Boone Pickens Makes a Final Huge Donation to Oklahoma State

STILLWATER – Since the passing of legendary Oklahoma State University alumnus and massive supporter to his school there had been speculation as to when, and how much Oklahoma State would receiver from his foundation in the settling of T. Boone Pickens estate. Pickens  was quite the philanthropist. Pickens had given to many causes, hospitals, educational entities, and causes. However Oklahoma State University and the T. Boone Pickens Foundation announced in a story first reported by The Oklahoma that $125 million will be going to Oklahoma State for projects and causes both within the school and the athletic department. 

The foundation’s gift will primarily go to three different places within the University and just outside of it.

Scholarships for students will receiver $63.7 million. Those funds will give access to higher education to deserving students and allow them to achieve their goals without heavy financial burden.

The new Human Performance Center that is receiving funding from the state of Oklahoma and will also house a new Cowboy Football Center will receive $25 million. That facility will conduct research and help Oklahomans statewide to find ways to be more productive physically and lead healthier lives. 

The rebuilding of Karsten Creek Golf Course, the home of Oklahoma State golf will receiver $31.3 million and that donation could balloon to $35 million. The course is undergoing a massive rennovation. 

This final donation from Pickens Foundation brings his total gifts to Oklahoma State University to over $650 million.

“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.

“Once again, one cannot overstate his impact on our university.”

Pat Kinnison - Chief Photographer

Boone Pickens Stadium

The foundation is also donating many of Pickens’ lifetime memoirs and details of his world famous business career and his life and times. Those will be housed in a museaum setting that will be set up in the West End Zone in the stadium named after him, Boone Pickens Stadium.

“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.

“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.”

There is no doubt, and it is absolutely crystal clear that nobody has had a greater impact on Oklahoma State University than Boone Pickens. Pickens generosity ranks in the top 10 of all-time money donated to an institute of higher education in the United States.