T. Boone Pickens Foundation Makes $120M Donation to Oklahoma State
Despite his death in 2019, T. Boone Pickens is still finding a way to make a profound impact on Oklahoma State University.
On Tuesday, Oklahoma State president Kayse Shrum announced that the T. Boone Pickens Foundation is giving $120 million to his alma mater, with over half of the donation going towards academics.
“Even today, almost four years after his death, he continues to make an impact for good through the generosity of his foundation,” Shrum said of Pickens in a statement. “As a result, a new generation of Oklahoma State students will have access to life-changing scholarships, researchers to world-class facilities, and student-athletes to outstanding academic and athletic facilities.
Including today’s donation, Pickens’ total donations to Oklahoma State is nearly $650 million, with approximately 10 substantial gifts from the late oil tycoon.
“Once again, one cannot overstate his impact on our university,” Shrum said.
Here’s how the donation will be broken down, according to the Oklahoma State press release.
- $63.7 million – Student Scholarships
- $31.3 million – Carston Creek (renovations to Oklahoma State’s Golf Course)
- $25 million – OSU Human Performance Innovation Complex
“Thanks to this gift, Oklahoma State will be able to provide more students with access to an excellent education while strengthening our position as a leader in research and athletics,” OSU athletic director Chad Weiberg said.
“Boone Pickens’ love for Oklahoma State University knew no bounds,” Foundation director Jay Rosser said in a statement. “His unwavering commitment to seeing the university thrive academically and athletically was inspiring.”
“We are proud to carry on his legacy with this $120 million gift to his alma mater,” Rosser said of Pickens. “We hope this contribution will inspire others to continue supporting Oklahoma State’s endeavors, just as Boone did throughout his life and beyond.”
