing firsthand experiences using the facilities.

Medical student Harrison Smith is a prime example of how Heritage Society's impact is felt at OSU-CHS. He is a recipient of the Betty Louise Conrad Early Admissions Scholarship, which was established with an estate gift. After Smith suffered a major leg injury playing sports in high school, he realized becoming a doctor seemed like the perfect job.

"Going through those surgeries was my first exposure to medicine, and I was amazed by the technical skill and relational aspect my doctors showed," Smith said. "Going into undergrad, I had a strong conviction to serve those in need and a real curiosity for the masterfully designed human body."

OSU-CHS student Harrison Smith shares his story with attendees.
Despite his interest, Smith entered OSU as a finance major because he was unsure about getting into medical school. But he soon realized he needed to exchange spreadsheets for a white coat. And to him, OSU was the perfect place to pursue his dream. "OSU really emphasizes treating the whole person -  the body, mind and soul," Smith said. "The curriculum and the faculty reflect this mission. Although my experience thus far has had its fair share of ups and downs, the people and the purpose here make it worth the effort. "I know one day it will be actualized when we are caring for patients in a way that conveys true care and humility." Although he isn't sure yet what specialty he will pursue, Smith wants to be a physician who cares for the whole person and strives for excellence. Medical school isn't easy, and before enrolling, Smith was also intimidated by the cost. His scholarship has removed that extra layer of stress, and he's extremely thankful for the generosity of donors like those in Heritage Society.

"I know firsthand how impactful estate gifts are on OSU students like me and the true blessing they are to us," Smith said. "Scholarships relieve some of that stress so we can focus on becoming the best doctors we can be."

Photos by: Bryanna Freer

Story by: Grant Ramirez | STATE Magazine