OSU holds ceremony to celebrate, honor elite giving society

OSU holds ceremony to celebrate, honor elite giving society

Friday, September 13, 2024

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

Gallagher-Iba Arena is no stranger to hosting the extraordinary.

But this time, its audience gathered not to witness athletic feats but to celebrate a group of Oklahoma State University's most dedicated supporters.

On April 12, the Oklahoma State University Foundation held its biannual event to honor OSU's Proud & Immortal Society. The elite group is made up of individuals, companies and foundations whose cumulative giving to OSU has reached at least $1 million.

"I look around this room, and I'm moved by the magnitude of your generosity," OSU Foundation President Blaire Atkinson said. "When I see your faces, I'm reminded of your stories and your passion for this great university. I can't help but think about the thousands of lives you've touched, and I'm humbled to know that each of you here tonight cares deeply for our students."

Eddie Sutton Court was transformed to host the black-tie gathering. With string lights overhead, the elegant setting featured live music from OSU alumni and was emceed by News 2 Oklahoma's Brodie Myers, another Cowboy alumnus.

The number of donors who have contributed $1 million or more to OSU has grown exponentially since the turn of the century. In the university's first 110 years, OSU had accumulated 50 $1 million donors. By the time Proud & Immortal launched in 2015, that number had grown to 333.

After continuing to gain momentum over the last nine years, the group now boasts more than 500 members. Its comprehensive giving has totaled $2.8 billion.

"The growth of our Proud and Immortal Society is nothing short of remarkable," Atkinson said.

At the event, 66 new members were inducted into the society, receiving a custom-made, hand-crafted rosette in honor of their generosity. Sixty-two existing members were also recognized for their elevated giving.

Attendees heard from OSU President Kayse Shrum, Atkinson, donor Ross McKnight and OSU Foundation Trustee Joe Eastin.

"The Proud & Immortal Society truly defines the Cowboy culture," Eastin said. "OSU is such a special place, and it takes a special kind of commitment and generosity to uphold that standard. You all are an inspiration to the whole Cowboy family."

The night kicked off with the unveiling of an updated Proud & Immortal Society donor wall in the Student Union outside the theater. For students who walk past it every day, the tribute will serve as a permanent reminder of the individuals who have shaped OSU's legacy.

"The great thing about the Cowboy family is we accomplish big and bold things, and we do it one student - and one heart - at a time," Dr. Shrum said. "This group is the heartbeat of Oklahoma State University. So much of what we can do begins with your passion and commitment to OSU."

Photos by: Bryanna Freer

Story by: Grant Ramirez | STATE Magazine