By Ginger Bright, Beggs, Okla.

Before leaving the proceeds of a multimillion dollar estate to the colleges of agricultural sciences and natural resources and veterinary medicine, the late Walter Sitlington lived a simple life. He was a dairy farmer with a dream to give what he could. And like many others, he gave all he had.

Private donations, such as those of Sitlington, allowed CASNR to award $374,240 to students through college-level scholarships in 2002-2003. Combined with departmental scholarships awarded, that total reached $753,125.

“These donors are real people with real stories, and they give for genuine reasons to support the agricultural leaders our programs produce,” said Ed Miller, CASNR associate dean. “Each donor is unique and each gift different.”

Through both outright giving and an estate gift (bequest), Sitlington provided one of the largest endowment gifts offered to Oklahoma State University.

According to the OSU Foundation, a donor establishes endowments with the expectation that only a portion of the investment earnings generated by the fund may bespent annually.

“In essence, endowments are permanent certificates of deposit,” said Milford Jenkins, senior director of development for the OSU Foundation, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. “The proceeds from the deposit are used as the donor chooses.”

The Sitlington gift provided six endowed chairs, numerous graduate scholarships, and an annual $6,000 scholarship for the outstanding junior plant and soil science student.

“As a result of his transformational gift to the university, Sitlington empowered the colleges of agricultural sciences and natural resources and veterinary medicine to reach even higher pinnacles of success,” said Jenkins.

Many donors establish endowments to honor a former professor, adviser or loved one. Memorial gifts are made each year to recognize an individual’s life while supporting students in the college.

The most recent CASNR endowment was given to honor a high school agricultural teacher. The Leonard Hunter Agricultural Education Endowment Fund provides an annual $2,500 scholarship to an agricultural education student.

“This scholarship was given by Doug and Beth Jackson to honor Mrs. Jackson’s

agricultural teacher, Leonard Hunter,” said Jim Leising, professor and head of the OSU Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and 4-H Youth Development.
The Hunter Memorial is the largest scholarship offered in the agricultural education program, and it was given to support a student’s desire to teach, said Leising.

“I was floored by the support I received to pursue my dream to be an agricultural teacher,” said Travis Bradshaw, recent Hunter Memorial recipient and CASNR Agricultural Ambassador.

Private donations, such as the Hunter scholarship, allow students to better balance academics and campus involvement, a challenge many students face.

“I was so thankful to see our programs still recognize university-wide involvement when seeking scholarship recipients,” said Bradshaw. “This scholarship increased my respect for the department and allowed me to pursue activities such as Orange Peel, instead of having to work as much to support my education.”

More than 265 scholarships were offered through CASNR in 2002, most of which were designated for students of a particular major. Donors specify the qualifications a student must meet to be considered for the gift.

“Scholarships, funded by permanent endowments, often dictate where a student pursues his or her education goals,” said Jenkins. “Hence, private gifts serve as a critical recruitment tool for OSU and the college.”

Through the years, alumni, corporations and friends of the college have provided millions of dollars to further the education of students and the research and extension programs of the college.

The connections and relationships formed through the college have influenced many donors to contribute. Dale and Franceil Sadler formed such relationships before becoming two of the most valued donors to the college and the department of animal science.

"Shortly after World War II, I met Dr. Robert Noble at a sheep show he was judging,” said Dale Sadler. “I was impressed with his character and integrity, and he greatly influenced our decision to provide a scholarship.”

The Sadlers give because they want students at OSU to have more than they had in their youth.
“My wife had to work her way through college,” said Sadler. “There was little time to study or enjoy hanging out with friends. We want students to enjoy all aspects of college life.”

As ranchers from Pryor, Okla., the Sadlers originally offered a gift in the form of a Hampshire sheep flock they developed. As with many other donors, the Sadlers make it a point to attend the department’s annual awards banquet and meet the scholarship recipients.

“These students become a part of our family,” said Sadler. “Some have invited us to their home, and it is such a joy and inspiration to be able in a small way to give these deserving young people the opportunity to further their education.”
As they spend their time traveling to new places and remaining active as life members of Agriculture Associates, the Sadlers continue to help students in the college realize the importance of helping people.

“I’ve been helped my entire life by other people,” said Sadler. “I believe I am receiving more benefits from the students and their families than what we’ve given.”

The Sadler scholarship is unique because they did not graduate from the university. Though they are not alumni, they give unselfishly to OSU, said Jenkins.

Just as some endowments provide scholarships for undergraduates, many gifts fund faculty and graduate students in conducting agricultural research in specific areas.

Cletis Williams desired to recognize graduate students for excellent thesis work and has provided three annual awards in the areas of plant sciences, animal sciences and social sciences/engineering.

“Being a graduate student isn’t easy,” said Williams. “You’re constantly under pressure.”

After receiving both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from OSU, Williams understands t he workload of graduate students.
“As far as I know, no other university I’ve been associated with has given graduate students this kind of award,” said Williams. “We should stimulate graduate research in agriculture because our population continues to grow, but there are fewer farms.”
As enrollment increases at the university, private donations remain critical to the success of the programs and the students, said Jenkins.

Each gift is unique, and each donor has a story. For every donor who dreams to give, there is a student who dreams to succeed.
“I always knew I wanted to be an agricultural teacher,” said Bradshaw. “My scholarship encouraged me to pursue graduate study in agricultural education.”

The university itself began with a gift, as individuals offered land to build Oklahoma A&M College in 1890 and educate their youth. Today, private gifts still make a difference in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. One by one, each gift is helping students bring their dreams to life.

Foundation Commitements

Endowed Chair
Minimum commitment of $1 million

Endowed Professorship
Minimum commitment of $500,000

President’s Distinguished Scholarship
Minimum commitment of $50,000

Distinguished Graduate Fellowship
Minimum commitment of $50,000

Fellowships
Minimum commitment of $10,000

Scholarships
Minimum commitment of $10,000

Other Endowments
Minimum commitment of $10,000

Find more info at http://www.osuf.org